Block Stacking
In block stacking, loaded pallets are directly stacked onto the floor and built up in stacks, one pallet on top of another without the need for any storage equipment. Warehouse safety has being one of the primary concerns, it is recommended to have a maximum stable height of stacks (e.g. usually not more than six pallets). This aims to prevent incidents where stacked pallets were to topple.
Ideally, any one row of pallets should contain pallets of the same products to avoid double handling and to simplify records of stock locations (where possible). When setting out the simple block stacking, clearances should be allowed for the movement of forklifts. It is recommended to have lines painted on the floor to help maintain the layout disciple.
Free access to retrieval of these pallets is limited only to pallets on top/ front of each row, or at the sides. Thus difficulties may be encountered in practicing First- In- First- Out (FIFO). This is especially the case for pallets which are situated in the ‘middle’ or ‘bottom’ of the blocks.Block stacking is said to be more suitable for stored products which have only few product lines, each with high inventory level to ensure FIFO movement of inventory. Hence it is a good practice to empty a row completely before replenishing any more products into that row.
With no storage equipments required, it provides flexibility for the warheouse to change the layout of blocks (when necessary). Below is a pictures are taken from a local bearing company, to illustrate bulk stacking in a warehouse. The logo has been blanked out to protect the confidentiality of the company.
Advantages
In block stacking, loaded pallets are directly stacked onto the floor and built up in stacks, one pallet on top of another without the need for any storage equipment. Warehouse safety has being one of the primary concerns, it is recommended to have a maximum stable height of stacks (e.g. usually not more than six pallets). This aims to prevent incidents where stacked pallets were to topple.
Ideally, any one row of pallets should contain pallets of the same products to avoid double handling and to simplify records of stock locations (where possible). When setting out the simple block stacking, clearances should be allowed for the movement of forklifts. It is recommended to have lines painted on the floor to help maintain the layout disciple.
Free access to retrieval of these pallets is limited only to pallets on top/ front of each row, or at the sides. Thus difficulties may be encountered in practicing First- In- First- Out (FIFO). This is especially the case for pallets which are situated in the ‘middle’ or ‘bottom’ of the blocks.Block stacking is said to be more suitable for stored products which have only few product lines, each with high inventory level to ensure FIFO movement of inventory. Hence it is a good practice to empty a row completely before replenishing any more products into that row.
With no storage equipments required, it provides flexibility for the warheouse to change the layout of blocks (when necessary). Below is a pictures are taken from a local bearing company, to illustrate bulk stacking in a warehouse. The logo has been blanked out to protect the confidentiality of the company.
Advantages
- Best space utilization; cubic utilization
- Low storage costs incurred
Disadvantages
- Increase material handling costs since FIFO is usually practised in warehouses and additional costs will be incurred
- When storing different products in blocks, more time and effort can be made by the workers to to identify, move and shift the right product
The above was posted by HEIDI
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