Right lift truck + Right storage system
= RIGHT SOLUTION

Selecting the right combination of lift truck and storage system can enhance warehouse productivity, increase storage capacity and provide future flexibility in your business.

Combining a Schaefer shelving system with a Crown Wave produces an extremely high-density storage solution without the need for automation

The design of any storage system needs to take into account the storage requirements of today as well as the future. Why? Because load sizes and capacities can change over time. Your products and distribution methods can change – and as we saw in Christchurch, the earth can move. The reality is that your shelving and racking system will most likely Right lift truck + right storage system = right solution outlast your materials handling equipment, so a systems approach to design is important.

Modular design, adjustable pitch rates, ease of assembly, and flexibility to add and build onto the system all assist in optimising time, space and the enhancement of efficient warehouse management.

Schaefer Regal 3000 shelving

One example is Schaefer’s Regal 3000 multi-functional shelving system. This is a product that bridges the gap between modular shelving, long span racking and cantilever racking. The frame design and variable stacking system without fixed base, top or intermediary shelves or horizontal beams permit a completely free configuration of the shelving bays within the 53 mm pitch.

The Regal 3000 product can be extended at a later date. It is fully versatile for a wide range of products and has a shelf capacity of up to 5000 kg. It can also be adapted to multi-tier shelving installations by using standardised building components, thus optimising the storage capacity right up to the roof.

Crown Wave® work assist vehicle

The Crown Wave® is a multipurpose vehicle designed as a safer, more efficient alternative to picking carts and ladders. The Wave can also work in a railguided aisle as little as 900 mm wide. Operators can reach up to 5 m, and the overall length of the Wave is only a third of the size of a rolling ladder, reducing end-ofaisle requirements.

Inventory movement is also improved. One person can safely and efficiently accomplish tasks that often may require the assistance of two people, allowing for improved allocation of manpower levels. The Wave’s tray platform can also carry up to 205 kg of merchandise at 6 km/hr, thus improving efficiency.

Combining the two

When a product like Schaefer’s Regal 3000 shelving system is combined with materials handling equipment such as the Crown Wave, an extremely high-density storage solution is achieved without automation.

This one example of a combination of a lift truck and storage system could simply and effectively increase storage density, provide flexibility and lower investment. With some detailed understanding of a customer’s problems and requirements, combinations such as these can provide an alternative solution, eliminating building expansion, or lowering capital investment compared to other picking systems such as carousels and conveyors.

Structural and seismic design

Structural design of storage systems is also of greater importance, highlighted by the recent earthquake in Christchurch. Designing racking and shelving systems to meet earthquake design requirements needs continued investment in technological advances in structural engineering and the latest design practice for earthquake-resistant structures. Factors such as ductility, site subsoil class and ground acceleration factors, combined with the weight and size of the racking structure, require an essential and thorough understanding when it comes to designing and installing modern logistics systems. Schaefer rack structures are designed, manufactured and installed in accordance with relevant national and international building codes, standards and work safety regulations. Seismic designs conform to the latest standards – DIN 1055, EC3, DIN 18800, FEM 10.2.02, UBC 1997, RMI, and the structural design code for New Zealand, NZS 1170.

Total storage solutions

For over 60 years, Schaefer Systems has been recognised as a supplier of total storage solutions with products of the highest quality for warehouse, factory and commercial environments, and Crown is extremely pleased with the business relationship. Combining this international presence, years of experience and total commitment to customer service, Crown and Schaefer can provide customers with a comprehensive design and build service for all their warehousing requirements.

With the range of new products coming onstream from Crown during the year, and Schaefer’s design expertise, there couldn’t be a better time for companies to explore advanced and more efficient materials handling methods. Crown Warehouse Solutions is about providing the right lift truck combined with the right storage system that will give your company a total integrated materials handling solution.

For further information, phone 09 274 4069 or visit www.crown.com