Live Storage System

Summary

Live Storage System - Live storage systems automatically circulate stock as it is being stored, allowing a ‘first in, first out’ system to be operated.

Technical Information

Live storage systems consist of racking with rollers to support the pallets. They are slightly sloped in a way that makes all of the pallets in the system move towards the end-point when a pallet is removed from it. The system is equipped with brake rollers to ensure the pallets are moved safely.

These systems provide high density storage which makes them useful for cold stores and for seasonal goods. Also, the ‘first in, first out’ system makes this storage solution good for keeping perishables, because if stock is constantly being cycled through the warehouse, no single item will remain in the system for too long.

However, the main drawback of this system is that it doesn’t allow for the selection of goods from the middle of the system; the user has to wait until the item that they need comes out of the other end of the system. Therefore, the only sensible way to use this system is by loading each ‘queue’ with the same type of product.

When designing a floor slab to support a live storage system, each leg of the racking is considered as a static point load. Horizontal thrust may need to be considered in the design of the system as sway moments will be induced by the movement of the pallets.