1. Material storage systems
Space efficiency and storage density

2. • Storage is an important consideration for every
business however small or large.
• This includes space for
– Product storage,
– Employee,
– Manufacturing plant &
– Documentation.
• Using space efficiently makes the business
more effective.

3. Unit load storage
• Unit load is constructed by bringing together a no.
of individual items of identical configuration to
make a large load, which ensures convenience
during storage and transportation.
• Methods:
– Pallet
– Skid
– Slip-sheet
– Clamp-load

4. • Skid Method:-
Another method is to construct a platform to fit the load,
which is known as skid.
Skids are used for non-standard loads such as long metal
components or in compressor/generator assembly.
• Pallet Method:-
The most commonly used method is to buid load on a
raised platform, which is known as Pallet.
The pallets are of standard size and used for standard
loads.

5. • Slip-sheet:-
The slip sheet is the platform on which the load is
assembled.
• Clamp load:-
The clamp is load assembly on the floor with clamps
on 4 sides of the load for facilitating its movement
using material handling equipment.

6. Storage principles
• The storage system is a warehouse has an
important role to play in the total cost and success
of warehousing operations.
• Efficient use of material handling equipment is
possible provided the storage system allows easy
access of storage and retrieval of inventory.
• Maximum utilization of the available space
• Need for easy and quick access to stored goods.

7. Rules in designing effective storage
systems
• Minimisation of travel distance
• Maximising utilisation of available space
• Providing easy and quick access to stored goods
• Facilitation of easy tracking of material
• Provision of security against fire,damage and theft
• Prevention of contamination and deterioration of
goods

8. Criteria for selecting a storage
system
• Product characteristics
• Configuration
• Shelf life
• Product variety

9. Benefits of storage design
• Space economics
• Enhance throughput
• Ease in material location and tracking
• Security, safety and housekeeping

10. Storage methods

11. Block storage
• The most simple type of storage method and
does not attract any financial investments.
• Boxes, cartons or sacks containing the material
are stored in spread or stacked form in the area
assigned for storge.

12. Racking system
• Racks are used for storage of items that are
longer, apart from small containers, boxes, pallets
etc.
• When the weight of unit loads are beyond human
handling capacity, mechanical mateiral handling
equipment are normally used for storage and
retrieval operations.
• Two types
– Stationary
– Portable

13. Shelving system
• These system are in use for non-palletised or non-uniform
types of load.
• The material is stored and retrieved in the shelf by hand.
• The shelves are closed or open type, depending on the
product configuration
• Shelving is the most flexible and cost effective storage
structure, which is available in modular configurations to
suit various storage volumes and product configurations.

14. Pallets
• These are specially designed platforms for storage
of goods with a view to the whole load being
moved by fork lift, wherever it is required.
• These are widely used in-house material handling
system.
• Pallets can be broadly classified into two groups
– Sturdy, multiple reusable pallets
– One way non-returnable pallets

15. Containers
• Containers are most commonly used in
manufacturing plants for in-process material handling
applications.
• The different types of containers commonly used are:

16. Welded wire containers
– These are light in weight, self-cleaning , make it
possible to view the material and allow ventilation.
– These containers can be stacked one above the
other and ensure uniform weight for movement.

17. Corrugated metal containers
– They are used in the engineering industry where
high strength and very high damage resistance
features are required to handle heavy metal parts.

18. Plastic containers
– These are moulded polymer construction, similar
to metal containers used for material storage,
handling and shipping.
– They are light in weight and can be cleaned.

19. Automatic storage and retrieval
system (ASRS)
– Warehouses designed for high risk storage , due
space constraints, and operating on a high
throughput rate use the ASRS along with an
automated material handling system.

20. Bulk storage-silos
– These are basically used for bulk storage of
materials like cement, food
– grains and fertilisers.