Author name: Midwest MH

Warehouse efficiency, including a range of specialized types of pallet racking system in 2024 is influenced by several emerging trends and technologies. Here are some key factors shaping warehouse operations and their Staffs:

1. Automation and Robotics: Advanced robots and automated systems are increasingly used for tasks like picking, packing, sorting, and inventory management. These technologies can significantly speed up processes and reduce errors.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning are helping optimize warehouse operations by predicting demand, managing inventory more effectively, and improving route planning for both robots and human workers.
3. Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices, such as sensors and smart shelves, provide real-time data on inventory levels, equipment status, and environmental conditions. This data helps in making informed decisions and maintaining operational efficiency.
4. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Modern WMS platforms offer advanced features like real-time tracking, advanced analytics, and integration with other systems, which enhance overall warehouse management and efficiency.
5. Drones: Drones are being used for inventory management and scanning large areas quickly. They can perform tasks like stocktaking and checking the condition of goods, which speeds up operations and reduces labor costs.
6. Sustainability Initiatives: There’s a growing focus on making warehouses more eco-friendly. This includes optimizing energy use, reducing waste, and incorporating sustainable materials and practices.
7. Flexible Space Utilization: With the rise of e-commerce, warehouses are adapting to handle various types of products and varying order volumes. This flexibility often involves reconfigurable racking systems and modular layouts.
8. Omnichannel Fulfillment: As customers expect faster delivery and seamless shopping experiences, warehouses are increasingly set up to handle both B2B and B2C orders efficiently, often with separate processes and spaces for each.
9. Augmented Reality (AR): AR is used to enhance picking accuracy and efficiency by providing visual instructions and real-time information to warehouse workers through wearable devices.
10. Advanced Data Analytics: Leveraging big data analytics helps in optimizing routes, predicting demand, and managing inventory levels more accurately, leading to better decision-making and efficiency.
11. High Density Storage: Including Drive-In Rack and Pushback Racking. These customized storage solutions are designed, built and installed to maximize storage in defined areas. No pallet racking system that exists can store more pallet positions in confined spaces than these two systems. For more detailed information on the various types of high density storage and racking systems, kindly check out… https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-storage-systems-columbus-ohio/

These advancements are helping warehouses handle increasing volumes of goods with greater speed and accuracy, ultimately leading to better service and cost savings.

We were recently contacted by the Safety Manager of an existing Customer in the Cleveland Ohio area for a safety solution relating to their existing Pallet Rack. The goal was to protect employees and guests in their manufacturing facility from the potential safety risk of improperly stored and placed skids falling from Pallet Rack shelves. We suggested Husky Rack & Wire (https://huskyrackandwire.com/products/rack-guard/) Rack Guarding as the simple solution.

These standard sized wire panels, are available for 24-hour shipping (for total order of 2,500 lbs. or less) and come in nine different in-stock sizes The panels accommodate standard Beams lengths of 96”L, 108”L, 120”L and 144”L and come in 3’, 4’ and 5’ heights (to accommodate multiple size rack openings). These Rack Guards simply bolt directly to the Pallet Rack Upright columns to provide a safe, reliable working environment. They also allow for significant light to penetrate, making upper shelves easily visible.

Why might you want Pallet Rack Safety Guarding? A few examples might be…

• I want to prevent workplace injuries.
• My workplace has no pedestrian walkway protection along pallet rack systems.
• I have exposed workstations along pallet rack areas.
• I have had pallets pushed through our pallet rack systems.
• I presently have pallet damage against my existing walls.
• My netting is torn or frayed and not providing adequate protection.
• Need something stronger than netting.
• We have frequent visitors and guests who tour our plant or facility.

These unique Rack Guards come in two different styles… flush mount (the Wire Guarding is bolted directly to the Upright) or off-set mount (4”, 5” or 6” setback). One item of note… to prevent freight damage, these Rack Guards require a crate to ship. There is one crating price for 1-23 panels.

Allow the professionals at Midwest Material Handling, LLC to create an OSHA, ANSI and RMI compliant work environment which ensures the safety of you, your employees and guests!

For more information on a wide range of Pallet Rack and Machinery Guarding products, check out… https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-guard-rack-back-wire-security-enclosures-safety-netting-columbus-ohio/

We recently completed a design/install project for a large international replacement auto glass
manufacturer in Mobile, Alabama. We were tasked with creating a more efficient system to store and
pull replacement windshields at their regional service centers. We, along with the Engineers at Interlake-
Mecalux designed a pallet rack supported mezzanine pick module to efficiently store over 9,100 SKU’s in
a relatively small footprint. One unique element of this system was the utilization of standard roll
formed pallet rack under the mezzanine to support the structure and wide span shelving on top to store
the lighter but larger truck windows. For more information on our wide range of Pallet Rack Systems, kindly check out: https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-storage-systems-columbus-ohio/

For more detail on Interlake-Mecalux’s innovative storage solutions, see: https://www.interlakemecalux.com/storage-racks?_gl=1*1megntl*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwufq2BhAmEiwAnZqw8k6UzjXA3ZBiYK7dogSwXd0jyclPoDqcWRApd2n06oRm8uYPTC2QWhoCtrgQAvD_BwE

We were contacted by an Architect who was designing and creating a Loading Dock system for a Community College in Dayton, Ohio in a shipping area where no loading dock had previously existed. One unique design element of this system is it combined a custom designed, high-capacity (high enough for Forklift traffic) Structural Mezzanine, Safety Barrier Rail and Steel Pipe Bollards (all standard material handling equipment products) with a Blue Giant Stationary Elevating Dock, Mechanical Vehicle Restraint and Laminated Dock Bumpers (all standard Loading Dock products). For more information on a wide range of Mezzanine products and associated options, please see: https://mmhonline.com/mezzanines-work-platforms-stairways-boca-osha-installation-columbus-ohio/

For more information on our Loading Dock products, please see: https://mmhonline.com/loading-dock-equipment

For more information on Blue Giant Equipment innovative Loading Dock systems, see: https://www.bluegiant.com/Docks.aspx

We were contacted by the Department of Defense (U.S. Navy) to furnish and install military grade wire lockers for their Naval Special Operations Unit (SEAL). We designed, furnished and installed a heavy duty Wirecrafter’s TA-50 Military Storage Lockers system. These lockers had to be extremely durable and able to withstand severe wear and tear. This Steel Locker was designed and is manufactured by Wirecrafters specifically with the US Military in mind. This locker system was an integral part of an update and enhancement of their Naval Operations Center. All of our Lockers are proudly built in the United States.

For more information on our innovative Steel Locker systems, kindly check out: https://mmhonline.com/lockers-steel-metal-employee-school-military-storage-installation-columbus-ohio/

For information on Wirecrafters line of heavy duty, durable TA-50 Military Storage Lockers, see: https://www.wirecrafters.com/products/storage-lockers/ta-50-military-storage-lockers/