In this article, we take a deep dive into the advantages of implementing a SpeedCell dynamic high-density storage system by comparing it to pallet rack with wire deck and static industrial shelving. We will compare each system and provide a detailed breakdown of the space and cost-saving benefits of SpeedCell.
The best way to understand the benefits of implementing a dynamic high-density shelving system like SpeedCell is by comparing it to pallet rack with wire deck and industrial static shelving. Taking the two most basic forms of static storage that are most commonly found in warehouses today and putting them up against the space-saving advantages of a dynamic high-density storage system like SpeedCell will allow you to fully visualize the benefits of converting your static storage into dynamic storage with SpeedCell.
The key benefits of converting static storage into dynamic storage:
Industrial shelving is a type of storage solution commonly used in warehouses. There are many types of industrial shelving, but some of the more popular options include:
SpeedCell is a dynamic shelving system that consists of columns made of high-strength industrial textiles. These columns come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Designs can range from 1 to 3 rows deep, and up to 12 columns wide. SpeedCell columns are made up of 2 to 10 storage levels or “cells” per column. Each cell has a unique location label holder and is ergonomically designed to reduce the need for deep bending, stretching, or step stools. The back rows of a SpeedCell bay are accessed by simply sliding the front columns left or right, allowing step-in access to the next row.
Related Reading: Download the SpeedCell Brochure
The most obvious benefit of implementing a dynamic shelving system like SpeedCell comes in the form of utilizing and making accessible, every square inch of space within your racks. As you can see, the static storage position and fixed shelf heights of pallet rack with wire deck and industrial shelving limit the amount of space within the racks or shelves that can actually be used for SKU storage.
With the static storage mediums, only the front SKU positions in the very center are reached with ease. When storing products in this type of shelving, workers won’t be able to easily (or perhaps at all) push product to the back of the shelf without the need for a step ladder, or risky climbing, bending, and reaching motions. This is time waster #1. Even if workers can fully utilize these shelves by getting products all the way to the top, bottom, and back, pickers then have to climb, bend, and reach to retrieve these items. Thus, the dead zone is created.
With SpeedCell dynamic shelving, the dead zone is 100% eliminated. The back rows of a SpeedCell bay are accessed by easily sliding the front rows of columns left or right to access the back row(s), utilizing every square inch of the bay for SKU storage, and eliminating the need for deep bending or reaching to pick products. With SpeedCell, all rows are a front row.
Possibly the most common standard setup in warehouses today, pallet racking with wire deck is a great starting point for many businesses, especially those just getting up and running. Likewise, industrial shelving is often a great solution for businesses that are rapidly expanding into new facilities or just looking to increase capacity in various areas around the warehouse. That said, these static shelving solutions can only take you so far, as they do not allow for maximum space utilization compared to SpeedCell’s dynamic storage density.
Comparing potential pick paths between the static shelving systems versus SpeedCell dynamic shelving can help visualize the space-saving advantages of converting static storage to dynamic.
Let’s examine 3 scenarios.
A side-by-side comparison shows pick paths are significantly reduced when you make the jump from pallet rack with wire deck to SpeedCell. How does this translate to cost savings? Let’s examine the numbers:
Considering these industry average stats and taking this into account per worker, per 1,000 SKUs, the facility with SpeedCell saves $613 per picker per year!
Using the same scenario - 3 facilities, one using pallet rack with wire deck, one with static industrial shelving, and one with SpeedCell - let’s review floor space utilization.
To break it down, let’s say we’re working with a cost of $.50 per square foot per month. Over one year (12 months), the price per square foot looks like this:
So, to give you just a basic idea of how much can be saved by implementing SpeedCell, the facility with the pallet rack and wire deck costs over 8 times as much as the one with SpeedCell. This translates to over $11,500 saved on floor space per year when you convert your static pallet racking into dynamic shelving using SpeedCell. Imagine saving over 88% on your cost per square foot! A measurable and quick ROI is possible just by retrofitting your static pallet rack with dynamic SpeedCell.
The space, time, and cost savings proven by implementing SpeedCell are clear, but what are some of the other advantages? Here’s how static shelving compares to SpeedCell dynamic shelving.
If you'd like to learn more about SpeedCell dynamic high-density storage and how it can save space in your operation, contact us today! Our space optimization specialists will be happy to talk through SpeedCell ROI as it pertains to your unique situation.