Choosing a Custom Material Handling Solution for You

The right material handling solution has the potential to transform your facility, minimize downtime, improve safety, and maximize productivity. However, finding the perfect fit can be tricky with numerous options available.

With this helpful guide, we’ll walk you through choosing a custom material handling solution that aligns with your operations. From pallet racks to automated systems, explore your options to add measurable value to your business.

Pallet Racks

Pallet racks are a staple in most warehouses, and for good reasons. Their versatility, durability, and ability to maximize vertical storage make them essential for material handling. Read along to learn why you should consider incorporating them into your design.

Types of Pallet Racks

Selective Pallet Racks

Ideal for high stock keeping unit (SKU) counts, these racks allow for easy access to every pallet. If your facility has a wide range of inventory, these racks are the perfect solution.

Drive-In/Drive-Through Racks

Designed for high-density storage, these systems are great for bulk goods that don’t require immediate access.

Push-Back Racks

By enabling the storage of multiple pallets on inclined rails, push-back racks are ideal for first-in, last-out (FILO) inventory management.

Cantilever Racks

Cantilever racks work well for long or oddly shaped items like lumber or piping.

Key Benefits

• Pallet racks effectively utilize vertical space, keeping aisles clear and operations organized.
• With the right layout, workers can quickly retrieve items. This reduces retrieval times and improves overall productivity.
• Pallet racks withstand the wear and tear of daily operations for a long time.

Installing pallet racks improperly can lead to instability, product damage, or accidents. Work with trustworthy pallet rack suppliers , like Tyler Supply Company, to get the appropriate pallet racks for your facility.

Modular Shelving Systems

Modular shelving systems are handy for warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers that require adaptable storage solutions. Built for easy assembly and reconfiguration, they provide a long-term solution for evolving operations.

Key Benefits

Scalable Design

Modular shelving grows with your operation. Since adding new sections or rearranging shelves is straightforward, these systems give you the flexibility to keep up with changing inventory.

Customizable Layouts

From small tools and boxes to bulky materials, you can adjust shelving configurations to store a wide range of items. Adjustable shelf heights allow you to optimize space for items of varying sizes.

Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to buying entirely new shelving units when storage requirements increase, modular systems allow you to expand incrementally and save on upfront costs.

Enhanced Durability

Made from industrial-grade materials, these systems withstand heavy use and will last for years.

Use Cases

• Flexibility is key when dealing with inventory that changes seasonally, especially in retail distribution centers. With modular shelving, you’ll be able to support a dynamic stock flow.
• Keep tools and components organized near workstations to facilitate assembly in manufacturing facilities.
• Maximize space efficiency by utilizing vertical storage with modular designs. Modular shelving is a must-have for growing operations and facilities with diverse inventory types.

Mobile Storage Units

For facilities where every square foot matters, mobile storage units offer a space-saving and highly efficient solution. These units are designed to move, maximizing storage density without needing a larger floor area.

Key Benefits

• Mobile shelving systems eliminate static aisles by housing storage on rolling carriages. Operators can open an aisle only when access is needed, which increases storage capacity by 50 percent.
• With movable units, you can access inventory quickly and efficiently while reducing downtime and streamlining workflows.
• Mobile storage units are ideal for various industries, from archiving important documents in office settings to storing heavy industrial equipment in warehouses.
• Built-in features, such as labels, dividers, and compartments, make it easy to keep items sorted and accessible.

Use Cases

• Mobile storage units are widely used to store medical supplies, delicate instruments, and pharmaceuticals compactly while keeping items easily accessible.
• For cold rooms or freezer environments, mobile systems minimize space and guarantee quick access to temperature-sensitive inventory.
• Since they allow for compact storage of diverse items, mobile units are ideal for facilities managing many product SKUs.

With the ability to condense storage without reducing accessibility, mobile storage units are valuable in space-constrained environments.

Ergonomic Lifting Equipment

Ergonomic lifting equipment can reduce physical strain on employees, assisting with tasks that involve heavy or repetitive lifting. By enabling workers to perform their jobs with greater ease, these tools improve safety and efficiency.

Key Benefits

• Lift tables, hoists, and stackers prevent musculoskeletal injuries and fatigue by minimizing the manual effort required for heavy lifting.
• Workers can handle more loads with less effort for a smooth, uninterrupted workflow.
• Many lifting devices offer precise control, reducing the chance of product damage during handling.
• Ergonomic equipment is available in a variety of designs, from pallet lifters to drum-handling tools, so you can find something for different tasks.

Use Cases

• Pallet lifters and electric hoists help employees handle large shipments efficiently while maintaining safety.
• Lift tables help position heavy components at the correct height, improving ergonomic support and speeding up the assembly process.
• Ergonomic lifting equipment is often used to handle bulky containers, sacks, or ingredients without risking employee strain.

Examples of Equipment

Implementing ergonomic lifting equipment promotes employee well-being and contributes to a safer and more efficient work environment by reinforcing a culture of safety and productivity. Here are some things to consider for your facility:

• Lift tables are ideal for packing or assembly tasks, and adjustable-height tables offer a stable platform to raise or lower heavy items.
• Powered pallet jacks combine the mobility of a traditional pallet truck with the power to lift heavier loads and reduce operator strain.
• Utilizing suction technology, vacuum lifters help employees lift fragile or oddly shaped items with minimal effort.

Optimize Material Handling Today

Choosing the right custom material handling solution for you is a big decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Tyler Supply Company, we’ve spent decades helping businesses like yours create optimized systems that save time, money, and effort.

Whether you’re looking for pallet racks, automated systems, or tailored layouts, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn how we can help your business operate at its best.