Warehouse IQ > Profiling – Slotting Items based on Case Height, Weight, Dimensions

Profiling – Slotting Items based on Case Height, Weight, Dimensions

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how to stack boxes on a pallet diagramStackability and crushability may sound similar. But they are 2 different criteria.
Stackability refers to the number of pallets that can be stacked one over the other, without tumbling over.

Definition of Crushability of SKUs on a Pallet

Crushability refers to different SKU’s picked as Cases (or non standard units) and placed on a pallet. If we stock light and fragile items below and place large heavy items on top, it will crush the bottom layer of products.

Stackability – How high can I stack pallets?

Pallets stacked in a warehouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The picture of bulk stacked pallets above shows 4 normal size pallets stacked one on top of the other.  It depends on the product and the packaging.  You can be sure that almost all industrial sectors can stack a total of 2 pallets high.  If the product is in tin cans or in sturdy containers, you can get 3 pallets high.  If the corrugate used in the carton is sturdy, will not stretch or yield, you may get 4 high. There are many other ‘fixes’ to build sturdy and stackable heights.

Crushability – What will cause my product to crush on a pallet?

Pallets of product stretch-wrapped in a warehouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crushability refers to the manner in which cases, cartons are loaded on a pallet for delivery.  Crushability is not merely the WEIGHT of the items.  It is impacted by the shape of the SKU, the material of the container -tin, plastic, glass, corrugate.

In some situations, the density of the item is a better indicator. Hence, the exact Crushability factor is different for different product sectors.

Conclusion

Therefore, much consideration must be taken when slotting product also for how it will be picked onto a pallet.  The crushability and stackability of a product enter into how the product can be stored both on a pallet but also in a warehouse.  Can you even store your product in a warehouse using bulk storage?  Know this before you design your warehouse layout.

In my next article, I will explore an analysis of bulk storage.

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