Rack systems-steps to success
By David Luton -- Modern Materials Handling, 11/1/1998
Eventually, as a business grows, its requirements for a rack storage system can increase to the point that expansion is necessary. Prior to purchase of the necessary equipment, it's best to consider briefly storage needs. In an extreme case, these needs may even affect the selection of the type of storage system itself.The first stage in a storage system installation is to define the simple task of who does what. For rack systems with new equipment-where the purchase often is made on a turnkey basis-the supplier is responsible for system design along with providing components and carrying out installation. For systems involving used equipment, the end user is commonly responsible for both design and installation with the components purchased on an "as is, where is" basis.
Here are some basic installation issues which the end user faces with his system supplier:
- Ensure that all floor preparation, such as sealing, is complete prior to commencement of installation.
- Determine if someone has certified that the floor slab's structural strength can handle the point load.
- Ensure, in an operating building, that product security will be covered.
- Identify where material is to be staged prior to installation.
- Check that there's drive-in door access to the building so that racking frames can be unloaded inside from a flatbed. (Again, confirm slab strength prior to bringing transport equipment inside the building.)
- Determine who will be responsible for lift truck supply for the project, and check whether use of propane lift trucks is acceptable indoors.
- Consider that, in the case of a freezer with a cooler dock, it's advisable to have one pair of inner and outer dock doors lining up to allow access to the building.
- Make sure the installation schedule is coordinated with other materials handling equipment and building installation.
- Ensure that the contract specifies that the racking be properly aligned, level, and fastened to the floor in accordance with industry practice and regulations.
- Determine that installation crews will have proper safety equipment.
- Ensure that a daily cleanup is done and that appropriate measures are taken to control fumes and dust.
- Specify appropriate cleanup standards particularly for items like concrete dust.
- Set guidelines for damage resolution including that due to actions by other suppliers working for your installer(s).
- Ensure that someone is always available for a quick decision in the event of problems. Keeping installation crews waiting is expensive.
- Finally, inspect early and frequently. (For fabrication and manufacturing quality issues like painting, I like to inspect at the manufacturing plant, for example.) Often it's too late to do corrections in the field.
David Luton is a member of the Association of Professional Materials Handling Consultants (APMHC) and can be reached at 416-225-4703.
Selecting rack-the end user's duties
Even when purchasing new rack equipment, there are a number of tasks for which the user is normally responsible. They include:
- Empty product from existing rack shelves
- Install in-rack sprinklers
- Label the new storage system
- Stock product on the beams or shelves
- Supply disposal bins for items like steel strapping
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