November 2010

Shelving where the units are over 10’ in height.  Upper shelves are accessed by rolling ladders or a piece of powered mobile equipment such as an order picker.

A gravity conveyor utilizing small wheels similar to those used is early models of kid’s skates.  Wheels are staggered on axles to improve product flow.  Skatewheel conveyor sections can be straight, curves and spurs.

A gravity conveyor utilizing tube rollers with internal bearings and axle mounted in a steel frame.  Roller conveyor sections can be straight, curves and spurs.

A conveyor where products are moved by the power of gravitational force as opposed to power.  Conveyors either have a slight pitch or rely on manual movement by a person.

A pallet whose name is derived by initials for Grocery Manufacturers of America and whose dimensions measure 40” wide and 48” long and it is forkliftable on all (4) sides.

A wide span structure within a building designed to increase floor space by creating a second level.  Generally custom designed for a specific facility.  Also known as wide span mezzanines.

A dynamic type of storage where rollers or wheels are inserted into a shelf and product flows from back to front where it is picked.  Good where companies employ a first-in/first-out (FIFO) inventory system.

The work surface of a mezzanine or cat-walk.  There are many types of flooring including plywood, bar grating, steel plate, resin deck or concrete.  Usage of work surface, capacity needed and types of mobile equipment used are all considerations to

A drawing reflecting the graphical orientation of material handling equipment within a facility.  Also known as layout.

The process of bunching power and air cables in a material handling system to eliminate the possibility of them getting caught in the moving system.