Tag Archive for: Storage Solutions

Andrew Lapel

New Hire Spotlight: Andrew Lapel

Andrew Lapel

 

Welcome, Andrew Lapel!

As automation solutions continue to grow and develop within our company, our Solutions Development team is growing as well. We are pleased to welcome our newest hire, Andrew Lapel. Andrew joins us as our Solutions Development Associate, his role will focus on automation and engineering within warehouses.

Andrew is a recent graduate of Purdue University where he studied Industrial Engineering with a minor in Business Management. He comes to us with experience in facility design and management. In his most recent position, he worked for Midcontinent Independent System Operators. While there, he focused on software that optimizes space within their facilities. We are excited for Andrews’s continued growth and impact within Storage Solutions!

Outside of work, Andrew loves to spend time outdoors. He enjoys playing basketball and spending time at his family’s lake house. He loves to fish, and in the winters, play hockey and ski.

What are you most excited about working at Storage Solutions?

“There is a lot to be excited about and with Storage Solutions working with so many different clients, I am excited for new challenges from project to project. I have also had the chance to talk to some of the current employees about life at SSI, and each expresses how friendly everybody is and how the environment is one which makes you excited to come in every day. Along with this, I am excited about the opportunity to learn the industry and challenge myself in a real-world setting. With the industry moving more and more towards automation, I am excited to be a part of the Solutions Development team as I will be given many chances to work with Fetch and Smart Slotting. Beyond the technical skill I know I will gain; I hope to feel a part of something bigger than myself and work with a group of talented and motivated individuals.”

Are you interested in becoming part of the Storage Solutions team? Apply here today!

 

Alois Warner

New Intern Spotlight: Alois Warner

Alois Warner

 

Welcome, Alois Warner!

At Storage Solutions, we understand the importance an internship can have on a student’s career and future. It is our goal to provide quality training as well as a glimpse of what a career at Storage Solutions looks like. With this in mind, we are pleased to welcome our newest addition to the team!

Alois Warner joins us our of our Kansas City office as our Strategic Sales Intern. He is currently a student at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Alois will be graduating in the fall with a Bachelors’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has experience in manufacturing and development and is excited about his new role at Storage Solutions. We’re thrilled to have you, Alois!

Alois was born and raised in Elgin, Nebraska, but loves to travel. He had the opportunity to travel to a University in Germany and hopes to continue to travel in the future. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his dog, hunting, and playing sports. He also loves to spend time with his fiancé and is excited for his wedding at the end of this summer!

What are you most excited about working at Storage Solutions?

“I am excited about applying my skills to a new industry and working with the team here at Storage Solutions. The culture here seems great and I am eager to grow in this environment.”

Are you interested in becoming part of the Storage Solutions team? Apply here today!

Upright Column Protectors Term

Term You Should Know: Upright Column Protectors

When one thinks of warehouse safety, one typically thinks of the processes and products available that keep employees safe. However, there are solutions available to you – upright column protectors, for example – that are designed to protect your equipment and maintain returns on the investments you’ve made in your storage infrastructure.

Upright column protectors are the solution to industrial lift truck damage and accidents. They are an inexpensive way to safeguard your workplace and reduce expensive damage to your upright columns.

Here are some of the benefits of upright column protectors:

  • Surrounds upright bases
  • Rugged Column Protectors are prefabricated, eliminating all on-site welding or cutting
  • Resists forklift, hand truck, and heavy cart impact
  • Two different styles include: Bolt to Floor and Bolt to Upright

SOURCE: Wildeck

If you are interested in adding these or learning more about what warehouse safety products may assist in your operations, give us a call. We can talk through some of the challenges you are seeing and find solutions to keep your warehouse running optimally.

Dense Storage Solution

Which Dense Storage Solution is Best for You?

Warehouse managers are frequently challenged to find efficiencies in their processes, their workflows, and, most often, their storage capabilities. With dense storage solutions, warehouses managers get a solution for their problems in storage capacity by storing more product in less space.

However, finding the right storage solution may not always be as simple as asking, “Which mix of storage mediums gives me the best capacity?”.

There are several other factors to consider, including inventory style, pick process, product dimensions, and much more.

Whether warehouse managers are looking to assess and redesign their layout, or they are designing a new facility layout altogether, dense storage solutions are certainly a viable option for increasing capacity. While the three most popular options – drive-in, pushback, and pallet flow – are relatively simple to understand, which is the best for your operation? The answer may be easier to solve than you may think.

Pushback Racking

Pushback rack is a storage system that incorporates a sliding device to feed several pallets into the same pick location by “pushing back” the previous pallet. The pallets then gravity feed back to the pick location in the rack as they are removed. This type of dense storage lends itself well to a Last-In, First Out (LIFO) inventory style because, quite literally, the last pallet placed in the pushback rack is the first pallet available for picking. Typically, pushback racks are capable of storing up to six pallets at each pick location.

Drive-In and Drive-Thru Racking

Drive-in racking and drive-through racking are both similar in that they are designed for forklift operators to enter the racking system for picking purposes. However, the difference is that drive-thru racking allows the operator to pass through the rack. Drive-in/drive-thru racking is a popular storage medium because it is typically less expensive than other dense storage options. However, these styles of racking also typically accommodate less storage capacity due to ‘honeycombing’ or storage utilization challenges.

Pallet Flow

Another high-density storage system that works with storing multiple pallets in a rack is pallet flow. Pallets are loaded into the back of the rack and picked at the front. Sometimes referred to as gravity flow or dynamic flow, this system uses a slight decline plane to store pallets, allowing them to “gravity flow” toward the picking position as pallets are removed.

Which Dense Storage Solution is Best for You?

Ultimately, there are many factors to consider when determining the best mix of storage solutions for your operations. Our experts are here to guide you and walk you through the process to determine what is the optimal use of storage mediums for your facility. We have years of experience with hundreds of projects involving dense storage solutions and the expertise to match you with the equipment you need to meet today’s demands, while also factoring in growth potential.

Contact us today to get started at 800.474.2001 and let us talk about your current needs and how we can help you plan for integrating dense storage solutions.

AndyHenry

New Hire Spotlight: Andy Henry

AndyHenry

Welcome, Andy Henry!

As a growing organization, we’re always looking for talented and motivated people to join our company. With that, we are pleased to welcome our newest addition, Andy Henry! Andy joined us last week as a Project Manager for our National Accounts team. He is a graduate of Purdue University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Since graduation, Andy’s work experienced has been centered around sales and engineering roles. Because of this, he has developed a core understanding of customer service and paying close attention to detail. We’re happy you’re a part of the team, Andy!

When he’s not at work, you can find him spending time with his two children, who mean the world to him. He is a coach for both of their youth soccer teams and is a Den Leader for his son’s Cub Scouts group. Along with this, Andy also loves working on cars, and building things with wood. He rarely goes to an auto mechanic, because he enjoys replacing any necessary parts himself

What are you most excited about working at Storage Solutions?

“I am most excited to be part of such a dynamic business culture here at Storage Solutions. I’m excited to challenge the status quo and grow with a company that values new ideas. I want a place I can call home. I’m not looking for another job experience to add to my resume but a reason to never have to revise it.”

Are you interested in becoming part of the Storage Solutions team? Apply here today!

Double-Deep Pallet Rack Term

Term You Should Know: Double-Deep Pallet Rack

Double-Deep Pallet Rack is a style of dense storage consisting of selective pallet racking that has been constructed back-to-back to allow for higher storage density. This style of racking requires fewer aisles, which allows for increased flexibility in warehouse design options and an increase in storage space.

Double-deep racks can be installed in a conventional warehouse or any rack-supported building. These racks provide more significant utilization of warehouse space because they store loads of materials and have a narrow aisle design.

There are some disadvantages to utilizing double-deep pallet racking as well. Because the design is placing two racks back-to-back, a double-deep rack only features a 50% selectivity area. This lack of accessibility can lead to reduced productivity and require the use of more expensive life equipment, depending on the configuration.

Typically, double-deep racking is ideal for a client that is storing pallets in a Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) inventory rotation. It is especially suitable if that product is in high volume with limited available storage space.

If you are interested in implementing Double-Deep Pallet Racking configurations or other Dense Storage Solutions in your warehouse, contact one of our Storage Solutions experts to talk about increasing your storage capacity.

Roll-Formed and Structural Racking

What is Roll-Formed and Structural Pallet Rack?

There are two types of pallet rack construction: roll-formed racking and structural racking. While the two variations have similarities, we want to take a minute and explain what makes the two different!

What is Roll-Formed Pallet Racking?

Roll-formed pallet rack is the most common construction of racking. Typically, this type of racking is usually manufactured in the “teardrop” style. The style of the teardrop refers to the teardrop-shaped holes on the columns of the uprights. It is cold-rolled and typically features a rivet connection. There are few circumstances in which the roll-formed rack has a bolted connection.

Pallet racks in the roll-formed style also tend to be less expensive because it is constructed with less steel than structural racking. Roll-formed racking uses mounting clips that allow storage areas to be easily adjustable to different heights according to load size. This flexibility is beneficial for warehouses that store a wide variety of product sizes.

What is Structural Pallet Racking?

Structural pallet rack is different than roll-formed pallet rack in that it is created from hot-rolled steel. In structural racking, components are traditionally bolted together, which is how one can easily spot structural versus roll-formed pallet rack. The horizontal load beams connect to the uprights with bolts, which still allows for an adjustment, but just not as easy as with teardrop rack. Structural rack also typically has a higher weight-bearing capacity.

Structural pallet rack is made of thicker steel c-channels, making it the more expensive but durable pallet rack option. It is most commonly used in warehouses where inventory has a quick turnover because durability is a huge factor when accommodating busy forklift traffic.

For additional information on pallet rack or other material handling equipment, contact our online sales team at 866.474.2001!

Buy Used Warehouse Equipment SSI Warehouse

Want to Earn Money? Sell Us Your Used Equipment

We are always looking for used equipment!  So why not let us pay you for your unwanted/unneeded materials?

Storage Solutions is your partner when it comes to buying used equipment.  We want to help you move your old or used materials for a competitive price.

While we appreciate the opportunity to buy any used equipment, there are a few things that we really need on an ongoing basis.

Teardrop Uprights

Uprights are our one of our most popular products at Storage Solutions. Because of that, quality uprights are always in high demand.

Teardrop beams

8′ beams are the most common, so we are always on the lookout for them.  As an integral part to nearly every project, we like to have quality beams in inventory at all times.

Wire Decking

Why Wire Decking? At Storage Solutions, we prefer to use wire decking for a number of reasons.  Since safety is paramount for us, wire decking is much better for fire code compared to the traditional wood pallets.  They are also more cost-effective and they drop right into place, making installation a breeze.

To learn more about our used equipment purchasing service, check out our Rack Buyback page!

essential solutions storage needs

Essential Solutions to Serve Your Essential Needs

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As the COVID-19 crisis continues its lifecycle, businesses deemed non-essential are closing down across the country. Because our company serves many necessary logistics, construction, and supply chain industries, Storage Solutions is continuing to operate unless circumstances change. We were early to establish a COVID-19 Task Force and shift to a remote workplace, wherever applicable.

We also know that we are not alone in our essential role in our economy. Companies in the material handling industry are working safely to ensure deadlines are being met, and progress continues as well as it can, given the circumstances. We are seeing many businesses responding to a change in demand. Now more than ever, companies are seeing the need for flexible, dynamic operations and are adjusting how they work to meet those challenges head-on.

Our experts are always ready to learn about how the challenges are causing pain in operations. As our company is continuing to evolve, we have the expertise in providing essential solutions and so much more.

Let us know what we can do to help. Below are a few ways we are supporting companies who are running to the best of their ability to meet changing patterns in demand at a rate they may never have before.

We Are Buying and Selling Used Warehouse Equipment

We are here to help make sure your business and storage space has what it needs to operate as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Sometimes that means having an affordable solution. We hunt for the best-used equipment and thoroughly inspect every piece to ensure it’s 100% safe and ready to use.

If you are getting rid of your equipment, reconfiguring your warehouse to meet new demands, or relocating your operations, we are also here to help you solve the issues that naturally arise. Whether it’s tools, lighting, logistics, or anything else the job requires, Storage Solutions’ experience and integrated services approach creates truly effortless teardowns that don’t need your constant attention.

Plan Projects with Turnkey Solutions

Because we take an integrated supply and service approach, we can manage projects of any scale to meet your timeline and budget. Need to get permits signed off? We can do that. Need an installation schedule developed? That’s our bread and butter. Need to handle logistics? Why rely on another vendor when we can do that in-house. Our Project Managers assume the unexpected and work with you closely to give you a single point of contact and peace of mind with better command and more control.

Determining the Right Course with Design and Dynamic Solutions

We know that the best solutions start with the best designs (link to blog), and we are ready and capable to get started in providing Design Solutions to develop the optimal storage layout and pick process custom developed for your operation. We can address issues like SKU proliferation, the impact of e-commerce, anticipated changes in demand, and factor in costs associated with labor. We want to give you a flexible and scalable solution based on data and expertise.

We can also talk about how adding dynamic solutions like automation to your operation no make it more technology-driven, no matter what level of automation currently exists (if at all). Many companies are looking for creative ways to stay competitive in an ever-changing economy, and one of the most cost-effective forms of changing the way your warehouse works is to introduce these solutions.

Let’s Talk About Essential Solutions!

Whatever your needs may be during this time, we are here for you. We are interested in learning about the challenges you may face. Whether those challenges arose before, during, or after the crisis, we are ready. Give us a call at 800-474-2001, and our experts would love to connect.

We are here to serve you with the essential solutions that are necessary to keep your business optimally running. And, we are here to do so in the highest degree.

Tyler Langel

New Hire Spotlight: Tyler Langel

Tyler Langel

 

Welcome, Tyler Langel!

We are so excited to welcome Tyler Langel to our Storage Solutions team! Tyler will act as our Strategic Sales Engineer out of our Kansas City office. In this role, he can combine his interest in both engineering and sales. He is a 2018 graduate of the University of Nebraska where he received his Bachelors’s in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, he worked as a “manufacturing engineer” at Altec Industries. We are thrilled with the knowledge he’s brought to our team, and we cant wait to see how he will use his talents in his new role!

Tyler was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He is a die-hard sports fan and especially loves college football. Every year he travels back home to go to Nebraska football games. He is hopeful to make a trip to Dublin, Ireland in 2021 where they will kick off the season playing Illinois. When he’s not working, he tries to stay active in many ways. He enjoys intramurals as well as trivia and reading.

What do you want to gain from working at Storage Solutions?

“Critical experience in a very opportunistic and rapidly changing industry. I am unbelievably grateful to get involved so early in my career and to be able to grow with it. There is endless opportunity to learn and experience new things and the industry naturally encourages creativity with multiple solution opportunities.”

Interested in becoming part of the Storage Solutions team? Apply here today!