Carousel warehouse
Efficient supply of stored goods
Carousel warehouses are also known as carousel racks, paternoster warehouses, or paternoster storage systems. The terms already suggest what they are about. Vertically arranged racks in the warehouse, following the Paternoster principle, serve one or multiple access points.
The advantage is that goods can be provided quickly and efficiently. Moreover, this type of warehouse does not take up much space, skillfully utilizing the available storage area. Hänel is a pioneer in this field, having developed the technology since the 1950s.
Definition: what is a carousel warehouse?
In short, carousel storage is a dynamic storage system. The racks are in continuous motion until the goods reach their storage point or can be retrieved. Because the system performs predominantly vertical movements, paternoster warehouses require relatively little floor space compared to other types.
This is a real advantage when space is limited. The racks are robust despite the space-saving design and withstand daily use reliably.
The potential of carousel storage systems lies in their height. From floor to just below the ceiling of the room or hall, there is ample capacity available. If volume increases, paternoster racks can be installed even from basement to attic.
How does a carousel warehouse work?
Carousel warehouses are dynamic systems that bring goods to the operator. Items requested via control consoles are stored in plastic or metal boxes. This option is suitable for industrial applications and service companies because documents can also be transported from point A to point B. A paternoster warehouse can be equipped with multiple retrieval points.
These are positioned at an optimal height, ensuring excellent ergonomics at the workplace.
How to choose the right carousel warehouse?
Whether it’s storing machine components, electrical accessories, or documents, carousel storage systems can be used both indoors and outdoors. Specific requirements and volume determine the suitable option. In principle, the total building height can be fully utilized — whether in storage halls or multi-story office buildings. If the construction is divided into floors, openings need to be created at the appropriate places.
However, modification costs remain reasonable. Carousel warehouses pay off in just a few years due to their high efficiency.
Advantages and disadvantages of carousel storage
They offer the advantage of a relatively small footprint and allow optimal use of the building’s available height. This ensures a storage density adapted to needs. For example, long trips for documents on shelves are a thing of the past.
Because carousel storage systems are made up of modules, they can be expanded both vertically and horizontally. Carousel racks are an excellent choice, especially for smaller items. If the weight of the goods to be stored is high, other options may be more suitable.
How to optimize processes in a carousel warehouse
Carousel warehouses have a significant impact on all warehouse processes. Both personnel expenses and storage costs are kept under control. However, with forward-looking optimization, you can maximize efficiency. Because even specific processes can be integrated into the automated warehouse, nothing stands in the way of internal supply—from order picking to rapid shipping.
But even if an existing system operates reliably, sometimes it is worth considering modifications. Often, simply adjusting the correct parameters is sufficient.