Palletization consists of place the goods on racks, pallets. More than a simple operation of arranging and grouping goods, palletization makes it possible to facilitate certain logistical operations, such as handling and transport. In addition, it also participates in the optimal functioning of a storage space. What is the benefit of palletization? How to do it well? Explanations.
Palletization, what is it?
Palletizing is a logistics operation that aims to unify the load of products by grouping them on pallets. A pallet is a horizontal platform on which loads of goods are placed to facilitate their storage, movement and transportation.
In addition, palletization also meets the specific needs of storage sheds. Indeed, besides thestorage optimization, the use of pallets also ensures the protection of products during handling. Therefore, the palletizing operation usually occurs after the wrapping and packaging process.
Finally, palletizing is also an operation that allows goods to be better organized thanks to a well-defined layout technique with a view to storing, preparing and shipping them. In general, palletization finds its usefulness in warehouses and stockrooms.
What is the importance of palletization?
The pallet is today the most used logistics load unit in warehouses. Its use allows you to benefit from many advantages for the handling and transport of goods, whatever their type.
Facilitates the work of handlers
Whether for loading or unloading products, the use of palletizing solutions facilitates the work of the various actors of the storage and ensures the safety of the handlers.
The use of the palette allows, among other things, to reduce the time needed to load and unload products. Indeed, since the cargo in question is arranged in batches and blocks on a pallet, the machines make fewer round trips to carry out the operations.
Improves the flow of goods
In a warehouse, it is important to ensure that each product can move freely and easily through the warehouse. The use of pallets often requires the review of the layout of the different types of goods. This improves the flow and facilitates all operations.
Optimizes inventory management
Using the palettes is also a effective inventory management tool. Since each pallet contains a defined number of products, whether they are introduced in cartons or other types of packaging, it is easier to determine their quantity.
Which palette for which use?
To properly palletize a warehouse, it is important to choose the right pallet to use. In general, each medium and the material that composes it respond to a very specific use.
The cardboard pallet
The main advantage of cardboard is thatit is eco-friendly material. Thus, the cardboard degrades easily after use, which makes it an ideal material for parcels destined for cities. Boxes are mainly used for light goods, but they can withstand a weight of up to 500 kg. The cardboard pallet is not assembled using nails, but adhesive materials, thus increasing the safety of handlers.
The plastic pallet
Plastic is also one of the materials used in the manufacture of pallets. Indeed, it is resistant and provides relatively high protection of the goods. In addition, it makes the various manipulations easy. However, due to its high manufacturing cost, the plastic pallet is not used for export, but only for storage.
The wooden pallet
Wood remains one of the most used materials for the manufacture of pallets, especially euro pallets. In fact, the characteristics of this material meet specific palletization needs. The molded pallet is made from wood chips, which gives it a great lightness. Nevertheless, it supports a load of up to 1,250 kg. Whether to store the goods or to ship them, the wooden pallet remains interesting. It protects the cargo from soiling and ground humidity.
Which palletizing method to choose for a storage company?
Depending on the size and configuration of the hangar, you can choose between the manual process or automated systems which include the use of a machine or robots. Successful palletization is done in many steps. In general, it requires choosing the dimensions of the pallets according to the size of the goods. In general, the NIMP 15 standards remains the reference for exports with the following dimensions: 1,200 x 800 mm.
Wrapping and strapping with stretch film
Whether you use crates or other solutions, packaging is a mandatory step for successful palletization. To do this you must stack the crates well on the pallets. Sort crates or boxes by weight. The heavier ones will go to the bottom while the lighter ones will be placed on the surface to ensure better stability. Also be careful not to leave any space between the crates to avoid the movements causing the destabilization.
Then pass strapping using a protective stretch film and a range of adhesive tools. The protective films ensure that no pollutants such as humidity and dust affect the goods. Apart from protecting the cargoes from the elements against humidity, the films make the stacking more stable to then facilitate loading and depalletizing.
Putting on pallets
Once well packaged, the goods can reach the storage or loading areas. If you opt for the automatic variants of the process, you must ensure the stability of the supports. Among other things, you must ensure that the packaging solutions are suitable for this specific operation. This will allow you to avoid errors and crashes that can hamper the functioning of your system. Conveying is controlled by applications from computer systems to operate without downtime. This makes it possible to optimize the company’s production.
