What is a Pick Tower / Multi-tier Shelving?

Multi-tier shelving floor (Also known as a picking tower) is a free-standing structure, that it is designed to provide storage to all levels of the structure, within the same footprint. This storage system is also known as a rack supported structure and they are used to improve picking efficiency and maximising storage capacity. This is achieved by utilising the available height in the warehouse.

The structure utilises double or multiple height shelving (Can be shortspan or Longspan) or pallet racking with steel angels to support the flooring materials (Could be chipboard, steel etc) to create walkways and steel staircases to provide access to all products. A self-supporting structure with 100% accessibility.

Benefits of a Multi-tier Shelving

The system is cost effective as it reduces the requirement for large structural steels as the strength is from the shelving / racking structure. Also, you can maximise the storage height and headroom within the structure as there is not the requirement for large beam supports – a thin line structure.

These systems are a cost-effective alternative to mezzanine floors or extending the warehouse facility or relocation.

As with most Avanta shelving systems the bay profiles are customized to suit the items stored, whether it be boxes, components or garments (hung or stacked). Whether there are thousands of SKU’s to store or single product lines and ranges, a rack supported structure can help to organise storage and improve the picking process. Lighting, power, pipework can be hung directly to the underside of the walkways.

Can I Incorporate a Mezzanine Floor?

Often, multi-tier systems or pick towers incorporate a mezzanine floor at one end or both ends. This additional area may be used for a pick and pack area that could incorporate picking benches, conveyors and trolleys. The mezzanine element maybe used to deposit pallets via goods lift or handling equipment on to multiple levels for the bulk stock to be separated out on to the shelving. Mezzanines attached to pick towers offer the client extra space for a marshalling area and / or have cut outs for parcel chutes.

Aisles within the picking system can be designed wide enough for pickers to pass each other with picking trolleys, mobile and kick steps etc.

Mezzanine Floor v Multi-Tier Shelving

One advantage of a mezzanine floor over a multi-tier shelving structure is that you can change the layout on each level as the needs of your business changes.   For example, you may remove bays of shelving to create space for another purpose on a mezzanine level. With a shelving structure, you can adjust shelving levels to suit, however, the layout is restricted to the fixed identical positioning of shelving bays on every level of the structure. One way of adding an element of flexibility is to have a “floor over” structure for the top level with safety handrail. This space can be used for future growth, additional free-standing shelving, packing stations etc.

Do I need Building Regulations?

Raised structures - whether it be a mezzanine floor or a multi-level shelving system with walkways, the structure will need to have the relevant building regulation approval. Avanta UK Ltd can look after your Building Regulations needs.

Weight loadings and Slab capability – the very nature of multi-tier shelving structure means there are a lot more legs in the structure to spread the load and less of the large heavy duty main columns that you associate with a mezzanine floor. The weight loading capability of the slab for this type of structure may be less than that of a mezzanine floor.

Does Multi-tier Shelving add to the Rateable Value?

There is the potential benefit of the additional space created will not be added to the rateable value of the building.  This is because it is a free-standing (not tied into the building) racking or shelving structure.

Do I Need Sprinklers?

The need for sprinklers within a multi-tier shelving structure is usually dictated by insurance company requirements, however if your building is over 20,000 square meters in floor area Building Control may require you to install a compliant sprinkler system.

Further Fire Safety Obligations

Emergency lighting and smoke detection will need to be installed throughout the structure to satisfy Building Control. Avanta UK Ltd can look after all these elements on your behalf as part of a turnkey project.