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Cold Store Racking System

Cold Store Racking System

The construction and operating costs of a cold storage warehouse (or cold room) are such that the need to Max the Cube by maximise storage capacity in the minimum floor area with a cold store racking system, is absolutely essential. With technology moving on at a pace, the ability to consider dynamic and semi-automated storage … Continued

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Shuttle Storage System

Could Semi-Automation Be the Answer to Spiralling Energy Costs?

The spiralling energy costs are forcing businesses to take decisive action on their warehouse operations which could have a massive impact on the industry. With energy typically accounting for 15% of overall warehouse costs and reports of up to 400% increases in the coming months, many businesses are now looking at every opportunity to consolidate … Continued

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Shuttle Racking Live PIcking

The Ultimate Bulk Storage Solution for Fast Moving SKUs

A quick analysis will show that many companies find approximately 80% of their sales are generated by approximately 20% of their SKUs. Now, whilst this may be beneficial for the sales teams, it can cause a number of challenges in the warehouse to achieve the perfect balance of space and picking speed. Some warehouse managers … Continued

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Shuttle Racking Finished Goods

What Is Space Utilisation in Warehouse Design?

Do You Have A Capacity Issue or a Utilisation Issue in Your Warehouse? Storage capacity is often seen as the primary focus for many companies as they look at ways to improve their operations. However, it can be quite misleading when it comes to operational effectiveness and efficiency. The total storage capacity of a warehouse … Continued

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Push Back Racking System

Push Back Racking System – Typical Uses

The Push back racking system is probably one of the most flexible dynamic pallet racking solutions on the market today. Not only can it deliver high-density storage solutions, but our Maxi Cube Push Back Racking can also dramatically improve picking speeds and space utilisation, which can significantly reduce operational costs. Below, we explain a few … Continued

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What is a Mezzanine

Mezzanine Floors vs Picking Towers

Mezzanine floors are often seen as being one of the most effective solutions for creating additional floor space without having to extend or rent new premises. However, the term mezzanine floor is often mis-used and as a result, we see companies ending up paying too much for an over-engineered solution that they don’t really need. … Continued

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Radio Shuttle Benefits

Unquestionable Benefits Of Shuttle Racking

As more and more companies look to Max the Cube by maximising capacity and improving the space utilisation of every inch of the warehouse, the demand for Thistle Systems Maxicube Shuttle Racking, or radio shuttle racking as it is sometimes referred to, is increasing dramatically. What Is Shuttle Racking Shuttle racking uses a combination of … Continued

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radio shuttle racking at food and drink warehouse, Perthshire, Scotland.

The Hidden Costs of FLT Travel Times in Drive-In Racking

Have you considered how much money you spend every year stocking and retrieving pallets from your warehouse? The cost of forklift trucks and drivers is a sizable element of any warehouse operation but is often overlooked when deciding on the optimum racking solution. And whilst drive-in racking is seen by many companies as an excellent … Continued

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Picking Tower Cold Store

The Exponential SKU Challenge Facing Warehouse Managers

The exponential growth of SKUs is a challenge facing many warehouse managers and none more so than those operating within the wholesale market. The challenge is further compounded by customers looking for greater flexibility in ordering, resulting in more mixed pallets being created and, as a result, more broken/split/half pallets needing to be stored. The … Continued

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Mezzanine floor costs in warehouse facility installed by Thistle Systems, Scotland.

Mezzanine Flooring Costs Explained

One of the most common questions we get asked is, “Can You Explain How Much Mezzanine Flooring Costs?” That’s because mezzanine floors are seen as one of the most effective solutions for creating additional floor space without having to extend or rent new premises – check out a selection of our mezzanine floor case studies. … Continued

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Radio shuttle installation Dumfries and Galloway by Thistle Solutions, Scotland.

Drive In Racking v Radio Shuttle Racking

Drive-in racking is a firm favourite when it comes to high-density racking solutions, especially in distribution centres and cold stores where maximising capacity is a key driver. However, like every industrial racking system, drive-in pallet racking isn’t perfect and doesn’t suit every project. So whilst drive-in racking may appear to be a cheaper investment, the … Continued

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Automated Racking System

How Much Additional Capacity Will Automated Racking Systems Provide?

Automated Racking Solutions can deliver a number of significant benefits; however, the one thing that gets people turned on to the concept is how much additional capacity it can deliver. Once the potential to increase capacity, often exponentially, is established, the supplementary benefits such as improved throughput, improved safety, reduced operating costs and reduced energy … Continued

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Problems Automated Storage

Automated Racking Myths 3: If the System Breaks Down, We Are Screwed

Welcome to the third part of our series on the myths associated with Automated Racking and Automated Storage Solutions. We have already discussed the myths surrounding the costs of automated storage solutions and automated storage being seen to be only suitable for large warehouses and large cold stores. One of the biggest concerns we get … Continued

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Warehouse Automation Pallet Carrier

Automated Racking Myths 2: Automated Racking is Too Expensive

The growing interest in automated storage has accelerated rapidly over the last 12 months. However, too many companies have either quickly dismissed or not even considered the concept, believing the myth that Automated Racking is Too Expensive. At Thistle Systems, we have been developing a range of semi-automated and automated storage solutions for the last … Continued

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Automated Warehouse System

Why Your Warehouse Needs to Take One Giant Leap to Automation

The massive changes in the economy and the significant developments in automation, robots and technology is challenging businesses to think differently and effectively to achieve a step change in their operations. Whilst senior managers and boards of directors are looking at incremental changes to improve capacity through improved design and dynamic systems such as push … Continued

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Automated Fulfilment Centres

How Agile Is Your Fulfilment Solution to Cope With the New Normal

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the anticipated future growth and demands on fulfilment centres which have been driven by the dramatic growth of internet sales. This has resulted in a growing interest in automated storage solutions and goods to person systems which can deliver major improvements in efficiency and costs savings … Continued

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Industrial Shelving UK

The Growth of Goods to Person Storage Solutions

The demands being placed on distribution centres are at an all-time high as customers demand even shorter lead times, with many companies being forced to offer next day or even same day delivery service just to compete. Much of this is being driven by the continued growth in internet sales which reached an all-time high … Continued

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Automated Racking System

5 Benefits of Automated Cold Storage Warehouses

Automated Cold Storage is one of the hot topics in the food and drink sector as companies look to improve efficiency and reduce costs in their cold store warehouses. The increase in energy and running costs is presenting operators and food companies with complex challenges which may be restricting growth, profitability, and service. To remain … Continued

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Shuttle Storage System

Shuttle Racking Cost Benefits – Costs Reduced for Loading Times

Most people tend to focus on the increased capacity when they discuss shuttle racking benefits as opposed to the incredible cost savings the solution can deliver. It’s understandable really, as shuttle racking can deliver a dramatic increase in storage capacity which is often the main driver of the project, however, when clients see the additional … Continued

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Mobile Shelving Inspection Servicing

Mobile Shelving Inspection and Servicing

Mobile office shelving and Industrial Mobile shelving systems can deliver enormous space saving solutions for virtually any environment. However, to ensure these solutions continue to operate smoothly and effectively, they must be regularly inspected and maintained. In fact, the Health and Safety Executive’s PUWER regulations, recommend your mobile shelving system is inspected by an expert … Continued

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High Density Drawer Cabinets

High Density Drawer Cabinets Maximise Capacity and Efficiency

The challenge in any warehouse is to maximise capacity in the minimum floor space whilst optimising accessibility to ensure efficiency is never compromised. And whilst many companies focus on their pallet storage, one of the most challenging areas of business, particularly for Engineering and Automotive businesses, is how to store small parts. Typically, small parts … Continued

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Mezzanine Alternative

Why Mezzanines Are Not the Best Alternative to Block Stacking

Block stacking may appear to be a cheap and effective storage solution for many companies whether it’s during periods of growth or simply through tradition. Most people understand that block stacking isn’t always the most effective or efficient way to store pallets but, in many circumstances, it does what is required. However, that appears to … Continued

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Shuttle Storage System

Shuttle Racking Cost Benefits Could Save £1million Per Year

If you are currently using an external storage provider to store pallets or are looking at extending your warehouse, shuttle racking presents a real opportunity to deliver significant cost savings through better space utilisation and improvements to operational efficiencies. One company even recognised the potential to save over £1million per year by using shuttle racking … Continued

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PRRS Rack Safety Checklist Banner

PRRS Racking Safety Training and Checklist

We have seen an increasing number of clients asking us about PRRS Racking Safety Training with regards to Person Responsible for Racking Safety which can only mean that this is something that the HSE are now focusing on more. Check out our PRRS Rack Safety course outline In response to this, we have pulled together the below … Continued

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Transforming the Despatch Process in Finished Goods Warehouses

The traditional approach to managing your own finished goods warehouse is fairly common. The warehouse stores a combination of full and broken pallets. These may be block stacked with the broken pallet at the front or in different types of racking depending on the number of SKUs. The process of preparing loads ready for despatch … Continued

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Shuttle Storage System

Discover the Power of the Max the Cube Shuttle Storage System

The Max the Cube Shuttle Racking system, or Shuttle Storage System as they are sometimes referred to, allows you to maximise the full potential of your warehouse by dramatically increasing capacity, reducing operating costs and improving throughput. By using a combination of high-density racking and a semi-automated shuttle, the solution enables you to truly maximise … Continued

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Automated Racking System

Transforming Your Finished Goods Storage with an Automated Racking System

In our ongoing discussions and feedback sessions with clients, we have seen how the demands being placed on a finished goods and dry goods warehouses in today’s market has changed dramatically from those they faced 10 or 20 years ago. Warehouse Managers are facing the challenge of a seemingly never-ending increase in SKUs, growing capacity … Continued

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Mezzanine Floor Types

Mezzanine Floor Types

Mezzanine Floors is a general term for a raised steel structure to create an additional level of flooring which can be used for a multitude of uses from storage and production to office and retail. Mezzanines provide an excellent method of utilising the available height within a facility to increase floor space and avoid the … Continued

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Pallet Storage Rates

Pallet Storage Rates – Are You Paying Too Much?

Depending on the pallet storage rates, external warehouse storage can often be a highly cost-effective strategy for minimising your overheads or for providing essential additional facilities, such as during peak seasonal periods or during a growth phase. However, if these pallet storage prices become a regular monthly cost, it may be time to consider the … Continued

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Dynamic Pallet Racking

What is Dynamic Pallet Racking ?

Dynamic Pallet Racking is the term used to describe storage solutions which use mechanical or gravitational forces to move pallets within the racking system. These include push back racking, pallet live racking, mobile pallet racking, picking tunnels and radio shuttle racking. These Dynamic Pallet Racking solutions are transforming traditional warehouse storage by enabling companies to … Continued

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Mobile Pallet Racking

Mobile Pallet Racking Explained

Mobile Pallet Racking (MOVO) has the ability to deliver a high density storage capacity whilst providing 100% picking access to every pallet position, making it a firm favourite for companies looking to maximise space utilisation, particularly in areas such as cold stores. The system uses conventional pallet racking which is located onto mobile bases on a … Continued

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Radio shuttle installation Dumfries and Galloway by Thistle Solutions, Scotland.

Ways to Reduce Warehouse Costs

Blame Tim Wood – He is the Reason You Are Losing Money If you are looking for the reason why your operations just aren’t performing at the level you are after – you need to get rid of TIM WOOD. Every organisation has a TIM WOOD but before you go calling HR to find out … Continued

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How To Reduce Warehouse Operating Costs

How To Reduce Warehouse Operating Costs

After studying thousands of warehouse operations in its Max the Cube approach and analysing the impact of racking solutions, Thistle Systems has uncovered one of the biggest warehouse operating costs – and it’s not the racking. And it doesn’t matter whether you are spending a few hundred pounds or hundreds of thousands of pounds on … Continued

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Warehouse Design

2 Factors in Warehouse Design Which May Limit Storage Capacity

The traditional approach to warehouse design, whether it’s a new building or an extension to an existing facility, is to build the warehouse to the sizes specified by the architect or consultant based on a general rule of thumb. Once these are agreed, the client then looks at bringing in a racking solutions company and … Continued

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IBC pallet racking for warehouse which provided an IBC storage solution.

Discover IBC Storage Racking and IBC Bunded Storage

IBCs are a popular and highly efficient storage solution, especially in sectors such as chemicals, engineering and food and drink, however IBC storage systems can be problematic. IBC storage is not without its challenges both from a space utilisation AND a health and safety point of view. Whilst they are cube shaped which allows them to be … Continued

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Push Back Racking Benefits Explained

Push Back Racking Benefits Explained

The concept of push back racking is very easy to understand, however the full benefits that pushback racking offers are often overlooked. For more examples of how Push Back Racking has helped companies maximise their capacity, click here or see below for an outline of the benefits. The Benefits of Push Back Racking As you … Continued

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Warehouse Racking Costs

Warehouse Racking Costs – 7 Hidden Costs

When was the last time you evaluated your true Warehouse Racking Costs? What factors did you take into consideration? Thistle Systems has compiled data from over 3000 installations and projects over the last 10 years in an attempt to identify how people measure their racking systems and what they believed were the costs involved in … Continued

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Timber decking for pallet racking

Why Use Timber Decking for Pallet Racking

One of the biggest challenges for many companies is developing a cost effective storage facility which provides them with the flexibility to store all of their products whilst maximising the potential capacity. This is particularly an issue for companies which receive a variety of pallet types and individual products to be stored in a single … Continued

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radio shuttle racking at food and drink warehouse, Perthshire, Scotland.

Warehouse Racking System – Which is the Best?

Looking for the best warehouse racking system to maximise capacity and improve the performance of your warehouse? It’s a question that we are often asked but unfortunately, there isn’t one simple answer. The footprint and height of each warehouse may be slightly different. The pallet size may vary. The products being stored are likely to be … Continued

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Racking Inspectors Scotland

Essential Storage Safety Awareness Training

The days of simply carrying out a formal racking inspection once or twice or year just to meet your HSE obligations are now seen as a reactive approach to warehouse management. Therefore, Thistle Systems has developed a practical hands-on training programme for storage safety awareness, to provide your warehouse operators with the basic knowledge of safe … Continued

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max the cube

What Is Max the Cube?

Max the Cube is a unique approach which shows companies how they can maximise capacity and productivity within their warehouse, interiors and production facilities whilst dramatically reducing operating costs. We are on a crusade to help companies to capitalise on the huge potential that exists within every organisation to maximise every inch of storage space, … Continued

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