Reducing Bottle-Necked Storage for Bottling

Challenge: Solving the inefficiencies of static sample storage.

Arcadia was storing bottled samples in two separate locations: a warehouse corner and a cooler. As the volume of required samples increased, the facility added new sections of static racking, which led to a disorganized system and limited floor space. The samples became difficult to access, and the existing pallet racks were too tall for employees to reach the top levels safely.

“Because of the lack of storage space available, the samples tended to get a little jumbled up. As the amount of required samples grew, they would just add a new section of rack. They had called me to ask for shorter pallet rack so that people could reach the top,” says AEC Sales Engineer Scott Hovis.

Solution: Implementing a “half the space” mobile solution.

AEC suggested moving away from static racking in favor of two non-powered, hand-cranked mobile storage systems. This high-density approach eliminated the need for multiple permanent aisles, allowing Arcadia to store the same amount of product in less than 50 percent of the original space. The new system maintained hand-reach access for all employees, ensuring the organization remained compliant with FDA tracing requirements without the need for ladders.

“Once I found out how they were storing the samples, I suggested moving to a mobile storage system that would save them significant space while maintaining a hand reach access. Anytime you tell a customer they can store the same amount in 1/2 the space with mobile rack, they get a little bit excited,” Hovis says.

Results: Reclaiming 60% more storage for facility growth.

The implementation of the mobile units provided an immediate 55 to 60 percent increase in available storage space. This reclaimed area allowed Arcadia to expand their staging area and devote room to additional storage needs. Because the system is mobile, the racks can be moved if the facility requires the floor space for larger tasks. The transition has provided Arcadia with a level of operational freedom that was previously impossible.

“With 60% more storage available that didn’t exist before, Arcadia Farms has been able to devote space for additional storage and increase their staging area. Their expertise is bottling and they look to us for consultation with their operational problems. My goal is to provide them the solutions they need to make them more profitable,” says Hovis.