Systems and equipment of many types are used in warehouses to effectively store and retrieve inventory. The pit system is one important system that is new and upcoming. Pit systems give warehouses more storage space and let them store some types of merchandise in high numbers. In this guide, we explore an introduction to the pit systems at warehouses.
What is a pit system?
You may have heard of it before and unsure of what a pit system actually is. A pit system is a type of warehouse storage that utilizes deep trenches or pits dug below the main warehouse floor to provide additional storage capacity. Deep pits or trenches, typically 20-40 feet deep, are dug into the warehouse foundation below ground level and these are reinforced with steel and concrete. Shelving, racking, or other storage infrastructure installed within the pit to hold inventory and materials as this allows vertical storage within the pit. Automated storage and retrieval systems, like cranes and elevators, to move inventory in and out of the pits, often controlled by warehouse management software and precast dock levellers can help you move materials from vehicles.
What are they used for?
Pit systems are ideal for certain types of inventory that are dense and non-perishable, such as archives, seasonal goods, and industrial supplies. Storing these items below ground has advantages over conventional racking. The cool underground temperatures help preserve goods and reduce degradation which helps them last so much longer. Pits also provide high security and reduced dust exposure for sensitive items which mean suppliers can guarantee safety and keep all the storage in good condition.
Advantages
There are some advantages by using the Pit Systems at warehouses. One reason is that by digging down, pit systems allow warehouses to greatly expand storage capacity and inventory density versus a conventional layout.
Another reason is that automated storage and retrieval systems like cranes and conveyors allow fast access to any item in the pit. Inventory management software track’s locations and Items can be retrieved quickly for orders, so unlike most standard warehouses, there will be quicker processing times and less items getting lost or delayed.
A great advantage of the pit structures is that they are reinforced with steel and concrete to create a durable storage environment that resists corrosion and supports heavy material handling equipment and high inventory density. This means it will be safer and is built to support what is getting stored so there will be less accidents in the warehouses.
Overall, the underground structure, protection, security, and space optimization make pit systems the most robust and efficient design for high-density warehouse storage needs. Their capacity and accessibility offer advantages over other conventional approaches.
Challenges
Nothing is truly perfect, and of course everything will have challenges and faults. Some of the challenges are retrieving inventory stored in pits. Most pit systems use automated storage and retrieval systems meaning there are less people actively moving things. A computer system tracks all inventory locations and enables high-speed access to items. The robotic cranes, elevators, and conveyors move up and down the pit to store and retrieve pallets and totes as most are too heaving and difficult for a person to get to. However, this automation allows fast order fulfillment while maximizing storage density, so you can get more for less.
