A warehouse storage method utilizing vertical racking systems that extend significantly higher than standard shelving, typically 30 feet or more in height. These systems maximize storage density by leveraging vertical space rather than expanding warehouse footprint, making them essential for facilities with limited floor space or high land costs.
High-bay storage often incorporates automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) with computer-controlled cranes or robotic equipment to safely access elevated inventory. This automation reduces labor costs, improves picking accuracy, and enhances worker safety by eliminating the need for personnel to operate at dangerous heights.
For example, a distribution center handling slow-moving automotive parts might use high-bay storage to efficiently store thousands of SKUs in a compact vertical footprint, while automated systems retrieve items as needed. This approach is particularly valuable for operations with high SKU counts, seasonal inventory fluctuations, or expensive real estate where maximizing cubic storage capacity directly impacts profitability.
