What is a high-bay warehouse?

A high-bay warehouse is a specially designed storage system with particularly high racking structures (often between 12 and 50 meters high) that enables maximum use of space. It is mainly used for the automated or semi-automated storage of pallets, containers, or tray systems and is primarily used in industry, commerce, and logistics centers.

Structure and technology

A typical high-bay warehouse consists of a steel structure divided into several rows and levels of racks. The racks can accommodate several thousand storage locations. Automatic storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) are usually used to store and retrieve goods on pallets or in containers. These move on rails between the shelves and are controlled centrally via a warehouse management system.

In addition to fully automated systems, there are also manual or semi-automated variants in which employees work with industrial trucks. The degree of automation depends on the size of the warehouse, the goods turnover, and the individual requirements of the company.

Advantages of a high-bay warehouse

A high-bay warehouse offers numerous operational and economic advantages:

• Optimal use of space: Utilization of storage height to increase storage capacity on a small footprint.
• Increased efficiency: Shorter distances and automated processes enable higher throughput.
• Fast access times: Digital control systems and precise warehouse organization ensure fast access times.
• Safety: Lower risk of damage thanks to regulated movement sequences.
• Sustainability: Thanks to reduced space requirements and energy-efficient automation.

Areas of application

High-bay warehouses are primarily used in industries with high goods turnover and large storage volumes, such as the automotive industry, wholesale, distribution centers, and the food industry. They prove to be the ideal solution, especially in areas where fast availability and inventory accuracy are of crucial importance.