Elevated Platform Technical Definitions

Glossary of Terms

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)

Automated guided vehicles, or AGVs, are self-guided mechanical units that can carry and deliver goods from one point to another. The machines are software-controlled but utilize guidance sensors along the way to understand their pathways, directions and avoid bumping into structures or workers. Traveling along the floor of a facility – based on directional routes that are programmed ahead of time – they do not require a driver or manual operations, see improving safety, and a reduction in operational risk. AGVs can transport materials safely throughout a warehouse or facility, including transportation of goods, picking, and distribution.

An autonomous mobile robot, or AMR, is a machine within a warehouse or facility that can move about on pre-programmed pathways without the need for ongoing, manual control. Automated guided vehicles, or AGVs, are similar, though typically have much more specific routes that they can follow and are usually programmed for just transporting goods. AMRs, on the other hand, can move about within a space where it makes the most sense – in terms of efficiency – and can be programmed to transport, pick, and sort. Like AGVs, sensors are built into the robots that allow for automatic detection of movable items (like people or forklifts) or structures (like walls or workstations) to avoid accidents and help with overall speed, safety, and efficiency.

Automated storage and retrieval systems are computerized systems that retrieve items automatically without the need for human transport or delivery. The machines are programmed electronically to fetch and repeat on demand based on designated directions, routes, and pathways throughout the warehouse. By reducing wasted labor and improving retrieval speeds, these automated systems can significantly increase the accuracy and efficiency of warehouse operations. It can also reduce the risk and cost associated with damaged goods during standard manual transport.

Cantilever racking systems are popular racking systems within warehouses that use arms that are supported only by their direct connection to the uprights. The arms themselves are the shelving units. It’s meant for oversized or bulky products that cannot be easily stored on pallets within a selective racking system. Lumber, carpeting, and steel piping are often used with cantilever racking systems.

Conveyor sortation systems help to automatically sort products along a conveyor into specific lanes or areas – passing items from in-feed conveyors to shipping lanes, packing areas, or onto pallets. Programmed based on SKUs, weights, and order sizes, conveyor sortation reduces the need for manual sorting and boosts both speed and accuracy on the manufacturing lines, packaging lanes, and distribution areas. As many businesses increase their product lines, and as e-Commerce dictates more variety in order sizes, conveyor sortation systems have become a staple in operations both large and small.

Double deep pallet racks are storage systems that combine two selective rack storage units back-to-back. They can maximize warehouse spaces by more than 60% and can offer significantly more racks and storage opportunities throughout a facility. The double-deep configuration requires deep reach lift trucks to store or retrieve products found on those racks. They are typically used in warehouse operations that have a Last In First Out (LIFO) inventory system.

Fire-resistance is based on the ability for elements within a building to contain a fire or continue to perform its proper functions, despite a fire that may be occurring. The fire-resistance rating is based upon the duration that a passive fire protection system can withstand a standard fire resistance test. This can be based on length of time or other criteria surrounding functionality. Used for walls, floors and ceilings across any building type, fire-resistance-rated materials meet fire and smoke safety and environmental sustainability requirements. The following classifications may be attained when testing in accordance with UL 72: class 125 rating, class 150 rating, and class 350 rating. High ratings ensure that exterior or interior elements, systems or assemblies meet proper code compliance.

Flow racking is gravity-based and allows one to load material on one end and flow through the system to the other. Also called gravity flow or gravity feed racks, the systems can come in a various number of levels and lanes. The angled system allows products to operate on a First In, First Out basis, being pushed forward by gravity to the front of the rack when a box, pallet or bin is removed. It can sometimes have a braking system in place to control the speed of the movement of the product. From pallets to boxes to bins, flow racks work well with an assortment of product and material types and can roll across a flat surface or roller tracks. The system allows for greater storage and picking efficiency because they are high-density systems and can be picked and replaced quickly.

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) provide third-party validation that products such as ResinDek® engineered wood composition flooring panels meet certain requirements. IAPMO utilizes an open consensus process accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in its code development practice. IAPMO works to regulate and manage proper methods around sanitation throughout the world. Founded in 1926, the non-profit established a model code to keep people safe from plumbing and mechanical issues throughout both commercial and residential buildings. The code created by this body is used by officials, architects, engineers as well as homeowners and end-users worldwide. Additionally, the organization provides a variety of industry-related training programs to help industry professionals stay up-to-date on best practices across plumbing and mechanical disciplines.

The International Building Code (IBC) is a standard code created by the International Code Council (ICC), taking into consideration health and safety concerns for buildings, and is used by most organizations throughout the U.S. In addition to recommending specific materials and methods of construction, the IBC also promotes public safety and welfare by providing safeguards from hazards related to certain environmental conditions and real estate locations. The trusted code, developed by hundreds of experts in the building industry, helps determine the design, engineering, architecture, and construction of buildings and facilities both small and large. The code also encourages the use of relevant and efficient smart technology and deployments.

International Residential Codes (IRC) regulate the design and construction of residential homes (not above three-stories). The code focuses on public health and safety from development through construction to maintenance of those dwellings. The IRC covers all aspects of construction, including building, energy conversation, plumbing, mechanical, fuel and gas, and electrical. The IRC’s primary duty is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of those residing in homes and townhouses throughout the world. Materials, design, and technology are all key elements considered in the review process to ensure compliance with the residential codes established by the IRC.

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building certification program that helps building owners and operators be environmentally responsible and resourceful. Using a rating system for design, construction, operation, and maintenance, construction professionals, engineers, and building owners lean on the LEED® framework to ensure buildings, homes, and facilities are developed and maintained with safety, health, efficiency, and cost-savings in mind. Metrics like energy savings, water efficiency, and CO2 emissions are just a few of the sustainability areas taken into consideration during the LEEDD® certification process. Using a point-based system, the more points accumulated by the building, the higher the level of certification. The LEEDD® program, developed by USGBC, is internationally recognized.

According to MHI.org the definition for Material Handling and Logistics is: The movement, protection, storage and control of materials and products throughout the process of their manufacture and distribution, consumption and disposal. This process involves a broad array of equipment and systems that aid in forecasting, resource allocation, production planning, flow and process management, inventory management, customer delivery, after-sales support and service, and a host of other activities and processes basic to business.

Material handling is a broad category consisting of all the different types of appliances or equipment that help to move, store, protect, or control materials or products throughout a facility. Material handling equipment is a critical component of any manufacturing plant, warehouse, distribution center, or shipping facility. There are four types of material handling equipment: storage and handling, engineered systems, industrial truck, and bulk handling. High-quality material equipment has been a major part of the third industrial revolution – allowing manufacturers and distributors to significantly improve the speed, accuracy, and safety of operations. Common material handling tools and machinery include: racks, mezzanines, engineered floors, conveyors, automated guided vehicles, hand trucks, forklifts, stackers and bucket elevators, and more.

MHI was incorporated in 1945 and is the nation’s largest material handling, logistics and supply chain association. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for members, their customers and the industry. MHI sponsors two very large material handling, supply chain expos – ProMat (hosted in Chicago, IL in odd years) and MODEX (hosted in Atlanta, GA in even years). In addition, MHI has 17 industry groups that represent the leading providers in several key equipment and system solution categories. These groups share information, conduct research to stay at the forefront of their industry. Activities include statistics collection, standards development, technical publications, safety and education.

Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products is currently involved in the following MHI Industry Groups:

  • TRG (The Robotics Group)
  • SMA (Storage Manufacturer Association)
  • RMI (Rack Manufacturing Institute)

Modular mezzanines take advantage of free space inside warehouses or storage facilities. Allowing operations to build up, rather than out, mezzanines are flooring systems that are built above the ground level. With modular stairways and walkways, access is provided to industrial platforms made up of lightweight, heavy-duty flooring panels. Modular mezzanines can be constructed where space is limited, giving warehouse operators more flexibility in how they use their space. These mezzanines can be used for additional storage, walkways for warehouse workers, office space, and more.

In 1970 Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. OSHA enforces its regulations and standards by conducting inspections based on priority such as an imminent danger situation, fatality, or a complaint.

ResinDek engineered flooring panels have been tested per ASTM D2047 standards and has been found to meet or exceed OSHA specification for slip resistance.

Warehouse pick modules are multi-piece systems that allow for high-density storage and more efficient warehouse operations. With proper configuration, these modules work well in multi-level warehouses and distribution centers so products can move more quickly and efficiently throughout the space. Modules can consist of mezzanines, conveyors, pallet flow racks, carousels, automated pickers, and more. Warehouses can make better use of available space through pick modules. They also contribute to fewer accidents, less damaged goods, faster picking, and enhanced accuracy – all helping to reduce overall operations cost and better profitability.

Push back pallet rack systems are gravity flow systems that store pallets on carts with rail and wheel bases for improved storage and rotation. The racks are slightly angled toward the front, letting gravity help fill the front of the rack where goods are loaded or unloaded. It operates on a Last In First Out (LIFO) system. The goal of a push back racking system is to store more pallets within one’s warehouse space, but also giving forklift operators the ability to access pallets more easily. This adds more efficiency to inventorying and picking. In fact, 90% more storage space can be offered than selective pallet racking since the high-density systems typically are two to six pallets deep.

Rack supported mezzanines, or shelf supported mezzanines, are systems that offer high-density storage within warehouses or distribution facilities. The second floor becomes another level of storage space. The walkways are built to be the rack aisles, helping pickers locate and select goods within the system – whether manual or automated. Often part of a pick module, the catwalk aisles allow products to be stored above and below the platforms. Rack supported mezzanines offer operations teams with better space efficiency because you can store more goods into more confined spaces and can take advantage of the height of your facility rather than building out.

The moisture-resistant composite resin board used for mezzanine decking surfaces is not the same flooring panel as ResinDek®. ResinDek flooring panels are far superior to “resin board” and are backed by a 10-year product warranty that covers pallet jack loads. ResinDek panels have been independently evaluated and approved for use in Types I-V construction, and as part of a fire rated assembly when constructed in accordance with IAPMO Uniform Evaluation Service Report – United State ER Number 467 and Canada ER Number UEL 5027.

Be sure to specify ResinDek flooring panels for your next project and if you see resin board floor panels on a quote ask them to change it to ResinDek – you don’t want a generic resin panel for your mezzanine, pick module, robotic flooring or any other area where structural integrity matters.

Selective racking is a popular racking type for bulk storage of materials and goods. Appropriate for both pallets and boxes, selective racking gives warehouse operators the ability to access goods where and when they need them. Bays are constructed in such a way where retrievers have direct access to the pallet they need without having to move others out of the way. Most common warehouses have single rows against the walls and double rows in the middle of the warehouse, creating aisles in between, so people, forklifts or AGVs can move about to retrieve pallets. It is the most common style of pallet racking today.

Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) is an independent, third-party organization that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) per the ISO/IEC Guide 17065. Reports produced through the UES are based on referenced code requirements, technical data evaluations, AQ system evaluations, and the use of recognized laboratory services displaying compliance with the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Thus, building products, materials and designs bearing the UES mark of conformity are trusted for their conformity and workmanship by contractors, inspectors, architects, engineers, officials and Authorities Having Jurisdiction. UES is now recognized worldwide.

ResinDek flooring panels were evaluated and approved by UES for use in Types I-V construction, and as part of a fire-resistance rated assembly when properly installed. United States ER Number 467 and Canada ER Number UEL 5027.

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