A skid is a warehouse equipment made of a single deck platform. This platform is supported by stringers or runners which provide stability to the whole structure.
Skids and pallets are often used interchangeably but there are slight differences in their making and functionality.
Difference Between Skids and Pallets
Let’s go through these differences below:
- Skids only have an upper deck while the pallet has both upper and bottom deck.
- Skids are used to store heavy equipment or goods while the pallets are used to transport products.
- Skids have only one deck which makes them cheaper than the pallets.
- Due to having one deck, skids can be dragged easily. Pallets have a bottom deck as well which makes it difficult to drag but easier to transport using a forklift.
- The use of skids can be traced back to the Egyptian and Mesopotamian empires while the use of pallets was popularized during World War 2.
There are several distinctive features of warehouse skids that separate them from other warehouse tools.
Main Features of Warehouse Skids
The following are the main features of a warehouse skid:
Diverse Load-Bearing Capacity
Warehouse skids can bear a diverse set of weights due to their making. These tools are made specifically to handle heavy loads.
There are multiple ranges of skids that can handle different sets of weights.
Diverse Range of Compatibility
Skids are compatible with various warehouse equipment such as forklifts, conveyor systems, and pallet jacks. This compatibility ensures that loading, offloading, and movement of products inside the warehouse is smooth.
Level Deck
Probably the most useful feature of a skid is its leveled deck. This stable surface is feasible for storing heavy objects for a long period.
It also serves as a foundation for stacking products on top of each other as skids are stable storage options.
Stackability of Goods
Goods can be stacked on top of each other on skids. This depends on the type of product that is placed on the skid. For example, if products stored in a cardboard box are placed on the skid, several of them can be stacked.
If an item of an irregular shape is placed on the skid, the stackability factor may not come into play.
Standard Dimensions
Often, the dimensions of skids are standardized by the manufacturers. For example, the common measurements of skids in North America are 48 x 40 inches.
This standardization is done to maintain compatibility throughout the supply chain.
When used in the warehouse, these features provide multiple benefits to businesses. Let’s explore some of them below.
Also, read about inventory cost.
Benefits of Using Skids in the Warehouse
Here are some major benefits of using skids in the warehouse:
Store Heavy Machinery
Skids are ideal for storing heavy machinery or other heavier products. This is because even though skids don’t have a bottom deck, they may have stringers.
These stringers can provide strength and support to the structure which easily holds heavy objects. In the warehouse, skids are ideal for storing heavy products that don’t have to be moved around a lot.
Saves on Material
Products don’t always need high-quality or heavy material storage space. Skids can handle heavy products even though they are mostly made from wood.
For example, the agriculture sector uses skids to store stones, cement, tractors, and even sod.
This shows that a variety of products, light or heavy, can be stored on the same type of skid and many times businesses don’t have to invest in multiple skids for multiple products.
Optimizes Warehouse Space
Skids can optimize warehouse space usage, mainly due to their stackability. The vertical space can be used by stacking skids if the products are not fragile.
This also clears a lot of floor space which can be used to store more products.
Enhanced Inventory Organization
Skids can enhance inventory visibility as they utilize vertical space in the warehouse. Staff can clearly see which products are stacked on the skid and in what quantity.
This makes inventory decision-making easier.
Conclusion
A skid is an essential warehouse equipment, mainly used to store heavy machinery or products. These can be used to store products of multiple types, weights, and shapes.
Skids improve warehouse management by increasing inventory organization and optimizing storage space.
