Carton Flow - Gravity Flow Rack
Carton flow is a style of shelving that utilizes a gravity feed rear load design. Each unit consists of one or more inclined runways. Product is loaded in the rear of each runway. As products are removed from the front, the item directly behind it slides forward in place of the previous.
The main advantage of carton flow rack over static rack or shelving systems is that merchandise remains better organized and easier to find/pick. With carton flow rack, the product is automatically rotated on a first in first out basis. Merchandise is stocked in the rear of the carton flow rack and moves toward the picking station in front on an inclined shelf equipped with specially designed roller track. When a carton is removed from the picking station, the next one in line rolls to the front. Carton flow always keeps items within reach. Inventory is easier to monitor and control since products are fully visible at all times.
Restocking and picking typically offer the greatest opportunity for
improving efficiency within order picking operations. With carton
flow rack systems labor savings of up to 75% can be realized almost
immediately. Because items are picked from the front and stocked
from the rear, both functions can be performed without interference
and with minimized travel.
In a static storage system such as standard shelving, the stockers and
pickers are often doing a lot of unnecessary travel.


Below is a video that provides a great overview of carton flow span-track. Our manufacturing partner Unex has several carton flow options depending on the specific requirements for your application.