For beverage warehouse operations, a library of consumer trends are making operators view automation as the go-to solution in storage and retrieval.

Pressure to adapt processes to accommodate SKU proliferation is felt by manufacturers and distributors seeking methods to best suit their operation.

To keep up with burgeoning stock, warehouse experts are “looking up” and strategizing storage solutions that deal with decreased high-moving SKUs and the challenges of “long tail” slow-moving products.

The rack system is ideal for a wide range of warehouse applications and markets including food and beverage.

Steel King Industries Inc. offers cost-effective, durable storage systems for improving operational efficiency: the drive-in and drive-through racking system.

Growth and change in the beverage market has created trends that impact not only new product development and packaging design, but also extend into warehouse and distribution centers.

Home improvement shows have put a spotlight on the benefits of customized closet organizing systems. Yet, when it comes to warehouse operations, it’s going to take more than a visit from “The Property Brothers” to accommodate the expansive needs of a beverage manufacturers and distributors.

It’s an exciting time for the alcohol beverage industry. As the economy has improved throughout the past five years, consumers have enjoyed a rise in disposable income. This translates into more consumers opting for more expensive or premium beverages, such as craft beers.

A facility that contains packaged product, equipment and people has been called many things; however, that big “barn” generally is referred to as a warehouse. These facilities also will vary in size, layout and capabilities.

“SKU proliferation is the largest change the industry has seen in the last decade,” says Aaron Corcoran, account executive for Westfalia Technologies Inc., York, Pa.