Overview of Catwalk Storage
Shelving supported catwalks are complex, multi-tier shelving systems where the top of the shelving units supports an intermediate flooring or walkway (the catwalk). This structure creates multi tier shelving systems for manual picking operations, allowing workers to access inventory across two or three levels without requiring lift equipment. This design drastically reduces floor space requirements for organizing thousands of SKUs and is a highly efficient solution for high-volume order fulfillment centers and archive storage.
What You Get in Catwalk Platforms
Our complete catwalk systems are engineered for structural integrity, worker safety, and seamless flow.
Heavy-Duty Shelving Units
Industrial-grade shelving (often bulk or boltless style) engineered for the added load of the flooring, people, and product.
Catwalk Flooring
Robust metal decking, planking, or bar grating that creates the sturdy, non-slip walkway.
Stairs and Handrails
Code-compliant, industrial stairways and railings for safe access to the elevated picking platforms.
Gate Systems
Safety gates for transfer zones where product can be lifted or lowered between levels.
Vertical Conveyance Points
Integration points for conveyors, lifts, or chutes to move picked product from upper levels to ground level packing areas.
Egress Planning
Detailed structural plans and permitting to ensure the system meets safety codes for exit routes.
Benefits of Multi Level Shelving Systems
Implementing a catwalk system provides significant operational and financial advantages for intensive picking operations:
Massive Space Saving
Dramatically reduces the floor area needed for a large SKU count by utilizing vertical space, effectively doubling or tripling your storage footprint.
Increased Picking Speed
Separates the loading (replenishment) area from the picking area and centralizes inventory, minimizing worker travel time
Optimized Labor Efficiency
Workers remain on the elevated picking platforms for extended periods, reducing the time spent traveling to and from the floor level.
Clear Inventory Segregation
Excellent for maintaining organized, high-density storage of small parts, apparel, or archived documents.
Permitting and Structural Efficiency
Often a more streamlined process than a fully independent mezzanine, as the shelving structure simplifies construction.
Related Warehouse Systems
Catwalk systems often incorporate other shelving and vertical solutions for maximum efficiency.
Boltless Shelving
The most common shelving supported catwalks component, as its modularity works well for multi-tier structures.
Flow Racks (Carton Flow)
Often integrated into the lower levels of catwalk systems to feed high-velocity, small-item product directly to the picker.