Rastersystem

What is a grid system?

A grid system refers to a design principle in which dimensions, spacings, and positions are defined according to a uniform base unit – the grid dimension. In intralogistics, grid systems are encountered primarily in shelving units with hole-pattern uprights, in floor storage slot grids, and in container and tray systems whose external dimensions are aligned to a common grid dimension. The principle is not a single product but a cross-cutting planning concept that connects hardware, infrastructure, and warehouse management.

How does a grid system work in practice?

The base unit of a grid system – often a multiple of 25, 50, or 100 millimeters – determines the increments in which shelf levels can be height-adjusted, dividers positioned, or containers combined. A typical example is the hole pattern on shelving uprights: beams can be hooked in at defined height intervals without drilling or welding. The grid dimension works similarly for small load carriers – a standard container occupies a defined fraction of a tray or conveyor section, allowing control software and conveyor systems to operate using simple division rules.

In practice, the grid system operates on several levels simultaneously:

• Structural level: Column grids, door widths, and aisle widths are aligned to the grid dimension to facilitate future expansions.
• Equipment level: Shelving, flow channels, and workstation systems follow the same base dimensions, keeping components from different manufacturers interchangeable – provided they adhere to the same standard or de facto standard.
• Container level: Load carriers, trays, and cartons are configured to grid dimensions so they can move seamlessly across conveyor belts, in automated small-parts warehouses, and at pick stations without modification.

What matters when making a selection?

The choice of grid dimension has long-term implications because subsequent changes to the infrastructure are costly. Relevant decision criteria include:

• Product range: The grid dimension should be chosen so that the majority of items can be accommodated without excessive space loss. A grid that is too coarse wastes volume; one that is too fine increases complexity.
• Compatibility with conveyor technology: Automated systems such as sorters, AS/RS, or AutoStore variants operate with fixed container dimensions. The grid system must be aligned to these dimensions.
• Scalability: Some manufacturers offer proprietary grid dimensions that restrict future purchases to their own product range. Open or standardized grid dimensions provide greater flexibility when switching vendors or making expansion investments.
• Norms and standards: In the European context, recommendations exist for load unit dimensions that can serve as a reference – however, binding requirements do not exist for all application areas.

Whether a uniform grid dimension across all warehouse areas makes sense, or whether different areas require different grids, depends on the individual operation and cannot be answered in general terms.