Are Your Silos Vertical? Or is the Real Issue the Horizontal ...

Are Your Silos Vertical? Or is the Real Issue the Horizontal Ones?

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Tracey Ezard

2 min read

Sep 9,

Not all silos are vertical. Organizations often discuss the need for effective collaboration, cultural integration, and strategic alignment. However, what if the primary issue resides within the vertical hierarchy of the organization? Silos can manifest in various forms: isolated teams, disconnected processes, and projects that operate independently. Decisions made in one department can negatively affect another, complicating the client journey through unnecessary touchpoints, which could be streamlined via improved internal communication. This is merely the tip of the iceberg.

Moreover, certain horizontal silos help maintain these vertical structures. These horizontal silos often arise in cultures lacking voice, psychological safety, and trust across different levels of the organization.

Horizontal silos can be characterized by:

• A rigid hierarchy that suppresses open debate and candid conversations among all levels
• A culture where contributions are valued solely based on status
• Decisions made at senior levels without thorough exploration from those implementing them (commonly known as the 'told from the balcony syndrome')
• A lack of platforms for organization-wide discussions
• A divisive 'us vs. them' mentality between the C-suite and the rest of the organization
• A fear of raising concerns to higher levels
• Inconsistent communication across different organizational levels

So, where do we begin?

When a significant divide exists between hierarchy levels, the first step is to identify the overlaps between these levels. Enhance capacity and capability to promote insightful discussions and constructive dialogues across these levels. It is crucial to explicitly develop this skill among the involved teams. Leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering psychological safety and encouraging a spirit of listening with curiosity rather than judgment.

As leaders improve their listening skills and practice problem-solving with the next level down (rather than for them), they foster insights and dialogues that lead to greater understanding and enhanced decisions.

Start this process at all overlapping levels of your organization, naturally leading to broader conversations around addressing vertical silos. The organization will not only establish forums for meaningful debates, but also foster the psychological safety and trust necessary to leverage those discussions for improved collaboration.

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Addressing horizontal silos is not an instantaneous process; the first step is cultivating self-awareness among leaders about the existing challenges.

I would love to hear your thoughts on horizontal silos. Do they exist in your organization? What impact do they have?

Vertical and Horizontal Silos - Bulk Grain Storage Silos

Storage silos are containers designed for the storage of bulk materials. These systems accommodate both short-term and long-term storage requirements for various products. Grain storage silos are typically cylindrical and constructed from high-quality galvanized steel. Silos meant for short-term bulk grain storage feature conical bottoms, while those intended for long-term use have flat bottoms to facilitate the cleaning process during discharge. Farmers who utilize silos to store their harvested crops enjoy improved food security, greater consistency in grain quality, and reduced waste, ultimately resulting in enhanced agricultural income. Nextech Solutions, India’s leading rice mill plant consultants, also provide storage silo solutions that are efficient and protective against spoilage due to rain and insect infestations.

Vertical Silo

Vertical silos can be circular or rectangular in design. The customizable diverging funnel flow at the base of a vertical silo allows it to accommodate various types of loads. Common materials used for constructing vertical silos include stainless steel, concrete, and carbon steel plates, depending on the environmental conditions. Key features of vertical silos include:

• Safety valve for pressure regulation
• Silo level blade indicator
• Blowing plant with a nozzle
• Service platform with ladder, back guard, and safety guard

The storage capacity of a vertical silo ranges from 50 to 70 tonnes, which is generally higher compared to horizontal silos.

Horizontal Silo

Horizontal silos require more ground space and come equipped with a mechanical extraction system. This system facilitates easy removal of stored materials and is located beneath the silo. Typically, horizontal silos are positioned away from direct heat and may even be installed underground. Some common accessories associated with horizontal silos include:

• Gear mechanism
• Lump breaker
• Explosion panels
• Silo weighing systems
• Needle gates
• Bag filters
• Pressure capacity for under/over conditions

Conclusion

The ideal grain storage silo for your needs depends on the space available for installation. Consider both your short-term and long-term objectives, as well as external factors that may influence your storage requirements before committing to a silo investment. Numerous customized silo options are also available based on specific needs. Consulting a Storage Silo Project Consultant is advisable to ensure that your investment is sound. With over a decade of experience, Nextech Grain Processing & Engineering Solutions Pvt. Ltd. offers Grain Milling Solutions that can significantly enhance your business operations.

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