Proper inventory management is essential to streamline operations in warehouses. Inventory management, however, is not easy. With a sound warehouse racking system, any warehouse can organize and streamline its processes. The following blog discusses the importance and strategies of selecting the right pallet storage racks.
What Exactly Are Pallet Storage Racks?
Industrial pallet storage racks simply refer to a storage solution that helps stack materials across different levels. These systems help utilize warehouse space far more effectively while organizing all the goods in a streamlined fashion.
How to Select the Right Industrial Pallet Rack Shelving?
Every warehouse has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to selecting an industrial pallet storage rack. With the right racking system, a warehouse can effectively manage its space. Here are some important factors that need to be considered when choosing an industrial pallet rack system:
- Budget: Warehouses need to consider the estimated cost per pallet to ensure the finances align with the budget.
- Floor Utilization: This refers to the ability of the racking system to enhance the warehouse floor space.
- Storage Utilization: This factor describes the amount of space available in the racking system. The amount of space needed depends upon the cargo’s size, quantity, and weight.
- Versatility: This describes the ability of the racking system to accommodate different sizes and shapes of the products.
- Inventory Management: This explains the order of inventory retrieval needed in the warehouse.
- Forklift Accessibility: Another important factor is forklift accessibility, which refers to how well the rack shelves can be used with forklifts. Here, warehouses need to consider the amount of aisle width needed for the forklifts to maneuver.
Different Types of Warehouse Racking Systems
1. Selective Racking System
They come with three or four-side open configurations, providing a clear vision and easy access to the stored pallets. The selective racking system has a low-priced yet extensive size range because it comprises a modular design. Warehouses that need to store a wide variety of products on uniform shelving may benefit from this racking system. They are called “selective” because any pallet can be selected, taken out, or stored without moving another pallet. Both FIFO and LIFO inventory storage methods can be used with this racking system.
2. Push-back Racking System
This racking system has pallets sitting on carts that can be slid forward and pushed back. It’s similar in design when compared to refrigerators that store beverages. The racks are slightly tilted forward to allow the products to move forward automatically when the products in the front are removed. Similarly, the products are pushed back when new products need to be stored. This is suitable for fast-moving products or the LIFO inventory system.
3. Drive-thru Racking System
This racking system can save 75 percent pallet space compared to conventional ones. Forklifts can drive into the narrow lanes between two racks, making them useful for high-density storage warehouses. They are also relatively rigid and strong. However, this system only allows LIFO inventory storage.
Conclusion
There’s a huge variety of warehouse racking systems available on the market, but it’s important to make the right selection instead of blindly selecting just any industrial pallet rack shelving system that’s out there. Contact us to learn about different warehouse racking systems and get the right one for your specific warehouse needs.
