Are you searching for the right pallet racking system among the many pallet racking types available on the market? Look no further! This guide will help you understand the different pallet racking types and provide insights into selecting the most suitable system for your warehouse.
It’s no secret that the right pallet racking system is crucial for optimising warehouse storage. It improves efficiency and ensures the safety of both products and personnel. However, how exactly can one achieve this? Fret not, as Prestar Storage is here to share essential tips.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Pallet Racking Types
Inventory Characteristics
Understanding your inventory’s characteristics is the first step in choosing the right pallet racking system. Assess the physical dimensions and weight of the items to be stored to determine the right racking system to support them safely.
Additionally, consider the variety and volume of stock-keeping units (SKUs) you manage. Analysing these factors will help you select a system that can efficiently accommodate your inventory.
Warehouse Layout and Space Utilisation
Evaluate available floor space and ceiling height to maximise vertical and horizontal storage capacity. You should also determine the aisle width needed for forklifts or other handling equipment to manoeuvre efficiently between racks.
For a strategic approach to warehouse management, you must optimise vertical space and storage density. You can achieve this by selecting racking systems that allow for tiered storage, depending on your inventory and retrieval frequency.
Throughput and Selectivity Requirements
It’s also important to note how often and quickly items need to be accessed and moved within the warehouse. Firstly, evaluate whether your operations require immediate access to specific pallets without moving others.
Then, decide whether your inventory strategy follows first-in, first-out (FIFO) or last-in, first-out (LIFO) principles. FIFO ensures that older stock is used first, while LIFO may be suitable for operations where newer stock is preferred for immediate use.
Load Capacity and Durability
For this, several key factors should be carefully assessed, namely weight-bearing capacity, quality and strength of materials, as well as the pallet racking system’s ability to withstand impacts and maintain structural integrity.
For instance, you must match the weight-bearing capacity of the racking system with the weight of your stored goods. Ensure the racking system uses high-quality steel or other robust materials to withstand daily operations and maintain structural integrity over time.
Scalability and Adaptability
A versatile racking system should be compatible with these potential changes, ensuring that it can accommodate new inventory management strategies or technological advancements without requiring significant retrofitting or replacement.
Your racking system should allow for easy adjustments, reconfigurations, or expansions as your warehouse operations evolve. This adaptability helps maintain operational efficiency and maximise the lifespan of your storage infrastructure.
Budget and Return on Investment (ROI)
Regarding budget and ROI, you should consider the purchase price and installation and modification costs. Investing in an efficient pallet racking system can lead to significant long-term cost savings.
Plus, a well-designed racking system enhances warehouse productivity by facilitating faster retrieval times and minimising errors in inventory handling. This efficiency translates into reduced labour costs and enhances overall operational performance.
Read More: Heavy-Duty Racking System Benefits for Warehouses in Malaysia
Types of Pallet Racking Systems
Selective Pallet Racking
Firstly, selective pallet racking is the most common type of pallet racking. It enables direct access to every pallet stored, making it highly efficient for warehouses where different SKUs require frequent access and rotation.
This system is ideal for maximising accessibility and throughput in facilities with diverse inventory needs.
Double-Deep Pallet Racking
Meanwhile, the double-deep pallet racking is designed to store pallets two-deep, effectively increasing storage density compared to selective racking.
This configuration optimises warehouse space while maintaining a high level of selectivity for inventory retrieval. However, accessing rear pallets typically requires specialised lift trucks equipped with extended reach capabilities.
Drive-In and Drive-Through Pallet Racking
Drive-in and drive-through pallet racking systems maximise storage density by allowing forklifts to drive directly into the racking structure, eliminating the need for aisles between racks.
Moreover, drive-in racking is suitable for LIFO inventory management, where access is from one end only. On the other hand, drive-through racking facilitates FIFO inventory rotation by allowing access from both ends of the aisle.
Push-Back Pallet Racking
Push-back pallet racking utilises nested carts that store pallets multiple deep within the racking system. Pallets are loaded onto carts that slide backwards as new pallets are added, maximising storage density while maintaining relatively high selectivity.
This system is advantageous for warehouses needing efficient use of space with moderate selectivity requirements.
Pallet Flow Racking
Pallet flow racking employs gravity-fed roller conveyors to move pallets from the loading end to the picking end of the rack. This system ensures FIFO inventory rotation, minimising the need for manual handling and optimising throughput efficiency.
It’s particularly beneficial for high-volume operations with perishable goods or goods requiring strict inventory rotation.
Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racking is designed for storing long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items. It uses arms extending from a vertical column to support the load, allowing for easy loading and unloading without vertical obstructions.
Cantilever racking is essential for industries such as construction, manufacturing, and retail, where specialised storage solutions are necessary.
Mobile Pallet Racking
Mobile pallet racking systems feature racks mounted on mobile bases that move along floor-mounted rails. This design allows aisles to be opened and closed as needed, effectively maximising storage density by reducing the number of static aisles required.
This racking system is advantageous for warehouses with limited floor space seeking to optimise storage capacity and operational efficiency.
Read More: Industrial Racking 101: Your Comprehensive Guide to Efficient Storage in Malaysia
Safety Considerations and Best Practices
Adhering to Local and National Safety Regulations
Compliance with local and national safety regulations is critical to ensuring the safe operation of pallet racking systems. These regulations provide essential guidelines that help prevent accidents and ensure structural integrity.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance are pertinent to identify potential issues such as damage or overloading, allowing for timely repairs and adjustments to mitigate safety risks and maintain operational reliability.
Proper Training for Employees
Furthermore, providing employees with proper training on safe loading, unloading, and handling procedures is vital. Training programmes should cover topics such as load capacity limits, stacking techniques, and equipment operation within the racking system.
Use of Safety Accessories
Lastly, safety accessories such as wire mesh decks, column protectors, and guardrails enhance warehouse safety. These accessories safeguard both personnel and inventory, promoting a secure working environment.
Read More: Boltless Shelving Malaysia: Your Guide to Optimising Storage
Choose the Right Pallet Racking Types with Prestar Storage
At Prestar Storage, we understand the complexities of warehouse management and offer a wide range of pallet racking solutions tailored to meet diverse requirements.
Whether you need the versatility of selective pallet racking, the high-density storage of double-deep racking, or the efficiency of pallet flow systems, we have the expertise to help you make the best choice.
Contact us today to find the ideal pallet racking system for your warehouse and experience the difference that top-quality products can make!
