No warehouse is exactly the same, so when it comes to selecting a pallet racking system, each warehouse has different needs. The warehouse size would determine the types of pallet racking you require, and the types of pallet racks you need can determine how the warehouse racking system is laid out. The method by which the product is pulled also dictates how to arrange your warehouse and pallet racks, and how to access them. Fortunately, there are several pallet racking options to suit your needs depending on the type of product you are handling and your order flow.
Here are 5 tips to help you when selecting a pallet racking system.
Storage Density. If capacity maximization is what your warehouse needs, consider deep lane storage solutions such as drive-in, drive-through, or push-back racks. This will create more space for products to be placed in your warehouse and gives you the ability to organize objects by how often they are required. Consider using cantilever racks for items which are hard to store, such as pipes and wood.
FIFO AND LIFO. If you manage your inventory on a first in the first out basis, you don’t want to use racks where these items could be pushed to the back. Use selective pallet racking to pick items easily and avoid additional storage and handling costs.
Picking Profiles. Note how you handle and pick your products. Many items need to be picked by pallet while others are picked by hand. Different picking methods require specific pallet racking to make them accessible to your employees. Consider also how the items are ordered and how packed. These too can influence your pallet racking system and your warehouse flow and affect it.
Wire Decking. The use of wire decking impacts the pallet racking system. Wire decking helps in keeping your pallet racks stable. Wire decking is the most common rack decking and it helps to support pallets on load beams. The density and weight of the pallets you handle will decide whether additional wire decking is needed or not.
Forklift Access. Forklift visibility comes along with the picking of profiles. With large loads that will be picked by case or pallet, you need to make sure a forklift can get to them. This means you need to space your pallet racks an appropriate distance apart so that the forklift can navigate easily without running the risk of bumping into any racks or items stored on your floor.
Ready to take the next step towards a more efficient warehouse? Please give us a call or email us the details of your project. Our passion is to provide pallet racking and other warehouse storage systems for our customers to help their businesses thrive.
