Popular Racking Systems for Warehouses
Warehousing is a crucial part of supply chain management, providing the space needed to store goods efficiently and safely. One of the key elements in optimising a warehouse is selecting the most suitable pallet racking system. An effective racking system maximises space utilisation, enhances accessibility, and improves inventory management. In this blog, we will explore […] The post Popular Racking Systems for Warehouses appeared first on The Warehouse Racking Company.
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Warehousing is a crucial part of supply chain management, providing the space needed to store goods efficiently and safely. One of the key elements in optimising a warehouse is selecting the most suitable pallet racking system.
An effective racking system maximises space utilisation, enhances accessibility, and improves inventory management.
In this blog, we will explore some of the most popular systems which include:
- Cantilever Racking
- Drive-In Racking
- Live Racking
- Mobile Pallet Racking
- Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking
- Wide Aisle Pallet Racking
If you’re looking for a FREE quote right away on any of the above pallet racking systems, call our dedicated team today at 0800 4880 785 or use the contact form and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racking is a versatile storage system primarily used for storing long, bulky items such as pipes, wood items, tubing, and furniture. It consists of vertical columns and horizontal arms, allowing for easy loading and unloading of products. Unlike traditional pallet racking, cantilever racking does not use vertical shelves, giving it the flexibility to store items of varying lengths without the need for additional adjustments.
Advantages
Flexibility: Can store a range of long or irregularly shaped items.
Accessibility: Open-front design allows for easy access using forklifts or other pieces of equipment.
Customisable: The arms can be adjusted to accommodate different product sizes and weights.
Considerations
Space Utilisation: Cantilever racks can take up more floor space compared to other racking systems.
Weight Capacity: While they can hold heavy loads, it’s important to ensure that the racking is appropriately rated for the weight of the items being stored. Think about this strongly before ordering a cantilever system.
Drive-In Racking
Drive-in racking is designed for high-density storage, ideal for warehouses that need to store a high volume of the same product. This system allows forklifts to drive directly into the rack to pick up or drop off pallets. It operates on a “last in, first out” (LIFO) principle, making it best suited for products that do not require frequent rotation.
Advantages
High-Density Storage: Minimising aisle space maximises the capacity of the warehouse.
Cost-Effective: Not needing excess space in the warehouse means a more cost effective solution overall.
Ideal for Bulk Storage: Perfect for storing large quantities of the same products or items.
Considerations
Limited Access: Since it uses a last in, first out system, drive-in racking is not suitable for products that need regular rotation.
Forklift Damage: The potential for rack damage is higher due to forklifts frequently driving in and out of the system. This can be avoided with careful attention to detail however.
Live Racking
Live racking utilises inclined tracks with rollers to steadily allow gravity to move products down the line. This would also make live racking a “first in, first out” (FIFO) storage system. This setup is ideal for time-sensitive products, such as perishables, or in high-turnover environments.
Advantages
Efficient Stock Rotation: Ensures products are rotated on a first in first out basis, minimising the risk of spoiling stock.
Space Efficiency: Reduces the need for aisles and optimises floor space.
Reduced Handling Time: Pallets automatically move forward, reducing the time needed to retrieve them.
Considerations
Installation Costs: Can be more expensive to install due to the complexity of the roller systems. Though also consider how worth it, it could be after this initial investment.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to ensure the rollers and tracks function smoothly.
Mobile Pallet Racking
Mobile pallet racking systems are designed to maximise storage density without compromising accessibility. These systems are mounted on mobile bases that can be moved along tracks, allowing multiple racking aisles to be opened or closed as needed. This system is particularly useful in environments where space is at a premium.
Advantages
High Storage Density: Maximises the use of available space by eliminating the need for fixed aisles.
Enhanced Accessibility: Aisles can be opened or closed as needed, allowing access to any pallet at any time.
Flexible: Suitable for a large range of products and storage requirements.
Considerations
Initial Investment: Higher upfront costs due to the complexity of the mobile base systems.
Energy Usage: Some mobile racking systems require power to operate, increasing operational costs.
Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking
Narrow aisle pallet racking is designed to maximise storage space by reducing the width of the aisles between racks. This system requires the use of specialised narrow aisle forklifts, which can manoeuvre in tighter spaces compared to standard forklifts. Narrow aisle racking is ideal for warehouses with high ceilings, as it allows for the construction of taller racking units.
Advantages
Increased Storage Capacity: Reduces aisle width, allowing more racks to be installed within the same space.
Improved Selectivity: Provides direct access to each pallet, enhancing order picking efficiency.
Suitable for High Ceilings: Utilises vertical space effectively allowing for taller racks.
Considerations
Specialised Equipment: Requires investment in narrow aisle forklifts or order pickers which can be costly.
Operational Complexity: May require more precise forklift operation, potentially impacting retrieval times. This can be overcome by quality driving however.
Wide Aisle Pallet Racking
Wide aisle pallet racking is one of the most common racking systems used in warehouses. It features wider aisles that allow for the use of standard forklifts, making it an easy-to-implement solution. This system provides direct access to every pallet, making it suitable for a wide range of products and inventory management needs.
Advantages
Ease of Access: Wide aisles allow for easy manoeuvring of forklifts, enhancing accessibility to stored goods.
Versatile: Can accommodate various product sizes and types, making it suitable for mixed inventory.
Cost-Effective: Lower installation costs compared to more complex racking systems.
Considerations
Lower Storage Density: Requires more floor space due to the wide aisles, reducing overall storage capacity.
Fit-For-Purpose: This system may do a job but may not be specialist enough for your needs and requirements due to being a fairly standardised system.
Get Your FREE Quote From Warehouse Racking Company Today!
Choosing the most suitable pallet racking system is crucial for optimising warehouse operations. Each system has its own set of advantages and considerations, making it important to align the racking choice with the specific needs of the warehouse. We hope you’ve found some useful information in this blog as we aim to provide a balanced review of several types of racking systems.
All there’s left to do now is get in touch with our expert team if you’d like to discuss anything further or get a FREE quote on a system. We are specialists in the supplying of, installation, maintenance and repairs of racking systems and would love to help you with your next project.
Simply call The Warehouse Racking Company today on 0800 4880 785 or use the contact form on our website and we’ll be with you in the quickest time we can. We look forward to dealing with your racking system enquiry soon.
The post Popular Racking Systems for Warehouses appeared first on The Warehouse Racking Company.
