How to select a Warehouse Racking System?

So, in this blog, we’ll discuss what a warehouse racking system is, the factors to consider while selecting a suitable warehouse racking system, and the different types of warehouse racking systems.

In today’s highly competitive markets, proper record management is supreme to streamlining warehouse operations. It is one of the many challenges faced by warehouse professionals, but it can be easy by selecting the right warehouse racking system.

What is a Warehouse Racking System?

A warehouse racking system is a storage solution designed to stack or store stocks in horizontal rows with multiple levels. These systems can help you manage and better utilize your warehouse space while organizing load to streamline operations.

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Warehouse  Racking System.

Each warehouse racking system has its own set of requirements. The right warehouse racking system must be able to increase your space utilization without embarrassing your operations, especially the picking process.

To know which warehouse racking system is appropriate for your warehouse, consider these factors:

●     Budget - Consider this factor while making sure that the warehouse racking system fulfills all your needs.

●     Floor Utilization - The ability of a warehouse racking system to maximize the warehouse floor space.

●     Storage Utilization - The amount of space you can use in the warehouse racking system. The amount you need will depend on the quantity, size, and weight of your baggage.

●     Versatility - The ability of warehouse racking systems to accommodate a wider range of goods.

●     Inventory Management - The order of inventory retrieval required by the warehouse racking system.

 6 Types of Warehouse Racking System.

1.      Drive-In Racking System:

The drive-in racking system offers maximum density storage of products in your warehouse racking. It eliminates openings in a warehouse facility and is excellent for storing large amounts of similar products in limited space.

●     Budget: $150 – $180 per pallet

●     Floor Utilization: 55%

●     Storage Utilization: 60 – 65%

●     Accessibility: Supports forklifts.

●     Versatility: Products cannot be mixed in each row.

●     Inventory Management: Last In, First Out (LIFO).

2.      Double-Deep Racking System:

The double deep racking system is an alternative that provides a nice increase in density but requires special equipment and is slower to operate.

●     Budget: $50 – $70 per pallet

●     Floor Utilization: 60%

●     Storage Utilization: 85 – 90%

●     Accessibility: Supports forklifts.

●     Versatility: Best for storing the same items.

●     Inventory Management: First In, Last Out (FILO).

3.      Selective Racking System:

The selective racking system is the most popular warehouse racking system due to its reasonable design and it has the largest selection of sizes and accessories. The selective racking system is excellent for standard storage for all requirements that call for instant access to products.

●       Budget: $35 – $60 per pallet

●       Floor Utilization: 35%

●       Storage Utilization: 90 – 95%

●       Versatility: Able to handle different types of goods.

●       Inventory Management: First in, First Out (FIFO).

4.      Push Back Racking System:

The push back pallet racking system offers more pallet storage while also maintaining better selectivity as different lanes are used for each item, making them easier to locate, pick, or put-away. Push back warehouse storage racks use front loading/unloading, which eliminates the need for multiple openings.

●       Budget: $275 – $295 per pallet

●       Floor Utilization: 75%

●       Storage Utilization: 70%

●       Accessibility: Supports forklifts.

●       Versatility: Best for storing the same items.

●       Inventory Management: Last In, First Out (LIFO).

 

5.      Narrow Aisle Racking System:

Narrow aisle racking follows the characteristics of selective racking, which offers better access to every pallet.

●       Budget: $50 – $60 per pallet

●       Floor Utilization: 90%

●       Storage Utilization: 90%

●        Accessibility: Not accessible by regular forklift

●       Versatility: A variation of items can be stored.

●       Inventory Management: First In, First Out (FIFO).

6.      Pallet Flow/Live Racking System:

Pallet flow racking system is a high-density storage system that uses a combination of high rails and dynamic components such as gravity rollers, conveyors, etc. Pallet or Live warehouse storage racks use the power of gravity. Using the Pallet or Live racking system can double or even triple the storage capacity of your warehouse racking and is better utilized for expiration-date-sensitive products.

●       Budget: $170 – $185 per pallet

●       Floor Utilization: 70 – 75%

●       Storage Utilization: 85 – 90%

●       Accessibility: Supports forklifts.

●       Versatility: Best for storing the same items and high-volume items.

●       Inventory Management: First In, First Out (FIFO).

Conclusion

Selecting the right warehouse racking system usually proves to be an exhausting task due to the availability of a wide variety of racking systems in the market. The best way to avoid getting confused with this task is to consider the factors mentioned above. The right warehouse racking system will help you maximize your space for proper record management and also help streamline warehouse processes.

Comment below your favorite warehouse racking system.