Organisation is one of the most important aspects of owning a business that involves having a warehouse or any similar type of logistics facility. Having all of the products that come and go organised in a tidily, approachable, and safe manner can increase the efficiency of your business, and consequently, the revenue. For that reason, picking the right type of racking system can be one of the most important business decisions you’ll ever have to make. But with so many racking systems available nowadays, how do you pick the right one?
The truth is, there’s not a single racking system that’s ideal for every type of warehouse, but pallet racking comes close to that ideal. There are numerous benefits to pallet racking systems, the biggest one probably being their versatility. Pallet racks give you complete freedom in how you want to use the available space in your facility. You can go as high vertically with them as you want and need, and you can make them as accessible as you want.
Some of the most commonly utilised pallet rack systems include the selective racking system, the pallet flow system and the deep lane pallet shuttle rack. Which one you choose for your warehouse will depend on your specific needs and available material handling machinery and equipment. The selective racking system is the most commonly utilised type you’ll come across in a warehouse. It’s very economical, efficient and versatile. It makes it possible for you to access products from any side with a forklift or a lift truck, and it allows for instant access to any pallet in your facility. This system works best for first-in-first-out applications, but it can take up quite a lot of warehouse space.
The pallet flow racking system is a special type of racking system that allows for last-in-last-out or first-in-first-out applications. It is ideal for products that have expiration dates, and for businesses that want to make the most out of their available space in the warehouse. In order to get a clear vision of how this system looks, picture getting milk out of a grocery store cooler. The entry point is at the back, and it will slide right to the front.
Deep lane pallet shuttle rack systems utilise deep racks and battery-powered platforms that move the pallets within the rack. This system is ideal if you want to minimise your lift truck’s travel time, and for moving your stock in a fast manner.