Pallet-racking systems are essential for storing and managing inventory in warehouses and distribution centers. The proper racking setup can save time, space, and money. When preparing to implement racking, operators may have questions about optimizing, maintaining, and choosing the best system for their facility’s needs.
In this post, we provide answers to the top five unanswered questions about pallet racking. Examine the solutions, using them to guide the steps you’ll take to improve your operations.
1. Is There a Type of Pallet Racking That’s Worse Than Others?
In a word, no! Some warehouse operators may think there’s not a straight answer to the question of the best and worst pallet-racking types since all have their strengths and suitability. For this reason, the answer to this question varies from warehouse to warehouse, depending on facilities’ sizes, layouts, inventory volume, and operational processes.
Selective racking is the most popular, offering direct access to every pallet. It’s ideal for businesses with varied inventory or low turnover rates. There’s also drive-in and drive-through racking, which works well for high-density storage and high-volume inventories.
Drive-in systems allow forklifts to enter the rack structure, following a last-in, first-out (LIFO) picking strategy. Drive-through systems add access to both sides, supporting first-in, first-out (FIFO) methods. Pallet flow racking is another option that’s great at supporting FIFO systems. It allows for faster picking with minimal manual handling.
The design of cantilever racking systems makes them ideal for bulky or irregularly shaped items. This is the solution for you if your warehouse deals with oversized goods and products of ranging forms, such as pipes, lumber, and furniture.
Cantilever designs are unique because they eliminate vertical columns on the front, granting you and your workers unobstructed shelf access. If you want to upgrade to cantilever storage racks or add other shelving solutions as necessary, consult a racking supplier like Direct Pallet Racking for tailored recommendations and customizable products.
At Direct Pallet Racking, our team recognizes that warehouses and distribution centers across various sectors come in multiple sizes and have distinct needs. We’ll collaborate with you to design and handcraft durable, specialized products with your facility and operations in mind, guaranteeing you the right racking system.
2. Are All Pallet Racks Optimizable for Space Efficiency?
Yes, optimizing pallet racking is one of the most impactful ways to use your space effectively. Maximizing warehouse space is a juggling act, balancing inventory storage and operational flow. So, where do you start?
The key lies in understanding your warehouse’s dimensions and inventory profile. Measure not just the floor space but the vertical space to utilize your facility’s full height potential. Determine which racking system best maximizes cubic storage and if it requires specialized forklift training to maneuver in tighter spaces.
3. How Can I Ensure Compliance With Safety Standards?
When it comes to pallet racking, safety isn’t negotiable. A single failure can cause adverse outcomes like accidents and injuries, operational downtime, and regulatory penalties.
Pallet-racking systems are industrial equipment that must meet stringent guidelines. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-outlined regulations and Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) specifications emphasize the importance of load capacities, proper installation, routine inspections, and clear labeling.
Proper Installation
Improper installation resulting in missing bolts or unsecured beams can compromise the system’s structural integrity. For a job well done that emphasizes safety, call on certified installers like our specialists at Direct Pallet Racking, who follow manufacturer guidelines and securely anchor racks to the floor.
Check Your Load Capacity
Load capacity signage is another critical requirement. Make sure each upright frame has clear signage indicating its weight-bearing limits. Visual cues like these can help everyone stay on the same page and avoid overloading that could lead to injured workers or damaged products.
Safety Features
Guardrails and rack protectors are also necessities. These add-on components prevent forklifts from accidentally bumping into racks, which can cause structural damage that’s hard to spot until it’s too late.
4. Are All Pallet-Racking Systems Expensive?
It’s not just about the upfront investment of a pallet-racking system. Other factors impact total ownership costs, including long-term maintenance, reconfiguration costs, and operational efficiency.
Consider that some racks that seem affordable upfront may have lower densities, which makes them less economical over time in high-turnover facilities. On the other hand, drive-in, pallet flow, or cantilever racks may seem pricier upfront but save money by reducing warehousing space requirements and labor.
When budgeting for a pallet-racking system, account for installation fees, safety add-ons, periodic maintenance, and equipment upgrades.
5. Are All Pallet-Racking Systems Long-Lasting?
When it comes to a pallet-racking system’s life expectancy and lifecycle, remember that even the most well-built racking system isn’t “set it and forget it.” Regular maintenance is essential to getting the most out of your investment and preventing catastrophic failures.
Conduct regular inspections. Safety standards often require routine checks for rust, bent beams, dented uprights, missing components, and other imperfections. Maximize safety by training employees to recognize early warning signs of wear and tear and scheduling examinations by professional installers.
Additionally, clean your racks as often as you can. A clean racking system performs better, is safer, and is easier to inspect. Dust, debris, and oil can accumulate in hard-to-reach places, adding weight or reducing stability, so scheduled times for cleaning are just as important as scheduled inspections.
Choose Pallet Racking that Ramps Up Productivity and Safety
Pallet racking is vital to warehouse productivity, efficiency, and safety. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and answering these top five unanswered questions about pallet racking can help you unlock its full potential.
The right pallet-racking system does more than store products; it creates a foundation for a smooth, efficient, and safe warehouse environment. By optimizing space, complying with regulations, choosing the right racking type, budgeting wisely, and maintaining your system, you set your operation up for long-term success, one rack at a time.
