Storage requirements in many industries and businesses vary, and as a result, there are different types of racking systems that can be utilized depending on the need. One such type of racking system is Drive-In Racking.
Drive-In Racking is a high-density storage system that eliminates the need for aisles between each row of racking, thereby maximizing available space. In this system, pallets are stored on rails that extend deep into the racks. These rails are at a height that is suitable for a forklift to enter and place the pallet in the desired location. This storage style offers a First-In-Last-Out (FILO) access pattern, meaning that the last pallet stored is the first pallet retrieved.
Drive-In Racking is typically constructed with a series of vertical frames and horizontal beams, as with other racking systems. However, the rails are specialized in that they are customizable to fit the height and depth required for the specific pallets that need to be stored. The rails form a channel or tunnel that forklifts can drive into to place pallets directly on the rails between the upright beams.
As the next pallet is placed into the system, it will push the already stored pallets further into the system until it reaches the end. This creates the need for FILO retrieval, as the last pallet stored becomes the first pallet available for retrieval. Since there are no aisles in between racking, this type of storage is typically reserved for products with a low turnover rate.
Drive-In Racking is ideal for businesses with high volume inventory storage requirements, as it significantly increases the amount of storage space available compared to traditional racking systems. Additionally, with fewer aisles, there is less congestion from additional traffic, resulting in less wear-and-tear on machinery and improved safety.
While Drive-In Racking is a highly effective method for high-density storage, there are some limitations to its use. Since the pallets are stored in a tunnel, it is imperative that they are the same dimensions and weight. The lack of movement that is possible with this storage type can also introduce some challenges when it comes to quality control or monitoring.
In conclusion, Drive-In Racking is a highly efficient and space-saving storage solution that enables companies to maximize their available storage space. This type of racking system allows pallets to be placed deeper into the system, improving inventory capacity while reducing congestion from additional traffic. While this storage solution does come with some limitations, it remains an essential asset for businesses who require high-density storage systems.
