Warehouse Racking Solutions Explained: Which Type Is Right for Your Industry?
Warehouses are big places where businesses store their products in a safe and orderly manner. To keep everything safe and organised, we use warehouse racking solutions. These are tall shelves that hold all the items neatly in place.
Getting the right racking system is extremely important because it helps businesses make the most of their space and find things quickly.
In the following blog, we will discuss several types of racking systems mentioned, along with information on which one may be best for differing business needs.
Learn with this how the systems work and why they become so helpful.
What Is Warehouse Racking?
Warehouse storage racking system is a way to store goods in a warehouse. It uses tall shelves or racks to help businesses keep their products organised. This makes it easier for workers to find and move items when needed. We usually make racking systems from strong materials like steel. Additionally, this helps them hold heavy items without breaking.
Each type of racking system solves specific storage needs.Some systems are great for large and bulky items, while others will do better service with small and light products.
So, let’s look through the types and see what they can do.
Types of Warehouse Racking Solutions
1. Selective Pallet Racking
The most popular variant of racking systems is selective pallet racking. The term “selective” means that one may take any existing position without moving other items. Thus, this makes it perfect for warehouses that store many different products.
- Easy access to all products
- Can store many types of items
- Works well with forklifts
- This racking system is great for industries like retail or food.
If you need to get to your products quickly and easily, this might be the right solution for you.
2. Drive-In and Drive-Through Racking
Therefore, businesses that store a lot of the same item use drive-in and drive-through racking. In a drive-in system, forklifts go in through one side to load and unload items. In a drive-through system, they can go in from both sides. Moreover, this helps save space by stacking items closely together.
- Stores large quantities of the same product
- Saves space by reducing the need for aisles
- Ideal for products that don’t need frequent access
- Additionally, this type of racking is great for industries like cold storage or manufacturing.
3. Push-Back Racking
Push-back racking is when items are set on carts that ride on rails. Items are placed at the face, and upon the addition of another item, it automatically pushes all of them to the back. As such, this system works well in businesses using the “Last-In, First-Out” method.
- Stores products multiple pallets deep
- Good for bulk storage
- Last-In, First-Out system
- Push-back racking is often used in industries like frozen food storage.
4. Cantilever Racking
However, cantilever racking is perfect for long, bulky items like lumber or pipes. It uses arms that extend from the frame to hold these items. However, the open design makes it easy to store and pick up items of different sizes.
- Ideal for storing long or awkwardly shaped products
- Adjustable arms for different sizes
- Easy access to products
- Cantilever racking is commonly used in the construction and furniture industries.
5. Pallet Flow Racking
Pallet flow racks are rack types driven by gravity. The shelves are inclined, so when a product is placed in a backrow, it automatically moves the product to the front. This system uses the First in, First Out (FIFO) method. Thus, this means the First in is the first one taken out.
- Uses gravity to move items
- First-In, First-Out system
- Works well with heavy products
- So, this system is perfect for industries like food and beverage, where products need to be rotated regularly.
6. Carton Flow Racking
Carton flow racking is like pallet flow racking but for smaller items. It also uses gravity, making it easy for workers to pick items quickly. Additionally, this system is great for businesses that need to pick a lot of small items fast.
- Perfect for high-volume order picking
- First-In, First-Out system
- Reduces picking time
- Retail and e-commerce businesses often use carton flow racking.
7. Mobile Racking
Mobile racking systems mount on wheels or tracks. You can move these racks to create aisles when needed.Additionally, this saves space while still allowing easy access to all products.
- Maximises storage space
- Can be moved easily
- Perfect for compact storage
- Additionally, this system works well with libraries, cold storage, or any business that requires storing numerous items within a small space.
How to Choose the Right Racking System
The appropriate racking system will depend on your application. So, different industries call for different solutions based on the type of product that is being stored.
Therefore, the following factors help determine which racking system best suits your warehouse.
- Product Type: Will your products be large or small, light or heavy? So, the kind of product you’re going to store is a major determinant for selecting the right racking system.
- Product Flow: Do you use the FIFO method, using the oldest product first, or are you using the LIFO method of using the newest product first? Additionally, the type of product flow that you need will help you in determining which system is best.
- Available Space: What is your total square footage inside the warehouse? Are the ceilings high? Do you need to maximise the floor space? So, knowing your warehouse layout can help you to be able to determine how much of a racking system is most effective.
- Equipment: Are you using fork trucks to move your material handling around? Moreover, or are you picking items by hand? How you are handling your products will determine what type of racking you should install.
Final Thoughts
Overall, warehouse-racking solutions rule businesses that store products. The right system in use ensures that you arrange and run the warehouse efficiently. Thus, a racking system exists to meet all needs, from retail to manufacturing and food storage. Finally, knowing all of them will help you make wise choices for your business. Organising and securing products keeps your warehouse running smoothly.
You can rely on Buildtech Systems, which can help you empower your business through an intelligent warehouse racking system. So, you can expect faster warehousing operations and employee working efficiency. Call us to learn more: +603-8066 3893.
