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Warehouse owners might need new pallet racking systems for a wide range of different reasons, but before making the commitment and purchasing new racking for your warehouse, there are some things that you need to think about. Make sure you do some research and think carefully before taking the plunge.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a few things for you to consider before planning a new warehouse racking installation. From asking why you need new pallet racking in the first place to being aware of the different types of pallet racking available, here’s everything you should think about when planning your new warehouse racking:
1. Ask yourself why you need new racking in the first place
Is it absolutely necessary that you need to implement a whole new pallet racking system? Why are you implementing new pallet racking? Are your other systems too old or too small now? Are you looking to downsize your warehouse and therefore need pallet racking of a reduced size? There are plenty of things to consider before splashing out on brand new pallet racking systems, so make sure you’re asking yourself those questions before committing.
2. Think about the type of stock your warehouse stores
You might think that this is one of the most important things to consider when looking to implement new warehouse racking, but it’s often not the first thing that warehouse owners think about in this situation. It’s an important factor when considering new pallet racking for the warehouse because stock and inventory can vary greatly, whether it be weight, size, shape or nature of the stock.
For example, non-perishable items cannot be stored in the same way as perishable items. We’ll discuss the different types of pallet racking below so you can have more of an idea of what you’re looking for and what will be best suited to the type of stock you have. For instance, pallet racking operating on a first in, first out (FIFO) method will be ideal for perishable goods so as to encourage stock rotation. Whereas there are other pallet racking systems available that are better suited for dark rooms or cold storage.
3. Look into the different types of racking that’s available to you
It’s a common misconception that all warehouse racking is the same, consisting of large, metallic shelving that vary in depth, height and width. Where this is true in some cases, there are actually many different types of warehouse racking on the market, each one being more suited to certain applications than others. Let us go through them all, briefly, for you below:
- Selective single-deep pallet racks – a standard pallet rack ideal for large warehouses as accessibility is simple and efficient
- Selective double-deep pallet racks – similar to single-deep pallet racks but you’ll gain storage density as you’ll benefit from more depth capacity, although it’s advised you don’t locate them against a wall as it will limit accessibility somewhat
- Pushback pallet racks – perfect for maximising space and storage capacity, although it operates on a last in, first out (LIFO) method, allowing products to be stored for longer periods of time
- Drive-in pallet racks – used to gain storage capacity, it’s important to note that it will result in a reduction of loading and unloading speed. These also operate using the LIFO method
- Pallet flow pallet racks – great for maximising storage space, operating using the first in, first out (FIFO) method. Essentially the first pallet going in the bay will also be the first one to come out. It can be used to storage products that last for a long time, but that also need to be sent out quickly
- Carton flow pallet racks – similar to pallet flow racks, but designed for smaller items. They also operate using the FIFO method
- Automated storage & retrieval system (ASRS) – a high-tech solution that’s perfect for inventory that’s uniform in size and weight. It can also be used in settings where human workers cannot operate, such as cold storage or dark rooms for film or photo storage
4. Are there building requirements or regulations you need to abide by?
You need to check whether or not you need to adhere to any building regulations or guidelines. It might depend on how permanent you want your warehouse racking to be, but it could also depend on the size or height of your racking as well. Your premises might have certain features that will affect the installation of your new warehouse racking.
For instance, the floor needs to be able to support large, heavy loads, so it needs to be reinforced and not contain under-floor heating. You might find it beneficial to invite a professional commercial surveyor to your warehouse to be able to assess the area you would like your new warehouse racking to be. In turn, this will help to ensure:
- You have enough clearance to make sure the area is safe
- That aisles spaces and width are large enough to accommodate, at least, a VNA forklift
- That loads can be loaded and offloaded with ease and as safely as possible
- That particularly tall warehouse racking will be solid and sturdy when fully-stocked with products
- That reach trucks and forklifts have the capacity to be able to reach considerable heights
5. Consider the location of your warehouse
Depending on where your warehouse is located, together with the location of where you’d like your new racking to sit, it might become more challenging to implement your new warehouse racking system. For example, the pallet rack design might need to be different if it’s in a high seismic zone. Where this will largely depend on where your warehouse is located in the world, it’s most definitely something that you’ll need to consider when planning a new warehouse racking installation.
Multy Lift are experts in the material handling sector, with over three decades of experience in the industry. We can provide our customers throughout the UK with strong and sturdy warehouse racking. We are also proud to supply high-calibre new and used forklifts as well as an impressive selection of new and second-hand warehouse equipment, such as reach trucks, order pickers, pallet trucks and more. We also have a complete range of commercial cleaning equipment and chemicals to help keep your warehouse in top condition. For more information about our robust, durable material handling equipment, or for some advice or guidance, get in touch with a member of our specialist team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.
