If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a lot of stuff. And, if you’re like most people, you don’t have enough storage space to put all of your stuff. That’s where warehouse racks come in handy. If you’re looking for things to outfit your entire garage, GarageSmart® got you covered. We can turn your cluttered garage into a clean, crisp, highly functional area for your home.
But, with so many different types and sizes of warehouse racks available on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll give you tips on how to choose the right warehouse rack for your needs. Stay tuned!
Exactly what is a Racking System for a Warehouse?
A warehouse racking system stores products that allow for the horizontal racking of many floors. With the help of these technologies, you may better organise your warehouse’s cargo and make better use of the available space.
Considerations for Choosing the Best Racking System
Different storage facilities have various needs. The ideal racking system will maximise your storage space while minimising disruptions to your workflow, particularly during the choosing process.
It is important to think about the following while deciding on a warehouse racking system:
- The cost per pallet is estimated in the budget. This should be considered while ensuring that the racking system meets all your requirements.
- In a warehouse, floor utilisation refers to how well the racking system can use the available space on the floor.
- Space Utilisation in Storage Calculates how much of your racking system’s storage capacity you use. Your shipment’s quantity, dimensions, and weight will determine how much money you’ll need.
- Accessibility for Forklifts: the ability to move heavy materials with specialised equipment. This accounts for the space needed by forklifts to move through the warehouse.
- Racking systems that are versatile can store a greater variety of items.
- Warehouse picking priorities are determined by inventory management.
Picking the Right Racking for Your Warehouse
Your warehouse’s or distribution centre’s success hinges on the quality of its racking system. Therefore, it is important to consider physical limits and specific operating requirements before deciding on a rack system, even if you intend to make modifications and reclaim space in an existing facility.
Think About the Amount of Data That Can Be Stored
Opportunities for deep-lane storage can be found by assessing inventory volumes by SKU. Double-deep, try driving, drive-thru, pallets flow, and stretch racks are examples of deep-lane storage that can greatly improve a warehouse’s cube usage.
Be Aware of Your Preferences
A selectivity of 100% eliminates a large portion of potential options. Deep-lane storage is not a good option if you need constant access to a certain set of pallets. Pallets may need to be “buried” if storage space is extremely limited. It may be reasonable to expend the extra effort needed to gain access to these loads if they are reserved for the least popular SKUs.
Which Method of Inventory Management Do You Use, FIFO or LIFO?
Before deciding on a deep-lane storage option, know your needs. Pallet flow racks are an excellent choice if strict FIFO (First in, First Out) ordering is a must. In a FIFO setting, different deep-lane storage options may be used. However, weigh your options carefully because buried loads could considerably boost the labour expenses associated with material handling.
Learn to Recognise Your Picking Tendencies
The format of your orders, please. What do you often pick up when you go to work? Is the goal of your bulk-picking operation to restock a forwards pick zone? How you answer these questions can significantly impact the type of rack you buy and how you set it up.
It’s Important to Think About Forklift Access
Choosing the right type of fork truck is essential, especially when dealing with unique storage solutions like try driving, drive-thru, double or racks.
Also, add between six and twelve inches to the “right angle” stacking aisle requirement given by the vehicle manufacturer when using specific rack systems. Increased productivity and a safer working environment will result from this measure’s success in reducing damage to products and racks.
Ensure there is no Decking on the Racks
Differences in colour schemes are commonplace. Therefore, it is important to check the placement and condition of the bottom boards and fork pockets to ensure the driver’s and the load’s safety. In addition, if you’re having issues with a wide variety of pallets, you may need to invest in more rack components (pallet supports, decking).
Locate Your Earthquake Zone
Before building and installing any rack structure, ensure you comply with all applicable federal, state, and municipal codes for your site and the seismic zone.
Stricter engineering standards will apply to racks and other artificial structures in earthquake-prone areas.
Take Some Time to Plan Out How You’ll Illuminate Your Warehouse
Warehouse lighting should consider the need for both increased accuracy and less rack damage, as well as the desire to provide a more pleasant working environment for employees.
Both the Type and Price of the Rack You Choose Will Be Affected by the Conditions in Your Warehouse
Think about things like the temperature and humidity of the warehouse, the necessity of regular product washings, and compliance with FDA rules and regulations.
Capacity
Avoid rough estimates and know exactly how much your largest pallet loads weigh. Then, put them on a scale! Build your system as if the heaviest pallet could be placed in your storage spaces (yes, there are exceptions). Your storage system will be more adaptable and secure as a result. With GarageSmart® Storage Solutions, you can have the perfect garage for your needs without all the hassle.
A Comparison of the Impact Resistance of Two Common Racking Systems
Structural racking is superior to roll-formed racking in terms of withstanding impacts because of its greater stiffness and strength. This is crucial because forklift drivers sometimes underestimate the distance between their vehicles and racking systems, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
There must be safeguards for both racking systems to protect against forklifts colliding with the racking. Warehouse racking can be protected from damage caused by forklifts by installing corner guards, warning signs, and floor markings in high-traffic areas.
Simple Construction
Compared to structural warehouse racking systems, roll-formed racking is the clear winner regarding assembly simplicity. In addition, teardrop connections on roll-formed racks eliminate additional hardware; you only need a mallet to firmly whack the pieces into position or a hammer on safety clips.
Structural racking systems are more challenging and time-consuming because of their bolt connections and larger weight. Yet the variation in initial configuration is so slight as to be of only marginal importance. However, the racking system’s adaptability is most directly affected by how quickly it can be put together.
Say, for instance, you need to reorganise the racking in your warehouse. When using a roll-formed racking system, it’s a breeze to disassemble the racks, rearrange the shelves, or switch out the shelves for something else entirely. In contrast, altering beam levels on organised racks is a more laborious and time-consuming procedure.
Budgeting for a Warehouse Racking System
Roll-formed racking systems are more affordable than their structural counterparts to buy and transport. This is because roll-formed racks are often built of lighter steel than their structural equivalents, resulting in a lower overall rack weight.
In addition, roll-formed racking typically has cheaper labour costs due to its ease of assembly. Garage organisation is a huge hassle – but it doesn’t have to be! Our GarageSmart® Shelving, Baskets and Hooks make garage organisation simple and easy.
As a result, the ROI for roll-formed racking systems is typically realised sooner than that of structural racks. However, structural racks may offer a higher ROI because of their sturdy build and lengthy service life.
In conclusion, selecting the right warehouse racking system requires careful consideration of storage needs, warehouse conditions, and operational requirements. Factors such as space limitations, access frequency, and the need for FIFO inventory management play a crucial role in determining the most suitable system. While roll-formed racks offer affordability and ease of assembly, structural racks provide greater durability and long-term value. Ultimately, the choice of racking system should align with both the physical constraints of the warehouse and the goals of efficient, cost-effective storage and workflow management.
