A quality pallet racking system can enhance your warehouse’s operational efficiency and space utilization. Many key factors impact the best option for your unique layout and processes. You will need to be thoughtful about your decision to ensure you choose the ideal configuration to match the needs of your facility and enhance daily workflows.
Below are several practical tips for selecting the right pallet rack for your warehouse.
1. Assess Your Available Warehouse Space
When selecting the right pallet rack for a warehouse, consider the available warehouse space — it will determine the type of rack you choose and its dimensions.
Consider both the floor and vertical space your racks can occupy. You can maximize storage in your facility by investing in taller racking systems.
Assess the general layout of your warehouse to get a precise idea of the aisle width, height limitations, and ideal shelving levels to ensure seamless movement of goods and equipment. Working with a professional to design an efficient warehouse layout will help bring into focus the proper rack type and overall warehouse design.
2. Account for Equipment Movement
The pallet racking system you choose should accommodate your equipment. Warehouses rely on machines such as forklifts and aerial equipment to retrieve and move goods around the aisles. You should factor in the specifications and limitations of your equipment when choosing a racking system.
As you analyze the specifications of your material handling equipment, be certain to confirm they will be compatible with your planned racking layout. Key considerations to ensure you accommodate your warehouse fleet in pallet rack design include aisle width, lifting capacity, maneuverability and reach height.
You want to account for enough aisle width for equipment like forklifts based on the machine’s turning radius. Your warehouse setup should accommodate safe, efficient navigation through each aisle to minimize potential accidents and mishaps.
3. Determine Your Budget
Research different systems to get an idea of average pricing. Factors such as rack components, accessories, size, installation and type will impact your final costs. System maintenance should also be considered when determining your budget.
When selecting the right pallet rack for a warehouse — work with a trusted provider to ensure you are getting the right system at the best price. A professional can help you select a system within your budget that will safely and effectively fulfill your storage needs.
4. Evaluate Different Pallet Rack Design Options
Pallet racking systems come in multiple designs to meet varying warehouse needs. You do not need to be a design expert to find the perfect setup for your space. Again, it cannot be overstated, working with a warehouse professional will help you determine which type is best for your warehouse. They can answer your questions, make recommendations for things you may not have considered, and ensure you stay on the right path towards selecting a final solution that truly enhance your daily operations.
Here are a few of the various racking systems to consider:
- Selective: Selective racking is a common design with a single deep storage space. Its design makes access to each pallet fast and easy.
- Double-deep: Similar to selective racking, double-deep racking provides two rows of pallet positions, which increases storage depth.
- Drive-through: This robust storage system allows forklifts to enter the racking structure through the open ends, which offers more dense storage.
- Push-back: The push-back system uses carts to store up to five deep pallets, providing dense storage without requiring the lift operator to enter the system.
- Cantilever: The system utilizes a straightforward design ideal for storing long or irregular goods. Since the design is filled with rows but lacks front-facing columns, it provides easy product access.
- Pallet flow: Pallet flow is a first-in-first-out (FIFO) system that uses gravity to rotate stock.
5. Carefully Measure Racking Dimensions
The dimensions of a racking system are just as important as the design of your warehouse’s layout. Selecting the optimum sizes will ensure overall warehouse efficiency because aisle configuration, equipment navigation, restocking and retrieving operations will be seamless. The racking system should be properly engineered to ensure safe pallet storage.
Load information is necessary to properly design a racking system. Maximum weight, width, depth, and height of the pallet will determine the required dimensions of your pallet racking system.
6. Determine Load Capacity and Dimensions
One of the most practical tips for selecting the right pallet rack is to look at the products you intend to store. Different goods may require different storage requirements. The weight must comply with local regulations to ensure safety when handling your items.
Explore the following steps to determine load capacity and dimensions:
- Assess the weight of your goods: Calculate the maximum load capacity of your loaded pallets in order to determine the required capacity of your pallet racking system.
- Analyze the dimensions of your items: Depending on the type of goods your warehouse handles, you may have more or less opportunity to maximize vertical space because dimensions impact safety and stability.
- Review inventory size and volume: Can the racking system accommodate all your goods? How much inventory does your warehouse hold, and will the size and volume maximize floor space? These questions will help you pick a system suitable for your entire inventory.
7. Establish Safety Requirements
Facilities must have emergency safety procedures to ensure a conducive environment for everyone within the workspace. As a critical part of your facility, your racking system must comply with industry safety regulations, and everyone working around it must adhere to important requirements.
Safety begins with the planning and selection process. Choose a system with high-quality steel and other durable materials. During installation, collaborate with qualified professionals to ensure the correct alignment of all components. In addition, conduct regular safety inspections and maintenance to identify and fix potential issues, such as structural damage or loose parts.
Explore Quality Pallet Rack Solutions from Eastern Lift Truck Co.
Investing in a pallet racking system can enhance warehouse operations, boost efficiency, and improve worker safety. If you need help in choosing pallet racking, the ELT Warehouse Products Group at Eastern Lift Truck Co. is ready to assist you. Our team has helped countless customers navigate the many decisions needed to land on the best feasible options to suit your budget, load capacity and dimensional needs.
Working with a trusted pallet rack provider is important, and Eastern Lift Truck Co. is a reputable full-service equipment company with over 50 years of industry experience serving the Mid-Atlantic region. We take pride in delivering unparalleled quality products and services.
Explore our pallet rack solutions, or contact us to speak with one of our representatives today.
