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The industrial warehouse racking system serves as the entire framework for your operation. When choosing a warehouse racking system, you need racking solutions that are ideal for your space and built to last. Recent reports indicate a substantial increase in the adoption of automated racking systems which optimize both space and efficiency.
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Your warehouse racking layout can include a small part of your space, or be used to furnish your entire warehouse. With a wide range of options to choose from, customizing your industrial warehouse racking to maximize density and efficiency will be a breeze. It can also be combined with various material handling storage solutions in order to suit your needs.
At first, choosing the warehouse racking solution that will best benefit your operation may be difficult. There are many options to choose from and each racking type offers different benefits. To identify which is best for you, explore what factors you need to consider.
Before you start to assess what each racking solution offers, evaluate your warehouse space and operational goals. This includes deciding if shelving or racking is predominately needed in your space. For larger areas, items, or high product flow, industrial warehouse racks will probably be the most effective and efficient option.
When you are choosing a racking system for your warehouse, the rack you choose must agree with the type of products you are storing. Start by accessing what item(s) you will be storing.
Consider the product you will be storing and the way your operation is or will be run. Keep in mind many operations can and will utilize multiple racking systems. Now, answer the following questions about what your operation requires:
What are my operation’s product flow requirements?
Product flow refers to how your product is moved throughout your operation. The two most common warehouse product flow types are first-in, first-out (FIFO) and last-in, first-out (LIFO).
FIFO storage compliments products that have an expiration date, such as food or beverage. FIFO storage can also be utilized when storing items that require rapid stock rotation or have a high turnover rate. The racking types that follow a FIFO product flow are drive-through rack, carton flow rack, and pallet flow rack. There is also an option to combine multiple racking types to create a pick module.
LIFO storage holds many benefits to an efficient warehouse operation. This system allows for product placed last into the racking system to be removed first. You should consider utilizing LIFO storage when you have product that has a long shelf life, or products that can be stored in bulk. If your operation requires LIFO storage, consider selective pallet rack, drive-in rack, push back rack, or combining racks to create a pick module.
Am I storing on pallets or piece picking?
When it comes to pallet storage, there are many options of rack available. This includes selective rack, push back rack, pallet flow rack, drive-in rack, and drive-through rack.
If you are looking to piece pick, carton flow rack provides options for consistent-sized cartons or cartons that vary in size. Carton flow rack also has options available such as tilt trays for the discharge end for an easier picking.
You can also incorporate bins with a selective rack system to accommodate piece picking.
The next section provides an in-depth analysis on the way each rack can be utilized.
Do I require designated areas for picking and overflow storage?
Incorporating dynamic and static storage areas can help improve throughput. Your warehouse layout and nature of your product flow will determine where your dynamic and static storage areas should be within the warehouse.
Dynamic storage, also known as forward pick, is the section of warehouse in which items are consistently picked for order fulfillment. In this area, high selectivity is vital to a successful operation, therefore often integrates multiple types of racking to reduce overall pick time, also known as a pick module.
The static storage area of a warehouse is where the overflow of products is stored, typically on pallets. This section of the warehouse is also referred to as the reserve storage area. Once products in the dynamic storage area are picked, pallets are retrieved from static storage for replenishment.
What is my available storage area including elevation?
Consider the size and shape of your warehouse. Do you have areas that are elevated? How tall is the space from floor to ceiling? How deep would you like your storage to be? How wide must the aisles be? Do you require a vehicle such as a forklift?
Knowing the answer to these questions will provide a greater understanding of how your warehouse layout should look. This will also allow you choose the correct racking type to best suit your desired warehouse product flow. For example, if your warehouse has high ceilings and you are looking to store non-perishable items in bulk, you may want to consider push back rack. This system can go as high as needed and typically stores products 2-6 pallets deep. The next section contains detailed information about the best uses for each rack.
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Will I be utilizing a vehicle such as a forklift?
Systems allow for either manual or forklift picking. Push back rack only allows for picking and replenishment via a forklift. If you are looking for a system to conduct manual picks, carton flow rack is an option to consider. Another option for manual picks is implementing a pick module. A pick module can offer you both pallet storage and piece picking. If you choose to go this route, a conveyor may be added to offer manual picks.
There are many warehouse vehicle options available. Most racking types allow for the use of a standard forklift. Although, there are times that a standard forklift may not work and another vehicle may be required.
Keep in mind, if you are storing any type of bulk item or material located on a pallet, this will most likely require the utilization of a vehicle.
Am I storing in a cooler or freezer?
Consider both the environment of your warehouse, and the environment that your product requires. If you are storing product that requires cooler or freezer storage accessed by a lift truck, it is recommended to use structural steel rack. Structural steel rack has greater frame strength and durability, allowing it to better withstand impact in these environments.
If you are storing product that allows for hand picks of chilled or frozen goods, roll formed rack may be used. Due to low risk of damage hand picking offers, the decreased toughness of the cold storage racking system is not a factor. Roll formed racking is cost effective compared to structural. Additionally, because the beams are attached to the uprights by inserting corresponding-shaped connectors as opposed to bolts, roll formed rack can be more easily adjusted and reconfigured.
All pallet racking types can be manufactured from structural and roll formed steel, so no matter which type of steel you’ve identified as the best fit for your operation, there are several racking system options to choose from. The next section contains an in-depth analysis of each of the racking types.
Now that you understand the factors that go into choosing an industrial warehouse racking system, keep your operational goals in mind when reading about each of the racking options. This section will provide you with a better understanding of how each racking system works, its ideal uses, and its key features. You can also view this video for a comparison of the different racking types.
Whether you are confident on which warehouse racking system you need or if you are looking for more guidance, we are ready to assist you. Feel free to reach out to us or browse our latest guides through our online resources. Submit a form or call 773-232-2863 to get in touch with a REB expert. REB has 17 in-house project managers and project designers, all highly experienced in the material handling industry. These professionals know this industry inside and out.
REB is a highly experienced systems integrator, in business since 1962. REB can provide you with top knowledge and will work with you to provide a turnkey system. From design, products procurement, subcontractor management, install, and permitting support, REB handles it all for you.
There are a number of rack providers out there. Whether your next step is to gather more information or request a quote, consider REB Storage Systems.
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