The warehouse racking market was worth USD 8.72 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow massively in the coming years. These revenues are reflective of the value of these types of storage systems for any warehousing company.
But how can you choose the best warehouse racking system for your business’s needs? Using the right types of racking can streamline your operations while making the wrong choice can cause delays in your processes.
While there is no one size fits all answer, you can find your perfect warehouse racks by considering several vital factors.
Let’s dive in and learn more.
Pallet Rack Utilization
There are several different types of warehouse racking systems that are designed to meet the needs of various industries. For example, a pallet flow rack is ideal for grocery food storage as it uses a first-in/first-out (FIFO) system which allows for a rapid turnover of goods.
But, if you are going to be storing bulky and heavy items, a drive-in rack can be an excellent solution as you can maneuver your forklift between the rack posts.
While there are many standard options, you can also contact a custom pallet rack manufacturing company that can make a solution to meet your exact specifications.
Pallet Rack Accessibility
It’s important that your employees can access goods stored on warehouse racks whenever required. But, some racking systems make this process easier than others.
A selective pallet rack offers instant access to any item located on its shelving, but retrieval can take longer when using a push-back rack. This is because the first pallet added becomes the last one to be taken off.
Considering this aspect at the start can save your staff a lot of time and hassle later on.
Warehouse Floor Space
You could have a lot of warehouse pallets taking up floor space, and building vertically can be a great way to free up much-needed square footage. In this scenario, using double-deep racking can allow you to build high and maximize your available space.
Pallet Racking Budget
When picking racking for your warehouse, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option. But, this can result in your racking system not being fit for purpose and needing to be replaced too soon.
If you are trying to keep costs low, you can buy rack modules. This allows you to add to your racking storage space as your business grows.
Be Flexible When Choosing Warehouse Racking Systems
You may find that using more than one type of warehouse racking system can give you optimal storage results. When purchasing racking be sure to consider your amount of available warehouse floor space and how much you are willing to invest in your racks.
It’s also crucial to think about the purpose of your racking system and to have a plan for how your staff will access the stored merchandise.
You can then design a racking setup that simplifies your warehouse workflows and boosts profitability.
For more helpful hints and tips, check out our Business section before you go.
