The Ultimate Guide to Choose Storage Racking

The right storage racking system is a key to warehouse space optimization, efficiency enhancement, and safety. Racking comes in different forms, each suitable for a particular need, and it is important to know the different types and their advantages and disadvantages. Here is an all-inclusive guide to aid businesses in making the best decisions when choosing the ideal storage racking system.

Types of Storage Racking

1. Selective Pallet Racking

Overview

Selective pallet racking is the most common type of storage racking where all pallets can easily be accessed. All the pallets are accommodated in these racks vertically supported by vertical beams with a space between each of them for the forklift to move in and out.

Advantages

• Accessibility: Each pallet directly accessed, and easy withdrawal or replacement of products can be done.
• Versatile: Suitable for almost every kind of forklift training, and it can accept many different pallet sizes
• Low Initial Investment: relatively inexpensive at the outset in comparison to other systems
• Space Utilisation: Lower storage density, since aisles are needed between every row.
• Limited Depth: Not good for high-density storage or in tight space.

Best Suitable for

Warehouses with fast turnover and lots of different items, all of which need to be accessed fast.

2. Drive-In and Drive-Through Racking

Overview

Drive-in and drive-through racking systems maximise the utilisation of storage density where the forklift directly moves into the rack structure. Of course, the difference will come in as it relates to access, for this type of racking drive-in will only access from one side, such as in first-in, last out, while drive-through can be accessed from both sides as first in, first out.

Advantages

• High Storage Density: Maximally utilises space hence utilising more products within minimal areas.
• Appreciated in bulk storages: Perfect storage facility in bulk storages or vast quantities of a connected product.

Disadvantages

• Limited Access: Less access to specific pallets; accessing items will require removal of the products ahead.
• Specific Forklift Requirements: Needs forklifts that can fit inside the aisles of racking.

Best Suitable for

Companies with seasonal items or bulk products having minimal product turnover, for example, cold storage and bulk goods storage.

3. Push-Back Racking

Overview

Push-back racking is a deep storage system where pallets are loaded from the front and pushed back to stack each new pallet behind the last. As pallets are removed, gravity pushes the remaining pallets forward, creating an efficient flow.

Advantages

• Maximises Space: Achieves higher density than selective racking.
• FIFO or LIFO: Can be configured for either First-In-First-Out (FIFO) or Last-In-First-Out (LIFO).

Disadvantages

• Reduced Access: Visibility and access to individual pallets in deep lanes are restricted.
• Higher Initial Investment: More costly than selective racking because of additional mechanisms and complexity.

Best Suitable for

Warehouses where limited space is a major concern but with a lot of turnover, for example on perishable products or a product that experiences regular periodic fluctuations in demand.

4. Pallet Flow Racking (Gravity Flow)

Overview

It follows the principle of gravity pulling along inclined tracks to get pallets out through any given rack. It can be arranged to bring forth automatic FIFO inventory rotation where, after removal of each pallet, the subsequent is pushed forward automatically into vacant space.

Advantages

• Automatic Stock Rotation: Ideal for perishable products that require a FIFO cycle.
• High Density: The aisles are not necessary to be too many since it would maximise the space without aisles.

Disadvantages

• Tough Installation: It requires a special installation with sloping rails and smooth floors.
• Maintenance: It has higher maintenance costs due to the mechanism.

Best Suitable for

Companies that have perishable products such as food, pharmaceuticals, and more.

5. Cantilever Racking

Overview

Cantilever racking has its arms coming out from the vertical column. It applies to long, bulky articles like pipes, lumber, or steel beams.

Advantages

• Good for Long Items: Easy access to long items that cannot fit into any other type of racking.
• Versatile and accessible: The adjustment of the arms makes it possible for items of different lengths to be stored.

Disadvantages

• Not good for heavy load: It is not well-suited for heavy loads.
• Space utilisation: requires wide aisles for a forklift Singapore access.

Best Suitable for

Warehouses that store long, irregularly shaped items or building materials, such as manufacturing facilities and lumber yards.

6. Mobile Racking

Overview

Mobile racking systems are mounted on guided, movable bases that slide on tracks, allowing aisles to open only where needed. This system is controlled electronically, often with remote controls or sensors.

Advantages

• Maximised Floor Space: Greatly reduces aisle space requirements, maximising storage capacity.
• Controlled Access: Ideal for high-security areas with restricted access.

Disadvantages

• High Cost: It is the most expensive since it has an electronic system and mobile bases.
• Time to Open Aisles: It takes time, which can slow down the operations.

Best Suitable for

High-value items, archive storage, or warehouses that have very little space where maximum storage density is needed.

7. Mezzanine Racking

Overview

Mezzanine racking refers to an addition of further storage space at an upward angle over the floor area of a warehouse. This is just another elevated platform above the floor. Most of these are adapted for specific applications.

Advantages

• Optimal Space Utilisation: Maximise vertical utilisation space without requiring more foot print in the warehouse
• Flexibility in usage and adaption: This type can be adapted for diverse usage of storage systems underneath and overhead in the mezzanine

Disadvantages

• Structural Complexity: Installation requires careful consideration and sometimes requires a permit. This makes the time taken to install be extended, and so is the cost
• Accessibility: Other machinery, such as stairs or a lift is needed to access the top

Best Suitable for

E-commerce fulfilment centres as well as distribution warehouses since their primary need for extra space in the form of floors to hold stuff, as this kind of business lacks floorspace.

How to Choose The Right Storage Racking

1. Inventory type and turnover rate: Selective or push back will be best for those items that are fast movers to maximise access. On the other hand, the ones that are not usually accessed and stored for longer periods are best kept in drive-in or pallet flow.
2. Floor Area: Assess your floor space. You can also opt to make vertical expansion through the mezzanine racking in order to maximise the storage capacity without expanding the facility.
3. Budget: Budget is always there but in the long run spending money for a quality racking system which meets your needs will eventually be more economical. Look at the upfront cost with the potential savings on the space, efficiency, and labour.
4. Safety: The racking you should choose would have to qualify in terms of safety for your industry. Its weight and size must also suit the size and weight of your inventory. The anti-tip mechanism and weight limitation prevent accidents.
5. Expansion: When you expand, you would require a more flexible system. Some of the flexible options that allow for easy extension of operations when expansion takes place include selective and push-back racks.

Final Thoughts

Making the correct storage racking system in a warehouse is one of the highly important decisions one makes before optimising their operations. With every system being different with its pros and cons, you can have the one that suits you by measuring your inventory requirement, the space you want, and the budget allocated. When working with a seasoned provider like UMW Equipment, you are ensured to receive the kind of guidance and support needed from experts to make the right decision for your needs. Your business will, through the right storage racking Singapore system, enjoy efficiency, safety, and proper utilisation of valuable space.