Racking systems may seem like a no-brainer to those working in warehouses or retail stores, but for those who haven't spent time in the logistics business, not all racking is created equal. In fact, there are many factors to consider when choosing which carpet racking system to use.
There are four main types of racking: pallet racking, cantilever racking, mezzanine racking, and drive T-in/drive-through racking. Pallet racks are the most widely used storage structures in warehouses and retail stores. Cantilever racks can be used when pallets or other large containers aren't available or when they would be too heavy to use with pallet racks. Mezzanine racks are used as an extension of a pallet rack system and offer greater flexibility than standard pallet racking. Drive-in/drive-through systems can store goods that can't be stored on any other type of racking system, such as long items like pipes or lumber.
Things to consider:
1. Space:
If you want to get the most out of your warehouse, it's important to choose a carpet racking system that is designed specifically for it. That way, you can increase storage density, which means that you can fit more goods into a smaller area—a good option if you're short on space. Storage density also affects how quickly you can retrieve items from storage: if there are fewer boxes or pallets in between the item you need and yourself, it will be easier to find what you're looking for and take it out.
This matters even more if your warehouse has a high volume of goods coming in and out. In this case, retrieval time is an important factor in determining whether your stock management system is effective or not, so increasing storage density comes with another added benefit. For example, if each pallet holds the same number of items, but one is denser than the other, it will take less time to unload the pallet with the higher storage density; therefore, more pallets can be unloaded per hour. If each pallet takes 15 minutes to unload and there are 10 pallets per hour leaving your warehouse, then increasing storage density by 10% would mean that only 9 pallets would need to be unloaded per hour instead of 10.
2. Size:
If you're looking to start a palletizing system at home, it's important to choose the right pallets for the job. Pallets come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to pick out ones that are a good match for how you plan to use them.
Giant pallets—often called "4-way" pallets—are most commonly used for shipping purposes. They're the biggest around, but since they're designed for use with forklifts and other heavy-duty equipment, they won't fit in your average garage or storage space.
Squat (or "2-way") pallets are more standard in size and shape and can be used with a forklift or by hand. But unlike their bigger counterparts, they don't have to be handled as gingerly when stacking or moving because they're lighter and smaller overall.
One of the major advantages of using 2-way pallets is that they tend to be cheaper in bulk than larger pallets. If you're willing to do some extra work on your end, this will save even more money over time. It also saves you the trouble of having to find a place to store another giant 4-way pallet.
3. Equipment:
We have been getting a lot of questions about racking lately. The most frequent question is how the racking will be accessed. This affects your choice of racking and needs to be taken into account. For example, you're purchasing new racking for a warehouse where all the equipment is operated by forklifts. The forklifts can only go back and forth on the same level. In this case, it's best to get racks that are 4 to 6 feet tall with full-height uprights.
If you're storing materials that need to be picked with reach trucks, you should look at racks that are 3 feet high with half-height uprights. Regardless, the most important thing to remember is that you shouldn't sacrifice safety for convenience or cost when it comes to picking materials or stockings. It's worth it to get a good quality rack—it will last longer, perform better, and keep your employees safe from material falling on them from above!
4. Used or new?
If you're starting a new business or opening a new warehouse, you'll need to sort and organize your products in order to keep things tidy. A pallet racking system is one of the most effective ways to organize your goods—you'll be able to store more products, and more of them will be within reach when you need them.
There are two main types of racking systems: used and new. If you're on a limited budget or if you don't think you'll need your pallet racking system indefinitely, you might want to consider investing in a used system instead.
When purchasing a used racking system, make sure you only buy the system from a reputable provider and that all the necessary safety checks have been made. While a used racking system may not be as durable as a new one, it can still provide great value for money if it's in good condition and if the parts have been well-maintained by the previous owner.
5. Safety:
Safety is always a paramount concern when you install warehouse storage, and it's even more important if you decide to purchase used racking. This is because, while the existing structure may be in great condition, the parts themselves—such as the rails, posts, and beams—may not have been properly maintained and could have become corroded or damaged. You should always ensure that all of the components are in perfect working order before you begin the installation.
6. The best type for you:
When selecting the right racking system for your warehouse, a specialist will be able to consult with you on what is best for your needs. Have you ever wondered about the different racking systems available? There are many options, and it can be a bit overwhelming to find the right one for you. Single-deep systems are fairly common, as these give low-density storage. Double-deep systems store pallets behind each other in a rack, and you will need a reach truck to access these. A Push-back rack allows for higher-density storage by storing five loads from each aisle; this helps to store more pallets in the same amount of space. Drive-in racking is another option that allows for very dense storage.
You also have gravity flow, cantilever, live storage, and shuttle racking systems. It's essential to choose a provider who can help you with choosing the right system for your warehouse.
Abazar shelving is a Dubai-based company that provides quality modular shelving and racking solutions for warehouses, carpet racking systems and storage facilities in UAE.