How to Choose a Warehouse Racking System
What type of racking system do you use in your warehouse? There are many racking systems that you can use in a warehouse. How did you choose the one you use? The current competitive market needs proper inventory management to streamline warehouse operations. Maintaining appropriate inventories is challenging for professionals. When you have a better racking system, the process will be easy.
An appropriate racking system for your warehouse will have the following factors.
Storage Density
Analyze the on-hand volumes for you to identify the deep lane storage opportunities. The deep lane storage pallet flow increases cube use in a warehouse.
Understand Your Selectivity
Your selectivity limits the choices you make. If you need to access specific pallets often, you have to avoid deep lane storage.
Are You A LIFO Or FIFO?
FIFO is the First In, First Out while LIFO is Last In, First Out. When you are using FIFO, use the pallet flow racks. Under proper circumstances, you can use the deep lane storage in a FIFO environment. It will help if you are careful to avoid buried loads. They increase material handling labor costs.
Analyze Picking Profiles
Are you basing on picking pallets, pieces or cases? Are you bulk to replenish forward pick zones? Answers to the questions will determine the type of racking system to select and figure it out.
Consider Forklift Services
Will you use forklift services in moving the goods within the warehouse? If yes, then use specialized storages like a drive-thru, double deep or drive-in racks. Whatever the rack you select, always add at least six to 12” to the right-angle stacking aisle. It’s a rule from truck manufacturers. It helps in reducing damage to racks and increasing productivity. It gives a safe working space.
Rack Decking
You will encounter pallet variations. The fork pocket and bottom board location will affect the driver and product safety. You may need extra rack components to control problems resulting from inconsistent pallets.
Choose A Seismic Zone.
The state, local, and federal codes relative to seismic zones and location are diverse. Understand them before you design and install a rack structure. Areas prone to earthquakes will have strict engineering measures for racks.
Your Warehouse Lighting System
To light a warehouse, you increase accuracy and improve the work environment. You end up reducing rack damage.
Warehouse Environment
Consider the warehouse’s climate, FDA regulations, and wash down requirements. They are among the special product handling needs to select the best rack system to use.
Warehouse Capacity
It’s not safe to assume the weight of heavy pallet loads. You have to weigh them to find out the weight. Build an appropriate racking system to store heavy pallets in your warehouse. There will be safety and flexibility in the storage system.
The Versatility Of The Racking System
The racking system of your choice should accommodate a wide range of products. If the warehouse deals in only one range of commodities, you won’t need a complicated racking system.
Floor use
The floor space in your warehouse is a concern when selecting a racking system. A better rack system must use the warehouse floor space to limit wasting space.
Budget
It’s the cost of each pallet. Check the price of the system that will fulfil all your needs in the warehouse. Also, choose a rack system depending on the capital you have for the business.
Conclusion
You need to ease inventory management by installing a sound racking system. Use the above factors when selecting which racking system to install. Don’t assume things like weight and state regulations. You can visit website to get the state’s regulations.
