Warehouse managers are always looking for ways to optimize their warehouse storage systems. Pallet racks are preferred for many warehouses because they efficiently use storage space by taking advantage of vertical space. Used storage racks are great for new businesses because they are cost-efficient and often come partially assembled.
Optimize your warehouse’s used pallet racking to get the most storage for the cost. Consider the layout of your warehouse space, type of inventory, labor costs, and scalability to optimize your used pallet racking.
Warehouse Layout
The first step to improve your warehouse storage capacity is finding the best pallet rack configuration. The amount of floor space, the aisle widths, and your current material handling equipment factor into your optimal layout.
Type of racking
There are many types of racking you can choose from. Two examples are selective pallet racking, which offers the most accessibility, and push back racking, which provides your warehouse with unmatched storage density.
Selective pallet racking is the most accessible form of pallet racking for material handling equipment. It is a low-density design, but it can be made into double deep racking by placing two aisles of racking back to back.
Push back racking is a high-density storage option because pallet loads are stored multiple pallets deep into a rack. Only the pallets at the front of the rack are accessible to the material handler. This type of racking is suitable for last-in, first-out product rotation.
Aisle spacing
You need to consult safety regulations and your warehouse floor space to find your optimal aisle spacing. OSHA recommends an aisle width of 3 feet wider than the largest piece of equipment in use. OSHA also recommends a minimum aisle width of 4 feet.
Narrow aisles increase warehouse storage capacity by creating more room for rows of racking. However, you must comply with aisle width safety recommendations to prevent workplace accidents and damage to the storage system.
High flow and low flow areas
If your storage system needs to accommodate multiple inventory types, consider segregating your warehouse based on inventory flow. Inventory flow refers to the period from when a pallet is stored to when it is accessed for production. High flow inventory is stored for short periods, and low flow inventory is stored for relatively long periods.
Create different areas in your warehouse for high flow and low flow inventory, so workers access high flow products faster. Different pallet rack styles match the different flow speeds. For instance, pallet flow racks work well with first-in, first-out inventory, like perishables and produce, that are only kept in short-term storage.
The Warehouse Aisle Sign Kit by Aigner Label Holder is essential for any warehouse layout design. Signs assist workers in locating inventory and make the training process quicker. The Aigner Label Holder sign kit flexes when contacted so it will not break.
Increase Productivity With ETP
Once you have built a used pallet racking system, you need to plan where to store specific inventory. Expected Time to Pick (ETP) is an inventory layout model that factors the accessibility of storage bays in the storage layout decision.
The most accessible bays are on ground level and close to the exit of the rack aisles. These storage bays should be filled with high-flow inventory. Low flow inventory can be stored in higher storage bays that are deeper into the racking system. ETP makes your warehouse’s average retrieval time faster, which saves you money on labor.
Universality for Future Optimization
Purchase used pallet racking that has universal design features such as teardrop-style rivets. The majority of upright columns have teardrop connection points for horizontal beam connection.
With universal design features, if a part is damaged, you can replace it rather than the entire system. Structure universality also allows warehouse managers to adjust the pallet rack’s dimensions to accommodate any inventory. Horizontal beams easily move up and down on the uprights, which changes the bay height for any inventory storage needs.
Invest in Efficient Used Pallet Racking
Your business demands a storage solution that optimizes warehouse space and cuts down on costs. Used pallet racking that is organized according to your inventory and that is universal will deliver on your business’ storage needs.
Visit Shelving + Rack Systems Inc. to learn more about used pallet racking. Contact us at (800) 589-7225 with any questions about the various storage systems we offer.
