One of the most important aspects of operating a business involves increasing efficiency and boosting productivity to reduce costs. Cost reduction strategies help businesses to remain competitive, enabling them to offer improved pricing, increase their market share, and ultimately boost their bottom line.
Warehouse management and strategic storage systems are key in creating more streamlined storage solutions. Effective warehouse management improves efficiency and quality control across various warehouse operations, including material handling, moving products, storing inventory, storage capacity, and establishing picking routes.
The types of racks used to store goods in warehouses and distribution centers significantly impact productivity and efficiency. They increase usable warehouse space and offer versatility in terms of layout and inventory access. Installing the right pallet racking system is a cost-effective approach to warehouse management that can directly improve your bottom line.
What is Pallet Racking?
Pallet racking is a storage system that uses multiple levels to enable raw materials or palletized goods to be vertically stacked. It is designed to give employees easy access to goods using picking and material handling equipment, such as forklifts and lift trucks.
Types of Pallet Racking
There are different types of pallet racking. Your warehouse layout, inventory management system, and the type of products you store determine the most suitable racking system for your facility.
Selective Pallet Racking
Selective racking is one of the most common storage systems because it is cost-effective and easily configurable for a range of product types. Selective racking systems work best in warehouses with ample storage space because they are designed for forklift access. Certain forklifts require different amounts of aisle clearance for maneuvering, which is calculated by adding 12” to the right angle stacking width plus the load length of a standard pallet.
Carton Flow Racking
Carton flow rack systems enable high-density storage for lightweight items such as cartons. These storage racks work best with a first in, first out (FIFO) picking system. This approach ensures workers don’t need to cover as much distance during warehouse picking, reducing operating time, ultimately improving your bottom line.
Pallet Flow Racking
Pallet flow racking is a versatile storage system that enables deep racking storage. It uses wheels and rollers to gather and store up to 20 pallets deep. This type of system is typically found in manufacturing or high-volume warehouses that use a FIFO system and is ideal for storing perishable items.
Drive-In Racking
Drive-in racking is a high-density storage option that is ideal for dealing with homogenous goods. It helps maximize storage efficiency by minimizing the number of forklift aisles.
Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racks are designed for storing large, heavy, and unusually shaped goods, such as furniture, lumber, or metal tubing. The rack design is simple, consisting of two horizontal arms attached to uprights with no decking in between.
How Pallet Racking Improves Your Bottom Line
Choosing the right type of pallet racking system can have a significant impact on your bottom line. Some of the benefits include:
Reduces Labor Costs
Labor costs are some of the biggest expenses for warehouses. Choosing the right pallet racking system for your warehouse and product type can help increase worker productivity and picking efficiency, allowing you to process orders and move products much faster.
Improves Storage Efficiency
Installing pallet rack shelving helps improve storage efficiency by maximizing available floor space. This enables you to store additional items, improve organization, and increase employee productivity and workflow.
Choose Shelving + Rack Systems Inc. for Your Pallet Racking
Improving your bottom line through reduced costs, enhanced productivity, and increased efficiency is a sustainable approach for warehouses, manufacturing plants, and small businesses.
At Shelving + Rack Systems Inc., we understand the importance of getting the most from every inch of storage space. We provide a range of affordable pallet rack shelving systems, enabling businesses to make important changes to their warehouse operation that improve their bottom line.
