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Pallet racking is a common and popular storage solution in distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and warehouses of all sizes. With a wide range of pallet racking choices, it is essential to understand the flow of your pallets to and from the racks, the type of pallets you are using, and the type of loads or SKUs you are storing. This will allow you to choose the style of rack that will provide you with the best solution for your needs.
At Gujrat Steel, our team will listen to you and work with you to understand your needs and develop the right storage solution for your business. We will ask the right questions so that we have the information to properly layout your rack system in the most beneficial, cost-effective manner possible.
When you decide to move forward with purchasing a pallet rack system from us, our team will go through many steps to ensure we layout and design a system with the appropriate options, so your storage needs are met.
Below are four tips to consider before purchasing a Pallet Racking System:
- Roll Formed or Structural?
The difference between the two comes down to money and strength. Roll formed pallet racking is by far the cheaper option, with lower gauge steel and moveable beams that snap in and out of place easily compared to structural racking. Roll formed are boltless, easy to move around and can be installed – and re-installed – faster than structural racking.
On the other hand, paying extra for structural pallet racking often pays off in the long run. It is far more durable, using higher gauge steel, and will not have to be replaced as often as roll formed. Busy, refrigerated or industrial warehouses should opt for structural racking systems as they are built to withstand these environments.
A structural system is not as easy to assemble and reassemble as roll formed due to the hardware requirements such as bolts and pins. However, these systems can be built in an array of configurations such as selective, drive-in, pushback, and more.
- Understanding Warehouse or Workspace Capacity
The most critical element when selecting a pallet racking system is knowing the exact dimensions of the available space in a warehouse. Many of these systems are very similar, with the differences often coming down to systems being more or less efficient in terms of space with our warehouse pallet racking systems. Warehouses that are cramped for space but doing high volumes should consider Walkways or Drive-In Racking Systems, as they are more space efficient than comparable alternatives.
On the other hand, warehouses with space to spare can consider drive-thru racking. Although these options require more aisles, they allow for a considerably higher amount of product movement. Also, a product that is perishable or time-sensitive is better served by this racking as it can move in and out more quickly.
Every business must factor future growth into its selection of a racking system. Some systems are more conducive to higher volumes of product than others. Typically, racking systems that are not as space friendly hold less product. So, if a warehouse is very high volume and movement-heavy, a larger space will be necessary regardless of the type of racking system chosen.
- How to Measure for a Racking System
- Measure the entire building in order to know available space.
- Take into account columns, fire doors, and other mandatory fire equipment, electrical boxes, and other doors.
- Measure ceiling height – account for pitched roofs.
- Understand the specifications of lifts that will be picking from the racking – they have to fit!
- The floor matters – know the capacity and depth of the warehouse floor in order to understand it’s load-bearing capacity.
- After these measurements have been completed, a racking system can be plotted out. Every system will need dimensions clearly outlined, so it is a matter of finding the best type of system to fit the needs of the company. Unless the warehouse space is extremely limited or unorthodox, most systems can be constructed to accommodate the available space.
- Proper Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance and care of a pallet racking system can significantly offset potential money loss in terms of system repair or replacement. In order to ensure a warehouse and pallet racking system is functioning at peak capacity, these steps can be taken to minimize risk and cost while maximizing functionality:
- Ensure all uprights are anchored properly to the floor and inspect them daily.
- Installing guard and handrails along with high traffic areas and near corner uprights help keep racking systems safe.
- Usage of beam seals, on every beam, will alert employees and supervisors to tampering or alteration of the racking system.
- Make sure all beams and uprights are straight, square, and level – daily visual inspections can ensure all are up to code.
- Make sure there are signs to inform employees where they can and cannot travel by foot – to avoid lift collisions – as well the proper way to care and use racking systems.
- Remove all damaged parts as quickly as possible or discontinue use if an immediate replacement is not possible.
Conclusion
Not all racking systems are created equal, and a business should do their research before investing in a racking system. Once installed, it is challenging and costly to remove and install a different system if the first one was unsuitable to the needs of the business.
Racking systems are a critical component to any warehouse or industrial workspace, and employee safety should be the highest priority. Always follow manufacturer guidelines when installing and maintaining a system.
Our experienced team can assist you with designing, supplying, and installing the most efficient pallet racking system for your space and product. Please call us at 021-35686412 or contact us via email at [email protected] to speak to a member of our team.