The majority of warehouses and distribution centres organise their storage via the installation of pallet racks. This solution is designed to store pallets by optimising available space and adapting to the storage needs of each company.
Different types of pallet racking can be installed to get maximum efficiency in outlining their characteristics and differences.
What is Pallet Racking?
Pallet racking is the system of grouping goods on pallets or other elements to form a unit load facilitating storage and transport in different supply chain phases.
Most of the racking is designed with heavy loads in consideration and plays a huge part in all logistic stages, from inside the warehouse handling to transportation stages. There are many types of pallets according to their dimensions or materials, but the vast majority comply with standard measurements for both industrial racking and forklifts.
Advantages
The palleting of goods for subsequent storage on industrial racking has several advantages. The optimization of loading and unloading times is of huge benefit to a bustling business in everyday operation by being able to compact goods and make better use of the available space.
Utilising pallet racks provides greater levels of safety in the transportation of goods as well as adds greater flexibility in handling. Pallet racking also allows for easier stock and inventory control, as well as reducing handling, transport and storage costs overall.
Main Racking Types
There are different types of pallet racking systems a warehouse can choose from. Adjustable pallet racking is the most common and simplest of all racking systems, designed to mechanically store pallets using forklifts running parallel to the racking.
Adjustable is not a compact system, requiring a wider surface for installation. The big advantage of this system is that it is quick and direct access to all of the stored unit loads, on top of its versatility and adaptability.
Very Narrow Aisle racking provides better use of space in the warehouse where the width of the aisles is reduced to reduce the necessary floor space for installation, providing direct access to all pallets stored. This requires special narrow forklifts to move stock and operate around the warehouse.
Double-deep pallet racking is modified to increase storage capacity. Optimization is achieved by adding an extra position for holding pallets at the back of the racking so that they can be stored in 2 depths. The great advantage of double-deep pallet racking is greater storage capacity, however, it does provide loss of selectivity and direct access to each and all unit loads.
Choosing the right pallet racking system can be difficult, which is why it is advisable to consult with a specialist about your specific warehouse storage equipment needs.
Contact the team at Monarch Shelving today for more information.
