A warehouse can’t operate at its optimum performance or efficiency without the right industrial racking or shelving for the stock you are storing
There are many options when it comes to pallet racking, so here we and explain the various systems available and how they can be used.
Adjustable Pallet Racking (APR)
Adjustable Pallet Racking (APR) is a system of beams clipped into frames designed to support pallets loaded by forklift trucks. In general the beams support the pallet but on occasions the pallet is also supported by timber decking, mesh decking or pallet support bars.
Adjustable pallet racking allows beam levels to be raised, lowered, added in or taken out depending on your requirements. They can be configured to the needs of the warehouse.
- Adaptable (can be used on any type of unit load or forklift truck)
- Accessible (allows immediate access to all unit loads and/or references stored)
- Dynamic (it is easily assembled and/or disassembled, and the components can be easily replaced and/or added)
Adjustable pallet racking systems come in all sorts of configurations, but the importance of getting the basics right is fundamental. For a safe and efficient operation, the racking system must be designed to fit and function with both the handling equipment and the load.
Narrow Aisle Racking
Very Narrow aisle racking is generally used in warehouses which are a little tighter on space. A reduced aisle width of approximately 1.8 meters means floor space is much better utilised increasing it to 45%. Using a narrow aisle Forklift truck allows you to access all pallets, lifting higher and working faster than standard counterbalance trucks.
The advantage of using wire guidance is that is it built within the floor which keeps it clear of obstructions and makes it easier to clean. Each pallet is easily accessible and this ensures good stock rotation and accessibility.
Drive-in Racking
Drive-in racking is an ideal system for large quantities of the same type of product. It works on the principle of ‘last in, first out (LIFO) .
Drive-in racking is constructed from a collection of frames not joined together by beams hence there is a large unsupported strut especially in higher installation. Attached to these frames are rails which the edge of the pallets sit on.
Drive In racking needs to have good quality pallets and the installation needs to be designed well.
Push Back Racking
Push Back racking systems are designed around the principle of organising space by depth rather than width. This depth arrangement greatly reduces aisle space and increases storage density. In this configuration, each bay can be up to six pallets deep and each pallet stored on wheeled carts that fit onto rails.It also combines the benefits of Drive-In racking with pallet live storage.
By using this type of racking you can access up to four pallets deep from one face which is ideally suited to order picking operations and it enables areas of rack backing onto a wall to be fully utilised.
Shuttle Racking
Shuttle racking works by using a shuttle or satellite that is placed on rails under the pallet storage rails. These shuttles then pick up the pallet and take it to its storage place. We can in certain circumstances adapt existing drive in racking.
The idea is that each lane is a single product but unlike drive in racking not all products within the bay need to be the same thus allowing greater density of storage.
Live Storage Racking
Live Storage racking is a system where pallets are put onto rollers at one end and they can then run down the rollers to be picked off at the other end. It is commonly referred to as in first in first out system This is typically used where there are large quantities of the same product or as a load collation system in a dispatch area. When collating loads this is typically done with lanes of either 13 pallets deep (two lanes per load) or 26 pallets deep. This system relies on gravity to move the pallets and is often referred to as gravity racking. It is a relatively expensive storage solution but can improve efficiency in many
Mobile Pallet Racking
The Mobile pallet racking comprises units of conventional pallet racking mounted on a steel framed base. This racking system is installed over guided mobile bases that slide laterally, thus eliminating the need for aisles, which open up only when accessed. The wheels run along a track set into the floor. Varying rack configurations and bogie types are available to suit single bay loads of up to 15 tonnes and run lengths of up to 30 meters.
The operator gives the order to automatically open the unit, either by remote control or manually by triggering a switch. The mobile bases have motors, sliders and several safety systems to guarantee a safe and efficient operation.
We have detailed above the main types of racking for warehouses and commercial buildings, but there are many other variations. If you need help or more information on how to implement the right storage solutions for your warehouse and increase its productivity, please contact us
