Your warehouse racking system is essential to your operations. It can make your processes faster and your storage more efficient. Here’s some advice that you’ll want to pay attention to before you buy racking solutions to make sure you make the right choices.
Consider Throughput Requirements
Determine what your products’ throughputs are. Product throughput essentially refers to the velocity at which your product moves throughout your operation. Some items are distributed very frequently while others move in and out of the warehouse less often. Fast moving products and slow moving products should ultimately be stored differently. Figure out the throughput of each of your products so you can pick the industrial storage racks that are ideal for your needs.
Pallet Picking Versus Case and Each Picking
You’ll encounter plenty of options when it comes to racking solutions. A big reason for this is that different products are picked in different increments. Products can be picked as full pallets, cases or even as individual items (eaches). Some solutions like push-back racks, pallet flow racks and drive-in racks or drive-through racks are typically used for full pallet storage. Other solutions like Frazier’s Ergo Series® are designed specifically for case picking. Some solutions can be used for multiple types of picking. For instance, selective rack can accommodate full pallet and case picking. Carton flow rack provides optimum efficiency and ease if you need to pick cases or eaches.
Consider Available Storage
How much space do you have? You’ll need to factor into your decision the size and shape of your warehouse. Do you have elevated areas? Assess your space and choose a racking system that can fully use your layout. From how wide the aisles are to how high the rack goes; you can pick solutions that can use every inch of available space in your warehouse.
Think About the Future
Do you plan to expand? Why not use a racking system that has the flexibility to grow with your operations? There are options that you can scale so that you can connect existing racking systems to new ones for additional storage space. If you see your business growing, then this might be the best option for you.
How Do You Handle Products?
Will you handle your products with a fork truck, by hand or through another means altogether? If you are using a fork truck, what kind? It is integral to pair a rack system and method of handling that are able to function together. Failing to do so will set you back to square one.
