Types of Warehouse Racking Systems
There are different types of warehouse racking that allow maximum use of the warehousing space. The racking also offers easy access to the goods that are stored. And with the way that items are stored, it is easier to carry out inventory control and knows when to get new stock. Generally, it is non-perishable food that is stocked in warehouse storage.
It is not just finished goods that are stored in warehouse racking; you can also find raw materials and parts. Different racking systems come with different benefits. You can select the configuration of the storage rack you want depending on low density, high density, low selectivity and high selectivity. Many of these racking systems can be found on Ready Rack website. Selective racking systems offer low storage density. You can find this type of racking in warehouses that store parts and raw materials.
There is sufficient space given to the aisles and there is high accessibility when it comes to counting inventory and cleaning. There are two designs that come under this type of racking which are called teardrop racks and slotted racks. Slotted racks have rectangular holes on the vertical frame. This rack system has higher strength when compared to the teardrop racking but there is a high cost involved. The beam can be bolted or hooked onto the frame.
Teardrop racking offers a lot of flexibility as you can easily expand this racking without using machine tools. You can find tear-drop shaped holes that are punched onto the vertical frames. This shape is punched upside down. The pins are attached to these openings. With higher loads, there is higher friction and this keeps the beam in place. You can also add anchors and pallet supports to increase the strength of the structure. In double deep pallet racking, there are two rows on one pallet shelf to increase storage capacity. Selectivity is lowered in this configuration but storage density is high. So you will need to use special forklifts to access the stored items which can come with a high operational cost.
In a very narrow aisle or VNA racking, space utilisation is maximised while still keeping the selectivity aspect high. The pallets are loaded using a fork truck that is able to sideload so that you don’t need a lot of space to manoeuvre the forklift. This way, you can reduce aisle space and increase storage space.
However, you will need a fork truck for loading and a standard forklift in moving the items from the pallets. Cantilever racking is great for storing products that come in a great length such as pipes, roofing materials etc. It has vertical columns with cantilevered arms on one or two sides. The angle of the arms can be changed to allow better load retention. There are no upright frames at the front in this racking system. This prevents obstruction of the loading process.
Push back racking is a dynamic system of racking and you will be able to achieve a higher storage density with this. The pallet is loaded when it is on a cart resting on rails. These rails will be there at every push-back lane. The lanes are at an incline to allow the carts to roll towards the aisle.