Introduction
One of the most frequent choices for storage is the Selective pallet rack system. This system is widely used especially for use of inventory storage. This selective rack comes in two types.
- Double deep pallet racking
- Standard selective racking
Double deep pallet racking
This type of racking is usually used in warehouse spaces and inventory storage. These racks help to increase the storage capacity by almost 20 to 40%. As the name suggests double deep highlights the increased storage space for more effective storage.
Its structure consists of two rows which are placed back to back in a single aisle. This storage allows you to enhance the storage system by using the aisle in its double capacity as well as stocking more varieties. These types of aisles are most useful when the storage space is limited and more products.
The arrangement of these double deep racking is in verticals and made of steel. The material makes it durable as well as assures alignment no matter how the product is arranged. The double deep selective rackings have certain specific requirements. However, these rackings are open to customization based on the individual’s needs. These racks can be customized through various materials such as panels or wire mesh to accommodate items as per the need.
With the increased storage, the double deep rackings also follow a certain principle called as LIFO principle. That is, the pallet sequence will automatically change as the last pallet to be placed will be the first pallet when removing them, hence changing the entire line of sequence and placement. Due to this system, there might arise difficulties such as how to reach the middle rack. Telescopic prongs are used to reach the middle rack without removing the ranges of the rack placed before them.
Coming to its cost, it is cost-effective and one of the best choices. This type of storage helps in the organization of the same product range in a proper manner to access it whenever one wants. We shall discuss its advantages and disadvantages too further down the page. This was about double deep selective rackings, let’s explore standard selective rackings for better understanding to aid your understanding.
Standard selective rackings
These racks are not only popular but are cost-effective, highly flexible solutions in the world of racking options. One of the most amazing qualities of these racks is they provide full accessibility to any product stored on these racks. Just a glance is enough to see and check the products available on the racks without much struggle. Similar to double deep racking, these racks are made of steel with vertical structure and horizontal structures dividing the rack into multiple compartments. The horizontal structures divide the rack and allow multiple items of different weights to be stored in the rack securely.
These rankings are quite effective in places where frequent access to inventory is quite necessary, making it a more practical and robust choice. Not only are these racks spacious but also adjustable. The horizontal stacks are called beams, these beams are adjusted based on the size of the inventory, making it accessible despite the circumstances.
Coming to each of its disadvantages and advantages
Advantages of double deep pallet rackings
- It maximizes warehouse floor space
- Accessibility becomes easier due to its compact placement
- Enhanced storage capacity of double deep racks. Not only is it efficient but also larger than other racking structures.
- The durability is more resulting in larger loads being stored in these racks.
- Loading and unloading become easier due to the placement of these racks. It becomes quite structured and methodical.
- One of the benefits is its flexibility, which results in the customization of these racks into other adjustable racking systems
- It is safe and easy to use, making it a frequent choice.
Disadvantages
- The storage is not accessible to all racks, due to its function of being placed back to back on the same aisle, half of the products are hidden and accessed only when the whole system of racks is removed.
- The LIFO principle here makes it more difficult to access the racks placed first.
- LUFO principle-based storage systems may not be efficient for certain types of goods that come with an expiry date. This increases the difficulty of accessing them at the right time.
- With its position, one can access the goods placed on the first rack only. To access the second rack, it becomes difficult as it is necessary to finish the load on the first rack only then these goods are accessible.
- These racks need a special type of forklift to access the rear racks.
Advantages of standard selective pallet racking
- Direct access to all the goods placed on the rack
- It is easier to load and unload these racks with simple machinery
- There is no compulsion to use any principle such as LIFO. It may or may not be applied based on your demands
- These racks aid in the easier calculation of inventory and cataloging.
- These racks do not have any specification as to what type of goods to be stored making it an all-accessible choice for every business owner.
- It is easy to install and design as well as cost-efficient too
- These racks are adaptable to warehouses as well as storage spaces
- Accessibility is easier for all the products from any aisle due to its enhanced visibility and flexibility
Disadvantages of standard selective pallet rackings
- While compared to double deep racks, these standard selective rackings provide less storage space, only up to 30 remaining spaces are used for rack placement occupied by aisles.
- With the placement of aisles, it requires more flooring space.
- It is not apt for products with heavy weights.
- The height is not as tall as others, again decreasing the storage and lot space consumption.
Conclusion
As we delved deeper into the two types of racks, the selection is based on your requirements. The factors we covered are majorly important criteria for deciding the type of racking system to choose. Based on your type of business, these choices differ too. We discussed storage, flooring, accessibility, product storage, and many more factors that aid in decision-making.
Now it’s your turn to evaluate your criteria and select which is the best type of racking system for you.