Pallet Racking in Warehouse: Storage with Flexibility

Warehouse efficient operations serve as a backbone for business productivity. Among the diverse storage solutions, pallet racking is the most versatile and widely used. Whether you run a small warehouse or have a big enterprise, a pallet racking system will never disappoint you. It is flexible, durable, customizable, and scalable to meet all your storage needs, whether small or big. This is all about exploring the excellent features of a pallet racking system and answering all your frequent questions.

What is a Racking System for a Warehouse?

In a dynamic world of businesses, warehouses serve as a backbone to them. For a good warehouse, a good racking system is always the solution. From keeping the goods safely structured and well-organized to keeping the floor area clutter-free, racking systems are a boon to warehouses. It typically consists of horizontal beans, vertical frames, and small components to keep it intact and make up a multi-level storage system. The primary goal of the racking system whether pallet racking or any other is to maximize the use of vertical space in warehouses.

Pallet racking, in particular, is designed to store heavy palletized goods. Their own design ensures easy loading and retrieval of items, thus saving time for the workers and increasing production of warehouses. Pallet racking is designed for all types of businesses, to cater to their diverse needs. From enhancing inventory management to improving accessibility and maximizing storage space. These racking systems, undoubtedly, are the most beneficial part of businesses in urban areas where space is limited and expansion without affecting the original footprint is a nightmare.

What is the Purpose of a Pallet Rack?

Pallet racks in a warehouse are used to serve multiple functions, including:

1. Vertical Space Utilization: By stacking the pallets vertically, they made the best use of vertical space in warehouses, thus increasing the storage space.
2. Better Accessibility: Due to their open design, they allow easy accessibility of items. This reduces the overall loading and retrieval time thus improving the work efficiency.
3. Improved Organization: Pallet racks help in categorizing and structuring the organization of the items making it easier to track stored goods.
4. Easy Customization: They are easy to reconfigure or expand without affecting the original footprint of your warehouse.
5. Enhanced Safety: The robust structure of pallet racks ensures safe working conditions with reduced risk of accidents and secure holding of heavy loads.

Types of Pallet Racking in Warehouse

Pallet racking systems come in different types, to cater diverse needs of businesses. Here are the common types:

1. Cantilever Pallet Racks: One of the best choices for industries making use of long and unevenly shaped items. These racks, unlike other pallet racking, do not have vertical frames, but only horizontal beams to store long goods like bars, rods, and others.
2. Selective Pallet Racks: The most common pallet racking system to store heavy palletized goods in the racks, ensuring easy access to them. This is an ideal solution for warehouses, as it maximizes warehouse space without hiding its footprint.
3. Drive-in/Drive-through Pallet Racks: Designed for the high-density goods. These racks allow forklifts to drive in or retrieve the loads from the racks. It is best for storing the stock of the same items in a large quantity.
4. Push-Back Pallet Racks: A perfect choice for Last-in-first-out inventory management in warehouses, where the racks are embedded with sliders, which automatically push back the previously stored items when new ones are stacked in.
5. Double-Deep Pallet Racks: For areas with limited storage they provide double-deep storage space for the items, but easy accessibility to each of them like selective pallet racks.

Pallet Racking in Warehouse Cost

SimcoSteel offers effective pricing for its pallet racks, ranging from INR 100 to INR 10,000. However, this price depends on the product design and features. Thus, the cost of pallet racking in the warehouse depends on the following factors:

• Material Used: Steel is the most common pallet rack material, but the thickness and grade of steel used affect their cost.
• Types of Pallet racking: Different types of racks have different costs. Like, selective pallet racks are much more affordable than high-density pallet racks.
• Size & Height of the racks: Larger and taller pallet racks, as compared to smaller ones require more material, consume more time, and are intense, thus increasing the overall cost.
• Personalization: Customization of the racks design, or adding features like security guards, mesh or any other increases the cost.
• Installation Criteria: Professional installation ensures utmost safety, but the criteria for rack installation like increased days of installation than usual, high labor quantity, and others can affect the cost.

FAQS On Pallet Racking System

1. What is the maximum height of pallet racks?

Ans: Generally, the height of pallet racks depends upon your warehouse’s ceiling height, but originally the SimcoSteel’s pallet racks height reached up to 20 feet.

2. How can I select the right pallet racking systems from different types?

Ans: There are 6 major types of pallet racks: selective, cantilever, drive-in/drive-through, push-back, pallet flow, and double-deep racks. However, their right section depends upon the warehouse layout, inventory type, and turnover rate.

3. What are the most important considerations with pallet racking?

Ans: Key considerations of pallet racking include accessibility, load-bearing capacity, safety, durability, scalability, and compliance with building regulation codes.

4. What is the effective life of pallet racking?

Ans: With proper maintenance, regular inspection, and timely repairs, the pallet racks last for 20-30 years or even more depending upon your usage ways.

5. How much weight can be placed on pallet racking systems?

Ans: Locally, the capacity of racks varies by design and material grade. On average, SimcoSteel racks can accommodate a weight of 500 kg per shelf.

6. Are pallet racks a safe option for my warehouse?

Ans: Yes, with professional installation and regular maintenance, they are a safe option for your warehouse. However overloading, improper maintenance, or improper installation compromises the security of the working area and their men.

7. Do pallet racks require inspection and maintenance?

Ans: Absolutely yes! Pallet racks last long, and require regular inspection of any loose nuts, bolts, cracks, or bends and a quick repair ensures long-term usage, enhanced safety, and reduced accidents.

8. What factors determine the price of pallet racking systems?

Ans: Factors including material type, size and height, customization, and installation affect the price of a pallet racking system.

9. Is it okay to invest in used pallet racks for my warehouse?

Ans: Used racks can be a cost-effective option, but their proper inspection under a professional lookout is important. It is crucial to note any dents, bends, or any repairs made during the first use of the racks, to meet the safety standards before its installation.

10. What kind of goods can I store on the pallet racks?

Ans: Pallet racks are a versatile storage option and can store goods from heavy-palletized to small components. They are effective for storing food items, chemicals, beverages, electronics, equipment, automobile parts, and others.

11. Can I dismantle or change the configuration of the racking system?

Ans: Yes, many pallet racking systems come with an easy reconfiguration system. As they help in expanding the storage space of an area without much hassle. But it’s still important to consult a professional before doing so, to ensure durability, stability, and safety.