With the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, the need for warehouses is on the rise. For your storage facility to enhance the bottom line of your business, you need the right warehouse racking system.
A well-chosen racking system can improve space utilization, ease of access, and overall warehouse productivity. On the other hand, a poorly selected one can lead to operational inefficiencies and increased costs.
If you plan on investing in a warehouse racking system, this blog is for you. There are several factors you need to consider to ensure your storage facility remains efficient and profitable. Here is a list of the most important ones you should think about.
1. The Type of Goods You Store
I’m sure your storage facility stores a lot of merchandise with varying storage requirements. So, the kind of products you store greatly impacts the racking system you choose. For instance, perishable goods like food and beverages may require a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) system, such as pallet flow racking. This racking system helps ensure your older stock is used before the newer one. On the other hand, non-perishable goods or items with long shelf lives may benefit from a Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) system, such as push-back racking.
Other merchandise specifications also influence your decision, such as the size, weight, and fragility of items. For example, large or heavy items may require heavy-duty racking systems, whereas less robust structures can adequately support lighter goods. Additionally, if the items need specific environmental conditions (e.g., temperature control), the racking system you choose must accommodate these needs.
2. Warehouse Layout
The physical dimensions and layout of your warehouse can determine what type of racking system is best for your facility. For instance, factors such as ceiling height, floor space, and the location of doors, windows, and support columns all influence the design and installation of racking. Considering these critical aspects can help optimize the storage capacity of your facility.
Ideally, you want a racking system that supports the logical and efficient inventory movement from receiving to storage to shipping. So select one that maximizes the vertical space and efficiently utilizes the floor space. That means there should be adequate room between every aisle as well as between the topmost rack and the ceiling. This enables equipment such as forklifts to operate smoothly and efficiently inside the warehouse.
3. Load Capacity
Every racking system has a specified load capacity that helps ensure the safety of the structure and stored goods. Therefore, it’s essential to know the racking system’s load capability. Exceeding this limit or overloading the racks can cause accidents that may injure your employees and damage stocked items. Moreover, it can compromise the structure of the racking system, jacking up the cost of repairs.
The system as a whole needs to be strong enough to handle the weight of your inventory, including the racks, shelves, support beams, uprights, etc.
4. Accessibility and Retrieval Speed
The ease with which goods can be accessed and retrieved is another vital consideration. Different racking systems offer varying levels of accessibility. For instance, selective pallet racking provides direct access to every pallet. So, it’s ideal for warehouses that require frequent picking and replenishment.
Conversely, racking systems like drive-in or push-back racking provide high-density storage but limit the accessibility to certain pallets. So, this system is more suitable for items that are not accessed as frequently.
Why are these aspects important? The ease of accessibility and the retrieval speed are closely tied to the order-picking process. If your business demands quick turnaround times, you should select a racking system with a design that offers fast and easy access to goods.
5. Future Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows and evolves, your storage needs are bound to change, such as potential increases in inventory volume or changes in the type of goods you store. Therefore, it’s wiser to understand how scalable and flexible a racking system is before selecting one for your facility.
Investing in a system that allows for easy adjustment of beam heights, addition of new bays, or integration with automated systems can provide additional flexibility. For example, a modular racking system like rivet racking can be easily expanded or reconfigured to align with the changing needs of a business. This enables you to adapt to changes without a complete overhaul of your storage infrastructure, helping to save time and money.
6. Cost and Budget
Budget constraints are always an important factor when making any business decision – and selecting a racking system is no exception. There are dozens of racking options, each with a different price tag. So, what factors can impact the cost of a racking system? Features such as the material, complexity of the installation, and degree of automation can influence the price of a system.
While it might be tempting to choose the least expensive option, it’s important to consider the long-term costs and benefits. A cheaper system might have a lower upfront cost, but it may have higher maintenance expenses, reduced efficiency, or need to be replaced sooner. On the other hand, a high-quality, durable racking system may provide better value over time by minimizing maintenance costs and facilitating growth. So, don’t focus merely on the price when making a decision.
7. Vendor Support and Warranty
Your racking system is a long-term business investment. So, you want to look for a reputable supplier who can provide the necessary support throughout the installation and offer maintenance services. Make sure to look at the warranty, the availability of replacement parts, and the level of customer service provided.
Some professional vendors do more than supply racking systems. They also offer consultation services, helping you select the right solution for your warehouse. They may even optimize the design and layout to ensure your racking system continues to operate effectively.
8. Safety and Compliance
Safety should be a top priority in your warehouse. Therefore, always select a racking system that is designed according to industry standards and regulations. More importantly, ensure it’s installed by professionals. This means it safely supports the loads and withstands the stresses of daily operation.
While safety features, such as guardrails, safety clips, and netting, are a plus, you should also assess ergonomics. This might require customizing the design, such as adjusting the height of shelves and accommodating easier merchandise handling while promoting greater worker safety and work efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right warehouse racking system is a critical decision that can significantly impact the efficiency and safety of your warehouse. A well-chosen racking system can optimize storage space, enhance overall productivity, and amplify the profitability of the warehouse. By carefully considering the factors mentioned above, you can find one that meets the current needs of your business and provides the flexibility to adapt to future changes.
