Warehouse Pallet Racking Systems
Efficient warehouse storage starts with the right pallet racking system. Whether you’re managing inventory in-house or partnering with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, optimising your pallet storage is key to streamlining operations, improving accessibility, maximising space, and managing costs.
Common types of pallet racking systems
Pallet racking systems are designed to store large volumes of inventory safely and efficiently, and are most commonly used in industrial warehouses. Most pallet racking systems store pallets in horizontal rows with multiple levels and normally across several aisles.
There are numerous pallet racking systems, each allowing for different types of storage, density and the way pallets are put away for storage or selected for outbound orders.
Choosing the right pallet racking system ensures your warehouse runs smoothly and supports your operational goals. Here are the most popular options available:
Selective pallet racking
The most common and versatile pallet racking system is selective pallet racking (sometimes referred to as single-select pallet racking). It is designed to enable direct access to pallets stored, without having to move other pallets out of the way first, therefore giving you direct access to every pallet.
Selective pallet racking is normally low density, and may require numerous isles of racks if there is a large volume of pallets being stored. This system is ideal for warehouses with fast-moving or a high turnover of inventory and suitable for a ‘last-in-first-out’ (LIFO) inventory management solution. It is also ideal for storage scenarios where it is unclear when the inventory will be required for an outbound order, as access is always available.
Features*:
- Individual access to all pallets to full height of warehouse
- Simple stock rotation achieved
- Easy beam adjustment accommodates variable pallet heights
- Compatible with many handling equipment styles
- Conventional tolerance for floors when used to 10m high
- Lower level pallets can be located on the floor (picking pallets)
Drive-in and drive-through racking
Drive-in and drive-through racking is a great solution for a high-density storage requirement. These systems allow forklifts to navigate through lanes of pallets, making them ideal for managing large quantities of similar products.
Drive-in systems are a suitable solution for ‘first-in-first-out’ (FIFO) inventory management. Typically, drive-in bay entrances are setup to allow forklifts to drive in and drop off pallets, several rows deep, and selectivity of specific pallets (that’s aren’t at a face location) is limited.
Drive-through systems differ slightly in that there is access on both sides. These offer more selectivity with access from both sides, but don’t fully ensure no moving of pallets is required to access stored pallets several rows in.
Features*:
- Reduced aisle space requirement due to high-density storage
- Supports LIFO (drive-in) or FIFO (drive-through) inventory methods
- Cost-effective solution for bulk storage requirements
- Streamlines workflows for predictable inventory cycles
Flow through racking
Flow through (or pallet flow) allows efficient handling of fast-moving inventory and is suitable for FIFO inventory management. Flow through racking systems are designed with a bed of rollers, on a decline angle. Pallets sit on this bed of rollers, with gravity ensuring pallets automatically move forward, reducing handling time.
As pallets come in to the warehouse, they are loaded at the back of the bay (higher end) and the flow racking system allows pallets to naturally roll toward the opposite end (front) of the pallet bay, and get picked first. This system suits the storage of the same inventory in each bay.
Features*:
- Very dense storage, especially when few SKU’s and high number of pallets
- FIFO guaranteed, ideal for products with shelf life or absolute rotation
- Wide range of pallets can be accommodated at the design stage
Push-back racking
Push-back racking maximises space by allowing pallets to be stored on inclined rails, at two to six pallets deep, per SKU. This system is a great choice for inventory managed on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis.
Push-back racking systems are similar to flow through racks and are also designed to use gravity for natural flow of pallets upon picking. Pallets are stacked from the front and ‘pushed back’ and up their roll system. When picked, the next pallet rolls down to the front. They are ideal for medium-turnover products.
Features:
- Allows very dense storage, optimising vertical warehouse space
- Pick face remains constantly full enabling faster picking
- Frequently used for cold-storage
Choosing the right pallet racking system for your product
Selecting the ideal pallet racking system depends on several factors, including:
- The type of inventory to be stored and handled (e.g., perishable goods, bulky items)
- Warehouse size and layout
- Volume and speed of throughput
uTenant simplifies this process by connecting you with warehouses that offer the warehousing services or racking solutions that meet your needs.
Need an efficient way to find a 3PL provider to service your logistics requirements, submit your request on our PalletMatch platform and we'll do all the work for you.
If you’re looking for warehouse optimisation advice and racking solutions, contact our solutions team today.
* Sourced from Dexion - Industrial Storage