How To Choose The Right Warehouse Racking System For Small Or Large Items

Choosing the right warehouse racking system for small or large items is crucial to ensuring efficient storage and organization in your facility. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which type of racking system is best suited for your specific needs. In this article, we will discuss the key factors to consider when selecting a warehouse racking system and provide guidance on choosing the right system for your small or large items.

Types of Warehouse Racking Systems

There are several types of warehouse racking systems available, each designed to accommodate different types of inventory and storage needs. Some common types of racking systems include selective pallet racking, drive-in racking, push back racking, cantilever racking, and carton flow racking.

Selective pallet racking is one of the most popular racking systems and is ideal for warehouses with a wide variety of SKU’s. This type of racking allows for easy access to each pallet, making it suitable for fast-moving inventory. Drive-in racking, on the other hand, is designed for high-density storage and is best suited for warehouses with a large volume of the same SKU. Push back racking is another high-density storage solution that allows for multiple pallets to be stored deep on each level.

Cantilever racking is often used for storing long and awkwardly shaped items, such as pipes or lumber, while carton flow racking is ideal for storing small items in bins or boxes on a first-in, first-out basis. When choosing a warehouse racking system, consider the type of inventory you will be storing, the volume of each SKU, and the accessibility and flow of goods in your facility.

Considerations for Small Items

When it comes to storing small items in your warehouse, it's important to choose a racking system that maximizes storage capacity while keeping items organized and easily accessible. For small items, consider using a combination of pick bins, shelving units, and carton flow racking to efficiently store and pick inventory.

Pick bins are plastic bins that can be placed on shelves or within racking systems to store small items such as fasteners, tools, or small parts. Shelving units are versatile storage solutions that can accommodate a wide range of small items and can be adjusted to fit different product sizes. Carton flow racking is ideal for high-velocity small items and allows for easy rotation of inventory on a first-in, first-out basis.

When choosing a racking system for small items, consider the dimensions of your inventory, the picking frequency, and the available space in your warehouse. It's also important to consider the weight capacity of the racking system and ensure that it can support the combined weight of your small items.

Considerations for Large Items

Storing large items in your warehouse requires a different approach than storing small items. When choosing a racking system for large items, consider the dimensions and weight of your inventory, as well as the storage and access requirements for each item.

For large items such as furniture, machinery, or equipment, consider using cantilever racking, which allows for easy storage and retrieval of long and bulky items. Cantilever racking is designed with arms that extend out from the uprights, providing a platform for storing items that cannot be accommodated by traditional pallet racking systems.

Another option for storing large items is drive-in racking, which allows for the high-density storage of the same SKU in a limited space. Drive-in racking is ideal for items that are not time-sensitive and can be stored deep within the racking system. When choosing a racking system for large items, consider the weight capacity of the system, the accessibility of each item, and the overall layout of your warehouse.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Warehouse Racking System

When choosing a warehouse racking system for small or large items, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the right system for your specific needs. Some key factors to consider include the type of inventory you will be storing, the volume and weight of each SKU, the picking frequency, and the available space in your warehouse.

It's also important to consider the layout of your warehouse and how the racking system will fit within the space. Consider the height and width of the racking system, as well as any obstructions or obstacles that may impact the installation and use of the system. Additionally, consider the workflow and access points within your warehouse to ensure that the racking system allows for efficient movement of goods.

Summary

Choosing the right warehouse racking system for small or large items is essential to maximizing storage capacity and efficiency in your facility. By considering the type of inventory you will be storing, the dimensions and weight of each SKU, and the layout of your warehouse, you can select a racking system that meets your specific needs.

Whether you are storing small items in pick bins or large items on cantilever racking, it's important to choose a system that ensures easy access to inventory, maximizes storage space, and accommodates the unique requirements of your inventory. With the right warehouse racking system in place, you can improve the organization and efficiency of your warehouse operations.