Selective pallet racking is one the most versatile and economical methods of storing and arranging for warehouses. This flexible storage solution makes accessing items and inventory easier. Implementing a pallet racking system has numerous benefits and advantages, but this also means there is a lot of information to know.
To help you further understand pallet racking systems and their benefits, we’ve created this comprehensive guide that tells you everything you need to know about pallet racking.
What Is Selective Pallet Racking?
Selective pallet racking systems are the perfect combination of visibility and accessibility. They provide direct access to each pallet, making them an ideal storage solution for high-capacity operations with many different product types or variations. The versatile pallet racking design allows operators to identify specific pallets quickly and access them without moving other pallets.
Additionally, selective pallet racking maximizes the vertical space to help free up more floor space in your warehouse.
What kinds of pallet racking configurations are possible?
Selective pallet racking can come in two different configurations. Depending on your operational and inventory volume, selective pallet racking can be customized to accommodate any needs.
Configurations include:
Single-row: Single-selective racks are single-deep pallet racks. They allow pallets on the rack to be picked without moving other pallets. Single-deep racks consist of vertical upright frames with horizontal load beams. This configuration is ideal for operations that support a first in, first out (FIFO) inventory management system.
Double-row: Double-row pallet racking can store two pallets deep and opposite of FIFO systems. It supports a last-in, first-out (LIFO) management method. The main advantage of configuration is the high storage density. Since double rows can hold more pallets, businesses can capitalize on a 100% increase in storage density.
What Are the Benefits of Selective Pallet Racking?
Selective racking systems are among the most commonly used storage solutions. There are many advantages to implementing them in your warehouse, which include the following.
Access Inventory Easily
Selective pallet racking allows operators to access pallets and inventory easily. This helps streamline operations when paired with an efficient inventory management methodology. Another benefit of selective pallet racking is that it increases visibility within your operations, making locating inventory more productive.
Maximize Storage Space
Another benefit of pallet racking is the flexibility to utilize more space in an efficient manner. By being able to stack inventory on top of one another, you can better utilize vertical space in a facility, eliminating the need for block stacking. In turn, pallet racking allows for more available floor space.
Versatility
The versatility of pallet racking is truly one of its biggest advantages. They are capable of being customized and installed in various applications to suit many different needs. Pallet racking can accommodate a wide variety of pallets, ranging from full to partial pallets, and even racking accessories like wire decking.
Affordable and Easy To Install
In addition to its renowned popularity for versatility and durability, pallet racking is also known for being a cost-effective solution. Compared to other kinds of pallet racking like double deep pallet racking, push-back racking, and drive-thru racking, selective pallet rack costs less to install and requires no additional components. Whether you choose brand new pallet racking or a used pallet racking system, it saves you money on materials, labour, installation, and operations.
Additionally, selective pallet racks have lower costs for forklift operation and material handling, which means lower operating costs. Selective rack also has the lowest cost per pallet position, making it an ideal and affordable option to store high inventory quantities.
Factors To Consider When the Right Selective Pallet Racking for Your Business
Despite their immense popularity when it comes to deciding whether pallet racking is ideal for your business, there are some considerations. Understanding your operational and distribution dynamics is crucial when selecting a storage system that fits in optimally. There are two major factors to consider when deciding if selective pallet racking is ideal for you.
Budget
Budget is the first factor that needs consideration when planning your storage system. This extends past just purchasing your selective pallet rack but should also factor in installation, the type of lift equipment you’ll need to use, and the design of the racks. Thankfully, with pallet racking, you don’t always have to opt for the new pallet racking. Used pallet racking, as long as it’s inspected thoroughly and certified, can help offset some of the associated installation costs.
Your Storage Needs
Many different kinds of businesses can benefit from pallet racking, regardless of whether it’s retail, manufacturing, or distribution. Industries that utilize these systems include distribution, cold storage, food and beverage, agriculture, retail, and manufacturing. Industries that use a FIFO methodology or those with a high SKU stock benefit greatly from a selective pallet racking system.
Find the Best Selective Pallet Racking System for Your Business
Finding the right selective pallet racking system for your business has many advantages. But it can be difficult to choose between all the options available. Choosing the right kind of configuration, whether to buy new or used pallet racking, and how to choose the best brand of racking can be difficult, but this is where the experts here at GD Liquidators can help.
We offer pallet racks, including sizes and accessories, tailored to meet your unique storage needs. Our inventory allows you to create a simple system or help you modify your existing racking.
Contact us at 780-447-2787 or come into our Edmonton warehouse to learn more about our wide variety of new and used pallet racking!
