What to Consider Before Installing a Pallet Racking System

Pallet racking is the most significant component of many warehouse operations, allowing for high efficiency and optimal productivity if done correctly. Installing the correct racking for your product needs can increase your storage capacity and optimisation by up to 80%, so it is important to consider the process completely.

One of the first things to consider is your warehouse size and layout. Tailoring your new system to your space will help you get the most out of your warehouse. The average warehouse capacity utilisation among manufacturers is only 68%, and being specifically customised to your space can help increase this greatly. Some racking systems are much more high density than others, but may not work in all spaces depending on width and vertical space. Here at DC Space and Storage Solutions we offer a specialised Warehouse Design Consultancy service in order to help you design, run, adapt, and maintain a functional and effective warehouse. You can take advantage of expert help in the fields of warehouse management, design, logistics and warehouse operations, to rest assured that your warehouse is expertly designed, running smoothly, maximising productivity and minimising losses.

The next most significant factor when deciding which pallet racking system to install is the type of product you will be storing. Pallet racking systems can be push back racking, adjustable pallet racking, drive in racking, and cantilever racking, each with a specific product group which works best for itself. Push Back racking is particularly advantageous when used with high density, low selectivity homogenous goods, in a last in, first out (LIFO) configuration. Drive-In racking allows for the use of forklifts to load and unload products, and can stack pallets much deeper, creating another high density LIFO system. Adjustable pallet racking is an ideal solution when storing a diverse range of non-standardised goods, when fast and direct access to pallets is a priority. Finally, Cantilever racking is a heavy-duty storage system which works with long, bulky, and awkward materials that cannot be stored elsewhere. Other aspects of pallet racking to consider are whether it is; roll formed or structural, single or double-deep, LIFO or FIFO (first in, first out).

Another important aspect of installing pallet racking is the safety features and procedures you will put in place. Pallet racking should be properly maintained under the HSE’s PUWER guidelines. Any damage to racking by forklifts should be investigated, which is why you are advised to undertake in-company inspections once a month, and annual inspections by a SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) Approved Racking Inspector. 90% of pallet racking collapse happens due to forklift damage, so it is important to act quickly and have procedures in place for if accidents happen. DC Space and Storage Solutions can offer all of these services to help reinforce and keep your racking safe from damage.

Here at DC Space and Storage Solutions, we operate with the following accreditations: Altius Assured, Safe Contractor Approved, a SEMA Approved Installation Company and a SEMA Approved Distributor, and having 3 ISO Accreditations (ISO 14001, ISO 45001 & ISO 9001). This means you can rest assured that by choosing to work with DC you are putting safety at your core and working to the highest industry standards. We are able to offer a bespoke, end to end service in order to tailor your warehouse solution to your specific needs, and increase your capacity to as great a level as possible.