Which Pallet Racking Solution Is Best For Your Warehouse Needs?
Using warehouse space to store inventory is a great way to manage your stock and keep everything protected and organized. Pallet racking is the most common method of storage for warehouse users, and involves stacking pallets on shelving units or on top of one another to achieve a space for inventory to rest. Before you decide which type of pallet racking solution will work best for you, take into account your budget, space, and type of inventory you have. Here is a guide to help you choose the best pallet storage for your needs.
Budget
Stacking pallets independently on top of one another is the cheapest method of pallet racking because you aren't investing in any shelving units or their installation. If you don't have a lot of money to spend on your warehouse needs, then this is the storage style that will most likely work best for you. To keep things organized and in proper rotation, make sure you use the "first in, last out" stocking method. This keeps items going out prior to expiration and allows you to manage your inventory most effectively. Since this style of racking takes up a lot of floor space, make sure you measure out a section of your warehouse for the pallets to rest on to avoid overcrowding.
Space
If you don't have a lot of space to spare, then the type of pallet racking you should consider is shelving, or selective racking. This involves placing shelving in a tall fashion to reach the ceiling, allowing you to pull pallets in a chosen rotation for your merchandise. This type of racking requires a small investment for installing the shelving but can house any style or weight of pallet and should last you for many years.
Organization
The way you use your inventory should largely determine the type of pallet racking you do. Time-sensitive inventory, such as food or cosmetics, should be placed in racking that allows for 'first in, first out' pallet organization so items that will expire sooner get removed and shipped out sooner. Shelving racking is best for this type of storage, including selective racking or push racking.
In order to operate your warehouse successfully you need to have a pallet organizational tactic you can rely on. The way you perform your pallet racking can largely determine how organized and effective your inventory management is overall and can greatly benefit your business if you choose the right system for your needs.
