Effective Use of Storage Racks to Enhance Warehouse Productivity

Organization is key in the industrial warehouse environment. One key way that warehouse managers help keep a warehouse organized and optimized is with a well-planned storage system. That’s where storage racks come into play. An ideal storage solution, the right racking system can enhance organization and streamline efficiencies.

Read on to learn more about the value of a well-planned racking system and how it can take your warehouse space to new heights.

The Importance of a Well-Planned Racking System

Let’s face it – today’s warehouses are demanding environments where companies always look for ways to optimize storage and take overall operations to new productivity levels. Arguably, a warehouse’s racking system is the backbone of any operation, as it can do more than just improve storage efficiency, but improve workflows as well.

Some of the key benefits of implementing an effective warehouse racking system include:

• Space optimization: Racking systems are designed to optimize the storage capacity used to store goods and materials, whether by using a facility’s vertical space or maximizing existing ground floor space.
• Better organization: One of the biggest pain points for warehouses is workers being unable to find what they’re looking for in a timely manner. This can increase the amount of time spent looking for certain things and limit efficiency. Well-executed racking systems can help alleviate these pain points.
• Enhanced safety: Racking systems also help promote a safer overall warehouse environment. Racking systems are designed to reduce the risk of accidents and promote more ergonomic recovery of goods and materials. More ergonomic material recovery can reduce the risks of workplace injuries and keep workers healthy and happy.

Just because it’s worth mentioning again, one of the most significant benefits is that warehouses can experience improved workflow and productivity. This can lead to increased profits and labor savings as well. We’ll get into some of the common types of storage rack systems in the next section.

Types of Storage Racks for Warehouses

Wondering what type of storage rack system is right for your warehouse? Here’s a look at some of the common racking systems:

• Pallet racks: Fitting to the name, these systems are designed to store palletized goods and materials. They can be installed horizontally and vertically, maximizing storage density going up and out. Pallet rack systems are customizable, scalable, and easily accessible.
• Cantilever racks: Cantilever racks are the ideal solution for long, bulky items. These racks have horizontal arms that typically extend from a vertical column. They’re good for accommodating high-capacity requirements and improving vertical storage space, however, they tend to take up a lot of room on the warehouse floor.
• Drive-in/drive-thru racks: These high-density storage systems reduce forklift operating aisles. These systems are as simple as they are affordable, consisting of multiple racks with a series of lanes that forklift access to deliver or retrieve pallets.
• Mobile racking systems: Mobile racks are space-saving solutions that allow mobile shelving to move as necessary. The racking systems are on wheels and are easily able to move to create aisles, where workers can then enter to retrieve supplies. Once the supplies have been retrieved, the racking systems can be pushed back together. Compared to conventional pallet racking systems, mobile racking systems can increase storage by up to 90 percent. Despite the benefits, mobile racking systems do have a knack for being somewhat difficult and expensive to design and install.

Choosing the Right Racking System for Your Warehouse

Now that you know some of the racking systems options that are available, it’s time to decide which one is right for your warehouse. Some of the factors you want to consider when making your decision include:

• Load capacity requirements: The weight of the loads that you’re dealing with should be a leading consideration when selecting the right type of pallet racking system to include in your facility. Pallet racks, for instance, can manage a lot of weight and are easy to scale as your warehouse grows.
• Warehouse size and layout: One of the biggest reasons to invest in storage racks is to optimize space in the warehouse. However, how your warehouse is designed should be a major consideration when selecting the right solution for your facility. For instance, pallet racks and cantilever racks are ideal for going vertical. If you have plenty of floor space, you might consider a drive-in/drive-through system or a mobile racking system.
• The type of goods being stored: Ensure the racking system is specifically designed for the products you intend to store. The products should fit the racking systems with minimal wasted space and should be designed so that they can be easily loaded and unloaded from the racks.

Best Practices for Storage Rack Layout and Organization

Some tips and suggestions you’ll want to consider when optimizing your storage rack layout and design include:

• Maximize as much vertical space as you can with pallet racks and cantilever racks. This frees up more floor space for other storage solutions and ensures that workers can move freely without obstruction.
• Another reason why you want to “store up” is to free up enough room for forklifts that need to retrieve the storage racks that you’ll be transporting. Make sure there’s plenty of space for forklifts to easily navigate without harming workers or running into other objects.
• Organize to optimize the process workflow: Make sure to organize your storage systems to optimize the workflow on the shop floor. For instance, map out the flow, label items, and store common items together.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Racking Systems

To ensure they operate effectively for the long term, it’s important to maintain racking systems. This all starts with regular inspections and load assessments to ensure the equipment is in good condition and able to manage the loads accordingly. Other tips for preventing accidents include:

• Knowing weight limits.
• Training workers on best practices.
• Keeping the warehouse floor clean.
• Addressing issues that arise promptly.

How A-Lined’s Storage Racks Make a Difference

For more information on how storage racks can make a difference in your warehouse and to learn more about the solutions that A-Lined offers, contact us today.