Warehouse professionals often have concerns that need addressing before they commit to buying pallet racking and having it installed. This article outlines and addresses five such concerns so that you can find out more about this important subject and be as prepared as possible.
Will Pallet Racking Fit?
Before committing to pallet racking, it’s a good idea to have a look at the dimensions of your warehouse and decide whether or not there is enough room to accommodate it. Different pallet racking systems will require varying amounts of space, but to ensure that they can function adequately, you need to understand how much space will be needed. What is the height, width and layout of your warehouse, and can it accommodate a pallet racking system? Would the addition of pallet racking help the efficiency of your warehouse, or could it actually slow it down? These are all important things to consider.
How Will Product Movement Be Affected?
Every pallet racking system will affect product movement differently, as they are each designed based on varying systems. For example, there’s the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) system, which is best for items with expiration dates that are important. Then there’s the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) system, where the items put into the racking system last are the first ones retrieved. So it really depends on the kind of stock you have, as to which method of retrieval – and which pallet racking – will be best for your warehouse.
How Will Your Type of Product Affect Your Pallet Racking?
It may seem to be stating the obvious, but there are different kinds of pallet racking available to suit a variety of products. One aspect to think about is the dimensions of your items. Weight, size and diversity of these qualities will have a bearing on whichpallet racking you choose. Also, if your products have a short life span, then you will likely need a FIFO system or perhaps pallet flow racking, which is often used for perishable products. Whatever you do, ensure the pallet racking you choose is aligned with the kinds of products you sell.
How Will Pallet Racking Affect Operations?
It’s important to remember that pallet racking is not simply money down the drain, but an actual investment in the health of your business. Whatever you do, don’t go looking for the cheapest pallet racking supplier on the internet, as you pay for what you get, and the safety repercussions of poor qualitypallet racking are enormous. Not to mention the damaged goods that could come of it. It is well worthwhile to pay a higher price for a high-quality, sturdy product so you can save yourself complications down the track.
Can I Install Pallet Racking Myself?
It is not advisable to install pallet racking yourself, as there are various building codes that you must abide by to ensure the safety of any structures in the warehouse. You are much better off finding a reputable supplier and installer of pallet racking who has considerable knowledge and hands-on experience.
