In the realm of warehouse management, the selection of the right industrial racking system is paramount. It’s the backbone of efficient storage, ensuring smooth operations and maximizing space utilization. At Al Rafe Building Maintenance Company LLC Dubai, we understand the significance of choosing the perfect racking solution tailored to your needs. Let’s delve into the classification and characteristics of various types of industrial racking to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Classification of Industrial Racking Systems:
Industrial racking systems can be categorized based on two key factors:
- Load Type:
- 1st) Pallet Racking: Designed for robust storage of palletized goods, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
- 2nd) Picking Solutions: Cater to lighter loads and individual items, facilitating efficient hand-picking operations.
1st) Types of Industrial Racking for pallets
Pallet racking is a type of industrial racking designed to support large loads that will be lifted by the handling equipment.
We can divide pallet racking into 4 major categories:
1)Adjustable pallet racking
2)Compact pallet racking
3)Live pallet racking
4)Mobile pallet racking.
1)Adjustable Pallet Racking
i )Standard Adjustable Pallet Racking
Adjustable Pallet Racking is a type of industrial racking that stores pallets mechanically using forklifts.
The forklifts access the goods via the aisles that run parallel to the racking and have direct and immediate access to all the unit loads stored.
They have a standard aisle width and store a single pallet at the back of the racking, unlike the other 2 conventional systems outlined below.
ii ) Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Pallet Racking is a compact version of adjustable pallet racking, creating a higher density and capacity storage system without the need for more space.
This type of adjustable pallet racking is compacted by narrowing the aisles, resulting in a space-saving of over 40%. The minimum aisle width must be 1.5 m in this type of system.
To be able to work correctly in the warehouse with these VNA racking systems, special handling equipment for VNA is required.
iii ) Double Deep Pallet Racking
Double Deep Pallet Racking is a conventional storage solution, but it shares common features with compact racking.
In this type of industrial racking system, the pallets are stored at two depths, thus achieving higher storage density. Unlike standard adjustable pallet racking, in double-deep pallet racking the operator does not have direct access to all the pallets stored.
Double deep pallet racking must also be used with special forklifts equipped with telescopic forks or a pantograph mechanism to easily and quickly access the second pallet stored.
2) Compact Racking
Compact Racking is a high-density storage system that fully optimizes warehouse space and height by reducing the truck’s work aisles to the maximum.
In these types of warehouse racking systems, parallel aisles are generated inside the structure, where forklifts can enter and move around for the pallet loading and unloading process.
Compact storage systems are suitable when the problem of space takes priority over direct access to or selectivity of all the unit loads stored.
There are two main compact racking systems: Drive-in and Drive-through.
i ) Drive-in Pallet Racking (LIFO)
The Drive-In compact system is the most used. It only requires one access aisle for the forklift and works according to the LIFO (Last in, First out) stock management method, where the last pallet in is the first one to leave.
This type of compact storage is recommended in warehouses with homogeneous products that have low rotation of material.
ii ) Drive Through Pallet Racking (FIFO)
Drive-through racking needs two work aisle accesses, one on each side of the racking. Works according to the FIFO (First in, First out) method, where the first pallet in is the first one to leave.
FIFO is a storage system recommended for warehouses with high rotation products; however, space optimization is less than in Drive-In racking.
3) Live Pallet Racking
Live pallet racking is a type of compact storage system that takes advantage of the forces of gravity and pushing to optimize pallet storage.
Its peculiarity is that using these 2 forces, the pallets are moved inside the racking to their desired position.
The two main types of live pallet racking are the gravity FIFO Live Storage system and the Push-Back LIFO system.
i ) Gravity FIFO Live Pallet Racking system
FIFO Live Pallet Racking consists of a compact structure with roller beds at each height that allow the pallets to slide easily thanks to a slight incline.
This type of system uses the FIFO method (First in, First out), where the loading area is at the opposite end of the unloading area, with the pallets traveling that distance on a system of rollers that form a slightly inclined rail.
It is the best system for warehouses that require perfect stock rotation and good use of the available space.
ii ) Push-Back LIFO Racking
Push-Back LIFO Racking is a live storage solution for the accumulation of pallets that uses the LIFO method (Last in, First out) to manage the unit loads.
This type of pallet racking only has one loading and unloading area at the front of the structure, and the pallets are stored by pushing the previous ones toward the back of the racking with a small controlled force.
There are 2 types of Push-Back racking systems depending on the method of movement used: Push-Back with shuttles and Push-Back with rollers.
4) Mobile Racking or Mobile Bases System
Mobile Racking is a storage solution in which the metal structure is mounted on mobile bases or a chassis which are guided by rails fixed to the floor.
With this movement of the racking bays, only one work aisle is opened for forklift access: the aisle to work in.
This type of industrial racking has electric motors and remote traction elements that enable its movement from one side to the other.
The characteristics of mobile racking make it the ideal solution for cold stores, due to reducing the total volume to be cooled.
2nd) Types of Picking Solutions or Shelving
Picking solutions or long-span shelving are storage solutions for generally less heavy and bulky products, typically cartons, small items, or other products.
This type of industrial racking operates without using handling or elevation equipment, although it is possible to combine picking solutions with pallet racking systems, making them very versatile solutions for a warehouse.
Picking Solutions are normally located in the warehouse in order preparation areas, filing spaces, or maintenance areas.
i ) Longspan Shelving
Longspan Shelving allows the manual storage of medium and small-size products. This type of racking is very versatile and adaptable to a wide variety of unit loads and allows direct and quick access to all stored materials.
It is an easy-to-assemble system that allows adding various accessories to its basic structure to adapt to the company’s needs, such as the solutions for the textile sector.
ii ) Multi-Tier Racking
Multi-tier racking is a type of manual industrial racking that makes it possible to optimize the available space of a warehouse thanks to using of height.
In this storage system, aisle levels at different heights are created which are accessed by stairs.
iii ) Carton Flow Rack Systems
Carton Flow Rack Systems are high-density storage systems for cartons and light unit loads. They enable significant space savings and efficient stock control.
The various light unit loads slide along pulley rails or rollers with a slight incline.
