What type of rack should you choose for your warehouse?

Choosing the right pallet rack is essential to maximize your warehouse storage capacity, increase productivity and reduce expenses. Each pallet rack model has its own positive and negative points. Let’s explore the main types of pallets and their characteristics.

1. The Pallet Racking : the multi-purpose



Benefits:

• Versatility: Compatible with all types of forklifts.
• Accessibility: Each pallet is directly accessible, which facilitates inventory management.
• Cost: Generally the cheapest pallet systems.
• Flexibility: Easy to modify and adapt to your changing needs.
• Resale: Good resale value, especially for standard dimensions.

Disadvantages:

• Density: Less dense than other systems, which can limit storage capacity.

2. The Drive-in pallet: for large homogeneous quantities

Benefits:

• Density: Very good storage density, ideal for large volume products.
• Cost: Relatively low price compared to other systems.

Disadvantages:

• Accessibility: Limited access to each pallet, which can slow down operations.
• Flexibility: Less flexible than the pallet rack due to its design.
• Resale: Often limited resale value due to its custom design.

3. Push-back racking: a balance between density and accessibility

Benefits:

• Density: High storage density.
• Accessibility: Better accessibility than the Drive-in thanks to a rail system.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: One of the most expensive systems.
• Products: Not suitable for perishable products due to the FIFO (first in, first out) principle.

4. The Pallet flow: for a continuous flow

Benefits:

• Density: Very good storage density.
• Flow: Allows a continuous flow of pallets, ideal for fast rotating products.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: Similar to the Push-back.
• Space: Requires extra space for forklifts.

5. The Shuttle rack pallet truck: the automated solution

Benefits:

• Density: Very high storage density.
• Automation: Increases productivity and reduces errors.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: High initial investment due to the technology used.
• Projects: Usually reserved for large projects due to the cost of shuttles.

In conclusion, before making your choice of pallet racking, it is important to consider different aspects related to your warehouse. A Fit-out Specialist can guide you to assess your needs and choose the best storage solution.