Difference of  Warehouse Storage Racking Systems & How to Choose The Suitable Racks in Your Warehouse ?

• What is a racking system?

A racking system consists of several modules with shelves used to store industrial products and other types of items on pallets or in boxes or bins. The racks are typically made of metal and play a crucial role in facilities like warehouses and logistics or production centres  .

• How do I choose a racking system?

Using the appropriate equipment for each task is essential for ensuring warehouse efficiency. As a result, racking systems vary greatly depending on a company’s sector and activity. Your end goal in selecting a racking system for your business is to save time and money during operations. These are some factors to take into account:

• Characteristics of boxes or pallets. Knowing the size, shape, quantity and weight of the unit load that best fits your inventory is vital for choosing the perfect racking system.
• Warehouse layout. In addition to the available square metres of floor space, it’s fundamental to consider the height of your facility. This factor can be decisive for its capacity to carry out large or small operations.
• Accessibility. Operators must be able to reach pallets and materials quickly and efficiently.
• Budget. Consider which option will be more cost-effective in the long term. Some might require a more substantial initial investment but deliver a generous return and superior strength and durability.

To make the right choice, it’s advisable to rely on storage experts and familiarise yourself with the main types of racking systems.

1. Selective racking :

Every pallet location is accessible from the aisle. 

• Usually, it is single-deep, which means it is one pallet deep.
• The aisle serves two rows of racks. 
• The most common racking system being used in warehouses. 
• The height of the racks can be varied according to the standard items will be stored and the stacking standard  of the items 

2- Double-deep racking :

• Two rows of single-deep racks are
• Configured together to hold two pallets,one behind the other.
• Along forklift , stacker or reach truck is used to retrieve the two pallets.
• Sucha storage system is ideal for products with large batch quantity ,e.g.
• Soft drinks.

3- Drive In Racking:

• More than one pallet must be moved together.
•  Provide high space utilization

4- Mobile Racking: 

• Racks are installed on guideways. 
• Increase the density of the storage area

5- Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) :

 Its main components are as follows:

•  Stacker Crane :

 This is the moving part which comprises a cabin that houses the fork. 

The cabin sometimes houses the control system which allows the ASRS to be manually controlled in case the automated systemfails.

• Stacker Rack :

 These are usually selective pallet racks or double-deep racks,

 Depending on the configuration. This guides the stacker crane to put-away and retrieve pallets.

6- Very Narrow Aisle(VNA): 

• AVNA is essentially a selective pallet racking system except that the aisle width is reduced and the height of the racks can reach up to 14m.
• Such a storage system requires a VNA reach truck for storage and retrieval of goods from the racks.

7- Shelving : 

• There are single-storey or multiple storey shelving.
•  Unlike the pallet storage system ,a shelving usually requires manual depositing and retrieval of goods. 
•  Usually goods are un-palletized and bins are used

Written By :
Adham Elattar 
Supply chain Manager 
Supply chain instructor