Getting the most out of your storage racks is difficult, meaning that you’ll definitely need to plan ahead. In short, this whole ordeal is almost impossible to delve into without some assistance. A well-designed warehouse may aid in the organization of the area, but it’s capable of so much more—for example, establishing a good workflow and increasing safety. The best utilization of both floor and vertical space should be one of your design priorities. Work zones, inventory access types, and dock locations must all be designated. To get you started, here are some of the top tips you need to design your warehouse racking layout.
Budget for the Best Pallet Racking That You Can Afford
Pallet rack expenses might include things like design, permits, and installation. Off-the-shelf racking will not suffice in seismically active places. Don’t rule out the greatest alternative merely because it’s more expensive. Trade-in programs are available from several pallet rack providers to help defray the cost of a new purchase. Alternatively, you might choose to perform various portions at a time. Whatever the case may be, you must verify that you are purchasing high-quality racking that complies with OSHA safety regulations. Remember that this is an investment in the future protection and well-being of your warehouse, and not just a one-time purchase.
Start With Defining the Storage Capacity Needs of Your Warehouse
It is advisable to have a comprehensive picture of your activities when defining storage targets for your warehouse. If the things you’ll be storing are low-flow, they won’t move quickly. Pallet racks may then be put throughout your warehouse, excluding any internal structures, doors, or windows. Of course, you’ll need to factor in aisle space as well.
If the things you’ll be keeping are perishable or high-flow, though, then you might want to think about pallet rack flow. Flow system enables the loading and unloading on one end and loading and unloading on the other. The FIFO (First-in, First-out) rotation is supported by these racks. Then compile a list of the goods, their weights, and the packaging you want to store. Add the number of pallets or cartons you wish to store to your list if you know how many you’ll need. Our aims and storage needs are now determined by this list. Additional information is not required at this time; it will be provided later.
Choose a Trusted Pallet Rack Vendor
Don’t phone around to compare costs and choose a seller, as tempting as it may seem. After all, this is a long-term investment, and you should instead seek information and value instead.
Explain your objectives and needs to your potential provider. Pay attention to their inquiries and inquire about their experiences. A skilled pallet rack designer will want to go a little further into your process and the products you’ll be keeping. Move on if they do not seem concerned about the overall safety of the racking system by addressing things like the warehouse rack spacing and fire risk.
The majority of resellers will seek to promote a certain brand or product. While name familiarity is beneficial, it says nothing about how effectively your specific provider will help you in the future or should problems arise. Instead, search for a supplier that will work with you as a partner—someone who can solve problems and help you with your project.
Make an Accurate Map of Your Warehouse
The amount of storage you have depends on the size and style of your room. You’ll need some basic materials, such as paper, pencil, and a measuring tape if you want to do it yourself. Some companies, on the other hand, provide free site surveys; make use of this to save time.
You should start with a rough hand-drawn layout here. Make a list of all the internal structures, as well as all the work areas. Overhead shutters should be included in this. All staging, shipping, and receiving locations are included. Use an electronic measuring tape to determine the length, breadth, and height.
In some cases, the shipping and receiving facilities may be on separate sides of the room. The width of your aisles is determined by the forklift turn ratio. If you need more information, consult your forklift handbook.
It’s easy to establish lanes and pallet rack orientation when you’re employing high-flow storage. Racks can be packed from the receiving end and unloaded at the shipping end in this situation. A more exact design is necessary in a low-flow rotation. This is due to two factors: more forklift aisle activity and easier access. Your pallet racks should be able to sustain an equally dispersed traffic pattern in this situation.
Digitize Your Racking Layout for Formality
We made a preliminary draft of our racking layout in section 4. Now is the time to codify all we’ve accomplished thus far into a workable answer. But don’t worry; here is where the appropriate dealer can assist you.
If your warehouse is located in a seismic zone or if you want to store things that are taller than 12 feet, a permit for high piles may be required. Engineered designs are required to check the weight restrictions of each storage place. It’s better to delegate this task to your provider, who will coordinate with the municipal and fire services in your area.
Choose the Appropriate Pallet Racks for Your Space
If you’ve followed our instructions, choosing a warehouse racks arrangement should be simple by the time you arrive at this stage.
If you chose the correct partner, you should have had multiple discussions with them about your objectives and requirements. Furthermore, pricing should not be a factor in these discussions. They must focus on the advantages of the present scheme. A reputable seller should explain how their solution will help you save money.
Nonetheless, you should conduct your own study and examine the many methods available today. Make certain that your system will continue to assist your company in the future. Make sure the rack equipment is sturdy, long-lasting, and secure. Don’t settle for low-quality imported steel that will cost you a lot of money in the long run.
We hope you have enjoyed our article covering everything you need to know when designing a warehouse rack layout. Reach out to Rack Safety Products today to get the safety accouterments you need to make your warehouse a safer place to work!
