3 Pallet Racking Systems That Can Increase Efficiency

Posted on: 1 August 2016

The way that you decide to organize your warehouse and rack your pallets can determine how efficiently your entire business runs. While different systems may seem to have only a few minor differences, it's important that you consider the pros and cons of each system in order to make an informed decision about what's best for your warehouse and business as a whole. If you're unsure that your current pallet racking system is producing the best possible results, take a look below at three alternative systems you should consider. 

Narrow Aisles

If a lack of space is your primary problem, consider narrowing your aisles to optimize the space you do have. A narrow aisle pallet racking system may necessitate a few changes in the equipment you use - you'll need forklifts suited specifically for narrow aisles - but the benefits are considerable. Most importantly, you can maximize the amount of goods stored in your warehouse, and avoid having to rent out additional space. You can also add pick and deposit stations at the end of aisles to ensure that products are safely and efficiently delivered.

Drive In/Through 

If narrow aisles still don't provide you with enough space, you may actually want to consider dispensing with aisles altogether. This might seem to fly in the face of common sense, but more warehouses are adopting the drive in (or drive through) model as a way of saving the most amount of space possible, and in so doing, improving picking efficiency along the way. Drive in systems involve racking pallets on rails that extend from one end of a storage space to the other. Drivers can enter these spaces on small forklifts and remove the pallets as necessary. Drive through systems utilize similar technology, but allow drivers access to the rails from both sides of a storage space.  

Carton Flow Racking

Many warehouses and businesses deal with products that simply can't be thrown on pallets and stored in a traditional racking system. Fortunately, a creative solution known as carton flow racking offers a viable, efficient alternative. This racking system allows items to be loaded quickly onto a rolling tray and presented for picking by hand. This is especially convenient if your company is internet based, and you need your employees to easily locate and pick orders for individual customers. A further benefit is that carton flow racking systems can be further customized or upgraded to fulfill evolving client needs. Visit http://www.commercialhardwaregroup.com for more information.   

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