The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing repair or replace racking

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As you establish or revisit your inventory management plan, be sure it includes the Shelves and Racks that hold the products and materials you keep in stock. Incorporating smart Shelving and Racking strategies into your plan keeps your warehouse or distribution center organized and ensures clear pathways for workers and equipment.

Material storage isn&#;t just about giving everything its place, however. Proper organization using pallet racking can drastically improve worker productivity, minimize safety issues, keep floors clear, and speed up order fulfillment. The right storage and shelving systems also maximize available square footage.

In this guide, we uncover three tips to help you select a pallet racking system for your warehouse or distribution facility. The right pallet racking system can make use of limited space, protect material, make order fulfillment more efficient, and increase storage capacity.

1. Consider your pallet racking system components

Understanding the components that come together to create a pallet rack&#;and how they work together to provide stability and storage&#;can help you configure a system to your needs based on available space as well as load and weight size.

Vertical uprights (sometimes called &#;columns&#;) serve as the frame for a pallet rack. They&#;re available in different depths, heights, and gauges to support the weight of the products being stored. Uprights also have holes or slots that allow beams to be mounted onto them.

Beams serve as the horizontal supports for the pallet rack system, providing a surface for safe pallet placement. There are two beam styles to choose from:

1 .Box beams have a box-like shape similar to 2x4 lumber and use clips to attach themselves to a vertical upright. The construction of a box beam allows it to hold heavier loads per square inch as compared to a step beam.

2. Step beams have L-shaped steps in their design, with slots along the lower edge of the steps. These steps support solid-surface materials that help maintain a flat storage area.

Components help you turn a pallet racking system into a customized inventory management solution that works the way you need it to. There are a variety of accessories you can use to set up a pallet rack to meet your needs:

• Wire, solid, or perforated decking can be installed to support loads of different sizes and weights. It also allows light and air filtering between the beams, which may be important based on what types of products you&#;re storing.

• Crossbars reinforce a pallet racking system by taking some of the load off the beams and distributing the weight more evenly across the entire system. They also create additional support for the bottom of a load.

• Dividers help keep your inventory separated and organized across each row. This is especially helpful with smaller products or when similar SKUs are stored side by side.

• Gravity flow levels allow inventory loads to be placed on one end of the rack and easily moved down to the other end. They can also make it easier to reach inventory and minimize back-and-forth travel for workers.

2. Know your storage and shelving dimensions

It may sound simple, but it&#;s an often-overlooked step: When you&#;re planning your pallet racking system strategy, make sure to measure the space first&#;as well as the materials you&#;ll store (including the pallets that the products will sit on). Having this information helps align your purchase with your needs and ensures you don&#;t overspend or end up with a pallet racking system that doesn&#;t fit where you need it to.

There are three common pallet sizes:

• 48 inches by 40 inches (the most common)

Knowing which pallet sizes you work with most often will help you plan the right pallet racking system. A helpful hint: To make the most of your space, the beam lengths of your pallet racking system should be a multiple of the pallet dimension you use most frequently. Remember that beam capacity is always listed as capacity per beam pair. This number is based on the static weight of evenly distributed loads.*

When it comes to uprights, the height you choose will depend on your ceiling height, the product you plan to store, and the recommended capacity limits for the manufacturer.

Are you interested in learning more about repair or replace racking? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

The weight capacity of an upright is determined by beam spacing (the height between levels). To find this number, measure the distance between the storage levels. The more space between levels, the lower the capacity of the pallet rack&#;s upright.

3. Take steps to ensure safety and security

Implementing proper safety precautions is key to making sure your pallet racking system brings efficiency and value, not safety concerns.

Take these steps to keep your workers safe and your materials secure.

• When storing products on shelves, there&#;s always the risk of them falling. Safety netting and mesh guards can prevent this by providing a fall-protection barrier that still offers visibility and ventilation. These products can also make it more difficult for products to be stolen.

• If forklifts and other pieces of material-handling equipment are used in your warehouse or distribution environment, then adding more stability to the base of the pallet racking system will ensure that it withstands accidental contact. Rack guards act as a buffer between machinery and the rack, reducing impact and helping to prevent rack failure.

• As your needs change over time, you&#;ll likely need to transport the components of your pallet racking system as you reconfigure. A pallet rack mover can make moving empty pallet racks possible without having to disassemble them.

• When pallet racking systems are used outdoors, they should be placed on the pavement and secured with poured concrete pillars to properly support racking loads.

If you&#;re ready to incorporate pallet racking into your inventory management plan&#;or expand on what you already have&#;then Global Industrial&#;s product experts are here for you. Contact our in-house storage experts for help finding the right configuration for your needs.

*Pallet Rack Disclaimer: The capacity LBS limitations apply to static (non seismic) conditions only. If seismic conditions apply, verification of capacities must be confirmed with a seismic engineer. Global Industrial is not responsible for engineering, installation and/or application of this material. In addition, Global Industrial is not responsible for securing any necessary permits. It is the full responsibility of the customer to check the contents and quantities. The capacity LBS limitations are provided for reference only and based on an evenly distributed load.

The information contained in this article is for informational, educational, and promotional purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. It is the reader&#;s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations. If there is any question or doubt in regard to any element contained in this article, please consult a licensed professional.  Under no circumstances will Global Industrial be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on this article.

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Are you challenged to find the perfect storage system for your warehouse? There&#;s a lot to keep in mind when selecting the right racking solution. Space, cost, durability, and workflow are just a few of the things you need to think about when making your decision. When you account for all the different factors that affect your racking system, you can get a clearer idea of your needs and specifications. Make choosing, implementing, and maintaining your storage solution easier than ever with our buyer&#;s guide on what to consider in warehouse racking systems.

New vs. Used: Pros and Cons

To buy new or to buy used? This is one of the biggest considerations to make for any kind of equipment purchase. There are benefits and drawbacks to both options, and the right choice will differ depending on your warehouse environment and what your workflow looks like.

New racking systems offer greater flexibility. It&#;s easier to start from scratch with new racking systems because there are no limitations from existing equipment or integration challenges. However, integrating new equipment with an existing system is a viable option and easy to do, especially when your specifications are standard and your existing equipment is in good condition. However, today&#;s environment presents longer lead times for new equipment and could compromise improvements with extended production and delivery delays.

Used racking systems, on the other hand, are a cost-effective way of expanding your storage. Used systems are a good fit when your specifications are flexible or when color and exact match are not top priorities. Used equipment is generally available immediately. Used rack systems can be a challenge to find, especially when a large volume of equipment is needed. Few distributors and integrators have used equipment on-hand. It is critical to see pictures of the used equipment before purchasing, and inspecting in person is always the best option. RMH Systems is one of the few systems integrators that buy used equipment on a very selective basis. RMH thoroughly inspects used equipment before selling it and will ensure the specifications and capacity are right for your system.

Think Vertically

One of the great benefits of racking systems is that they take advantage of your vertical space. Analyze the layout of your warehouse and think about how you can best use that vertical space. Do you need extra work space as well as more storage space? If so, a mezzanine or work platform is a great solution for adding a second level to your warehouse. On the other hand, if you need to prioritize storage space over everything else, you&#;ll want to look into vertical shelving units and other forms of high-density storage for your space. And don&#;t forget to &#;look up.&#;

Know Your Load Ratings and Rack Capacity

Safety is an essential part of your warehouse. As such, one of the most crucial considerations to make when choosing a racking system is the rack&#;s load capacity. Your racking system must meet the demands of your highest workloads, including loading and unloading conditions.

The total load rating of a pallet racking unit is the sum of the load rating of each of the beams, uprights, and other parts. However, keep in mind that damage to a single part of the system reduces the overall load rating and overall integrity. As such, it&#;s crucial to understand loaded pallet or material size, weight, and dimensions when choosing your racking system.

It&#;s also important to note that uniform weight distribution isn&#;t always possible when you&#;re working on and around your racking system. If you know your workflow will create load fluctuations, be sure to choose a racking system that can handle the uneven weight distribution.

Look at Safety Features

Load ratings are an essential part of safety, but there are other details you can look for as well. Adequate lighting solutions are a simple yet effective way to illuminate your inventory and minimize forklift accidents and other safety concerns in your warehouse. Protecting your equipment using guard rails, column guards, and end-of-row guards will ensure your racking systems&#; overall integrity is not compromised by accidental impact damage.

The Benefits of Automation

Automated material flow and handling is a great way to streamline your workflow. Many upstream, midstream, and end of line processes like storage and retrieval, case erectors and sealers, print and apply, picking and packing, and pallet wrapping processes benefit from automation. Automated storage systems can also make storing, rearranging, and retrieving pallets faster and more accurate than ever before. There are many different ways to implement automation into your warehouse, all of which improve efficiency, reduce human error, and free up your employees to focus on other, more valuable tasks.

Basic Types of Racking Systems

Now that we&#;ve covered what to consider in warehouse racking systems, this buyer&#;s guide will discuss the basic types of racking systems available. All storage solutions have at least minor differences that set them apart from other systems and enable them to suit the specific needs and designs of your warehouse. However, there are a few key solutions to learn about before making your decision.

Selective Pallet Rack

Selective pallet racking systems are a simple and versatile solution to increase storage and preserve accessibility throughout your warehouse. These storage solutions optimize your space through optimizing number of bays and levels, decking, and other accessories. At the same time, all products are visible and accessible, making storage and retrieval easy. Selective pallet racks are straightforward, effective, and customizable, making them an ideal, versatile solution for nearly any space.

Double-Deep Pallet Rack

If you want to maximize floor space while expanding your storage, double-deep pallet racks might be right for you. By placing a second row of storage behind the first, double-deep racks cut down on the number of aisles you need, giving you more room for both storage and traffic flow. Keep in mind that double-deep storage solutions require specific trucks or forklifts to access the second row of storage.

Pallet Shuttles

Pallet shuttles are automated systems that handle storing, rearranging, and retrieving inventory. These systems combine high-density storage and automation for a comprehensive solution that supports high throughput and rotation. If your warehouse needs to maximize both storage and product movement in a limited space, pallet shuttles are a worthwhile solution.

Push-Back Rack

Push-back racking systems utilize gravity to create a last-in-first-out storage solution. Pallets sit in rail systems. Placing a pallet pushes the others in that aisle back while retrieving the latest pallet allows the others to fall forward into place. Push-back racking systems are a great high-density storage solution for warehouses that don&#;t need to prioritize rotation.

Pallet Flow Rack

Similar to push-back racking systems, pallet flow racks use gravity to move pallets to the picking area. However, pallet flow racks are a first-in-first-out system. By placing pallets at the back of the rack and letting them flow to the pick face, these systems offer high-density storage while preserving rotation ability.

You don&#;t have to choose your warehouse pallet racking system alone. Contact RMH Systems today and let our experts help you choose the perfect system for your warehouse needs.

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