Maximizing Warehouse Productivity: Why Selective Pallet Racking Is a Game Changer

You know that an efficient layout and the right type of equipment are key to running an efficient warehouse. Selective pallet racks are one of the most popular options and there are good reasons why.

What Is Selective Pallet Racking?

Selective pallet racking lets you access any pallet without having to move other goods. It’s the most common type of warehouse racking system, holding pallets for fast loading and unloading.

Single deep pallet racks allow forklifts to directly access stored pallets. These systems can be scaled by adding bays to create longer rows or positioning racks back-to-back for front and rear access. Single deep racks work well when storing a variety of products.

Double-deep racks have two storage depths: front and back. While they maximize storage density, the front pallet must be removed to access the rear. This may require modifying forklifts for ease of use. Due to the reduced accessibility, double-deep systems are best suited for storing large quantities of the same product.

The Benefits of Selective Pallet Racking

One of the main benefits is that you can access anything stored on a selective pallet rack at any time without obstructions. This reduces unnecessary touches for storage and retrieval, such as moving other objects out of the way. Other benefits include:

• Cost-efficiency: Considered the most affordable type of racking available.
• Operations: Easy to install and maintain without highly specialized equipment.
• Versatility: Can be used for a wide variety of product types and sizes.
• Configuration: Can be configured in multiple ways to optimize warehouse layouts

Potential Drawbacks

There are some drawbacks, however, compared to other types of pallet racking, so you should know about them too. For example, selective pallet racking has:

• Density: Lower storage density than some other types of pallet racking
• Space: Requires more floor space than dense storage systems
• Scaling: Adding additional units may require specialized equipment for vertical stacking
• Layout: Poorly designed selective pallet racking can create congestion and roadblocks in operations.

The warehouse professionals at Conesco Storage Systems can evaluate your unique warehouse needs, develop a customized plan to overcome any challenges and make sure you get the right fit to maximize your workflow.

Who Benefits the Most from a Selective Pallet Rack Configuration?

While just about any warehouse can use a selective pallet rack setup efficiently, there are certain types of operations where selective pallet racking is a game changer.

A distribution or fulfillment center that has high-SKU stock sees two specific benefits. First, selective pallet racking lets operators access the SKUs needed easily. Secondly, the ease of operation makes them ideal for high-volume and high-turnover warehouses.

Selective racking systems with single deep configurations can utilize a FIFO racking methodology, ensuring perishable items or SKUs with limited shelf life turnover efficiently.

For areas that are prone to earthquakes and seismic activity, selective racking systems with closed-tube structural racks offer superior durability and strength. Welded trusses and high-capacity beams are incredibly stable and strong.

What to Look for in Selective Pallet Racking

If you are considering deploying a selective pallet rack strategy in your warehouse, here are some of the key factors you will want to evaluate:

• Load Capacity: Selective racks need to be designed and built to safely hold the weight of your heaviest pallets.
• Pallet Accessibility: Consider the size of your forklifts to ensure proper clearance between racks. Vertically stacked racks may require higher lifts.
• Adjustability: Make sure the racking you choose offers adjustable beam levels.
• Layout Planning: Optimize your rack layout for workflow based on the types of inventory stored and order volumes moved through the warehouse for peak efficiency.

Whenever you’re considering purchasing equipment, you always have to factor in the cost of purchasing, longevity, and impact on your operation. Fortunately, you do not have to worry about longevity. Selective pallet racking is heavy-duty and built to last. However, you will want to weigh the cost of your investment against the efficiency and productivity it provides versus other high-density storage solutions.

Choose Conesco Storage Systems

Conesco Storage Systems is a global leader in the materials handling industry, with access to top manufacturers and warehouse liquidations, so you can get affordable new or used pallet racking to outfit your warehouse.

As trusted business advisors to top warehousing organizations, we do more than just sell warehouse equipment. The Conesco team has decades of experience with materials handling and can help with planning, design, budgeting, evaluation, best practices, and execution of all of your warehouse projects.

Call the Conesco team at (303) 690-9591 or request a consultation online to discuss your materials handling needs, including selective pallet racking.

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