Pallet rack systems have a significant impact on the efficiency, accessibility, and overall operations of any warehouse, so selecting the right systems is critical. At Carolina Material Handling Inc., we offer a wide selection of pallet rack systems to our clients, and in this post, we’ll provide an overview of three systems to help you compare your options and select the right one for your warehouse.
- Selective Pallet Rack Systems – These pallet rack systems are among the most common thanks to their versatility. They allow for easy access to each pallet, making them ideal for warehouses that carry a diverse inventory, and they are easy to reconfigure to accommodate your warehouse’s changing storage needs. The cons of selective pallet rack systems are that they have a lower storage density when compared to other rack systems, and they may require more aisle space.
- Drive-In Pallet Rack Systems – Drive-in pallet rack systems are ideal for warehouses that need to prioritize high-density storage. They have fewer aisles, and forklifts can drive directly into the rack system to stack pallets one behind the other. These pallet rack systems are a cost-effective solution for warehouses that carry large amounts of similar inventory that are not constrained by expiration dates since the last pallet to be stored is the first to be retrieved (the last-in, first-out or LIFO system). This LIFO setup can be a disadvantage for warehouses with inventory that have expiration dates or where more selectivity is needed.
- Pallet Flow Rack Systems – These pallet rack systems feature wheels or rollers that move products from the loading end to the unloading end. It is ideal for warehouses with time-sensitive or high-volume operations and reduces the need for multiple aisles. It operates on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management system. The initial investment in a pallet flow rack system is often higher than that of other systems, and it is less suitable for low-turnover operations.
Our team would be happy to discuss your options for pallet rack systems and help you determine which is best for your operations. Contact us today to learn more.
