Selecting the best pallet storage system for your warehouse

Every warehouse operation has unique storage needs. These are dictated by the inventory management system the company employs, the types of products being stored, the size of the warehouse and numerous other factors. In this article, we describe the three most common pallet storage systems to help you determine which is most suited to your operation.

Selective racking

Selective pallet racks are the most popular racking option. It’s called “selective” because users have 100% selectivity of any pallet location in the system without having to move any others.

Selective racking is ideal for small to mid-sized warehouse operations. However, it generally isn’t the best fit for warehouses with high-density storage, as it doesn’t make optimal use of space. It requires more floor space than other racking options and can’t be built as high.

Drive-in racking

Drive-in rack systems are designed to allow forklifts to enter the racking. The user deposits the pallet load at the back of the racking and from there loads the row starting from bottom to top, back to front.

These systems maximize vertical storage space in busy warehouse operations. They’re configured for a “last in, first out” (LIFO) inventory management system. They’re an ideal racking system for warehouses with high volumes of a limited number of like products (SKUs). Conversely, if your warehouse has a lot of different products (different SKUs), it isn’t the most practical option. Nor is it ideal for warehouses that need to rotate time-sensitive products and can’t use a LIFO inventory management system.

Push back racking

Also known as dynamic racking, push back racking allows users to store pallet loads in lanes up to five pallets deep from a single access point. When new pallet loads are loaded into a lane, the pallet loads already in place are pushed backward by means of rollers on tracks. When a pallet load is removed, the loads behind it gently slide forward to the access point thanks to a slight incline.

This type of racking is ideal for warehouses where space is at a premium. Like drive-in racking, it’s configured for a “last in, first out” (LIFO) inventory management system. However, it isn’t the best option if your warehouse stores many different products or needs to use a “first in, first out” (FIFO) inventory management system.

Pallet storage systems in Western Canada

At ARPAC, we manufacture and install a full range of pallet storage systems, including selective pallet racking, drive-in racking, pushback racking, double deep racking and pallet flow racking. Our experts can help you determine which option is best suited to your operations. Contact us for all your pallet racking, shelving and warehouse equipment needs in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and beyond.