Warehouses can only store so much inventory. So, needing more warehouse storage space is a problem that many facilities run into. For some warehouses, it may be that you have outgrown your current building and have no choice but to relocate. However, others may find that the real issue is not having the proper storage systems to hold the volume of stock a warehouse receives on a daily basis.
If that’s the case, then the good news is that this problem can be solved with a simple and affordable solution! Pallet racks help aid in organizing a warehouse while maximizing your warehouse space and storage capacity. Industrial racks come in a variety of styles and can be customized to fit any and all of your warehouse storage needs!
Let’s take a look at the functionality of pallet racks and what they can offer to you and your warehouse.
Improve Warehouse Storage Organization
A warehouse can be extremely hectic throughout the day, so making sure your warehouse space is organized and free of hazards is important to maintaining worker efficiency. Disorganization can lead to mistakes with processing and shipping inventory, receiving shipments, and data entry. Plus, it can make it harder for employees to find the materials they need if warehouse equipment and products aren’t where they’re supposed to be.
Pallet racks are the best warehouse storage and handling solution for reducing disorganization and are versatile enough for virtually any storage need. Racking systems can hold 2,000 to 6,000lbs of weight — perfect for storing a variety of inventory loads, from clothing to heavy beverage items. They also help minimize tripping hazards by preventing shipment boxes from cluttering your warehouse floor space, allowing workers and forklifts to move around with ease and not having to worry about damaging any merchandise.
Increase Warehouse Space
Are you considering moving facilities because you feel there’s not enough warehouse storage space?
Along with improving warehouse organization, pallet racks can help with space optimization. It’s natural for businesses to outgrow a warehouse space and move on to a bigger one, but in some cases, it may be that your space optimization practices aren’t working effectively. Instead of spending tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars on moving fees and buying out a larger warehouse facility, installing more pallet racks could be the real solution you need!
Pallet racks can be installed to whatever space dimension you need without having to force a racking system into a tight space. Poor pallet rack installation can be dangerous. You run the risk of having the entire structure collapse, which could cause immense damage to your facility, equipment and your inventory — or worse, casualties from workers being caught or crushed under the weight of the debris.
Different Pallet Rack Styles Offer Better Storage Customization
There are several racking system styles that can be built to fit any type of warehouse space. As the saying goes — no one size fits all. It’s also important to note that not all industrial racks are made the same. There are two categories of pallet racks: roll-formed and structural which are formed from either hot or cold steel.
Roll-formed pallet racks are:
- Processed at room temperature,
- From more consistent shapes and dimensions,
- Less expensive, and
- Can easily be torn down and rebuilt for warehouse redesigns or reorganization.
In contrast, structural hot-rolled pallet racks are:
- Formed under 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit,
- Much heavier and require longer assembly time, and
- More expensive in terms of installation and labor costs.
Depending on your warehouse storage needs (and budget), it’s up to you to decide which type of pallet rack works best for your facility. For a warehouse facility that undergoes frequent layout and design changes, stocks lighter inventory, and works under budget constraints, roll-formed industrial racks will work just fine. Warehouses that require outside storage, handle heavier inventory, and use forklifts a majority of the time will find structural racking systems to be the better choice because of their structural integrity.
However, while structural pallet racks are better equipped to handle direct impacts from forklifts or other equipment, it’s still important to take the necessary precautions to prevent racking system damage. Adding corner guards, warning signs, and floor markings help forklift drivers avoid crashing into the pallet racks — prolonging the useful life of your forklifts and industrial racks.
Pallet racks can be customized and designed for any style warehouse and can be used for light, medium, or heavy-duty storage. Even if all you need are racking systems that allow for smoother first in-first out stock transition from your warehouse floor to your loading dock, there are several options that can help make it easier — like pallet flow racks and push-back racking systems.
If you’re ready to improve your warehouse space and utilize better space optimization practices, contact a Southern States Enterprises representative today to ask about our selection of pallet racks, and to learn more about our rack repair, maintenance, and safety services!
