Conventional pallet racking is the most widespread industrial steel storage solution on the market. It offers a versatile and flexible solution to many sectors like e-commerce, logistics, automotive, cold storage, food & beverage, manufacturing, etc.
When you start a new warehousing business, the manufacturer usually thinks of conventional pallet racking or APR (Adjustable Pallet Rack). Whenever we need to optimize the available space and increase the storage capacity of our warehouse, increasing the height. Conventional pallet racking is a cost-efficiency choice.
But what exactly makes Conventional pallet racking such a vital component of modern storage? Let’s delve deeper into its definitions, benefits, applications, and technical specifications
What is Conventional Pallet Racking
Conventional pallet racking encompasses both selective pallet racking and double deep racking, providing direct access to all loading units at any time. This type of chaotic storage is particularly well-suited for warehouses that manage a large variety of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) and differing inventory quantities.
As indicated by its name, adjustable pallet racking is designed to store goods on pallets, which can be easily placed on the racks using appropriate handling equipment, such as forklifts. The design of the pallet rack is influenced by the characteristics of the pallets and the type of loading units being stored.
The term "adjustable" refers to the system's construction, which allows for the height of the load levels to be modified. Additionally, it can be integrated with a manual pick-up area on the lower level for enhanced accessibility.
Benefits of Using Conventional Pallet Racking
Maximized Warehouse Space: Selective racking systems make full use of vertical warehouse space. By allowing pallets to be stacked high, businesses can reduce the floor space occupied by inventory.
Fast Order Processing: With direct access to every pallet, workers can quickly retrieve products, significantly speeding up order fulfillment.
Reduced Damage and Loss: Unlike other systems, such as drive-in racks, selective pallet racks minimize the risk of damage to goods since they don’t require pallets to be moved to access others.
Better Inventory Control: With clear visibility of inventory, businesses can manage stock more effectively, reducing waste and spoilage.
Flexible Configurations: Selective pallet racking can be customized to fit specific warehouse dimensions and can adapt over time as the product line changes.
Enhanced Safety: Designed with safety in mind, these systems often come with features that minimize risks, such as safety pins and guards.
Conventional Pallet Racking Applications
Selective pallet racking finds applications in various sectors and industries. Its ability to adapt to different environments has made it a popular choice for businesses dealing with diverse types of goods.
Manufacturing
Selective pallet racks are essential in manufacturing for storing raw materials and finished products. This system allows manufacturers to organize components compactly while keeping them easily accessible for production flow.
Retail
In retail settings, selective racking ensures that inventory is quickly accessible, which is crucial during busy shopping periods. Retailers can optimize storage space and streamline picking processes to improve customer satisfaction.
Food and Beverage
Palletized goods in food and beverage warehouses often have strict regulations regarding storage conditions. Selective pallet racking allows for easy access and efficient product rotation, ensuring that older stock is sold before newer inventory.
Pharmaceuticals
In the pharmaceutical industry, where inventory control is critical, selective pallet racking helps maintain an organized and efficient storage solution. The system allows for quick retrieval and restocking of medications and other supplies.
E-commerce
With the rise of e-commerce, companies are continuously looking to enhance their warehousing strategies. Selective pallet racking enables fast order fulfillment by providing access to high turnover stock.
Width of Conventional Pallet Racking
The width of conventional pallet racking is a crucial factor in designing an efficient warehouse layout. The width must accommodate both the pallets being stored and the material handling equipment used within the aisles. Here’s a breakdown of the different aisle widths according to industry norms.
Wide Aisle, Class 400 (According to Norm EN 15620)
In a wide aisle configuration, the aisle width typically ranges from 2.7 to 3.5 meters (approximately 8.9 to 11.5 feet). This design is suitable for forklifts and provides flexibility for various pallet sizes. The benefits include:
Narrow Aisle, Class 400 (According to Norm EN 15620)
A narrow aisle configuration narrows the aisle width to around 1.8 to 2.4 meters (roughly 5.9 to 7.9 feet). This layout increases storage density without compromising access. Advantages include:
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA), Class 300 A and 300 B (According to Norm UNE 15620)
Very narrow aisle configurations reduce aisle widths to less than 1.8 meters (under 5.9 feet). This design is typically paired with specialized VNA forklifts, enabling storage efficiency:
Selective Pallet Rack Technical Norms
Compliance with technical norms is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of selective pallet racking systems. The following norms are particularly relevant to their design and installation, ensuring that users are safeguarded against accidents or equipment failures.
EN 15620
This European Norm outlines essential guidelines for the design of storage racking systems. It covers aspects including load capacity, environmental conditions, and safety factors for equipment used in confined spaces.
UNE 15620
Another standard, UNE 15620, focuses specifically on the safety of racking systems, ensuring that operators understand necessary precautions and maintenance practices. This helps mitigate risks associated with heavy loads and user error.
Manufacturer Guidelines
It’s also crucial to follow guidelines provided by rack manufacturers, as they provide valuable information on installation, maintenance, and safety protocols tailored to specific systems.
Ready to transform your warehouse operations? Contact Heda Shelves today for a free consultation and let our experts help you design the perfect heavy-duty pallet racking system tailored to your needs!
FAQs
Q1: How do I know if my warehouse needs selective pallet racking?
If your warehouse handles large amounts of palletized goods with frequent access requirements, selective pallet racking could be the right choice.
Q2: Are selective pallet racks customizable?
Yes! Selective pallet racks are highly customizable in terms of size, height, and configuration to fit specific warehouse dimensions.
Q3: What are the safety features of selective pallet racking?
Safety features may include safety pins, rack protection, load capacities, and compliance with safety standards and norms.
Q4: Can selective pallet racking accommodate different pallet sizes?
Absolutely! Selective pallet racking systems can accommodate various pallet sizes, which adds to their versatility and practicality.
Q5: How can I ensure proper maintenance of selective pallet racks?
Regular inspections, adherence to manufacturer guidelines, and training staff on safe usage practices are vital for maintaining efficiency and safety.