Here is a brief summary of key points to consider when selecting warehouse racking:
(1) Facility Structure (Usable height | Beam and column locations | Floor conditions | Fire safety systems)
When selecting storage equipment, the effective height beneath the beams must be considered to determine the rack height, while the placement of beams and columns affects the rack layout. Floor load-bearing capacity and floor flatness are also critical factors for rack design and installation. Additionally, the installation locations of fire safety and lighting systems must be taken into account.
The shape and dimensions of the stored goods directly determine the rack specifications, while the weight of the goods dictates the required structural strength of the racks. The storage unit-whether pallets, wire containers, or individual items-determines the appropriate rack type. Furthermore, estimating the total number of storage positions requires considering the company's growth needs over the next two years. This data can be obtained through a storage system analysis, or you can request professional recommendations from us at Ziteng Racking prior to the design phase.
(3) Accessibility (Storage density | FIFO | Slotting/Location management)
Generally, accessibility and storage density are inversely related; achieving higher storage density often requires sacrificing some accessibility. While certain rack types offer superior storage density, they often entail complex slotting management and may not support First-In-First-Out (FIFO) control. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) represent the ideal solution-capable of vertical expansion and offering excellent accessibility and density-but they come with a higher investment cost. Therefore, selecting the right storage equipment involves balancing various factors and applying a strategic approach. Please feel free to contact us for a comparison of accessibility and storage density across different types of storage equipment.
(4) Handling Equipment (Counterbalanced | Straddle | Aisle width | Lift height | Lift capacity | Turning radius)
Storage and retrieval operations rely on material handling equipment; therefore, the choice of storage equipment must be coordinated with the handling equipment. Forklifts are the standard handling equipment, and the width of the rack aisles directly dictates the type of forklift required-such as counterbalanced or narrow-aisle models.
(5) Stock In/Out Volume (FIFO | Access Frequency | Access Quantity)
Although certain types of racking systems offer excellent storage density, their stock in/out volume is relatively low, making them suitable for low-frequency operations. High stock in/out volume is a critical metric and a key factor to consider when selecting a racking system.