Choosing the right warehouse racking is a tricky business. The best thing you can do is get an engineer to survey and measure your site but this checklist will give you a start. Consider all the questions before making the final decision.

1. What is Your Budget?

Outlining the budget is the most obvious thing. Bear in mind that costs include not only racking itself, but also design and installation. Racking protection, inspections (if at any cost) and repairs should not be overlooked either. Better to invest a bit more now but save in the long run!

Are you buying new racking to replace the old and damaged? Repairing it is also an option, so you should consider both approaches.

2. Current Storage Requirements

Choice of warehouse racking is directed by the type and volume of goods you wish to store. Different racking systems are targeted at different types of goods. Choose racking that’s going to be suitable for the products you’re storing!

3. Future Storage Requirements

Depending on season your storage requirements may vary. Make sure you select a system that is versatile enough to accommodate your needs all year round. Consider business growth and the direction it’s going so you can alter your current warehouse racking and not necessarily replace it altogether.

4. Access to Warehouse Racking

Are narrow aisles enough or should you plan bigger spaces between racking bays? Consider how many forklifts and pallet trucks need access at once and the frequency of such operations. Ensure the available space in your warehouse is suitable for the type of racking you choose.

5. Floor Space Utilisation

Maximise the use of available floor space. This can be achieved by installing different types of racking instead of a single one. Narrow aisle racking can save quite some space.

6. Consider Going Upwards

Consider how high up you can go with your racking. One of the factors would involve available material handling equipment that needs access to goods, such as forklifts. In cases where your business is expanding, you can re-consider the use of available space without the need to move to another location with bigger floor space.

7. Consult an Engineer

Request a site visit from an experienced engineer who’ll measure up your site and provide designs of a proposed racking system. This is a must!

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8. Ease of Maintenance

Check what kind of maintenance policy your selected supplier offers. Are beams and other spare parts readily available? How long would you wait for a repair?

Featured Image: © Wacker Neuson Ltd.