Lock, Stock and Two (Or More) Storage Racks

“Order and a system of work that everyone follows” – that’s what is most likely to be answered by most warehouse managers if they’re being asked what is the key to a well-organized and functioning warehouse. Just imagine if you were a warehouse manager who needs to organize the apparently simple process of finding an order, packing it, labelling it, passing it through accounting and then send it on its way to the final destination. Now imagine all products being placed in boxes randomly put on the floor without you having the slightest idea of what each box contains. Certainly not something you’d want to deal with.

One way (and probably the most effective one) to implement order in your warehouse, is to install a storage racking system. Racks that are wide and long enough to store all kinds of products, whether bare or packed in boxes, providing an organized scheme of where every type of product is placed. Moreover, if you have a lot of work (and we sure hope you do), then you can think about implementing one of the famous warehouse management systems.

FIFO or LIFO?

You should choose your storage racking system depending on how much work you have, how many people are involved and a system that will be in accordance with the accounting method. Whichever way you choose to go, have in mind that you need a storage racking system that will be constructed of high quality materials and will be easy to assemble. You can go for one of two types: FIFO or LIFO. FIFO stands for first in-first out, and as a system, it’s best that it’s based on pallet flow racks. LIFO on the other hand, goes for last in, first out and mainly uses storage systems like drive in pallet racks and push back pallet racks. It will all ultimately depend on the space you have on disposal.

Understanding the picking profile of your work

How you choose a rack and how you configure the storage system is also largely influenced by your picking profile. A picking profile refers to how your orders look like and whether you’re first picking the pallets, cases or pieces one by one. Whether you’re picking from a bulk also matters and would definitely make a difference in the racking system you choose.

Forklift access

If you have specialized storage such as drive-in, drive-through or double-deep racks, you’d definitely need to consider using a forklift. A forklift makes the picking process a lot more effective and fast, but the warehouse space needs to be designed in a way that there’s forklift access to enable easy functioning. That means you should consider configuring your storage space according to the truck manufacturer’s requirements so that there’s just enough space for the truck to operate between the racks. In addition to efficacy of work, you’d be protecting the storage system as well as the goods.