Archive for the ‘pallet racking’ Category

What Are The Main Reasons Why Racking Can Get Damaged?

Employers have a legal responsibility to make sure that any equipment such as racking is safe to use and that they plan for any potential risks, as per the Under the Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act (2007) and the Provisions of Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998).

Failing to protect your staff and to mitigate any potential risks can prove damaging, not only financially, but also to a business’ reputation if one of their employees is harmed in an accident.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for racking systems to become damaged, and the probability of a racking collapse is higher than you may think.

Damage can reduce the load bearing capacity of racking by as much as 40%, so it is imperative that you repair any damage to your racking as soon as possible.

Discover some of the common causes of racking damage below, and find out what you can do to prevent racking damage or collapse, in order to protect your business, employees and stock.

Common causes of racking damage

Some of the common causes of damage to racking are:

● Incorrect installation

● Inadequate repairs or maintenance

● Adjusting or re-assembling racking without proper training

● Continued use of damaged pallets which cause damage to beams

● Poor design or layout

● Overloading or poor weight distribution

● Damage by forklift trucks

How to prevent racking damage or collapse

There are many measures you can put in place and actions you can take to reduce the chances of racking damage or collapse.

If a forklift hits racking, it can cause serious damage and impair the racking. It is important that forklift truck drivers are properly trained and have a licence to operate a forklift truck.

To reduce the risk of racking collapsing or breaking, it is imperative that you have it installed by trained professionals.

Ensure that racking only bears the weight it is designed to hold. If racking is overloaded, this will put strain on the racking and can cause it to collapse.

The racking and pallets in your warehouse should be inspected regularly. If any pallets are or become broken or damaged, you should stop using these immediately, to prevent damage to your beams.

If you notice any signs of damage to your racking, this should be repaired as soon as possible. It is worth bearing in mind that damage to racking is not always visible to the untrained eye, so it is good practice to have an experienced company carry out regular inspections and repairs.

Regular maintenance and repairs is key to ensuring a long lifespan and the safety of your racking, and in keeping both the stock and employees in your warehouse protected.

As well as engineering and installing bespoke racking solutions, Logical Storage Solutions has extensive experience in performing racking inspections, and can help guide businesses to meet their legal duties and health and safety obligations.

To enquire about a new racking system for your business or to arrange a racking inspection, please call us on 0845 689 1300.

Which Racking Solution Is Best For My Business?

With so many racking solutions available, it can be difficult to determine which would be most beneficial for your business.

There are a lot of factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting new racking, including how much space is available, your budget, the size and weight of items being stored, and the processes and equipment used.

The type and layout of racking can have a massive impact on the efficiency of your business. Therefore, it is important that you take time to ensure that you select a suitable racking solution that has a positive impact on your business, rather than a negative one.

To help guide you to making the right choice, here are some of the key factors you should consider when deciding which racking solution is best for your business.

Space

Make the most of the space available, not just the floor space, but also the vertical space. Racking can be bespoke configured to best utilise the space available. In order to maximise your storage capacity, have your racking built as high as your building regulations will allow.

Inventory

What do you intend to store on your racking? The ideal type of racking for your business will be heavily influenced by the weight, size and shape of stock you plan to have on it.

If you stock small items, then you need racking which can have racks close together so as to not have a lot of wasted space. If you are storing heavy items, you will need to make sure that the racking solution you go with can support the weight.

If you are looking to store hand-loaded, long or awkwardly shaped items, longspan shelving is likely to be the ideal solution for your business.

Budget

Your budget will be a significant factor in determining which racking solution is suitable for your business.

If the ideal racking solution is one that is outside of your budget, you may want to consider getting used racking, or you could have a combination of different racking types to bring the costs down.

Layout

Be sure to assess and gain a good understanding of the layout of the warehouse or space in which you wish to have racking and plan out where you would like the racking to go.

The layout will limit the ways in which the racking can be configured and the types which would be suitable.

Whether you require a single, standalone bay, or a state-of-the-art multi-tiered shelving system, shortspan shelving is versatile and is ideal for any industrial environment.

When planning, you also need to take into account the flow of items in and out and consider how best to lay out your racking to aid these processes and increase efficiency, rather than hindering performance.

Carton flow systems, or carton live systems, allow products to automatically flow from the rear to the front of the shelving, making picking easier and quicker.

If you use forklifts, you will need to ensure that there is enough room for them to move around, get up and down the aisles, and be able to pick pallets off the shelves.

Whatever you need to store, rest assured that Logical Storage Solutions will have the ideal solution for you. Our expert team is on-hand to find a solution to any unique storage problem, so call us on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected].

Logical Storage Solutions is an innovative provider of storage equipment and interior workspaces for both industrial and commercial environments, including office partitions, warehouse racking, and mezzanine flooring.

Offering a consultative approach and nationwide service for all single and multi-site operations, we are your one stop provider of all storage, workspace and maintenance solutions.

5 Things to consider when planning a new warehouse racking installation

When it comes to planning a new warehouse racking installation, there are several factors you should consider to help ensure that things go smoothly and you get the best results from your new racking.

There is a variety of racking types available, and it can be difficult to know which would be the ideal solution for your warehouse.

For example, do you need standard wide-aisle racking, or would drive-in racking be better suited? But, then again, instead of drive-in racking, why not use dynamic push-back racking instead? We think you get the picture!

Having suitable racking can contribute towards improving the efficiency and productivity of your warehouse, and maximise its storage capacity. Planning out your new racking setup will help to ensure that you do not waste time or money, and achieve the best results.

To help guide you to selecting the ideal racking for your warehouse, here are some key things to consider when planning a new warehouse racking installation.

Why do you need the racking?

The first thing you should do is ask yourself why you are considering getting new racking installations. What do you wish to achieve? Do you need a larger storage capacity or easier access to stock?

Once you acknowledge the main reasons new racking is required and how it could benefit you, it will be easier to identify what the best solution for your warehouse would be.

What stock do you store?

The type of stock that you store, and how quickly it moves in and out of your warehouse, will have a considerable influence on which type of racking would be most suitable and effective.

Different types of racking are better suited to different types, shapes, and sizes of product, and some types of racking are better for a fast turnaround of stock than others.

What types of racking are available?

Do some research into the various types of racking available and familiarise yourself with them. This will help you to identify which type of racking will best suit your needs.

Here is a selection of the different pallet racking systems available:

● Wide aisle

● Very narrow aisle (VNA)

● Double-deep

● Drive-in / drive-through

● Dynamic push back

● Dynamic pallet flow

● Mobile

● Shuttle

What are the building requirements?

When planning the installation of new racking, you need to take into account your building requirements as this will influence what types of racking you can have.

Take a look at the flooring in your warehouse. The flooring is what is going to bear the weight of the racking and its contents so it must be able to support the load.

The thickness and material of your flooring, and having underfloor heating, can have an impact on the amount it can hold.

You also need to ensure that there is adequate clearance above the racking for a sprinkler system, and the height to which you will be able to reach, as this will determine the maximum height of your racking.

What is your budget?

Whenever it comes to spending money wisely and making a good investment, you will need to consider your budget.

To help you to determine an appropriate and realistic budget, you should consider how beneficial this investment will be to your warehouse and business, both in the short term and long term. Consider how much time and money this investment could save.

Once you have a budget in mind, this should help to narrow down the potential options by eliminating those that would exceed your budget.

With so many options available and a lot to consider, it can be difficult to identify exactly which particular type of racking would be best for your warehouse.

Thankfully, our experienced and helpful staff are on hand to guide you through the process to ensure that your racking meets your needs as well as safety requirements.

At Logical Storage Solutions, we do not have a “one size fits all” approach. Get in touch with us today on 0845 689 1300 or via [email protected] for free and independent advice.

Factors to consider when buying new pallets

Pallets are an essential item in most warehouses, which are required to effectively store and move stock.

Although pallets may appear the same, there are many different types of pallet available. They can differ in size, durability, capacity, and construction.

Here are some important factors you should consider when selecting the ideal pallet type for your warehouse or to transport your products on.

Location

When it comes to pallets, location matters. Will the pallets be kept inside or outside? Will they be in a hot or cold environment? Will they be on the floor or on racking? Where and how your pallets will be stored should be taken into consideration when selecting new pallets.

Destination

If you plan to ship abroad, you will likely require heat or chemically treated pallets. These treatments protect the pallets from mould, rot, and pesticides, which pallets tend to become prone to in transit, if not treated.

Load

You need to consider what is going to be stored or shipped on these pallets and how this will affect the type of pallets that you will need.

The size, shape and weight of the products will also have an effect on what type and size of pallets you will need, and the required load bearing capacity.

Size

The standard size pallet in the UK is slightly bigger than the European standard. There is no universal standard size of pallet. Therefore, you need to make sure that you always check the dimensions before buying pallets as sizing can differ.

Construction

The material and method of construction of a pallet will have an effect on its durability and life expectancy. Pallets are most commonly made from wood, but the type of wood used can make a significant difference.

For example, pallets made from hardwood such as poplar are less likely to stain or leach. However, poplar in particular is less durable than other types of hardwood. You can also get plastic pallets which are typically more durable, but also more expensive.

Hygiene

There is no denying that the coronavirus pandemic has made people more conscious about hygiene and cleanliness.

Particularly if you will be storing or transporting food items or pharmaceuticals, you should look to invest in pallets which are hygienic and easy to clean, such as plastic pallets.

Sustainability

People are also becoming increasingly conscious about the environment, in an effort to work towards a more sustainable future.

Although plastic pallets are more expensive, they are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. You can get recycled and recyclable plastic pallets, and they should outlast wooden pallets by up to 20 times.

Picking the ideal pallets for your requirements can be difficult and overwhelming. For expert advice, consult our expert team at Logical Storage Solutions so we can help you make the right choice. Call us on 0845 689 1300, or email [email protected].

Logical Storage Solutions is an innovative provider of storage equipment and interior workspaces for both industrial and commercial environments including office partitions and mezzanine flooring.

Offering a consultative approach and nationwide service for all single and multi-site operations, we are your one-stop provider of all storage, workspace and maintenance solutions.

How to prevent a pallet racking collapse

The ramifications that come with a pallet racking collapse can be drastic. A collapse can cause costly damage to stock and other company property. It can also bring business to a standstill and could cause serious injuries or even fatalities. Here is how to prevent a pallet racking collapse.

The majority of incidents where pallet racking has collapsed have occurred as a result of bad practice, poor quality racking, or improperly maintained racking. Meaning these collapses could have been prevented.

In this article, we are going to explore some of the reasons why pallet racking collapses and the associated risks. We will also be giving you advice on some of the measures you can take to try and prevent a racking collapse from happening and causing significant damage or injury.

What are the risks of a pallet racking collapse?

A collapse poses a great number of risks that can be very costly to a business. Whether it be in time or money or reputation.

Loss of stock due to damage caused by a collapse is one of the most common associated risks. Not only can it be costly to replace the stock, but it can also cause a delay in manufacturing products or processing orders which will inevitably harm business.

A racking collapse can also cause injury to nearby workers or visitors, and these can be severe. The worst-case scenario is that a pallet racking collapse causes fatalities, and sadly this has been the case in some instances.

Businesses may also be subject to fines if they are found to have failed to keep working equipment in safe and working order, and they could even be prosecuted.

These are just some of the reasons why you must do everything you can to prevent a pallet racking collapse. Read on to find out some of the most common causes of racking collapses, and what can be done to prevent them.

What causes a racking collapse and how can it be prevented?

Cause: forklift truck collision

Forklift trucks are likely to be operated around pallet racking, and so there is a chance that a collision may occur. When racking is struck by a forklift truck, it may immediately collapse or cause damage that later results in collapse.

Preventative measure: generous aisle space

Utilising space as best as possible is a key objective in warehouses, but safety should be of the utmost importance. By leaving generous aisle space, forklift trucks will have more room to manoeuvre around and will be less likely to hit the racking.

You must always follow minimum aisle space guidelines provided by the forklift truck manufacturers to ensure adequate room is left for the forklifts to move around with ease.

Preventative measure: install rack protection

A cost-effective and simple way of protecting your racks is to install rack protection. The most vulnerable areas of racking systems are typically the end frames and corner columns.
You can strengthen these areas by adding bolted steel, floor-anchored, button-on, or poly snap-on rack protection.

Cause: overloading

Overloading is one of the most common causes of pallet collapses. If you put more on the racking than it is specified to withstand, this can have a negative impact on its structural integrity. It can cause the racking to become unstable and collapse.

Preventative measure: do not overload

You must follow the guidelines and weight restrictions of your particular racking set-up.

It is also important to note that a beams capacity is per pair not per beam. Their capacity also depends on the load being evenly distributed. This changes depending on whether you use decking or place pallets directly on the beams.

Cause: poor design

Racks should be tailor-made to cater to suit individual requirements. Their design should be dependent on the load’s size, weight, and density. If racking is not designed properly, bearing these factors in mind, this can be the cause of a collapse.

Preventative measure: seek professional advice

Ensure the racking system you have in place is fit for purpose, by enlisting a professional to come out and take a look at it. If you do not yet have racking, make sure that you use a reliable company to design and build your racking.

With 10 years of experience in engineering tailored storage solutions, you can trust Logical Storage Solutions to deliver a bespoke racking solution that is safe and meets your requirements. We have worked with some of the nation’s largest and most trusted brands, including IKEA, Amazon, DHL, and Tesco.

If you would like to find out more about our range of tailor-made storage solutions, please call 0845 689 1300 to discuss your requirements with a member of our expert team.

Common Pallet Racking Risks and How to Prevent Them

Pallet racking is a great storage solution for warehouses and is amazing for maximising the storage space available, making a warehouse run more efficiently. However, it is essential that all pallet racking is of high quality, installed correctly, and is inspected regularly as there are certain potential safety hazards that pallet racking can cause. Here we discuss four common pallet racking risks and how to prevent them from happening.

Damage from collision

There may come a time when the pallet racking system is accidentally hit with some machinery such as a forklift truck. If this were to happen it can not only potentially cause items to fall from the racking, it could also cause damage to the frame. Even if there doesn’t seem to be any visible damage after the collision, ensure that the issue is reported and the pallet racking inspected. The structural integrity of the racking may still be damaged. If you notice any significant damage, this must be repaired immediately before the situation gets worse.

All members of staff should be trained in the protocol for what to do when they spot racking damage. If the racking is left damaged it could lead to something much more severe and damaging, such as a collapse.

Also, consider installing additional measures to help lower the risk of the collision causing damage in the first place. End guards and rack bollards for example can be installed to help prevent the collision from happening or limit the impact if it did still collide. The design of the warehouse also needs to be taken into account when a collision occurs. Although it was inevitably an accident you need to consider whether the collision happened because the machinery didn’t have sufficient room to manoeuvre around the racking.

Products Overhanging

Overhanging products are a common pallet racking problem. Pallets should only be placed on the racking system designed for that specific pallet size. Overhanging items not only can cause strain, but products can also be damaged and may fall, causing injury to employees.

It is important when choosing pallet racking that you use specialists who can meet your exact needs. Doing this ensures the shelves are the correct height and depth meaning overhanging will never be an issue.

Overloading

Pallet racking systems have weight restrictions that need to be adhered to, to avoid injury to workers and damage to the racking system. All employees in charge of loading items onto the racking need to be aware of these weight limits. They also need to understand how to place the load evenly onto the racking to spread the weight. They should always check the current weight load as well as the maximum weight limit before new pallets are added.

Not installed correctly

Sometimes racking may not be installed correctly, which can pose a major danger. All pallet racking systems should be installed by professionals. Choosing specialists means they carry out safety checks before the racking is used. You need full reassurance that the racking is aligned correctly and is level before anything is placed on it. The manufacturers’ guidelines need to be followed exactly to ensure it is installed correctly and fit for purpose. If this does not happen, the racking can cause a major health and safety nightmare.

Pallet racking can help optimise warehouse operations and make daily tasks much easier. However, all the issues above must be considered to avoid damage or harm. By ensuring the pallet racking is installed and used correctly as well as inspected by a professional regularly, a warehouse manager can use pallet racking to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their warehouse operations.

LIFO vs FIFO Stock Management Methods

There are many stock management methods available to warehouses. Two of the most popular are LIFO (Last In, First Out) and FIFO (First In, First Out). Here, we compare LIFO vs FIFO to see which one is the most effective method and in which scenarios they should be used.

What is LIFO?

LIFO (Last In, First Out) means that the last unit loaded and entered into the warehouse will be the first one to go out. This method prioritises the last products to enter the warehouse.

When should LIFO be used?

Overall the LIFO method is used significantly less than FIFO and should only be used in warehouses with products that do not have a particular shelf life and do not lose value over time. The stock that arrived in the warehouse first will be the last to leave and depending on the item, they could stay in the warehouse for a long period of time. It is important that these items are not perishable in any way.

Examples of when LIFO is a great option is for items such as building materials or furniture.

Advantages of LIFO

• It is easy to obtain stock as employees do not need to travel far, reducing the use of forklifts in the warehouse. This is because they will always be working down the same aisle when loading and unloading

Types of Storage System for LIFO

Here are some of the storage systems that are suitable for LIFO
• Drive-In pallet racking
• Dynamic Push Back racking

What is FIFO?

FIFO (First In, First Out) is a very widely used warehouse management system. The first goods that enter the warehouse will also be the first to leave. Although this system is often used for perishable items, it is a common method that is used regardless of product type.

The main goal of FIFO is to achieve an efficient and quick turnover of stock, ensuring that the older items are removed from the warehouse first before they spoil. This system is proven to work as it is also used in supermarkets and retail stores, not just warehouses.

FIFO is extremely effective for food, cosmetics and medicine.

Advantages of FIFO

• Makes stock turnover efficient if the oldest product is being used first
• Prevents any loss of value of expiration as the oldest products are the first to leave the warehouse.

Types of Storage System for FIFO

Here are some of the storage systems that are suitable for FIFO
• Drive Through Racking
• Dynamic Pallet Flow Racking

Which is better?

Although they both have their purposes and benefits, overall warehouses should try and use the FIFO method where possible as it generates more efficient stock turnover. It allows a company to always use their older products first which is a benefit even if the product isn’t perishable.

Whichever method you use, ensure you are choosing the correct storage systems to facilitate your stock management process.

If you need any advice on deciding which system and which storage racking is best suited to your warehouse, then please get in touch. Logical Storage are ready to discuss your warehouse storage requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

The Importance of Pallet Racking Inspections

Even if you have just had new pallet racking installed in your warehouse, or you have had the same pallet racking for years, it is equally vital to have the equipment inspected. Here we discuss the importance of pallet racking inspections that all warehouse managers and businesses need to be aware of.

Just like any other equipment, even if the pallet racking is of the highest standard, you need to be realistic and know that over time you should expect general wear and tear. Even though pallet racking is extremely durable and robust, damage can still occur. Nuts and bolts can become loose which, if not detected early can lead to the foundations of the structure being unsteady. This could cause potentially dangerous problems in the future. Damage can also happen if the pallet racking has undertaken any physical hits from machinery such as forklifts accidentally hidden the racking.

Why do you need a pallet racking inspection?  

As part of the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, it is stated that “all adjustable pallet racking falls under the category of work equipment, which must be maintained and inspected on a regular basis”

The Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) of 1998 also states that all pallet racking shelving must meet the standards it sets out. This is in addition to the HSE guideline on Warehousing and Storage, HSG 76, states that “all racking systems should be of good mechanical construction, of sound material, adequate strength and installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.”

The inspections will observe the condition of the pallets, the positioning and types of loads stored on the pallet, the condition and type of floor the racking is fixed on plus much more. These are just some of the areas that are covered in the inspection. Once the inspection is done, a report will be issued with any recommendations or necessary actions.

By carrying out regular inspections, any issues can be dealt with head-on in a timely manner, reducing the risk of any accidents or further damage that could be costly to a business. By keeping the racking to the highest standards will also reduce the maintenance costs. It also helps towards creating a safer workplace and highlights to all warehouse employers that the business promotes health and safety in the workplace. This can considerably increase employees’ efficiency, happiness at work, and productivity if they know the equipment they are using is safe.

How often should the inspections take place? 

As a bare minimum, an expert inspection should take place annually. However, this is not the only inspection a warehouse needs to carry out. As stated in the EU Directive EN 15635, in addition to the annual expert inspection, internal inspections should also be undertaken on a weekly basis. Doing these regular inspections ensures that the racking remains fit for purpose and safe to use.

How do the inspections work? 

Warehouse inspections use a traffic light system in order to highlight any issues. These are called “damage categories”. Here is a description of the classifications:

Green Risk- The pallet racking system items that are damaged are within the limitations of BS EN 15635.

Amber Risk- The items are damaged beyond the limitations of BS EN15635. The rack should be offloaded as soon as possible within 4 weeks. The pallet racking system should not be used until the repair work has been completed.

Red Risk- Serious damage has occurred that are well beyond the limitations of BS EN 15635. If Red Risk occurs, the racking must be offloaded immediately and isolated from future use until the repair work has been carried out.

Who should do the inspections? 

A Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS) should be nominated at every warehouse. Their responsibilities include carrying out the weekly internal inspections.

Although a technically competent person internally can review the pallet racking, it can often be beneficial to use an external company to undertake these inspections. They look at the warehouse environment and condition of the pallet racking with completely fresh eyes. They will provide you with impartial advice, will have a team of experienced inspectors that are used to inspecting a range of different warehouses and will give the warehouse’s PRRS a comprehensive report that highlights any damaged or missing components and/or structural imperfections. This level of detailed inspection and feedback can be invaluable to the management of a busy warehouse.

Unfortunately, there are many accidents that take place in warehouses, some of which are caused by the equipment they are using. Prevention is key. Even if you don’t believe there is anything wrong with pallet racking, having regular inspection reduces the risk of injury and can help the racking last longer as it is well maintained.

By understanding these potential risks and having pallet racking inspections on a regular basis can help minimise the damage caused, fix any problems quickly and therefore minimise the risk of any serious damage or industry to equipment or staff considerably, making it a safer workplace.

Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality mezzanine flooring for your business and are ready to discuss your warehouse storage requirements. For more information visit our website or call us on 0845 689 1300.

How to Optimise Your Warehouse

Customer expectations continue to grow. An increase in online shopping makes people want access to a huge range of products quickly and easily. With many retailers offering next day delivery and free returns to match these high expectations, the need for warehouses to be optimised has never been greater. Here we discuss how to optimise a warehouse.

Are your products placed on racks correctly?

This may seem simple but it is surprising how many warehouses may not be placing their items correctly on the racking. The opening heights in your racks should get smaller or bigger depending on the load it is holding. As a rule of thumb, openings should be more than 6-inches taller than the load itself, allowing easy removal using a forklift.

Adjusting the rack height accordingly allows warehouse owners to completely customise the layout to specifically suit their products.

Consider the popularity of each SKU in your warehouse. An effective strategy can be to place slower-moving products in shorter rack locations. This can work well as the SKUs will not be picked as regularly, meaning that they do not need as much space.

Have you chosen the right racking system?

There are many racking systems to choose from and it’s important that you match the racking system to your individual business needs. You need to consider both the weight and size of your inventory and ensure the racking systems are optimised for this. The higher the number of beams in the racking system, the more weight it can carry. However, it also means there is less space between each one. It is, therefore, a balancing act to figure out the ideal racking system for your goods.

Are you optimising your space?

Warehouses have plenty of space. However, usually, this space is height and many warehouses do not make the most of this. A large proportion of your spare space will be higher up. Therefore, mezzanine flooring should be considered for those seeking more space to smooth their operations. They are great places to have additional storage or even office space, saving the floor level space for inventory only.

Are your aisles correct?

It can be tempting to narrow your aisles in order to fit more in, however, you need to consider this carefully. By doing so, you are limiting the space between the aisles. This can have a negative impact on efficiency if people struggle to manoeuvre through the aisles. Although you need to fit all your stock in the warehouse, you also need to ensure that the process is smooth and the warehouse remains a safe environment for all employees.

If you are struggling to make the most out of the space you have, then consider the points discussed above. Asking yourself these points may reduce the need to relocate or expand your warehouse by ensuring you are using all your current space to its greatest potential. Optimising your warehouse takes some planning, however, when done correctly you will end up with much more efficient operations which in turn can help you increase your revenue and output.

Fitting Out a New Warehouse- Warehouse Storage Options

When planning a new warehouse, storage solutions will be high on the list of priorities. However, there are many options to choose from, which can be overwhelming and a daunting task. The type of storage solution is dependent on a variety of factors including the type of stock, the turnaround speed of stock, and accessibility among others. To decide what will work best for your new warehouse, here is our guide to what storage options are available.

Pallet Racking

We begin with pallet racking as it is the go-to choice for many warehouses due to its fantastic ability to store large quantities of stock and the range of sizes and styles it is available in. Depending on your warehouses’ specific requirements, there will be a type of pallet racking that will suit your needs. For those needing to maximise their available floor space as much as possible, there are narrow aisle or double deep racking. Racking solutions are made specifically for pallet goods, so if you are not planning on having your stock stored in pallets, then you will have to opt for an alternative storage method. Discover more about our pallet racking options here.

Shelving

For those items that are not being stored as pallets, shelving will offer the most versatile option for you. Warehouse shelving systems are available in a range of sizes and configurations, allowing them to perfectly fit your needs. They are also easily adjustable once they have been installed as well which is vital for when you re-organise your warehouse or get new stock lines. Shelving provides storage that is practical and space-effective. They can also be used effectively alongside other storage solutions such as pallet racking.

Static shelving, as the name suggestions, involves storage that is designed to stay in one place. This type of shelving is commonly used to store inventory that has a quick turnaround and therefore needs restocking regularly. Mobile shelving, are designed to move around and are built for the purpose of holder more items when less space is available and are mounted onto guidance rails built into the floor. This system is great for those warehouses that are short of space and need to make the most of it.

Mezzanine Flooring

Installing a mezzanine floor is a popular way of expanding the storage capacity of a warehouse without relocation. They are highly versatile and effectively create an additional level to your warehouse. Although installing a mezzanine floor involves significant investment, it is an effective way of creating more space. However, a major benefit of mezzanine floors is the options to potentially add lift systems and conveyor belts to aid the warehouse processes even further.

As you can see from the list above, the storage options available are extremely versatile and can be made specifically to meet your requirements. All of the above are great options to choose, however it is imperative that before you decide which ones to go for you not only consider your current storage requirements, you also consider any future growth and try and plan for this in advance to aid the speed in which you can grow and have the storage capacity already set up to aid this process.

Storage solutions are key to ensure smooth logistics within the warehouse, so it is vital that the best options are chosen for your needs. Here at Logical Storage, we can offer high-quality storage solutions, racking inspections and mezzanine flooring for your business. Call us on 0845 689 1300 for more information.