Making the best use of storage space is one of the most common challenges in the warehouse. Thoughtful rack design matches the type of storage to inventory movement and helps ensure it follows the most efficient path both into and out of the warehouse. If square footage is limited, accessing the facility’s vertical space with a customized racking solution can unlock additional capacity and help you meet challenging space and storage demands.
When it comes to racking, it’s important to point out that one size does not fit all. It is important to determine the customized warehouse racking solution that best fits the available space and the application’s storage requirements. Crown’s Warehouse Solutions experts consider several components, including product type, size, weight, expected throughput and the warehouse storage ratio to identify the best combination of racking and storage solutions for each application.
The racking solution should also be matched with the right lift truck capabilities to determine if any changes are needed to the existing forklift fleet to ensure the desired performance level. Relevant building codes related to rack design and configurations, safety standards for sprinkler systems and other factors should also be considered in order to avoid what could be catastrophic results.
Menasha, a provider of primary and secondary packaging services for large consumer product goods, worked with Crown to increase its warehouse storage capacity with a new racking solution. The company consulted Crown on a warehouse racking design that would optimize both vertical and horizontal space. Crown also provided guidance on the best lift trucks to deploy for each application. The company was able to increase storage capacity by an estimated 48% due to the racking installation.
Common types of storage racks
The type of warehouse racking system you install can significantly impact productivity, storage capacity and your ability to adapt to changing inventory demands. Below are the most common types of racking systems:
Once the right combination of rack types has been selected, Crown’s Warehouse Solutions experts can coordinate and manage the installation process from start to finish, utilizing an extensive network of trusted installation professionals that meet Crown’s rigorous standards.
Taking a comprehensive approach to warehouse design requires more than just identifying the appropriate racking system. For more information, read our new e-book, “Taking a Comprehensive View of Your Warehouse Environment.”