Examining Different Kinds of Pallet Racking Systems

We all have been using pallet racking systems, but hardly any of us are aware of the true definition that goes like this. They are actually material handling & storage systems, designed and engineered to store materials and products stored in pallets or skids. They are available in different styles, but the manufacturers, while designing ensure that the aspect of increased storage is always there. The most versatile version is the Standard Selective System.

Standard selective pallet racking systems

This is the most versatile and unarguably the most popular version used in warehouses today. The term "Selective" in the name defines the entire system as with this version, you can actually select every pallet in the sequence without moving those surrounding it.

The benefit of this system is that it allows operators to pick only the pallets that they need.

The popularity of this version can be determined by the fact that all manufacturers of longspan shelving, warehouse racking and other warehouse systems across the globe offer this version in their menu.

After we have reviewed this most popular version, it’s time to go through some other versions prevailing in the markets.

1. Drive-in system

According to longspan Brisbane manufacturing firms, this solution offers the biggest storage space of all the pallet racking systems available in the markets. This happens because by eliminating the aisles, the drive-in design allows maximizing of vertical as well as horizontal space. In this version, the storage space can be increased by almost 60 percent. It is also given the name of drive-thru system, but the only different is that the drive-thru version is designed to accommodate lift drives throughout the storage system. This is completely opposite to drive-in system, where racks are up against the wall and this blocks forklifts from getting across the blocks.

2. The push-back system

This system gives you increased storage space without sacrificing smooth and consistent product rotation. It helps in increasing pallet count and side-by-side offering more pick faces than all the versions discussed above.

Moreover, it is highly conducive and useful for storing multiple pallets and also SKUs. In this system, it is said that you can accommodate around 6 pallets. Moreover, by using the carts to control the flow of pallets, you can actually maintain LIFO or LAST IN FIRST Out approach.

3. Gravity flow

With the use of metal rollers and gravitational force, pallets can be fed into the rack’s pick position and let your warehouse function smoothly for you. The overall modus operandi is almost like the drive-in version, but the only difference is the use of the gravitational force. This force is exercised in this version to meet individual needs and take care of specific applications.

4. Carton flow System

Another name given to this system is the "span track" as it is designed to work in coronation with longspan shelving and pallet racking systems to offer a pick up solution. This solution is designed to accommodate high volume order picking operations and they offer reduced operator activities. This version also uses gravitational force to some extent. 

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