For a warehouse to be successful, it’s essential to have a storage system and floor layout configuration that best suits your business needs. Maximising storage capacity in a high-density warehouse is one of the most common challenges our customers face, but luckily, there are several solutions on the market. When trying to choose the best storage systems for your warehouse layout, it’s important to be aware that there are a variety of storage options on the market, each of which serves different purposes and has its own strengths.
Drive-in pallet racking is a fantastic storage solution for optimising warehouse space, even when there is only a limited amount available. Along with being perfect for high-volume storage, drive-in pallet racking systems can be custom-designed to suit your specific floor space and needs. Let’s take a look at what a drive-in pallet rack system is and how it can help transform your current warehouse space.
Understanding Drive-In Pallet Racking Systems
Drive-in pallet racking is a storage system that allows forklifts easy access to stored items, making it an ideal storage solution for limited spaces. Instead of beams, a drive-in racking system will use guides in which the pallets can be stored. This creates lanes within the pallet rack systems in which forklifts can easily access to remove inventory. These lanes can be up to 10 pallets deep, and the most recently stored will be the first to be accessed when needed. It is possible to design drive-in pallet systems that are accessible from both sides, and these are called drive-through systems. They’re best suited for storing high volumes of a single product, LIFO stock rotation (drive-in), FIFO stock rotation (drive-through), or limited SKUs.
Benefits of Drive-In Pallet Racking for High-Density Storage
Drive-in pallet racking offers a fantastic choice for any warehouse looking for a high storage density while using minimal space. They minimize the need for aisles and allow a forklift easy access to products and items. Each lane is ideal for storing a high volume of a single product and allows for high-density packing which cuts down on the amount of floor space needed. A well-designed drive-in pallet will provide efficient loading and unloading of your key inventory, improving your distribution process greatly. Along with warehouses, drive-in pallet rack systems are also commonly used in cool rooms and freezers. The high-density storage solution offered by drive-in pallet racking provides an affordable way to increase your warehouse’s capacity.
Best Practices for Implementing Drive-In Racking
Like any equipment or tool, storage systems need to be used correctly if you want the most from your investment. A potential risk with drive-in racking is that pallets only being stored at the front of the lane will leave wasted storage space. This is an easily solved problem through training and strong inventory organisation. It’s also unwise to place a variety of products within a single lane, as this could lead to problems when you need to retrieve items from the back of the lane.
When designing and installing your drive-in pallet racking system, hiring a professional can save a lot of headaches. Not only will you know that your installation will meet all health and safety regulations, but you can also discuss your business needs with them to create the perfect system for you and your business. With some professional guidance, you’ll have a drive-in racking system that brings efficiency to your daily operations, improving overall productivity.
Customisation and Adaptability
No two warehouses or businesses are quite the same. Each has its own unique physical dimensions and quirks, and your company is going to have a completely different set of requirements than the warehouse down the road. A drive-in pallet racking system can be custom-designed to fit your floor space and needs. There is also the potential for expansion down the line if needed. With the help of our team, you’ll be able to design a drive-in pallet system specifically to meet your requirements while still working with the rest of your floor layout.
Comparing Drive-In with Other Racking Systems
Drive-in pallet racking is an excellent storage system for warehouses that need to store high-volume inventory in a limited floor space. However, we realise it won’t be perfect for everyone’s needs. So, let’s have a look at some of the other options on the market and see how they compare to a drive-in design.
Selective Pallet Racking
Selective pallet racking is probably the most popular pallet rack system on the market and is what will come to mind when most people imagine pallet racks. They allow plentiful storage with easy access to all stored products. When compared to drive-in pallet racking systems, selective pallet racking is better when you have a wide range of products, all of which you need quick access to. However, if you mainly store one or only a few items, drive-in pallet racking is more compact and won’t use up as much valuable floor space.
Cantilever Pallet Racking
Cantilever pallet racking is ideal for storing long-shaped inventory and providing quick access to this material. A perfect example is beams of steel, timber, or other similar construction materials. Cantilever pallet racking serves a specific purpose and excels at it. However, for a lot of inventory items, it simply won’t be a practical storage solution. For high-volume storage of inventory that isn’t long-shaped, drive-in pallet racking systems are a better choice.
Choosing the best storage option for your warehouse will have a range of benefits that will help your business thrive. Drive-in pallet racking systems are ideal in high-density warehouses where you need plentiful storage in a limited space. Best suited for when you store a high volume of limited products, a custom-designed pallet racking system can be the perfect storage solution for your warehouse.
Want to discuss drive-in pallet racking systems or other possible storage options for your warehouse? At Advanced Warehouse Structures, we specialise in mezzanines, shelving, and pallet racking for warehouses and can help you maximise your business’s storage potential. Get in touch today to discuss how we can help with your next project!