What is Selective Pallet Racking?

Selective pallet racking stands out as a highly adaptable and cost-effective storage solution for distribution centers. Due to their design, which allows for excellent visibility and convenient access to every pallet, selective pallet racks are particularly suitable for busy operations dealing with a variety of products. Furthermore, this system efficiently utilizes vertical space, thereby enhancing rack management.

What is Selective Pallet Racking?

Selective pallet racking offers direct access to each stored pallet, making it perfect for operations managing numerous SKUs and demanding swift product retrieval. This setup enables operators to retrieve any pallet without disrupting others. While selective pallet racking ensures access to every pallet, its storage density generally falls below that of alternative racking systems like pallet flow and push back racking.

What are the Common Types of Selective Racking Systems?

At unitedracksolutions, we can custom engineer a selective racking system based on typical pallet weight, unit size, special customer requirements, and a business’s unique layout. Our engineers have decades of combined experience developing flexible, heavy-duty, and structurally sound systems that deliver many years of reliable service.

Consider the two primary types of selective pallet rack systems we offer.

Single Deep Selective Pallet Racks

Single selective racks are a single-deep pallet rack storage solution, allowing any pallet on the rack to be picked without moving other pallets. Single-deep selective pallet racks consist of vertical upright frames and horizontal load beams. These high-capacity beams and welded trusses give the storage structure stability. Additionally, single selective pallet racking supports a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management method, allowing the first pallets stored to be the first ones picked. These systems offer easy accessibility to each unit using nearly any model of material handling equipment.

Double Deep Pallet Racks

This racking system has the capacity to store two pallets deep and supports a last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory management method. The primary advantage of double-deep pallet racking is its high storage density. Since this racking holds more pallets than single-deep solutions, businesses can achieve a 50% increase in storage density as compared to generic selective racking. Although double-deep pallet racks offer significantly more storage density than single-deep systems, they require the operator to manually maneuver the unit in the front of the rack to access the pallets in the rear.

Structure of Selective rack

Selective pallet racking consists of six fundamental components:

• Upright frame: Forms the backbone of the system.
• Horizontal brace: Distributes force evenly between upright frames.
• Load beams: Connects two upright frames and serves as the surface for pallet placement.
• Pallet support: Ensures stability of pallets on the load beams.
• Footplate: Secures the upright frames to the floor, stabilizing the system.
• Guard rail: Provides protection against collisions for the system.

Benefits of Selective Storage Racking

Selective racking systems stand out as one of the most prevalent choices in the storage industry. With readily available components, they ensure swift and uncomplicated installation. Implementing these systems brings several key advantages to operations:

• Rigidity: Constructed from structural steel, the selective racking system is engineered for both versatility and robustness, boasting one of the sturdiest designs with its beam-to-frame construction.
• Versatility: Well-suited for various applications, selective racking systems can accommodate full pallets, partial pallets, and even cases with the use of accessories like wire decking.
• Low cost per pallet position: Determined by the pallet position metric, businesses find selective racking to offer the lowest cost per pallet position, enhancing cost-effectiveness for storing large quantities of products.
• Maximum SKU pick: With a cost-effective design, selective racking allows for the maximum number of SKU pick facings available in a standard rack.
• Reduced forklift and pallet handling costs: Selective racking systems incur lower expenses for forklift operation and material handling, ensuring a cost-effective operational solution.
• Efficient palletized storage: By efficiently utilizing vertical space within a facility, selective racking eliminates the need for block stacking, thereby optimizing floor space and streamlining palletized storage.

Disadvantages or drawbacks of selective racking

Despite the advantages outlined earlier, selective storage systems come with certain limitations that should be considered before determining their suitability for a warehouse.

• Requirement for additional space: One of the primary drawbacks of selective storage systems is the need for extra space in the warehouse. If a warehouse has limited space for its storage requirements, selective systems may not be the optimal choice. Each racking structure necessitates a work aisle, limiting space efficiency.
• Designed for low to medium volume of goods: Selective storage systems are typically designed for companies with warehouses stocking a low to medium volume of goods with high turnover. This aspect is crucial to note for companies dealing with a large number and volume of unit loads, as it could result in increased storage costs.
• Higher storage cost per square meter: Despite their economical design and installation, selective storage systems ultimately incur higher storage costs per square meter. This is because they are not compact and require more space to store the same unit loads.

Where to Use a Selective Racking System

Despite their widespread use, it’s important to recognize that selective pallet racking systems are not universally suitable for all businesses. Understanding the distribution dynamics of a facility and considering the range of product types and variations handled are crucial for selecting the most appropriate system. Industries utilizing these systems include cold storage, food and beverage, agriculture, retail, and manufacturing.

The following types of operations typically derive the greatest benefits from selective racking systems:

• High-SKU inventory: Businesses dealing with numerous SKUs find selective racking advantageous. This system is particularly suitable for managing a high SKU count, as operators can easily access any required SKU.
• FIFO inventory management: Selective racking systems, especially in single deep configurations, employ a FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory management approach. This ensures efficient turnover of perishable items or SKUs with short shelf lives.
• High seismic regions: Selective racking systems constructed from GEN2 steel feature closed-tube structural racks, making them ideal for high seismic areas. Their superior durability and strength offer enhanced resilience against seismic activity.

FAQ’s

What distinguishes Selective Pallet Racking from other storage solutions?

Selective pallet racking stands out for its adaptability and cost-effectiveness. Its design facilitates excellent visibility and easy access to each pallet, making it ideal for operations managing various product types.

What types of businesses benefit most from Selective Racking Systems?

Businesses dealing with numerous SKUs, particularly those requiring swift product retrieval, find selective racking advantageous. Industries such as cold storage, food and beverage, agriculture, retail, and manufacturing commonly utilize these systems.

What are the primary components of a Selective Racking System?

Selective pallet racking comprises six fundamental components: upright frames, horizontal braces, load beams, pallet supports, footplates, and guard rails.

What are the main advantages of Selective Storage Racking?

Selective racking offers benefits such as rigidity, versatility, low cost per pallet position, maximum SKU pick, reduced forklift and pallet handling costs, and efficient palletized storage.

What are the limitations or drawbacks of Selective Racking Systems?

Despite their advantages, selective storage systems require additional space, are designed for low to medium volumes of goods, and may incur higher storage costs per square meter compared to more compact alternatives.

Where are Selective Racking Systems best suited for use?

While selective pallet racking is widely used, it’s essential to assess a facility’s distribution dynamics and product variations. Industries in high-SKU inventory management, FIFO inventory systems, and regions prone to seismic activity often benefit most from selective racking.

Conclusion

Selective pallet racking systems offer a versatile and cost-effective storage solution for various industries. While they provide numerous advantages, including rigidity and efficient palletized storage, it’s essential to consider their limitations, such as the need for additional space and higher storage costs. Understanding a facility’s specific needs is crucial for determining the suitability of selective racking systems. Despite not being universally applicable, they prove invaluable for businesses managing high SKU counts, implementing FIFO inventory management, and operating in seismic regions. By carefully weighing these factors, businesses can optimize their storage operations and enhance overall efficiency.