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6 Unique Storage Racking Solutions for Your Factory

6 Unique Storage Racking Solutions for Your Factory

When it comes to running a tight ship, organisation is key.

This a variety of racking systems to choose from, selecting the right storage racking solution for your products can make a big difference to the success of your business. When considering which storage system is right for you, you should consider:

⦁ Number of SKUs
⦁ Floor space available
⦁ Turnover rate of your products

1. Selective Racking

Number of SKUsSuitable for a high number of different SKUs
Floor Utilisation Rating 
Turnover RateSuitable for both slow and fast-moving stock. For very slow-moving stock, Narrow Aisle Racking can be a better option
Cost (compared to other layouts)Low – uses standard pallet racking components

If your business has a complex mix of SKUs, with orders running being picked from multiple locations, then look no further than our Selective Racking system. It’s simple, easy to install, and will provide you with access to all pallets at all times.

The Selective Racking system is incredibly versatile and can be serviced by conventional forklifts, making it one of the most cost-effective racking solutions on the market!

2. Narrow Aisle Racking

Number of SKUsSuitable for a high number of different SKUs
Floor Utilisation Rating 
Turnover RateSuitable for both slow and fast-moving stock. For very fast moving stock, Selective Racking can be a better option
Cost (compared to other layouts)Low – uses standard pallet racking components

Where cost per sqm is high and you stock large volumes of various SKUs, Narrow Aisle Racking can be a better option than standard selective racking. This provides direct access to every pallet but increases storage capacity in your warehouse space. With narrow aisles, you will need a fork hoist with a small turning circle.

Narrow Aisle racking is the same as Selective Racking but with the racking much closer together. The main reasons that you may choose to use Selective Racking instead, is that the narrow aisles require greater forklift skill to use and specialised equipment.

3. Double Deep Racking

Number of SKUsSuitable for a high volume but fewer SKUs
Floor Utilisation Rating 
Turnover RateSuitable for both slow and fast-moving stock. Suitable for very fast-moving stock providing there are a low number of SKUs
Cost (compared to other layouts)Low – uses standard pallet racking components

Need big orders dispatched fast?

High volume distribution can be tricky without the proper racking. Double Deep Racking stores pallets twice as deep as Selective Racking. This means that the first pallet you load into the rack will be blocked by the pallet in the front of the rack. This is ideal for the storage and dispatch of large, single-SKU orders. This is not effective for storing different SKUs as this is effective only when the front and back pallets are holding the same product.

4. Push Back Racking

Number of SKUsSuitable for a high volume but fewer SKUs.
Floor Utilisation Rating 
Turnover RateSuitable for both slow and fast-moving stock. Suitable for slow moving stock only if the product does not expire
Cost (compared to other layouts)Medium – uses standard and non-standard pallet racking components

A combination of high-density storage with high-speed access, the Push Back racking system is great if you want to maximise your storage space.

The Last-in First-out basis focuses less on stock rotation and more on operating efficiency. This is suitable for large batches of the same SKUs. If your products are perishable or have an expiry date, this is not an effective solution as the first pallet you load into the rack will be the last one that you can pull out. This solution is more efficient than drive in racking as any stowed pallets will slide to the front of the rack to allow for fast unloading.

5. Drive-In Racking

Number of SKUsSuitable for a high volume but fewer SKUs.
Floor Utilisation Rating 
Turnover RateSuitable for both slow and fast-moving stock. Suitable for slow moving stock only if the product does not expire
Cost (compared to other layouts)Medium – uses standard and non-standard pallet racking components

Do you have a lot of pallets but only a few SKUs?

Our Drive-In Racking System uses a unique self-centring rails system which positions high volumes of pallets quickly, easily, and safely. Not only this, but it ensures easy access for conventional forklifts, meaning you won’t need to spend extra on specialty equipment.

Much like Push-Back Racking, this is not always a suitable solution for products that perish or have an expiry date. The first pallet you load into the rack will be the last one that you can pull out.

This system requires you to drive in the racks to retrieve and stow each pallet. This is more cost effective but more inefficient compared to Push-Back Racking.

6. Satellite Racking

Number of SKUsSuitable for a high volume but few SKUs.
Floor Utilisation Rating 
Turnover RateSuitable for both slow and fast-moving stock. Suitable for slow moving stock only if the product does not expire
Cost (compared to other layouts)High – uses some standard and many non-standard pallet racking components

Combine high-density storage with better access for pallets and pick faces with Satellite Racking. This solution is the future of factory organisation as it makes the most of what limited space you may have and is the most efficient way to move large batches of stock.

Automated carriages retrieve and stow pallets which eliminates the need for forklift trucks to enter the storage lanes – meaning more space for your product(s). This is suitable for both fast and slow-moving goods and ideal when you have a large number of the same SKU. This can be set up as FIFO (first in first out) by having the rack loaded from one side and unloaded from the other. Alternatively, this can be set up as LIFO (last in first out) by having the racking set in a large block and loading/unloading from the one side.

Contact Our Team Today

So, there you have it.
6 storage racking solutions that ought to help you and your warehouse stay in control and on top of your orders, no matter the size or complexity!
Speak with our team members about finding which solution is the right one for you! Get in touch via phone or email today!