Pallet Racking System is a type of storage system that uses specially designed shelves to place pallets. This system helps optimize storage space, increase warehouse efficiency and easily use forklifts to import/export goods. The following article will help you understand the structure, popular types of pallet racks and the outstanding benefits that this system brings.

Detailed structure of pallet racking system

A standard pallet racking system is made up of many parts combined together to ensure durability, load-bearing capacity and safety in storing goods. Below are the 5 main parts:

• Upright Frame: The main frame, including two vertical steel columns and horizontal and diagonal braces to keep the shelf sturdy. The frame is fixed to the floor with bolts.
• Horizontal Beam: A horizontal bar mounted between two columns to place pallets on. This bar can be adjusted to suit the height of the goods.
• Brace bars: Small steel bars connecting the vertical columns help the shelf to be sturdy and not shake when carrying a large load.
• Column Protector: The safety pin is a small but very necessary detail in the racking system. It holds the beams firmly so they do not fall out when in use.
• Anchor Bolt: Used to firmly fasten the shelf frame to the warehouse floor, preventing the shelf from shifting.

Why should businesses use pallet racking systems?

The pallet racking system not only helps organize the warehouse scientifically but also brings many practical benefits in the operation and management process. Below are the outstanding advantages that make this system the top choice in modern industrial warehouses.

• Optimize warehouse space: Helps to maximize the area according to height, increase storage capacity without expanding the floor space.
• Easy to retrieve goods: Depending on the type of shelf, you can directly access or sell directly to each pallet, supporting quick inventory and export.
• Increase work efficiency: The shelf system helps the process of loading and unloading goods by forklift become safer, faster and more accurate.
• Diverse classification: Many different types of shelves are suitable for management methods such as FIFO, LIFO or bulky, perishable goods.
• Minimize damage to goods: Goods are neatly arranged, fixed on pallets and shelves, limiting falling or impact during transportation.

Advantages of pallet racking system

How many types of pallet racking systems are there?

In modern warehouse storage systems, pallet racks are designed with many different styles and functions to meet the diverse storage needs of each type of goods. Below are the 5 most popular types of pallet racking systems

• Selective pallet racks: This is the most popular type of rack, allowing direct access to each pallet without moving other pallets. The rack has a simple structure, including pallet levels, suitable for a variety of goods and is easy to install and adjust.
• Drive-in / drive-through pallet racks: This type of rack allows forklifts to run directly into the rack to pick up or stack pallets. Drive-in has only one entrance and exit, suitable for homogeneous goods that do not require frequent rotation.
• Push-back pallet racks: Pallets are stacked on sleds or rollers located on beams. When a new pallet is inserted, it will push the old pallet back deeper inside.
• Double deep racking: This type of rack allows two pallets to be placed deep inside the rack (two rows of pallets next to each other), increasing warehouse capacity but reducing direct access to each pallet.
• Cantilever racking: This type of rack has horizontal support arms that extend outward, without a horizontal beam below. Suitable for storing long, bulky goods such as steel pipes, wood, and metal sheets.

5 most popular types of pallet racking systems

What are the things to consider when choosing a pallet racking system for your business?

To choose the right type of pallet rack, businesses need to consider many factors such as the type of goods, the frequency of import and export of goods, warehouse area and investment budget. Below are important criteria to consider:

• Type of goods stored: If the goods are uniform and have standard sizes, drive-in racks can be used to optimize space. On the contrary, if there are many different product codes, selective racks will be more suitable because each individual pallet can be easily accessed.
• Frequency of import and export: For goods that are constantly circulating, a type of rack that is easy to access quickly such as selective racks or flow racks (FIFO) is needed. If the storage is long-term and there are few exports, push-back or drive-in racks can be used in the LIFO style.
• Warehouse area and height: Double deep or drive-in racks help take advantage of depth, while high-rise racks combined with specialized forklifts are suitable for warehouses with high ceilings but limited floor space.
• Investment budget: Selective shelves are low cost, easy to install and expand, suitable for small and medium enterprises.

To choose the right type of pallet rack, businesses need to consider many factors such as the type of goods

Where are pallet racking systems commonly used?

Pallet racking systems are commonly used in storage and production environments such as:

• Industrial warehouses: Store raw materials, semi-finished products and finished products of manufacturing plants.
• Distribution – logistics centers: Arrange goods by area for easy retrieval and transportation.
• Supermarkets – retail warehouses: Store large quantities of goods, support quick retrieval.
• Cold storage – food warehouse: Used to store frozen goods, foods with expiration dates according to the FIFO process.
• Pharmaceutical – medical warehouse: Ensure strict storage conditions and effective inventory control.
• E-commerce warehouse: Store a variety of goods, meet the needs of quick retrieval and packaging.

Depending on the industry and product characteristics, businesses will choose the most suitable type of shelf to optimize space and storage processes.

Pallet racking systems are commonly used in storage and production environments

What is a reputable pallet racking system provider in Malaysia?

If you are uncertain about where to purchase a pallet racking system, DNC Automation is an excellent option for you. Many customers have trusted DNC to provide automation solutions in the production process and have had positive experiences because: 

• DNC is a leading technology, automation, and engineering company in Malaysia with over 15 years of experience in the field of automation
• System integration machinery, Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0, and WinCC Scada System
• Diverse designs and sizes are suitable for many domestic and foreign houses. The equipment is 100% genuine and imported from Malaysia.

Please contact us via the hotline below if you have any questions about the product, we are happy to answer you!