In the Wareshouse storage area, efficiently packing goods is time, money, and life. What is the focus factors in industrial warehouse management ? Heavy Duty Storage and High Density Storage, is the most important in storage industry.
Drive-in racking excels at maximizing storage capacity in limited spaces, making it ideal for high-density storage applications involving products like food and beverages, auto parts, and logistics cartons.
On the other hand, selective pallet racking offers unmatched accessibility and flexibility, accommodating a wide range of pallet sizes and shapes while simplifying inventory management. The choice between these two systems hinges on the specific storage needs of your operation, balancing factors such as product type, space constraints, and order fulfillment requirements.
In the acticle,we will introduce the key different bewteen selective pallet racking and drive-in racks. Focus on the assoasion,you will know the warehouse type with the best racking system.
Drive-in and Drive-through Racking
Drive-in racking is a compact storage solution for homogeneous inventory. Selective pallet racking is a conventional storage approach relying on aisles for flexible inventory management. While we often discuss drive-in racks, we shouldn’t overlook drive-through racking.
The key difference? Management System: FIFO or LIFO systems.
In compart stoage solution,drive in and drive through racking system layout without aisles for select pallet. Drive-in Racking system design with LIFO System, but the Drive Through racking work with FIFO System. By the operation method, the inventory manage is different.
If you store huge homogenized inventory limited by Date, FIFO system (First in First out) is good for the seasonal product. LIFO System must be implemented in warehouses with homogeneous products, which do not lose value over time.
FIFO Stock Management Method
| Expiration Dates Limited | Chemicals: Some chemicals have expiration dates or degrade over time. Food-grade materials: Ingredients used in food processing. Pharmaceutical products: Even in bulk storage, certain products might have expiration dates or potency concerns. |
| Batch Numbers or Production Dates | Electronics components: To ensure the use of the newest components. Automotive parts: To manage inventory turnover and identify potential quality issues. |
| Potential for Obsolescence | Fashion items: If the warehouse stores overstock or previous seasons’ products. Technology products: Components or devices that might become outdated quickly. |
| High-Turnover Items | Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG): If the warehouse is a distribution center |
LIFO Stock Management Method
| Building materials | Such as ceramics, glass, and stone or other homogeneous and non-perishable products |
Advantage of Drive-in and Drive-through Racking
Optimisation of the available space:
The main advantage of compact systems is they exploit the available surface area in the warehouse to the full. Depending on the storage system chosen, this optimisation will be higher or lower.
Control of product references:
Compact systems are ideal for storing several unit loads of the same product reference.
Order in warehouse management:
Unlike adjustable pallet racking systems that allow more arbitrary warehouse management, with compact racking the precise order of each reference is an obligation.
Ideal system for controlled temperature storage:
In cold or freezing storage projects, compact storage systems are installed almost without exception, due to the optimisation of the available space and reduction in the total volume to be cooled that it allows. This enables significant savings in maintenance costs.
Selective Pallet Racking
Selective pallet racking is the most common storage solution for warehouses and factories due to its simplicity and versatility. Unlike drive-in and drive-through systems, selective racking offers direct access to every pallet, enabling efficient inventory management. This accessibility, combined with its lower cost compared to other racking systems, makes it an ideal choice for large warehouses with ample space, such as distribution centers located outside urban areas.
Advantage of Selective Pallet Racking
Efficiently utilise your storage space
Even with the maximum height restriction of 12m, selective pallet racking systems can ensure you efficiently utilise all of your available storage space. By stacking pallets in rows multiple levels high you can maximise the number of pallets stored within your warehouse or factory. This gives you the ultimate flexibility in your storage system, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes.
Versatility
Selective pallet racking systems can be customised to suit the needs of your factory or warehouse. This customisation allows for the pallet racking system to be used with all types of pallets and handling systems. Whether you have limited vertical or horizontal space or need to access your inventory regularly, a pallet racking system can be designed for your unique needs.
First in, first out inventory management
Inventory management is an important factor in deciding which type of racking system will best suit your needs. First in, first out inventory management is beneficial for the storage of a large number of products with low stock quantities required to be on hand. This management system promotes moving older stock first, which can help to avoid being stuck with older products that are no longer profitable and do not move as quickly.
Ease of access
Unlike other pallet racking systems, selective pallet racking ensures easy access to all pallets. With direct access to every pallet in storage and the ability to manoeuvre multiple forklifts in one aisle, it is very easy to move stock and keep up with the demands of your customers.
Cost-effective solution
Selective pallet racking can be one of the lowest costing pallet racking systems on the market. Ideally keeping the maximum pallet spaces to 3000 or below; the materials and installation of this type of racking system can make this option a cost-effective storage solution.
How To Choose The Right System For My Warehouse
Build in New Warehouse
In high-rent metropolitan areas like New York, Sydney, and Berlin, warehouse space can account for a substantial portion of operational costs, often ranging from 40% to 60% of the budget. To maximize return on investment in such constrained environments, businesses must prioritize high-density storage and rapid inventory turnover.
High-value products such as automotive and electrical components are prime candidates for these locations. Choose Drive-in or drive-through racking systems. It is easy to offers a stable dry warehouse environment for efficient storage and product protection.
When the rent isn’t the first consider reason for your warehouse, selective pallet racking can offer you a flexible storage solution. Every Pallet is easy to manage, loading and upload with hand track or forklift fast.
Optimize Old Storage Area
Choose the right storage system when your pallet racking broken or crowded by growth inventory. Selective Pallet Racking and Drive-in Racking, which is better? For the finished warehouse, according to your inventory to choose the racking system. For homogenized inventory, or want to exchange your conventional storage solution, get the drive-in racking. When your warehouse keeping various inventory, double deep pallet racking is good choice.
If you need any advice on deciding bulid a new warehuose or optimize your old warehouse, please send us your query here and our professionals will advise you without any obligation.
