Warehouse Storage Systems – The Pros and Cons Of Pallet Racks

Warehouse storage system technology has notably improved over the past few years. There are now completely automated systems and robot forklifts that can be controlled and guided by only using laser light technology. There are various different kinds of storage solutions that are optimized for space utilization and greater efficiency. 

One of the techniques that optimize the utilization of racks is pallet racking. This allows racks to store goods multiple levels above the foundation which can optimize space usage dramatically. Rather than being limited to being able to store a single pallet, the systems allow for stacking up to as many as 5 levels which can maximize space utilization.

There are all kinds of different adaptations of the system in question. The final cost of the system will be dictated by the selected upgrades. In general, you can expect a pallet rack system to land somewhere in the middle of the road when it comes to the total cost. While it isn’t the cheapest, it isn’t the most expensive either. This type of system is one of the best methods to effectively store goods and it comes with a roller system included which makes for the easy transportation of pallets in any direction. Likewise, this system excels when used to store the heaviest materials.

A pallet rack system is incredibly organized which boosts efficiency and it requires little to no maintenance whatsoever. Due to the fact that it is incredibly sturdy and reliable, it can be transported from locale to locale. You can even purchase a used pallet racking system in the marketplace to experience greater savings without sacrificing much due to the durability and reliability of the system.

There are two prime and distinct disadvantages of using a pallet rack system. For one, you will require a lot of pallets readily available because all of the materials that are being stored on the pallets need to be movable. Another distinct disadvantage is the fact that you will need forklift trucks ready to use in order to effectively reach the pallets stacked high off the ground. Without this, you won’t truly be able to leverage all of the advantages of a pallet racking system.

The mezzanine storage system is one that is far less expensive and it can help you get the most out of your available warehouse space. Usually, it is a structure that is specifically constructed situated between the main floors in order to store excess supplies and/or equipment. A mezzanine floor would be installed for this purpose. This system is usually less expensive than some of the other systems that you can choose from, but it maintains portability. 

This system is ideal in situations where you won’t be placing a substantial amount of products and weight on it. Thus, it wouldn’t be the best system for a larger scaled operation. However, it does feature a much lower cost than other systems.

ASRS – Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems 

This is a rather recently introduced system for warehouse storage. It is a much more complex system and it leverages computers in order to both store and recall materials based on the storage location. This system can optimize floor space because there won’t be a forklift required which could cap the storage height you could utilize. 

This type of system is very flexible and it can be used for both heavy and light products. There should be ample savings with this system because it is fully automated and you don’t require as much manpower for it to function. However, despite requiring less manpower, it is typically more expensive to install than the other systems and there is a high maintenance cost attached to using it. 

Typically, labor, space, and product damage are the most significant costs associated with running a warehouse operation. Luckily, there are plenty of different ways to reduce the cost through the implementation and usage of more efficient and effective warehouse storage systems that can be tailored and optimized to your specific requirements.