Apr 2, 2014

Getting The Best Warehouse Racking System Design Possible

By Gwen Lowe


Things that are made and the parts or ingredients that go into making them must be stored safely, at least for a while. Proper warehouse racking system design and installations allow for the easy flow of material from one area, through the fabricating process, and into the other area. Steel is usually used as this represents the strongest material, although in some applications, fiberglass or extruded plastics are sometimes used.

The designing of the proper system for your plant should be a collaborative effort, taking input from all levels of management, including front line personnel. They are the ones that will be using the system and have a lot to say about how well it works. The basic shelving is based on the standard pallets that most plants use. Other sized pallets will be an impediment to this structure and plans should be based on real world material handling needs.

When thinking about the various ways that shelving can be accomplished, know that fasteners are a very good idea for those standing next to wall. The free standing racking need additional assistance to be a safe receiver of materials without falling or moving. Deciding about access, either from the front or back or both will also be on the table for discussion.

Providing a lot of information to the design engineers will be a good first step in obtaining the best racking system for you. What happens and how it happens is an important part of this data. The weights of average pallets of materials will be listed as well as where it should be placed is taken into consideration. The conditions of the walls, floors, moisture content and how that effects where certain ingredients are placed will be taken into account.

The traffic patterns that are needed will also be examined. Some materials stored in some areas may need additional space because of larger material handling equipment and their space requirements. The need for front and back access to the bays will also determine how close they can be to each other, other fixtures, equipment and machinery.

Having side access to bays is something that can be done on the extreme ends. In some cases, special systems can be arraigned to allow small materials to be slid, on tracks embedded in the floors, to reach all parts. Some of these will also move levels up and down to allow for the removal and replacement of items regardless of location.

Finding the best system for your plant is what these companies are good at. They will show you special systems that will take your barrels and drums, on a rail, to ensure its safe storage. The self facing bays with the rollers is also something to consider. Sliders, revolving bays and disappearing shelves will all contribute to the best shelving for your operation.

Safety is one of your first jobs and everyone must buy into that. The companies who offer these types of racking systems have the bases covered as they consult, design and install the best units for you and your employees. Moving material from one place to another is how you accomplish the world class work you do, so helping you do that is their top goal.




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