Cold Storage Racking / Shelving System:
The Cold Storage Racks/Shelving System, also known as Warehouse Shelving, organizes materials in horizontal rows across multiple levels. With proper Warehouse Racking, warehouse managers maximize space and optimize Warehouse Racking organization for efficiency and a streamlined picking process. Warehouse layout plays a major role in the Warehouse Racking/shelving System, as aisle width, docking locations, shipping areas, and other warehouse components affect warehouse racking/shelving options. Pallet racking is the most common form of Warehouse Racking/shelving systems.
Components of Cold Storage Racks System
Load beams, also known as step beams, support materials horizontally in storage. They fit onto the upright framework in the warehouse rack/shelving system.
Upright frames constitute a warehouse racking framework specifically designed to integrate into the warehouse design.
Manufacturers weld or bolt diagonal braces between two upright columns to increase rigidity and strength. These braces, also called horizontal or upright frame lacing, enhance the rack’s stability.
Wire decking, a wire mesh fitted to horizontal columns, enhances safety in Warehouse Racking by preventing material falls. The mesh prevents dirt accumulation, and aids material identification on shelves, even those at greater heights.
Foot plates, also called face plates, bolster column stability by anchoring firmly to the concrete floor.
Cold Storage Racking/ Shelving System Advantages
- One big advantage of Warehouse Racking is that it helps to save space. The rack layout enables the utilization of otherwise wasted vertical space.
- The warehouse racking system is reliable. It allows you to store your material for a long period.
- It’s much cheaper to employ a racking system than double the square footage of an existing warehouse.
- Adding a racking system can double and sometimes even triple the number of materials you’re able to handle in your warehouse.
- Direct access to each pallet
- Simple stock management
- Adaptable to any product volume, weight, or size
Types of Cold Storage Racking Systems
- Selective Racks:
The most commonly used pallet system, selective racks provides access from an aisle. These Warehouse Racking systems are ideal for narrow aisle racking, standard systems, and deep-reach systems. Selective racks require special narrow lift trucks and accommodate a single pallet in depth.
- Drive-In and Drive-Through Racks:
For high-density storage, drive-in and drive-through racks are ideal. Constructed of steel in most cases, these Warehouse rack systems have enough space for a forklift to move into its bay. It’s important to note that drive-in racks have one entrance and exit, but drive-through racks allow access on both sides of the bay. Hence, drive-in racks suit the last in, first out (LIFO) process, commonly employed for nonperishable products or those with a low turnover. On the other hand, a drive-through system requires a first in, first out (FIFO) process. Drive-in and drive-through racks may be floor-to-ceiling structures.
- Push Back Racking/shelving Systems:
Typically used for bulk storage, push-back racking systems store products that span 2-5 pallets. The system loads a pallet, pushing the next one back; when unloading a pallet, it moves to the front of the system. Push-back racking systems utilize the LIFO system and often feature inclined rails sliding carts and double lanes.
- Flow Rack:
Flow racks, also called gravity racks, offer high-density storage. They operate on a FIFO system, allowing loading at the higher end and easy retrieval from the lower end. The rotation of products becomes automatic as the racks flow with loading and unloading. Flow racks make use of gravity rollers that move in conjunction with the rack load and feature brakes or speed controllers to regulate item movement. One advantage of flow racks is they do not require electricity for operation because gravity powers them.
