Cold Storage Racking/ Shelving System:
Cold Storage Racks / Shelving System is also referred to as Warehouse Shelving. It is a storage system designed to stack materials in horizontal rows with 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 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 called step beams are support structures that allow for materials to be stored in a horizontal form. The load beams are fit onto the upright framework that enables the Warehouse Racking/shelving system.
Upright frames are a Warehouse Racking framework that is designed to fit into the warehouse design. The upright frames are columns that stand upright and go as high as possible to increase the capacity of the warehouse. Holes are then drilled into these upright columns at regular intervals to mount the load beams.
Diagonal braces are welded or bolted between two upright columns to increase rigidity and strength. They are also referred to as horizontal braces or upright frame lacing.
Wire decking is used to increase safety while storing materials in Warehouse Racking. The wire decking is usually a wire mesh that is fit to the horizontal columns to prevent the store materials from falling from the rack structure. The mesh is used as opposed to a solid base so that dirt does not accumulate on the shelves. The mesh is also used to ease the identification of the specific materials stored in each shelve. This is because, with the mesh, you can see through even to highly placed shelves and know which materials are stored at any location.
Foot plates, also known as face plates are usually placed at the base of the columns to increase the stability of the column. These anchors are bolted in to firmly support the columns to the concrete floor.
Cold Storage Racking/ Shelving System Advantages
- One big advantage of Warehouse Racking is that it helps to save space. The layout in which the racks are built allows for to utilization of wasted vertical space.
- The warehouse racking system is reliable. It allows you to store your material for a large 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 provide 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 Racking 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. As a result, drive-in racks are suited to the last in, first out (LIFO) process commonly use 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. When a pallet is loaded onto the system, it pushes the next pallet back, and when a pallet is unloaded, it is pushed to the front of the system. Push-back racking systems utilize the LIFO system and often feature inclined rails and sliding carts and double lanes.
- Flow Rack:
Also known as gravity racks, flow racks are commonly used for high-density storage. With this type of warehouse racking/shelving system, items are loaded at the higher end and removed at the lower end using a FIFO system. 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.
