01 May Selective Pallet Racking Guide
Selective pallet racking is one of the most versatile and economical storage systems for distribution facilities. Because selective pallet racks offer high visibility and easy access to each pallet, these systems are ideal for high-capacity operations with many product types or variations. In addition, selective pallet racking maximizes the use of vertical space to help improve rack management.
Learn everything you need to know about selective pallet racking with Twinlode Automation.
What Is Selective Pallet Racking?
Selective pallet racking provides direct access to every pallet in storage, making it ideal for operations with a high number of SKU counts requiring quick product accessibility. This design allows operators to select any pallet from the rack without moving other pallets. Selective pallet racking systems provide access to every pallet, but they typically offer a lower storage density than different racking types, such as pallet flow racking and push back racking.
What Are The Common Types Of Selective Racking Systems?
At Twinlode Automation, we can custom engineer a selective racking system based on typical pallet weight, unit size, special customer requirements, and a business’s unique layout. Our engineers have decades of combined experience developing flexible, heavy-duty, and structurally sound systems that deliver many years of reliable service.
Consider the two primary types of selective pallet rack systems we offer.
Single Deep Selective Pallet Racks
Single selective racks are a single-deep pallet rack storage solution, allowing any pallet on the rack to be picked without moving other pallets. Single-deep selective pallet racks consist of vertical upright frames and horizontal load beams. These high-capacity beams and welded trusses give the storage structure stability.
Additionally, single selective pallet racking supports a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management method, allowing the first pallets stored to be the first ones picked. These systems offer easy accessibility to each unit using nearly any model of material handling equipment.
Double Deep Pallet Racks
This racking system has the capacity to store two pallets deep and supports a last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory management method. The primary advantage of double-deep pallet racking is its high storage density. Since this racking holds more pallets than single-deep solutions, businesses can achieve a 50% increase in storage density as compared to generic selective racking.
Although double-deep pallet racks offer significantly more storage density than single-deep systems, they require the operator to manually maneuver the unit in the front of the rack to access the pallets in the rear.
Selective Storage Racking Benefits
Selective racking systems are among the most commonly used in the storage industry. The system components are readily available and enable fast and easy installation. Several primary benefits operations experience when implementing these systems include:
- Rigidity: The selective racking system is available in structural steel construction. This construction is designed for versatility and strength and offers one of the most rigid systems available with its beam-to-frame design.
- Versatility: Selective racking systems function well for various applications. Selective racking can accommodate full pallets, partial pallets, and even cases when using accessories such as wire decking.
- Low cost per pallet position: Businesses determine how much inventory they can store through the pallet position metric. Selective racking has the lowest cost per pallet position, making it more cost-effective to store high quantities of products.
- Maximum SKU pick: Selective racking has a cost-effective design allowing for the maximum number of SKU pick facings available in a standard rack.
- Lower forklift and pallet handling costs: Selective racking systems have lower costs for forklift operation and material handling, making this solution cost-effective to operate.
- Efficient palletized storage: Selective racking stores palletized loads efficiently by utilizing vertical space in a facility, which eliminates block stacking and opens up available floor space.
Where to Use a Selective Racking System
Despite their popularity, it’s critical to remember that selective pallet racking systems are not a one-size-fits-all solution for all businesses. Understanding a facility’s distribution dynamics and considering the product types and variations an operation handles is critical for choosing the optimal system. Industries that utilize these systems include cold storage, food and beverage, agriculture, retail, and manufacturing.
The following operations typically benefit most from selective racking systems:
- High-SKU stock: Businesses with many SKUs benefit from selective racking. This system is ideal for high SKU stock count since operators can access any SKU needed easily.
- FIFO inventory management: Selective racking systems in single deep configurations use a FIFO racking type, ensuring that perishable items or short shelf life SKUs are able to be turned over efficiently.
- High seismic areas: Selective racking systems made from GEN2 steel feature closed-tube structural racks ideal in high seismic areas due to their superior durability and strength.
Learn More With Twinlode Automation
Twinlode Automation has over 40 years of experience implementing pallet rack solutions in facilities in various industries. Contact us to learn more about the selective racking systems we offer and how they can benefit your unique application.