Brisbane is a bustling hub of economic activity with a thriving industrial sector. There were over 136,000 registered businesses within the city in 2021-22. As companies strive for efficiency and optimal storage solutions, pallet racks in Brisbane have become an integral part of warehouse operations in the region.
These systems provide a cost-effective and versatile way to store goods, making the most available space while ensuring easy accessibility. In this article, explore a range and their benefits.
Selective: It is the most common and widely used system in warehouses. It offers direct access to each pallet, allowing for easy retrieval of items. The structure consists of vertical uprights and horizontal beams that can be adjusted to accommodate various sizes. It is ideal for businesses that require a high level of selectivity and frequent product turnover.
Drive-In and Drive-Through: It is designed to maximise storage density. In a drive-in system, forklifts drive into the structure and place pallets on rails. This system works on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) principle, as the last pallet loaded, is the first to be retrieved. On the other hand, drive-through allows forklifts to enter from both ends of the structure, following the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle. These systems are beneficial for storing large quantities of homogeneous products with a low turnover rate.
Push Back: It is a dynamic storage system that utilises inclined rails and a series of nested carts. Pallets are loaded from the front, and when a new one is added, it pushes the existing ones backward. The last pallet loaded is the first to be removed when retrieving items. Push back system maximises storage density while maintaining selectivity and facilitating faster load and unload times. It is particularly suitable for storing products with multiple SKUs and medium turnover rates.
Gravity Flow: This system employs inclined rollers or wheels to enable automatic movement. Pallets are loaded from the back and flow gently down the slope, driven by gravity. The first one loaded is the first to be picked, following the FIFO principle. It is excellent for high-density storage and efficient stock rotation, especially when time-sensitive perishable goods need storage.
Cantilever: It is specifically designed for storing long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items like lumber, pipes, and furniture. The structure consists of vertical columns with horizontal arms that extend outward. These arms provide unobstructed access to each load, making storing and retrieving long items easy without vertical obstruction clearance. It allows for high visibility and customisation options, making it suitable for businesses dealing with oversized or non-standardised products.
Mezzanine: It creates an additional floor level within the existing warehouse space. This system effectively utilises vertical space and provides extra storage capacity. Mezzanines can be integrated with various methods, allowing businesses to optimise their storage and workflow. They are commonly used for storing lightweight or smaller items.
Compact or Movable: This system maximises storage density by eliminating the need for multiple aisles. The racks are mounted on motorised carriages that move along tracks installed on the floor. When access to a particular one is needed, the system creates an aisle by moving the adjacent racks apart. It is ideal for businesses with limited space that require high-density storage but still need selective access.
AR/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems): AS/RS is a highly advanced and automated solution that combines racking systems with robotics and computer-controlled technology. These systems use cranes or robotic shuttles to retrieve and store pallets automatically. AS/RS maximises storage density, minimises human intervention, and optimises order fulfilment processes. They are suitable for large-scale operations where high-speed and high-density storage is required, such as e-commerce fulfilment centres.
In conclusion, efficient storage is essential for businesses to streamline operations and maximise their warehouse space. Storage solutions such as pallet racks in Brisbane are versatile. From selective systems for high selectivity to drive-in and drive-through systems for maximum density, each has its benefits and applications. Selecting the right one based on your specific requirements can enhance your storage efficiency and improve overall productivity.
