High-density warehouse spaces that contain goods with long shelf lives are always searching for new ways to make the most of their storage capacity. Many businesses turn to drive in racking systems as a solution to this issue. This enables pallets to be placed in a deeper position on the storage rail, creating more space in the warehouse. It involves the use of a forklift to enter the racking from one side to either load or retrieve the pallets as needed. If you are considering creating a drive in warehouse, here are some pros and cons of using the racking system.

PROS OF DRIVE IN RACKING

Improved use of storage

One of the most important jobs in any warehouse is keeping on top of your inventory and making efficient use of the space available to you. Creating a drive in warehouse enables you to make good use of the floor space when products are stored vertically. This maximises the space going up, instead of struggling to find more room at ground level. Goods can be packed away more densely while also making it easier to retrieve or place pallets and items in their place when unloading/loading.

Fewer damaged goods

Installing a drive in drive through racking system will also help to reduce the amount of damaged goods you experience in the warehouse. This is because modern systems now rely on heavy-duty frames that feature several levels and positions of pallets within the structure. Drive in racking systems are made to be more durable than previous models, and when installed correctly are better equipped to withstand minor collisions and forklift impacts.

More efficient order fulfillment

Because a drive in drive through racking system utilises the space better than other types of storage systems, it helps to create a faster workflow, throughput and ultimately, order fulfillment. With goods able to move back and forth throughout the process without any delays, stock is constantly being replenished and packaged for outstanding orders, providing the platform to achieve faster delivery times and improve customer satisfaction in the process.

They grow and adapt with your business

Drive in pallet racking dimensions can be altered and adapted as your business continues to grow. You start with the level you need before slowly adding more levels to meet an increase in demand. Beginning with one tier, before adding on others, means your inventory can grow organically in tandem with your customer base. It can also be reversed in the other direction too.  Ideal should you need to downsize and reduce the size of your drive in warehouse.

CONS OF DRIVE IN RACKING

Smaller choice of forklifts

When you install a drive in drive through racking system you will also need to rely on forklift trucks to move the pallets to and from position. If you already own one or two, there is no guarantee that it will fit with the drive in pallet racking dimensions. In order for the forklift to work successfully with the system the width generally needs to be a little narrower. Of course, you will be aware of this when researching which system to invest in, so be sure to check your current forklift specs before committing.

Stock rotation

When it comes using a drive in drive through racking system another disadvantage is it relies on the LIFO (Last in First Out) rotation method. This means the new, fresher products have to be positioned ahead of the older goods at the front of the racking row. This can lead to older products being left unused and going to waste. This is something to be aware and requires the need to pay more attention to stock rotation, especially in warehouses where goods have fixed use-by-dates.