Organising racking systems is crucial for efficiency, maximising storage space and ensuring easy access to stored items. With the cost of doing business rising throughout the supply chain, maximising your commercial real estate use has never been more critical.
Whether you’re wanting to optimise your garage or streamline a large industrial warehouse, understanding the ins and outs of storage racking can significantly improve your space utilisation and productivity.
Industrial storage racking systems are designed to handle heavier loads and larger volumes of goods. Whether you need racking for palletised goods, cantilever racking for long or irregularly shaped items, or drive-in racking for maximising storage density — all have their place in improving organisation.
Understanding industrial storage racking requirements
Storage racking refers to a system of shelves, frames, and supports designed to hold and organise various items. These systems come in different sizes, materials, and configurations to suit different industries. Still, the basic components typically include uprights, beams, decking, and safety accessories. Each element is crucial in creating a sturdy and efficient storage solution.
Global Industrial supplies APEX Racking, Australian-designed racking systems to meet New Zealand and Australian Standards AS 4084-2023. We also custom-build mezzanine systems to create additional floor space. Take a look at the range of Selective Pallet Racking, Drive-in Racking, Cantilever Racking and Vertical Racking available for delivery across Oceania.
Wait, what’s the difference between racking and shelving?
Racking is typically designed for heavier loads and palletised goods, while shelving is more suitable for smaller, individual items. Racking often allows for more vertical storage, but shelving may offer easier access to items without equipment.
While selective pallet racking is the most common in retail warehouses, several alternatives exist for specific storage needs, especially those working in manufacturing or building supplies.
For example, cantilever racking is ideal for long or irregularly shaped items, while push-back racking offers high-density storage. Drive-in racking is perfect for first-in-first-out inventory management.
Global Industrial also supplies a wide selection of longspan shelving, RUT shelving, coolroom shelving, and punch panel-style gondola shelving.
Choosing the Right Storage Racking System or Garage Storage Racking
While we specialise in large-scale operations, Global Industrial also sells directly to the public, affording hobbyists, home businesses and homeowners an outstanding range of garage decluttering solutions. Great garage storage racking systems may include pegboard-style panels for tools and smaller items and louvre panels for hanging parts bins, as well as highly modular long-span shelving and workbenches.
Calculating warehouse racking requirements
Several factors come into play when selecting a storage racking and shelving system. Consider the load capacity to ensure the system can safely handle the weight of your items. All specific weight limits are outlined on the related Global Industrial product pages.
Measure your available space, considering both floor space and ceiling height. It’s not about getting the most expensive or cheapest racking available but choosing a system that can adapt to your changing needs for future scalability.
While business needs differ and we remain flexible with how we work, Global Industrial has a proven process to develop the most efficient storage system in any workplace:
- Plan the High-Level Layout
- Categorise and Label
- Maximise Vertical Space
- Optimise Aisle Space
- Safety Checks and Regular Maintenance
1 – Plan your racking and shelving layout
This is where we co-create the blueprint for your industrial storage racking success. Taking stock of your current uses and future plans helps us create a new system that fits like a PPE glove.
You can get a jumpstart on the process by obtaining the formal building floorplan and making multiple photocopies to try sketching a few different arrangements. For the more digitally savvy, a tool like SmartDraw can be useful for making a mudmap of your layout.
From experience, we’ve found that clients who spend a little extra time in the planning stage — and gain consensus on the layout with key stakeholders — are the most satisfied with the final result.
2 – Categorise your inventory
Conduct a thorough inventory audit and consider how best to group similar items. Create a logical categorisation system. For your business that might mean organising items alphabetically/alphanumerically, chronologically, by size/weight, frequency of use, or by item type and its most common co-purchased items. Whatever categorisation style you choose, ensure your ERP (Enterprise Resource Planner) follows the same logic.
We’re always open to offering suggestions to suit inventory types and handling requirements. And don’t hesitate to mix and match systems to accommodate diverse storage requirements within your facility.
3 – Maximise vertical space
Confirm your available ceiling height, accounting for obstructions such as overhead cranes, lighting, roof beams and clearances around exhaust vents. APEX Racking’s pallet racking frames are available in heights up to 7.3 metres (custom heights are available on request), with adjustable shelving to accommodate items of varying heights.
Another option is to install steel mezzanine floors to provide two-tier storage in high-ceilinged areas or create additional workspaces for employees.
4 – Optimise aisle space between racking and shelving
Shelving typically only requires enough space for one person to access and others to pass. Racking, on the other hand, will usually be accessed by lifting machinery such as a forklift or reach truck, so each aisle needs a minimum space to move.
Warehouse aisles are typically between 3 and 4 meters wide. This allows for the easy movement of standard equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks. In some cases, narrow aisles can be as little as 2 meters wide; however, these require specialised equipment like turret trucks and order pickers.
Depending on your storage requirements, drive-through racking foregoes the need for vacant spaces in between the aisles. Similarly, first-in-last-out (FILO) racking can be installed right up against a wall.
Global Industrial can help you analyse your equipment and workflow to determine optimal aisle widths and create a traffic flow plan that minimises congestion.
5 – Safety checks and regular maintenance
Safety is paramount for every business. A post-installation check of your racking provides peace of mind that all elements are up to code, including safety signage. While fixed racking solutions require minimal maintenance, Global Industrial can provide a suggested schedule for regular inspections to maintain the APEX Racking lifetime warranty.
For compliance reasons, the business must retain copies of the manufacturer’s instructions and detailed maintenance logs from annual inspections performed by a competent person.
Beyond being prepared for a surprise visit from a WHS officer, racking records are also invaluable if your business is acquired, you sell the business or building, or the racking is on-sold to another company.
Next steps for planning your warehouse, garage or office storage
Whether you’re outfitting garage storage racking or a large warehouse, choosing the right racking system can significantly impact your storage capacity and workflow.
Careful planning is essential to maximising the efficiency of your racking system investment.
Now that you understand the different types of racking systems and their applications, you can make informed decisions that will benefit your business for years to come.
For all your storage racking needs, consider exploring the range of options available at Global Industrial. With our expertise in vertical racking and innovative garage shelving ideas, you’re sure to find the perfect solution to achieve an efficient and organised storage system.
Get a free quote and see how Global Industrial stacks up!
