Key Takeaways
- Selective pallet rackings are the most common and flexible type of racking systems.
- They provide direct access to every pallet, ensuring quick and easy retrieval.
- Ideal for FIFO inventory management, specially for perishable and short shelf life products.
- They are affordable and simple to install and require no specialised equipment.
- Suitable for warehouses with varied products in the inventory.
Do you own a warehouse and deal with a wide-range of products in your business?
If yes, then selective pallet racks might be the right storage system for you. Out of all the pallet racking options, selective pallet racks are a versatile and affordable option that is used across industries.
Before using them, understanding them is important so that you make no mistakes and can choose the right type of storage for you.
This blog will be your guide to what is selective pallet racking, their features and what options they are suited for:
Understanding selective pallet rackings
Selective pallet racking is a type of pallet racking that provides direct access to every single pallet within the rack structure. It is a system that prioritises accessibility over high storage density.
Unlike double deep rackings (which store goods two pallets deep), selective rackings do not require any specialised forklift trucks. And in contrast to systems like push-back rackings, selective racks offer lower storage capacity but a much faster retrieval.
Wondering what is push back racking? These racks store pallets on inclined rails that move forward as the front pallet is removed, offering higher density.
The accessibility factor makes them the preferred choice for warehouses where inventory turnover and accessibility is needed more than maximum storage density.
Next up, we will discuss the features of a selective racking system:
The features of selective rackings
Selective pallet rackings are kind of like the all-rounder of rackings. They combine characteristics such as cost-efficiency, accessibility and adaptability.
Now let us dive right into these characteristics in detail:
Accessible
The primary advantage of selective racks is the complete accessibility that they offer. They have adjustable beams and provide direct access to each individual pallet by decreasing storage density. This selectivity feature means quicker handling and retrieval times.
Easy to work
Selective pallet racks are the simplest type of pallet racking system. Their simple design makes them easy to work with as they can be installed and reconfigured with ease, with low maintenance cost. Businesses also prefer it because they can be assembled in phases as per need.
FIFO inventory management
Selective pallet racks follow first-in-first-out (FIFO) principle i.e. the stock that goes inside first is also taken out first. This contrasts with a push back racking which is suitable for a LIFO – last-in-first-out inventory type i.e the stock that goes in the last is taken out the first. Because they support the FIFO method, selective rackings are suitable for items with short shelf life.
Affordable
Using a selective pallet rack facilitates overall cost savings. Firstly, it has the lowest costs per sq meter. Secondly, there is no need for specialised equipment except the standard forklift, which saves you any additional investments. Furthermore, selective rackings save floor space by vertically stacking pallets, which will be cost-effective in today’s real estate market.
Flexible
Selective pallet racks are designed to be flexible and suit varying storage needs. They have adjustable beams which can accommodate different pallet sizes. This flexibility allows for seasonal or product-based reconfiguration. In addition to that, they can safely store non-palletized goods such as construction material.
Now let us look at what options are selective pallet rackings useful for:
What are selective rackings suited for?
Every type of storage has its own advantages. Selective rackings are simple, affordable and flexible.
Let’s take a look at what selective rackings are best suited for in detail:
Growing warehouses
Selective pallet racks are good for new and growing warehouses which are just starting out. They are cost efficient, save precious floor space and can be adapted to different situations – making them a great starting point.
Perishable items
Since selective racks are FIFO type of rackings, the older stock is taken out first. This makes them suitable for warehousing perishable and short shelf life items such as fresh produce and dairy products.
High differentiation products
Selective rackings work well for businesses whose product line is highly different, i.e. they have multiple different types of products. Because it allows easy and direct access to every stock keeping unit in the storage.
Conclusion
Selective racks are affordable, durable and provide increased access to the storage units. They might be a good match for your warehouse if you are dealing with highly differentiated products or perishable goods.
But it is all about the balance. Before choosing a storage system, consider your budget, the space available and the type of goods you will be warehousing. While selective rackings provide accessibility, other options like push back or drive-in rackings might be more suited for low-variation, high volume inventory.
And if you are in Australia and are looking for pallet racking for sale, checking out Gold Coast Racking is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between selective racking and double deep racking?
The main difference is the pallet access. Selective rackings are more accessible but double deep rackings provide more storage density.
- What are the different types of pallet racking?
There are various types with the main ones being selective, double deep, drive-in, push-back and pallet flow systems.
- What are the Australian standards for pallet racking?
Pallet racks must comply with AS 4084:2023 for design, installation, and safety in Australia.
- What is the most flexible racking system that offers 100% selectivity?
Selective pallet rackings are the most flexible racking system because they provide full access to every stored pallet.
