Warehouse storage racking system is one of the techniques used in warehouse management. This system eventually aids companies to save products, maximize storage area, and improve products accessibility.
An organized warehouse is crucial to ensure efficiency in order fulfillment for all customers. Furthermore, this article will provide directions on how to maximize space and utilize warehouse racking systems for business in the Philippines.
Key Takeaways
A warehouse racking system is a building system that is designed to organize products, cartons or raw materials inside the warehouse. It utilizes vertical storage to gain area in the warehouse and ensure efficient access to inventory.
Racking systems are designed to organize products in specific areas within the warehouse to provide efficient storage and retrieval, rather than stacking them on the floor.
This rationalised approach thus optimises storage space and minimises wasted movements of warehouse personnel. Warehouse racking systems are utilized in a variety of industries for businesses in the Philippines, including:
The warehouse racking system enhances its functionality even further when it’s paired up with a warehouse management software, enabling businesses to keep a check on where the items are located, monitor the flow of goods, and optimize the operations.
A properly designed warehouse racking system can offer much more than just a way to store items. It directly boosts warehouse productivity and assists in effective inventory management. Here are some of the advantages of a warehouse racking system:
Moreover, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) stating some of requirements to ensure safe working conditions to minimize occupational risks, and this system enables companies to provide for their workplace safety needs with better racking systems.
| Warehouse Rack Type | Best For | Key Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective Racks | Mixed inventory. | Direct pallet access. | Needs wider aisles. |
| Double-Deep Racks | Medium inventory turnover. | Higher storage capacity. | Requires reach forklifts. |
| Drive-In/Drive-Thru | Bulk inventory. | Maximum storage density. | Limited pallet access. |
| Push Back Racks | Medium SKU variety. | Fast pallet retrieval. | Higher installation cost. |
| Pallet Flow Racks | FIFO inventory. | Automatic stock rotation | Requires regular maintenance. |
| Cantilever Racks | Long or bulky materials. | Easy handling of oversized items | Not for palletized goods. |
There are several types of racks storing systems in the warehouse. This is because every business has different needs for different warehouse layouts, depending on the amount or the size of products. Here are some of the types of racks used in warehouse:
Because selective pallet racks allow immediate access to each pallet, they are the most common type of warehouse racking system. This system is flexible for warehouses where different products can be easily retrieved or stored.
Moreover, it is a popular racking solution for retail distribution centers, manufacturing warehouses, third-party logistics (3PL) and electronic commerce fulfillment centers where items are moved often.
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Double-deep racks are an extension of selective racks, in which pallets are placed two layers deep rather than one. This setup allows businesses to store more without enlarging their warehouse, so there are less aisles to be used.
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Drive-in and drive-thru racking systems enable forklifts to access and retrieve pallets directly from the rack system without the need to drive around the rack. The difference between these systems is in how inventory moves, here are some differences:
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Push back racks are inclined rails equipped with stacked carts with the ability to push pallets forward automatically when the front pallet is removed. A number of pallets can be stored in each lane of the storage area.
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Pallet flow racks are high-density storage systems that automatically roll pallets from loading to picking areas with the help of gravity. This will be very efficient for rotation methods as one pallet comes out another comes in.
Pallet flow racks are a popular solution in industries where maintaining product freshness or expiration date is crucial, like the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and cold storage industries, as they work in a ‘First In, First Out (FIFO)’ inventory system.
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The cantilever rack is a warehouse system that works best for long, bulky and irregularly shaped items that won’t fit on conventional pallet racks. They are popularly used in warehouses that have oversized products to store.
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Before implementing racks systems, businesses should evaluate their warehouse requirements to ensure the selected racking system supports long-term efficiency. Here are the factors to consider before investing in warehouse racks:
The size and layout of your warehouse directly affect the type of racking system you should install. Assess the available floor area, ceiling height, aisle width, and loading zones to determine how much storage capacity.
For warehouses with limited floor space, high-density systems such as double-deep or drive-in racks can maximize vertical storage. Meanwhile, larger warehouses handling a wide variety of products may use racks that provide direct access to every pallet.
In addition, warehouse racking is a long-term investment, so businesses should consider more than the initial purchase price. Installation costs, maintenance, future expansion, and equipment compatibility all contribute to the total cost of ownership.
While selecting racks, it’s recommended to consider high-density systems like pallet flow or push back racks that may deliver greater long-term savings. Therefore, the budgets that flow into this will become a positive investment for business growth.
The third factor is inventory movement, which is one of the most important factors when selecting warehouse racks. Businesses should choose a system that aligns with their inventory rotation method to improve stock accessibility, for example:
Furthermore, matching the racking system with your inventory flow helps improve storage efficiency, reduce product obsolescence, and support better warehouse management.
Not every warehouse racking system is compatible with the same material handling equipment. Before installation, businesses should evaluate the type of forklifts they use, including lift height, turning radius, load capacity, and aisle width requirements.
For example, double-deep racks require reach forklifts, while drive-in systems demand skilled forklift operators capable of maneuvering within the rack structure. Ensuring equipment compatibility improves operational safety and maintains smooth operations.
Also Read: What is Material Management? Functions, Types, & Example
One of the most common questions businesses ask in considering a racking system is, “How much does warehouse racking cost?”. And the answer depends on several factors, as every warehouse has unique storage requirements. The total cost is influenced by:
Not only a factor to consider, you also should know the latest technology used in warehouse racking systems to make sure the business is running smoothly. Here are the modern technologies in warehouse management:
Managing warehouse racks manually becomes increasingly difficult as inventory grows. Businesses may encounter problems such as misplaced products, inaccurate stock or longer order fulfillment times.
To address these challenges, ScaleOcean Atlas for Warehouse Management helps businesses streamline warehouse operations through real-time inventory tracking and intelligent automation.
As part of the ScaleOcean Atlas Software, it integrates warehouse management with sales, procurement, accounting, and reporting. These capabilities ensure seamless end-to-end business operations in every flow.
Moreover, ScaleOcean Atlas for warehousing also embedded with ScaleMind AI. This to improve automation warehouse operation, for example, it can suggest optimal storage locations during putaway and reduce manual work.
Businesses looking to enhance their warehouse operations can also schedule a consultation with us to see how ScaleOcean Atlas WMS optimizes rack management and inventory. Some of ScaleOcean Atlas for warehousing’s features include:
A warehouse racking system is a critical investment for businesses looking to enhance operational efficiency. By understanding the different types of racks in warehouses and evaluating other factors, businesses can select the most suitable storage solution.
To maximize the benefits of a warehouse racking system, businesses should also adopt a digital solution that provides real-time inventory visibility and streamlined warehouse processes.
ScaleOcean Atlas for warehousing helps companies manage rack locations, monitor inventory movement, optimize storage utilization, and automate warehouse operations within a single integrated platform.
If you’re ready to improve your warehouse efficiency and gain complete control over your inventory, schedule a consultation and discover how it can support your business growth.
A U-shaped warehouse layout is commonly preferred because it improves product flow, maximizes storage space, and supports efficient receiving, storage, picking, and shipping operations.
Warehouse racking sizes vary depending on pallet dimensions, load capacity, and ceiling height. Standard pallet racks typically range from 8 to over 30 feet tall with beam lengths between 96 and 144 inches.
Warehouse racks should have adequate spacing for forklifts, product handling, and fire safety. Common guidelines recommend at least 6 inches between back-to-back racks, though local building and fire regulations may require more.
