Investing in a warehouse racking system is a long-term decision that affects safety, productivity, and future scalability. Whether you’re fitting out a new facility or upgrading an existing one, asking the right questions before purchasing can save time, space, and unnecessary cost.
Here are five essential questions to consider before buying warehouse racking.
What Are You Storing and How Will It Be Handled?
The type, size, and weight of your products should determine the racking system you choose. For example, standard palletised goods suit selective pallet racking, while long materials such as pipes or timber require cantilever racking.
Consider also how goods will be moved. If you use forklifts, measure clearances carefully. If you rely on hand-picking, ensure there’s enough access and visibility.
How Much Space Do You Have and What Is Your Layout?
Before choosing a system, assess your available space and ceiling height. The wrong racking layout can lead to wasted aisles or restricted access.
A professional warehouse survey can identify opportunities to increase storage density using systems such as push-back, drive-in, or mobile racking. It’s also important to account for fire exits, walkways, and loading areas in your design.
How Often Do You Need to Access Each Pallet?
Access frequency plays a big part in deciding between First-In, First-Out (FIFO) and Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) systems.
If you need to rotate stock regularly, a pallet flow system is ideal. For bulk storage of identical products where turnover is less frequent, drive-in racking may be more efficient.
Tip: Consider your picking patterns before installation – retrofitting for access later can be costly.
How Will Your Business Grow or Change?
Your storage needs today might look very different in two years. Choosing a modular or adaptable system can make expansion far easier.
Ask whether your racking can be extended, reconfigured, or relocated. If you anticipate growth in SKUs, consider systems that balance flexibility and density, such as adjustable pallet racking or mezzanine-supported shelving.
What Are the Safety and Compliance Requirements?
Warehouse racking must comply with UK safety standards, including SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association) guidelines and HSE (Health and Safety Executive) regulations.
Ask suppliers whether their systems are tested, load-rated, and installed by qualified professionals. Regular inspections and maintenance are also critical for ongoing compliance.
Final Thoughts
By taking time to answer these five questions, you’ll ensure your warehouse racking system is safe, efficient, and suited to your long-term business goals. The most successful projects combine careful planning with expert guidance at every stage – from design to installation and beyond.