Take a close look at the number of warehouse supplies a typical warehouse needs and you can get an idea of just how much lies beneath the surface of the seeming simplicity of warehousing. The big items like the pallet racks are just the tip of the iceberg, yet even they need special consideration.
Depending on the types of goods you are warehousing, you will need different types of pallet racks. They all consist of two main components, the beams and the uprights, but that is where the similarities end.
The selective rack is the most common type of pallet rack. This is the type of rack where each storage space holds a single pallet, thereby eliminating the need to remove and replace stacked pallets when the one you need is not on top.
You then have to determine other factors in order to make the right choice of pallet racks for your warehousing needs. Heavy duty applications require heavy-duty pallet racks. For these you may need bolted structural pallet racks made from hot rolled structural channels to ensure the racks can withstand hard use.
If you want make sure that your stock rotation goes smoothly, you may want to choose a gravity powered pallet flow rack. This type of rack ensures that the pallet at one end of the rack always holds the stock you want to to go out first. When one pallet is removed, all the pallets behind it slide into their next place in line on tilted roller shelves.
Another gravity powered type of pallet rack is designed for carton flow and works on a similar shelving system as the pallet flow rack. Once again, it is ideal for making inventory rotation fool-proof.
A similarly designed system, called the Push Back system, has carts that are nested on sturdy steel rails. airport ground handling systems market This system, which allows pallets to be nested up to four deep is great for optimizing storage density.
Another type of pallet rack that is ideal for warehouses with limited space is the narrow aisle pallet rack. This type of rack requires a specialized forklift, but is ideal for high volume, high traffic areas where a quick turnaround is called for.
Once you have determined the type or types of pallet racks that you need, you have only begun your search for your warehouse supplies. You will have plenty of other shelving needs as well, not to mention ladders, partitions, industrial equipment company wire decking and maybe even modular offices. Once these major issues are taken care of, then you can start worrying about the so-called small stuff, like boxes, bubble wrap, tape and so many other warehousing necessities.
Clearly, even experienced warehousing professionals need help when they are looking for warehouse supplies. It is a big job and one that needs to be done right the first time. A complete warehouse specialist knows everything about warehousing and always stays abreast of the latest products. If at all possible, find a company that can supply you with everything you need, from your biggest pallet racks to your smallest bin boxes. Let them advise you from day one. That way, purchasing your warehouse supplies will not only be easier, the job will be done right.
