Different types of pallet systems are used in warehouses, retail facilities, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers. They can be divided into five main categories: selective pallet racking, drive-in systems, flow and push-back designs, and inventory methods. The choice of system depends on the frequency of use and ease of accessibility. Selective racking is the most common and provides easy access to pallet storage. Drive-in systems are suitable for forklifts and cargo trucks. Pallet flow and push-back systems use depth to increase storage capacity. Inventory methods include first-in, first-out (FIFO) and last-in, first-out (LIFO) systems.
There are different types of pallet systems, some of which are better than others for different situations, but in general they can all be divided into five main categories. Selective pallet racking is usually the most common in department stores, although drive-in systems that can easily accommodate forklifts and cargo trucks are also often used. The Flow and Push-back designs both use depth to increase storage capacity and are especially popular when space is at a premium. So-called inventory methods are usually organized according to demand, perceived or realised, and this demand is what determines where things are placed and how easy it is to access them. All systems offer a means of storing large quantities of materials and goods in a more compact space, although most require the use of a forklift or pallet truck to place palletised materials onto the storage racks.
Choose and Differentiate
All five types are used extensively in warehouses, retail facilities, manufacturing plants and distribution centers. In most cases, stock managers choose a system based on two main factors: frequency of use and ease of accessibility. Different methods work better in different places. A lot has to do with the contents of the pallets, how often they need to be moved and how far they are going.
Selective racking for pallets
In general, a system known as ‘selective racking’ is the most common, particularly for large retail warehouses and spaces where there is a high volume of material to store and move. It typically provides pallet storage one unit deep up to 50 standard frames for easy access at all times and is available in two configurations. The roll form, also known as the “clip-in style,” contains teardrop-shaped clips that can be easily moved for shelf height adjustment. This can be beneficial in cases where the size of the load varies. Structural rack systems feature horizontal load beams bolted directly to the posts for increased load-bearing capacity. The Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) is an alternative selective system designed with a narrower layout to further maximize storage space.
Sistemi drive-in
Drive-in or drive-through systems provide storage of pallets in stacked rows wide enough for a forklift. In terms of distinction, if a stacked row has an entry point at only one end, it is usually considered a drive-in system. An entry point at both ends of the stacked rows makes it a drive-through system.
Design a flusso e push-back
Pallet flow systems use depth to increase storage capacity. These high-density pallet systems typically use a slightly inclined guide with rollers, which allows the pallets to slide easily. Pallet flow systems most often require an intricate mechanized system to set the speed of movement of the pallets, but are often a good choice when there is a lot of movement happening on a near constant basis.
Pallet push-back systems also take advantage of depth. In this type of scenario, each stacked row or bay can be up to six pallets deep. Each pallet is stored on wheeled carts that fit on a specially designed rail that uses gravity to carry heavy pallets.
Inventory methods
There are two related inventory-based storage methods. In a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system, pallets are filled from one end of the storage rack, which effectively pushes the goods they are made of to the opposite end. Those goods then lead the line to the other end and will, at least in theory, be the first to break away from the opposite end. This inventory method is useful when goods have expiration dates or if shelf life becomes an issue. Drive-through and pallet flow systems are often FIFO systems.
In a last-in, first-out (LIFO) system, pallets are loaded and unloaded from the same side. This provides continuity of ordering and offloading and is usually more efficient where expiration dates are not an issue. Push-back and drive-in systems are almost always LIFO systems.
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