What is the difference between Racking and Shelving
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What is the difference between Racking and Shelving
Many people may think Racking and Shelving are two different words for the same concept but they’re wrong! Racking and Shelving have many differences that we will go through in this article. Shelving is usually used in small warehouses and we put tools and equipment on the shelves manually, but racking is used in large and industrial warehouses and we usually use forklifts for loading and unloading racks. although Racks in lower levels can be loaded and unloaded manually too. Another advantage of racking over shelving is that they carry more weight. Racking is used in many large warehouses because it makes it easier to carry cargo pallets and inventory assessment.
Racking features
Larger dimensions and application the warehousing industry
More storage volume in large volumes
Very strong construction material
More cost to build and purchase
racking helps to manage large warehouses Better
loading and unloading racks requires advanced tools and machines
Shelving features
Smaller size
suitable for small warehouses or offices and supermarkets
Less storage volume
Shelving material is weaker due to its use
Lower cost to build and purchase
loading and unloading goods in the shelves is done manually
Main types of shelving
There are many shelving manufacturers but we can say that there are just three basic types of industrial shelving that are manufactured and broadly used which are: Rivet-Type, Steel Clip, and Wire. there are other shelving types than you can name, but most of them can be categorized in these 3 main types.
Steel shelving
Steel industrial shelves are used to organize small inventory manually. Industrial shelving accepts materials in a variety of shapes and sizes. Open type shelving allows visibility, so it is easy to quickly find out the stock of goods and select the desired product. Closed shelves are ideal for items that need to be placed in special conditions.
Rivet shelving
Riveting shelves are the ideal solution for heavy equipment. Without tools or bolts, its components are connected and can be easily disassembled again, giving it the ability to carry and transport these shelves easily. These shelves are durable and versatile and are suitable for any storage model.
Wire shelving
There are many uses for wire shelving, including in homes, offices, and industrial warehouses. Using wire shelving provides many advantages. The posts of wire shelving usually comprise sturdy, support wires interwoven to create a mesh-like pattern. Wire shelving comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Steel posts are marked with incremental shelf positions, allowing each shelf to be set to a different height.
Although It’s more expensive than rivet shelving, and most of the time, metal shelving, it is still the most attractive shelving type! its construction is open and it doesn’t have side and back sway braces so it can be accessed from all four sides.
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Types of racks
Selective pallet rack
As the name implies, we have access to any palette we choose. Selective pallet rack, use the mechanism of narrow corridors, and we can easily see any pallet we choose and access without moving other pallets. Sometimes the depth of the racks is increased to increase the storage space. These racks are one of the most common type of racks in the storage industry. if you want to access all pallets at the same time Selective pallet rack is a good choice.
Push back racking
In this model, the need for corridors is eliminated and we have to put the pallets in order by a forklift, and the only problem in this racking type is that the pallet that we put in first cannot be easily removed. And we have to take out the pallets in front of it in order to reach the desired pallet, and after we take out the first pallet, the pallets behind it are guided forward with a rail-spring system so that the forklift can move it. this system makes archiving and unloading easier. Push back racking is suitable for warehouses that store different types of products in one rack.
Flow rack system
the pallets in the Flow racks are entered from one side with a forklift until the rack is completely loaded. In this racking type, pallets can be moved in and out with minimal work. These racks can have 20 pallets or more depth. But you do not have access to all pallets at the same time. Flow racking is one of the most expensive racking types.
Drive in
Drive in racking system is usually used to store high volume products. you can enter into the racks with a forklift, and there is direct access to its pallets and take them out. Drive in racking system inventory management method is last input-first output.
This rack is great for long-term storage but is not recommended for items that may be expired (such as food). Because the process of unloading the pallets is time consuming.
Choose the best option
Remember that for choosing a shelving or racking system for your facility, you should consider all the options available on the market and the situation and needs of your warehouse.
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