Rack Storage Facilities

A rack storage facility is a specialized type of warehouse designed for storing goods on shelves arranged vertically in racks. These racks are strategically positioned to maintain clear transport pathways, ensuring accessibility to every part of the storage area. One of the primary advantages of rack storage facilities is their accessibility, which, combined with excellent visibility, maximizes the efficient use of available space.

The most efficient variant is high-rack storage, where racks can reach heights of up to 40 meters, optimizing space utilization significantly. These facilities often incorporate automation, featuring narrow aisles that allow automated forklifts or robotic systems to access materials and deliver them to designated collection points.

On the other hand, low-rack storage offers high flexibility, allowing for the adjustment of racks and pathways based on user needs. Low-rack systems benefit from structures with minimal support columns, enabling free arrangement of racks and transport pathways. Therefore, steel structures with larger spans are typically utilized for these facilities. Our steel structures are well-suited for both high-rack and low-rack storage applications.

Steel Structure for Low-Rack Storage with Side-Mounted Racks

How to Choose a Structure for Rack Storage

In the initial phase of choosing a structure for rack storage, it’s important to decide on the type of rack storage, whether it’s a high-rack or low-rack facility.

High-Rack Storage Facilities

High-rack storage facilities are commonly used where high storage density and efficient inventory management are required.

Key sectors that use high-rack storage facilities include:

• Logistics and Distribution Companies: High-rack storage maximizes space and allows for the quick movement of large quantities of goods, essential for distribution centers.
• Manufacturing Companies: In manufacturing, high-rack storage is used to store raw materials, components, and finished products, optimizing space and ensuring easy access to required materials.
• Wholesale and Retail: Large retailers use high-rack storage to manage large product inventories and ensure fast order fulfillment.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: High-rack storage is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry due to strict regulatory requirements and precise inventory tracking.
• E-commerce Sector: The growth of e-commerce has led to a need for efficient storage solutions, such as high-rack storage, to process and deliver orders quickly.

In all these sectors, high-rack storage facilities contribute to improved organization, increased efficiency, and reduced storage costs.

Low-Rack Storage Facilities

Low-rack storage facilities are popular in various industrial and business sectors, particularly where easy access to goods is important and there is no need for high-level storage. They are commonly used in the following industries:

• Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Companies: These facilities are ideal for manufacturing companies that require quick access to parts, tools, or materials necessary for production processes.
• Retail: Retail stores that need regular replenishment of stock often use low-rack storage to easily access and store products at sales points.
• Workshops and Service Centers: In workshops where quick access to different components and tools is essential, low-rack storage provides an effective solution.
• Distribution Centers for Smaller Items: For distributing smaller items where high-density storage is not necessary, low-rack storage facilities offer an efficient option.
• E-commerce and Online Sales: Companies involved in e-commerce often use low-rack storage for storing products and quickly processing and fulfilling orders.
• Automotive Industry and Spare Parts: Low-rack storage is frequently used for storing automotive parts and accessories, providing easy access and good organization.
• Pharmaceutical Industry and Healthcare: For storing smaller quantities of medicines, medical supplies, and equipment, low-rack storage is useful because it offers clear visibility and easy access.

In all these cases, low-rack storage facilities enable easier inventory management, quicker access to products, and better space utilization in the warehouse.

Determining the Required Size of a Rack Storage Facility: Essential Factors and Considerations

When planning a rack storage facility, several key factors must be taken into account to ensure that the size and layout of the facility meet the specific needs of the business. These factors are critical to maximizing storage efficiency and space utilization:

• Quantity and Type of Stored Goods:The first and most important step is to understand the type and quantity of goods that will be stored in the facility. Different products require different storage solutions depending on their size, weight, and sensitivity. For example, heavier items may call for stronger racks, while perishable goods may need special storage conditions.
• Inventory Turnover:The frequency of stock turnover plays a key role in determining the required space. High turnover of goods will necessitate a larger facility to accommodate frequent movement and storage of products, while slow-moving stock may not take as much space.
• Available Floor Space:The dimensions of the available floor space dictate the physical size of the storage facility. In cases where floor space is limited, you may need to consider utilizing vertical storage, such as high-rack systems, to maximize the available area.
• Rack System Type and Dimensions:The type of racks used, such as pallet racks or shelving systems, and their dimensions will directly influence the amount of space needed. It’s crucial to choose racks that are suitable for the type of goods being stored, as this will determine how efficiently the space can be used.
• Access and Handling:How goods are handled and accessed within the facility is another essential consideration. This includes designing pathways for forklifts, providing loading and unloading zones, and ensuring easy access to racks for employees. Efficient access can improve the overall productivity of the storage facility.
• Future Growth and Expansion:Planning for future growth is critical in avoiding costly expansions or relocations later on. The storage facility should be flexible and adaptable, allowing for expansion if the business grows or storage needs increase.
• Safety and Regulatory Compliance:The design and size of the storage facility must comply with all relevant safety and regulatory standards. This may include fire safety measures, weight load limits for racks, and other industry-specific guidelines that can impact the layout and capacity of the storage facility.

By considering these factors, businesses can design a rack storage facility that meets their current needs while also allowing room for future growth. Collaboration with experienced professionals in storage design or using specialized software can help in optimizing the storage space and layout.

At Schwarzmann, we offer comprehensive services for designing and constructing rack storage facilities, ensuring that your storage needs are met with efficiency and precision.

Schwarzmann Steel Structures as Rack Storage Facilities in Various Industries

Steel-structured buildings, such as prefabricated facilities, modular structures, and the new hybrid Schwarzmann X® structure, are excellent choices for rack storage. These structures are highly adaptable and provide efficient storage solutions for a wide range of industries. Below are some examples of different rack storage facility projects:

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions