Tips for Your Warehouse Racking Layout

Whether you are designing a new warehouse or are remodeling your current one, you want a layout that maximizes storage room and promotes efficiency.

In this article, we’ll offer tips for optimizing your warehouse racking. Every business has different needs, so your first step is to think about your inventory.

Here are some factors to think about when determining your storage needs:

• Types of products stored
• Size and weight of products
• Size and weight of pallets
• Number of pallets
• Amount of product turnover
• Flammability of product
• Variety of products (number of SKUs)
• Product rotation (First-in, first-out or FIFO)
• Ability to select a specific pallet
• Density requirements
• Stackability (bricks can be stacked without racking)
• Forklift reach and turning radius

Now that you have taken stock of your inventory, it’s time to survey and measure your warehouse space. You’ll want to allocate as much space as possible for storage and inventory processing.

Here are the features to consider:

• Aisle width and forklift turning radius
• Electrical panel clearances
• Clear heights
• Sprinkler system
• Door locations
• Tunnel bays instead of aisles
• Receiving and dock doors
• Stationary features (such as columns)

Now, it’s time to make a map that shows how high your racks can be and how wide your aisles need to be to allow safe and easy access. It makes sense to design your layout in a sequential manner. Consider a flow pattern that is easy to follow from where your products enter your facility to where they exit it.

A precise CAD drawing of your warehouse will help you make the most of your space. However, if you’re working with us, you can start with a simple hand sketch with some measurements and approximate rack locations. We can turn that into a more detailed drawing for you.

As part of this step, consider how many employees will be moving through your warehouse. How and where will they be moving? Avoid disruptions that might cause workers to backtrack or take extra steps.

You’ll also want to consider the areas that help your employees do their jobs safely. Place offices, restrooms, lockers, break rooms in one area that is safe and easy to access but does not interrupt the work flow of the warehouse.

An efficient warehouse racking layout is essential to a smooth workflow at your facility. With the right racking design, you can store more product and navigate and locate items easily. These factors help keep your workers safe and your customers satisfied.

Warehouse design is our specialty. Our expert team at Speedrack West will be happy to help you design your space and your storage systems for the maximum efficiency and safety that will boost your bottom line.