Industrial racking and shelving systems are central to efficient warehouse operations. They maximise vertical capacity, maintain organised storage, and support safer working environments. Good systems cut retrieval times, keep goods secure, and follow Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance for managing warehouses.
For warehouse operators and procurement managers, these systems are vital investments. They influence both productivity and operating costs directly. A report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that the number of UK business premises classified as transport and storage was 88% higher in 2021 than in 2011, and 21% higher than in 2019. It is therefore imperative that the right racking and shelving should allow businesses to meet demand and hold off on relocation expenses.
This article examines the top industrial racking and shelving options. It points out key factors and practical benefits to assist you in making your decision.
3 Key Considerations Before Choosing Racking & Shelving
Load capacity is the primary consideration. Every system is engineered to support defined weights. Exceeding these limits creates risks to staff and stock. The HSE says safe load management is key to lowering warehouse accidents and staying compliant. Choosing heavy-duty shelving or engineered pallet racking ensures durability for high-density storage.
Accessibility is essential for workflow. Poorly designed aisles slow workflow and increase collision risk for forklift operators. Building Regulations Approved Document M says warehouse layouts need clear traffic routes. These routes should be wide enough for both forklifts and pedestrians. This helps reduce collision risks and meets national access standards.
Flexibility ensures long-term value, and warehousing needs change as businesses expand. As mentioned above, ONS saw an 88% rise in storage needs from 2011 to 2021. This rise mainly stems from businesses wanting storage systems that can quickly adapt to changing demand. Adjustable and modular racking are crucial for maintaining resilience. They help avoid the need for expensive site relocations.
5 Industrial Racking & Shelving Options That Maximise Efficiency
Pallet Racking Systems
Pallet racking is a common choice in UK warehouses. It enhances storage capacity and enables stock to be stacked vertically, reducing wasted floor space.
- Supports high volumes of palletised goods.
- Configurations include wide aisle, narrow aisle, and drive-in designs.
- Improves stock visibility and retrieval times.
Properly designed pallet rackingstrengthens inventory management and creates a safer working environment. The Savills UKWA Report 2024 shows that 3PL and courier operators now use most UK warehouses. Pallet racking systems are found in 69% of these units. They help manage bulk flows and seasonal peak volumes effectively.
Adjustable Racking
Adjustable racking is ideal for businesses that face fluctuations in demand or varied product lines. It offers flexibility by allowing beam levels to be repositioned with minimal disruption.
- Adapts to seasonal surges and changing stock.
- Avoids the expense of new infrastructure.
- Reduces downtime during reconfiguration.
For procurement managers, adjustable systems deliver resilience against demand changes. The United Kingdom Warehousing Association’s Warehouse Best Practice 2024 reports that over 65% of UK warehouses use adjustable racking during busy seasons. This allowed them to change beam levels in under four hours. As a result, they cut adaptation costs by up to 30% while keeping throughput high without needing extra labour.
Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racking is designed for long or irregularly shaped items such as steel, timber, or piping. The absence of front uprights ensures goods can be stored horizontally with clear access.
- Provides unobstructed access for forklifts and manual handling.
- Keeps bulky items organised and visible.
- Reduces the risk of accidents from unstructured storage.
Cantilever racking improves workflow and visibility. This allows businesses to handle awkward loads more safely. It is instrumental in construction and manufacturing settings where large items are standard.
Heavy-Duty Shelving Units
Heavy-duty shelving provides robust support for oversized or high-weight goods. Unlike pallet racking, these systems include shelves for mixed-use storage.
- Stores both palletised and individual items.
- Withstands intensive daily use in industrial settings.
- Can be tailored to specific operational requirements.
Solutions such as office storage platforms deliver durability and compliance with safety standards. This makes them a reliable choice for warehouses managing heavy or irregular stock.
Multi-Tier Shelving
Multi-tier shelving maximises vertical capacity by creating additional levels in high-ceiling environments. It provides storage expansion without requiring extra floor space.
- Creates multiple accessible storage levels.
- Reduces reliance on external or off-site storage.
- Supports integration with mezzanines for dual-purpose use.
When made to meet UK Building Regulations, multi-tier shelving offers efficiency and versatility. It is an effective way to scale capacity without relocating.
Best Practices for Warehouse Organisation
Efficient warehouse organisation relies on more than selecting the proper racking or shelving. A good layout, clear labels, and smooth process flows boost productivity and compliance. The HSE highlights that bad warehouse design raises accident risks and slows down operations. So, careful planning is essential.
Labelling and zoning systems help operators find items quickly. They create a clear structure for retrieval, making it easier to locate items and reducing downtime. Integrating warehouse management software gives you better control. It tracks stock movements, monitors demand, and helps prevent bottlenecks. This mix lowers error rates and helps managers keep a clear view of daily operations.
Aisle design also plays a critical role. Narrow layouts can boost density, but they may limit forklift movement. This increases the risk of collisions and can damage goods. HSE guidance says that wide aisles and clear traffic routes are key for safe movement and smooth operations.
Finally, warehouses should make full use of vertical capacity. Options such as shelving platforms or mezzanine integration extend storage without requiring relocation. This approach optimises space while ensuring it meets UK Building Regulations. This way, facilities can expand safely and sustainably.
Get Smarter Storage with Stronger Performance
Industrial racking and shelving form the foundation of efficient warehouse operations. They do this by utilising vertical space, ensuring safe handling, and increasing daily efficiency.
To gain these benefits, you need to choose the right system and seek out:
- Expert planning and installation services
- Compliance with UK Building Regulations
- Integration with broader strategies, like mezzanine floors
First Floors brings more than 30 years of experience and covers the whole country. We specialise in tailored racking, shelving, and mezzanine solutions. Our engineers create and set up systems that follow top safety and performance standards. This helps businesses increase capacity without the hassle or expense of moving.
Call 01789 764172 or arrange a free site survey to see how a custom storage solution could improve efficiency across your operations.