11

Sep

Warehouse Racking Layout

 

When it comes to designing your warehouse, you can never plan enough. Do you know what layout you will have? What will your inventory management be like? What stock are you storing? How will it be handled? 

There are many different aspects and principles to consider. Yet get the planning right, choose the correct racking and it can provide numerous benefits for your business. It is all about making the most out of your warehouse to increase efficiencies, improve productivity and meet customer needs. 

We take you step-by-step through the different design aspects you must consider when talking to a racking supplier. If it does get too overwhelming, don’t forget that at Teepee we have a team of experienced warehouse pallet racking experts of 35 years who can work with you to design your perfect solution. We can take all the planning and designing weight off your shoulders, putting put your warehouse in the best hands. 

Are you ready to start? 

 

The Layout 

Warehouse racking layout

The first place to start is with the layout of your storage solution.  

Storage Volume 

Every warehouse has a maximum storage capacity. One of the most common issues is running out of space.

which means you either start planning to move to a bigger warehouse or rent additional space. Yet understanding how to maximise your constraints can make the most of the space with the flexibility to adapt in the future.  

Throughput 

How many pallets will there be passing through the warehouse? Once you have an idea of quantity it can help determine the right choice and layout of your storage system. For example, if you have a large number of pallets per SKU then a bulk storage solution such as a drive-in/drive-through racking will be worth considering but if you have multiple SKUs, you may need more than one type of storage system. 

Accessibility    

Of course, ease of accessibility to your stock will ensure orders get out of the door as quickly as possible. Consider who and what equipment is involved in the picking and packing process. This will not only drive productivity but will also improve safety standards. After all, if an obstruction stops a team member from accessing stock or no consideration is given to safe working zones you could run the risk of a serious accident occurring. 

 

Inventory Management

warehouse racking layout support

Getting your inventory management process in order is the optimum way to choose the best warehouse pallet racking system. At the same time it will also support your throughput of stock and drive ROI. 

How will you manage the inbound and outbound stock moving through the warehouse? Once the pallets arrive, what would the flow be like, where would they go and what is their journey? The team should make sure that the shipment is correct and moved to a designated racking system where it can be stored until used in the outbound process. 

This will then lead to the matter of traceability and always knowing what is inside the pallet and how it travels from point A to point B. By putting traceability as one of the priorities, you can achieve quality control and enhanced productivity. 

 

Storage Solution

warehouse racking layout support

Finally, on to the backbone of your warehouse – finding a racking system and design shape that works best for your business. 

Racking Systems  

With over 30 years of experience in the logistics industry, at Teepee we understand how getting the correct warehouse racking system in place will help you achieve optimum productivity. There are multiple pallet racking options and the type you need depends on your warehouse, stock and processes. If you would like more information, head over to our blog ‘Your guide on warehouse pallet racking systems’ which covers what each system is for, how it works, and key advantages. 

Once you’ve chosen the best pallet racking, it’s on to the design shape of the system. 

 

Design Shape 

  • U Shape is a simple design that allows inventory to move into and out of storage at different rates. As the name suggests, the warehouse pallet racking is set up in a ‘U’ shape with shipping and loading at the front the storage is at the back. From a land use perspective, it is known as the most economical design. It can also split the warehouse into three different zones – fast-moving storage and pick faces at the front, medium-moving storage in the middle, and slow-moving storage at the back.  This reduces the distances travelled to access the stock. 
  • I Shape allows inventory to move into and out of the storage at a uniform, fast rate. There is just one direction meaning the receiving area is at one end and the dispatch area at the other. If you do pick this shape, remember that the inventory will need to travel the whole length of the warehouse before being able to retrieve the stock. 
  • L Shape allows inventory to move into and out of the storage at a cross-docking operation. Loading and reception areas are on one side of the warehouse and picking and shipping are on the other. The rest of the space is then filled with storage. 

 

Warehouse Pallet Racking Safety

Safety and a warehouse should always go hand-in-hand. After all, the consequences of something going wrong with your racking while holding tonnes of stock is not worth considering. 

Yet, in an industry that is largely unregulated, knowing how to trust the experience of your racking supplier can be difficult to navigate. Does your supplier have the appropriate credentials to assure that your racking system is safe? Do they meet and exceed regulations required by industry standards?  

One way to get reassurance on the quality and safety of your supplier is to work with a SEMA Distributor Company (SDC). For over 50 years SEMA has led the way on providing best practice standards within the storage equipment industry. As one of their SDCs, every three years Teepee has to demonstrate their high level of commitment to industry standards by submitting ourselves to an independent assessment. During the rigorous process, we must show that we adhere to over 40 regulations, industry standards, Codes of Practice and legislative requirements to retain our membership and prove our credentials. 

We also follow industry best practice advice and use SEIRS registered installers. SEIRS is an initiative run by SEMA which trains warehouse pallet racking installers on the methods and processes to safely and correctly install pallet racking. 

 

Get in Touch

Looking to maximise your warehouse? Get in touch and see how one of our team can help you with the design of your racking. At Teepee we have 35 years of experience, providing services from the very beginning right through to the completion of the project. We can assure you that you will be supported through every key stage. 

 

 

23

Nov

What is Cantilever Racking

What is Cantilever Racking?

Long, awkward, or bulky items can be stored using a technique called cantilever racking, which can be practically any length. Unlike other pallet rack systems, cantilever racks provide a storage area with no vertical obstructions. Cantilever racking will be the greatest storage option for you if you need to store long items like piping, carpeting, wood, panels, concrete, and aluminium since it allows you to make the best use of your warehouse’s floor area and increase your stock levels.

 

How Does Cantilever Racking Work?

The base, uprights, arms, and supports are the four essential elements that make up cantilever racking. The base is large and usually constructed of steel, providing dependable support, and extending from the rack’s base to balance out the bulky weight of the goods being housed.

The arms are supported by the uprights, which are incredibly sturdy vertical poles, and the “shelves” that protrude from the uprights are the arms themselves. To offer the racks more strength supports join the uprights. Any inventory is kept there.

Cantilever Racking

Types Of Cantilever Racking

Similar to other storage solutions, cantilever racking systems are frequently offered in a variety of options. They include:

Standard cantilever racking – A traditional racking system is the type of cantilever storage system that is used the most frequently. Forklift trucks and multi-directional reach trucks work well with these systems.

Racks with a free path cantilever – This style of racking is made up of rows of racking placed next to one another and separated by an aisle that allows handling equipment to go down the aisle without the aid of any guidance systems.

Racking with cantilever guides – The same fundamental elements of conventional and free path systems make up guided aisle cantilever racking, however, the runs are placed closer together to reduce the area wasted by a wide aisle.

 

Is cantilever racking right for me?

Due to the heavy materials cantilever racking holds, they are built with weight in mind. A typical cantilever arm can support between 1,500 and 5,000 pounds of weight, whereas, in extreme circumstances, cantilever arms can sustain up to 18,000 pounds. Therefore it is very important to consider the weight of your items carefully to make sure the rack you select will meet your needs.

Additionally, cantilever racks can be single or double-sided. A single-sided cantilever rack is typically set up against a warehouse wall and provides storage on one side. A double-sided rack, on the other hand, can be accessed from either side.

 

Advantages Of Cantilever Racking

There are multiple advantages and uses of Cantilever racking as a storage solution for your business. These include:

  • Relativity install and re-configure with ease.
  • Can store any kind of load, including wood and pallets.
  • Long loads benefit from this since handling times are cut down and stock is easier to access, increasing efficiency.
  • Storage of different shapes and sizes is possible thanks to the addition of additional arms.
  • Can store goods vertically up to a height of 6 metres.
  • Accessibility and adaptability
  • Saves time and money for your business/company.
  • Available in heights up to 10 metres and arm lengths up to 3 metres.
  • Makes it easy to store things that are difficult to shelve.
  • Capable of holding 5,000 kg per arm.

 

Things To Consider Before Purchasing Cantilever Racking

Before purchasing any new equipment for your warehouse or storage facility, such as storage racks or material handling devices, it is important to take a few factors into account.

1 – Measure the layout of your facility and determine its storage capacity before doing anything else. The kinds of objects you can store and the kind of racking system you need can both be determined by doing this.

2 – The amount of downtime needed to install a new cantilever racking system in your warehouse is a crucial aspect to consider. You might need to plan for a sizable period of downtime depending on the size and configuration of the warehouse. Just make sure your spending plan allows for the cost of the product, installation, and any necessary downtime.

3 – Additional critical factors are the height of your building and the variety of your material handling equipment. Make sure the cantilever racking system you’re contemplating purchasing can clear the ceiling height and that your forklifts and other equipment can reach the highest shelves.

 

Contact us

If you would like to know more about cantilever racking or our other services here at Teepee, then don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, or head to our website to see what else we can provide for you.

11

Apr

Which pallet racking system is the best for you?

What is a pallet racking system?

A pallet racking system is the storage of palletised materials. They are built to work in multiple levels and horizontal rows, maximising the use of the available spaces. Designed for easy access and high levels of workplace organisation, they are built from 2 components, being them frames and beams.

Pallet racking is very helpful in terms of improving the efficiency of a warehouse and helping increase its space and storage – which are their most common uses. At Teepee, we offer a great range of pallet racking systems, so to help you decide which one is the best option for your case, we have pulled some information below.

Pallet Racking

What are the Pallet Racking System benefits?

Pallet racking systems can offer many benefits, but the most important are:

Space-saving – Utilises the available vertical space of the warehouse, maximising the storage capacity.

Adjustable at any point to best suit your needs – Extend or reconfigure at any time by adding new parts.

Easy to access and practical – Organise your goods, while keeping them and your staff safe from accidents.

Cost-effective – No need to rent a bigger place or build anything by utilising the available space in your warehouse. They also are very durable and easy to repair.

Pallet Live Racking

Which pallet racking system is the best for you?

There are a few factors to consider when thinking about adding a pallet racking system to your business. They include your floor capacity in the warehouse, and the floor ceiling height, for example.

Depending on the aspects of your warehouse, you can then consider your business’s requirements and budget. There are a few pallet racking systems you can choose from, these include:

Wide Aisle – Versatile and cost-effective, the wide aisles are built to store palletised loads in single or double runs that are separated by wide aisles, permitting trucks to operate within. They are built for quick access to stock and can be modified to adapt height at any time.

Multi-tier – Made for hand-load picking systems, the multi-tier systems can have single or multiple level walkaways between shelves. This kind of racking system is excellent for online retailers with small products with thousands of different SKUs.

Push Back – Specially designed for gravity roll track, the push back racking works in a FILE (first in, last out) system, being able to store up to 10 pallets deep. They are excellent for SKUs that need to be stored in large quantities without the need of moving other pallets.

Pallet Live – Opposite to Push back system, the Pallet live racking is a FIFO (first-in, first-out) system. In this case, the pallets are controlled by brake rollers to keep the travelling speed moderate.

Drive-in & Drive-through – Last-in, first-out (LIFO) and first-in, first-out (FIFO) systems respectively, the drive-in & drive-out systems are supported by rails and are accessible by trucks.

Double Deep – A standard pallet racking system but made to fit 2 pallets in a row using the FILO principle. This kind of racking system is ideal for multiple pallets storages and requires efficient stock control.

Very Narrow Aisle – VNA is a great solution to optimise available space as each aisle varies from 1.5 to 2.0 metres, maximizing the height of warehouses. They require trucks as well as guide rails. They are recommended for high stock and small floor areas (but with a high ceiling).

Contact Us

If you would like to know more about the different pallet racking systems we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us. We also offer a great range of other warehouse solutions as well as racking training.

08

Mar

How to Prepare for The Installation of Pallet Racking System

Pallet Racking System

Are you looking to install a pallet racking system in your warehouse, unit or factory? Not only do Teepee provide the design, supply and installation for racking systems but in this article, we discuss the ways in which you can prepare for the installation.

Analysing the layout

Before you start planning for a pallet racking installation you will need to analyse every aspect of your warehouse. This will allow you to assess the effectiveness of your warehouse currently and understand where your problems lie, in order to be able to fix them.

Firstly, you will need to split the premise up and create a layout that works for you. It is essential that you take into consideration the everyday operations that take place within each area of the business and create a strategic organisation plan. This can help improve warehouse efficiency as well as help to create space.

You should utilise all of the space available in your warehouse when looking at the layout of your pallet racking system. You should also look at reducing the handling of products, the positioning of products/ pallets and creating an easy access storage system.

Teepee can help with the design of your pallet racking system. Call us today on 01384 256 969 to discuss your requirements.

Managing stock levels

The most important task is managing your stock levels, especially if your goods are perishable, as the correct amount of stock will ensure there is no waste or no pallets are being used up with unnecessary stock.

Pallet Racking

Why install a pallet racking system?

As we all know, there is far more that needs to be taken into consideration than ensuring that your products are sent out to your customers and also, received on time when it comes to the efficiency of your warehouse. What it all boils down to is the organisation of your products and mainly, your warehouse. Warehouse organisation can be achieved through pallet racking systems; pallet racking or cantilever racking, depending on your product offering.

Contact Teepee today to discuss your requirements and receive a quote for the installation of a pallet racking system by calling us on 01384 256 969 or filling out our online contact form.

24

Dec

The Benefits of a Pallet Racking System

Pallet racking is a storage system that offers many benefits within warehouses. In this article, we will discuss the features and benefits of all pallet racking systems.

1) Space saving

One of the main advantages of a pallet racking system is its ability to save space within a warehouse. Pallet racking utilises the vertical space within your warehouse and can even utilise the floor space available as there are different types of racking available dependant upon the floor space within your warehouse and your requirements.

2) Cost effective

Pallet racking is a cost-effective storage system. Not only could it save you money utilising the capacity of your warehouse and setting up your warehouse effectively, but it could save you money on relocation costs and additional storage. Also, as everything will have its own place, you could save money on lost goods and also the time taken to search for lost goods – not only saving your business money but time also!

3) Durable

The material used to construct a pallet racking storage system is high quality steel, meaning that it can withstand bumps and general wear and tear. However, if there were any damage, it is usually pretty straight forward to make the repairs.

4) Safety

Warehouses which have a poor storage system are more likely to have incidents. As the safety of your staff is paramount, installing a pallet racking system should be considered as this will minimise the risk of accidents occurring. Pallet racking increases your warehouses safety for both the goods and your staff members.

Contact Teepee for Pallet Racking System

Are you considering investing in a safe, cost-effective and durable pallet racking system? Contact us here at Teepee. Call us today on 01384 256 969 or fill out our online contact form.

06

Mar

We are hiring!

Teepee are recruiting!

We currently have 1 vacancy available: Sales Executive. You can find the full details over on our careers page here.

For the right candidate this role will offer a fantastic opportunity to develop your career within our business.

Teepee are a family owned business established since 1987

Interested? Please apply now!

01

Nov

WHEN DOES SHELVING BECOME RACKING?

It might seem like a simple enough question, but it’s one that could have important implications when making the correct selection for your business, in terms of functionality, cost and safety.

As a general rule of thumb, shelving is a storage system that cannot be approached by mechanical handling devices such as fork-lift trucks or order-pickers. This is because shelving uprights are generally thinner and more vulnerable to accidental damage by machinery. Shelving is therefore usually hand loaded and has unit loads of less than 20 or 25 kilograms.

Contrary to popular belief, shelving is not classified by height and it is quite possible to have systems that have 3 or 4 tiers. However, these systems must always be located well away from any loading machinery and can under no circumstances be climbed on by operatives to retrieve goods.

Racking is, therefore, the correct solution if your business stores heavy loads or items in pallets, which need to be moved via mechanical means.

Please remember that both shelving and racking systems require independent annual inspections by law, so it’s vital that you engage a trained professional to perform this service. At Teepee, we are proud to provide SEMA accredited inspectors and inspection prices start at just £185 + VAT.

Arrange your inspection by contacting our friendly team sales@teepee.co.uk or calling 01384 256969.