When it comes to businesses and their warehouses and distribution facilities, optimising the layout and available space is of utmost importance. Compact pallet racking storage systems are the answer to this increasingly common business demand.

Expanding warehouse space can not only be challenging but also costly, therefore compact pallet racking systems are the way forward for businesses that need to keep up with rising demands and sales.

There are significant advantages when it comes to compact storage systems and their ability to optimise available space, compared to conventional storage options. 

However, there are limitations that should be considered before implementing this storage system into your warehouse.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of compact pallet racking systems.

Advantages of compact pallet racking

Compact storage is one of the most commonly used solutions in warehouses because of its advantages over conventional storage.

• Better use of space available 

  The main advantage of compact storage is the ability to optimise warehouse floor space to install the racking in the first place.

• Height space further utilised

  Compact storage systems can also be increased in height to increase storage capacity in terms of width and height. 

• Increase in load capacity overall 

The optimisation and compaction of space means that the storage capacity can be increased by up to 80% compared to an adjustable pallet racking system.

• Versatility

  Compact storage systems give the opportunity to use either the FIFO or LIFO method, depending on the operations you use to run your warehouse.

• Inventory management

  This type of pallet racking system provides good inventory control by assigning a lane of compact storage for each product. 

Disadvantages of compact pallet racking

It’s clear that compact pallet racking storage systems boast many advantages in logistics, however there are some limitations that could be significant depending on the needs of your warehouse specifically.

• Limited access to unit loads

  One problem is that you will not have direct access to all of the unit loads stored. With drive-in and drive-through racking, you will only be able to access directly the first or last unit stored, depending on the method you use, FIFO or LIFO. 

However, adjustable pallet racking will allow you to load or unload any of the pallets stored on the racking should you require this solution. 

• Limitations on organising goods

Another possible disadvantage of compact storage is the limitation to organise goods because a single product reference must be stored for each pallet racking aisle. 

The compaction of these pallet racking systems sometimes comes at the expense of eliminating work aisles normally used by forklifts. This will mean that loading and unloading manoeuvres must be performed with extra care.

• Loads must be accurately stabilised

  Compared to adjustable pallet racking systems, compact storage systems experience a lot more movement during operations. Therefore, it is important to ensure that loads are perfectly unified and stabilised to minimise the risk of load misalignment. 

Contact us on 0800 345 7088 to discuss your storage needs, or email [email protected]. 

With us, support continues after the sale, and we strive to form strong customer relationships, providing you with dedicated advisors you can contact for any advice.