Thanks to pallet storage, the days of unorganized and inefficient storage solutions are long gone. Using racking structures and systems integrated with the latest technological advancements, these pallet storage systems boost the operational efficiency of your warehouses while reducing costs. That’s why, any business/warehouse not leveraging pallet storage is falling behind.
In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what pallet storage is and help you choose the perfect pallet storage system for your needs. So, let’s get started right away.
What is Pallet Storage?
Using wooden or plastic pallets to store goods and inventory is called pallet storage. Goods/inventory are placed on pallets and then those pallets are securely stored in the racking structure. This storage system helps maximize the use of horizontal and vertical space to increase the storage capacity of any warehouse along with better organization and management of the inventory.
Pallet racking structures are often used to store those pallets securely. However, there are non-racking pallet storage systems too that can be used in low-inventory warehouses. We’ll discuss these types in detail in the later section. For now, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of using a pallet storage system.
Key Benefits of Using Pallet Storage for Inventory Management
Along with improving the warehouse workflow and getting rid of the unorganized mess, here are FIVE key benefits of using pallet storage systems in warehouses:
- Higher Storage Capacity: An increase in storage capacity is the biggest benefit of using pallet storage systems for inventory management. A pallet racking storage system will massively increase the storage density of your warehouse by utilizing the otherwise redundant vertical space.
- Efficient Operations: A pallet storage system streamlines the entire inventory management process. It’s easier to track inventory when you know exactly what’s in stock and where it is stored. Moreover, pallet storage systems provide easy access for quick loading/unloading.
- Reduces Inventory Loss: Pallet storage systems provide secure storage space for all your inventory and significantly reduce accidental damage and loss.
- Flexibility & Scalability: Storage needs grow as businesses scale. To keep up with the requirements, storage systems must evolve too. Pallet storage systems are the most flexible storage solutions that can easily be upgraded and evolved to meet the ever-growing storage needs.
- Increases Workplace Safety: An unorganized warehouse is a liability for any business. Along with inventory damage, it is a serious threat to employee safety. With a pallet storage system in place, the chances of warehouse accidents are minimized.
Different Pallet Storage System Types
Pallet storage systems can be categorized into THREE main types. Here’s a quick look at all of them:
1. Racking Storage System
A racking storage system uses a pallet racking structure to store pallets into shelves/racks created in a vertical structure. These racking storage systems provide extra storage capacity by optimally using the vertical and horizontal space of the warehouse. There are different types of pallet racking storage systems including Selective Pallet Racking, Double-Deep Pallet Racking, and Push-Back Pallet Racking.
2. Non-Racking Storage System
A non-racking or floor-stacking storage system is a simplified solution that stores pallets on the warehouse floor. Instead of using storage racks, pallets are typically placed on top of one another, creating stacks of bulk inventory in the warehouse. It’s great for storing bulk quantities of identical SKUs.
However, this pallet storage system has its limitations. For instance, you can’t access individual pallets and there’s always a risk of the pallet stacks toppling over and causing safety concerns.
3. Automated Storage & Retrieval System
Recent technological advancements have created a third type of pallet storage solution called the Automated Storage and Retrieval System. These systems minimize human intervention and let technology take care of inventory storage and retrieval. But all this has a hefty initial installation cost.
Pallet Storage System Vs. Non-Palletized Storage Systems
Now that you have a better idea of pallet storage, let’s see how it compares to other storage solutions that don’t use pallets.
The table below compares the different features of a pallet storage system with the two most common non-palletized storage systems- Shelving and Mezzanine Flooring.
| Features | Pallet Storage System | Shelving | Mezzanine Flooring |
| Accessibility | Access pallets with forklifts. | Direct access to all pallets. Doesn’t require forklifts. | Accessed via lifts or stairs. |
| Inventory Management | Can be designed for LIFO and FIFO. | Manual tracking. Easy to manage because of direct access to every SKU. | Depends on the storage solution used. |
| Adjustability/Flexibility | Different types are available for different storage needs. Most types are adjustable and upgradeable. | Easily adjustable for different inventory types. | Easily adjustable for different storage needs. |
| Safety | Offers high safety if properly installed and maintained. | Lower chances of accidental falls and inventory damage. | The entire structure must be secured. Requires added safety features like railing. |
| Cost | Depends on the type. A racking structure may have a higher initial cost than other pallet storage systems. | Lower initial investment, higher maintenance cost. | High cost of installation and maintenance. |
| Ideal Applications | Warehouses storing bulk inventory. | Retail and office environments. | Versatile industrial applications. |
How To Choose the Right Pallet Storage System?
Once you’ve decided to use a pallet storage system in your warehouse, it’s now time to choose the right type. Here are THREE things that you need to consider:
- Warehouse Layout: Take a good look at your space and choose a storage system that can fully utilize your warehouse’s horizontal and vertical space. For example, a pallet racking system might be the best option for a warehouse with limited floor space and a high ceiling.
- Inventory Characteristics: Consider the type of inventory you want to store. The size, weight, and type of goods you want to store can help you determine the right pallet storage system.
- Future Expansions: You want a storage system that can evolve with your storage needs. A racking storage system is the best choice in case you plan to expand your operations in the future.
Conclusion
And that concludes our pallet storage guide. We’ve tried to pack in as much information as possible in this article so you can learn everything there is to learn about pallet storage systems. Pallet storage systems are the present and future of warehouse inventory management. But, to take full advantage of these systems, you must invest in the right pallet storage system.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pallets in one storage system?
Yes, different types of pallets can be used in a storage system as long as the storage system is compatible with those pallets. Using incompatible pallets can lead to inventory falling off the racking structure. Moreover, you must ensure that all pallets are placed safely.
2. Is pallet storage viable for small businesses?
Pallet storage systems are viable options for small, medium, and large businesses because of their versatility and flexibility. These can easily be scaled up or down to meet the storage needs of any type of business.