How should warehouse shelving be designed and laid out?

How should warehouse racking be designed and laid out?

The design and layout planning of warehouse racking is a crucial part of warehouse management, directly affecting warehouse storage efficiency, cargo safety, and operating costs. Reasonable racking design and layout not only maximizes the use of warehouse space but also improves the efficiency of goods access and retrieval, reducing management difficulty. This article will discuss in detail from three aspects: racking design principles, layout planning methods, and precautions in practical operation.

I. Racking Design Principles

The basic principles to be followed in rack design include:

1. **Warehouse volume and cargo characteristics**: First, consider the volume of the warehouse and the volume, weight, and shape of the stored goods. For example, heavy-duty racks are suitable for storing large and heavy goods, while light-duty racks are more suitable for storing small and light goods. At the same time, ensure that the load-bearing capacity of the racks can meet the needs of the goods to prevent deformation or collapse of the racks due to overloading.

2. **Forklift loading and unloading and operating space**: The design of the racks should facilitate the operation of handling equipment such as forklifts. The width of the passage between the racks should be sufficient for forklifts to pass and turn, and the impact of the forklift's impact on the racks should be considered to ensure the stability of the rack structure. In addition, the layout of the racks should avoid dead corners, so that the forklift can smoothly reach each storage location.

3. **Safety and fire protection requirements**: There should be sufficient space between the goods on the racks for ventilation, heat dissipation, and fire protection. Obvious fire lanes should be set up in the warehouse, and ensure that the lanes are unobstructed. The material of the racks should be fire-resistant materials, and regular maintenance should be carried out.

4. **Durability and maintenance**: The compressive strength, fire resistance, and shock resistance of the racks must meet the test of existing warehouse conditions. The surface of the racks should be rust-proofed to extend their service life. At the same time, the assembly of the racks should be convenient and quick for later maintenance and replacement.

II. Layout Planning Methods

There are various layout planning methods for warehouse racking, and the common ones are as follows:

1. **Horizontal layout**: The storage locations are arranged in rows in the width direction of the warehouse and in columns in the length direction. This layout is suitable for storing small and easily movable goods. Sufficient passages are left between each row of racks for forklift and manual handling. The horizontal layout is neat and beautiful, and convenient for storage and inventory.

2. **Vertical layout**: The storage locations are arranged in columns in the width direction of the warehouse and in rows in the length direction. This layout is suitable for storing long and thin objects, such as steel bars and pipes. Transport vehicles can park closest to the goods for easy loading and unloading. Vertical layout is often used in warehouses for loose and bagged materials.

3. **Surrounding layout**: The storage locations are arranged against the walls of the warehouse, suitable for small space warehouses or office-style small houses. This layout is convenient for entry and exit and sorting, and the central area can be used as a work area.

4. **Through layout**: Through racking is a continuous, whole-building racking that is not divided by passages. This layout can achieve high-density storage and improve warehouse storage efficiency. However, it should be noted that the storage and retrieval operations of through racking are usually carried out from one side, "first in, last out, last in, first out".

5. **Mixed layout**: In the same storage area, combining the advantages of horizontal and vertical layouts for comprehensive utilization. This layout is flexible and changeable, and can be adjusted according to different cargo characteristics and storage needs.

III. Precautions in Practical Operation

In practical operation, the design and layout planning of warehouse racking should also pay attention to the following points:

1. **Consider the warehouse structure**: The layout of the racks should be planned in conjunction with the structure of the warehouse, including the height, width, length of the warehouse, and whether there are columns, etc.