Selective racking is the most common storage system in distribution and warehouse businesses designed to facilitate easy access and quick retrieval.

Each pallet is stored in its rack for direct access and easy loading.  The height and aisle width can be adjusted according to storage needs. You can keep a wide range of products – from small items to large pallets- using FIFO and LIFO stock management systems.

It consists of vertical uprights and horizontal beams with deck wiring for additional support. Besides, the open design ensures safety and improves visibility for the workers

Selective Racking 101: A Complete Overview of the Different Types

There are two types of selective racking – single-deep selective Racking and double deep Selective Racking.

Single-Deep Selective Racking

Single-deep selective racking is the most common one, where pallets are stored in one deep, allowing easy inventory access without moving others. It makes the inventory management efficient and straightforward. Due to its simple structure, single-deep selective racking is easy to install, maintain, and operate. However, it requires more aisle space, which reduces the storage density.

Double-deep Selective Racking

Double-deep selective pallet racking is an extension of Single-deep selective racking where pallets are stored in two deep, allowing for better access to every pallet. An additional row of pallets is stored behind the front row for higher storage density. This type of pallet rack offers higher storage capacity while providing quick access and retrieval – a perfect balance between space and accessibility.

Advantages of selective Pallet racking System 

There are several benefits of using selective pallet racking–

100% SKU accessibility

Selective racking provides unparalleled SKU accessibility. You can directly access any item, reducing the time spent searching and retrieving the item. It also reduces product damage and unnecessary handling.

Wide Variety of Stock Options

Selective racks are designed to accommodate a wide variety of stock options. They support different pallet sizes, weights, and shapes, making them highly versatile for large, heavy items or smaller, lightweight goods with direct access to each pallet.

Efficient SKU management

Efficient SKU management is another major advantage of selective racking. You can access each SKU directly, ensuring accurate stock management and minimizing errors when picking and fulfilling orders.

Cost-Effective Solution

Selective racking requires a low initial investment for installation. Besides, the pallet or forklift handling costs are lower because standard forklifts are inexpensive compared to other specialized equipment.

Adjustable

Selective rackings are adjustable to inventory size, shape, or weight changes. This adjustable pallet racking system suits businesses with growth or fluctuations without significant costs or downtime.

Fast load and unload

Due to easy access and fast retrieval, loading and unloading are easier. It eliminates time-consuming processes, reduces labour costs, and improves productivity without the need for excessive handling equipment.

It can be combined with other storage system

Selective racking offers a hybrid solution that you can use with any kind of racking. It maximizes warehouse efficiency and space utilization. You can utilize the warehouse space to handle fluctuations in product volume or seasonal changes.

No special truck requirements 

Other rackins, such as drive-in racking, need specialized forklifts with extended reach capabilities. Selective racks do not require any special lift trucks to operate. It facilitates warehouse operation and reduces the overall cost. Additionally, using standard tools improves flexibility and efficiency.

Floor level is not a critical factor.

The selective racking system is adaptable to various warehouse environments, regardless of uneven flooring. Unlike other racking systems that need perfectly levelled floors to ensure stability and safety, selective racking can be installed on slightly uneven floors without compromising quality and safety.

Disadvantages of  Wearhouse selective Pallet racking

Low storage space

One of the main disadvantages of selective pallet racks is limited storage capacity. Each pallet is placed independently for direct access, reducing overall storage. This is a problem for people looking to maximize space utilization or businesses with storage requirements.

Require large warehouse space.

Selective pallet racking systems require wide aisles for forklift access and individual pallet retrieval. It can be a problem for a business with small warehouse space. Businesses in areas with high real estate prices can face problems scaling their business with selective racking that limits access to every pallet.

Limited height

The maximum height for a selective pallet rack is 12 meters. This limitation restricts the vertical space capabilities of a warehouse. Besides, the height limitation may increase extensive warehouse footprints to accommodate the same amount of inventory. 

Not suitable for large storage

Selective rackings focus more on accessibility rather than storage density. The design emphasizes quick retrieval and easy load-unload,  resulting in more aisle space and lower storage density. Selective racking systems fail to accommodate Industries with high inventory levels and large quantities.

 

Which Racking System is Right for You? An In-Depth Comparison –

Feature	Selective Racking	Drive-In Racking	Push-Back Racking	Pallet Flow Racking	Cantilever Racking
Storage Density	Low	High	Medium	High	Medium
Accessibility	100% direct access	Limited access (LIFO)	Limited access (LIFO)	FIFO access	Direct access to long items
Cost	Moderate	Low initial cost	Higher initial investment	High due to complex systems	Varies based on customization
Ideal For	High SKU variety, fast-moving items	Bulk storage of uniform products	Moderate turnover, varying SKUs	High turnover, uniform items	Long, bulky items such as lumber or pipes
Space Utilization	Requires more aisle space	Maximizes space by reducing aisles	Better space utilization than selective racking	Excellent space utilization, fewer aisles	Optimized for awkward items, varies by length

 

5 Key Factors to Choosing the Perfect Racking System for Your Space

Space

Space is the most important factor to consider while choosing the right racking. Analyze your warehouse’s total square footage and ceiling height, measure the width of aisles, and consider the columns, doors, and other obstructions to understand the right racking system.

Storage needs

Your storage needs will determine the racking type. Check your inventory or product type, determine the volume and density, calculate the turnover rate, and consider the pallet load capacity. These will help you identify the right rack.

Stock management needs

Know the type of stock management you need – for example, First-In-First-Out (FIFO) or Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) system. Track your inventory and order picking, understand the SKU variety, and consider the zoning requirements for different product categories to pick the perfect solution.

Truck availability

What type of truck do you have? Does that suit the rackings you are planning to install? If not, think twice. For example, a narrow aisle requires a specialized forklift where selective rackings can work with any truck.

Cost

Finally, consider the cost and return. Calculate the initial investment, installation, and maintenance costs and compare them to other racking systems. It will give you a clear idea of your investment in racking.

What is Selective Racking?- FAQs

How are selective rackings different from others?

Selective rackings differ in direct accessibility, easy loading and unloading, and cost-effectiveness.

What are some common maintenance requirements for selective racking?

Selective rackings require replacing damaged components only. Apart from that, regular cleaning and avoiding heavy loads is mandatory.

What types of products are best suited for selective racking?

Selective racking is suitable for businesses with high turnover rates, diverse SKUs, and varying sizes such as such as retail, e-commerce, and distribution centers

How easy is it to install and maintain selective racking?

It is the easiest of all rackings to install and maintain selective racking. The cost of installing selective racking is relatively lower than that of other systems.

 

Wrapping up

Selective racking is commonly used in warehouses for its direct accessibility, quick retrieval, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and simple installation. You can use it to improve the efficiency of your warehouse and inventory management.

However, remember that it is not suitable for higher storage needs. Make sure you have enough space to install the selective rackings since they need a wide aisle to install.

Consider all the important factors such as storage needs, cost, maintenance, ease of use, and others to pick the best racking for your business.

 

Contact Matco Distributor and get ideas about which pallet racking fits you and how our pallet racking system can help you to solve your warehouse storage solution.

Office/Warehousing Address– 3265 Gateway Rd, Suite 350, Brookfield, WI

Phone- (414) 445-4066

E-Mail- [email protected]