Types of warehouse racking: the ultimate Armes guide

Storage is a fundamental stage in managing the flow of goods within a company, essential for optimizing productivity and performance. In this context, warehouse racking systems are key elements for achieving maximum efficiency, ergonomics, and safety in any storage space.

In this article, we will review the types of industrial racking produced by Armes, examining their features and applications to help you choose the solution best suited to your needs. Let’s get started!

How many types of warehouse racking systems are there?

Industrial racking systems can be classified according to different criteria, such as the type of load unit, the level of accessibility to goods, and the picking method used. Below is an overview of the main types of warehouse racking systems.

Pallet racking

Pallet racking systems are industrial shelving solutions specifically designed to store heavy pallets. Made up of upright frames connected by horizontal beams, pallet racking allows storage on levels that can be adjusted vertically according to the different sizes of load units.

Their versatility makes them ideal for various sectors, enabling warehouses to be organized in an orderly and easily accessible way.

Goods handling racking systems

For operations with a high volume of handling, dynamic racking systems such as push-back, flow-through, heavy-duty gravity, and pallet shuttle are ideal. These systems facilitate the automatic movement of load units toward the front of the racking, using the FIFO or LIFO principle.

Push-back racking allows pallets to be stored and retrieved from the same side, while flow-through racking uses gravity to move pallets from the loading side to the picking side, optimizing goods flow.

Gravity-fed racking, also known as dynamic roller racking, is equipped with braking rollers that regulate loading and storage operations. FIFO dynamic racking is installed with a slight incline, allowing pallets to slide along roller tracks. These structures are ideal for managing high-turnover products, such as perishable goods.

Pallet racking with shuttle (or satellite) represents an innovative solution for automating drive-in type racking and maximizing storage density through greater flexibility, while simplifying the storage and retrieval of load units. Thanks to the use of the shuttle, operators work only at the ends of the lanes using standard forklifts, avoiding direct entry into the aisles.

The shuttle enables loading and unloading of pallets within the lanes according to LIFO logic, or FIFO logic in the case of double-entry systems. Traditional drive-in warehouses therefore become more flexible, as they no longer require homogeneous loads for the entire bay, but only at each level.

Dimax shelving systems

Dimax shelving systems are extremely versatile and suitable for a wide range of sectors. Thanks to their modular structure, they can be used to store documents, light goods, and much more.

The upright frames, made up of vertical posts connected by cross braces, ensure stability and flexibility, allowing the shelving configuration to be customized according to specific storage needs.

Cantilever racking systems

Cantilever racking systems are industrial shelving solutions designed for storing long, heavy, and bulky items such as beams, pipes, and profiles. These cantilever structures have no front uprights, providing easy and safe access to the stored goods.

Thanks to their strength and flexibility, cantilever systems are ideal for use in sectors such as construction and metalworking, where it is necessary to store large materials efficiently.

High-density storage racking systems

For the compact storage of large quantities of identical products, drive-in and drive-through racking systems are the ideal solution. These systems create lanes within the racking, allowing forklifts to deposit and retrieve load units directly inside the structure.

In drive-in systems, access is from one side only, following the LIFO (Last In, First Out) principle. In drive-through systems, access is available from both sides, enabling both LIFO and FIFO (First In, First Out) management.

Mobile racking systems are another solution designed for high-density storage of materials with medium to low turnover.

The mobility of these systems—mounted on rails—allows only the required aisle to be opened, while the other racks remain compacted. This eliminates unnecessary aisles, maximizing available storage space and improving overall efficiency.

Armes warehouse solutions

Armes is a leading company in warehouse design (link articolo quando sarà live) and offers advanced solutions for every need.

Our storage systems enable the creation of warehouses of any size and for any application, always ensuring an optimal cost-performance ratio.

We design and size each structure after analyzing all key factors: available space, the type of load unit to be stored, and the geographic location of the site, in compliance with seismic regulations.

On-time delivery is one of our top priorities, ensuring that products are delivered as agreed. We also offer installation services to guarantee proper system setup, as well as after-sales support (service) to maintain warehouse safety over time.

Conclusion

Choosing the right racking system for your warehouse is essential to optimize logistics management and improve operational efficiency. However, it is crucial to carefully consider specific storage needs, the nature of the products, and the available space.

Armes offers tailored solutions for every type of warehouse, ensuring quality, safety, and innovation. Contact-us for a personalized consultation and discover how we can help you create an efficient and well-organized warehouse.