If you’ve got a warehouse, chances are you’ve put a racking system in it. It’s no small feat, either, but it’s certainly a crucial step in your production pipeline. That racking system is responsible for a lot!
- It must your product
- It must be resilient and/or protected from damage, weight and daily wear and tear
- It must have simple, intuitive and seamless integration for maximum efficiency
- It must be well constructed and properly installed
- It must be adaptable for your company’s unique and changing needs.
Did that last point throw you for a loop? I mean, bolted, bespoke steel rack might not sound very adaptable, right? Fun Fact: It is!
That’s because your racking system doesn’t need to be designed to be fixed or stagnant. Quite the opposite.
A healthy racking system is a racking system that is regularly reviewed and reassessed for peak efficiency and productivity. Trouble is, most people may not know exactly when they should be reassessing their racking system, or what exactly they should be considering when they do.
You’re in luck! Today we are breaking down some factors that indicate you should take a second look at your Racking system, and what upgrades and revisions might be necessary for each scenario.
Buckle up- we’re getting ready to rack.
You Don’t Have Weight Capacity Signs
Yep. Weight capacity signs are more than just a good idea. Weight capacity is a serious issue in your racking system. You should know the maximum amount of weight your system can store to reduce the risk of load bearing damage.
If you don’t have weight capacity signs, you may want to get a team in to confirm the maximum weights and get them listed on your system visually.
Think about the alternative- one pallet too many placed on a rack under too much pressure could cause a dangerous warehouse disaster costing your product, your system, or worse yet- your personnelle.
You Don’t Have Any Stamped Engineering Documents Certifying Your Racking
That’s right- you need that! Racking system requires proof of engineering certification. Much in the same way your racking installation company needs to provide you with fully trained and certified installers for your job, the racking system itself needs to be vouched for by a trained professional.
If you have the proper certification for your system- Great! Keeping both hard copy and digital records of this will be beneficial for you and your company (especially in the event of an unannounced Warehouse Inspection!).
If you can’t locate (or don’t have) a certification document stamped by the required parties, then this may be the perfect time to call a Racking Installation company. They can perform the required inspections, offer the proper consultations needed, and/or get you the properly certified paperwork you need.
Your Racking System Hasn’t Been Inspected
Yep. Add this to your calendar with a recurrent reminder: You need to do this regularly. If your racking system hasn’t been inspected in at least ten years then you may want to consider calling your friendly, neighbourhood racking company to come in and give you an inspection. This will ensure your system is operating properly, is at no undue risk of damage, and when it might need repair or replacement in future.
You Have Damaged Rack Or Suspect Risk To Your Racking System
Not all damage is visible, but a professional trained in racking system inspection, install, repair and replacement will be able to assess key factors that can play a major role in the longevity of your system. This may include areas of your racking that are at increased risk of damage, capacity overload, in need of repair or replacement. They may even be able to provide consultations and suggestions for protection, proactive maintenance, or safety upgrades.
You Don’t Remember Your Last PSR
Every time you augment your racking system, you’ll need to get a Pre-Start Safety Review. These reviews are mandatory for safety and warehouse protection, but they are also a great way to confirm your compliance with OHSA (Ontario Health and Safety Act) in the event of a warehouse safety inspection.
You Are Considering Warehouse Releveling, Relocation 
Business is constantly changing to create optimal efficiency. Warehouses are no different. There are countless diverse reasons to augment your racking system. Perhaps a shift in supplies, products or shipment schedules means your system would be more accessible with releveling. Perhaps your warehouse is changing locations, and your system needs to be torn down, moved, and rebuilt somewhere else.
These are perfect times to call in experts and re-evaluate your entire system. What is working? What isn’t? Can your workflow be improved with a newer system? Can a VNA maximize floor space at your new location? You’ll need a PSR anyway, so why not add a system upgrade as well?
You Are Considering A Warehouse Racking System Revamp, Upgrade or Alteration
There are a million unique reasons to consider a system upgrade. Perhaps you want to increase warehouse surface area without relocating? Well a mezzanine could create the perfect solution! What about moving your warehouse to partial or full automation? Perhaps you’d like to sell-back some of your existing racking and upgrade it to your newer system, or reduce your consumption of steel by converting to VNA?
Regardless of your goals – all situations above will require changes to your racking system. Calling in an expert to assist in evaluating your needs will increase the likelihood of getting the perfect bespoke solution for your warehouse.
Your Warehouse Feels Ineffective, Inefficient, Scattered Or Disorganized
Maybe your warehouse is fairly new, with a recently updated system. Yet the workflow process feels slow, the layout and design do not seem intuitive, and the system in general feels less effective or inefficient? There are specialized teams trained to assess the most efficient warehouse designs and layouts. These experts can access your Warehouse holistically, and see your racking structure as a vital part of your workflow process. They may be able to suggest the best practices for the safest, and most efficiently functional designs for your needs.
Interested In Finding Out More?
We bet you are! We’re a company with years’ of combined experience in creating perfect custom solutions for any size of project, and any style of racking system. Come say hello today!