Rack mezzanine and pallet shuttle racking are the most groundbreaking storage systems. While one optimally uses a warehouse’s vertical space, the other is semi-automated. This brief description of what they do demonstrates the exceptional benefits of each but also highlights their contrasts. Knowing the details of how they differ, factoring in the volume of the items to be stored, and assessing the capacity of your warehouse, can level up your storage management. Let’s compare rack mezzanine vs. pallet shuttle racking systems from Krost Shelving by highlighting their primary differences and exploring their related benefits.
Rack Mezzanine vs. Pallet Shuttle Racking Breakdown
Rack Supported Mezzanine Overview
A rack supported mezzanine is a semi-permanent construction that increases the usable square metres of your warehouse by adding another storage or workspace level. Unlike conventional racking systems, a rack supported mezzanine floor is great for businesses looking to maximise storage without expanding their premises. It precisely utilises the vertical space in your warehouse.
Rack Mezzanine Differences
A standout feature of a rack-supported mezzanine is its ability to maximise your storage facility’s height more fully. It is most useful for large warehouses, where multiple storage floors can be created. With their adjustable layouts, rack supported mezzanine systems are extremely adaptable and can be fitted to the exact specifications of your space. This means they can accommodate the storing of products or the creation of added work areas. Rack mezzanines are economical for growing businesses because they are far more affordable than moving to a larger warehouse or building new facilities.
You can double the floor space of your warehouse without making drastic structural changes by adding a mezzanine floor. Rack supported mezzanines can effortlessly be incorporated into other racking systems because it’s easy to integrate them into existing structures.
Pallet Shuttle Racking Overview
In contrast, pallet shuttle racking is a largely mechanical storage system manufactured to improve production capability for operations with high product turnover. This system has a shuttle that automatically moves pallets within the racking, lowering the need for forklift entry to aisles.
As one of the top pallet shuttle racking suppliers in SA, Krost Shelving can provide pallet shuttle racking with lanes of up to 50 pallets in depth.
Pallet Shuttle Racking Differences
The biggest difference between shuttle pallet racking and other systems is the motorised shuttle that handles pallet movement. It improves warehousing effectiveness and safety by eliminating the use of forklifts to enter the racking lanes. Pallet shuttle racking facilitates compact, high-density storage, perfect for warehouses that handle large volumes of goods with a fast turnover rate.
It also requires less aisle width. Shuttle pallet racking is unlike other systems in that it maximises the area used for storage by minimising aisle space. Shuttle systems can function in both First-In-First-Out (FIFO) and Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) modes, which provides operational flexibility based on inventory volumes. Workers can focus on other tasks as remote-controlled shuttles carry goods in and out of deep storage tunnels. This will streamline your operations and decrease manual labour.
Rack Mezzanine vs. Pallet Shuttle Racking: Core Differences
Rack supported mezzanines and pallet shuttle racking offer incredible benefits but serve varying purposes in a warehouse setup.
Space Utilisation
Rack mezzanines favourably use available space through an added floor, whereas pallet shuttle racking enhances storage density by limiting aisle requirements.
Level of Automation
Pallet shuttle racking systems integrate automation, substantially raising the capacities of warehouses with high turnover. Conversely, rack-supported mezzanines are more manual but are a versatile solution for both storage and operations.
Suitability for Products
Pallet shuttle racking is best for centres handling large volumes of identical products, while rack supported mezzanines are appropriate for warehouses requiring more floor area for storage or workspace expansion.
Cost Considerations
Budget-friendly rack-supported mezzanine floor prices are great for smaller facilities because of lower upfront expenditure compared to computerised shuttle systems.
Opting for the Right System for Your Warehouse
So, how do you decide between rack mezzanine and pallet shuttle racking?
If your warehouse handles high volumes of uniform products and you have to optimise productivity through mechanisation, pallet shuttle racking will be ideal. Its ability to elevate storage density and improve output makes it optimum for fast-paced operations.
However, if your business is expanding and you’re looking for surplus space for storage, office space, or workstations without moving premises, a rack-supported mezzanine floor would be a more economical solution.
Conclusion on the Best Racking System for You
Rack mezzanine vs. pallet shuttle racking systems have their differences and advantages, but your storage demands will determine the solution to choose. If your business is looking for supplementary storage space or to revolutionise its productivity with a robotic shuttle system, you are on the right track with these systems. They are innovations in racking systems that advance your warehouse’s potential and move with your business as it progresses.We are the right service provider for a tailor-made racking solution for your warehouse storage demands. Visit a Krost Shelving depot near you today to transform your business!