Warehouse managers must find the best racking system to advance storage space and improve productivity, which may be a constant challenge. Selective racking and drive-in racking are well-used racking systems with unique pallet racking selling points. However, you must identify the right system for your business to upgrade your warehouse’s performance.
This article can help your selection process by providing a detailed comparison of selective vs. drive-in racking, exploring their benefits, differences, and applications.
Selective vs. Drive-In Racking Overview
What is a Selective Racking System?
Selective racking systems are the most utilised pallet racking system in warehouses globally. It is known for its simplicity, versatility, and accessibility. This racking system is optimal for businesses requiring rapid and regular picking. It provides direct entry to each pallet without disturbing others.
This common solution is appropriate for high-turnover goods and multiple SKUs (Stock Keeping Units). It is compatible with differing pallet sizes and can easily be adjusted or expanded to match your changing warehouse needs.
Investing in Krost’s selective pallet racking solution can be economical, with installation and maintenance costs normally lower than more complex systems. It is perfect for businesses with strict expiration dates like those that handle perishable goods because it follows a First In, First Out (FIFO) storage process.
What is a Drive-In Racking System?
Drive-in racking systems are built for high-density storage. It is suitable for large quantities of identical products stored on a Last In, First Out (LIFO) basis as it allows forklifts to drive directly into the rack to place or recover pallets. This system is known for its superior storage capacity. Drive-in racking stores up to 75% more pallets in the same space compared to selective racking because it eliminates multiple aisles.
This racking system is assembled to use every available cubic metre of your warehouse, which best serves facilities with limited space or those looking to store large quantities of similar products.
Drive-in racking operates on a Last In, First Out basis, meaning the last pallet placed in the system will be the first one retrieved. This makes it well-suited for non-perishable goods that don’t require rotation. Businesses that store numerous pallets of the same product can use Drive-In Racking with Krost Shelving to maximise storage inexpensively.
Selective vs. Drive-In Racking – Main Differences
Now that we’ve reviewed the features of both systems, let’s compare selective vs. drive-in racking systems more closely.
Storage Density
- Selective racking has a lower density as it demands more aisles.
- Drive-in racking has a higher density, removing the need for multiple aisles.
Accessibility
- Selective racking has direct access to every pallet.
- Drive-in racking has limited access, with only front pallets being accessible.
SKU Flexibility
- Selective racking is optimum for warehouses with a high SKU count.
- Drive-in racking suits bulk storage of identical products.
Cost Efficiency
- Selective racking has a lower initial investment.
- Drive-in racking is a high-density storage solution that is economical for large quantities.
Operational System
- Selective racking follows FIFO (First In, First Out) storage.
- Drive-in racking follows LIFO (Last In, First Out) storage.
Ideal For
- Selective racking fits businesses needing consistent access to SKUs.
- Drive-In Racking accommodates bulk storage of non-perishable or seasonal items.
Benefits of Selective Racking
The biggest benefit of a selective racking system is its flexibility. You can store an assortment of products and approach any pallet freely without moving others. It is great for warehouses with a diverse inventory or where effortless SKU entrance is needed.
Selective pallet racking is less expensive to install and maintain than drive-in racking. It is most practical for businesses with low-density storage. Its openness reduces the time spent on pallet retrieval and boosts overall warehouse productivity.
Advantages of Drive-In Racking
One of the most obvious advantages of drive-in racking is its ability to store large quantities of goods in a compact space. Drive-in racking is a cost-effective option for manufacturing companies, businesses that deal in seasonal inventory, or other companies that need to store a large volume of identical goods.
The capacity to store pallets deeply within the system allows for higher storage density than selective racking, which is most valuable in industries with high storage costs, and space must be optimised.
Which Racking System Should You Choose?
Carefully consider your operational needs when comparing selective vs. drive-in racking.
Opt for selective pallet racking if your warehouse manages multiple SKUs, requires fast, regular product access, and your focus is flexibility over storage density.
If you must store large volumes of similar products in a limited space and can operate effectively with the LIFO system, then lean towards drive-in racking.
Conclusion – Find the Best Racking System for Your Needs
Selecting the right warehouse racking system is necessary for optimising storage capacity, lowering costs, and improving your operations. Where a selective racking system provides unmatched adaptability and accessibility, drive-in racking benefits from high-density storage that can noticeably decrease floor space requirements.
At Krost Shelving and Racking, we offer customised warehouse racking solutions to maximise your space. Our solutions can support the versatility of selective racking or the space optimisation of drive-in racking. Contact Krost Shelving today to find out more about our racking systems and how we can help you elevate your warehouse storage.