Building smarter, saving costs

How racking companies play a crucial role in the design of a warehouse or distribution centre.

The design and construction of a warehouse or distribution centre is an intricate process, and every step matters. From initial drawings to the engineer’s final stamp of approval, each decision impacts efficiency, safety, and ultimately, the bottom line.

Early collaboration between vendors in warehouse projects can have a large impact on the final design and optimization of your building. While architects, consultants and engineers play crucial roles in the process, your racking supplier can provide valuable resources and knowledge.

Here are four reasons why involving a racking company from the very beginning of a project can save time, space and money:

Optimized design

A warehouse is more than just four walls with standard shelves – it’s a carefully orchestrated space where every inch counts. Designing a warehouse without considering the racking system from the beginning is like starting a puzzle without a picture to reference.

A deep understanding of product dynamics allows your racking supplier to recognize opportunities for maximum storage, while ensuring your warehouse remains accessible and safe. Together with your team, a racking partner can analyze your product flows and operational needs to create a system customized to your business. Integrating racking considerations into the building’s design helps to avoid costly retrofits, allowing you capitalize on every square foot. This allows for smarter, leaner facilities, potentially saving substantial costs in construction and headaches during implementation.

Structural integrity

A strong foundation is essential for any structure, and that includes the racking system. A racking supplier is familiar with building codes and precise load requirements, ensuring that the foundation of the building can support its intended weight (refer to Navigating standards for steel racks for more information). Racking providers are deeply knowledgeable about sway, seismic load calculations and soil types to support different buildings. These values vary from one location to the next. Early collaboration between architects and engineers allows a racking provider to facilitate seamless integration, minimizing delays and mitigating risks.

Customized coordination

One size rarely fits all in the world of warehouse solutions, and a customized racking system means adjustments may be needed (here’s why new racking outperforms used systems). A racking company can provide specialized components, like custom-manufactured brackets to support a sprinkler system, or custom fittings to ensure sprinkler heads aren’t damaged by pallets. Whether it’s coordinating with lift truck providers or integrating HVAC, electrical or fire protection systems, a racking supplier can help streamline the process. And as each trade plays an important role unique to the needs of the building, a racking provider can make recommendations from their trusted network, helping you find the right people for your project.

Training and maintenance

Building a warehouse is just the beginning; operating it safely and efficiently is an ongoing need. At minimum, your racking provider should provide safety and operational training, teaching your staff to recognize damages and how to load, unload and properly position pallets within the rack.

And should an issue arise, your racking provider should support your needs and protect your people and your investment, providing partners and resources to inspect and make repairs if needed.

Your warehouse or distribution centre should meet your business’s unique needs for years to come. Engaging a racking company in the early stages of your project lays the foundation for operational success and future growth.