Pallet Rack Solutions for Colorado’s Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Pairing Pallet Rack Systems with FIFO & LIFO Storage

Is your warehouse or distribution center faced with optimizing your storage space and productivity amidst labor shortages, increasing demand, and rising warehousing costs? You are not alone! In the dynamic landscape of Colorado’s storage industry, it’s essential to rethink traditional approaches and explore the value of custom-configured pallet rack systems. 

These systems offer unique benefits that maximize your warehouse space, increase load and pick speed, and optimize labor resources. Let’s see how each design may meet the demands of your Colorado facility.

How the Inventory Turns…

For maximum storage efficiency and productivity, consider your inventory rotation method. First-In/First-Out (FIFO) and Last-In/First-Out (LIFO) are the primary tracking methods. FIFO is commonly applied to perishable or time-sensitive items, prioritizing the sale of the oldest stock first. Conversely, LIFO is prevalent in uniform product lines, such as retail and manufacturing, where newer items are sold first. It’s worth noting that various pallet rack systems can complement either FIFO or LIFO rotations, playing a crucial role in optimizing your warehouse operations.

Several pallet rack options can help you cost-effectively meet your throughput goals and pair with your FIFO or LIFO inventory rotation needs.

1. Selective Rack: Offering 100% selectivity, this system is ideal for inventory with a high number of low-volume SKUs. Supporting FIFO inventory selection, selective rack systems ensure efficient handling of perishable or dated items.
2. Deep Reach: Consider a deep reach (i.e., double-deep) system if you require reserve storage. With the capability to store two pallets deep, these racks double the storage of a single selective rack and accommodate LIFO inventory rotation.
3. Drive-In Systems: Designed for high-density storage, drive-in rack systems are perfect for high-volume, low-SKU inventory. Drive-in rack can be up to 10 or more pallets deep per lane and multiple levels high. The system relies on a single load/pick aisle to consolidate the rack footprint and support LIFO stock rotation.
4. Drive-Thru Systems: Adding a separate aisle for take-a-way allows you to turn your drive-in into a drive-thru rack design. Drive-thru supports FIFO inventory rotation.
5. Push-Back Rack: Utilizing individual SKU lanes equipped with enveloping wheeled carts, push-back rack systems are ideal for Colorado’s high-volume, low-SKU applications. The wheeled carts flow rear pallets forward as front pallets are removed from the lane. Push-back lanes go as deep as 4 or 5 pallets, and the system is loaded and extracted from a single aisle supporting LIFO inventory rotation.
6. Pallet Flow Rack: A high-density, dynamic solution best suited for inventory with a limited number of high-volume SKUs. Pallet flow uses separate load and pick aisles supporting FIFO inventory rotation. As one of the most high-density solutions, pallet flow can go 20+ pallets deep. Using wheeled or roller rails set on a slight pitch, the pallets automatically flow to fill the pick face as pallets are extracted.

Unlocking Your Warehouse Potential

Navigating the diverse pallet rack options can be overwhelming, especially considering Colorado’s unique warehouse needs. That’s where your local Apex Colorado team comes in. Our experts specialize in evaluating inventory specifications, turn rates, facility layouts, and budget constraints to design customized storage solutions tailored to your operational goals.

Whether you want to enhance efficiency, accommodate growth, or reduce operational costs, Apex offers comprehensive project management and professional installation services to ensure a seamless transition to your new pallet rack system. Contact us today to unlock the full potential of your Colorado warehouse or distribution center.