Question 1

How do I choose the right pallet racking system for my warehouse?

Accepted Answer

Start with four variables: the number of SKUs, the number of pallets per SKU, the required stock rotation (FIFO or LIFO) and the available building height. Selective pallet racking suits many SKUs with direct access to every pallet; drive-in, push-back, pallet flow and pallet shuttle systems suit fewer SKUs with many pallets each; mobile racking and automated warehouses maximise density when floor space is limited.

Question 2

What load capacity can industrial pallet racking support?

Accepted Answer

Load capacity is calculated per project. It depends on the upright and beam profiles, the beam span, the height of the first level, the number of levels, the seismic zone and the floor slab. Each installation is engineered for the declared pallet weight and dimensions, and load signs should be displayed on every rack.

Question 3

Do you supply racking and automation projects outside Europe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MECALUX RACKING has a commercial network covering more than 70 countries, offices in 23 countries, 12 production centres and 7 R&D centres, supporting projects from design and manufacturing to installation and lifecycle services.

Question 4

Can an existing warehouse be automated without a new building?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Pallet shuttles, autonomous mobile robots, conveyors and miniload systems can be integrated into existing buildings. A feasibility study reviews the clear height, floor flatness, fire protection and throughput targets before recommending a solution.

Question 5

What information should I prepare before requesting a warehouse proposal?

Accepted Answer

Prepare a building layout with clear height, pallet or box dimensions and weights, the number of SKUs, daily inbound and outbound movements, the handling equipment in use and any growth forecast. This allows engineers to propose an accurate layout and budget.

Question 6

What software is needed to manage an automated warehouse?

Accepted Answer

A typical architecture combines a warehouse management system (WMS) for stock and orders, a warehouse execution system (WES) to orchestrate tasks, and a warehouse control system (WCS) to drive automated equipment. Distributed order management (DOM) selects the best fulfilment location across a network of warehouses.