What is the difference between drive-in racking and selective racking?

Drive in racking and selective racking are two common pallet racking systems used in warehouses. The following are the differences between them:

 

Structural Design

Drive in racking: It has a continuous row of storage bays without aisles between them. Pallets are stored in a depth-first manner, with forklifts driving directly into the rack to store and retrieve pallets. The structure is relatively simple, consisting of uprights, beams, and rails.

Selective racking: This system features individual pallet positions that are separated by aisles. Each pallet can be accessed independently, allowing for easy and quick selection of specific pallets. It is composed of upright frames, beams, and pallet supports, with a more open – aisle design.

 

Storage Density

Drive in racking: It offers a higher storage density as it eliminates the need for multiple aisles. Pallets are stored in a continuous row, which makes it suitable for storing large quantities of the same product. It can increase the storage capacity of the warehouse by reducing the space occupied by aisles.

Selective racking: Due to the presence of multiple aisles, the storage density is relatively lower compared to drive in racking. However, it provides better accessibility to individual pallets, which is beneficial for warehouses that require frequent access to different products.

 

 

Accessibility and Inventory Management

Drive in racking: Access to pallets is more limited as forklifts need to drive into the rack. It is suitable for warehouses where products are stored and retrieved in a first-in-last-out (FILO) sequence. Inventory management can be more challenging as it is not easy to access specific pallets in the middle or at the back of the row.

Selective racking: Each pallet has direct access, enabling a first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory management system. This is ideal for warehouses dealing with perishable goods or those that require quick and easy access to specific items. It allows for better inventory control and easier order picking.

 

Forklift Requirements

Drive in racking: Requires forklifts with special skills and training as the operator needs to drive into the narrow rack aisles. The forklift should have good maneuverability and precise control to avoid hitting the rack structure.

Selective racking: Standard forklifts can be used as the aisles are wide enough for easy operation. The forklift only needs to travel along the aisle and access the pallets at the front of the rack, which is a more straightforward operation.

 

Applicability

Drive in racking: Suited for warehouses with large – volume storage requirements for homogeneous products, such as food, beverage, and chemical industries, where products are stored in bulk and do not require frequent individual access.

Selective racking: Ideal for warehouses with a diverse range of products and high-frequency order picking, such as e-commerce fulfillment centers, where quick and easy access to individual pallets is crucial for efficient operations.