An optimized racking system can improve productivity and enhance operations therefore it is essential to design pallet racks that are ideal for your space. To design the pallet racking, the first thing that you will need to do is to plan everything out carefully before finalizing a structure. You will also need to consider how large are your pallets using a pallet rack design tool and what are you going to store on them along with pallet racking guidelines. Here are some ways on how to design pallet racks:

1. Size your pallets
   You will need to measure the pallets that you will be storing on the rack. You can also have custom made pallets that fit your exact requirements. You won’t have to measure the actual pallet by itself, you can use a pallet rack design tool to determine the height of the load that will be placed on top of it.
2. Determine system capacity
   Pallet racking has to be installed consistent with manufactured instructions for the capacities to be valid. Start by calculating the maximum load per bay by multiplying the number of beams and that too by the load weights.
3. Consider the number of SKUs
   SKUs (Stock-keeping units) are scannable barcodes that can help to contribute to effective inventory management and are used to recognize and track the movement of goods. The number of SKUs will help you get information on pricing, product details and determine the pallet rack system you select.
4. Aisle Width
   Aisle width has a direct influence on both size and number of racks you are going to install. Aisle width is not just important for employees but also for forklift access. Safety standards and racking design standards have to be considered for the welfare of your employees and to meet the OSHA (occupational safety and health administration) regulations.

Some accessibility requirements for racking design.

You may be looking for solutions that will help clear paths for your employees, get inventory off the floor space and make your warehouse a productive facility. The racking design takes various requirements like structural dimensions and access needs. Below are few racking design requirements that you may want to consider:

1. Accurate measurement and information: When choosing pallet racking beams and frames for design, it is important to have accurate load dimensions and weights. This will help to determine the pallet’s load bearing capacity and elevation designs.
2. Safety accessories: There are various types of accessories available in the market that can help protect your racking system from damage and improve access to the stored material. Accessories such as post protectors, rub rails, row end barriers and tunnel barriers can protect your racking system against damage from forklift impact.
3. Beam spacing: Leave sufficient space between beam elevations so that you can have plenty of space for lifting and placing the pallets off the beams.
4. Beam and frame sizing: Ensure that both your beam frame and width depth suits your pallet dimensions. Pallets which are too deep for the end frames can stick out far into the aisles causing collisions and obstacles for forklifts.
5. Facility requirements: You will need to take your logistic facility’s requirements into considerations such as fire suppression systems, sufficient lighting, load-bearing concrete slab and code compliant emergency exits.