Designing an efficient and effective storage racking system is paramount for the fast-paced and high-volume nature of the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. A well-designed system can significantly boost operational efficiency, minimize costs, and ensure product quality and safety.
This guide explains how pallet racking works in the FMCG context, its key applications, tips for selecting the right system, and where to turn for expert guidance.
How Pallet Racking Work In FMCG
Pallet racking is a material storage system designed to store palletized products in horizontal rows with multiple levels. For the FMCG industry, its function goes beyond simple storage; it's an active part of the daily workflow designed for rapid movement.
Receiving: Goods arrive from manufacturers on pallets. These are unloaded and staged for put-away.
Put-Away: Forklifts or other Material Handling Equipment (MHE) lift the pallets and place them into a designated slot in the racking system. The location is determined by the Warehouse Management System (WMS), which considers factors like product type, expiry date, and picking frequency.
Storage: Pallets are held in the racking system. The type of racking dictates how they are stored—whether in a high-density block or a more accessible single-pallet bay. Crucially for FMCG, this is often a short-term phase.
Replenishment & Picking: As orders come in, full pallets may be moved to a forward picking area, or individual cases are picked directly from the pallet in the rack. For high-volume orders, the entire pallet is retrieved.
Dispatch: Retrieved pallets are staged, checked, stretch-wrapped if necessary, and loaded onto outbound trucks for delivery to retailers, distribution centers, or customers.
Application of Pallet Racking in the FMCG Industry
Racking Type
Primary Application in FMCG
Key Benefits
Selective Racking
Storing a wide variety of SKUs with lower pallet counts per SKU. Ideal for products with diverse packaging and slower turnover rates.
• Direct access to every pallet• Cost-effective & versatile• Easily adjustable for different product heights
Pallet Flow Racking (Gravity Flow)
Crucial for date-sensitive goods like dairy, produce, and beverages. Perfect for high-volume, full-pallet picking.
• Guarantees First-In, First-Out (FIFO)• High-density storage• Separates loading and picking aisles for efficiency
Drive-In / Drive-Thru Racking
Storing large quantities of the same SKU, such as canned goods or seasonal items where stock is depleted in bulk.
• Excellent storage density, maximizing floor space• Cost-effective high-density solution• Drive-Thru can be configured for FIFO
Push-Back Racking
For medium-turnover products where density is important but FIFO is less critical than in Pallet Flow. Good for bulk goods and beverages.
• Higher density than selective racking• Faster picking than Drive-In• Good space utilization
Pallet Shuttle Racking
High-density storage for high-turnover SKUs. Often used in cold storage or ambient warehouses where space is at a premium.
• Semi-automated speed and efficiency• Maximum density• Can be configured for FIFO or LIFO
Adjustable & Mobile Racking (MOVO)
In temperature-controlled environments or for high-value goods where maximizing every cubic meter is essential.
• The ultimate space-saving solution• Provides 100% access in a high-density format
Tips for choose right pallet racking in FMCG Industry
Prioritize Inventory Rotation (FIFO/LIFO): For perishable goods, a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) system like Pallet Flow is essential to minimize spoilage. For non-perishable, high-volume items, a Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) system like Drive-In or Push-Back can offer greater density.
Analyze Product Characteristics: Evaluate your entire product range. Consider the number of SKUs, the number of pallets per SKU, pallet dimensions and weight, and any special handling requirements (e.g., cold storage). A warehouse often needs a mix of racking types.
Calculate Your Desired Storage Density: How much product do you need to fit into your available space? High-density systems like Drive-In or Pallet Shuttle reduce aisle space and maximize storage, but may limit direct access to every pallet.
Plan for Throughput and Scalability: How quickly do goods need to move through your warehouse? Your racking system must support your required picking and replenishment speeds. Furthermore, choose a modular system that can be expanded or reconfigured to adapt to future growth and changes in your product mix.
Get Expert Help For your FMCG Warehouse
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