Success in logistics and business operations often begins with warehouse storage solutions and how your premises are configured. Relying on less-than-professional racking installers for your site can be disastrous, as it not only puts your staff’s safety at risk but also hinders your performance. Investing in high-quality racking helps to build greater long-term outcomes, with systems curated specifically for your workflow. Prodek have put together 10 key questions that businesses should ask suppliers before they go ahead with installation.
1. How Much Experience Does Your Business Have in Supplying Racking?
Racking systems are available in many different configurations and specifications, each tailored to the layout and requirements of individual businesses. A great racking supplier will have a repertoire of experience to showcase, demonstrating the ability to cater to different environments and think efficiently based on thorough site audits.
Suppliers should also have an in-depth understanding of weight-bearing load capacities, suitable structures, the ideal racking for each load type, anchoring, and beyond. It’s also acceptable to ask a supplier for previous case studies of them installing the type of racking you require.
2. Does Your Business Meet Compliance Across All Phases?
Any facility that requires racking must adhere to regulations set forth by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), alongside PUWER, and other technical specifications. This ensures that suppliers are maintaining safety amongst staff and the public, including protecting inventory from damage.
Experienced suppliers should also be able to obtain permits where required, ensuring installation is done properly and in accordance with regulations. It’s also fine to ask a supplier if you can view their dated safety records, ensuring that all work carried out is done to code and in a safe manner.
3. Can Your Team Carry Out Relocations and Adaptations to My Racking System as My Business Evolves?
Typically, when a facility requires relocation or new warehouse racking systems, it already has existing units in place. This requires a supplier who provides a comprehensive service, as it’s not always standard to have this included. It’s important for a supplier to have the ability to reassess your site and detail new layout plans, offering relocation and integrating new structures where needed.
4. Can you provide Documented References?
A well-established racking supplier should be more than willing to provide glowing references for their business, which demonstrates their ongoing success and rapport with their client base. This can be supplied alongside a portfolio of previous work, or the possibility of contacting a past customer to ask all the important questions about working with that specific supplier.
5. What Types of Racking Systems Do You Offer?
This can vary depending on the supplier, but a good business will be able to offer ample suggestions during a site audit. The supplier should be able to provide units that are suitable to meet your workflow after an assessment of potential bottlenecks that currently exist.
Some suppliers may offer used racking as part of their services, which can be beneficial when on a budget. However, other suppliers may offer only new products, but financial options may also be available.
6. Can I Have Manufacturer Details and Specification Sheets?
It can be helpful to research the manufacturer of a racking system, looking back at their history and safety records. This is also beneficial in understanding the guidelines set by the manufacturer and if it matches with what the supplier is stating, while also setting up staff members with the correct knowledge ahead of time.
7. What’s the Projected Timeline & Will I Experience Disruption in Operation?
It’s always good to ask about your expected timeline when altering the layout of your business. A decent company will be able to demonstrate a schedule that is flexible, suited to your processes, and well-optimised. This is important when trying to understand if you will experience disruption to operations. A well-thought-out and phased plan can often mitigate or eliminate the need for downtime at all.
8. What Accreditation Does the Team Hold?
It’s always extremely important and helpful to understand if the team that will install your racking meets certain accreditations, showing a commitment to high-quality service and execution. Although it’s not a legal requirement, the SEIRS qualification and SEMA guidelines are widely accepted and recognised, which is important as it shows a high level of safety and competence.
9. Is Ongoing Maintenance Provided After Installation?
Maintenance for your racking and storage units is non-negotiable, and they must meet safety regulations as set forth by HSE and SEMA. It’s important to ask a supplier if maintenance is a service that is offered, how they handle repairs or replacements, and their method of conduct. Finding a supplier that offers reliable inspections can help establish a lifelong partnership.
10. What’s the Expected Cost and ROI?
Before installing racking systems, a supplier should be able to provide you with a full cost breakdown for each segment throughout the journey. They may also be able to provide a possible ROI forecast, helping visualise the long-term benefits of investing in racking or storage systems.
Optimise Workflow with Prodek’s Professional Racking Installation
At Prodek, we care about delivering safe and high-quality results, ensuring that workplaces remain compliant and achieve the greatest results. Our team of engineers are SEMA-accredited, offering routine inspections and guidance throughout life.
We hold over three decades of experience, from reliable racking systems, mezzanine floors, storage shelving, and more. Learn how to achieve your business goals and the questions you may have with a chat with our friendly team. Get in touch today to find your ideal installation solution.
