SKL Metal Systems provides physical warehouse racking and storage solutions for factories, warehouses and commercial storage facilities in Malaysia. Our range includes selective, drive-in and double-deep pallet racking, heavy-duty storage racking, cantilever systems, multi-tier racking and steel structure platforms.
The appropriate solution depends on what is being stored, whether handling is manual or forklift-based, how frequently goods must be accessed, the available floor area and clear height, and whether the operation prioritises direct access, storage density or additional usable floor space.
This page focuses on physical storage systems supplied and installed within a customer's facility.
SKL Metal Systems Sdn Bhd is based in Penang and was established in 2007. Our stated service scope includes design direction, supply, installation and maintenance for industrial racking and storage requirements in Malaysia and ASEAN markets.
Rather than beginning with a particular rack type, we first consider the stock profile, loading, access requirements, material-handling method and building constraints. This helps identify a suitable storage direction before a detailed configuration and quotation are prepared.
The correct storage direction cannot be selected from warehouse size alone. Stock dimensions, load, access frequency, handling equipment, SKU quantity and inventory profile should be reviewed together before deciding how the available space should be used.
One of the most useful ways to plan a warehouse is to look at each storage zone separately. Reserve pallets, fast-moving pallets, loose goods, long materials and manual-picking stock may each require a different storage direction.
For full pallets held before replenishment or dispatch, assess selective pallet racking, double-deep pallet racking or drive-in racking according to SKU quantity, pallet quantities and required accessibility.
The main question is whether direct access to every pallet is more important than increasing storage density.
When pallets need regular retrieval or replenishment, direct aisle access and workable forklift routes normally take priority over maximum theoretical density.
Selective pallet racking is the main direction to assess when many SKUs require individual pallet access.
For large, heavy, bulky or awkward non-palletised goods that require direct shelf-level access, heavy-duty storage racking may be assessed.
Item dimensions, required load per level, shelf span, depth, number of levels and handling method should be confirmed.
Long or irregular goods such as pipes, tubing, timber and similar elongated materials can be difficult to store efficiently in conventional pallet bays.
Cantilever racking should be assessed according to material length, load distribution, required support positions, loading direction and available handling clearance.
Multi-tier heavy duty racking can use substantial available warehouse height to create additional manual-picking levels for suitable small and medium goods.
The picking workflow, replenishment method, stairs, handrails, safety gates and movement between levels should be considered as part of the layout.
When the requirement is an open upper storage, working or operational level rather than additional rack shelves, a steel structure platform or mezzanine-style structural solution should be assessed separately.
The intended use, clear height, required area, loading, access and building conditions influence the structural direction.
A mixed warehouse can require different systems for different stock zones. For example, a manufacturing warehouse may use selective pallet racking for frequently accessed palletised finished goods, drive-in storage for repeated pallet loads, heavy-duty shelving for loose parts and cantilever racking for long raw materials.
If additional open floor area is needed, a structural platform can be assessed separately. These systems should still be considered together with receiving and dispatch areas, forklift routes, pedestrian access, columns, doors, staging zones, existing equipment and expected future stock growth.
The table below provides an initial direction based on the main storage requirement. Final system selection and configuration should be based on the actual warehouse, loads, equipment and agreed project scope.
| Storage Requirement | Direction to Assess | Main Decision Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Many palletised SKUs | Selective pallet racking | Direct pallet access and forklift aisles |
| Repeated pallets with higher-density priority | Drive-in racking | SKU profile, FILO rotation and lane access |
| More pallet density with partial direct access | Double-deep racking | Reach equipment and accessibility trade-off |
| Heavy, bulky or awkward loose goods | Heavy-duty storage racking | Item size, loading and shelf configuration |
| Pipes, tubing and other long goods | Cantilever racking | Length, load distribution and handling direction |
| Multi-level manual picking | Multi-tier racking | Clear height, access and picking workflow |
| Additional open floor area | Steel structure platform / mezzanine-style structural solution | Intended use, structural scope and building conditions |
Find the Right Storage Direction
Different storage systems solve visibly different operational requirements. The following images from our own storage-system range illustrate several directions without implying that the same configuration is suitable for every warehouse.
A useful warehouse storage proposal starts with accurate information about both the building and the inventory. This allows the storage direction to be considered around actual operating requirements rather than a generic rack capacity or bay quantity.
Our storage-project scope can progress from requirement review through layout direction, supply, installation and maintenance. The exact work included is confirmed for each project rather than assumed to be identical for every warehouse.
We review the goods, loads, SKU profile, required capacity, access frequency and handling method.
Dimensions, clear height, columns, doors, fixed obstructions and existing storage conditions are considered.
We assess which physical storage direction best matches the stock, access requirements and available building space.
Rack positions, storage levels, aisles, access and other relevant layout requirements can then be discussed.
The proposal is prepared around the confirmed storage requirement, configuration and agreed project scope.
The agreed racking, storage system and relevant project components are supplied according to the confirmed scope.
Our installation team installs the system according to the proposed project layout and agreed requirements.
Maintenance support is available within our racking and storage service scope where required.
The storage system cannot be planned independently from the way goods move through the warehouse. Forklift type, reach capability, aisle requirement and turning space can affect rack positions, storage levels and which pallet-racking direction is suitable.
Receiving and dispatch zones, staging space, doors, columns, pedestrian movement and fixed machinery may also reduce the floor area that can practically be used for storage. These constraints should be identified before the final layout is confirmed.
For additional planning guidance, see our article on how to increase warehouse storage capacity without expanding.
A complete storage layout may require protection and support components in addition to the main rack structure. The relevant items depend on the selected system, stored goods and operating environment.
Our current range includes base plates, pallet stoppers, pallet support bars, beam protectors, safety barriers and column guards. These components can be considered where relevant to the agreed storage arrangement and operating conditions.
SKL Metal Systems Sdn Bhd has supplied industrial racking and storage products since 2007 from our base in Penang. Our product range covers pallet racking, heavy-duty storage, high-density storage systems, multi-tier racking and structural works, with design direction, supply, installation and maintenance within our stated service scope.
Explore our industrial pallet racking systems, review the SKL Metal Systems company profile, or contact us with a floor plan and storage requirement for a project discussion.
Share your warehouse dimensions, stored-item details, load requirements, handling method and required capacity. We can review the information and discuss which physical storage direction should be assessed for your project.
Discuss Your Warehouse Storage Requirements Find the Right Storage DirectionIn summary, a practical warehouse racking and storage solution should connect the stored goods with the operational requirement, warehouse zone, access method, material-handling equipment and available building space.
A single warehouse may require several storage directions rather than one system throughout. The most useful starting point is therefore to provide the actual stock profile, dimensions, loading, required quantities, access frequency and warehouse information before finalising a layout.