Looking for new rack? The most important factor to consider in rack selection is the potential for future growth, said John V.R. Krummell, president and chief operating officer of Advance Storage Products. "The right rack system can improve throughput, increase productivity, and reduce product damage," he said in a seminar at the ProMat 2003 show in Chicago last month. "Rack systems keep getting taller and taller as fork trucks get more sophisticated and buildings get taller," said Krummell. Meanwhile, "facilities are blending several types of racking systems to meet customized needs."

But be careful with that solution: "Check with both manufactures when mixing rack types," said Daryl Clever, sales manager at Prest Rack.