OHRA – Smarter Solutions for Warehouses: Current Trends In Racking Technology

Jan 31, 2026 Warehousing Ireland Logistics, Materials Handling, News, shipping, Storage, Warehousing Comments Off on OHRA – Smarter Solutions for Warehouses: Current Trends In Racking Technology

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Intralogistics is currently dominated by discussions about artificial intelligence, robots and automation. However, racking systems continue to form the backbone of modern logistics processes. OHRA, one of Europe’s market leaders in heavy-duty storage technology for more than 40 years, has identified three key trends in racking technology: Optimisation of space utilisation, streamlining of processes and flexibility in storage.

Trend 1: Automation permeates all areas
Automation is the overarching trend in warehouse technology. The growing use of autonomous systems, AI-powered robotics, and IoT integration addresses the increasing complexity of dynamic environments. As warehouse automation advances, it demands equally dynamic and scalable racking systems. Moreover, collaborative solutions such as shuttle technologies are transforming static racks into flexible, high-density storage systems that adapt to variable demand.

 

Trend 2: Racks grow upwards

A clear trend is that rack heights have increased in recent years. The increase in rack height is closely linked to developments in handling technology: Advanced technology enables industrial trucks such as forklifts and reach trucks to operate safely at ever greater heights. These advances are primarily based on improved stability systems and sensor technology.

Trend 3: Racking solutions with higher space utilisation

At the same time, companies are increasingly using racking systems with a high degree of space utilisation: For example, conventional wide-aisle warehouses are being replaced by narrow-aisle warehouses or, where handling requirements are low, mobile racking systems are being used. At the same time, companies are increasingly replacing unstructured floor storage with racking systems in order to manage stocks more transparently, access individual items more quickly and reduce damage. In the building materials trade, flow racks are currently particularly popular: They allow for a similarly high utilisation of space as classic floor block storage, but enable significantly better access to stored goods and the implementation of a FIFO strategy.

Trend 4: Maximum flexibility with mesh shelves on cantilever arms

Another trend is the use of cantilever racking with continuous mesh shelves. They enable the storage of a wide variety of goods and non-standard storage aids without fixed compartment widths or obstructive uprights. In the building materials trade in particular, this allows products with widely varying dimensions – from bathtubs to washbasins – to be stored close together, offering a high degree of flexibility when adjusting product ranges.

Trend 5: Professionalisation of warehouse organisation

At the same time, many companies are professionalising their warehouse organisation, relying on partial automation and system support. These include forklift guidance systems that efficiently guide drivers through the warehouse, reducing empty runs and shortening travel distances. Warehouse management systems (WMS) also ensure transparency in inventories and storage locations and enable optimisation based on key performance indicators. The digitisation of warehouse processes is reflected in the corresponding equipment of the racks: For example, holders for signs or barcode labels to clearly identify storage locations and integrate them into higher-level IT systems.

Trend 6: Small businesses invest in racking

Craft businesses are also increasingly turning to professional shelving systems: This allows you to increase efficiency, improve occupational safety and enhance your image among your customers: Even a single, neatly organised row of shelves creates more trust and signals structure and reliability, in contrast to chaotic floor storage. It can also be observed that newly founded companies and start-ups today invest directly in professional racking systems. They place particular emphasis on adaptable systems that can be easily expanded and thus grow with the business. In Germany, political investment in infrastructure is also reflected in the demand for racking systems: Companies in the energy sector and the water and wastewater management industry are increasingly using cantilever racking to store pipes and accessories efficiently.

Trend 7: Sustainable solutions in demand

Sustainability has also become an important aspect of procurement. In addition to sustainably produced shelving (e.g. through the use of renewable energies in manufacturing), the focus is on durable, robust systems with long-term spare parts supply and high resistance to mechanical stress. Investments in high-quality shelving therefore have a direct impact on the life cycle costs and environmental assessment of the warehouse.

Focus on efficiency and flexibility

“Those who plan their racking technology strategically not only gain storage space, but also process quality, safety and future viability”, emphasises OHRA. The combination of height-optimised systems, intelligent use of space and flexible systems enables companies to cope with growing product ranges and increasing customer demands within the same space. ■

 

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