| Structural Design Capability | Design calculations should address load capacity, stability, deflection, frame strength, beam connections and accidental impact conditions. | Signed structural calculations, design drawings, load tables and project-specific engineering documents. | 20% | Give the highest score to suppliers that provide project-specific calculations rather than standard catalog capacities only. |
| Applicable Racking Standards | Technical design should reference applicable standards, such as EN 15512 for adjustable pallet racking and EN 15629 for specification of storage equipment. | Declaration of design basis, standard list, engineering calculations and inspection procedures. | 12% | Confirm that the cited standard edition is appropriate for the destination market and equipment type. |
| Seismic Design | For seismic regions, the design should consider the applicable seismic category, site conditions, rack configuration and anchorage requirements; EN 16681 is a recognized reference for adjustable pallet racking in seismic areas. | Seismic calculation, anchor design, installation details and project-specific seismic parameters. | 8% | Do not accept a generic “earthquake-resistant” statement without calculations and anchorage details. |
| Material Traceability | Main structural steel should have documented grade, thickness, batch and mechanical-property information traceable to mill documentation. | Material certificates, batch records, incoming inspection reports and production traceability records. | 10% | Score higher when raw material, forming process and finished components can be linked through lot numbers. |
| Welding and Fabrication Controls | Welded components should be produced under documented procedures, with qualified personnel and inspection appropriate to the joint and risk level. | Welding procedure specifications, welder qualifications, inspection records and nonconformance reports. | 8% | Check dimensional accuracy, weld appearance, distortion control and corrective-action records. |
| Surface Treatment and Corrosion Protection | The coating system should match the warehouse environment, expected service life and required corrosion resistance. | Coating specification, dry-film-thickness records, adhesion or appearance inspection results and environmental compliance documents. | 8% | Evaluate powder-coating or galvanizing controls, pretreatment, coverage consistency and repair procedures. |
| Factory Quality Management | A documented quality management system should control purchasing, production, inspection, nonconformities and corrective actions; ISO 9001 certification is useful supporting evidence. | Valid certificate, certification scope, audit records, inspection plan and corrective-action reports. | 10% | Verify the certificate issuer, validity period, manufacturing scope and production-site address. |
| Load and Component Testing | Testing should cover critical components and connections, with test methods, acceptance criteria and results documented. | Laboratory reports, test procedures, calibration certificates and component or connection test records. | 8% | Prefer independent or accredited laboratory reports when the application involves high loads or unusual configurations. |
| Installation and Site Safety | Installation instructions should define anchoring, tolerances, sequence, inspection points, rack protection and safe working practices. | Method statement, installation manual, torque records, handover checklist and installer qualifications. | 8% | Score higher when the supplier provides on-site supervision, final inspection and documented handover. |
| Documentation and Compliance | Drawings, manuals, declarations, safety labels and maintenance information should be complete, consistent and supplied in the required language. | Technical file, bill of materials, operating instructions, inspection forms and product declarations where applicable. | 4% | Check that drawings, labels, calculations and delivered components use matching dimensions and identification numbers. |
| After-Sales Support and Spare Parts | The supplier should provide inspection guidance, replacement-part identification, damage-reporting procedures and technical support. | Service-level terms, spare-part list, response procedure, warranty conditions and sample inspection checklist. | 4% | Evaluate measurable response times and the ability to supply compatible replacement components over the expected service period. |