Reshelving a warehouse isn’t cheap, and there are many variables to consider when choosing industrial warehouse shelving. Using this guide will help you make the best storage choice.
3 Steps to Follow When Choosing Industrial Warehouse Storage Shelves
When choosing an industrial shelving solution, it’s essential to consider many factors to ensure that you’re getting the right one for your space. A racking solution that is ideal for your facility will make most of your operations more productive, allowing you to maximize your investment.
Why are industrial warehouse storage shelves
important?
A facility’s organization is only as good as the industrial warehouse shelving that they use. The right kind can significantly boost your operation’s efficiency as they make it easier to locate items and store a lot if used correctly. Additionally, storage optimization can mean the difference between expanding to another warehouse or not. However, many warehouse owners are stumped when it comes to deciding between shelving options.
Three steps to follow when choosing industrial warehouse shelving
1. Examine your space to determine if you need shelving or racking
When choosing the best storage solution for your facility, you have two options: shelving or racking. The primary difference between shelving and racking is that shelving is designed for smaller items, and racking is for bulkier items that require equipment. Additionally, shelving units typically come in smaller dimensions than racking because they are designed to hold lighter materials meaning that you will have to consider the size of your space as well.
2. Learn about the different industrial warehouse shelving
and racking options
Rivet shelving is one of the most reliable types of warehouse shelving. These units are easy to assemble as they use a series of interlocking rivets and gravity to hold up your materials. To install rivet shelving, you affix the rivets to the shelf and slide it into the slots on the frame, then tap it with a mallet, and you’re all set.
Wire shelving is made of wire mesh supported by a durable metal frame. Since the shelves are made of mesh, they are incredibly lightweight compared to other metal industrial warehouse shelving types. Additionally, they are resistant to rust and mold because of their small surface area, making them perfect for a food service environment.
If your warehouse deals with many small materials, a bin system may be your best option. Bins are an excellent way to optimize your storage and can even be used to enhance wire shelving. The system’s bins are removable, meaning you can easily store smaller items and quickly retrieve or move them, making it an efficient industrial warehouse shelving solution.
Selective racks are the most popular option for facilities that need a heavy-duty storage solution. The units consist of two vertical frames that hold up rows of shelving beams, going about one pallet deep. This solution is called “selective” racking because every pallet on the rack is accessible without moving other pallets out of the way.
Compared to selective racking, drive-in racking has a much higher storage capacity. Businesses that are planning to buy lift truck for sale in the future will find this option convenient because these racks are designed to accommodate forklifts and other industrial vehicles because they can drive directly into the unit to load and unload materials. Highly trained and skilled drivers can transport all kinds of heavy goods in a fast, steady and careful manner. To prevent serious accidents, all aspiring forklift operators must complete safety training before they obtain their forklift licence.
Cantilever racking is sturdy and designed to store long or bulky materials like lumber, plywood, PVC, and steel pipes. It features an upright column, base, and arms with vertical and horizontal bracing. Because of its design, this industrial warehouse shelving option is also the preferred organization solution for warehouses that stock items such as furniture, boats, as well as other long and bulky things.
Push-back racks allow you to store pallets two to six deep on both sides of the unit. The system includes inclined rails and nesting carts that move along these rails. As pallets are loaded, the carts shift, allowing for access to ones that would be blocked otherwise.
3. Decide which style of rack, or combination of styles, is the best solution for your space
Once you know about the different warehouse storage solutions, you can then decide which one to implement in your operation. Understanding the purpose of each solution will help you make an educated decision and get the most out of your investment.
Additionally, there are a few things unique to your operation that you should take into account:
Floor space
Size and weight of the materials
Amount of stock
Industrial vehicle usage
Investment funds
Consulting a professional when choosing shelving for your facility
Implementing a new industrial warehouse shelving system is not a cheap investment. If you are unsure of which option is best for your operation, it’s better to consult a professional. A professional will analyze your warehouse space and help to ensure that you purchase a system that will work for you.
The importance of choosing the right
industrial warehouse storage shelves for your operation
Choosing the most suitable warehouse shelving units for your operation allows you to boost your productivity levels and make the most out of your investment. When you have the right storage solution, picking, putaway, and shipping processes will be performed better and faster than before. Therefore, using the best industrial warehouse shelving for your operation is the key to optimizing your practices.