3 Critical Design Considerations for Industrial Shelving
Industrial Shelving – Simple Storage Solution, Loads of Possibility
When it comes to getting the bang for your storage buck, industrial shelving satisfies many big needs. While best suited for slower-moving items, small parts assembly, and hand-picked orders, shelving is a cost-effective way to optimize your storage for faster inventory access and turnaround. Less labor equals valuable savings in an economical and customizable package. Plus, your industrial shelving is just as compatible with automated picking devices as other static shelving options.
The big pluses for industrial shelving are the modular design that lets you customize each unit individually, the relative ease of installation, and the low overall cost compared to storage racking. To design your system most effectively, you’ll need the following details.
3 Design Considerations for Industrial Shelving
- Available Space
- Load Capacity
- Item Specifications
Available Space
Space is a hot commodity in warehousing and manufacturing facilities, so let’s make that limited space work most efficiently. Consider front-to-back and side-to-side configurations. Perhaps use corner-shaped units to fill in otherwise wasted space. In floor-level designs, you can add racking above the shelving for pallet storage or position shelving units underneath a mezzanine to maximize your available square footage.
If you have “higher goals,” you can use industrial shelving on mezzanine levels for pick modules or climate-controlled pick areas. Your shelving should be configured to minimize travel and maximize productivity; remember to confirm vertical clearance to ensure shelving is clear from ventilation, sprinklers, lighting, and other ceiling-level obstructions. It’s also important to adjust aisle spacing for conveyors or pick carts depending on your inventory load and pick process.
In addition to your current inventory, consider adding shelving or leaving space for additional units as you prepare for expected growth. Industrial shelving is easy to add on to, reconfigure, and even relocate, which helps stretch your storage system dollar.
Shelving Unit Capacity
Anticipating your max load capacity is vital for the safety and function of your shelving unit and team. Industrial shelving is offered in various weight capacities, from medium, heavy-duty, and extra heavy-duty. Heavy-duty shelving is constructed from higher gauge steel, allowing it to support more weight. Work closely with your systems designer to maximize your dollars and meet your storage goals.
Item Specifications
Once you’ve defined your available space, it’s time to choose your shelving design and add accessories to boost productivity and functionality. To do this effectively, you must know your inventory specs, including item dimensions –width, height, and depth.
Industrial shelving is available in modular units of various styles and sizes. You can mix and match styles to satisfy a variety of inventory and operational needs. Individual units can be open or closed in the back and or on the sides. Your choice depends on product specs.
Open vs.Closed Shelving Considerations
- Closed shelving is good for preventing smaller items from falling where they’re hard to reach
- Open sides allow for airflow if needed
- Open shelving makes it easier to see the inventory and identify low stock
- Open shelves are less expensive
Shelves are also adjustable within small increments, typically 1-1/2”, to accommodate inventory changes easier than other storage systems. Remember, it is critical to remain within the stated load capacity.
Once your units are in place, it’s time to accessorize. Equip your shelving with dividers, roll-out shelves, and or plastic bins. Accessories can help you keep items organized by SKU to minimize inaccurate picking and hold smaller items in place.
The Apex team is here to help you navigate space configurations and design options for your industrial shelving. Let our experts help you find the best solutions to meet your space and operational needs. Contact Apex today to schedule an on-site consultation. In dealing with our experts, rest assured that you’ll not only get what you need, but you’ll get peace of mind.
