Industrial Shelving – The Simple Storage Solution Packed With Possibility
Industrial Shelving – Simple Storage Solution, Loads of Possibility
When it comes to maximizing your Carolina storage space, industrial shelving is the solution that satisfies many needs. While it is best suited for handling slower-moving items, small parts assembly, and hand-picked orders, shelving provides a budget-friendly way to optimize your storage for swift inventory access and turnaround. Faster locating and picking will help cut down on labor costs. In addition, your industrial shelving will seamlessly integrate with automated picking devices just like other static shelving options.
A big design plus of industrial shelving is the modular design – allowing you to tailor each unit to your specific needs. Other benefits include hassle-free installation and overall lower cost compared to traditional storage racking. To design your system with the best efficiency, you’ll need the following information:
4 Design Considerations for Industrial Shelving
- Maximizing Available Space
- Supporting Desired Load Capacity
- Scaling for Inventory Specs
- Accessorizing for Efficiency
Maximizing Available Space
We know that space is at a premium in most operations – so it’s important to use every square foot to your advantage. One way to do this is through front-to-back and side-to-side shelving configurations. Using corner-shaped units can also help to fill in those awkward, unused spaces. In ground-level designs, you can incorporate racking above shelving to accommodate pallet storage or position shelving units beneath a mezzanine to make the most of your available space.
Speaking of mezzanines, consider adding shelving units within your multi-level pick module designs. Double-check vertical clearance to ensure shelving is clear from ventilation, sprinklers, lighting, and other ceiling-level interferences. Be sure to adjust aisle spacing for conveyors or pick carts based on your inventory load and pick process.
In anticipation of future growth, consider adding shelving or leaving space for additional units. Industrial shelving is especially adaptable, making it easy to expand, reconfigure, or relocate, proving to be a valuable quality for your storage system.
Supporting Desired Load Capacity
The maximum load capacity of your industrial storage rack is an important number to note to guarantee the effectiveness of your system and the safety of your team. Industrial shelving is available in a wide variety of load capacities, including medium, heavy-duty, and extra heavy-duty options. Heavy-duty shelving is made from a sturdier gauge of steel, permitting it to bear more weight. To optimize your investment and meet your storage goals, collaborate closely with your systems designer.
Scaling for Inventory Specifications
Once you’ve planned a configuration that makes the best use of your space, the next step is to select your shelving design and incorporate accessories to enhance both productivity and functionality. To achieve this, carefully consider the specs of each SKU–width, height, and depth to effectively slot items and maximize your shelving
The convenient modular design of shelving units allows you to mix and match styles that cater to various inventory and operational needs and sizes that optimize your space. Each individual unit can be configured as open or closed in the back and/or on the sides, depending on product specifications and how you desire workers to access items.
Open vs. Closed Shelving
- Closed shelving prevents smaller items from falling into hard-to-reach spots.
- Open sides facilitate airflow.
- Open shelving increases the visibility of inventory, making it easier to spot low stock.
- Open shelves are less expensive than closed shelves.
The shelves are also easily adjustable within roughly 1-1/2” to help quickly adjust to changing SKU specs and maximize your available space. It is important to keep in mind that your shelves must stay within their load capacity.
Accessorizing for Efficiency
Position units for convenient putaway and picking activities. Allow space for pick carts, pallet jacks, or conveyors—whatever material handling equipment suits your workflow. Additionally, our industrial shelving units seamlessly integrate with automated picking software, including pick-to-light and voice-picking systems.
After your units are set up, it’s all about the accessories. Deck your shelves out with dividers, roll-out shelves, and/or plastic bins to keep your inventory neat and tidy. An added bonus? Organized inventory equals greater pick accuracy.
Local, Full-Service Support
Ready to take your shelving game to new heights? Call Apex today and set up an on-site consultation. With our experts on the case, not only will you get what you need, but you’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it. Your local Carolinas Apex team has your back.
