Choosing the right shelving for your industrial, commercial, or warehouse facility is a crucial step in running a smooth, efficient operation. Not only can the right shelving enhance work flow and keep things organized, it can also cut down on damaged product and workplace injury.
How can a company buy commercial shelving that will meet all of their needs? There are a few steps you can take to help you make the right decision.
Take Stock of Your Products
One of the most important considerations in choosing shelving is the products you’re storing. Do you carry mostly uniform packages or a variety sizes and shapes? Are your products light or heavy weight? Do you need shelving space to carry small or large items?
Understanding your needs based on your specific products can help you choose shelving that will work with your operation. Those with small, uniform products may benefit from vertical lift shelving, while those with large, bulky products may need cantilever shelving.
Consider Your Space Constraints
The size of your facility plays a key role in choosing what type of shelving you need. If you have a sprawling warehouse you may have room for large shelving and wide aisles with adequate room for forklifts or other heavy duty loading machines. If your facility is space-constrained, you may benefit from mobile shelving units or vertical shelves.
Decide How Much Versatility You Need
Will your shelving be stationary, or will you benefit from mobile shelving? Depending on the shelving type you choose, you may be able to add casters to make your racks mobile. This comes in handy for the warehouse or commercial setting that needs to move displays from time to time.
Another factor in versatility is whether shelving can be rearranged to meet your needs. Using proper hardware, some types of shelves can be customized or adjusted to hold different product sizes.
Buying the right shelving ahead of time will help ensure you get the versatility you need in the long run.
Study Different Construction Materials
Commercial shelving is built to last. Construction materials are typically durable metals that will stand the test of time such as steel, titanium, or aluminum. It is important to consider which type of material your shelving should be constructed from, particularly if your facility’s environment is humid, or moist. If your facility is damp, you will want to consider shelving types that come with a special epoxy finish to prevent rust and corrosion.
Consider the Shelving Assembly
Is your facility equipped to assemble the shelving units you purchase, or will you need to hire a professional to put together the pieces? Basic shelving types are simple to assemble, while more complex units take an experienced hand. Consider assembly procedures when choosing which shelving type you need at your facility.
Types of Shelving Available
Commercial shelving units come in all shapes and sizes. Here is a short list.
- Cantilever shelving – good for long, bulky products such as wood planks or piping.
- Vertical lift modules – good for facilities that need to maximize space and want to utilize technology.
- Vertical shelving – ideal for those who have products that can be stored end on end rather than flat.
- allet racks – the most common type of warehouse shelving, can be used for a variety of shapes and sizes.
The experts at Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., can help you choose which shelving units are right for your facility.You can buy a commercial shelving system online with confidence that you are outfitting your operation with the best system available.
