Industrial shelving is a type of heavy-duty storage used in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, retail stores, offices, and occasionally residential properties. It differs from standard shelving in its material makeup and durability. Industrial shelving is manufactured for frequent use in commercial environments, so it must be strong, sturdy, and resistant to wear and tear.
There are different types of industrial shelving, from wall anchoring units to specialized wire shelving for food or medical storage. While some industrial shelving is adjustable, versatile, and capable of storing various items, it’s important to choose a shelving system suited to your business’ specific needs.
Investing in the wrong storage solutions or misusing shelving units can disrupt warehouse operations, slow productivity, and contribute to an inefficient facility.
Having the right equipment is not enough to ensure your warehouse is running smoothly. You must also know how to configure your facility for fast and accurate order processing, efficient product picking, safe and easy access to inventory, and maximum space utilization. Partnering with professional storage experts like Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc. gives you access to high-quality new and used industrial shelving options, as well as advice and guidance on using your equipment correctly.
Benefits of Industrial Shelving
An effective industrial storage system can help solve a variety of warehouse issues, from space utilization to cost savings. When used correctly, some of the key benefits of industrial shelving include:
Improved Space Utilization
Industrial shelving is an excellent way to improve horizontal and vertical space utilization in a storage facility. It can support heavy and bulky goods, providing a space-efficient solution for storing large and awkward items. Shelving is available in open and closed configurations so that you can access goods from all sides.
Many varieties of industrial shelving are stackable, allowing you to take maximum advantage of valuable vertical space. As long as the shelves and warehouse floor have adequate weight capacity, you can store high volumes of small items or lower quantities of bulky goods without eating into your floor space.
Warehouse Organization
Using appropriate shelving ensures you have enough space for storing inventory, keeping your warehouse organized. An organized and well-laid out warehouse increases product visibility and enables faster picking and order processing.
Convenient access to products allows employees to work more productively, increasing efficiency and reducing downtime. Smoother operations can ultimately lead to improved profits over time.
Health and Safety
As well as creating inefficiencies in your storage facility, misusing industrial shelving can be extremely dangerous. Correctly using storage shelves can reduce the number of unnecessary accidents in the workplace.
At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., all our industrial shelving is purpose-built and manufactured using high-quality materials, so they are safe for warehouse use. We test used storage equipment to make sure it is in excellent condition.
However, this doesn’t mean that every shelving unit is capable of storing all types of goods. Weight, shape, size, and load capacity determine whether a shelf can safely support specific items.
Durability
Industrial shelving is strong and durable, ensuring it can last for many years. Many of our shelving options are coated with a corrosion and rust-resistant finish, so they can stand up to temperature changes, differing moisture levels, as well as wear and tear from constant use.
Customizable
Industrial shelving is versatile and customizable, so you can adapt them as your needs change. For example, our 200A boltless rivet shelving can be easily adjusted to different heights or customized with additional drawers, cabinets, and dividers, improving accessibility and organization.
Cost-Effectiveness
Perhaps the greatest benefit industrial shelving has over more comprehensive warehouse racking systems is its cost-effectiveness. Shelving costs a fraction of the price of large pallet rack systems, allowing businesses to save money through strategic storage solutions. It is a relatively low-cost investment that can contribute to increased revenue.
Safety Considerations When Using Industrial Shelving
To determine whether you’re using industrial shelving correctly, there are several key safety considerations:
Should the Shelves be Secured to the Floor?
Certain storage racks and shelving must be secured to the floor for safety and stability. If your storage system comes with base plates and anchor bolts, safely secure them to the floor. This protects them from falling over in the event of a forklift collision, earthquake, or other warehouse accident.
Is Your Floor Material Suitable for Your Shelving Units?
While your shelving unit may be strong enough to support heavy-duty goods, the floor of the warehouse may not be stable enough, particularly if the shelves need to be secured. Industrial flooring materials include concrete, linoleum, epoxy, and vinyl composition tile (VCT).
Are Your Floors Even?
To ensure shelving units are well-balanced, there must be no more than a 0.5” deviation in 10 feet of shelf height. Even floors are a must for storage facilities and warehouses.
Do You Inspect and Maintain Your Shelving Units Regularly?
Racking and shelving must be inspected and maintained regularly, typically once a month. During inspections, warehouse managers should look for signs of damage or wear and tear, particularly to support beams, nuts, bolts, and joints. It’s important to document any repairs and maintenance to identify frequently occurring problems which may indicate that you need to replace the unit.
Do the Shelves Have Adequate Load Capacity for Your Items?
The load capacity of a shelf determines how much weight it can safely support. It’s important to be aware of the load capacity of your shelving units to avoid overburdening them. Load capacity can diminish due to frequent use, wear and tear, or damage.
Types of Industrial Shelving
The most important factor in determining whether you’re using industrial shelving correctly is if the type of shelving is fit for purpose. Different shelving designs are made for specific product types and warehouse systems. While DIY industrial pipe shelves might look good in your loft or game room, they have no place in a warehouse or industrial storage setting.
At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we stock high-quality industrial shelving in a variety of styles.
Boltless Rivet Shelving
Boltless rivet shelving is an adjustable and versatile option that requires no additional hardware or tools to assemble. It is lightweight, cost-effective, and accessible, making it a popular choice for all types of businesses, from offices to large warehouses.
At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we stock single and double-rivet shelving. Our Hallowell Rivetwell double rivet beam shelving is rigid, strong, and suitable for storing light to heavy-duty goods. If you need easy-to-access shelving, our open Hallowell Rivetwell single rivet shelving is designed for seamless access from all sides.
Industrial Steel Shelving
Our 48” wide industrial steel shelving is used for storing heavy and bulky items in factories or warehouses. It is available in open or closed configurations, and each shelf has a weight capacity of 600 lbs.
Whether you need a clean, visible shelving option for your retail store or a strong and durable system for your car garage, this 20 gauge steel unit is a long-lasting option.
Heavy-Duty Mobile Units
Mobile shelving is an excellent solution for warehouses and facilities that lack space horizontally and vertically. It reduces clutter, boosts productivity, and minimizes downtime, which can speed up order processing significantly.
We provide a range of mobile shelving options, including rugged, heavy-duty units. These shelves are designed to support up to 1,000 lbs, ensuring they can house high volumes of goods. The durable steel structure means you can store a variety of inventory or supplies, from office equipment to automotive components.
We also supply heavy-duty pallet jacks capable of supporting up to 5,000 lbs. These are essential for transporting bulk quantities of items or heavy-duty goods throughout a warehouse.
Galvanized Shelves for Pallet Rack Systems
Certain businesses require specialized shelving to meet health and safety standards and keep their products in good condition. Our galvanized steel shelves are rust-resistant and suitable for outdoors, inside coolers, or freezer rooms, and are ideal for storing pharmaceutical or chemical products.
This type of shelf is frequently used to create large warehouse pallet rack systems due to their durability, corrosion and rust resistance, and affordability.
Choosing the Right Shelving System for Your Needs
Your storage facility’s efficiency, productivity, and profitability rely significantly on a cohesive warehouse management strategy and an adequate shelving system. Although storage can be expensive, it is a crucial investment that’s important to get right.
At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we help businesses find affordable storage systems to improve operations, productivity, and efficiency. We stock a variety of new and used industrial shelving, ensuring you can find the right equipment to fulfill your organization’s needs.
As storage professionals, we guide you through the entire process, from recommending certain options to teaching you how to use the equipment correctly. Our turnkey system management can even assist with product assembly and installation as well as obtaining building permits.
Whether you’re upgrading your warehouse storage system or need help getting the most out of your existing shelving, contact Shelving + Rack Systems Inc. today. To view our full industrial shelving inventory, check out our online catalog.
