Investing in quality storage systems is an essential aspect of any successful business that deals with inventory. Leading companies such as Amazon have focused extensively on making their warehouses more efficient, allowing them to cut delivery times and costs.
High-quality industrial shelves are built to last longer, cause fewer problems, and it is easy to store and retrieve goods from the shelves. Depending on the type of goods you store, you’ll need a specific warehouse shelving solution.
At Storage + Rack Systems, Inc, we help companies improve productivity and efficiency with high-quality storage equipment and solutions. There’s a wide range of storage systems, from rivet shelving to pallet racks, and we can help you find the one that fits your specific needs. Here are some of the most popular types of warehouse shelving to increase warehouse efficiency.
Pallet Racking
Pallet racking is a common type of storage system that is used to store palletized inventory. This system allows warehouses to maximize vertical space, placing pallets in horizontal rows and several vertical levels. Usually, businesses use forklifts to access the pallets, increasing warehouse efficiency and safety.
Within pallet rack systems, there are different methods depending on a company’s storage and distribution system. A company with a FIFO inventory system (First-in-First-Out) may choose selective pallet racking, while LIFO systems (Last-in-First-Out) work better with push-back pallet racking.
Tear-drop pallet racking is a popular option because of its slide-in tear-drop-shaped punch hole design, allowing easy installation and reconfiguration. This makes them an excellent choice for maximizing your warehouse floor storage space for seasonal inventory fluctuations.
If you stock long, bulky, or oddly shaped inventory, cantilever racking consists of uprights with horizontal beams, without decking, to allow forklifts to access the inventory from directly underneath the item.
Steel Shelving
Steel shelving is one of the sturdiest options available, often made from roll formed or structural steel, and is ideal for heavy equipment. There are different kinds of steel shelves you can purchase with varying weight capacities. If you have very heavy equipment or tools you need to store; a high-quality steel shelf can provide the necessary support and resistance.
A benefit of steel shelves is that their superior quality of materials makes them durable and long-lasting. They don’t need much maintenance, and you can purchase used steel shelves for a lower price, making them an excellent option for warehouses on a budget.
Rivet Shelving
Rivet shelving is one of the most versatile storage systems available. The shelf weight capacities can reach 1,400 lbs., rivaling the weight capacity of pallet racks. Rivet shelving is made of shelf beams attached to welded steel posts. The upright posts have tear-drop slots, and the shelf beams have connector pins that slide in.
One of the advantages of rivet shelving is that it allows you to create a mezzanine structure. This system provides a highly concentrated storage system. Rivet shelving can be cut to specific heights and installed as a support structure for different needs, thanks to its versatility.
Wire Shelving
For many businesses, wire shelving can provide excellent advantages and be the best shelving option. Wire shelving offers better visibility than steel shelving or pallet racking, although it’s not as durable and sturdy as steel and rivet shelving. Having good visibility is important for warehouses that store small products or tools since it allows workers to quickly and easily retrieve items.
Another advantage of wire shelving is breathability. This is especially important for food or medical products that need to remain ventilated to avoid spoilage or contamination. Also, wire shelving prevents dust from accumulating and protects the products from damage.
The third advantage of wire shelving is safety. In case of a warehouse fire, steel and rivet shelving can prevent water from getting through. Wire shelving allows the passage of water and can help you quickly extinguish a fire.
Vertical Lift Modules
Across the world, warehouses are using smarter and more technologically advanced storage solutions to increase their efficiency. Different automated storage systems are available, but vertical lift modules (VLMs) are the most popular for high-density storage. A vertical module is an automated storage system that allows you to store and retrieve items quickly.
A VLM is an enclosed structure with two columns with shelves for trays and one central extractor unit. The extractor moves up and down the structure, storing and retrieving trays as needed. At the base of the structure, there’s a wide and ergonomic pick-up window. There’s a screen with easy-to-use software next to it where the operator can control the unit.
Improve Your Storage Systems With Shelving + Rack Systems
At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we have been helping businesses with excellent warehouse storage equipment and solutions since 1979. If you are unsure what type of rack or type of pallet racking you need, we can help you with a customized storage solution that fits your businesses’ specific requirements, such as push back rack, carton flow racking, and pallet flow racking.
We take care of installation, so your new storage equipment is ready to use safely as soon as possible. For more information call us at (800) 589-7225.
