INDUSTRIAL SHELVING
- Versatile, easy to use and configure
- Tool-free installation
- Ideal for small to medium-sized products of variable formats
- Economical
- Distribution Centre
- Maintenance departments
- Parts departments
- Workshops
Industrial shelving is one of the simplest and most common storage systems. They represent the first step in organizing and optimizing storage space. Industrial shelving can be closed, open, of different heights and widths. Robust and durable, they can be installed quickly and are reconfigurable according to your changing needs. MSK Canada has designed hundreds of storage areas built around industrial shelving. Here are a few things to consider.
Where to install industrial shelving?
Industrial shelving is very often the starting point for parts stores and maintenance departments in industrial application, but also in the warehouse of retail stores.
How to configure industrial shelving?
Back-to-back shelving aisles are created and parts are positioned on the shelving. Depending on the size of the parts to be stored, they can simply be placed on the shelf or, for smaller parts and components, stored in cardboard or plastic bin boxes. Each location is identified and this location is associated with the part in the inventory. In this configuration, a service counter is often set up to receive internal or external parts orders. To fulfill an order, the clerk will pick up each part by navigating through the industrial shelving aisles. Find out more about industrial shelving here.
What are the disadvantages of industrial shelving?
There are several disadvantages to working with a storage department or warehouse built around industrial shelving:
Industrial shelving creates wasted and unusable space
The cardboard boxes containing the small parts are rarely completely filled, as all parts are not the same size and their inventory varies. The free space left above the box to allow access to it is also wasted space. Finally, the depth of the shelf (24”, 36”) is often not fully utilized. All this contributes to less-than-optimal use of space.
Industrial shelving do not use the total available height of the building
Typically measuring around 76” in height, typical industrial shelving uses the floor space, but does not utilize the space between the top of the shelving unit and the ceiling of the room. This storage space, in cubic feet, is unusable and wasted. That said, it is possible to create a mezzanine out of industrial shelving for very specific applications.
Industrial shelving requires circulation aisles
Depending on the configuration of your storage space, the use of industrial shelving requires circulation aisles. These aisles represent wasted storage space and will invariably result in wasted time for your workers as they move through them.
How to maximize the use of industrial shelving?
Here are some ways to maximize industrial shelving storage space. Each of them is adapted to specific applications and has its limitations:
Adding drawers in industrial shelving
Adding modular storage drawers to industrial shelving is a great way to increase storage capacity, organization and maximize the use of the available cubic foot. By eliminating the free space normally left above cardboard boxes, you can often double the storage space. Click here to find out more.
Install mobile industrial shelving
To eliminate the need for circulation aisles in an industrial shelving warehouse, it is possible to install these shelving on carriers installed on rails to make them mobile shelving. Mobile shelving maximizes the use of available space by eliminating circulation aisles. Click here to find out more.
Industrial shelving mezzanine
If the interior space allows it and your operations align with its benefits and limitations, it is possible to create a mezzanine in industrial shelving. A mezzanine creates a new floor, and therefore additional storage space, by using the interior height of the building. Access to this new level is via stairs, which becomes a waste of time for your workers and could potentially lead to the risk of accidents. Click here to find out more.
What are the different types of industrial shelving?
There is a wide variety of industrial shelving available on the market, each designed to meet specific needs in terms of load capacity, space, and usage. Choosing the right type of shelving is essential to ensure safety, maximize operational efficiency, and optimize your workspace layout. An ill-suited solution can lead to wasted time, additional costs, and even safety risks.
A static shelf is a stable and permanent storage structure designed to remain in place once installed. Sturdy and reliable, it is ideal for long-term storage of materials or products that do not require frequent movement. It offers excellent load capacity and can be easily integrated into various industrial or commercial environments.
Metal shelving is a great option for warehouses, manufacturing and other industrial environments. This storage system is designed to withstand heavy loads and resist wear and tear, making it a durable and reliable storage solution.
Long-span heavy-duty shelving is designed for the storage of bulky items. By using a steel frame and economical wooden shelves, this solution offers the user the opportunity to reduce expenses while maintaining good storage capacity for larger items.
High-capacity modular drawers with compartments allow you to maximize each metal shelving unit by eliminating unused space between shelves and improving your organization.
A mobile shelf is a storage solution mounted on tracks or wheels, allowing sections to be easily moved for quick access to stored items. It is ideal for maximizing space, especially in environments where every square meter counts. In addition to optimizing storage, it enhances organization and material access, while offering flexibility and efficiency on a daily basis.
A mobile shelf is a storage solution mounted on tracks or wheels, allowing sections to be easily moved for quick access to stored items. It is ideal for maximizing space, especially in environments where every square meter counts. In addition to optimizing storage, it enhances organization and material access, while offering flexibility and efficiency on a daily basis.
How to launch your industrial shelving project?
Choosing a storage system should not be taken lightly. Long before talking about equipment, a thorough study of your products and business processes should be undertaken. Only then can we consider the different storage systems. But beyond the systems themselves, the layout of the equipment, the design of your storage space, is most important. Luckily, that’s exactly what our team has been doing for over 35 years. Contact us to start the conversation now.