Exploring Benefits and Types of Shelving Systems
Storage shelves play a significant role in improving productivity, efficiency and organisation. They can even impact the bottom line of a business. Proper storage offers a company space savings, which means more open areas, or the ability to add extra storage or staff. The improvements in organisation will enable staff to work more smoothly and effectively, they will feel more positive about coming to work when the environment is clean and clear.
All these factors enhance the productivity of a workplace. Let’s dive into more detail around the valuable benefits that businesses can gain from the right storage shelving systems.
What Are The Benefits Of Storage Shelving Systems
● Improved organisation
A significant benefit of storage shelves is their capacity to aid companies in organising physical items. From library books and medical documents to legal reports, shelves help organise products and tools useful for the business.
● Better efficiency
Well-organised storage shelves permit employees to find items they need fast, ensuring the smooth operation of workflow.
● Optimisation of space
Maximum use of space is a valuable quality required by businesses, especially those renting warehouse or office space. Adding shelves can free up areas dramatically and help enhance traffic flow in the workspace.
● Limits loss of items
Every valuable item of a business is accorded its rightful place in the shelving system, which makes items easy to find and prevents the loss of items and thus, money.
● Security
Extensive damage can be caused by leaving business-related items in the wrong location. For example, office records left in a dank corner can develop mildew and mould. Hence, arranging things on storage shelves that provide a stable, secure and safe spot for all items is good for business.
● Ease of assembly
Though shelves come in pieces, they are typically easy and quick to assemble, without the requirement for sophisticated tools.
● Durability
Well made, good quality storage shelves will last a long time, without requiring any maintenance that could result in downtime for a business.
● Enhanced safety of workers
Cluttered warehouses and offices pose a security risk for employees. Storage shelves can improve safety by clearing out clutter.
What Type of Storage Shelves Are Best For Your Business
There are many kinds of shelves which serve as storage systems, so let’s take a closer look at the main types and understand the benefits they offer:
● Modular shelving
These shelves easily adapt to available space and specific needs. These are highly flexible and can be configured in a myriad of ways to create personalised spaces for storage. They consist of separate modules which can be stacked along, upon or against each other to serve as side units, bookshelves or room dividers.
● Longspan shelving
These unique items are meant for storing small and medium-sized objects. They feature bolt-free locking systems, which help support beams to remain secure. This is a highly flexible and effective storage solution for businesses.
Shelves are constructed of lightweight materials that are also durable. Since they can be used to make multi-level shelves, this saves a lot of space. In addition, vertical storage helps free up valuable groundspace. Most of these shelves use pins and rivets instead of bolts; this enables the easy height adjustment of shelves and allows customisation as per storage requirements.
● Library shelving
There are two major types of library shelves, these are 4-post and cantilever shelves. Cantilever shelves have a central, upright frame and shelves that hang on either side. 4-post shelving features a dual wall in the upright, which prevents items from becoming stuck behind or hidden behind the front post from inside the unit.
● Cool room shelving
They are becoming increasingly popular worldwide in markets that require options for hygienic storage. Cool room shelves are suitable for usage with food, as they are easy to clean and do not rust.
● Wire shelving
Is typically used in commercial and industrial settings and for residential applications. They consist of wire mesh that is supported by metal props or scaffolds and can bear much load. The mesh is typically welded to the scaffolds but might be attached in other ways to allow disassembly.
The most common shelf size is 46 inches wide and 42 inches deep. Also, two such shelves can be assembled side by side to form an extra deep shelf. Wire shelves are used in retail stores and restaurants because they are easy to clean and resist mould and dust. In addition, they are excellent in locations which stress fire prevention as they permit the free flow of sprinkler systems, while other solid shelf designs can impede water flow.
● Epoxy wire shelving
All wire shelves are budget friendly and attractive. The most common types are Chrome and Epoxy. Epoxy shelves are cheaper and sleeker than Chrome shelves. They are amazingly versatile as they can function in temperatures ranging from zero to three hundred degrees centigrade. They can be used in both dry and wet applications. They have rubberised coatings that defeat corrosion and rust. Some common uses of such shelves include wire shelving for warehouses, food storage, sheds, garages and cool rooms. Epoxy also inhibits the growth of bacteria, ensuring safe, germ free storage. Additionally, it can resist chemical exposure and is therefore useful for storing products in the pharma and food industries.
● MAX Q shelves
Typically use mat shelves with a removable polymer on a robust steel frame, this permits easy cleaning and simple adjustments. In addition, they are configurable and flexible to meet a wide variety of storage needs.
In sum, shelving systems are beneficial for all the storage needs of warehouses, offices and retail spaces. There are many and various kinds of shelving systems to match every storage need and application. Research the best options that meet the requirements of your organisation.