By observing your business premises or personal space, you realize that a well-spaced building looks so much better, and getting things done becomes easier. while there are so many space utilization methods, the use of shelving and racking has been at the top of the list for the most preferred methods.
The use of shelves and racks has not only been instrumental in personal spaces but also in large warehouses and industrial buildings. Their usage is but not limited to optimizing space, increasing work efficiency, and aesthetic value, and ensuring the durability of goods. This article looks into shelving and racking systems in detail.
Understanding shelving and racking
In the storage industry, most people find it difficult to tell the difference between shelving and racking. While both of them are used as a means of optimizing space, they have some key distinctions regarding how they look and function.in case you are having a challenge differentiating the two, below is a well-detailed distinction between the two storage methods;
· Weight
Racks are designed to withstand heavy weights while shelves are designed using light materials that can withstand light weights. The ability to withstand heavy weight makes racks suitable for use in warehouses and industrial buildings involving heavy machinery. On the other hand, shelves are mostly preferred in domestic environments and small businesses for storing light materials.
· Size
Racks are normally bigger and stronger compared to shelves. Due to their space and strength, racks are occassionally used to create extra mezzanine space in industrial buildings. On the other hand, shelves are mostly used to store small components due to their size.
· Accessibility
Due to their strength, racks are used to fill up mezzanine spaces in industrial buildings. the length of the racks can extend to the roof level, which makes accessibility without needing help difficult. On the other hand, shelves can only make a few storage spaces due to the nature of their material. This ensures easy accessibility to them without needing extra help.
Categories of shelves
Shelves are made in various forms and designs to meet different needs. If you are looking into getting a shelf, below are some categories that you can choose from;
· Steel shelves
These are the most common types of shelves. They are made from steel which enables them to support heavy weight.
· Adjustable shelves
These are shelves that can be customized to your desired shape and size.
· Clipless shelves
These are shelves implanted on the walls without a clip, normally a bolt is used to support them by the corners.
· Wide span shelves
These are shelves designed to support both heavy and light materials.
· unrestricted shelves
these are shelves that are not secured using a door or a locking cabinet. They allow easy access to goods.
· Restricted shelves
Restricted shelves are designed to have doors and lock cabinets to prevent unauthorized access to goods.
Categories of racks
There are mainly seven types of storage racks, which are;
- Flexible racks
- Wide span racks
- Push back racks
- Drive in pallet racks
- Drive through pallet rack
- Double deep pallet rack
- Narrow aisle pallet rack
Factors to consider before choosing a shelving and racking system
Choosing the right shelving and racking system is a key determinant of how your space will be optimized and how efficient you will be in terms of production.it is therefore advisable to consider various factors before purchasing a shelving and racking system. Some of the factors to consider include;
- Your needs and preferences
- The available space in your house or warehouse
- The size of the shelving and racking system
- Its weight
- Its flexibility
- Its safety measures
- The cost of purchasing and maintaining
- The materials used to design the storage systems
The Benefits of shelving and racking systems
Shelving and racking are important for the following reasons;
- They optimize space
- They increase efficiency and productivity in warehouses and industrial buildings
- They improve the aesthetic value of your building
- Protect goods from damage
- Promote easy accessibility of goods
- Guarantees the safety of both the products and the users
Conclusion
shelving and racking has been one of the most impactful systems in the storage world. By investing in shelving and racking systems you are not only optimizing your space but also establishing a platform to increase your efficiency and productivity.
