Most wholesalers and retailers use metal shelving units in their warehouses to keep products dry and accessible. They know that shelving reduces breakage and increases the efficiency of order pickers. Manufacturers, however, frequently fail to appreciate the value of warehouse shelving for industrial application.
A typical manufacturer has an even greater variety of products that must be kept near at hand. Some use a great variety of small parts, such as nuts and bolts. Others must find storage for large motors or cases. Many also require specialized tools which are not frequently used but still must be easy to locate should the need arise.
When employees must spend time to locate the equipment or components needed, production rates decline. Physical inventory counts are time consuming and often inaccurate. Items are more easily lost or damaged. Still, many companies fail to recognize the benefits of warehouse shelving in industrial application. Items may be heaped on the floor or piled up on pallets. Boxes of unrelated parts may be stacked, often without labels, wherever there is floor space. When something is needed, finding it can sometimes resemble a scavenger hunt.
Metal shelving systems keep inventory safe, clean, and organized. The aisles are easier to keep clear, eliminating trip hazards. Employees are no longer subjected to bending over pallets to find an item or having to lift heavy items in an unsafe manner. The need to reorder parts becomes more obvious, preventing potential production down time due to lack of materials.
Shelves can be found in a wide range of styles to accommodate any type of environment. Perhaps a company needs to store dozens of sizes of screws, bolts, and washers. There are shelving units that can hold bins to store each type separately. Or maybe a manufacturer uses various sizes of metal rods. A shelving unit with tilted hooks is tailor made for the task. There are even shelves that can handle entire pallets of material with ease.
Industrial warehouse racking units are available in a wide range of shelf styles. Plain, flat metal shelves are the most common, but wire mesh is also available. They can also be found with rubber covered shelves to cushion items. Inserts such as bins and drawers are also available, as well as locking doors. Custom shelving units can be designed, but are seldom needed due to the wide range of accessories available.
The least expensive and most common style of industrial shelf is open on all sides, but they can also be found with panels on the back or sides. Heights can be as short as three or four feet or as tall as seven. The width of the shelves can vary from about ten inches up to about 48. In warehouses with a high ceiling, mezzanine shelves can turn wasted space into storage. These high rise shelf units are normally accessed by rolling stairs and often have connecting catwalks.
Warehouse shelving may actually outlast the warehouse. The metal shelves clean up quickly and are not prone to rust, resisting the effects of water and humidity. Eventually, heavy use might make a paint touch up desirable. However, metal shelves are extremely long lasting and durable.
For years, companies have realized the benefits of using metal shelves to store finished product and storage boxes. Manufacturers are now beginning to take note of their advantages and to expand the use of warehouse shelving for industrial application.
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