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Writer's pictureEmily McGeorge

Industrial Storage Solutions: Which One Suits Your Business?

Every warehouse, office or workshop should have the most suitable storage solution. Every business has different needs. The storage you choose depends on the volume of the goods, the size of the space and the floor room. But once you find the proper one, you'll be more organised and productive.


 

Storage Cages


A mesh storage cage
source: pinterest.com.au

Every business and warehouse needs a proper storage system to keep their goods safely stacked. If you want to get the best storage space, buy sturdy and durable storage cages. They're made of welded or interlocking metal wires and can be both mounted and freestanding, depending on your needs.


To start off, you should determine how much storage you need. Will it be for goods, equipment, tools, or personal items? The size of the cage will depend on the number, size and shape of these items. Next, you should measure the available space. Make sure you know the exact length, width, ceiling height and if there are any obstacles on the way.


There are open and closed cages. Open ones make accessing the items inside simple. Their primary function is to keep everything organised within carefully planned storage spaces. Hardware stores for example can really benefit from them because they’ll keep the tools organised and available at all times.


A locked cage is a good option if you need to store items, but you're concerned about their safety. Their main goal is to prevent theft and damage. Most of them come with a locking mechanism as another safety precaution. Keeping valuable products and documents locked is sometimes the best you can do.


The material the cages are made of can also make a difference. They're commonly made of some type of metal, steel wire mesh. Steel is also a great option because it’s strong and durable, but it can be on the expensive side. Aluminium is lighter and more affordable. It won’t break your budget, but you’ll still get a strong cage.


If you need to store clothes or perishables, having good ventilation is crucial. It'll prevent moisture and odours inside the cage. These cages can be mobile so you can move them from one place to another depending on your needs. The castors will lock up and keep them in one place. Before going out to buy the cage, make sure you do your research and buy from a reliable supplier.


Pallet Racking


If you own a busy, large warehouse, pallet racking is a great choice. While storage cages can be a good option, pallets will give you more storage area for this setting. They are the focal storage point of the area and will give you ample storage space for all of the items. They’re made of strong and sturdy materials such as wood, plastic and metal.


They are typically tall, and workers should use forklifts or other automated equipment to place the goods, cartons, or pallets on them. You'll encounter two types of pallet racking, roll form and structural construction. The roll type is a bit thinner and lighter compared to the structural construction. This makes it suitable for light-traffic warehouses. Both of these options are made of steel.


Open Shelving


If you’re dealing with non-palletised goods, open shelving is the most recommended option. It's constructed with welded steel racks and has a non-movable shelf height. This shelving is impact-resistant and very stable. Manufacturers even add a layer of powder coat finish to make them more durable.


There are manufacturers that make custom-made open shelving. You give them the measurements of the space and the size of your products, and they adjust the height, depth and width of the shelves according to your needs. Their base is large and sturdy and there’s an option to bolt them to the floor for more stability.


Flow Through Racks


Flow through racks
source: akequipment.com

If you’re dealing with the shipping business and send out a lot of packages daily, flow through racks is the way to go. These racks will keep the products close at hand by drawing the contents at the front where you can reach them easily. You and your employees won’t have to climb stairs, reach out and bend to get what you need.


The racks have spinning rollers, and they slide towards you. This is due to the slight incline of the shelves; gravity does the work for you. Just like industrial storage cages, flow-through racks are very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They have a solid steel construction which will last for many years to come.


Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems


Although automated storage is still relatively new to this sector, it is gradually changing the way distribution centres and warehouses operate. Nowadays, businesses use robotic palletisers and AGVs (automated guided vehicles). They also include computerised automated storage and retrieval systems, or ASRS, which may pick up and drop down inventory items at the pallet level, including stocks, boxes, and other goods.


Mobile Shelving


This is a very similar shelving option to the static one. It holds items you can pick by hand and it’s adjustable. There's one, significant difference. Mobile shelving can store more items in a smaller, limited space. Mobile shelving improves access to the inventory even in cramped areas, removes fixed lanes, and increases efficiency by putting shelves or cabinets on carriage and rail systems.


Wire Partitions


Wire partitions have nothing to do with advanced technology. Their design is simple and basic. Just as the name suggests, they’re wire partitions you can install wherever you need. They're very easy to install and remove and businesses use them to add extra protection to certain fragile items.

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