Storage needs vary from industry to industry, organization to organization, and facility to facility. But there’s a common denominator to all requirements: it’s got to be high quality. No one wants to be replacing shelving after just a short period of time.
When you’re on the hunt for high-quality shelving systems, there are several factors to consider in order to get the biggest bang for your buck.
- Durability: Shelving systems should be able to withstand the weight of your items and last the test of time.
- Customization: Storage solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all, and shelves should be installed based on your size and space specifications.
- Safety: Look for shelving with safety features such as anti-tip devices or stability features, particularly if you’re in an area prone to earthquakes.
- Reconfigurability: Shelving systems that can be rearranged and reconfigured as your needs change make for an efficient option.
- Attractiveness: Complement your existing design with shelves that blend with your aesthetic. Look for systems that can be customized to your color palette.
- Economics: Invest in shelving systems that will last — otherwise, you’ll end up paying more when you replace cheap shelves that break, warp, or degrade.
To get started on selecting high-quality shelving systems for your needs, it’s important to consider your requirements. Does your facility have ample space, or will you have a small footprint to work within? Does your inventory need to be accessed regularly, or stored for long periods of time? How large or heavy are the items you need to store?
Understanding your specific requirements will help you determine not only what kinds of shelving systems you need, but also the size and amount.
Hidden or Customer-Facing
Another thing to think through is whether or not your items will be on public display and accessed by customers, or if they’ll be for employee use only.
For behind-the-scenes storage, shelving systems such as Static XTend® High-Bay Shelving and XTend Mobile High-Bay Storage Systems are perfect for boxes, books, and other items in off-site locations. When space is tight, high-bay shelving eliminates wasted aisle space and increases the amount of inventory you can store within your footprint. The customizable RaptorRAC® Widespan shelving system is an ideal solution for bulky, heavy items, and can be integrated with mobile systems if necessary for further flexibility. Warehouses and museum archive rooms are examples of facilities that benefit from these types of storage systems.
Onsite or out in public areas, shelving systems such as 4-post and case-type shelving, cantilever systems, and flexible shelving systems are not only attractive, but highly functional. Some systems offer custom end panels to create a more visually appealing design. Libraries, municipal buildings, sports facilities, pharmacies and more have requirements that align with shelving systems like these, which can be configured to meet the specific needs of the organization.
Designed for ease of installation, reconfiguration, and expansion, Spacesaver© shelving units allow you to select the shelves you need for your space with the option to add a range of accessories.
Material Matters
Durability is so important to quality that sometimes the two are synonymous. In the case of shelving, the material integrity is vital to long-term reliability.
Over time, factors such as humidity, temperature, fatigue or mechanical stress can wear on materials and cause them to degrade. This can lead to structural failure, which not only threatens the materials you are storing, but also the safety of employees.
Look for shelving systems that are constructed from heavy-duty materials with durable coating for long-lasting performance. For example, Spacesaver metal shelving units are made in the USA with up to 25% recycled highly durable steel. Steel is known for its high tensile strength and resistance to temperature fluctuations. It can support heavy items without bending or warping, and can withstand extreme temperatures and moisture.
Steel also is relatively affordable, customizable, and attractive. The smooth surfaces can be easily cleaned or painted, making it ideal for any type of storage.
Flexibility Requirements
Making a large-scale investment shouldn’t mean you’re locked into an exact layout for life. If the nature of your organization means you need to move your items without unpacking them, access inventory often, or reconfigure your storage as you grow, look for shelving systems that can easily allow for those scenarios.
Mobile shelving systems are flexible enough to move items as needed while durable enough to house heavy and bulky products. With powered, mechanical-assist or manual-assist options available, Systems & Space offers mobile solutions that increase storage capacity within the available footprint. In addition, safety features such as photo sweeps, sensors, and automatic stopping help mitigate the risk of employee or customer injury.
As you begin your search for a high-quality shelving system, keep in mind which functionalities and features are most important for your organization’s long-term storage needs. To get started, reach out to an expert at Systems & Space.
