You don’t work around mobile shelving. Mobile shelving works around you.
Traditional fixed, static shelving doesn’t move. Workers in your facility are forced to navigate large bays and narrow aisles, many of which may rarely be used, particularly in the case of long term storage.
Mobile shelving is a type of storage system that is designed to move out of your way. With shelving units installed on tracks, entire bays can be stacked next to each other (through manual, mechanically-assisted or powered means) to significantly reduce the amount of space taken up by the system.
High density mobile shelving units therefore allow you to store more inventory in less space, or grant you more usable space within your facility.
In this guide we’ll reveal how mobile storage racks can enhance your business, where mobile shelving makes the most sense, and how to identify the right mobile shelving system for your situation.
Benefits of mobile shelving for warehouses, offices and industrial facilities
Why choose mobile shelving for your business? Because this storage system offers a unique range of benefits, including:
- Versatility: Mobile shelving racks can be adapted for an array of applications: warehousing, retail, office storage, archives, libraries and more. They accommodate anything that fits on the shelves, from files and documents to parts and supplies.
- Space-efficiency: Most businesses only use one aisle at a time. This space-saving shelving maximises your available floor space by eliminating unnecessary aisles. And as high-density shelving, it can also increase your storage capacity by up to 50%.
- Accessibility: Clearly labelled mobile shelving bays make it easy to organise your inventory. And accessing the items or paperwork is every bit as simple: you just create an aisle wherever you need by moving the other bays aside.
- Safety and security: Locks can be added to the end of each bay to ensure that items can only be accessed by authorised personnel. Mobile shelving also enhances site safety by reducing clutter and minimising collision risks.
- Customisation: Storepro mobile shelving racks are available in a variety of sizes, configurations and load capacities, and can be equipped with accessories such as dividers, drawers and bins. And you can add extra bays as needed to handle growing stock volumes.
- Ease of use: The best mobile warehouse storage solutions feature smooth-gliding mechanisms for easy movement and reconfiguration. Some systems even offer powered movement for added speed and convenience.
Which industries can benefit from mobile shelving?
Mobile shelving systems are a common sight in a few key industries, including:
- Any industry with significant archiving and document storage needs, including government departments, legal firms, healthcare providers, libraries and museums.
- Retail/e-commerce fulfilment centres and 3PL/logistics warehouses with high SKU variation.
- Parts storage for factories, manufacturers, resellers and end users.
Mobile shelving is most commonly utilised for archival and long-term storage, or low rotation inventory.
Key considerations before installing a mobile shelving system
You’re thinking of investing in industrial mobile shelving. How do you know which is right for you? The following considerations can help you to gain a clear picture of what the right system looks like.
- Load capacity/floor load limits: Ensure the shelving system and the surface it will be installed on can safely support the combined weight of the shelves and stored items, particularly if the shelving is being installed on a mezzanine level or upper floor.
- Goods being stored: Consider the size and weight of the inventory you will store, and how regularly items will need to be accessed. Choose a system that balances durability and security with efficiency and accessibility. Frequently accessed shelving could benefit from powered movement, for example.
- Safety features: Look for built-in safety features, e.g. mechanisms that prevent bays from tipping, and end-of-bay locks that ensure only authorised personnel can access stored documents and inventory.
- Surface suitability: Tracks must be perfectly level for mobile shelving to function properly. Check that the proposed area has a level surface. If it doesn’t, you may need to do some structural repairs before installing the system.
- Compliance with NZ standards: Confirm that the system meets relevant New Zealand regulations to ensure legal compliance, and to keep your workers safe. All Storepro mobile shelving systems are fully compliant with local regulations.
Mobile shelving vs static shelving: which is right for you?
What’s the difference between mobile and static shelving? The answer goes far beyond ‘one moves and one doesn’t’. Here’s a summary of how they differ, and which one might be right for you:
Mobile Shelving | Static Shelving | |
Space usage | High space efficiency (up to 50% better than static); eliminates multiple aisles. | Less space efficient; requires fixed aisles between each unit. |
Accessibility | Moderate; one access aisle at a time, but can be configured to open where needed. | High; all shelves are accessible simultaneously. |
Retrieval speed | Slightly slower if items are stored across different units. | Faster where frequent access is required. |
Initial cost | A slightly higher upfront investment due to track and mechanism systems. | Lower upfront investment due to simpler design and installation. |
Maintenance | Requires periodic maintenance of tracks and moving parts. | Minimal maintenance required. |
Durability | Robust and long-lasting with proper maintenance. | Ultra-durable; fewer moving parts means less wear. |
Security | Enhanced security as bays can be locked together to prevent unauthorised access. | Less secure, although security features can be added. |
Customisation | Highly configurable for space, size and use, and aisles can be reconfigured at any time. | Highly configurable layout, but stays in a fixed position once installed. |
Installation considerations | More complex; requires a level surface and careful load assessment. | Less complex; static, evenly distributed loads; generally easier on flooring. |
Ideal for | Archives, long-term storage, high-density storage, space-limited areas. | Bulky inventory, Fast-paced environments, high-throughput facilities. |
Storepro: mobile shelving experts
Mobile shelving is the answer to the question “what if our storage could work around us?” It can prove an incredible investment for any number of businesses, particularly those that prioritise adaptability, security and space efficiency.
At Storepro we’ve spent decades helping NZ organisations to identify and install their ideal mobile shelving system. Our highly customised solutions and end-to-end service ensure that you secure the ultimate mobile storage solution – one that will enhance the safety, efficiency and productivity of your facility.
Get in touch with our friendly team today for a free consultation, and take the first step towards smarter storage.