Enhancing safety, streamlining logistics, and creating valuable additional storage space are just some of the advantages offered by modern warehouse storage systems. But which solutions are the most widely used? Let’s explore the five most popular types of warehouse storage systems across the UK.
Pallet Racks
Pallet racks are highly versatile warehouse storage systems, commonly used in industrial environments to hold palletised goods. They are built from vertical uprights and horizontal beams that form a strong framework designed to support heavy loads. These systems are especially valuable in warehouses with large inventories or high-density storage demands.
Pallet racks provide:
- Better organisation
- Convenient access to products
- Maximised use of vertical space
- A modular structure that supports scalability and customisation
Static Shelving
Static shelving provides fixed warehouse storage solutions ideal for small to medium-sized, lightweight items—typically weighing no more than a few hundred pounds per shelf—that do not require frequent movement. These sturdy shelves are perfect for well-organised inventories with long shelf lives, allowing quick manual retrieval without the need for machinery such as forklifts.
Mezzanine Floors
Mezzanine flooring systems are installed within warehouses to create additional usablespace without increasing the building’s footprint. Ideal for facilities with high ceilings, these intermediate floors help businesses maximise vertical storage capacity.
Key advantages include:
- Cost-effective expansion by increasing storage space
- Improved operational efficiency through better organisation
- Customisable design options for storage, office, or production areas
Multi-tier racking systems
Multi-tier racking systems are multi-level storage structures designed to maximise vertical warehouse space. Typically supported by a mezzanine floor or heavy-duty uprights, these systems allow workers to easily access and store inventory on different levels. Multi-tier solutions increase storage density, improve organisation, and enhance accessibility, making them ideal for optimising warehouse operations.
Mobile Shelving
Mobile shelving units are mounted on tracks, allowing them to move and create compact storage configurations. Often referred to as carriages, these units slide apart to provide access when needed, enabling up to a 40% increase in storage efficiency by optimising space usage in your warehouse. Mobile shelving is highly flexible and ideal for lightweight goods and cold storage environments. It can be enhanced with accessories such as wire mesh decks, floor sensors, safety netting, and remote control systems to suit specific operational needs.
Summary
Here is a concise summary of the reworded warehouse storage system topics:
- Pallet Racks: Versatile storage systems built with vertical uprights and horizontal beams, ideal for high-density pallet storage in large warehouses. They improveorganisation, provide easy access, and make efficient use of vertical space.
- Mezzanine Flooring Systems: Intermediate floors installed within warehouses to increase storage capacity without expanding the building footprint. Suitable for high- ceiling warehouses, they enable customised spaces for storage, offices, or production, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Static Shelving: Fixed shelving units designed for lightweight, small to medium-sized items that are less frequently moved. Best for well-organised inventories with long shelf lives, allowing quick manual access without machinery.
- Multi-tier Racking Systems: Multi-level storage structures often supported by mezzanine floors, designed to maximise vertical space by creating several levels. These systems increase storage density, organisation, and accessibility.
- Mobile Shelving Units: Shelving mounted on tracks that move to compact storage when not in use, optimising space by up to 40%. Flexible and ideal for lightweight or cold storage applications, they can be equipped with accessories like safety netting and remote controls.