Efficient warehouse storage system is the backbone of any successful business.
Whether you’re managing a small inventory or a large distribution centre. Having the right system boosts productivity and ensures the safety and quality of your products. But with so many options available, finding the best system for your needs can be challenging.
That’s where Flexi Couriers come in.
In this blog post, we’ll explore different types of warehouse storage systems. We’ll discuss their specific uses so that you can choose the right one for your specific needs. Additionally, if you need reliable warehouse storage solutions, we have got you covered. From frozen, and chilled to ambient storage, our temperature-controlled facilities ensure your perishable goods are stored safely and efficiently.
So, without any further ado, let’s explore how different warehouse storage systems help benefit your business.
What Is a Warehouse Storage System?
A warehouse storage system is designed to optimise how goods are stored and organised within a warehouse.
Basically, it’s a collection of different components that work together to create storage compartments for various types of inventories.
Different Types of Primary Warehouse Uses
To choose the right warehouse storage system, it’s important to consider the primary use of your warehouse. Here are a few common uses of warehouses:
- Basic Storage: General storage of goods.
- Cold Storage: Temperature-controlled storage for perishable items.
- Bonded Storage: For goods under customs control.
- B2B Order Fulfillment: Pick & pack services for business-to-business services.
- B2C Order Fulfillment: Pick, pack, and ship for business-to-consumer services.
- Bulk Item Storage: Large items are stored in bulk.
- Contract Warehousing: Outsourced warehousing services.
- On-Demand Warehousing: Temporary storage solutions.
- Co-op Warehousing: Shared space with other businesses.
- Cross-Docking: Quick movement of goods directly from receiving to shipping.
- Manufacturing: Warehousing goods in a production setting.
After determining the basic use and purpose, let’s move towards the main types of warehouses.
6 Types of Warehouse Storage Systems
The most common types include pallet racks, multi-tier racks, static shelving, mobile shelving, wire partitions, and mezzanine flooring. Here you have a quick look at this easy table first:
Storage System | Key Features | Best For |
Static Shelving | Immovable, manual access | Lightweight goods |
Mobile Shelving | Movable shelves, space-saving | Tight spaces, more storage |
Pallet Racks | Forklift accessible, customisable | Heavy, boxed goods |
Multi-Tier Racking | Multi-level storage, organised access | Large, bulky items |
Wire Partitions | Quick setup, security | Secure or temporary storage areas |
Mezzanine Flooring | Extra floors, customisable | Large warehouses needing extra space |
Now, we’ll explain each system and how it’s best used.
1. Static Shelving
As the name suggests, these shelves are designed to stay in one place. They cannot be moved or adjusted once installed. This makes them a stable option for storage.
Uses of Static Shelving Warehouse Storage System:
Static shelves are ideal for lightweight items that are sorted by hand. Such as clothes, books, small parts, and agricultural products.
Since they don’t accommodate forklifts. They are best suited for items that can be easily carried. Before setting up static shelving, it’s important to plan carefully. Their fixed nature means you need to know exactly what you want to store.
2. Mobile Shelving
Mobile shelving is a flexible storage solution that can adapt to your needs. Like static shelving, it’s used for items that are picked manually. But mobile shelving takes efficiency to the next level by maximising storage space.
With this system, shelves or cabinets are mounted on wheels and run along tracks.
This allows you to eliminate fixed aisles. It means you can fit more shelves into a smaller area. Thus, making it easier to access your inventory, even when space is limited.
Moreover, mobile shelving systems can be designed with either manual or automated tracks, according to your preference. Some models even feature locking mechanisms to help you control who has access to certain items. This ensures an extra layer of security.
Uses of Mobile Shelving Warehouse Storage System:
Mobile shelving is great for:
- high volume of manually-picked items
- office supplies
- documents
- lightweight materials
3. Pallet Racks
Pallet racks are made from various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. They come in different weight capacities. So, it’s important to follow the recommended weight limits. One of the key benefits of pallet racks is their vertical storage capability. They can be stacked high, allowing warehouses to maximize space and hold a large inventory in a compact area.
There are several types of pallet racking systems, each designed to meet specific needs:
- High Bay Racking: These racks are connected to the walls and ceiling of the warehouse. They provide excellent vertical space and often incorporate automation for easy retrieval of goods.
- Vertical Racking System: Featuring durable metal arms, this system is designed for storing long items vertically. It makes it ideal for materials like pipes and boards.
- Gravity Flow Racking: This type uses inclined rollers that allow items to move under the force of gravity.
- Cantilever Racking: Perfect for long items like lumber and pipes, cantilever racks have beams fixed at one end. They provide free access from the other side.
Uses of Pallet Racking Warehouse Storage System:
Pallet racks are widely used for storing large boxes. Different types of pallet racks, like high-bay racking and gravity flow racking, meet your various needs. They can hold everything from food products to industrial equipment.
4. Multi-Tier Racking
If you’re looking to make the most of your warehouse space without needing to expand, multi-tier racking is an excellent choice.
One of the standout features of this system is its ability to accommodate large items. With its multi-level design, you can store and organize bulky goods efficiently within your storage area.
Aisles, ramps, and staircases allow your team to reach items quickly and safely. Thus, you can enhance your employees’ productivity and streamline your warehouse operations.
Uses of Multi-Tier Racking Warehouse Storage System:
These racks are particularly useful for warehouses with bulky goods. As they allow for effective organisation while maintaining accessibility. The warehouse team can easily move between levels using ramps or stairs which enhances productivity.
5. Wire Partitions
Wire partitions offer a simple yet effective way to organise space within a warehouse.
It consists of wire cages that can be easily set up and taken down as needed. This flexibility makes them a practical choice for various storage needs.
Uses of Wire Partition Warehouse Storage System:
Wire partitions are commonly used to store sensitive items that require extra security. For example, they are great for storing valuable or sensitive inventory that needs to be kept safe. Additionally, many warehouses utilise wire partitions to create temporary offices for managers or staff working directly on the floor. This allows for quick access to the operations while maintaining a structured environment.
6. Mezzanine Flooring
If your warehouse has the space and you have the budget, mezzanine flooring can be a fantastic storage solution.
It’s an extra level added above your main warehouse floor. This allows you to make the most of your vertical space. You can enhance it with features like lighting, lift systems, and conveyors to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Uses of Mezzanine Flooring Warehouse Storage System:
It’s excellent for maximising space and can be used for various storage needs. It’s often utilised for inventory that benefits from being easily accessible while freeing up floor space below.
Top 5 Benefits of a Warehouse Storage System
Having a solid warehouse storage system improves how your business operates. Here’s how it can make a positive impact:
1. Maximised Space
Investing in equipment like two-tier mezzanines, shelving, and pallet racking can dramatically increase the capacity of your warehouse facility. Sometimes even doubling or tripling it.
2. Better Efficiency
With the right storage setup, your team can find inventory quickly and access it with ease. Plus, a well-organised warehouse makes it safer and simpler to navigate heavy machinery and transport goods.
Thus, it helps your warehouse fulfilment team to navigate the system easily, leading to better overall productivity.
3. Increased Flexibility
Some storage solutions are made to be flexible. They can be easily dismantled, relocated, and reassembled to fit your changing business needs. This adaptability allows you to test different configurations and find the most effective setup without a permanent commitment.
4. Improved Safety
Safety is the priority. The well-being of your employees, equipment, and inventory is important for your warehouse’s success.
Thus, investing in high-quality products, such as guardrails, partitions, safety netting, and rack guards, helps create a safer working environment for everyone involved.
5. Ongoing Savings
By maximizing your storage space and improving flexibility, you can lower operational costs. A smooth-running warehouse not only leads to happier employees but also ensures your customers are satisfied with their orders.
This is especially beneficial during peak seasons, like holidays when demand is high.
Final Words
In summary, there are many different types of warehouse storage systems out there. Looking ahead, these systems are becoming lighter, more affordable, and packed with advanced technology.
Remember, it’s important to choose a system that truly meets your needs. Go for one that offers the flexibility to adapt as your operations expand and evolve.
Are you looking for efficient warehouse storage solutions for your business?
Choose Flexi Couriers as Your Reliable Warehouse Partner
Our scalable, flexible, and affordable warehouse storage solutions go according to your business needs. From temperature-controlled storage to seamless pick-packing and dispatch. Our warehouse team ensures that your goods are handled with the utmost care.
Let’s explore how our services can enhance your warehouse operations.