As companies grow, so does their need for storage. However, expanding physical storage space often requires significant investments in new facilities or renovations—both costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, a more efficient and cost-effective solution is high-density mobile storage systems. Bradford Systems specializes in these innovative storage solutions, enabling businesses to maximize their existing space without additional construction or expensive relocations.
The Growing Need for Efficient Storage Solutions
Many businesses, whether libraries, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, or educational institutions, eventually face the challenge of outgrowing their storage space. Traditional static shelving systems can quickly become insufficient as the volume of stored items increases, leading to cluttered, disorganized spaces that are difficult to manage. When faced with these challenges, many organizations believe their only options are to either expand their current facilities or move to a larger location—both costly and disruptive to operations.
However, with Bradford Systems’ high-density mobile storage solutions, there’s no need to resort to these drastic measures. Our mobile storage systems allow you to store more items in less space, doubling your storage capacity within the same footprint. This means you can continue to grow and manage your inventory efficiently without new construction or additional square footage.
Understanding High-Density Mobile Storage
At its core, high-density mobile storage is a system that allows shelving units to move along tracks, eliminating the need for multiple static aisles. This compact design maximizes space by using only one moveable aisle, allowing you to store more items in a smaller area. The concept is simple but powerful: by reducing the number of aisles, you increase the amount of space available for storage.
Imagine a library, for instance. Traditional static shelving requires multiple aisles for patrons to walk through and access books. While these aisles are necessary, they also represent wasted space that could be used for additional storage or other purposes. With high-density mobile storage, these shelves can be mounted on moveable carriages that compact together, freeing up valuable space for other uses such as study areas, computer labs, or collaborative workspaces—without costly renovations.
Modes of Operation: Tailoring the System to Your Needs
One of the key advantages of high-density mobile storage systems is their flexibility. Depending on your specific needs and the items you need to store, Bradford Systems offers three different modes of operation for our mobile storage units:
- Mechanical Assist: The mechanical assist option is ideal for medium to heavy loads. These units are operated by turning an ergonomically designed three-spoke handle, which allows users to move carriages weighing between 4,000 and 10,000 pounds with just one pound of effort. This system balances power and control, making it suitable for various applications, from libraries to industrial settings.
- Powered Systems: For even heavier loads or when ease of use is a top priority, powered systems are the way to go. These systems are activated with a button, allowing carriages to move automatically to create an aisle. Additionally, our powered systems can be equipped with Touch Technology Control™, an LCD touchscreen that offers maximum ease of use and enhanced security features. This option is ideal for environments where quick, effortless access to stored items is essential.
- Manual Operation: Manual operation provides a cost-effective solution for lighter loads or budget-conscious projects. These systems allow carriages to be moved side-to-side by pulling a handle, making them a straightforward yet efficient option for smaller spaces or less intensive storage needs.
No matter which mode of operation you choose, Bradford Systems’ high-density mobile storage solutions are designed to optimize your space and improve the efficiency of your storage processes.
The Benefits of High-Density Mobile Storage
Implementing a high-density mobile storage system offers a multitude of benefits, making it an attractive option for organizations across various industries:
- Maximized Space Utilization: Eliminating static aisles and compacting storage units effectively doubles storage capacity within the same footprint. This benefits businesses with high real estate costs or limited available space.
- Improved Organization and Accessibility: High-density mobile storage systems allow you to organize your inventory more effectively, making it easier to locate and access items when needed. This leads to improved workflow efficiency and reduced time spent searching for materials.
- Enhanced Security: Our powered systems can have advanced security features such as PIN codes or RFID access, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the stored items. This is particularly important for environments that handle sensitive materials, such as medical records or evidence in law enforcement.
- Cost Savings: By maximizing your existing space, you can avoid the costs of expanding your facilities or relocating to a larger building. Additionally, high-density mobile storage’s improved organization and efficiency can lead to further cost savings by reducing labor hours and minimizing the need for additional storage equipment.
- Versatility: High-density mobile storage systems are highly versatile and can be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs. Whether you need to store library books, evidence, athletic gear, or industrial supplies, our systems can accommodate a wide range of items.
Case Study: Modernizing Storage at the St. Louis Public Library
To illustrate the transformative power of high-density mobile storage, let’s look at a real-world example: the St. Louis Central Library. Built over a century ago, the library is a marvel designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert. However, despite its historical significance, the library had not undergone significant remodeling in many years, leading to various structural and safety concerns.
Challenges
The library’s storage systems were outdated and inefficient, with self-supported stack towers creating several hazards. These seven-story tall shelves were designed to hold the bulk of the library’s book collection, but they were from a bygone era when patrons relied on card catalogs and librarians to retrieve books. In the modern digital age, this system no longer meets the needs of the library’s users, who prefer to browse the shelves themselves.
Recognizing the need for a significant overhaul, the library’s staff decided to modernize the facility to address the structural issues and create a more user-friendly space. Bradford Systems was brought in to help with this transformation, drawing on our previous experience working with the library on an off-site storage project.
Solution
The first step in the modernization process was to remove the old stack towers and replace them with high-density mobile storage units. These new units were installed on several floors, allowing the library to store its vast collection of books more efficiently and make them more accessible to the public. By compacting the storage units and eliminating unnecessary aisles, the library freed up space for additional amenities, including study areas, a computer lab, and a collaborative classroom.
But the transformation didn’t stop there. To preserve the library’s historic character while incorporating modern functionality, Bradford Systems also designed custom static cantilever shelving for the public access areas. Some of this shelving was installed directly into the library’s original wooden bookshelves, maintaining the building’s historical integrity while providing a more practical way for patrons to browse the collection.
In addition to the shelving, several custom features were integrated into the final design, including LED lighting and designed end panels. These features not only enhanced the library’s visual appeal but also improved the storage systems’ functionality. For example, the LED lighting was installed to complement the library’s historic chandeliers and ornate ceilings, creating a seamless blend of old and new.
Outcome
The result of these efforts was a library that not only met the modern needs of its patrons but also preserved its rich historical heritage. Thanks to the thoughtful integration of high-density mobile storage and custom shelving solutions, the St. Louis Central Library created a vibrant, multifunctional space that serves as a model for libraries around the world.
Conclusion
As businesses and organizations continue to grow, the need for efficient and cost-effective storage solutions becomes increasingly important. High-density mobile storage systems offer a smart, scalable solution that allows you to maximize your existing space without needing costly expansions or relocations. By choosing Bradford Systems, you gain access to industry-leading expertise and innovative storage solutions that can be tailored to meet your organization’s unique needs.
Whether you’re looking to optimize your library, law enforcement facility, healthcare center, or any other type of business, Bradford Systems has the experience and technology to help you succeed. Contact us today to learn more about how our high-density mobile storage systems can transform your space and improve operational efficiency.
What Makes High-Density Mobile Storage a Game-Changer?
High-density mobile shelving systems change how we store things. They keep the storage compact by removing extra aisles, and this design helps with easy carriage movement. These mobile shelving systems are a smart way to save space, making the most of storage capacity, even in small areas.
How Does Bradford Systems Customize Solutions for Different Sectors?
Bradford Systems knows that different sectors need different types of storage. This includes places like military bases, libraries, and museums. They create custom solutions for these needs. This means they choose the right type of shelving and control options. These control options include gesture control and control app integration. They also make sure the shelving is durable to fit each specific need.
