Organizations across industries constantly seek ways to optimize their valuable space without compromising access, security, or productivity. This is especially true in environments with limited storage space; every square foot counts. Bradford Systems, a recognized industry leader, offers a solution that addresses these challenges through its High-Density Mobile Storage Systems.
These innovative solutions reduce your storage footprint, improve organization, and enhance productivity, making them the ideal choice for businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and government offices. This blog will explore the benefits of high-density mobile storage and how Bradford Systems’ solutions can help optimize your space. We’ll close with a case study demonstrating these storage systems’ real-world impact.
Understanding High-Density Mobile Storage Solutions
High-density mobile storage systems are advanced storage units that operate on a track-and-carriage system. Unlike traditional static shelves, these systems are designed to move laterally along floor tracks, eliminating the need for fixed aisles between shelves. This functionality allows you to condense your storage space significantly, as shelves can be compacted together when not in use, creating more storage capacity without expanding the physical footprint or reducing the room’s floor space.
Key Features of High-Density Mobile Storage
Bradford Systems’ high-density mobile storage offers several key features that make it a valuable addition to any organization looking to optimize its storage space. Here are some of the standout features:
Maximized Space Efficiency
One of the most significant advantages of high-density mobile storage is its ability to maximize available space and positively impact your bottom line compared to traditional static shelving. Organizations can reclaim up to 50% of the space typically required with static shelving by eliminating the need for multiple fixed aisles. This is ideal for environments with premium space, such as laboratories, healthcare facilities, and corporate offices.
By making the most out of your existing square footage, high-density mobile storage allows you to store more in less space, saving costs on building expansions or leasing additional storage areas.
Customizable Storage Solutions
Bradford Systems’ high-density storage systems can be fully customized to meet the unique needs of various industries. Whether you’re storing medical supplies, academic materials, legal documents, or retail inventory, the system can be configured with adjustable shelving, bins, or racks to accommodate different sizes and types of items.
For example, high-density storage can be customized with antimicrobial finishes and secure compartments for sensitive materials in a healthcare setting. The system can be tailored to protect delicate artifacts with padded shelves and climate-controlled compartments in a museum.
Powered or Manual Operation
Bradford Systems offers both manual and mechanical assist high-density storage systems, depending on your organization’s specific needs. You can choose from different modes of operation with a manual system, which might be the right choice for smaller spaces or where budget constraints are a concern. However, powered systems offer enhanced safety and ease of use for larger, high-traffic environments. Powered systems can be operated at the touch of a button, reducing the physical strain on employees and ensuring easy access to stored items.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority when implementing any storage solution, and Bradford Systems’ high-density mobile storage offers multiple safety options and features to protect both users and stored items. For example, powered systems with system movement are equipped with soft-start and soft-stop mechanisms, which ensure that shelves move gently, reducing the risk of items being knocked over or damaged during retrieval.
Additionally, safety sweeps are integrated into the system to detect obstructions in the aisle. If a person or item is in the path, the shelves will not move, ensuring a safe operating environment for employees.
Improved Organization and Accessibility
High-density mobile storage systems can be configured using the 80/20 rule, where 80% of frequently accessed items are placed in easily accessible areas, and less regularly accessed materials are stored in the back rows. This organizational strategy improves workflow efficiency and ensures that users can quickly retrieve the most needed items without waiting for other aisles to be cleared.
In an academic setting, for example, textbooks and laboratory supplies used daily can be stored at the front of the system. In contrast, archival materials or equipment that are less frequently used can be placed toward the back.
Industries That Benefit from High-Density Mobile Storage
High-density mobile storage systems can be configured using the 80/20 rule, where 80% of frequently accessed items are placed in easily accessible areas, and less regularly accessed materials are stored in the back rows. This organizational strategy improves workflow efficiency and ensures that users can quickly retrieve the most needed items without waiting for other aisles to be cleared.
In an academic setting, for example, textbooks and laboratory supplies used daily can be stored at the front of the system. In contrast, archival materials or equipment that are less frequently used can be placed toward the back.
Bradford Systems’ high-density mobile storage solutions are versatile enough to benefit organizations across multiple industries. Here’s a closer look at how different sectors can utilize this innovative system:
1. Healthcare
Hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities often have to store a vast array of medical supplies, records, and equipment. High-density mobile storage allows healthcare providers to maximize storage for these critical items without expanding their facility’s footprint. The systems can be customized with antimicrobial coatings, secure access controls, and shelving specifically designed for medical devices and supplies. The soft-start/stop features also protect sensitive medical equipment during storage and retrieval.
2. Education
Schools, colleges, and universities face unique storage challenges, especially when managing laboratory equipment, textbooks, research materials, and student records. High-density mobile storage systems can store various academic supplies in one compact space. Libraries, in particular, can benefit from compact storage systems and mobile storage systems to house large volumes of books, journals, and media in a limited footprint. The customizable shelving ensures that everything from student files to lab equipment is easily accessible while keeping the space organized.
3. Corporate Offices
Corporate offices, especially in industries like law, finance, and architecture, deal with large amounts of paperwork, blueprints, and archival documents. High-density storage systems offer a compact, secure, and efficient solution for document storage. Additionally, these systems can be used for office supplies, employee records, and other materials. With the ability to lock sections of the system, sensitive documents remain secure, and the customizable design ensures a sleek, professional look that fits seamlessly into any office environment.
4. Government and Military
Government agencies and military departments often store various materials, from confidential documents to specialized equipment. High-density mobile storage systems offer secure, space-saving solutions that help manage sensitive information and assets, creating additional space for essential items. Adding features such as lockable compartments and secure access controls ensures that confidential items are protected. Military units, in particular, can benefit from these mobile system solutions to store uniforms, weapons, and sensitive equipment in an organized and accessible manner.
5. Museums and Cultural Institutions
Museums and cultural institutions are tasked with preserving and protecting valuable artifacts and collections. High-density mobile storage is ideal for these environments as it allows for the safe, secure, and organized storage of delicate items. Shelving can be padded and climate-controlled to protect artifacts, while the compact design maximizes storage space in often limited back-of-house areas. The soft-start/stop feature also ensures that valuable items are not jostled or damaged during retrieval.
Case Study: Chemistry Lab Storage for Truman College
A perfect example of the impact of Bradford Systems’ high-density mobile storage can be seen in the Chemistry Department at Truman College in Chicago. The department faced the challenge of consolidating two storage rooms into one while providing easy access to students and staff. The solution? Bradford Systems’ high-density mobile storage system.
Here’s how the chemistry lab benefitted from the implementation:
Challenge:
The chemistry department was losing one of its two storage rooms and needed to combine all supplies and materials into one compact space. The stored materials included fragile laboratory equipment and chemicals that required careful handling and easy access.
Solution:
Bradford Systems installed a powered high-density mobile storage system with soft-start/stop features to protect fragile items during retrieval. The system was designed using the 80/20 rule, where frequently accessed materials were placed in “sorter units” at the front of the rows. This organizational strategy allowed students and staff to access often-used materials quickly without waiting for aisles to clear.
Results:
- The department reduced the amount of storage space needed by 50%, allowing them to combine both storage rooms into one.
- During movement, the soft-start/stop feature protects and fragile materials, such as chemicals and glassware.
- Using powered mobile shelving improved safety for students and staff while optimizing the available storage space.
This case study highlights the transformative potential of high-density mobile storage in academic settings and demonstrates how organizations can optimize their space while improving safety and accessibility.
Conclusion
Bradford Systems’ high-density mobile storage solutions are a game-changer for organizations looking to optimize their space, improve efficiency, and enhance accessibility. From healthcare and education to corporate offices and museums, these systems provide customizable, secure, and adaptable storage solutions that meet the unique needs of various industries.
By implementing high-density storage, organizations can maximize their existing space, reduce overhead costs, and create a more organized and efficient environment. As seen in the case of Truman College, high-density mobile storage can significantly impact academic institutions by providing safer, more efficient storage solutions for students and staff.
Visit our High-Density Storage Solutions page to learn how its high-density mobile storage can benefit your organization.
What types of items can be stored in high-density mobile storage systems?
High-density mobile storage systems can hold many different items. These include lighter loads like documents and archival boxes. They can also store heavy items, such as industrial equipment. You can choose the type of shelving, weight capacity, and how it works to fit your needs. Some military bases even use them to store weapons!
How does high-density mobile storage maximize space utilization?
High-density mobile Storage maximizes space utilization by compacting storage units into a smaller footprint. By eliminating wasted aisle space and utilizing vertical storage, more items can be stored in a given area, increasing efficiency and organization within the same square footage.
