While effective in their time, traditional storage systems often fail to maximize space and facilitate smooth operations. Enter mobile racking systems, an advanced solution to address these challenges head-on.
In partnership with industry leaders like Spacesaver, Bradford Systems offers cutting-edge mobile racking systems beyond the confines of conventional warehouse storage. These systems are not just for warehouses; they are versatile enough to cater to various industries, from automotive and industrial storage to cold storage and long-term evidence storage. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of mobile racking systems, their applications across various industries, and a real-world case study that highlights their impact on inventory management and operational efficiency in the long term.
What is Mobile Racking?
Mobile racking systems are a high-density storage solution that eliminates the need for multiple fixed aisles in a storage space. Instead, these systems utilize movable aisles through a powered movable racking system designed for industrial environments, allowing more efficient use of space and reducing production costs with a rapid return on investment. By mounting existing or new pallet racking or shelves onto mobile carriages, businesses can recover up to 50% of their floor space, making it ideal for storing heavy items. This is achieved by consolidating storage into a more compact area while providing easy access to all stored items.
Mobile racking systems are particularly beneficial in environments requiring premium space or high-density storage. These systems are designed to maximize storage capacity, improve accessibility, and enhance overall inventory management.
Benefits of Mobile Racking Systems
Increased Storage Capacity
One of the most significant advantages of industrial storage systems like mobile racking is their ability to increase storage capacity while addressing the needs of your industry without expanding a facility’s physical footprint. Traditional stationary racking systems require multiple fixed aisles to access stored items, which takes up valuable space that could otherwise be used for storage of the highest quality, which is a main criteria for efficient storage solutions.
Mobile racking systems, such as the ActivRAC system by Spacesaver, eliminate all but one movable aisle, making it the ultimate mobile storage system. This allows businesses to store more items in the same space, doubling their storage footprint of square feet with unique features like a 32,000 lb load capacity per double rack section and adjustable distance measuring sensors made of stainless steel. This creates a more efficient storage area where aisles can open with the touch of a button and can lead to significant cost savings for companies dealing with large inventory volumes.
Space Recovery
In addition to increasing storage capacity, mobile racking systems help businesses recover wasted space in their facilities. By minimizing the number of aisles required for access, these systems free up floor space that can be used for other critical operations, such as production or packing.
This space recovery is particularly valuable in industries where expensive real estate or space constraints limit operational efficiency. For example, mobile racking systems offer a cost-effective solution to maximize available space in urban environments or older facilities where expansion is not feasible.
Cost Recovery
Mobile racking systems are a cost-effective alternative to expanding warehouse space or building new facilities. By optimizing existing space, businesses can avoid the high costs associated with construction, real estate, and additional utility expenses.
Moreover, the ability to store more items in a compact area reduces the need for additional racking, shelving, and material handling equipment. This saves money, simplifies inventory management, and reduces operational complexity.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Mobile racking systems are designed to streamline operations by improving accessibility and reducing the time needed to retrieve items. With traditional racking systems, workers may need to navigate multiple aisles to locate and retrieve specific items, leading to inefficiencies and increased labor costs.
In contrast, mobile racking systems allow operators to open the required aisle with a button or turn a handle, depending on the mode of operation. This reduces the time and effort required to access stored items, leading to faster retrieval and improved overall efficiency.
Versatile Modes of Operation of Heavy Duty Mobile Racking Systems:
Mobile racking systems offer versatile modes of operation to suit different needs and preferences. These include:
Mechanical Assist Control
This model features a handle that allows operators to move loads of 4,000 to 10,000 lbs. with just one pound of effort. It’s also equipped with built-in safety measures to ensure smooth and secure operation.
Powered Control
In powered systems, operators can activate system movement with the push of a button. The carriage then moves to open the requested aisle, allowing easy access. This mode is particularly useful in high-traffic environments where speed and convenience are essential.
Manual Control
Spacesaver offers Touch Technology Control™, an interactive and dynamic screen with an intuitive menu and tutorials. This mode is ideal for operators who prefer hands-on system control.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The TUSC™ Control app allows operators to control powered mobile systems from their iOS or Android smartphones or tablets. This app turns a mobile device into a remote control, enabling users to open and close aisles, search for items, and monitor the system’s safety status.
Applications of Heavy Duty Mobile Racks
Mobile racking systems are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to various industries and applications. Here are some examples:
MRO Equipment and Parts Storage
Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) facilities often require efficient storage solutions for tools, equipment, and parts. Mobile racking systems provide a high-density storage solution that maximizes space and improves accessibility, ensuring critical MRO items are always within reach.
Auto Parts Storage
In the automotive industry, efficient part storage is essential for smooth operations. Mobile racking systems allow for compactly storing various auto parts, from small components to large assemblies. This saves space and reduces the time required to locate and retrieve parts, improving overall productivity.
Long-Term Evidence Storage
Law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories often need to store large volumes of evidence for extended periods securely. Mobile racking systems offer a secure and space-efficient solution for long-term evidence storage, ensuring that items are preserved and easily accessible when needed.
Freezer and Cooler Storage
Cold storage environments, such as freezers and coolers, require specialized solutions that can withstand low temperatures while maximizing space. Mobile racking systems designed for cold applications provide high-density storage for perishable goods, helping maintain product quality and extend shelf life.
Industrial Storage Solutions
Industrial facilities often require storage solutions for heavy loads and large inventory volumes. Mobile racking systems are designed to support industrial storage needs, offering high-density storage for raw materials, finished products, and equipment. This enhances operational efficiency and maximizes the use of available space.
Case Study: Pedigree Ovens Expands with Heavy Duty Shelving Systems
Background
Pedigree Ovens, a subsidiary of PetDine, is a full-service private-label co-packer specializing in pet food production. The company operates in a rapidly growing market and offers various products, including powders, pastes, soft chew, and cooked treats.
Due to increased demand and the addition of new clients, Pedigree Ovens needed to expand its operations. In January 2018, it moved into a new 220,000-square-foot facility in Harvard, Illinois.
Challenges
Expanding the new facility presented several challenges, particularly optimizing storage space. The facility required a storage solution to accommodate diverse products while maximizing the available space. The facility’s HVAC system and floor leveling issues complicated the initial shelving designs.
Design Solution: ActivRAC Shelving
To address these challenges, Bradford Systems’ product experts designed a customized solution combining static bulk storage with mobile ActivRAC shelving. The static and mobile shelving mix allowed Pedigree Ovens to optimize their storage space while maintaining flexibility and efficiency.
Mobile ActivRAC Heavy Duty Shelving
The ActivRAC shelving system provides high-density storage for Pedigree Ovens’ fast-moving products. The system maximized available space by eliminating fixed aisles, allowing for more efficient storage and retrieval of items.
Customized Design for Shelving Systems
Bradford Systems worked closely with Pedigree Ovens and their general contractor to design a storage system that accommodated the facility’s unique challenges. This included working around the HVAC system and leveling the poured floor to ensure a smooth installation.
Results
The integration of mobile ActivRAC shelving into Pedigree Ovens’ new facility delivered significant benefits, including:
- Increased Storage Capacity: The high-density mobile shelving system allowed Pedigree Ovens to store more products in the same space, supporting their continued growth and expansion.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: Accessing stored items quickly and easily enhanced workflow efficiency, reducing downtime and labor costs.
- Cost Savings: Pedigree Ovens avoided additional warehouse space by maximizing existing space, resulting in substantial cost savings.
- Flexibility for Future Growth: The combination of static and mobile shelving provided a flexible storage solution that could be easily adapted to accommodate future growth and changes in product lines.
Conclusion
Bradford Systems’ mobile racking systems offer a versatile and efficient storage solution for various industries. By maximizing storage capacity, recovering wasted space, and enhancing operational efficiency, these systems provide a powerful tool for businesses looking to optimize their inventory management.
Pedigree Ovens’ case study demonstrated that mobile racking systems can deliver significant benefits, including increased storage capacity, improved efficiency, and cost savings. Whether in manufacturing, automotive, cold storage, or any other industry, mobile racking systems can help you maximize your available space and streamline your operations.
Bradford Systems is committed to providing innovative storage solutions that meet our clients’ unique needs. Contact us today to learn how our mobile racking systems can transform storage and inventory management practices.
What safety features should be considered when using heavy duty racking systems?
Safety features such as heavy-duty locking mechanisms, anti-tip mechanisms, sturdy construction materials, and regular maintenance checks are crucial when using heavy-duty mobile racking systems. Prioritizing safety is essential to preventing accidents and ensuring smooth operations in warehouse environments.
