5 Industries Revolutionized by Vertical Storage Systems
Vertical storage units — such as carousels and racking systems — are designed to capitalize on unused vertical space in an industrial facility. An ineffective storage system can cause disorder and chaos, requiring workers to spend too much time looking for items and hindering productivity.
With vertical solutions, businesses can conveniently store and locate inventory, parts and tools, saving significant time, effort and space. Additionally, many of these systems are automated, so employees can access stock with the simple press of a button.
Because these systems are highly versatile, many organizations can reap their benefits. Here are five industries that use vertical storage solutions to increase security and efficiency in their daily operations.
1. Manufacturing
Manufacturers can promote safer and more efficient material handling with vertical storage systems. They can leverage overhead space to store and retrieve parts and materials.
These systems are often found on shop floors because they take up minimal space, enabling a safer and more productive work environment. They effectively organize different components for manufactured products.
Virtually every stage of the production process can employ vertical storage. Some examples of vertical storage for manufacturing applications include:
- Raw materials: Vertical storage units have high weight capacities, making them ideal for storing heavy-duty materials like sheet metal and wood. With jib cranes or hydraulic loading dock lifts, operators can efficiently retrieve raw materials from storage.
- Tools: Vertical storage is optimal for machine and fabrication shops that frequently switch out different tools throughout the production process.
- Subassemblies: Manufacturers can strategically place vertical storage systems throughout their facility, allowing assembly workers to access subassemblies and semifinished products safely and conveniently.
- Spare parts: Manufacturers rely on equipment that periodically requires repairs and maintenance. Since these replacement parts are usually compact, manufacturers can use vertical storage solutions to store them, along with any specialized tools needed to replace the parts. Maintenance teams can retrieve these components quickly and get equipment back in commission sooner with minimal downtime.
2. Warehousing and Logistics
Vertical storage systems play a critical role in the logistics industry. Warehouses and distribution centers often use them to:
- Maximize space: Warehouses can use vertical storage to boost storage capacity without expanding the facility.
- Simplify inventory management: Logistics companies often integrate their vertical storage systems with inventory management software. This enables real-time visibility into stock levels so companies can maintain optimal inventory.
- Expedite order fulfillment: Many vertical storage systems automatically retrieve products, which streamlines the order fulfillment process.
Examples of vertical storage solutions found in warehouses include:
- Carousels: These automated storage units operate like a Ferris wheel, moving shelves up or down in a circular motion. This design allows employees to access smaller items quickly and seamlessly, and it minimizes the safety risks associated with forklifts and ladders. Vertical carousels are also simple to operate — many only require the push of a button.
- Pallet racking: Pallet racking systems organize pallets into rows on shelves, allowing warehouse crews to store and access items with ease. Workers can reach lower shelves from the ground and higher shelves using a forklift.
3. Health Care
Medical workers can use vertical health care storage solutions to preserve valuable floor space. Consider all the health care facilities that rely on storage systems daily for sterilization tools, medicine, equipment, garments, medical records and other items. Vertical storage helps store these supplies safely and accurately, allowing medical professionals to retrieve them at a moment’s notice.
The following health care departments can benefit from vertical storage:
- Laboratories: Lab workers require efficient access to glassware, gloves, masks, lab coats, chemicals and samples. Vertical storage systems reduce the time needed to locate and retrieve these components.
- Administration: Administrative departments can use vertical carousels to organize and store patient files. This system helps health care workers access, retrieve and reference records quickly when needed.
- Surgical: Vertical storage makes it easier to organize and retrieve critical instruments for surgical procedures. The ability to access lifesaving tools is nonnegotiable in emergency situations.
- Pharmaceutical: Pharmaceutical teams can leverage vertical storage to retrieve medications for patients more efficiently.
- Radiology: Radiology departments regularly handle patient records and X-ray images. They can use vertical storage units to keep these documents in bins, trays and folders.
- Laundry: Items like towels, hospital gowns and bed linens are switched out between patients. Efficient storage systems make it easier to store and access these items in laundry departments. They also help protect freshly washed and ironed linens from exposure to dirt and bacteria.
4. Retail
Vertical retail storage solutions keep aisles clear and enhance product accessibility. They can store a wide range of items, such as apparel, carpets and rugs, and electronics. Retail settings often use them to sort through hundreds of goods and organize them in bins, racks and shelves.
Here are some ways retail environments can simplify their operations through vertical storage:
- Organizing stockrooms: Retail employees spend lots of time in stockrooms searching for items. Vertical storage solutions help categorize and maintain designated spots for different inventory, making it easier to locate stock and minimizing hassle.
- Clearing floor space: Vertical carousels help keep items off the ground. Retail businesses can use these systems to group products together. This opens up extra space for clearance items, seasonal displays, signage and other promotional items.
- Streamlining order picking: Sales associates can quickly move through order fulfillment lists to locate items in seconds. This eliminates the need to run up and down stairs and spend extra time scanning aisles.
5. Automotive
The automotive sector is adopting vertical storage solutions to maximize floor space. Auto shops can organize and manage their inventory more efficiently. They can fulfill, process and ship orders to other repair shops and dealerships. Workers can spend less time locating and retrieving parts and tools, which enhances productivity.
Here are some examples of automotive vertical storage applications:
- Tool storage: Vertical storage units can store specialized equipment and tools for vehicle repair and maintenance.
- Parts storage: Automotive businesses rely on vertical storage systems to store various parts, from small components like nuts and bolts to larger items like alternators, tires and brake rotors. Mechanics and technicians can then access these components more easily.
Custom Storage Systems Made in the USA
At Summit Storage — part of LJS Solutions — we design and manufacture custom rack solutions and automated vertical carousels for businesses looking to increase efficiency and optimize facility space. Whether you’re storing carpets, wiring, tires, clothing or print cylinders, we can accommodate a range of requirements. We proudly serve numerous industries, from automotive and retail to manufacturing.
Our team will work with you from initial design to installation, and we are committed to providing first-class customer service and quality products at competitive prices. We can equip you with an application-specific solution tailored to your unique organizational needs. Explore our vertical storage solutions and contact us today.
