For human beings, the instinct for organizing things is driven by the need for life to make sense. Essentially, it’s a natural process for humanity’s existence. People can organize their thoughts, priorities, and more. When that basic instinct is applied to a home or business, it has to manifest in physical form. Walking into any space, most people would see some type of organizational system in place. In an industrial space, one of the most common types of systems is racking shelves.
Racking shelving may seem like a redundant term because people often use ‘racks’ and ‘shelves’ interchangeably. However, there are distinct differences between the two. When someone is looking for storage solutions for their home or business, knowing what they need is a great place to start. Although racks and shelves share a common purpose, each manages that function in a specific way.
The Difference Between Racks and Shelves
In almost any residence or office, a person can look at a random wall and see a basic set of shelves. Shelves are small-scale storage systems that typically hold smaller objects like books, decorations, or anything else that can easily be picked up by hand.
Shelves are a convenient way for people to keep things organized, safe, and out of the way. Ordinary shelves are so common that it’s easy to disregard its presence and not even notice it until it’s needed. However, these are essential for people who need a sense of organization to function normally.
Racks are a whole other matter. Racks store things similarly to shelves, but racks are the industrial version of a shelf. Often made of highly durable materials that can withstand the weight of heavy items like lumber and steel, racks cover a wide area and can be highly stacked.
Why Rack Shelving is Important
Any business that needs short or long-term storage solutions for many items, particularly heavy ones, are smart to invest in racking shelving. This applies to both physical stores and warehouses where inventory is often stored. Products are better protected and, therefore, better for consumers when stored on shelves as opposed to the floor.
Racking shelving is also an effective way to protect employees in the workplace. Heavy products need sturdy shelving to avoid falling over. If someone is working near a shelving system that is unstable and something falls, they could be seriously hurt or injured. Racks help deter those potential dangers. For an industrial workplace, racking shelving is a practical solution that help keep inventory and employees safe.
