Mezzanine Monthly – Why Choose A Shelf Supported Mezzanine
Adding high density storage to your vertical cube is just the beginning
Above: Shelf supported mezzanine in a warehouse facility.
Not all warehouse shelving (or storage) options work for every facility. One operation’s pallet rack solution might not be ideal for a warehouse that wants to not only grow vertically but offer more picking options for items they’re selling and shipping. When you need high density storage, what mezzanine option fits best? Shelf supported mezzanines checks a lot of boxes.
High density storage that uses existing space
Want more picking options while also using more of your vertical cube? Well, look no further than a shelf supported mezzanine! These systems give you plenty of new working area and use shelf uprights for support.
This month’s mezzanine: shelf supported
- Ideal for adding more high-density storage while keeping a smaller footprint
- Easy construction – sometimes nothing more than standard single-level shelving
- Two-level options offer a variety of possibilities, from adjustability to accessibility
- Customizable safety options mean workers can focus on picking tasks
Why this type of mezzanine?
A shelf-supported mezzanine is a type of platform that is supported by shelves or racking systems, rather than standalone columns or walls. This design allows for maximum utilization of the available floor space, as the mezzanine can be placed over existing equipment, workstations, or storage areas. The shelves themselves are engineered to support the weight of the mezzanine, its flooring, and the materials stored on it.
Grow your high-density storage availability
More high-density storage means more items at your pickers disposal.
Like rack supported mezzanines, shelving platforms and catwalks max out your vertical cube – they just do it differently. Shelving mezzanines provide more storage for small parts, bins, inventory and tools that you pick by hand. They concentrate these items in tighter areas. Having more options at your disposal in less space saves time across the board.
Just as with other mezzanine options, adding a shelf supported system creates value in multiple ways:
- The amount of increased high-density storage added is up to you, but by adding more vertically you gain productivity and time.
- More items are picked with fewer steps taken for faster and more accurate shipping and more engaged employees. That’s a cost-effective solution to that most basic of problems: growth.
- By adding a shelf supported mezzanine to your existing infrastructure you also gain more use of your space without compromising. There’s no worry about how to add on your operating structure, and because the mezzanine sits on your shelves, there’s less of a construction headache attached.
Customization with your needs in mind
Shelf supported mezzanine options: shelving extended and deck over.
No matter what type of facility you operate, you’ve got many options when specifying out a shelf supported mezzanine. First and foremost is how much of your existing space you want to utilize. From those measurements, you can configure just where and what space you’ll occupy. Another critical factor is what items/products you’re wanting to add and store. What storage (bins? slots?) is required and how much storage you will need. You can use steel or rivet structures to support the mezzanine.
Shelf-supported mezzanines offer two unique ways to create your levels:
- Shelving extended on both sides – This is for operations that want to double their high-density storage, as it adds even more shelving above the mezzanine structure. This allows for more items picked than the deck over option.
- Deck over – This configuration incorporates a platform at the top, which an operation could use for extra offices, storage or another function.
Customization is also available for keeping your mezzanine safe, from guardrails to safety gates. And don’t forget to choose which kind of decking you need.
Storage methods for shelf-supported mezzanines
- Decking & shelves: The main type of storage for this type, allows for high-density storage of most any items.
- Other options: With a deck over options, you could add extra offices or storage.
Options for loading/unloading
If you’re adding more products to store via a shelf supported mezzanine, then you’ll also want to add ways to transport these items. Of course you can always go the manual way or with a good old forklift moving pallets, but there might be other options lurking that could increase the value of your new addition.
Methods like vertical lifts or conveyors (be it incline or spiral) offer unique ways to keep your throughput moving and limit the man hours needed to do so. By adding any of these more automated methods, you’re tapping into yet another cost-saving aspect of adding a shelf supported mezzanine.
Read more: Vertical package transport optionsÂ
If you need to boost your storage space and enhance material handling procedures in a warehouse, consider shelf supported mezzanines. They are a flexible and economical solution that can enhance efficiency and productivity by providing more storage capacity, allowing for easy customization and offering unique transport options.
This is part of an ongoing series focused on mezzanine solutions.
Download our Mezzanine Guide
The space you already have is more valuable than the space you could acquire. Adding a mezzanine to your facility can rapidly increase your vertical space available, and provide added efficiency and long-term value to your operations. Check out our guide for mezzanine specifications, styles, accessories and applications. You will find quick, useful information on mezzanines and how you can use them more effectively.
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Tags: Space Optimization
Evan Fleishacker is a Marketing Strategist at Cisco-Eagle. You can find him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/evanf