Manual mobile shelving

Types of Manual Mobile Shelving

Manual mobile shelving is a storage system that allows users to organize and store items on movable shelves. The shelves can be moved closer together or apart as needed to maximize space and improve accessibility. There are different types of manual mobile shelving systems, including the following:

• Compactor shelving

  Compactor shelving is a manual mobile shelving system that uses a hand crank to move the shelves. Users can turn the hand crank to move the shelves closer together or farther apart. This system is affordable and doesn't need electricity. It's a good choice for places with limited money or power.

• Sliding shelving units

  This system has a track on the floor where the shelves slide. The tracks guide the shelves as they slide smoothly and silently. Users can push the shelves along the tracks to make more space or organize the items. Sliding shelving units are easy to use and don't need power. However, the tracks may need to be maintained to keep the shelves sliding well.

• High-density mobile shelving

  These shelves are on rolling carts that can hold a lot of things. The carts roll on heavy-duty wheels that can support the weight without tipping or getting stuck. Users can pull the carts together or apart to see what they need. This system works well in offices, shops, or places that need more storage space without increasing the number of shelves. The shelves are made very strong so they won't bend or break when loaded with many items.

• Archive mobile shelving

  Archive mobile shelving is a storage system for keeping records and papers. It has shelves that move on wheels, so they can be arranged closer together when not in use to save space. Users can pull the shelves apart easily when they need to access specific items. This helps organize and store many files in a limited area. The design allows for efficient filing and retrieval of archived materials as needed while taking up less floor space than stationary racks would.

• Library compactus

  This system is specifically made for libraries. It has shelves that move on heavy-duty tracks powered by a strong motor. The library compactus can hold many books and move them smoothly and quietly. Users can push buttons to make the shelves slide together to save space in tighter areas or apart when more room is needed for browsing. This automatic system helps organize large collections of library materials efficiently without manual effort.

Features and Function of Manual Mobile Shelving

As mentioned above, manual mobile shelving stores items that fit within the size range of stationary shelving. It has several features, and its functions include:

• Row of cabinets

  Each mobile shelving unit is a row of cabinets. The number of cabinets depends on the size of the unit. It can have as few as 3 cabinets or up to 10 or more. Each cabinet has a handle that opens the door when pulled. Inside each cabinet is a shelf or several shelves where items are stored. The shelf can be adjustable or fixed, depending on the design of the cabinet. They hold and organize items in the cabinet so that they do not fall over or slide around. The shelves can be made of particleboard, wood, or metal wire. Each cabinet has a weight limit depending on the material and design of the shelf.

• Cabinet handle and lock

  Each cabinet has a handle to open the door and a lock to secure the contents. The lock keeps the items inside safe from theft or damage. It can be a keylock or a digital keypad. The handle is pulled to open the door and can be push or pull.

• Storage rack

  Some units do not have cabinets but instead have racks to store items. The open design of the rack makes it easier to see. The items are also easier to access. The rack can be adjustable to maximize the space used or fixed at a certain height. It is made of metal and can hold a lot of weight. The open design of the rack makes it easier to see the items and access them.

Scenarios of Manual Mobile Shelving

Manual mobile shelving is widely applicable in various industries and sectors that require efficient storage and space optimization. Here are some common usage scenarios:

• Libraries: Manual mobile shelving systems allow books and resources to be stored compactly and accessed easily. This is especially important in public and academic libraries that have large collections but limited floor space.
• Museums: Museums utilize mobile shelving to store artifacts and artwork efficiently and to maximize available space for exhibitions. This allows for better preservation and organization of valuable cultural items.
• Archives and Records Management: Mobile shelving is commonly used in archival facilities and areas where records are maintained to maximize storage capacity and improve access to important documents and records.
• Medical Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers often use mobile shelving to store medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and patient records efficiently, thereby optimizing storage space and facilitating easy access to essential items.
• Retail Stores: Manual mobile shelving is used in stockrooms and back-end storage areas of retail stores to maximize inventory storage capacity and streamline the retrieval of products for display on the sales floor.
• Offices: Office spaces utilize mobile shelving systems to store files, documents, and office supplies in a compact manner, thereby saving floor space and maintaining an organized work environment.
• Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities employ mobile shelving in classrooms, libraries, and administrative areas to store books, learning materials, and administrative records efficiently.
• Art Galleries: Art galleries use mobile shelving to store paintings, sculptures, and other artworks when they are not on display, thus optimizing storage space and facilitating the organization and protection of valuable pieces.
• Genealogy: Family history research can be stored on mobile shelving using compact storage solutions that maximize limited space while also organizing and preserving extensive documentation, such as census records, birth and death certificates, and family trees.
• Government Agencies: Government agencies, such as law enforcement, courthouses, and public administration offices, often utilize mobile shelving to store evidence, legal files, and administrative documents efficiently to save space and ensure easy access to critical information.
• Pharmacies: Pharmacies utilize mobile shelving to store medications, prescription drugs, and medical supplies in an organized manner that maximizes limited retail space, especially in smaller pharmacy locations.

How to choose manual mobile shelving

There are different manual mobile shelving systems. Each serves a different purpose. Therefore, it is important to consider the factors below when choosing a mobile shelving system.

• Assess the space available

  It is important to look at the office or store space before getting a mobile shelving unit. Look at things like how big the space is, how the shelves will fit in, and any obstacles like doors or windows. Measuring the room helps see what size shelves will work best. If the room is small, more compact shelves that move together will store more without crowding. If there is extra space, larger shelves that hold more may be better. Considering the layout lets one pick shelves that slide smoothly without hitting anything. Taking these measurements and planning means the mobile shelves will fit perfectly and use the space well.

• Determine the load capacity

  It is also important to consider the load capacity of the shelving unit. Each shelving unit has a weight limit depending on its size and materials. Look at how much each item weighs and the total weight. Choosing a system with a weight capacity that exceeds the total weight ensures the shelves are safe. If the load capacity is exceeded, it risks the items breaking or the shelves collapsing.

• Evaluate the content to be stored

  When choosing a mobile shelving unit, it is important to consider what will be stored. For documents, choosing shelves with a high number of shelves to organize files better is important. Selecting shelves with dividers or sections helps arrange papers neatly. If more oversized items like office supplies will be stored, picking shelves that can be adjusted. Those that have movable shelves accommodate things of different sizes. Considering the products to be stored ensures the right mobile shelves are picked.

• Consider the quality and material

  It is important to look at the quality and material of the shelving unit before purchasing. Shelves made of strong steel last a long time. They will not bend or break easily, even when holding heavy things. Quality materials like durable steel show that the shelves will perform well for many years without needing repairs. Steel holds up better than other materials, especially for heavier loads. It is important to consider that while steel shelves may cost more upfront, they will last longer and need less maintenance. Thinking about the material means picking shelves that will be strong and durable for any storage needs.

• Access and security

  When picking mobile shelving, it is important to consider how the items will be gotten and kept safe. Look at the different types of shelves and pick ones that allow easy access. If the shelves are too tall or hard to use, the things will not be helpful. Security is also important, especially for valuable things. Some shelves can be locked up so expensive items stay protected. Thinking about how the items will be gotten and picking shelves that work well makes retrieval simple. Considering security means picking shelves that also keep the products safe.

Manual Mobile Shelving Q&A

Q1: Who needs manual mobile shelving?

A1: Any business or organization that needs to store a lot of things in a small space. This includes schools, hospitals, museums, legal firms, and government agencies.

Q2: What are the benefits of manual mobile shelving?

A2: It helps save space by reducing the number of aisles needed. It also increases storage capacity and keeps stored items organized and easy to find.

Q3: What are the limitations of manual mobile shelving?

A3: It needs more floor space than electric mobile shelving because users have to push the shelves by hand to open units. The system also has a fixed number of shelves, unlike electric systems, which can be adjusted.

Q4: How is manual mobile shelving installed?

A4: A professional is needed to install manual mobile shelving. They will measure the space, order the right units, and put them together in the storage area. It is important to ensure the units are installed correctly so they are safe and function well.

Q5: How much does manual mobile shelving cost?

A5: Manual mobile shelving is usually less expensive than electric mobile shelving. However, the exact cost depends on factors like the number of units needed and the size of the shelving. It is best to get a quote based on specific storage requirements.