Top Mistakes to Avoid in Storage System Installation
Comments Off on Top Mistakes to Avoid in Storage System InstallationStorage systems play a key role in any warehouse or factory. Installing the right number of racks with sufficient preparation and the right tools can optimize your operations, keep facilities organized, and enhance safety. Conversely, a rushed storage system installation can cause inefficiencies, pose safety risks to staff, and lead to repairs and revisions later on.
Access all the benefits of new storage systems without the issues by watching out for these four common mistakes.
Inadequate Floor Planning
Is the floor ready for a storage system installation project? Even small imperfections in the floor could lead to big problems. Before you order your materials or start storage installation, look for issues like:
- Unlevel flooring
- Cracks, breakage, crumbling concrete edges, and other blemishes
- Limited load-bearing capabilities
Even if the issue seems small at first glance, it can affect the storage system’s cranking components or lead to rack misalignment, increasing the risk of system collapse. We recommend having a professional conduct a thorough floor analysis and concrete test, and then making any repairs and releveling the floor to appropriate standards through shims or reflooring. This process can prevent future complications and create a secure, stable foundation for your storage system.
Neglecting Proper Safety Components
Always install all of the safety equipment and recommended safety components that go into your storage system. Even if the systems seem superfluous or unnecessary for your region or applications, it’s important to put them in place—even if it seems to slow down installation. Some critical safety components that are left undone include:
- Cross-bracing hardware
- Wall ties
- Safety pins
- Rack protectors
These components can prevent collapse if your facility uses heavy forklifts or is in seismically active areas, keeping your employees safe and ensuring your facility stays compliant.
Improper Assembly and Installation Procedures
One of the most common mistakes is improper assembly. Using the wrong fasteners, improperly tightening them, or skipping parts of steps can lead to storage systems that look complete but are unstable or unequipped to handle heavy loads. Not only can this make your storage racks break down faster, but it can also endanger the staff who work near them.
The best way to mitigate this problem is to methodically follow the manufacturer’s installation and assembly guides. Follow these additional storage system tips when installing your system:
- Make sure each fastener is properly aligned.
- Check and test each component before moving on.
- Perform checks throughout each phase of installation to catch any potential mistakes as early as possible.
Insufficient Consideration of Workflow and Accessibility
One invisible problem many facilities have is not accounting for how the new storage system will impact their workflows. Rack layout can interfere with product accessibility in tight quarters. Dense or deep storage can disrupt how people move throughout the facility and cause bottlenecks or delays.
As you choose the size and location of the storage solution, prioritize accessibility alongside storage capacity. Consider traffic flow, how often staff need to pick different product types, and the required width and accessibility of warehouse aisles. You can use these details to pick a storage location that won’t disrupt movement—and instead might even enhance it.
Contact the Experts at Storage Systems USA
At Storage Systems USA, we offer a wide array of storage solutions for varying facilities, industries, and layouts. We provide storage assemblies for industrial facilities, educational buildings, municipal buildings, and healthcare centers, to name just a few. Our clients are welcome to tour our facility and see the various solutions we offer for different applications.
Reach out today to speak to Storage Systems USA about what you need in a storage system.