E-commerce has radically transformed the landscape of logistics. With customers demanding same-day delivery and the need to manage a high-SKU inventory, distribution centres (DCs) are under immense pressure to perform flawlessly. DC managers and staff face common hurdles daily: slow picking processes, frequent mispicks, aisle congestion, and the perpetual struggle for more space.
To combat these challenges, many facilities turn to a fundamental, yet often overlooked, solution: industrial shelving systems.
Unlike bulk storage used for large pallets, industrial shelving is the backbone of efficient piece-picking and case-picking operations. It provides the accessibility and organization required to keep fast-moving inventory flowing smoothly from the shelf to the shipping dock.
The Basics: Industrial Shelving Systems in Distribution Centres
Industrial shelving systems are specialized storage units designed for hand-loaded inventory rather than palletized goods. While pallet racking is engineered for forklifts and bulk storage, shelving is built for human interaction—supporting workflows where pickers select individual items or cases directly from the shelf.
In modern DCs, the difference between industrial shelving systems and pallet racking is crucial. Racking maximizes vertical cube space for heavy loads, but shelving maximizes accessibility for active inventory. It supports various workflows, including piece-picking for individual e-commerce orders, case-picking for retail replenishment, and hybrid workflows where fast movers are kept on lower shelves while bulk stock resides overhead.
How Industrial Shelving Systems Increase Picking Speed
Efficiency in a distribution centre is measured by throughput—how quickly and accurately orders can be fulfilled. The right warehouse shelving systems directly impact these metrics by optimizing the physical layout of your inventory.
Here’s a synopsis of the ways that industrial shelving systems can increase picking speed:
- Shorter picker travel paths: By organizing SKUs effectively on shelves, you reduce the distance pickers need to walk, which accounts for a significant portion of picking time.
- Reduced peak-hour congestion: Properly designed aisles and shelving layouts prevent bottlenecks when multiple pickers are working in the same zone.
- Faster access to high-demand SKUs: Shelving allows you to place fast-moving items at ergonomic heights, speeding up retrieval.
- Quick and easy SKU re-slotting: As demand shifts, shelving can be easily adjusted to accommodate new product mixes without heavy machinery.
- Faster order flow with carts & conveyors: Shelving integrates seamlessly with picking carts and conveyor belts, keeping orders moving.
- Speed and accuracy with pick-to-light: Many systems are designed to integrate with pick-to-light technology, guiding workers to the exact location of an item.
- Better SKU visibility, less search time: Open designs improve visibility, so pickers spend less time searching for products.
- Fewer errors, faster completion: Organized storage reduces the likelihood of picking the wrong item, minimizing costly returns.
- Faster order fulfillment: The cumulative effect of these efficiencies is a faster turnaround from order receipt to shipment.
- Higher throughput without added labour: Optimizing storage allows you to handle more volume with your existing workforce.
Types of Industrial Shelving Systems Used in Distribution Centres
Not all shelving is created equal. Choosing the best shelving system for distribution centres depends on your specific inventory mix, weight requirements, and available space.
Boltless Shelving
Often referred to as rivet shelving, boltless shelving systems are incredibly popular due to their versatility and ease of assembly. They require no nuts or bolts, making them easy to reconfigure as inventory needs change. They are ideal for general-purpose storage and hand-loaded items.
Wide-Span Shelving
For heavier or bulkier items that don’t quite require a pallet rack, wide-span shelving is the solution. It offers wider openings and higher weight capacities, perfect for storing large cartons or automotive parts.
High-Density Shelving
When space is at a premium, high-density shelving systems reduce the amount of floor space dedicated to aisles by increasing horizontal or vertical storage density, allowing facilities to store more inventory in the same footprint.
Multi-Tier Shelving Systems
Multi-tier shelving systems capitalize on vertical space by adding catwalks and staircases within the racking structure. This creates multiple levels of picking aisles, maximizing the cubic volume of your warehouse without a full mezzanine construction.
How Industrial Shelving Systems Ensure Safety and Compliance in High-Volume Facilities
In a high-velocity environment, safety cannot be compromised. Industrial shelving safety standards are critical considerations for protecting your workforce and inventory.
It begins with understanding load ratings. Overloading shelves is a common cause of failure; therefore, proper weight distribution and adherence to manufacturer capacities are mandatory. In Canada, facilities must adhere to applicable provincial building codes, fire codes, and engineering standards, ensuring that all racking and shelving meets local requirements.
Professional installation is non-negotiable to ensure stability and proper anchoring, especially for taller units. Furthermore, ergonomic layouts contribute to safety by positioning heavy items at waist height, reducing worker fatigue and the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Custom vs. Standard Shelving: What Works Best for Distribution Centres?
When outfitting a facility, you’ll face the choice between standard, off-the-shelf units and custom industrial shelving systems. Standard shelving is often sufficient for operations with uniform SKUs and stable inventory levels. It is readily available and cost-effective for straightforward storage needs.
However, the benefits of custom shelving become apparent in complex distribution environments. Custom solutions can be designed and configured to fit unique facility layouts, working around columns or obstructions to maximize every square inch. They support fast growth by offering scalability—allowing you to add modules or reconfigure systems as your business evolves.
Investing in a professional storage consultation often reveals that a custom approach yields a higher long-term ROI by significantly boosting space optimization and picking efficiency compared to a generic setup.
Why Choose Canadian Rack for Industrial Shelving Systems in Distribution Centres
Selecting the right partner is just as important as selecting the right shelves. Canadian Rack Technologies brings a wealth of expertise to your warehouse operations.
- Proven experience: We have years of experience designing high-efficiency storage solutions for diverse industries.
- End-to-end industrial shelving services: From initial design and layout to supply and final inspection, we handle every step.
- Professional installation with ongoing support: Our expert teams ensure your system is installed correctly and remains safe through regular inspections.
- Safety-compliant: We ensure all our installations meet or exceed Canadian safety standards.
Build a Foundation for Growth
Industrial shelving for distribution centres is more than just metal racks; it is a strategic investment in the speed, accuracy, and scalability of your business. By selecting the right system, you can eliminate bottlenecks, reduce errors, and create a safer, more productive environment for your staff.
Ready to optimize your distribution centre? Contact Canadian Rack Technologies today to discuss tailored industrial shelving systems that will keep your operations moving forward.
About: Kevin Ausman
Kevin Ausman is the founder of Canadian Rack Technologies. He has over 30 years of experience in providing safe and efficient turn-key storage solutions and he specializes in pallet racking, pick systems, industrial shelving, mezzanines, cantilever racks, and more. Kevin is dedicated to providing great customer service, listening to client’s needs, and supplying the best products available.