In the manufacturing industry, every second counts. Equipment must run on time, materials must be easily accessible, and downtime must be minimized. To address these issues, companies invest in automation, staffing, and quality control. But one often overlooked area is storage. Outdated or inadequate racking can also hurt performance. Upgrading your storage can drive improvements across your entire company.
Lost Time
In some companies, materials are hard to reach, are organized badly, or are stored in mismatched racks. This means employees waste time searching for materials and maneuvering equipment to reach it. Even small delays, like waiting for a forklift, can add up to a huge waste of time.
Modern storage systems are designed to eliminate these very problems. Steel racking systems can be customized for your factory, and are designed with equipment like cranes and lift trucks in mind. Upgraded racks help reduce wasted time, making every minute spent on the floor more productive.
Preventing Damage
Fast-paced environments often come with increased risk of damage, both to materials and to the racks themselves. Overloaded shelves, unstable pallets, or equipment bumps can lead to bent frames, lost inventory, or even workplace injuries.
High-quality steel racking is built to withstand daily wear, with rugged construction, reinforced arms, and load ratings engineered for your specific needs. This protects your inventory while reducing repair and replacement costs.
Leaner, Smarter Operations
By definition, lean manufacturing means being efficient and less wasteful. Modern storage supports those goals by improving the use of space, making inventory management more accurate, and speeding material handling. Clearly labeled compartments, safe access points, and proper spacing all help employees quickly and safely access materials.
In addition, as product lines evolve, modular racking systems can be reconfigured instead of replaced. This lowers costs and ensures your storage matches your production needs.
Extended Value
Yes, there’s an up-front cost to upgrading racking, but the return is often significant and long-lasting. Companies frequently see productivity improve, have less damage to materials, and see fewer workplace injuries.
Because modern steel racking is built to last for decades, the long-term value often far outweighs the initial investment. It also contributes to smoother audits, improved compliance, and helps a company be ready for future growth.
If your current racking is slowing you down, it may be time for an upgrade. Discover how Dexco racking solutions can help accelerate your operations and deliver improvements on the shop floor.
