When you’re staring at packed storage areas wondering how on earth you’ll fit another box, file, or product, the question isn’t whether you need more space, it’s how to make the space you have work harder for you. That’s where roller racking steps in, and honestly, it might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
What Exactly Is Roller Racking?
Roller racking, also known as mobile shelving or roller shelves, is a storage system where entire shelving units move along tracks. Think of it as traditional shelving that’s been given wheels, but much more sophisticated than that sounds.
Instead of having fixed aisles between every shelf unit, roller racking creates just one aisle that moves wherever you need it. You simply turn a handle or push a button, and the shelving units glide apart to create access exactly where you want it. When you’re done, they close back together, eliminating wasted aisle space.
The Space-Saving Numbers That’ll Make You Think Twice
Let’s talk numbers, because they’re pretty impressive. High-density storage systems like roller racking can increase your storage capacity by up to 70% in the same footprint. Where you once had five fixed aisles eating up valuable floor space, you now have one moveable aisle and twice the storage.
But here’s where it gets really interesting, it’s not just about cramming more stuff in. Studies show that roller racking can reduce picker travel time by up to 80% and generate labour savings of up to 75%. That’s because everything is organised and accessible without the endless walking between static shelving units.
Why Different Industries Are Making the Switch
Libraries and Educational Facilities
Libraries have been early adopters of library shelving systems using roller racking technology, and for good reason. Books are heavy, they multiply quickly, and patrons expect easy access. Mobile shelving lets libraries store significantly more books while maintaining that quiet, organised environment everyone appreciates.
We’ve worked with facilities like the Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre Library, where roller racking transformed their ability to house growing collections without expanding their building footprint.
Museums and Archives
Museum archive storage presents unique challenges, items are often irreplaceable, require specific environmental conditions, and need secure access controls. Roller racking excels here because it provides enhanced security (you can lock entire sections), better environmental control (reduced air circulation between closed units), and efficient organisation for archival materials.
Medical Records and Healthcare
Healthcare facilities dealing with patient records, medical supplies, or pharmaceutical storage find roller racking particularly valuable. The archive storage capabilities mean sensitive documents stay organised and secure, while the ergonomic design reduces strain on staff who regularly access files.
Static vs Mobile: The Real-World Comparison
When you’re weighing up storage shelving solutions, the comparison between static and mobile systems comes down to several key factors:
Space Efficiency
Static shelving typically uses about 50% of your floor space for aisles. With mobile shelving, that drops to roughly 10-15%. If you’re paying premium prices for every square foot, that’s a significant difference.
Accessibility and Organisation
Traditional shelving gives you constant access to everything, which sounds great until you realise most of the time you’re only accessing a small portion of your inventory. Mobile shelving gives you the same full access, just not all at once, while keeping everything perfectly organised and visible.
Flexibility
Here’s where mobile systems really shine. Need to reconfigure your storage layout? With static shelving, you’re looking at a major upheaval. With roller racking, you can often adjust configurations relatively easily, making it adaptable as your needs change.
The Investment Question: Does Mobile Shelving Pay for Itself?
Yes, the initial investment for mobile shelves is higher than traditional static systems. But let’s think about the return on investment practically.
First, you’re essentially getting double the storage capacity in the same space. If expanding your facility would cost £50,000, but mobile shelving achieves the same result for £30,000, you’re already ahead.
Second, consider the labour savings. If your staff spend less time searching for items and walking between storage areas, that translates to real cost savings over time. The 75% labour savings mentioned in efficiency studies can add up significantly over months and years.
Third, there’s the space rental factor. If you’re renting storage space, doubling your capacity in the same square footage could eliminate the need for additional premises entirely.
Why UK Manufacturing Matters for Your Mobile Shelving Project
At Rackline, we’ve been manufacturing shelving in our UK based factory for decades, and there are genuine advantages to working with British-made storage solutions.
Quality control is higher when manufacturing happens closer to home: we can oversee production standards directly rather than hoping overseas manufacturers meet specifications. Lead times are shorter, meaning your project moves forward faster. And if you need modifications or have specific requirements, communication is straightforward without language barriers or time zone complications.
There’s also something to be said for supporting British manufacturing. When you choose UK-made roller shelving, you’re investing in local skills and keeping jobs in your community.
Installation and Training: What to Expect
One concern people often raise about mobile shelving systems is complexity. Will your staff need extensive training? Is installation disruptive?
The reality is that modern roller racking systems are designed for straightforward operation. Most systems use simple mechanical handles or smooth electronic controls. Training typically takes an hour or two, not days.
Installation is generally faster than you’d expect because these systems are often pre-engineered and modular. We work with you to plan everything in advance, so installation day is about assembly rather than figuring things out as we go.
Customisation for Your Specific Needs
Every storage challenge is different, which is why archive racking and mobile shelving systems need to be adaptable. Maybe you need extra-wide shelves for large documents. Perhaps you require specific weight capacities for heavy inventory. Or you might need integrated security features for sensitive materials.
The beauty of working with a UK manufacturer is that customisation doesn’t mean waiting months for special orders or paying premium prices for modifications. We can adapt systems to meet your specific requirements without the complications of international shipping and communication.
Making the Decision: Is Roller Racking Right for You?
Mobile shelving makes most sense when:
- You’re running out of storage space but can’t easily expand
- Your current system requires excessive walking or searching time
- Security and organisation are priorities
- You’re dealing with valuable or sensitive materials
- Long-term efficiency matters more than minimal upfront costs
It might not be the best fit if:
- You need constant, simultaneous access to all stored items
- Your storage needs are very temporary
- Budget constraints make the investment prohibitive right now
Taking the Next Step
If you’re thinking roller racking might solve your storage challenges, the best approach is to start with an honest assessment of your current situation. How much space are you actually using for storage versus access? How much time do staff spend retrieving items? What would doubling your storage capacity be worth to your operation?
We’re always happy to discuss specific situations and help you think through whether mobile shelving makes sense for your particular needs. Sometimes traditional solutions are still the right answer: but often, the space-saving potential of roller racking opens up possibilities you hadn’t considered.
Ready to explore what mobile shelving could do for your space? Talk to our team on: 01782 770144, email us: info@rackline.co.uk, or fill in the form below and one of our team will be in touch.