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Critical Storage Ideas and Concepts
| Phone: 800-352-0272 Fax: 800-353-3681 |
|
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| Home | Modular Cabinets | Storage Wall | Work Stations | Tool Storage | Computer Cabinets | Contact Us |
Getting Started - Ideas
and Concepts
Here are a few issues as well
as some hints and ideas that impact the decision to maximize a storage area.
Choosing the best method or technique for designing an area is always impacted
by the following:
1.
Square Footage vs. Cubic Footage - Storage area maximization is
achieved by
focusing on cubic footage of storage not square footage. Take a look at a
shelving system you
have parts on currently, note how much air space remains between shelves and
your product.
This is the storage area that you are trying to capture when maximizing
"the cubic footage
of an area". Its also the reason we tell people its possible to convert as
much as 3 units
of shelving into a single modular cabinet.
2.
Convert Shelving Storage to Drawer Storage -
The idea of reducing the
amount of storage space to store more products runs contrary to the common sense notion you need
more space
to store more products. However, when you compare the High Density drawer
storage concept to the shelving concept, really what you achieve is denser storage with a much more
disciplined
approach to organization. This is the key! Shelving storage lends
itself to the idea of " throw
it on a shelf and we'll retrieve it later".
3.
Drawer Storage creates a disciplined approach to storage -
that leads to greater
organization and thus greater productivity. With shelving storage you
place small items
on a shelf until all at once your small parts all run together, causing
difficulty in finding the item
you need. A high density drawer creates a specific compartment for a part that
is sized specifically for that part...no wasted space between parts!
4.
Fixed Position Storage vs Mobile Storage -
Position the parts you need
with the closest access point to where they will be used. This often times means
using mobile
positioning to achieve ease of access. Make it easy to move into reach,
but also to move
out of the way.
5.
Frequently Used Parts with Close Access -
In fixed position systems
place parts that are
most frequently used closest to the point of access... ie... place frequently
used parts closest to
the parts issue counter or doorways entering into a storage room.
6.
Use Cabinet Countertops Efficiently -
Optimize your work area
Counter Tops. A work bench area can be optimized by by adding high density
storage below the counter, but also above the top by adding riser shelves,
pegboard backs, overhead cabinets, electrical outlets risers or other
accessories. Don't waste this space.
7.
Controlled Access - Expensive
items such as tooling, measuring instruments, ESD items, may need to have
controlled access with greater accountability. Control these areas with keyed
cabinet access. Free Issue vs. Controlled Access. Now that's an idea.
8.
Convert Wall Space - into
a productive useable work area without sacrificing storage area.
Create a Work station with a work enhancing butcher block countertop with high
density drawer
storage below.
9.
Not Every Item Is a Drawer Item -
Simply put, some parts are
just too big for drawer storage.
It's not efficient storage. It comes under the category of putting a square peg
in a round hole.
It does not fit. Put it on a shelf. When we design storage areas,
invariably, 20-30% of items
go to shelving storage.
Copyright Equipment and Supply Central 2005