Selecting a Mobile System Vendor
Courtesy of Elecompack
If you're like many potential customers for mobile shelving, you may be
familiar with the mobile shelving concept, but unsure what differentiates
manufacturers from one another. At last count, there were more than a dozen
suppliers of mobile shelving in the United States. How do you know which product
to buy? Simply purchasing "low bid" is one possibility. Choosing a familiar name
is another possibility. A more prudent method for selecting the best overall
value might be to ask the following questions of all potential suppliers: Is the
shelving you intend to use engineered for mobile installations?
- How is the shelving attached to the carriage? Can you supply engineering
data or documentation indicating that the method you propose is safe? (It's
a good idea to visit an installation and see this attachment first hand. Ask
them to lift up a bottom shelf and show you.)
- How many grades or models do you offer? Are you proposing your "top of
the line" and safest model for us? If not, why not?
- Will your system have a continuous solid shaft that drives all wheels
permitting the rear of the range to move simultaneously with the front? If
not, why not?
- What is the gauge (thickness) of the shelves you intend to supply? 18
gauge is the cautious choice for folders and books and until a few years ago
it was the only gauge offered. Unfortunately, some suppliers have recently
been supplying a thinner 20 or 22 gauge shelf in their efforts to be low
bid. These thinner shelves may begin to deflect once loaded.
- Are the shelves you propose independently adjustable? Can a shelf on one
side of the range have a different vertical position than a shelf on the
opposite side of the range? Most double face shelving utilizes a single
shelf which services both sides of the unit. Because of this, your
flexibility is limited.
- Are the shelves easily adjustable without the use of tools or mallets?
(The astute buyer will insist upon visiting an installation and personally
verifying all claims made regarding the ease of shelf adjustment.)
- Most systems on the market use shelf supports that must be hammered in place
with a rubber mallet into a "key lock" system. When selecting your system, look
for shelving that can easily be lifted off and moved without the need for tools.
- Does your system (both mechanical assist and electrical) have an
automatic passive safety device that will prevent any system movement when
any aisle is occupied by a person or inanimate object?
- Does your system include a security/surveillance system that constantly
monitors all aisles simultaneously and provides an historical visual record
of all activity?
- Do You Offer a 10 Year Warranty? If not, why not? This important
guarantee ensures you will have peace of mind regarding your investment for
a long time to come.
About Elecompack: Since 1965, Elecompack has been a leading innovator of high
density mobile storage systems. Initially developed to withstand the tremendous
seismic requirements of Japan and the rest of the Pacific Rim, our unique design
has helped clients around the world maximize their return on investment.
www.elecompack.com