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Exploring the definition of universal shelving systems and their versatility and characteristics in warehousing.
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Publish Time:
2025-09-28
In the warehousing equipment system, selective pallet racking has become the top choice for small- to medium-sized storage enterprises and multi-category goods storage scenarios, thanks to its core advantages of "no special restrictions and wide adaptability." Unlike heavy-duty racks, which offer "high load capacity but limited versatility," or mezzanine racks, whose "space-layering capabilities are somewhat restrictive," selective pallet racking breaks through the constraints of both specific applications and diverse products with its "universal design." It not only meets basic storage needs but also boasts the flexibility to be easily adjusted as required. This article will begin with a definition, systematically analyzing its versatile performance and key features, providing valuable insights for warehouse selection.
I. Definition and Core Attributes of Universal Shelving: What Exactly Is Universal Shelving?
General-purpose shelving is not a single-type shelving structure, but rather a collective term for a family of standardized shelves designed around the principle of "universal adaptability." At its core, it leverages modular designs, standardized dimensions, and moderate load capacities to effectively address most warehousing scenarios—setting it apart from specialized shelving systems that serve highly specific functions.
1.1 Definition and Analysis of General-Purpose Shelving
According to the definition in "Warehouse Rack Terminology" (GB/T 37100-2018), selective racks are "standardized component-based structures designed to accommodate lightweight to medium-to-heavy loads (typically ranging from 50 to 1,500 kg per level), requiring no specialized access equipment and suitable for storing a wide variety of goods." Their core features can be summarized in three key points:
- No category restrictions : No need to design a dedicated structure for specific types of cargo—such as long or heavy items; small and medium-sized goods, as well as boxed or bagged products, can all be stored.
- No device dependency : Accessible via conventional equipment such as manual handling, manual forklifts, and electric forklifts—no need for specialized automated systems like stacker cranes or shuttle cars;
- No scene binding : It does not rely on specific storage environments (such as high space or low temperatures); instead, it can be deployed in warehouses with normal temperature, dry conditions, and moderate height—typically 4 to 8 meters.
1.2 Core Structural Components of the Universal Shelving System
The standard shelving system features a modular design, with core components that can be easily disassembled and reconfigured. Its typical structure consists of four main parts:
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Component Name
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Functional Role
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Material Characteristics
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Standing pillar
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Supports vertical weight and underpins the overall structure of the shelving unit.
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Cold-rolled steel, thickness 1.5–2.5 mm
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Beam
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Supports the weight of interlayer cargo and connects the columns on both sides.
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Rectangular steel tubes or C-shaped steel, suitable for load-bearing applications
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Laminated board / Pallet beam
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Directly supports cargo—available in mesh deck panels and steel deck panels.
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Mesh shelving (ventilated and moisture-proof), steel shelving (high load-bearing capacity)
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Fastener
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Secure the upright posts and crossbeams for easy disassembly and adjustment.
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High-strength bolt or snap-fit design
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This structural design reduces the installation time by 40% compared to custom-built shelving, and in the future, you can easily add or remove shelves and adjust the shelf height (with a standard adjustable range of 50–200mm), offering far greater flexibility than fixed-structure shelving.
Universal-style shelving has a wide range of applications.
1.3 Comparison of General-Purpose Shelving with Other Mainstream Shelving Types
To clearly define the positioning of general-purpose shelving, it should be contrasted with heavy-duty, light-duty, and mezzanine racks to avoid confusion:
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Shelf Type
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Load capacity range (per floor)
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Core Features
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Applicable Scenarios
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Equipment Dependence
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Standard Shelving Unit
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50-1500kg
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Standardization, modularization, and flexible adaptation
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Storage for diverse categories of small and medium-sized items, as well as medium- to heavy-duty cargo.
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Low (standard equipment is sufficient)
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Heavy-duty shelving
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1500-5000kg
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High load capacity, large span
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Single heavy cargo (such as machine parts, palletized goods)
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Medium (Forklift Required)
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Light-duty shelving
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≤50kg
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Lightweight, low-cost
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Small items (such as retail accessories, electronic components)
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Extremely low (artificial)
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Attic shelving
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50-800kg
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Spatial layering, three-dimensional storage
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High warehouse, multiple batches of small-sized goods
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Middle (requires stairs / lift platform)
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Data source: The China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP), "2024 Report on Classification and Applications of the Warehouse Racking Industry"
II. Versatility of Modular Shelving in Warehousing: Cross-Scenario, Multi-Dimensional Adaptability
“Versatility” is the core value of universal shelving, specifically reflected in three key dimensions: cross-industry adaptability, compatibility with diverse products, and full-environment resilience. This is also the primary reason behind its impressive 68% penetration rate among small- and medium-sized warehousing enterprises (CFLP data, 2024).
2.1 Cross-Industry Adaptability: Broad Coverage from Retail to Manufacturing
Standard shelving systems don’t require customization based on industry specifics, as they can meet the basic warehousing needs of most sectors. Typical industries and scenarios where they are commonly applied include:
- Retail Industry : The back-end storage areas of supermarkets and convenience stores hold multi-category, box-packed goods such as food items and daily necessities; the layer height can be adjusted according to product dimensions—for example, snack boxes are stored at a 300mm layer height, while personal care product boxes occupy a 500mm-high shelf.
- Manufacturing : Small and medium-sized machinery manufacturing enterprises store both components (such as screws, bearings) and semi-finished products, balancing the needs for compact, scattered storage of small items with secure placement of medium- to heavy-duty parts (like small motors weighing up to 800 kg).
- E-commerce Industry : Third-party e-commerce warehousing solutions (such as shared warehouses used by small to medium-sized sellers) can quickly adjust shelf layouts to accommodate the characteristics of "multiple SKUs and small batch sizes," making it easy to adapt to different product categories (e.g., apparel, small appliances, stationery).
- Pharmaceutical Industry : The room-temperature pharmaceutical warehouse features a mesh-layered shelving system designed to meet ventilation and moisture-proof requirements, making it ideal for storing medicines in boxes while also facilitating manual inventory checks and easy access.
Case in point: After a regional retail chain enterprise (with 20 stores) adopted universal shelving units, its warehouse area was able to simultaneously store over 2,000 SKUs spanning three major categories—food, daily chemicals, and home goods—representing a 120% increase in storage capacity compared to when lightweight shelves were used previously. Additionally, inventory accuracy improved by 35%.
An intelligent automated warehouse system
2.2 Multi-category Cargo Compatibility: Breaking Through Cargo Form Restrictions
The universal shelving system adapts to different shapes and weights of goods by switching between shelf plate types and adjusting load capacities, effectively addressing the common pain point of traditional shelving systems—“one item, one shelf.”
- Form Compatibility : Goods stored include boxed items (such as cardboard boxes or plastic crates), bagged items (like flour or animal feed), and bulk goods (such as parts boxes). Mesh pallets are suitable for moisture-sensitive products, while steel pallets are ideal for heavy-duty components.
- Weight Adaptation : The same shelf can accommodate different load capacities by adjusting the beam specifications—for example, the lower level (with a 1200kg capacity) can store medium- to heavy-duty equipment parts, while the upper level (with a 200kg capacity) is ideal for lightweight accessories.
- Flexible dimensions : The standard shelving system features upright post lengths ranging from 2 to 6 meters and beam spans of 1.2 to 2.4 meters, making it suitable for most standard cargo dimensions—such as 1.2m × 0.8m pallets or 0.5m × 0.3m component boxes. Custom connectors are available to accommodate special-sized items.
According to CFLP research, universal shelving systems are compatible with more than 85% of non-specialized warehouse goods, significantly surpassing the compatibility rates of heavy-duty shelving (30%) and light-duty shelving (25%).
2.3 All-Scenario Environmental Adaptability: No Special Storage Conditions Required
Standard shelving requires minimal warehouse conditions—no need for high ceilings, low temperatures, or special flooring—making it suitable for most conventional storage environments.
- Highly adaptable : Suitable for warehouses with a standard height of 4–8 meters, eliminating the need to rely on high space—unlike heavy-duty racks (which require heights over 8 meters) or mezzanine racks (which need at least 6 meters)—making it ideal for deployment in both small and medium-sized warehouses.
- Temperature Adaptation : It can be stably used in environments ranging from -5°C to 40°C, making it suitable for both ambient-temperature warehouses and short-term use in low-temperature storage facilities (such as temporary food transit centers). Additionally, its material exhibits superior temperature resistance compared to some lightweight plastic shelving units.
- Ground requirements : A standard cement floor is sufficient for installation, eliminating the need for floor hardening typically required for automated shelving systems (resulting in cost savings of approximately 200 yuan/㎡). Additionally, no extra investment is needed for floor treatment when renovating older warehouses.
III. Core Features of Modular Shelving: A Flexible, Economical, and Highly Efficient Storage Solution
The versatility of universal shelving stems from its unique design features, which not only lower the barrier to entry for warehousing but also directly deliver dual benefits—cost savings and enhanced efficiency—to businesses.
3.1 Flexible Structure: Easy to assemble and adjustable for later modifications
The modular structure of the standard shelving system gives it the advantages of "quick installation and flexible adjustment":
- High installation efficiency : No welding required—connections are made via bolts or clips. A two-person team can install 50–80㎡ per day, representing a 60% increase in installation efficiency compared to custom-built heavy-duty shelving (which averages 30–40㎡ per day).
- Floor-to-ceiling height is adjustable. : The shelf height can be adjusted at any time via the adjustment holes on the upright posts (spacing 50–100mm)—for example, when seasons change, you can reconfigure the beverage storage layer from 3 to 4 tiers (to accommodate increased summer stock).
- Easy to disassemble and relocate :The components are fully detachable, allowing a reuse rate of over 90% during warehouse relocation—avoiding the wasteful practice of traditional fixed shelving systems being discarded entirely after relocation. For instance, an electronics company saved approximately 120,000 yuan in new shelving procurement costs by reusing its standardized shelving units during a recent move.
3.2 Cost-Effective: Low initial investment, minimal maintenance costs
The standardized shelving system offers significant cost advantages, making it especially suitable for small to medium-sized warehousing enterprises with limited budgets:
- Low initial investment : The average market price is approximately 300–500 yuan/㎡, which is 60% lower than that of heavy-duty shelving (800–1200 yuan/㎡) and 50% lower than loft-style shelving (600–800 yuan/㎡);
- Low maintenance costs : Cold-rolled steel material boasts strong rust resistance, and under normal use, its average annual maintenance cost is only 5–10 yuan/㎡ (primarily for bolt tightening)—significantly lower than that of automated shelving systems (which average 100–200 yuan/㎡ annually, including equipment maintenance and upkeep).
- Low upgrade costs When it comes to increasing the load capacity later on, simply replacing the beams and shelves is sufficient—there’s no need to overhaul the entire rack. This upgrade costs only 30%–40% of purchasing a brand-new rack.
3.3 Easy Access: No special equipment required, with a low operational barrier
The access logic for standard shelving is simple, requiring no specialized equipment or skills, which reduces the complexity of warehouse operations.
- Low equipment requirements : Both manual and electric forklifts can be operated—no need for stackers, AGVs, or other specialized equipment. Small and medium-sized enterprises won’t have to make additional investments in equipment procurement (saving 100,000 to 500,000 yuan in equipment costs);
- High access efficiency : The palletized open design allows direct access to goods, eliminating the need to wait for equipment dispatch as required with shuttle racks. As a result, manual storage and retrieval efficiency improves by 20% compared to automated racks—particularly in low-load scenarios.
- Convenient Inventory Management :The shelving units feature a moderately adjustable height (with standard spacing of 300–800mm), allowing inventory checks to be conducted effortlessly without the need for elevated equipment. As a result, inventory accuracy improves by 15% compared to attic-style racks, which typically require climbing aids.
3.4 Strong Compatibility: Easily Integrated with Other Warehouse Equipment
Although the standard shelving unit is a basic model, its design incorporates预留 integration space for other equipment, making it easy to upgrade your warehouse later on.
- Integrated with sorting equipment : Conveyor belts can be deployed next to shelves to enable seamless "storage-sorting" integration, allowing an e-commerce warehouse to boost order-processing efficiency by 40% through this approach.
- Integrated with lighting / surveillance : The pillars can be equipped with LED lighting and a monitoring bracket, eliminating the need for additional scaffolding and helping to save on renovation costs;
- Integration with lightweight automation : Later, simple shelving robots (such as lightweight AGVs) can be added to enable semi-automated storage and retrieval, with upgrade costs amounting to only 25% of those for fully automated shelving systems.
Finally
At the core of standardized shelving lies "universal design," which, with its flexible structure, wide adaptability, and cost-effective implementation, has become the "basic solution" for the warehousing industry. Its value extends beyond simply meeting diverse storage needs across multiple scenarios and product categories—it also significantly lowers the entry barrier for small- to medium-sized warehousing businesses. Nowhere is this more evident than in the ability for these enterprises to swiftly establish efficient warehousing systems without requiring substantial upfront investments, specialized equipment, or even the need for a dedicated environment. As the trend toward warehouse digitalization continues to gain momentum, standardized shelving can further enhance efficiency through lightweight upgrades—such as integrating RFID tags or seamlessly connecting to simple WMS systems—making it an essential bridge between "entry-level warehousing" and the transition toward "smart warehousing." For companies facing fluctuating product types, tight budgets, and relatively standard operational environments, standardized shelving undoubtedly stands out as the ideal choice, balancing practicality with exceptional cost-effectiveness.
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