In a fast-paced, omnichannel fulfillment landscape that is dominated by high-SKU counts and increasing consumer demands, effective storage is no longer optional; it’s essential. Whether you're running an eCommerce fulfillment center, a third-party logistics warehouse, or a retail backroom, maximizing space and streamlining access to inventory is critical to operational success. Enter bin shelving, a simple yet powerful solution designed to bring organization, speed, and efficiency to your SKU storage and order picking strategy.
This article covers everything you need to know about bin shelving: what it is, who it’s for, how it works, the different types available, and how it can improve efficiency in your operation. We’ll also explore how UNEX takes bin shelving to the next level with dynamic, high-density storage systems designed for even greater operational efficiency.
Bin shelving is a storage solution that divides shelving units into individual compartments, or bins, to organize and store smaller items or high-SKU inventory. These bins can be rigid or flexible, fixed or dynamic, and are typically used to separate parts, products, or supplies into clearly defined spaces.
Unlike bulk or open shelving, bin shelving ensures every item has a dedicated location. Bin shelving solutions reduce clutter, improve accessibility, and make it easier for workers to find what they need quickly and accurately.
Bin shelving is used across a broad range of industries and environments where small parts and multiple SKUs must be stored in an organized and highly accessible way. It’s especially common in:
Wherever there’s a need for fast access to organized inventory, bin shelving offers a clear advantage.
At its core, bin shelving works by dividing available space into a series of individual containers or compartments. These bins are arranged in shelving units — sometimes adjustable, sometimes mobile — and are often labeled for quick visual identification.
The result is a high-visibility storage system where items are easy to locate, retrieve, and restock. In busy operations, this means fewer picking errors, less time spent searching, and a more efficient workflow overall. When strategically placed, bin shelving also keeps commonly used items within ergonomic reach, reducing strain and improving workplace safety.
There are several types of bin shelving available, each with its own benefits depending on your inventory profile and operational needs:
Static bin shelving consists of fixed shelving units (often basic wire shelving) outfitted with plastic, metal, or cardboard bins. Commonly used for low-turn or consistent inventory. Static bin shelving is best for smaller applications looking for simple, low-volume storage solutions. Static bin shelving offers a cost-effective way to organize your operation, but storage density is limited.
Mounted on wheels or tracks, mobile bin shelving units can be relocated as needed. Mobile bin shelving is highly effective in meeting seasonal demands or pop-up storage needs and is well-suited for high-traffic operations that require flexible, movable storage locations.
Unlike static bin shelving, dynamic bin shelving is a more advanced system that allows bins or cells to move, slide, or nest within rack structures. Dynamic bin shelving systems dramatically increase SKU density and are best for high-volume operations with limited space. When designed to meet the specific needs of your operation, dynamic bin shelving can significantly increase your capacity and improve efficiency across your entire operation.
Efficiency is the hallmark of well-designed bin shelving. Here's how it delivers real operational gains:
Bin shelving is a relatively low-tech solution that solves high-impact challenges across the supply chain, increasing operational efficiency in a wide variety of facilities and applications.
At UNEX, we’ve taken the principles of bin shelving and engineered them into a high-performance, dynamic, high-density storage solution: SpeedCell.
SpeedCell is a dynamic, high-density storage system that easily installs into existing pallet racking to fully maximize every square inch of rack space. SpeedCell increases storage capacity by allowing full access to every bin or “cell” within your racks. Made from industrial-strength textiles, SpeedCell consists of vertical columns of storage cells that slide side-to-side to store multiple rows of inventory.
SpeedCell works by suspending columns of high-strength storage cells within an existing bay of industrial pallet rack - no flow racks or other shelving units are needed. These columns are mounted to the rack with a steel track system that allows you to slide individual columns side to side. SpeedCell installs easily with simple tools and hardware. Tracks are mounted to the beams of your pallet rack with crossbars designed to fit into both step and structural beams. SpeedCell columns are then dropped into the tracks throughout the depth of the rack.
Unfussy Bin Shelving That Improves Space Utilization in Your Existing Footprint? That’s SpeedCell.
Perhaps you have existing static shelving, like wire decking, installed in pallet rack, but see the value of SpeedCell and wish you could make the switch. The good news is, you can still benefit from SpeedCell without a total change of equipment! If you have existing pallet rack in your retail storage room, fulfillment center, or warehouse for example, you can boost your SKU density by up to 60% with SpeedCell, because it’s designed to seamlessly integrate into your existing structures.
SpeedCell enables remarkable inventory density levels within your existing storage footprint by ergonomically fitting more SKUs into less space than static industrial shelving. Pick speeds and accuracy are dramatically improved, shaving valuable time from every order fulfilled, leading to measurable bottom-line improvements.
The Bottom Line: Dynamic bin shelving solutions like SpeedCell exponentially improve operational efficiency, making them a high-value addition for any fulfillment center, warehouse, or retail storage space looking to meet the increasing demands of today’s consumers.
If your operation is struggling with cluttered shelves, clunky order picking processes, or limited space, bin shelving like SpeedCell high-density storage could be the simple fix that makes a significant impact on your overall efficiency. Ready to save space, boost productivity, and save valuable time and money? Contact our team of experts at UNEX today to learn how a dynamic bin shelving solution like SpeedCell can help you store more, pick faster, and improve your operational efficiency.