In warehousing and fulfillment operations, space is one of the most valuable and limited resources. As product mix grows and order volumes rise, facilities quickly run out of room. Not because they’ve reached their true capacity, but because basic, static storage methods don’t make the most of the available space. High-density storage systems solve this problem by compressing inventory into a smaller footprint while maintaining accessibility and organization. The result is greater storage efficiency, faster order fulfillment, and a better return on every square foot.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into high-density storage systems - what they are, who they are for, and how to implement them effectively to guarantee the very best use of space in your facility.
What Are High-Density Storage Systems?
High-density storage systems are solutions designed to store more inventory in less space. Unlike basic static shelving that often wastes horizontal and vertical space, high-density systems optimize unused areas and organize SKUs more efficiently. These systems take many forms, ranging from compact shelving and mobile units to dynamic cell-based or bin-based systems that enable dense storage without sacrificing access.
The goal is simple: to maximize storage capacity while enhancing inventory organization, picking, and replenishment. Facilities that adopt high-density storage and implement it effectively not only gain space but also improve accuracy, throughput, and labor efficiency.
Who Uses High-Density Storage Systems?
High-density storage is most beneficial in industries that handle a wide variety of consumer products. Warehouses, distribution centers, eCommerce, omnichannel fulfillment centers, retail backrooms, and 3PL operations all rely on high-density storage systems to manage growing SKU counts and maximize limited space.
These operations face constant pressure to increase pick speed, reduce labor costs, and fulfill more orders using the same, or even less, space. High-density storage systems allow them to keep pace without compromising accuracy or operational flow. Whether storing apparel, electronics, health and beauty products, footwear, or other consumer products, these solutions help teams find what they need faster, save on travel and pick times, and reclaim valuable square footage.
Where High-Density Storage Systems Work Best
Not every area of your facility or every SKU requires a high-density storage system. To maximize the full value of these systems, it's essential to deploy them strategically, particularly in areas where SKU velocity is low and space is underutilized.
Slow- and medium-moving SKUs are ideal candidates for high-density storage systems. These are items that don't need to be picked frequently but still require accessibility and clear organization in your order picking zones. Too often, slower-moving SKUs are stored in static shelving that occupies more space than necessary and is not fully accessible. By relocating these SKUs into a high-density storage system, you can consolidate inventory, clear space for faster-moving products, and streamline picking processes.
Implementing a storage strategy based on throughput allows you to design your facility around the true behavior of your inventory.
High-volume SKUs account for the bulk of a facility's revenue stream. They typically consist of a pallet or more worth of throughput per shift, where the ergonomic benefits of carton flow outweigh the double handling necessary to load them into the system. These SKUs are best left on a pallet or loaded into a pallet flow system.
Medium-throughput SKUs, typically eaches or cases, represent the bulk of an operation's picks. The ideal storage solution for medium-throughput SKUs is a carton flow solution, such as UNEX SpanTrack.
Slow-moving SKUs are a necessary evil. Ordered infrequently, they don‘t need a high-profile position in the warehouse, but they still need to be stored in an easily accessible location. Store slow-movers in a high-density storage system where they will occupy far less space but remain easy to retrieve when needed.
Organizing your SKUs according to throughput makes the absolute best use of your entire space, minimizes travel time, and improves order accuracy, all without expanding your facility footprint.
Bonus Idea! High-density storage systems are also very effective in areas like pick modules, overstock and backstock zones, retail backrooms, and return processing areas. In these areas, SKU counts are typically high, space is tight, and operations can get chaotic and disorganized very quickly. Implementing high-density storage systems in these key areas can also be very beneficial to overall operational efficiency.
Discover a high-density storage solution and get the Ultimate Order Fulfillment Checklist! Download the Meet SpeedCell Guide.
Best Practices for Implementing High-Density Storage Systems
Successful high-density storage system implementation starts with data. You need to understand how often each SKU moves, how much space it currently takes up, and what role it plays in your picking and replenishment process. This data informs which SKUs should be placed in high-density storage systems and which should be stored on pallets in a pallet flow system or perhaps in a carton flow system.
From there, it’s critical to think about ergonomics and accessibility. A good high-density storage system doesn’t just store more SKUs, it does so in a way that reduces strain and travel time for your team. Systems should be easy to load, simple to pick from, and designed to minimize motion.
You should also plan for scalability. As your product lines expand and SKU velocity shifts, your storage solution should be able to adapt. Flexible high-density storage systems that can be adjusted or reconfigured over time deliver better long-term value and help future-proof your operation.
SpeedCell: A Smarter High-Density Storage System
For facilities looking for a high-density storage system that delivers space savings, efficiency, and scalability without breaking the bank, SpeedCell is a standout option.
SpeedCell is a dynamic, cell-based, high-density storage system that installs directly into existing pallet rack bays. Instead of relying on static shelving or flimsy cardboard containers, SpeedCell creates multiple vertical and horizontal compartments, or "cells", that move side to side, allowing pickers to access inventory quickly and efficiently. SpeedCell dramatically increases the number of SKUs that can be stored in a single bay while reducing the time it takes to locate and pick them.
Facilities that implement SpeedCell often see up to 60% more storage capacity in the same footprint. Travel time can be reduced by up to 40% since more SKUs are accessible from a single bay. Because SpeedCell installs within standard pallet racking, there’s no need for costly facility modifications. And because it’s ideal for slow- and medium-moving SKUs, it supports the aforementioned throughput-based inventory strategy that drives real results.
SpeedCell is especially effective in eCommerce and omnichannel fulfillment operations where SKU proliferation is the norm and pick speed matters. It’s also an excellent fit for 3PLs who need to store a variety of client products in shared space with frequently changing contracts.
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Space with High-Density Storage Systems
If your warehouse or fulfillment center is running out of room, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need a larger facility. You may just need a smarter way to store your inventory.
UNEX specializes in high-density storage systems that help businesses reclaim space, reduce labor, and improve picking efficiency. Whether you're looking to streamline your picking process, manage a growing SKU count, or improve inventory accessibility in tight spaces, our team is here to help. Contact UNEX today to speak with a product specialist and discover how a high-density storage system like SpeedCell can transform your space and drive your operation forward.
