The fourth edition of the Trailblazer focuses on FIFO Shelving on FrameWRX HD.
First in, first out (FIFO) shelving an cantilever tray shelf with acrylic front and bin dividers on FrameWRX HD, was an engineered-to-order (ETO) product produced to meet the storage needs of a Hospital Pharmacy.
Matt Thomas, of Spacesaver Intermountain, worked with Mark Kelleher and Brent Rusch, both of Spacesaver Corporation, to create the FIFO Shelving solution for a new Pharmacy. This ETO was able to solve the Pharmacy’s storage challenges by providing beneficial solutions to all their challenges.
THE CHALLENGE:
- Customer wanted more than the 3 additional sections of shelving that could be added to their previous 5 shelf FrameWRX system
- Customer wanted gravity fed shelving
- Easy access, with the ability to load prescription bottle in front, as well as, in the back
- Easy visibility into the storage system
- Various-sized prescription bottles would be stored in the same system
THE SOLUTION:
- FrameWRX HD with custom sloped shelves; standard sloped shelves do not support dividers
- Holes were punched in 2” increments, allowing for flexibility in the size of bottles the shelf could support
- Custom dividers were made to accommodate the customer’s need to supply bottles into the back of the system
- A sturdy 3” tall acrylic bin front was designed to support the bottles and provide visibility into the shelf; this front can be removed as needs change (This bin front was uniquely inspired by a shelving unit Matt Thomas saw at a convenience store displaying snacks (See Below))
THE BENEFITS:
- FrameWRX HD maximized their storage and allowed them to increase the bulk storage supply in the room
- Custom clear bin fronts and slanted shelves made it easy to read the labels. This will reduce the risk of errors
- Custom short dividers allowed the Pharmacy staff easy access to loading new medication into the back of the storage system
- A gravity fed shelf promotes first in, first out (FIFO) inventory management, eliminating expired items that are unnecessary waste
This notable ETO solution would not have been possible without the innovation and collaboration of Matt Thomas and Spacesaver Corporation. The way Matt Thomas found inspiration in a convenience store’s storage, demonstrates how anyone can find storage ideas in everyday life.
Take a look at the full ETO Spotlight HERE
