There are still some industrial and commercial businesses that use time clocks and time cards. Depending upon the size of the business, different time and clock cards are available to suit most applications.

There is the time recorder ideal for the smaller business. Typically they will be robust and will have such features as:
• A clear, easily readable analogue display
• They will print as many as six columns on a time card which would then be stored in wall mounted storage racks
• The time card will be automatically fed through the clock
• They will be able to automatically adjust forward and backwards for the British Summer Time (BST) and Greenwich Meantime (GMT) changes
• It will be possible to either mount them on the wall or on a table. This is especially useful as wall mounting will be preferred where space is limited

A more expensive model might suit larger businesses and would usually have all the standard features of the cheaper model, including a storage rack for the time cards, as well as:
• A time signal to be used when bells are required
• Multi-coloured printing is available
• The time clock can be programmed to record and print in/out movements of employees

If job costing will be needed, the perfect solution for this is a date and time stamp. This model will typically have features such as:
• A precise record of time and date
• There will be several options for the print format
• A memory backup for five years

These days more than ever before, businesses need to cut wasteful and profit reducing aspects of their businesses as much as possible. Forklift or industrial trucks are essential to any warehouse operation but need space to move around. This floor space is going to cost the company in terms of potential storage room lost.

However there is now an industrial truck known as the Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) forklift truck. In a low bay warehouse, the VNA truck can increase the capacity of the warehouse by up to 30%. This machine can work in a space of 1.6 metres and lift a 1500 kg load to a height of over seven metres. Since the VNA truck needs very little room in which to operate, it will be possible for the warehouse manager to stack extra pallets closer together or erect more racking systems.

Typically, the VNA truck has a chassis of just over a metre in width and a narrow front axle. This allows it to be utilised in the block stacking of pallets. It also has tough cushion tyre and front wheel drive which make it perfect for use in slippery conditions. Some of these particular industrial trucks do not require guide rails which gives them added flexibility in that they are able to take pallets from the goods received part of the warehouse and stack them away or take full pallets to the processing area of the warehouse or take them to a road vehicle ready to be despatched.

The forklift truck is, without doubt, one of the most important assets a business that needs to move heavy goods around could own.

In a large warehouse such as the supply depots belonging to supermarkets, these industrial trucks will move pallets of produce onto supply lorries quickly and efficiently. There are many different types of industrial trucks now available but for the purpose of this article let us focus on the counterbalanced forklift.

Typically, the counterbalanced forklift will have as its counterweight a block of cast iron. Depending upon the weight of this iron block, the lift will have a set weight lifting capability when its forks are lifting to their maximum height. This weight must never be exceeded because of the danger of the truck toppling over. A plate fastened to the truck will provide appropriate information.

The truck’s mast is the vertical assembly set at the front of the truck and raises or lowers the load. It is also made up of interlocking rails. These rails give it lateral stability. It is operated by one or more of the hydraulic tilt cylinders attached to the truck’s frame and mast. Alternatively the mast may be chain operated using a hydraulic motor.

The carriage, to which the forks or other accessories are attached, is mounted the mast rails and moves up and down them either by using the chains or alternatively it might be attached to the hydraulic cylinder.

The forklift is usually powered by either diesel internal combustion engine or electricity supplied by batteries or fuel cells.

To make best use of the greenhouse, you should remember that you have height to utilise, not just floor space.  A greenhouse with high eaves is a real advantage because you can attach shelving to the roof supports. Since heat rises, these shelves are especially handy for plants that will benefit from the extra warmth. There are cheap brackets that are purpose built to attach to the roof of an aluminium greenhouse.

These brackets will hold, for example, 10 inch shelves which are perfect for holding seed trays. With the installation of watering mats which will soak up a great deal of water, you can be certain your plants will not dry out. If you have tomato plants growing though, during the summer, fixed shelving will unfortunately get in the way. There is, however, a perfect solution to this problem in the shape of integral shelving that folds away for the summer.

For example, an inexpensive workstation can be easy to install and with the use of a few woodscrews could be utilised in a wooden greenhouse as well as an aluminium one.

Greenhouses, however, are mostly used for propagation and heated propagation shelves are available as well as soil warming cables, thermostats and so on. Should you not have an electricity supply to the greenhouse, there is still a way of providing extra protection and warmth for the more delicate plants with the use of a propagator inside the greenhouse. This will reduce the need to worry if there is a sudden cold snap.

Once the preliminary processes of reading the instructions, checking the components are all present and correct and you have the necessary tools to carry out the assembling of your piece of flat-pack furniture you can now progress to the next stage of the project.

One advantage of having shelving systems, storage racks, bookcases and other furniture primarily designed to store items in the loft is that they will easily fit through the entrance to the loft in their flat-pack form. Another benefit of this is that, should you wish to move house in the future and assuming glue has not been used, the furniture can be broken down again and reassembled in your new home.

If the furniture is destined for the living room, bedroom or kitchen, then it is probably best to carry out the assembling of the furniture in your workshop. This is especially important if glue is to be used and accidental staining of the carpet to be avoided.

Take care not to rush the job, careless mistakes from being in too much of a hurry can sometimes lead to damage to part of the units that will be impossible to repair. If glue and dowels are to be used be sure to wear appropriate safety gear such as a face mask. Also make sure the work area is well ventilated. Be sure to take regular breaks from the job, even if it is only for a few minutes to have a cup of coffee or stretch your legs.

The use of mobile racking, such as roller racking, in many kinds of business environment will enable the purchaser to be a lot more versatile in his or her use of storage methods. Shelves that are adjustable are an obvious means of providing flexibility since a warehouse may need to stock seasonal products or having fluctuating inventories.

Collapsible storage racks that can be stored easily away when not in use are very useful as well.  A small shop will often benefit greatly by being able to utilise as much space as possible in a probably already crowded stock room.

However mobile racking can also be made use of in the domestic sphere. For example, a mobile extending shoe rack can be a great boon in the house. Its rails can be extended then locked in place. This particular shoe rack has castors which make it easy to move around the house or to simply be pulled out to clean behind.

A storage rack containing several drawers is also available and measures 81h x 20w x 39d and will cost roughly £35 to £40. It too has castors and can be moved from the bathroom to the bedroom. The drawers are typically made from sturdy plastic and can be used to store spare toiletries or towels.

Another style of mobile rack can be seen in use in universities and other similar facilities in their cafeteria areas. Mounted on castors for ease of movement, this model of rack has slots into which the diners can insert trays holding used plates and cups.

A portable racking unit is versatile in that it increases storage capacity within the same area. The storage space freed up by use of these racks can be used in different ways, depending on the working environment in which they are being used. Most businesses, educational establishments and public libraries will benefit from the use of portable racking units.

In the warehouse, for example, portable racking for pallets can be used to change a static wooden pallet into a mobile rack for pallets. Racks constructed from steel may be used as a pallet or to insert a pallet load. Portable racking for pallets is also a time saver since several pallet loads can be moved at the same time. Another advantage of the system is that, when empty, they can be collapsed and stacked safely from two to five high to increase floor space in the warehouse.

Mobile racks can be used in, for example, offices, museums or libraries. In the office, being able to move storage racks around easily creates useful extra desk space swiftly. Museums may use the handy space created to put out more display cases for newly acquired artefacts, books or documents. A library can make use of lightweight portable or mobile literature displays for the daily and weekly newspapers, magazines or journals. They can also be used to display newly published novels by, for instance, local authors. A library or museum stock room would also likely benefit from roller racking systems.

A 6 x 4 foot garden shed can be bought from the internet for around £120, and the householder may prefer the supplier to both deliver and assemble the shed.  The supplier will probably charge extra for the assembly and it would be advisable to establish how much this will cost before making a decision. Most reputable DIY companies have websites and it may be advisable to use them.

No matter what size the shed, it can always be utilised to maximise its potential as a storage area with a few simple adjustments, such as storage racks. The inside of the door, for instance, would be ideal as a hanging area for the storing of garden tools with the use of hooks firmly secured to the door.

Larger sheds may be divided into areas in which to use work benches or work tables. Work benches with integrated drawers and cupboard space are a good idea to store away a tool box, cans of paint, paint brushes and bottles of turpentine. The drawers will be handy to contain spare fuses, candles and other miscellaneous items.

Above the work bench, shelf racks could be fixed to the wall. The racks are versatile as the metal shelves attached to them may be adjusted to suit the needs of the owner.

The areas of the shed not occupied by a work bench will be ideal for storing heavier gardening equipment such as lawn-mowers or wheel-barrows. Fold away garden furniture might be hanged on the far wall of the shed.

Holidaying in caravans is still popular in Britain. While it is pleasant to have the enjoyment of a break in routine that will not cost a fortune, the owner has one particular problem owing to the limited space inside the caravan – that of storage.

Not only must the user find room to keep clothes and other essentials, but he or she must also ensure that the more fragile items are safely stored whilst the family are travelling.

Storage racking for plates, bowls and other breakable crockery and glass are a sensible idea and easy to find. A typical ‘x’ shaped plate or crockery rack would measure 27w x 12h x 20d cm and may be secured inside a cupboard or locker. Integrated seating will have storage space underneath them for miscellaneous items. Cupboards holding cooking implements such as pans and dishes would also benefit from storage racking and sliding rather than hinged door would be a lot safer for the occupants. If hinged doors are used, they should be lockable to prevent them swinging open and causing an accident while the caravan is in motion.

There are containers available for purchase online to help with space saving, such as the pull-out narrow, two or three tiered wire basket which will hold cleaning products for instance and will fit comfortably into any small space. Other useful items include the bench-top ironing board, retractable clothes airer and wall-mountable wire spice rack. The spice rack could also be used to store condiments. A caravan which is organised well can be beautiful to sleep in.

Installing a plastic storage rack in a child’s bedroom offers many possible benefits. They are versatile and the shelves easy to wipe down. The storage rack will usually come in kit form and have a boltless, easy assembly.  The rack will be sturdy enough to be free standing which will be useful in a closet. However, if the rack is going to stand in the bedroom, it is advisable to secure it to a wall.

Children will be able to store their toys on the shelves, school stationery such as ring-binder folders, pencil cases and text books, CD and DVD collections, all of which could be stored in containers to keep them tidy.

Since the racks will come in varying sizes and are also constructed from steel as well as plastic, they will be handy to use in the greenhouse. Plants, bags of compost, seedling trays and gardening implements could be stored on their shelves.

In the shed or garage, where space is sometimes particularly limited, the storage racks will be useful for holding tins of paint, paint brushes and rollers, tool boxes. Having racks bolted to the wall of the shed or garage is a definite ‘must’ to reduce the possibility of accidents occurring.

The versatility of the storage rack is easy to appreciate when one considers that it can also be used in shop or office stockrooms. In the commercial environment, documents or products could be stored in lidded boxes that might be nested or stackable.