As a warehouse manager, you will know that investing in effective warehouse hanging signage is a key strategic decision. It impacts efficiency, inventory management, safety and communication.
Understanding the three types of hanging sign systems will allow you to choose the best options for your business, and contribute to smooth and productive warehouse operations.
In this blog post, we will cover these warehouse signage systems:
- The vertical drop hanging sign system — whereby two wires are hung from the ceiling, supporting a lightweight and easily changeable sign.
- The catenary horizontal wire system — consisting of a wire hung horizontally from either ends of the warehouse, to support hanging signs (with a variation called “washing-line” system)
- The rail system — whereby signs hang from a rail, itself attached to the warehouse roof.
Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of each system, the types of buildings and industries they work best for, and crucially, which one to choose for your warehouse.
1. The vertical drop sign-hanging system
The first and simplest system is the vertical drop wire system. This system is ideal for hanging location signs and is inexpensive and quick to install.
The vertical drop sign-hanging system consists of a couple of cables dropped down from the ceiling steel work. The wires are then fed through two holes at the top of the sign.
The specific type of wire used to hang the warehouse signs will depend on the material and size of the signs you’re using.
Steel cables are best for heavy or large signs, while nylon or plastic cables will work well if your signs are lightweight.
Keep in mind that your signs may blow slightly in the breeze if you are using thinner cables to hang lightweight signs. This is a minor disadvantage given this system’s excellent value for money.
You can also opt for adjustable cables, allowing for easy height adjustment and reconfiguration.
The signage system you use also depends on the warehouse itself. A vertical drop hanging sign system will work well with open ceilings with beams or trusses. However, if you have a high ceiling, you may need longer cables and professional installation to ensure safety and visibility.
The vertical drop hanging sign system is particularly beneficial for industries such as e-commerce, retail, and logistics. These sectors require easily visible and accessible signage to facilitate quick navigation and efficient order picking and packing. The vertical drop system’s high visibility and adaptability make it ideal for fast-paced environments where accuracy and speed are critical.
2. The catenary horizontal wire sign system
Standard catenary horizontal wire sign system
Next up is the catenary horizontal wire system. Here, one or two cables are suspended across the warehouse, anchored into steelwork at both ends.
It is possible to drop a cable from the ceiling at the halfway point, in order to reduce the amount of force at play on the horizontal cables themselves.
Professional installation is highly recommended with catenary systems. Improper installation can cause damage, particularly when the system is attached to brickwork instead of steelwork.
Attaching warehouse hanging sign cables to brickwork can pull bricks away and impact the building’s structural stability and safety. In turn, this can result in operational downtime, non-compliance with building codes and regulations, energy inefficiency, and significant repair costs.
If you are limited by the amount of steelwork in place, the catenary system might not be suitable for you. Consider exploring other options, such as the vertical drop hanging system which puts less strain on the building’s structure.
The catenary system is well-suited for industries like manufacturing and automotive, where large, open spaces and heavy machinery are common. This system’s ability to span wide areas without the need for intermediate supports makes it perfect for marking pathways, work zones, and safety areas.
“Washing Line” catenary horizontal wire sign system
In some cases, a catenary system can be hung between two posts. This is informally referred to as a “washing line system”.
A “washing line” catenary system is a good choice in settings with limited space, where signs need to be lower for better visibility and accessibility. It is ideal for areas with roll cages, compact hanging sign areas, or spaces where traditional overhead hanging systems are impractical.
Industries like manufacturing and warehousing, where quick access to information at ground level is crucial, can greatly benefit from this system.
Particularly useful in environments where changes are made frequently, it allows for easy adjustments without extensive reconfiguration.
3. The rail sign system
The rail system is by far the most popular hanging sign system installed by Elan Europe. This system is as versatile as it is durable, and is widely used in warehouses for clear and effective signage.
This system utilises the Dexion angle, a type of steel angle bracket, suspended from the warehouse ceiling using drop cables. The robust construction of Dexion angles ensures that the signs remain securely in place, even in high-traffic or vibration-prone areas of the warehouse.
Particularly advantageous in warehouses that frequently update their layout or signage, the rail system allows you to easily adjust or replace the signs as and when needed. Warehouse managers using dexion angle rails can ensure that their signage is both highly visible and securely mounted, contributing to improved navigation, safety, and operational efficiency within the facility.
Rail systems are popular in high-traffic areas such as distribution centres. In settings where signs need to withstand frequent adjustments or replacements, this system enhances both organisation and navigation, contributing to smoother and more efficient warehouse operations.
So which one is right for you?
Investing in effective warehouse signage is crucial for enhancing your warehouse operations. It’s important to consider each system’s advantages and restrictions, as well as your own requirements, before making a decision.
Choose the Vertical Drop System for high visibility and adaptability in fast-paced industries with open ceilings.
Opt for a professionally installed Catenary System for wide, open spaces and heavy machinery settings.
Select the Dexion Angle Rail System for robust, durable signage in high-traffic warehouses needing frequent updates.
If you’ve got any questions on any of these systems, please get in touch. For more information on warehouse labelling and signage, read more of our blogs in the Knowledge Hub.
