Autodesk Inventor has helped storage system specialist, Universal Storage Systems, slash 75% off development time of its new mobile shelving system. The company produces thousands of tons of steel-racking annually for use in a wide variety of applications - from warehouse storage to high-end commercial use - in South Africa and around the world. The heaviest load catered for by Universal is a 300 000 kg weight on mobile rack at Meat 'n More, while UNISA has the largest mobile archive - 12 500 linear metres of shelving. Retailer, Clicks, has the company's highest rack. It is 20 m high.

In mid-December 2001 the company started to phase in Autodesk Inventor, and according to Universal Storage Systems technical manager, Ricardo Faria, the software has already more than paid for itself. The first project on which Autodesk Inventor was used was the redevelopment of one of Universal's standard products - a mobile shelving system that comprises rows of shelving that can be moved back and forth on a track. The concertina design eliminates the need for access passageways between each row of shelving, optimising the use of space.

Universal's redesign focused on developing a new system that would suit the modern office environment. It wanted to reduce the height of the base and replace the old track method with platform track that rests on the floor. The visual appeal of the system was also modernised and enhanced. The redesign took only four weeks.

One of the biggest advantages of Autodesk Inventor was the ease with which designers could communicate design intent, especially to nontechnical personnel - in Universal's case, the sales staff involved in the redevelopment project. The new shelving system called Uni-Office was launched at the end of April.

For more information: Autodesk (Africa), 012 664 8115.