Storage & Filing — Lateral File Cabinets — Expert Answer
How do open-shelf filing units compare to lateral file cabinets for high-volume filing?
In high-volume filing environments, open-shelf filing systems are the density benchmark — and they're a product category we carry at OfficeFurniture2go.com alongside our lateral cabinet line. Open shelving can store 30–50% more documents per square foot by eliminating drawer mechanisms and allowing files to stand vertically in open bays. They're ideal for medical records departments, law firm filing rooms, and government records centers. However, they lack security features and require disciplined filing methodology. Our recommendation for most professional environments is a combination: open shelving for the bulk of active records and lateral cabinets for sensitive, locked, or frequently audited files. Call 1-800-460-0858 to discuss the right mix for your filing room.