Cisco-Eagle recently promoted two sales directors to help us serve customers better in Central Texas and the Charlotte, North Carolina offices.
Cisco-Eagle Names New Sales Directors
September 19, 2023
by Scott Stone
Posted in ESOP & Company News|
Comparison: Conveyor Systems and Autonomous Mobile Robotics
September 12, 2023
by Scott Stone
Conveyors and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are both used in logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing, but have critical differences in terms of functionality, flexibility, and applications. Neither system is inherently superior to the other based on the use case, situation, load and operational goals. When you need to build a product transport system, they can often work in tandem to create the best solution.
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
Order Picking, Accuracy and ROI for Industrial Automation
September 5, 2023
by Scott Stone
You could write a short novel–maybe a long one–about ROI for industrial automation projects.
If you’ve engaged in large-scale distribution or manufacturing automation projects, you probably have a good start on that very thing. ROI is a complicated endeavor with moving parts and shifting priorities. Because investments are always competing with other concepts, it often comes down to this: what’s most important to your company, your business environment and your industry.
Tags: order fulfilment, Automation, return on investment
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
Insights: Ergonomics Study, Automation’s Role in Site Selection
August 24, 2023
by Scott Stone
This month, we’re covering economic development and site selection factors based on comparing robotics and labor force development, a detailed ergonomics study on the impact of lifts and other work-positioning equipment on speed and injury rates, manufacturing construction and a bit more.
Posted in Industry Insights|
VLMs Vs. Vertical Carousels: Critical Specification Factors
August 8, 2023
by Scott Stone
Vertical carousels and vertical lift modules—VLMs for short—enhance organization, increase storage density, improve security and speed throughput. They serve components directly to pickers in waist-high ergonomic zones.Â
While these systems are similar from a functional standpoint and look similar from the outside, they can have different use cases and application requirements. Kevin, a Cisco-Eagle Dallas account executive, zeroes in on the differences in this video.Â
Tags: ergonomics, industrial carousels, order fulfilment, Shoptalk
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
OSHA’s Warehouse Safety Emphasis Program: An Analysis
August 1, 2023
by Scott Stone
Warehousing grown for most of the last decade, with a 5-6% annual growth rate expected for the next 5 years. That level of expansion stresses labor availability and supply chains, but has another implication: safety. In July 2023, OSHA announced what it terms a “new national emphasis” for workplace hazards for warehouses, distribution centers and retail storage facilities. Since nearly 2 million people work in the industry, the agency is interested in reducing injuries across the board.
What are the implications of this emphasis?
Tags: distribution centers, fall protection, warehousing
Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|
Insights: Light-Directed Picking for Manufacturing
July 20, 2023
by Scott Stone
A look at ways to optimize labor in manufacturing and distribution operations, as well as more on the current American manufacturing construction boom and how it is affected by inflationary pressures.
Posted in Industry Insights|
How to Use Conveyors for Ergonomic Truck Loading and Unloading
July 18, 2023
by Scott Stone
We recently discussed the various ways you can use conveyors to optimize the end of the line, which includes the ways they interface with trucks and trailers. The transition between the end of a conveyor system and the trucks where goods are loaded or unloaded are one of the areas where distribution centers can struggle. The traditional method has been to throw labor at the problem, but as we know in 2023, that is becoming a less useful and more difficult option.
Tags: shipping, labor, ergonomics, loading docks, Receiving
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
Insights: Manufacturing’s Real Estate Shortage, DC Survey and More
June 27, 2023
by Scott Stone
What are the top concerns of distribution center managers in 2023? The latest MMH survey lays it out. We also delve into manufacturing’s real estate problems, batch picking and a little more in this month’s roundup.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Industry Insights|
Does a Warehouse Mezzanine Count as Square Footage?
June 20, 2023
by Scott Stone
Above: is this a platform or a mezzanine?Â
Mezzanines are a great option when you need to add more square footage into your warehouse or factory floor. They’re less expensive and easier to implement than alternatives like new construction or facility expansions, but also pose challenges when it comes sato dealing with code, safety and construction requirements.
Tags: industrial storage, Safety & Ergonomics, Space Optimization
Posted in Mezzanines & Industrial Platforms|