Change is inevitable, particularly in warehousing, manufacturing and distribution. Many warehouses will shift storage area missions over time. New SKUs, more inventory, and different business and operational missions can create the need for newer storage concepts. The problem? There isn’t always a place for new demands. When this occurs, one thing to consider is using the floor or lower levels of your rack system.
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Above: Shelf supported mezzanine in a warehouse facility.
Not all warehouse shelving (or storage) options work for every facility. One operation’s pallet rack solution might not be ideal for a warehouse that wants to not only grow vertically but offer more picking options for items they’re selling and shipping. When you need high density storage, what mezzanine option fits best? Shelf supported mezzanines checks a lot of boxes.
Tags: Space Optimization
Posted in Mezzanines & Industrial Platforms|
While many companies can benefit from full scale automation, the math isn’t the same for everyone. However, labor shortages continue to drive companies to seek ways to reduce dependence on manual processes in specific, labor-intensive functions. What are some areas you should target for partial automation?
Tags: labor, palletizing, ergonomics
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Effective April 1, 2023, Nichole Wheeler has been named Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cisco-Eagle according to President Bryan Gauger.
In her new role, Wheeler will lead the company’s financial and accounting teams and serve as a key member of its senior leadership team.
Tags: Employee ownership, ESOP
Posted in ESOP & Company News|
In our latest Shoptalk installment, employee-owner Amanda of our Systems Integration Group discusses how EDC upgraded and expanded its pick module operations.
Tags: warehousing, order fulfillment, Mezzanines, Order Picking & Fulfillment, ecommerce, Shoptalk
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
Operating a warehouse almost always means using pallet racks to take advantage of vertical space and organization of bulk storage. If they’re specified, installed and loaded correctly, racks are usually one of the most stable, effective and safest pieces of warehouse equipment. Because they carry heavy loads on vertical structures, racks should always be evaluated for safety and effectiveness. They’re stable, but that stability can be compromised by any number of factors.
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Our partners at Murata Machinery USA are introducing the company’s newest addition to its mini-load AS/RS line, the Ledger A3 AS/RS system. This four-tote carriage mini-load system for smaller, lighter goods is the first of its kind.
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Above: Rack supported mezzanine in a warehouse facility. Photo courtesy of Unex.
The typical U.S. distribution center is 31.1 feet tall, according to a survey by Statista. But when more space is needed for operations, mezzanines can be used to create it. Most facilities aren’t fully using that vertical cube, either. Rather than expanding out, you can expand up. Vertical storage options have options within as well (whoa, that got deep).
Tall racks are frequently deployed to utilize all if that vertical cube. If you have pallet rack, using part of it in the form of a rack supported mezzanine gains more from your vertical cube is an ideal solution. What could a rack mezzanine do for your facility?
Tags: Space Optimization
Posted in Mezzanines & Industrial Platforms|
The type of AGV and the way it navigates are two huge considerations in any automated material transport project. Vehicle type dictates functionality, interface and payload factors, but navigation is critical to overall performance. After all, AGVs travel; that’s their primary role. The way they do wind their way through rack aisles, across dock areas, near work cells, around conveyors and throughout the warehouse can make or break a project. The options range from simple methods like tape guidance to highly-automated laser and contour systems.
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
High-velocity order picking operations frequently need to transport cartons vertically–on and off mezzanines or pick modules, into workstations, onto work platforms, over traffic aisles or to merge with overhead conveyor lines. You can accomplish this with incline conveyors, vertical package lifts, spiral conveyors, automated package lifts and manual methods. Each method has its limitations and its advantages.
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
