March 2009 Material Handling Tips & Information Newsletter

Prepare for summertime heat in your operation

Experts say that employee productivity increases when ambient temperatures are comfortable and plummets when they aren’t - as if you need a researcher to tell you that driving a lift truck or picking orders in 90 degree, high humidity conditions is harder than a dry, cool, comfortable facility. It isn’t just a matter of productivity, either - as workers fight through hot, sweaty conditions, they are more prone to non-heat-related injuries.

North Texas WERC presents product slotting seminar - May, 2009

The North Texas WERC (Warehouse Education and Resource Council) is presenting a Dinner & Educational seminar on the topic of product slotting. According to WERC, Product Slotting may be the most cost-effective improvement opportunity in today’s distribution center. Slotting is assigning an item into the right storage fixture type and placing it into a location that results in the most efficient use of space, equipment and labor resources. Check the WERC website for registration details.

Gravity Conveyors - should you use skatewheel or roller?

Sometimes, it's the simplest things that can cause a snag. Pushing a box along gravity roller or skatewheel conveyors should be no problem, a non-issue, right? Only as long as you're using the right conveyor for the job.

Gravity conveyor should be specified for the right load. So the first question is: skatewheel or roller?

Skatewheel is the most economical. It's good for items with a smooth, flat bottom. The load can be wider than your conveyor if centered correctly. Skate wheel conveyors flow better than roller conveyor. A minimum of ten wheels should be positioned beneath your load at any given time.

Gravity Roller Conveyor offers greater capacities than skatewheel. Use it for uneven, open, or rimmed bottom packages. Unlike skatewheel conveyors, product should never be wider than the rollers. Use at least three rollers under a product at any given time.