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.
Insights: Light-Directed Picking for Manufacturing
July 20, 2023
by Scott Stone
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|
Air Conditioner Protection
July 13, 2023
Recently in Tulsa, where I live, we were in the midst of a large power outage due to a violent thunderstorm. Thunderstorms are not at all uncommon in this part of the country, but power outages associated with them are. What made matters worse was that the heat of the summer was just starting to blanket the city as well. As electrical workers are tirelessly repairing the damage, many residents are battling the heat without their biggest weapon, their air conditioning.
For an industrial facility, keeping your workers comfortable and cool is a top priority as the temperatures rise. But what about protecting those investments made to keep your operations cold?
When Should You Use a Yard Ramp?
July 6, 2023
Yard ramps are great for letting you load trailers in situations where you can’t back them to a dock because they can easily adjust to trailer heights. You can also use them to connect dock height to the ground in situations where that’s necessary. Beyond these basic situations, there are detailed reasons for using a dock ramp. Let’s look at those reasons:
Tags: Receiving, shipping, forklifts
Posted in Docks & Shipping|
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|
Conveyors: Optimizing the End of the Line
June 13, 2023
by Scott Stone
Conveyors are primarily a transport mechanism within a facility: they move products from point A to point B to point C. Value is added at all points along the way. They’re the most efficient way to do that, even if that’s the only task they have. However, that’s rarely the only way they’re used. They’re loaded at point A, then transport the load to points of value down the line. Processes are is executed at point B, and something is finalized at point C — at the end of the line. Let’s dive into the ways you can drive value at the end of the line.
Tags: Automation, labor, Packaging, Docks
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
Resources for National Forklift Safety Day
June 8, 2023
Every year National Forklift Safety Day is recognized in June, providing a spotlight on the valuable resources for any safety program. With educational sessions, opportunities to connect with like-minded safety managers, and programs available to check out and apply, any facility wanting to upgrade its forklift/pedestrian programs can find something valuable.
Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|
Ways to Optimize Industrial Labor
June 1, 2023
by Scott Stone
73% of warehouse operators said they can’t find enough workers. The National Association of Manufacturers sees shortfalls today, and more in the future: an astonishing 2.1 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled by 2030. With labor shortages the norm today and for the foreseeable future, how can you optimize, retain and improve labor in your operation?
Tags: labor, ROI
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|
Insights: Tips from ProMat 2023 on Automation, Storage Strategies
May 30, 2023
by Scott Stone
This month, we dive into some of the best presentations presented at ProMat 2023, where our own Bryan Gauger and Steel King’s Ryan Wachsmuth teamed up to present tips for storage and practical automation. Muratec’s Scott Matlock dove deep on automation and humanization principles. Also, more on Texas Manufacturing, digital warehousing and more.
Tags: AS/RS, warehousing, Manufacturing
Posted in Industry Insights|