Just how many pallets can you store in a 100′ x 100′ area? It can range from not that many–X with selective racks that let you pick or place any pallet at any time–or “Y” using incredibly dense, using pallet flow or drive-in systems that restrict how and when you can access pallets. The balance between storage density and selectivity is always critical, but there are other factors in play: cost, efficiency and safety.
Tags: Space Optimization
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
As we mentioned last month, you can expect increases in 2025 shipping costs and fees, particularly in the heavy package sector. What else can you expect in 2025 in the manufacturing, warehousing and distribution spaces?
Posted in Industry Insights|
Above: Belt conveyors hang from the ceiling of a busy e-commerce distribution center, feeding shipping operations from a pick module while leaving the space below for traffic and shipping activities.
Conveyor systems transform picking, transport, assembly, and more, but occupy space in fixed positions. Tight layouts, low ceilings, facility structures and equipment compromise and compete for that square footage.  Don’t worry, though—there are creative ways to work circumvent those limitations–and in some cases make them strengths.
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
Tags: Automation, shipping, labor
Posted in Industry Insights|
Truck drivers often need to enter warehouses when they deliver or pick up shipments. When they do, many warehouses have installed secure driver cages that let the driver into the facility, but not into the building at large. This can seem “driver-unfriendly” because they contain the driver. However, there are good reasons to install them while ensuring drivers have a good experience at your facility.
Tags: warehousing, dock security
Posted in Docks & Shipping|
Most pallet rack systems are installed with a starter-adder design, which shares a common rack upright between consecutive storage bays. The alternative is a double-post rack system, where each bay has two independent uprights. Most of the time, starter-adder is used because it’s more economical and uses space more efficiently.
Given that it’s costlier and uses more space, why–and where–would you use a double-post design?
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Above: Kevin Harwell and Bryan Gauger
On December 31, 2024, Kevin Harwell retired from Cisco-Eagle after an incredible 33 years of dedicated service. Kevin joined the company in February 1991 and has been an integral part of our success ever since.
Posted in ESOP & Company News|
This month, we’re looking at the growth of workers 65 or older, who choose to stay on the job. They now make up 22% of all American workers. How does that affect manufacturing and distribution operations? What can you do to accommodate these workers? Also: more on packaging automation, manufacturing in Texas and more.
Tags: warehousing, Manufacturing, labor
Posted in Industry Insights|
Above: VLMs condense space more efficiently than conventional storage racks, or even mini load systems. They can use the space more effectively because less “air space” is needed for the storage capacity.
Companies install carousel systems and vertical lift modules for many reasons, including flexibility, storage decentralization, operator access, retrieval times, security consolidation and picking accuracy gains. One of the most important reasons is the way they optimize space.
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
Ergonomics are critical for warehousing and manufacturing operations for both safety and efficiency reasons. North Carolina State University is offering a December 2024 workshop for companies who want to educate themselves on the process. We also cover the impact of slow receiving operations and the impact “driver detention” has on companies and safety.
Tags: ergonomics, loading docks
Posted in Industry Insights|
