Caas picking is common in most e-commerce, retail and wholesale distribution operations, so it’s important to understand the best ways to pick cartons from start to finish through a process. Most warehouse operations will need at least some case-picking capacity. Beverage and grocery distributors almost always need a large full case picking function. Since order picking commands a high percentage of distribution center labor costs, finding ways to make it more efficient is critical.

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Racks will often be damaged over a long lifetime of use. When you see a bent beam, out-of-square beam, damaged upright or other issues with your pallet racks, you can’t ignore it.

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Above: a powered roller conveyor transporting a heavy load at Simmons Pet Foods.

Pallet conveyors transport skids, pallets, sheets and other extremely heavy loads. This can be accomplished with chains, belts, rollers or even ball transfers. The pallet conveying solution is critical for efficient, speedy product or process flow. Given the options, which conveyor type is right for you?

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Pictured: Cisco-Eagle VP of Sales James Murphy and Senior Project Manager Larry Victory

Two of our leading manufacturer partners, WireCrafters and Steel King recently awarded Cisco-Eagle for outstanding performance in 2020.

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The nature of pallet racks—adjustable beams and teardrop connections on uprights—invites reconfiguration. Many rack manufacturers’ beams easily connect to other manufacturers’ teardrop uprights, which lets you mix & match components. This versatility can invite trouble if all the factors aren’t considered. Before you adjust beams, add new loads or reconfigure your racks, consider all the factors.

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Warehouse managers tend to focus on internal processes, equipment and systems, but making your dock apron and loading zone more efficient will save you time, money and damage. Truck drivers who can’t clearly see the right dock in darkness or poor weather can’t maneuver effectively or square up to the dock quickly. They often must back in and out multiple times. Helping drivers align and organize will improve the entire flow of your shipping and receiving operation.

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One of the critical aspects of pallet rack system design, aside from the specs of the rack itself, are the various clearances between rack components, the loads and the surrounding environment. Flue space can be critical for fire safety compliance. Space between a rack row and the row behind it can contribute to a safer and more effective rack system. Narrow aisles can contribute to accidents. Too tall? You could cause damaged and falling inventory, as well as damage to fixtures or HVAC components.

At the end of the day, the space around the rack is nearly as important as the rack itself.

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U.S. Congressman Kevin Hern of Oklahoma’s First District visited Cisco-Eagle’s Tulsa offices on 4/5/2021 to discuss the impact of distribution, manufacturing companies that keep the supply chain moving. Congressman Hern discussed employee ownership and its positive impact on the economy during this visit.

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Buffers can be found in most warehouses and manufacturing facilities, and they take many forms. You can build buffers into racks, floor space, conveyors or external storage areas like truck trailers. When you need to temporarily store materials before they enter putaway, shipment, kitting, processing, or another production process, what are some of the best design, equipment specification and usage practices?

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For order pickers, packers and others in industrial facilities, warehouse ergonomics is critical to both safety and effectiveness. The way you store and pick can enhance productivity — or hamper it. In an age of labor shortages and spiraling costs, it pays to design for ergonomics. The core of that is where you place items for picking and processing.

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