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?
2025 Industrial Trends: What to Expect
February 25, 2025
by Scott Stone
Posted in Industry Insights|
Automation and Space: Conveyor Layouts
February 4, 2025
by Scott Stone
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|
Package Shipping Fee Increases: How to Cope with Surcharges
January 28, 2025
by Scott Stone
Tags: labor, Automation, shipping
Posted in Industry Insights|
Loading Docks, Security and Truck Drivers
January 14, 2025
by Scott Stone
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|
Double-Post Pallet Rack Systems: When, Why and How
January 7, 2025
by Scott Stone
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|
Kevin Harwell Retires from Cisco-Eagle
January 3, 2025
by Scott Stone
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|
How Many Warehouse and Manufacturing Workers are Retirement Age?
December 19, 2024
by Scott Stone
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|
How Carousels and VLMs Optimize Space
December 10, 2024
by Scott Stone
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|
Insights: Warehouse Ergonomics, Driver Detention, Ransomware Risks
November 21, 2024
by Scott Stone
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: loading docks, ergonomics
Posted in Industry Insights|
Insights: Is the Automation Revolution Falling Short?
October 29, 2024
by Scott Stone
This month, we cover McKinsey’s recent report on the automation revolution and its effectiveness for manufacturing and warehousing. We also delve into 2025 warehousing trends, an analysis of the Texas industrial real estate market, and the reasons your warehousing operation should consider WERC membership.
Posted in Industry Insights|