Cisco-Eagle holds an annual poster contest to celebrate our employee ownership culture. It’s even more special because we became 100% employee-0wned during 2020. This is part of our effort to help us embrace the partnership culture that lets us deliver exceptional service. This year, Joy Hunsinger designed the winning poster.
Warehouse Automation Risks to Avoid
Automation can work wonders. It reduces costs, increases throughput, curbs errors and increases safety. The costs of automation are declining while the effectiveness of computer, vision and scanning systems are improving. Automation helps you reduce repetitive actions — the kind that adds no value. The common perception is that automated facilities are dark, free of people and full of robots, but the reality is that automation comes in many forms, ranging from picking systems like pick-to-light to automated conveyors to goods-to-person systems and much more.
For all these benefits, you want to understand the potential problems with any automation project in advance so you can avoid them as you move forward.
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Making Your Cantilever Rack Safe
Cantilever racks are built to handle long, heavy loads such as pipe or steel tube, lumber, wood or metal sheets, furniture, elongated crates and lots more. The design is simple–a central column with cantilevered arms extending from one or both sides. Safety is critical in any warehousing or industrial storage area, including cantilever storage. Given the heavy and bulky nature of the loads, here are some things you should be aware of to make sure your racks are safe.
Tags: Safety & Ergonomics
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Vertical Pallet Movement Options
In modern warehouses and manufacturing facilities, the vertical cube should be fully exploited, meaning that you should use overhead air space in your storage and processing operations because it’s less expensive and more efficient. Before you expand or relocate, it’s always better to use that space. You’ve already paid for it and the environmental costs of using it.
Using that space comes with some limitations. One is that you’ll need to transport pallets up to mezzanines or other machinery. While that’s more difficult than moving cartons or other lighter loads, there are ways. Let’s examine some of those options.
Posted in Mezzanines & Industrial Platforms|
Cisco-Eagle is 100% Employee-Owned
Since 2000, Cisco-Eagle has been 70% owned by our employees. That all changed on August 27, 2020, when our ESOP Committee announced at our annual stock price reveal meeting that the company has become 100% employee-owned.
Posted in ESOP & Company News|
Pallet Shuttles vs. Dynamic Racks
For high-volume pallet storage and retrieval operations, dynamic rack systems like pushback, drive-in or pallet flow allow maximum storage in a given area, but each have their limitations. In some instances, a pallet shuttle system may suit the needs of many operations. The costs and limitations are different for each storage method, as shown below.
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Scissor Lift Table Loading Methods
Scissor lift tables are a staple of many warehouses and factories because they are versatile and ergonomic. Anytime you need to raise and lower loads for processing, palletizing, depalletizing, picking or maintenance, lifts are a good option.
Posted in Lifting & Lift Systems|
Conveyor Belt Specification
Belt conveyors are used in applications where loads need more support than rollers can give them, usually for things like cartons with irregular bottoms, bags, components and similar loads. They’re sometimes used for small parts, produce or components. The type of belt you specify will usually tie directly to the application, load and operational environment. Here are some questions to ask when you are specifying a conveyor belt.
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
Workstation Ergonomics: Eliminating Extreme Movements
With the massive worker compensation costs related to musculoskeletal disorders, finding ways to reduce the risks is imperative. In May, we discussed the impact of work positioning. This time, the focus on the effects of extreme movements and how to counteract the risks.
Tags: workstations, ergonomics
Posted in Storage, Organization & Workstations|
Employee Ownership and Productivity
It’s common sense: if you deal with a business owner, you get better service
People with a stake tend to be more proactive than people who just work at a company. And while there are plenty of dedicated, service-oriented employees at companies that aren’t employee-owned, owners are more productive according to academic studies.
Tags: Employee ownership, ESOP
Posted in ESOP & Company News|