Scott Stone | Warehousing Insights | Material Handling Systems - Part 13
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First-In, First-Out Storage Considerations

May 5, 2020
by

pallet flow system in a distribution center

Above: a distribution center pallet flow application enforces FIFO picking protocol

In the age of eCommerce, fast shipping and obsolescence, first-in/first-out (FIFO) storage strategies are critical tools. Some products fit the mold (food, perishables, some electronics, medicines and many other retail goods), while other types of inventory are more about storage density and efficiency. The question is, what type of storage strategy works best for you? And what types of storage systems should you use?

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Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|

A Salute to Warehouse Workers

April 7, 2020
by

orders being packed at a distribution facility

During the Covid-19 crisis, many office workers are sheltering in place. They’re working through conference calls, web meetings and mobile technology. They are also ordering groceries and other staples and having it delivered to their doors to help prevent the spread of the virus. They’re hitting retail stores. All of this is helping reduce future cases of the virus.

It’s also straining the retail and eCommerce supply chains, and someone has to fill those orders: The warehouse worker.

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Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|

How Will Covid-19 Change Distribution?

March 24, 2020
by

packing and scanning area in a distribution facility
We don’t know what the next month holds, much less the rest of 2020 and beyond when it comes to Covid-19, but we know changes are coming. However, several things are known in the current situation.

  1. The supply chain must function. Food and medical chains are the priority, but all types of other products must still reach Americans.
  2. This work can’t be done remotely. People must staff warehouses and factories.
  3. Like other facilities, the warehouse requires social distance to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and make their workers safe.
  4. The supply chain must be safe for its workers and its consumers.

We’ve put together some ideas that may help you as the situation evolves.

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Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|

5 Pallet Rack Accessories that Make Your Racks Safer and More Efficient

March 17, 2020
by

warehouse rack and worker in aisle
How can you turn part of your rack into a different type of storage? What kinds of safety equipment can you install to prevent damage, maintain flue space or eliminate falling items? Let’s take a look at some options.

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

When to Transport Loads with Overhead Conveyor Systems

March 10, 2020
by

overhead conveyor transporting empty boxes

Overhead conveyors are an efficient way to transport products on an assembly line or in a distribution facility. For the right load in the right situation, they’re the most economical and efficient way to convey products. What are some of the characteristics of a good overhead load?

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

How to Conduct a Warehouse Audit

March 3, 2020
by

warehouse being audited by a manager
Warehouse managers are always interested in ways to optimize and measure their success. Usually these discussions revolve around measuring outcomes–pick rates, errors, ship rates, damage, etc. In any walk of life, it’s good to take some time to reflect on the overall state of your work, and that’s what a warehouse audit should do.

Let’s dive into some things you should measure and how you should get started.

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Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|

Protecting Forklift Loads & Pallets

February 11, 2020
by

forklift loading pallets in warehouse rack

Companies spend a great deal of time and energy protecting people and assets in their warehousing operations, but one aspect of it that can be difficult is forklift load protection. Once a load is on the forklift, what can you do to reduce the chances of forklifts damaging your product?

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Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|

Pallet Rack Design in Food & Beverage Warehousing

February 4, 2020
by

Frozen chicken storage in a food grade warehouse facility

Food distribution warehouses face unique material handling challenges, due to both their function and regulatory compliance. Whether you’re operating a dry goods, chilled, refrigerated or frozen operation, the standards of sanitation, health compliance and storage efficiency are similar. What can you do to ensure optimized storage and material flow?

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

How to Specify Your Mezzanine Project

January 7, 2020
by

mezzanine

Increasing space in your current facility is a big decision that requires an evaluation from a number of perspectives for the best outcome. Mezzanines are a common, relatively fast and economical way to add space to warehouses, factories, hangars and other commercial facilities. You should work through the following considerations for mezzanine design and specification.

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Posted in Mezzanines & Industrial Platforms|

Laying Out Your Pallet Rack System for Maximum Efficiency

December 17, 2019
by

pallet rack system in a warehouse

When you want to organize and optimize warehouse space, pallet racks are one of the best places to start, since racks occupy a large percentage of space in most warehouses. Good layouts let you optimize your facility, pick faster and store more. You can produce more, faster and safer.

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

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