Because they offer instant access to, and easy selection of either an entire load or any part of it, cantilever racks are ideal for storing long, unwieldy, heavy and difficult loads. They come with many options and questions, so we have published a guide to cantilever racks (PDF) you should read as you move forward on a storage project involving these types of loads.
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
When conveyor rollers are set low, you gain several advantages vs. rollers set high. When you do this, your conveyor has several advantages.
Tags: Accumulation Systems, conveyor design, rollers
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
When you consider the various storage media and order picking methods, it’s critical to understand why some items are better picked in a variety of storage media, and accessed by the right type of picking authentication. The following table is a visual comparison of these alternatives.
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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Although security experts agree that dock areas are probably the largest security concern in a warehousing operation, storage and picking areas are also a problem. What are some things you can do to reduce your pilferage risks?
Tags: wire mesh security cages, secure storage, distribution center pilferage, access control, Industrial Security
Posted in Security|
Theft costs warehouses, manufacturers and shippers more than $15 billion a year in the United States in direct costs. But the burden doesn’t end there: indirect costs like increased insurance premiums, employee turnover, morale issues and inventory problems compound the losses. Check out our industrial security white paper for extensive information.
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Posted in Security|
Order picking operations in today’s rapid, ecommerce-driven market are faced with increasing demand and customer expectations on one side, and a fluid labor pool on the other. This isn’t dissimilar to the labor challenges experienced by fast food companies. What can you do to cope with this?
Tags: Automation, labor, Robotics
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
You probably know the stats: Forklifts are extremely common, very productive and likely the most dangerous piece of machinery in any given warehouse. They seriously injure tens of thousands of people a year.
Over its lifespan, most every forklift will be involved in some type of accident. If that involves a pedestrian, the injuries can be ghastly and the costs astronomical. Here are some things we’ve recently looked at to help reduce the chances of such incidents.
Tags: forklift, forklift injury, warehouse accidents
Posted in Forklift - Pedestrian Safety|
As we have covered previously, conveyors contribute to ergonomics in material handling operations by reducing repetitive lifts, twists, reaching and materials movement that may have been done by hand without them. Eliminating manual lifting and carrying reduces the chances for painful, expensive musculoskeletal injuries. It’s not about the once-in-a-while lift/carry. It’s about the same, repetitive motions over and over.
It’s important that your conveyor is configured correctly to make this work.
Tags: loading docks, ergonomics, worker safety
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
In warehouses, about 25% of injuries come at or near the loading dock area.
This is usually because it’s such a focal point of any distribution operation—it’s where everything is accepted and put away and where everything eventually processes out. This means that at times the dock will buzz with forklifts, workers on foot and other bursts of activity. It has a natural fall hazard in the edge of the dock. It’s got exposure to elements, meaning that it may have moisture, oils and other trip/slip hazards. When it comes to preventing falls, what are OSHA’s requirements? And what should you do above and beyond them?
Tags: 3PL, Third Party Logistics, ecommerce
Posted in Docks & Shipping|
When it’s single-digits outside, any warehouse worker can tell you how cold the job gets near the shipping or receiving docks. Due to the sheer size and typical construction of warehouses, they’re difficult to insulate and heat. They are also susceptible to roof leaks, which may cause slip hazards during rainy or winter weather. Warehouse workers who work in chilly, uncomfortable environments all day are going to be less efficient, slower and at more risk for accidents or injuries. Even wearing jackets and gloves, the cold has a profound effect on their comfort and work. What are some steps you can take to reduce the impact?
Tags: shipping & receiving, dock safety, work environment, winter, dock doors
Posted in Docks & Shipping|
