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.
Kevin Harwell Retires from Cisco-Eagle
January 3, 2025
by Scott Stone
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: labor, warehousing, Manufacturing
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: ergonomics, loading docks
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|
Palletizing: Analyzing Your Operation
October 29, 2024
by Scott Stone
Automated palletizing is one of the best places to target automation because the process is so manual and heavy duty for many companies.
Why? Because it helps you reduce one of the least value-add parts of your operation: stacking and creating pallets. Doing that manually makes less sense every passing year for companies that are already working to reduce dependency on an ever-contracting labor pool. To get the process started, start by focusing on your operational needs, customer base and labor factors.
Tags: Palletizers, ergonomics
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Options for Pick Modules and Empty Carton Transport
October 1, 2024
by Scott Stone
Pick modules are commonly used in distribution operations when companies need to build high-density, high-throughput order fulfillment operations. This typically involves a multi-level platform system integrated with vertical storage options to move finished orders on and off platform levels toward other warehouse destinations.
One overlooked aspect is the addition or removal of empty cartons to picking positions. What are your options?
Tags: conveyors, Mezzanines, pick modules, Vertical Storage
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
Insights: Is Just-in-Time Inventory Dead?
September 26, 2024
by Scott Stone
For decades, manufacturers have optimized inventory using the concept of just-in-time inventory. This concept allows companies only keep enough stock on hand to meet immediate production needs or customer demand. The goal is to minimize holding costs and reduce waste by receiving goods only as they are needed in the production process.
Posted in Industry Insights|
Randy Williams: An Appreciation
September 16, 2024
by Scott Stone
After 23 years, 5 months, and 15 days of extraordinary service, Steven Randell ‘Randy’ Williams is retiring from Cisco-Eagle. He has been a guiding force for us during his entire tenure, providing guidance on all things financial, ESOP and in most every way.
Tags: ESOP
Posted in ESOP & Company News|
Insights: Insurance, Productivity and Automation
August 29, 2024
by Scott Stone
This month we’re highlighting the insurance perspective of safety, robotics and AI; the importance of well-thought-out storage systems for aerosols; and whether our domestic manufacturing boom is here to stay. We also touch briefly on what the coming months look like for freight rates and industrial construction.
Posted in Industry Insights|