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.
Insights: Warehouse Ergonomics, Driver Detention, Ransomware Risks
November 21, 2024
by Scott Stone
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: pick modules, Vertical Storage, conveyors, Mezzanines
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|
UL 508A Panel Certification: Why It’s Critical for Reliability and Safety
August 22, 2024
by Scott Stone
Most every automated warehouse system utilizes programmable logic controls control systems that interface between hardware and other software. PLCs easily integrate with other control systems – Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), WMS, WCS and enterprise resource planning software for better monitoring, data collection and overall system management. They provide robust, local and flexible programming that can evolve as needs change.
Tags: conveyor systems, UL, Manufacturing
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Insights: Top States for Business Climate, Factory Layout
July 18, 2024
by Scott Stone
This month’s Insights focuses on top states for new factories, autonomous technology and the latest on manufacturing workforce development.
Posted in Industry Insights|
Automation: It’s Not All-or-Nothing
July 9, 2024
by Scott Stone
If your operation is mature, up-and-running, and delivering results, is it possible to automate individual steps and achieve excellent ROI? The answer is yes — but only in cases where your process is well-defined and correctly segmented into steps you can analyze for productivity gains. This kind of localized productivity is often the intersection of productivity and automation.
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|