Scott Stone | Warehousing Insights | Material Handling Systems - Part 7
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The Ergonomics of Automation

June 2, 2022
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Worker at a distribution center reaching over a conveyor to retrieve a package.

Above: distribution center worker stretches over a conveyor line to access a package. Automation can reduce or eliminate this type of stressful, repetitive motion. 

Companies tend to focus on the hard-dollar ROI when they evaluate automation—labor reduction, throughput improvements, error reduction and efficiency—but should also consider “soft” benefits like ergonomics, safety and flexibility. Ergonomics in particular should be considered a primary factor in an era of aging labor and tight supply.

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

Applications for Urethane Sleeved Conveyor Rollers

May 17, 2022
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Roller conveyor incline with urethane sleeved rollers in an ecommerce distribution center

Above: urethane rollers used on an incline distribution application.

Roller conveyors are galvanized steel, and are sleeved in urethane for specific applications. These rollers can be used almost anywhere and are often specified for food & beverage, printing, automotive and medical/pharmaceutical operations. When should your conveyor utilize urethane rollers?

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

Cisco-Eagle Wins Major Southwest Chapter ESOP Awards

May 5, 2022
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Cisco-Eagle's Employee-Owners with ESOP awards

Above: Cisco-Eagle employee-owners Randy Williams, Kevin Harwell, Elizabeth Rather and Logan Beard

One of the reasons we are a great partner to our customers and vendors is that Cisco-Eagle is owned, operated and managed by its employee-owners, all of whom own shares in the company. We were recently recognized by the Southwest Chapter of the ESOP Association for two major accomplishments: Cisco-Eagle is the Southwest ESOP Company of the Year, while Kevin Harwell won the award for 2021 Employee-Owner of the Year. 

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Posted in ESOP & Company News|

Pallet Rack Evaluation: Storage and Retrieval Speed Improvements

May 3, 2022
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Loading a pallet into a high-bay rack system with a forklift
Your rack system is your business, if you’re operating a warehouse or distribution center—or, it at least holds your business.

Pallet racks aren’t simply rows of storage shelves, and you shouldn’t treat them that way. Something so fundamental to a warehousing operation can and should be evaluated for improvement. One of the chief roles of a rack system is to allow efficient, quick access to stored products. How fast can you store things? How fast can you retrieve them?

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

Accumulation Conveyor: How to Choose Zero or Minimum Pressure

April 26, 2022
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Accumulation conveyor system with open top cartons moving on the line.

Accumulation systems let you adjust drive pressure on the product to a minimum—or eliminate it completely. This is useful when you have to accumulate a long line of cartons without damaging any of them. It’s ideal for applications like machine feeding, case sealers or shipping area buffers. When integrated correctly, accumulation increases throughput and gives you precise control of your conveyor line, the products on it and the time they spend in various stages.

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

The Anatomy of a Pick Module

April 12, 2022
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Pick module with carton flow on two levels in an apparel distribution center.

Pick modules support a range of warehouse activities, but their primary role is to increase the speed and space efficiency of order fulfillment operations. Configured with racks (which are usually the support structure), conveyors, flow storage, shelves and modular storage, they let you design the storage, fulfillment and picking strategy that fits your needs. Some pick modules are simple — really, just a shelf-supported mezzanine. Others combine automation and WMS systems for full systems integration.

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

Are AGVs Right for You?

March 17, 2022
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driverless forklift AGV loading empty pallets.

AGVs–automated guided vehicles–are mainstream. You see them in increasingly diverse applications and functioning in areas of the supply chain that may have seemed impossible a few years ago. Especially as e-commerce continues to accelerate and consumers demand more and faster shipments, companies must innovate to meet demand. AGV technology is ready for real-world use and can provide the answer, but is it a good fit for you?

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

Ergonomics and Pallet Handling

March 10, 2022
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Workers with various loaded pallets on a warehouse dock staging area

Palletized loads are one of the most common—and most difficult—areas of concern for ergonomic warehouse operations. In an era of labor shortages and increased safety concerns, dealing with pallets and palletized loads should be a higher-priority target for warehouse operations.

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Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|

Pallet Racks and Warehouse Slab Specification

February 22, 2022
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Photo of a warehouse floor, with a mezzanine installed on the left and a pallet rack system installed on the right.

Because high-bay warehouses with narrow aisles and heights of 30 feet or more have become common, it’s critical to understand your facility floor if you intend to add racks, change layouts or otherwise alter the operation. If you’re adding or changing an existing facility, and the design has changed so that higher density, taller or heavier racks are in play, what factors should you consider?

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

Conveying Fruits and Produce

February 1, 2022
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cherries being sorted and packed in a processing facility.
Conveyors used to transport, sort and deliver produce such as fruits and vegetables must be precise, sanitary and capable of carefully handling delicate foods. Production and packaging machinery should integrate with conveyor systems to ensure seamless operation. What are some produce conveying factors?

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

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