Scott Stone | Warehousing Insights | Material Handling Systems - Part 9
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When is an ASRS System a Good Fit?

November 18, 2021

Muratec unit load pallet handling ASRS system in action.

Automated storage and retrieval systems are becoming more commonly deployed in today’s modern distribution, manufacturing and warehousing facilities because they make more sense than ever in an age of escalating demand and declining labor availability. Is space tight? What are the error rates throughout fulfillment? What kind of space issues do you see moving forward? What are the safety and ergonomic concerns?

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

Pallet Racks and Outdoor Storage

November 4, 2021

 

Pallet rack installed outdoors, with overhead roof.

Above:  outdoor pallet rack with wind break wall and sloped roof

Pallet racks are designed for indoor applications, where they’re safe from the rigors of cold, heat, moisture and wind. However, you will sometimes need outdoor storage. We see those frequently in retail, manufacturing and fabrication operations. Sometimes, rack storage also serves as overflow in distribution operations or warehousing. Seasonal storage is often an outdoor racking application.

For outdoor installations, rack specifications can be different from indoor applications for the exact same load profiles due to environmental factors and the punishment racks take from wind and elements. But you can use racks outdoors safely.

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

Pallet Rack Load Distribution Guide

October 19, 2021

Heavy duty pallet racks with loaded beams, cartons, pallets and other heavy items.
Pallet racks are probably the most common warehouse storage equipment in the world, and for good reason: they’re safe, versatile and use the vertical cube of high-bay warehouses when correctly specified, loaded, unloaded and used within the rack’s tolerance. Load distribution–the way a load sits on your racks–is a critical factor for safe usage. Here’s how to get it right.

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

A Review of New Forklift Safety Technologies & Methods

October 12, 2021

Forklift safety systems, including 180 degree sensor with audible alarm and floor gobo

Like many technologies, forklift safety sensors and alarms progress the more the need is stressed. Cisco-Eagle’s Safety Automation Group has built a suite of solutions that can help in more specific situations. Let’s review some of the newest technologies you can implement and where they might be the most helpful.

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Posted in Forklift - Pedestrian Safety|

A Guide to Shoe Sorter Applications

October 5, 2021

shoe sorter conveyor system in a distribution center

Conveyor systems with shoe sorters are the go-to method for carton or parcel handling divert applications, but aren’t limited to just those types of loads. Shoe sorters are gentle with the product, fast and reliable with lower maintenance than other sortation options. What are the best applications for shoe sorter conveyors?

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

How to Prevent Forklifts from Striking Doors & Overhead Obstructions

September 14, 2021

This door frame was struck by a forklift and suffered significant damage.

In warehouses where forklifts drive beneath doors, ducts, conveyors, electrical equipment or other overhead obstructions, costly and dangerous accidents can happen. What are some ways to make these pass-throughs safer?

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Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|

Specifying High-Performance Parcel Handling Conveyor Solutions

September 2, 2021

parcel conveyor system in a warehouse fulfillment operation.

The pressure on companies of all types to continuously ship faster and more efficiently has grown, particularly in the age of increased e-commerce, an extremely tight labor market and Covid-19 restrictions. Increased demand also affects retail distribution as companies work to develop effective delivery channels outside traditional ship-to-store.

The core mission of these operations is parcel shipping–an old art with new twists.

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

Conveyor Transfer Options & Applications

August 17, 2021

chain transfer on a conveyor system

When you need to transfer loads 90 degrees to conveyor lines, machinery or workstations, you have options—both standard and custom. Which transfer works best for your product, application and environment?

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

The Process of Specifying Pallet Flow Rollers & Wheels

August 3, 2021

Various types of pallet flow rollers being compared for application and load suitability.

Above – left to right: reinforced resin wheels. split rollers, full-width rollers, steel skatewheels. Each roller type has advantages in terms of versatility and capacity, depending on your load and environment.

Pallet flow rack is one of the most space-efficient, first-in, first-out high-density pallet storage and picking systems available. Because the first pallet stored in a flow lane is always the first pallet picked at the front, you constantly rotate inventory. It’s a simple concept but the execution can be complex based on the load size, weight and other characteristics. One of the most important decisions is the type and style of roller needed.

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

Ways to Pick Full Cases Faster, More Accurately and More Ergonomically

July 16, 2021

full case picking from carton flow rack

Case picking is common in most e-commerce, retail and wholesale distribution operations, so it’s important to understand the best ways to pick cartons from start to finish through a process. Most warehouse operations will need at least some case-picking capacity. Beverage and grocery distributors almost always need a large full case picking function. Since order picking commands a high percentage of distribution center labor costs, finding ways to make it more efficient is critical.

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Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|

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