In warehouses, we deal with tons of empty pallets, and the load can be overwhelming at times. Yet, people tend not to notice the effect all that lifting and manual manipulation has, because it’s cumulative. Pallets are routinely handled the same way because that’s what we are used to. The problem is really one of ergonomics: people who stress, push and strain with stacks of pallets on a daily basis are more likely to be injured. They certainly aren’t working at the speed you’d like. It’s wasted time with a serious downside.

The new Pallet Return Device offers a safer and way more efficient way to handle your pallets, all while making more perfect stacks.
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While warehouse robotics can be thought of as too futuristic, there are many e-commerce fulfillment applications being installed today that are set up to take full advantage of all they have to offer a facility. Some may be leery of this technology, but it would be a mistake to say that robotics would never apply to your warehouse.

Today’s robotic applications are all based on existing applications and technology, not uncharted research, and each generation of technology gets cheaper. Here are some important considerations when looking at applying warehouse robotics today.

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When conveyor rollers are set low, you gain several advantages vs. rollers set high. When you do this, your conveyor has several advantages.

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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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We’re encouraging anyone who operates a facility with pallet rack to check out the RMI (Rack Manufacturers’ Institute) webinar coming up on pallet rack safety.

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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?

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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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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?

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E-commerce is the driving force for warehouse and shipping industries, so a focus on efficiency of distribution is paramount to gain competitive advantage. Demand is an ever-growing constant, and the movement to appease that demand can produce a strain on an entity wanting to thrive within the E-Commerce world. Multiple factors can either make or break those that want to dive into these waters, but what is an inexperienced company to do? Enter the 3PL, and what it can bring to E-Commerce.

Third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) design their distribution facilities to be flexible and scalable to serve a wide range of clients—capabilities that align well with the needs of growing
E-Commerce ventures. But the advantages don’t stop there. Here’s a look at some of the potential benefits of teaming up with an experienced 3PL:

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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.

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