In October 2019, I wrote this article on ROI factors for automation projects. That was just over two years ago, but the world is–to understate the case–a different place now. We endured a relentless Covid-19 pandemic that still persists. The “great resignation” has accelerated. Ecommerce demand was already ascendant, but is on an even faster track. The labor pool got shallower and continues to contract. What should we consider when we look at these projects in 2022 and beyond?
New Rules for Industrial Automation ROI
January 4, 2022
by Scott Stone
Posted in Automation, Manufacturing, Order Picking & Fulfillment, ROI| No Comments »
Where to Add Warehouse Guardrails
February 9, 2021
by Scott Stone
Facility safety for many warehouses focuses on industrial traffic and vehicles like forklifts or stackers, and no wonder—the damage that a simple mistake can do, and the people that can be harmed—is considerable. There are many varieties of guardrail systems, and they all function a little differently but have the same role: solid protection for a critical area when all else fails.
Posted in Manufacturing, Safety & Ergonomics, Warehousing| No Comments »
Vertical Pallet Movement Options
September 15, 2020
by Scott Stone
In modern warehouses and manufacturing facilities, the vertical cube should be fully exploited, meaning that you should use overhead air space in your storage and processing operations because it’s less expensive and more efficient. Before you expand or relocate, it’s always better to use that space. You’ve already paid for it and the environmental costs of using it.
Using that space comes with some limitations. One is that you’ll need to transport pallets up to mezzanines or other machinery. While that’s more difficult than moving cartons or other lighter loads, there are ways. Let’s examine some of those options.
Posted in Manufacturing, Material Handling, Space Optimization & Planning, Warehousing| No Comments »
Scissor Lift Table Loading Methods
July 30, 2020
by Scott Stone
Scissor lift tables are a staple of many warehouses and factories because they are versatile and ergonomic. Anytime you need to raise and lower loads for processing, palletizing, depalletizing, picking or maintenance, lifts are a good option.
Posted in Lifts, Manufacturing, Material Handling, Safety & Ergonomics| No Comments »
Your Guide To Covid-19 Manufacturing And Safety Resources
April 23, 2020
Last month, the National Association of Manufacturers conducted a survey of its member companies asking about the type of resources that would help them cope with the Covid-19 outbreak. This survey was undertaken so that NAM would know what to provide for their members during this pandemic, and how they could structure the resources to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
This is just one example of the opportunity for associations, alliances, memberships and companies to become not only a partner to each other, but also a support system of information for all businesses during this new age of Covid-19.
Posted in Covid-19, Industry Events, Manufacturing, News| No Comments »
When to Transport Loads with Overhead Conveyor Systems
March 10, 2020
by Scott Stone
Overhead conveyors are an efficient way to transport products on an assembly line or in a distribution facility. For the right load in the right situation, they’re the most economical and efficient way to convey products. What are some of the characteristics of a good overhead load?
Posted in Conveyor, Manufacturing, Material Handling, Warehousing| No Comments »
How We Handle Project Management
November 19, 2019
by Scott Stone
Material handling installations can be complicated by nature.
Shipments are coming from multiple sources, arriving at different times. Subcontractors from electrical installers to controls to cleaning crews must be coordinated. Layouts and concepts must be implemented on time, even as deadlines change while issues are being resolved. At the end of the process, the system must be commissioned and the people who will work in it trained. Maintenance and spare parts will be dealt with.
Posted in Automation, Manufacturing, Warehousing| No Comments »
How to Calculate Automation ROI
October 10, 2019
by Scott Stone
Return-on-investment is critical to automation projects, but justification isn’t straightforward. If you’re trying to convince management to make capital improvements to your operation, a smart, accurate and succinct ROI summary can work wonders. Let’s dive into some methods you can use to understand what to do — and what you can’t quantify.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Automation, Manufacturing, Robotics, ROI, Warehousing| No Comments »
How HVLS Fans Make Warehouse Air Conditioning More Efficient
July 9, 2019
by Scott Stone
A few weeks ago, we analyzed the reasons it’s sometimes impractical for some facilities to install HVAC. Yet, productivity studies spell out the reasons why cooler work environments reduce errors and increase productivity. If your facility already has air conditioning, why would you need to add HVLS fans?
Posted in Manufacturing, Safety & Ergonomics, Warehousing| No Comments »
June Is National Safety Month
June 11, 2019
Since June is National Safety Month, it’s a good time for a roundup of some of the excellent safety resources available through our website and many others.
Tags: conveyor safety, ergonomics, forklift safety, machine safety, warehouse safety
Posted in AisleCop, Manufacturing, Material Handling, Safety & Ergonomics| No Comments »