Above: VLMs condense space more efficiently than conventional storage racks, or even mini load systems. They can use the space more effectively because less “air space” is needed for the storage capacity.
Companies install carousel systems and vertical lift modules for many reasons, including flexibility, storage decentralization, operator access, retrieval times, security consolidation and picking accuracy gains. One of the most important reasons is the way they optimize space.
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
Taking advantage of every inch within your facility space is critical to push operations forward. The new Cisco-Eagle guide to space optimization shows how layout affects everything you do, and what the right design and equipment offer.
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
Buffers can be found in most warehouses and manufacturing facilities, and they take many forms. You can build buffers into racks, floor space, conveyors or external storage areas like truck trailers. When you need to temporarily store materials before they enter putaway, shipment, kitting, processing, or another production process, what are some of the best design, equipment specification and usage practices?
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
As we navigate this new age of Covid-19 and the distancing associated with it on all fronts of our lives, keeping areas within your facility safe and spaced becomes not only a priority now, but leads to further efficiency for operations in the future. Operations that utilize efficient means for creating visual clues within their warehouse showcase a more productive work environment that also keeps employees and equipment free from potential hazards.
One method to aid in this endeavor is floor marking. By marking areas in your facility, you highlight risks, outline areas for equipment and people, direct traffic and showcase safety considerations. In short, just by adding some color to your floor, you make your entire facility easier to navigate.
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
As we’ve discussed before, the age of Covid-19 has brought not just a new normal for ourselves and communities, but for the warehouses and facilities we work in as well. As we pass the summer and venture head-on into the fall and winter months, many locations are starting to see an easing of the restrictions that were in place to protect workers. As these restrictions are lifted and there begins an (at least partial) return to normal, each facility must now make adjustments to this new normal of how to protect those returning to work and what to apply to their floor operations for future protection.
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
Out of space? You are not alone. With increasing SKUs and inventory levels, many warehouse operators are staging products in the aisles, using outside storage, and mixing SKUs in locations. All of this lowers labor productivity and impacts quality. So, where is the hidden capacity in your warehouse?
Tags: warehouse, warehouse space savings, space saving
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
In part one of this series, we discussed the fundamentals of facility measurement and the impact building column types and spacing can have. The most common issue people have with layout tends to be building columns, but working with obstructions is a close second. Let’s break down the common obstructions that can throw off your measurements.
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
In a recent article released by the Wall Street Journal, warehouse space was showcased as being at its tightest since 2000. While this should come as no surprise that this issue of space is consistently growing, the rate at which warehouse vacancy is dwindling is far outpacing the increase in new construction. Â In the second quarter of 2018 alone, industrial real estate availability fell to 7.2%. This creates in a unique predicament for those thriving and looking towards expansion, but also provides opportunities for those who can maximize their available footprint.
Tags: Warehouse Management, warehousing, space savings, storage, warehouse, warehouse productivity
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
We measure many facilities on-site, but there are times our customers either want to or need to measure their own buildings. Here is a quick guide to measuring for conveyors, racks and other material handling equipment.
Tags: manufacturing facilities, facility design, facility layout, warehouse design
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
Online sales will account for 17% of all U.S. retail sales by 2022, up from a projected 12.7% in 2017. As you might imagine, warehouses are suffering from a major capacity crunch. Whereas previously warehouses were organized to handle large volumes of each product, E-commerce orders are characterized by a low quantity of many items or just a singular item. In an e-commerce oriented warehouse, huge quantities of SKUs exist, each needing their own specific storage slots.
Warehouse managers know that inventory levels can fluctuate anytime within a sales season, especially during a holiday when inventory levels are typically at their peak, often double or triple normal levels. Plus, because of the Amazon-effect, consumers are demanding more products with faster and better service, putting additional strain on warehouse space. Because of this growth, many businesses are looking for additional space to distribute and store products, but warehouse real estate is hard to find.
What is a retailer to do? The answer for additional space can be found within the four walls of your current operation.
Tags: warehouse, e-commerce, Order Picking & Fulfillment
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
