Loading docks are critical because they’re where everything is received—and eventually shipped. The right shipping & receiving setup means smooth product flow, faster putaway and more accurate fulfillment. In short, it means a safer and better operation. To help you protect your docks and your people, check out our new dock equipment guide.
Posted in Docks & Shipping|
Above: workers in a distribution center putaway aisle with flow and bulk storage accessibility. Picking aisles are left clear as the system is replenished. Photo credit: Unex Manufacturing.
Putaway, which is the methods and processes that occur between receiving inventory and that inventory resting in storage positions in a warehouse, may have more impact on the performance of order fulfillment or warehousing operation than most anything else.
Tags: 3PL, Third Party Logistics, ecommerce
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
In this new age of Covid-19, facilities all across the globe are working within ever-changing restrictions and prioritizing employee protection while keeping operations moving forward. Social distancing is a key component of this within any building, and those tasked with monitoring and implementing distancing within a workforce must create new ways to combat the spread. This challenge is tough to work within even the smallest of offices, let alone a large warehouse or distribution center. Reducing employee contact while maintaining thriving production is not easy, and requires continued vigilance and creativity.
When considering options for increased or maintained social distancing, utilizing an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) is a great option to help prepare your facility for the coming waves and for the automated future that lies on the horizon.
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Dock boards and dock plates are built to transition forklifts, pallet jacks, carts, people and other transportation methods between trailers and your warehouse dock area or staging floor. How can you be sure the transition between truck trailers and your dock is safe?
Tags: Safety & Ergonomics, ergonomics
Posted in Docks & Shipping|
As we’ve discussed automating anything as complex as a large scale material handling process has risks, but there are ways understand the outcome better in advance and reduce any risks. It’s always good to have more data, and simulation plays into that scenario by giving you a view of what key systems, technology and process will interact in your system, with your loads.
Tags: ROI, data, simulation, Factory Automation
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
In this installment of Cisco-Eagle’s Shoptalk series, Rodney, Regional Director of Arkansas, discusses the benefits of using the forklift laser tine guide system.
Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|
Automation can work wonders. It reduces costs, increases throughput, curbs errors and increases safety. The costs of automation are declining while the effectiveness of computer, vision and scanning systems are improving. Automation helps you reduce repetitive actions — the kind that adds no value. The common perception is that automated facilities are dark, free of people and full of robots, but the reality is that automation comes in many forms, ranging from picking systems like pick-to-light to automated conveyors to goods-to-person systems and much more.
For all these benefits, you want to understand the potential problems with any automation project in advance so you can avoid them as you move forward.
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Cantilever racks are built to handle long, heavy loads such as pipe or steel tube, lumber, wood or metal sheets, furniture, elongated crates and lots more. The design is simple–a central column with cantilevered arms extending from one or both sides. Safety is critical in any warehousing or industrial storage area, including cantilever storage. Given the heavy and bulky nature of the loads, here are some things you should be aware of to make sure your racks are safe.
Tags: Safety & Ergonomics
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
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|
As our new normal in the age of Covid-19 marches on, each facility is faced with balancing the ever-growing demand for products/services and keeping workers safe. Your environment must be clean and protect your employees every day to ensure not only the health and wellness of your workforce, but also an efficient and productive operation. New practices should be implemented to fight against this invisible enemy, whether it’s distancing or disinfecting.
With the continued easing of restrictions on how many people each facility may have on hand, you want to have a program in place that tackles all facets of employee safety. One area to target has one of the highest traffic rates and potential for infection–facility lockers.
Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|
