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?
Factors for Storage Area Security
April 5, 2018
by Scott Stone
Tags: access control, Industrial Security, wire mesh security cages, secure storage, distribution center pilferage
Posted in Security|
How To Choose The Right Cold Storage Facility for Your Needs
March 29, 2018
Because it links the manufacturing process with transportation to retailers, cold storage is one of the most important parts of the frozen food supply chain. The rise in e-commerce and evolution in where food is stored and how it gets to our homes is causing a massive increase in cold storage facilities across the nation.
With supply chains becoming more and more complex and increasing in length, it’s more important than ever for providers to ensure that perishable products that are stored in their warehouses are kept within a strict temperature range (normally between -20 degrees Celsius and -28 degrees Celsius). A temperature variation of even a few degrees could ruin hundreds of pallets of food—and cost many thousands of dollars.
Tags: e-commerce, cold storage, frozen storage, 3PL cold storage
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Why Your Order Pickers Should be More Like Fast Food Workers
March 22, 2018
by Scott Stone
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?
Tags: Automation, labor, Robotics
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
Three Inexpensive Ways to Reduce Forklift Accidents
March 1, 2018
by Scott Stone
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.
Tags: forklift injury, warehouse accidents, forklift
Posted in Forklift - Pedestrian Safety|
So You’ve Decided To Automate Your Facility. What Next?
February 22, 2018
With the rapid increase in the pace of manufacturing and distribution, facilities that automate manual processes will increase their ROI and grow their bottom line.
Customer demand is ever-increasing, right along with the costs to service that demand. You want your warehouse to deliver faster and more efficient results without sacrificing production. You’re looking at automating components within your facility to produce this change. But how can you really get started?
Tags: Manufacturing, distribution center, e-commerce, warehouse productivity, Warehouse Management, warehousing, Material Handling, Supply Chain
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
The Ergonomics of Flexible Conveyors
February 20, 2018
by Scott Stone
As we have covered previously, conveyors contribute to ergonomics in material handling operations by reducing repetitive lifts, twists, reaching and materials movement that may have been done by hand without them. Eliminating manual lifting and carrying reduces the chances for painful, expensive musculoskeletal injuries. It’s not about the once-in-a-while lift/carry but the same, repetitive motions over and over.
It’s important that your conveyor is configured correctly to make this work. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: ergonomics, worker safety, loading docks
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
OSHA Requirements for Better Loading Dock Fall Protection
January 23, 2018
by Scott Stone
In warehouses, about 25% of injuries come at or near the loading dock area.
This is usually because it’s such a focal point of any distribution operation—it’s where everything is accepted and put away and where everything eventually processes out. This means that at times the dock will buzz with forklifts, workers on foot and other bursts of activity. It has a natural fall hazard in the edge of the dock. It’s got exposure to elements, meaning that it may have moisture, oils and other trip/slip hazards. When it comes to preventing falls, what are OSHA’s requirements? And what should you do above and beyond them?
Tags: 3PL, Third Party Logistics, ecommerce
Posted in Docks & Shipping|
How to Cope with Winter Cold in Warehouses, Near Dock Doors
January 9, 2018
by Scott Stone
When it’s single-digits outside, any warehouse worker can tell you how cold the job gets near the shipping or receiving docks. Due to the sheer size and typical construction of warehouses, they’re difficult to insulate and heat. They are also susceptible to roof leaks, which may cause slip hazards during rainy or winter weather. Warehouse workers who work in chilly, uncomfortable environments all day are going to be less efficient, slower and at more risk for accidents or injuries. Even wearing jackets and gloves, the cold has a profound effect on their comfort and work. What are some steps you can take to reduce the impact?
Tags: work environment, winter, dock doors, shipping & receiving, dock safety
Posted in Docks & Shipping|
Essential Skills for Warehouse Managers
January 4, 2018
by Scott Stone
It’s demanding to manage a warehouse, distribution, plant floor, manufacturing or order processing facility.
There are time constraints, labor shortages, long hours, and demands from both customers and management. The phone rings a lot with all kinds of issues. For warehouse managers, today’s age of rapid e-commerce order fulfillment, rising customer expectations, new technologies and regulatory issues have made the job more complex than ever. What specific skill sets should you cultivate as a manager?
Tags: Warehouse Management, career, dc manager, distribution management
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|
How to Prepare Your Warehouse for a Client Tour
December 13, 2017
When a prospective client wants to visit your 3PL facility, it’s critical; you could be on the verge of new business.
You want to show them why they should select you as their 3PL of choice; that you’re the best choice; that you can be trusted to help them serve their clients. It’s no easy task running a successful warehouse or third-party logistics company – it’s a multi-faceted organization with its own specific attributes and specialties.
Tags: warehouse flow, ecommerce, Warehouse Management, warehousing, Material Handling, 3PL, lean warehousing, warehouse, Third Party Logistics
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|