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.

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Every facility has its heroes like the shiny conveyor systems, towering pallet racks and state-of-the-art automation that seem to draw all the safety focus. But just like in any good action movie, even the heroes have a few weaknesses. Warehouses and manufacturing facilities are no different! These “weak links” are the areas that, if overlooked, can cause big safety issues. You can create a stronger, more resilient facility by paying attention to these sneaky trouble spots.

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Ergonomics are critical for warehousing and manufacturing operations for both safety and efficiency reasons. North Carolina State University is offering a December 2024 workshop for companies who want to educate themselves on the process. We also cover the impact of slow receiving operations and the impact “driver detention” has on companies and safety.

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The moment when your customers open a box with the things they ordered is the most important part of their interaction with you. It’s your moment of truth. Well-executed packing reduces product damage, minimizes returns and leaves a positive impression. Subpar packing has the opposite effect.

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Automated palletizing is one of the best places to target automation because the process is so manual and heavy duty for many companies.

Why? Because it helps you reduce one of the least value-add parts of your operation: stacking and creating pallets. Doing that manually makes less sense every passing year for companies that are already working to reduce dependency on an ever-contracting labor pool. To get the process started, start by focusing on your operational needs, customer base and labor factors.

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Sometimes the right tool for the job is not the flashiest. The humble ball transfer isn’t high-tech, but does a great job of minimizing reaching and straining that endangers workers. Ball transfers punch above their weight class in a warehouse ergonomics and safety program.

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Pick modules are commonly used in distribution operations when companies need to build high-density, high-throughput order fulfillment operations. This typically involves a multi-level platform system integrated with vertical storage options to move finished orders on and off platform levels toward other warehouse destinations.

One overlooked aspect is the addition or removal of empty cartons to picking positions. What are your options?

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In this month’s employee spotlight, we interview Eric Dodd, Assistant Director of Field Services. He talks about challenges our service group faces, why training matters, and his favorite Houston sports moment.

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In the cold and frozen food sector, tremendous growth combined with a serious shortage of capacity is severely constraining companies today. “The frozen food market is currently experiencing remarkable growth, with its global value soaring to $265 billion. In the U.S. alone, new frozen food sales have impressively surpassed the $72 billion mark,” states Rick Kingery in the Colliers’ article “Capitalizing on the $265 Billion Frozen Food Market: Cold Storage’s Crucial Role.”

Adding to the challenge, “We estimate the U.S. will need up to 100-million-square-feet of additional cold storage space in the coming years,” states Marty Khait in an article posted on the Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Magazine website, “The Cold Reality: Why America’s Cold Storage Capacity is Running Low.”

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You’ve seen the statistics about labor shortages over the last few years. The reality for recruiters on the ground is more obvious: there have been plenty of no-shows for job interviews (or for the first day of work). Candidates ghost companies throughout the process. You may have to take down a job posting only to put it right back up when someone quits. Particularly for the roles warehousing and manufacturing companies need to hire, the difficulties are real – and only growing.

So how do you attract and keep the right candidates for your company?

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