73% of warehouse operators said they can’t find enough workers. The National Association of Manufacturers sees shortfalls today, and more in the future: an astonishing 2.1 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled by 2030. With labor shortages the norm today and for the foreseeable future, how can you optimize, retain and improve labor in your operation?
Tags: labor, ROI
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|
The loading dock is the heartbeat of any warehouse or distribution center, bustling with activity as products flow in and out. With the constant traffic and wear and tear that loading docks endure, it’s crucial to invest in the right protective equipment designed to both keep your docks efficient and safe.
One aspect that can be overlooked is dock bumpers. These bumpers not only facilitate smooth vehicle movement but also extend the useful life of your loading docks. But while investing in good dock bumpers offers affordable protection, there are multiple choices to consider.
Posted in Docks & Shipping|
Whether you replace or repair pallet rack, it’s always advisable to evaluate the structural integrity and safety of damaged rack components. When you’re considering a repair strategy, you should be aware of the strength and limitations of your options.
Tags: ROI
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Casters need a moment! They know you don’t think about them in the grand scheme of a facility’s operations. They know they’re overlooked most of the time….until they’re not for all the wrong reasons.
But, if you take some time to get to the ground level of things, you can see that casters keep your warehouse moving forward. Yes, the task they carry out is a simple one (at least from our perspective), but only if you outfit your operations with the right caster solutions. You don’t want reoccurring problems with your casters, either.
Posted in Material Handling|
Change is inevitable, particularly in warehousing, manufacturing and distribution. Many warehouses will shift storage area missions over time. New SKUs, more inventory, and different business and operational missions can create the need for newer storage concepts. The problem? There isn’t always a place for new demands. When this occurs, one thing to consider is using the floor or lower levels of your rack system.
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Above: Shelf supported mezzanine in a warehouse facility.
Not all warehouse shelving (or storage) options work for every facility. One operation’s pallet rack solution might not be ideal for a warehouse that wants to not only grow vertically but offer more picking options for items they’re selling and shipping. When you need high density storage, what mezzanine option fits best? Shelf supported mezzanines checks a lot of boxes.
Tags: Space Optimization
Posted in Mezzanines & Industrial Platforms|
While many companies can benefit from full scale automation, the math isn’t the same for everyone. However, labor shortages continue to drive companies to seek ways to reduce dependence on manual processes in specific, labor-intensive functions. What are some areas you should target for partial automation?
Tags: labor, palletizing, ergonomics
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
In our latest Shoptalk installment, employee-owner Amanda of our Systems Integration Group discusses how EDC upgraded and expanded its pick module operations.
Tags: Order Picking & Fulfillment, ecommerce, Shoptalk, warehousing, order fulfillment, Mezzanines
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
Operating a warehouse almost always means using pallet racks to take advantage of vertical space and organization of bulk storage. If they’re specified, installed and loaded correctly, racks are usually one of the most stable, effective and safest pieces of warehouse equipment. Because they carry heavy loads on vertical structures, racks should always be evaluated for safety and effectiveness. They’re stable, but that stability can be compromised by any number of factors.
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Our partners at Murata Machinery USA are introducing the company’s newest addition to its mini-load AS/RS line, the Ledger A3 AS/RS system. This four-tote carriage mini-load system for smaller, lighter goods is the first of its kind.
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
