cross | Warehousing Insights | Material Handling Systems - Part 6
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The Anatomy of a Pick Module

April 12, 2022
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Pick module with carton flow on two levels in an apparel distribution center.

Pick modules support a range of warehouse activities, but their primary role is to increase the speed and space efficiency of order fulfillment operations. Configured with racks (which are usually the support structure), conveyors, flow storage, shelves and modular storage, they let you design the storage, fulfillment and picking strategy that fits your needs. Some pick modules are simple — really, just a shelf-supported mezzanine. Others combine automation and WMS systems for full systems integration.

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

Motorized Carts For Ergonomic Material Movement

March 29, 2022
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powered cart operating in warehouse environment

Forklifts are the usual method to move heavy materials, but there are plenty of times—and many good reasons—you might not want to use one. You can use pallet jacks, stackers, tuggers, pallet dollies, AGVs or even conveyors, but what about the instances where you don’t need forklift power, but your loads are too heavy or the travel time too far for pushcarts?

Enter the powered cart. This option resides in that “sweet spot” for material movement. But what exactly can a powered cart offer you, and what are your options?

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Posted in Material Handling|

Pallet Racks and Warehouse Slab Specification

February 22, 2022
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Photo of a warehouse floor, with a mezzanine installed on the left and a pallet rack system installed on the right.

Because high-bay warehouses with narrow aisles and heights of 30 feet or more have become common, it’s critical to understand your facility floor if you intend to add racks, change layouts or otherwise alter the operation. If you’re adding or changing an existing facility, and the design has changed so that higher density, taller or heavier racks are in play, what factors should you consider?

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

Shoptalk: DEA-Compliant Cages for Controlled Substances

January 11, 2022
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video subject in front of a storage cage

In the most recent installment in our Shoptalk video series, employee-owner (and Design Technician Manager) Edward Wallis discusses the differences between DEA-compliant security cages for controlled substances and general security cages. If you deal with pharmaceuticals or other sensitive inventory, you need to know the critical differences between general inventory and controlled substance secure storage.

Watch the video now

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Posted in Security|

Security Cages and Partitions: Choosing the Right Wall Type

December 14, 2021
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Warehouse wire security cage with a mixture of solid and welded wire panels beneath a mezzanine.

Above: wire security cage installed beneath a mezzanine using both wire mesh and solid sides

Wire security partitions are a great way to make your warehouse more secure. They’re used in tool cribs, for high-value inventory and to control access to restricted areas. You can specify a partition of almost any shape, almost any size and with a world of locks, windows and other options to create a versatile, secure storage area. You can also specify the wall type: woven wire, welded wire and solid. What wall type should you use?

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Posted in Security|

Pallet Rack Safety Standards: What You Need to Know

December 7, 2021
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Warehouse pallet rack system

In some countries, pallet rack safety standards are much more rigorous and defined than in the United States. The U.S. lives in more of a gray zone, with overlap from multiple organizations and building code standards. However, safety is always a concern for warehouses or other facilities that use pallet racks, and a lack of standards hardly means a lack of accountability.

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

Pallet Rack Load Distribution Guide

October 19, 2021
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Heavy duty pallet racks with loaded beams, cartons, pallets and other heavy items.
Pallet racks are probably the most common warehouse storage equipment in the world, and for good reason: they’re safe, versatile and use the vertical cube of high-bay warehouses when correctly specified, loaded, unloaded and used within the rack’s tolerance. Load distribution–the way a load sits on your racks–is a critical factor for safe usage. Here’s how to get it right.

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

A Guide to Shoe Sorter Applications

October 5, 2021
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shoe sorter conveyor system in a distribution center

Conveyor systems with shoe sorters are the go-to method for carton or parcel handling divert applications, but aren’t limited to just those types of loads. Shoe sorters are gentle with the product, fast and reliable with lower maintenance than other sortation options. What are the best applications for shoe sorter conveyors?

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

How to Prevent Forklifts from Striking Doors & Overhead Obstructions

September 14, 2021
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This door frame was struck by a forklift and suffered significant damage.

In warehouses where forklifts drive beneath doors, ducts, conveyors, electrical equipment or other overhead obstructions, costly and dangerous accidents can happen. What are some ways to make these pass-throughs safer?

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Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|

Conveyor Transfer Options & Applications

August 17, 2021
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chain transfer on a conveyor system

When you need to transfer loads 90 degrees to conveyor lines, machinery or workstations, you have options—both standard and custom. Which transfer works best for your product, application and environment?

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

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