Pallet rack is the most common storage equipment you will find in most warehouses and industrial storage applications. On its face, rack is simple to specify, purchase and install, but there are situations where you should consult an expert involving space efficiency, seismic zones, safety, difficult loads and other situations. Let’s look into some situations where professional help is necessary.
When Pallet Rack Expertise is Critical
November 7, 2019
by Scott Stone
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Conveyors: Belt or Roller?
October 22, 2019
by Scott Stone
Belt and roller-powered conveyors are specified for a variety of reasons within a given conveyor system. The reasons almost always come down to load characteristics and functionality. Both can be used in transportation, sortation, and accumulation applications. This article delves into the differences and the specific advantages each conveyor type offers.
Tags: Conveyor
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
Finding Hidden Warehouse Capacity
October 15, 2019
Out of space? You are not alone. With increasing SKUs and inventory levels, many warehouse operators are staging products in the aisles, using outside storage, and mixing SKUs in locations. All of this lowers labor productivity and impacts quality. So, where is the hidden capacity in your warehouse?
Tags: warehouse, warehouse space savings, space saving
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
How to Calculate Automation ROI
October 10, 2019
by Scott Stone
Return-on-investment is critical to automation projects, but justification isn’t straightforward. If you’re trying to convince management to make capital improvements to your operation, a smart, accurate and succinct ROI summary can work wonders. Let’s dive into some methods you can use to understand what to do — and what you can’t quantify.
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Tags: Automation, labor, ROI, Robotics
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Navigating Your Way to Warehouse Savings
September 10, 2019
Today’s warehouse managers are fighting growing inventory levels, dealing with increased SKUS, and managing higher frequency of tiny orders. Dealing with this daily grind many often have no time to find or fix operational issues. If your company is not fortunate enough to have a team of industrial engineers, you could be missing many opportunities.
Tags: warehousing, ROI, inventory
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|
How Well do Your Forklift Drivers See?
August 13, 2019
by Scott Stone
When forklifts transport large loads across a busy warehouse full of people, visibility is perhaps the most critical safety concern.
Tags: forklift safety
Posted in Forklift - Pedestrian Safety|
E-Commerce Propels 2019 Distribution Center Metrics Study
August 6, 2019
The annual DC Velocity/WERC (Warehousing Education and Research Council) DC Metrics Survey is out for 2019. This research is conducted every year and offers us insight into what measurements are most critical according to DC managers. As we know, the only constant is change, and this year showcases how e-commerce pushed accuracy and capacity to the forefront of DC managers’ minds.
Tags: e-commerce, ecommerce, distribution center, warehouse
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|
How HVLS Fans Make Warehouse Air Conditioning More Efficient
July 9, 2019
by Scott Stone
A few weeks ago, we analyzed the reasons it’s sometimes impractical for some facilities to install HVAC. Yet, productivity studies spell out the reasons why cooler work environments reduce errors and increase productivity. If your facility already has air conditioning, why would you need to add HVLS fans?
Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|
Conveyors in Difficult Environments
May 2, 2019
by Scott Stone
Conveyors are essential for manufacturing operations, but in some areas where they are exposed to dust, airborne debris, moisture or chemicals, there may be issues with their mechanical components. These environmental factors impact performance, equipment lifespan, maintenance burdens and safety, but can be dealt with if the conveyor is properly designed, used and maintained. Let’s dive into these issues.
Tags: Manufacturing, ergonomics
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
Load the Barbell: Heavy Lifting Options
April 18, 2019
When you need to move heavy loads, you want equipment that offers the flexibility of a CrossFitter with the power of a power-lifting beast. Lifting heavy loads is no small feat, and understanding which option will work best for your facility, plant, or warehouse will keep your lifts in good form without sacrificing strength.
Tags: chain hoist, cranes, jib crane, gantry crane, warehousing, warehouse, manufacturing equipment, hoist
Posted in Lifting & Lift Systems|