cross | Warehousing Insights | Material Handling Systems - Part 9
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How to Reduce Warehouse Noise

April 16, 2019

manufacturing worker with earplugs

Anyone who works in a production facility or distribution center knows how loud these places are. The sound of forklifts, the constant whirr of conveyors, the thrum of generators, and the steady beat of all things mechanized can be overwhelming. There are also specific, distracting noise producers, such as small engines, stampers, and generators. Over time, people adapt to this environment, “tuning out” noise as much as possible.

Research from the National Institutes of Health is clear: sound affects productivity. It’s also unsafe on a number of levels for industrial workers.

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Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|

The Impact Of Industrial Robots On Your Workforce

February 14, 2019

robot fulfillment

A research paper was released last month by two Harvard labor economists highlighted one of the coming decade’s most interesting talking points: the automated labor of the future. We are no strangers to the unique opportunities that adding robots can provide. What this paper sought to do was estimate the current effect of the introduction of robots on wages and employment, while also focus on the future they pose in industrial and manufacturing economies.

With this kind of research being conducted (with many more studies to be revealed for sure) and a spotlight put on the future robotic workforce, many with facilities that could use their services would be wise to discover how they can benefit. But what, exactly, should you be looking for?

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

Moving, Reusing and Reconfiguring Conveyor Systems

December 11, 2018

Conveyor system merge area
Some conveyors are specifically modular. They’re meant to be moved around, plugged in and reconfigured. But most conveyors are semi-permanent, and occupy space for extended periods of time. When you want to re-use existing conveyors in new roles, move all or part of a system between facilities, or just reconfigure an area using the equipment you already have, you can save money, but there are some things to know to help ensure everything works smoothly.

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

How to Measure Conveyors

October 9, 2018

top of roller dimensions for conveyors
This is part three of our guide to measuring material handling equipment. When you want to lay out a conveyor, there are methods to measurement that can ensure the equipment fits where you need it to, interfaces with machinery, matches work station heights, and other critical measures.

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

A Step-by-Step Safety Process for Forklifts and Pedestrians

October 2, 2018

forklifts and pedestrians near a dock door

When it comes to protecting pedestrians from forklift accidents, focus on processes—the ways you segment, train, manage and work on a daily basis. Preventable accidents happen when a process is absent. When it comes to forklifts and pedestrians, accidents are far too common and frequently serious.

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Posted in Forklift - Pedestrian Safety|

A Video Guide to Extendable Conveyors

September 20, 2018

loading tires into a truck trailer with extendable conveyors
Warehouses have always had problems with the point in their material handling system where docks or shipping areas meet the production line. For lack of a better word, these are awkward areas where it’s difficult to handle product in that dead zone between the end of a material handling system and truck trailers.
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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

AisleCop: Pedestrian or Forklift Priority?

September 18, 2018

aislecop system with pedestrian priority setting

Forklift safety systems are usually designed to restrain pedestrians, not forklifts

The reasoning for this choice is simple: it’s the same one that usually allows cars to have the right-of-way on public streets. It fits the operational needs of most warehouses and industrial facilities, but that’s not something that’s true in every case. Let’s go through your options for managing a pedestrian crossing in your facility using the AisleCop® system.

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Posted in Forklift - Pedestrian Safety|

Pallet Rack Storage Ideas for Difficult Loads and Situations

August 30, 2018

reel storage in a warehouse

Pallet rack systems are more versatile than simply storing skids in high bays. Many of our clients need to store more specialized loads, such as rolls, dies, tubes, fragile items and more. With the right hardware and design, almost anything can be safely and efficiently stored.
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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

Warehouse Management Headaches and How to Relieve Them

August 23, 2018

warehouse manager in a rack aisle
If you run a warehouse or distribution facility today, it’s likely that you are busy — really busy — and scrambling for time. E-commerce has changed the game, as customers demand more, faster, better. Managing a warehouse has always been a battle for time and the pressure never seems to subside. When we talk to warehouse managers and operators, here are some of the issues they face on a daily basis.

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Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|

The Final Frontier – Using Space Efficiently

August 16, 2018

shelf supported mezzanine

In a recent article released by the Wall Street Journal, warehouse space was showcased as being at its tightest since 2000. While this should come as no surprise that this issue of space is consistently growing, the rate at which warehouse vacancy is dwindling is far outpacing the increase in new construction.  In the second quarter of 2018 alone, industrial real estate availability fell to 7.2%. This creates in a unique predicament for those thriving and looking towards expansion, but also provides opportunities for those who can maximize their available footprint.

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Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|

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