In October 2019, I wrote this article on ROI factors for automation projects. That was just over two years ago, but the world is–to understate the case–a different place now. We endured a relentless Covid-19 pandemic that still persists. The “great resignation” has accelerated. Ecommerce demand was already ascendant, but is on an even faster track. The labor pool got shallower and continues to contract. What should we consider when we look at these projects in 2022 and beyond?
New Rules for Industrial Automation ROI
January 4, 2022
by Scott Stone
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Security Cages and Partitions: Choosing the Right Wall Type
December 14, 2021
by Scott Stone
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?
Posted in Security|
Pallet Rack Safety Standards: What You Need to Know
December 7, 2021
by Scott Stone
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.
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
When is an ASRS System a Good Fit?
November 18, 2021
by Scott Stone
Automated storage and retrieval systems are becoming more commonly deployed in today’s modern distribution, manufacturing and warehousing facilities because they make more sense than ever in an age of escalating demand and declining labor availability. Is space tight? What are the error rates throughout fulfillment? What kind of space issues do you see moving forward? What are the safety and ergonomic concerns?
Tags: ROI, Order Picking & Fulfillment, ecommerce
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Guardians Of The Facility – Guard Booths And Security
November 9, 2021
Above:Â Aluminum guard shack at facility entrance
Security considerations for any facility are a neverending search. In this day and age, you want to make sure your employees feel comfortable and safe from potential harm so that they can work without fear. One aspect of security that seems to only increase over time is the notion of access, and how much you want to allow for your operations. Especially in the new normal of Covid-19, access is now pushed to the forefront of a manager’s thinking concerning security.
One overlooked area in controlling access to your building is by way of a guard booth or shack. Sure, it can seem an afterthought, or possibly an expense not worth undertaking…..but to truly limit the access your facility gets, adding a guard shack is putting a secure solution on the frontlines of your operations, while also adding an engaging first impression to customers.
Posted in Security|
Pallet Racks and Outdoor Storage
November 4, 2021
by Scott Stone
Above:Â outdoor pallet rack with wind break wall and sloped roof
Pallet racks are designed for indoor applications, where they’re safe from the rigors of cold, heat, moisture and wind. However, you will sometimes need outdoor storage. We see those frequently in retail, manufacturing and fabrication operations. Sometimes, rack storage also serves as overflow in distribution operations or warehousing. Seasonal storage is often an outdoor racking application.
For outdoor installations, rack specifications can be different from indoor applications for the exact same load profiles due to environmental factors and the punishment racks take from wind and elements. But you can use racks outdoors safely.
Tags: Space Optimization
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Pallet Rack Load Distribution Guide
October 19, 2021
by Scott Stone
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.
Tags: RMI, warehouse storage, pallet racks, rack safety
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Forklift Multi-Tasking – Using Accessories That Matter
October 7, 2021
As new technologies emerge to help keep forklifts safer around pedestrians and each other, finding new ways to utilize your fleet of forklifts is more important than ever. Since supply chains are tight, more efficiency and safety should matter more than ever. Forklift accessories provide that aid in daily processes can offer that extra help without new lift trucks.
But what kind of accessories are out there?
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|
A Guide to Shoe Sorter Applications
October 5, 2021
by Scott Stone
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?
Tags: Automation, sortation
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
Machine Guarding For Maximum Protection
September 9, 2021
Automated equipment was a fast-growing sector before the pandemic, but is gathering more momentum and acceptance as companies face labor shortages and increased demand. Forging a more efficient environment means embracing automation–it’s inevitable.
With more instances of machine and man working together happening every day in a warehouse, one factor any facility wants to target is keeping your workers safe around this new automation. While education and training are important routes for this, implementing safety systems also adds protection. One way to not only protect your workers but also your investment is by using machine guarding systems.
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency, Security|