ploy | Warehousing Insights | Material Handling Systems - Part 16
Cisco-Eagle Logo

A Salute to Warehouse Workers

April 7, 2020

orders being packed at a distribution facility

During the Covid-19 crisis, many office workers are sheltering in place. They’re working through conference calls, web meetings and mobile technology. They are also ordering groceries and other staples and having it delivered to their doors to help prevent the spread of the virus. They’re hitting retail stores. All of this is helping reduce future cases of the virus.

It’s also straining the retail and eCommerce supply chains, and someone has to fill those orders: The warehouse worker.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|

How Will Covid-19 Change Distribution?

March 24, 2020

packing and scanning area in a distribution facility
We don’t know what the next month holds, much less the rest of 2020 and beyond when it comes to Covid-19, but we know changes are coming. However, several things are known in the current situation.

  1. The supply chain must function. Food and medical chains are the priority, but all types of other products must still reach Americans.
  2. This work can’t be done remotely. People must staff warehouses and factories.
  3. Like other facilities, the warehouse requires social distance to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and make their workers safe.
  4. The supply chain must be safe for its workers and its consumers.

We’ve put together some ideas that may help you as the situation evolves.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|

Robots and a Safe Environment

March 19, 2020

robot worker with safety paneling

In this new age of warehouse or facility labor shortage, more and more companies are turning to automation and robotics to help fill in the gap and increase productivity as well. With e-commerce showing no signs of slowing and innovative supply chains being rewarded, you can bet that companies embracing this new dawn are showing better ROI and efficiency. One aspect of adopting robotic help for your warehouse to review is that of safety. While the overall safe environment you provide to your operations is crucial, when adding robotics or automation to the mix it requires a new set of ideas and priorities to ensure your workers and ‘bots can coexist.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: ,
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

5 Pallet Rack Accessories that Make Your Racks Safer and More Efficient

March 17, 2020

warehouse rack and worker in aisle
How can you turn part of your rack into a different type of storage? What kinds of safety equipment can you install to prevent damage, maintain flue space or eliminate falling items? Let’s take a look at some options.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

How to Conduct a Warehouse Audit

March 3, 2020

warehouse being audited by a manager
Warehouse managers are always interested in ways to optimize and measure their success. Usually these discussions revolve around measuring outcomes–pick rates, errors, ship rates, damage, etc. In any walk of life, it’s good to take some time to reflect on the overall state of your work, and that’s what a warehouse audit should do.

Let’s dive into some things you should measure and how you should get started.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags:
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|

Warehousing and the Millennial Worker

February 20, 2020

warehouse workers reviewing a whiteboard plan

As the progression of baby boomer retirees continues–at a blistering pace of 10,000 each day–all industries are feeling the pressure to attract the younger generation. Not only is this need growing, but in terms of keeping up with the faster pace of business, it’s paramount. Warehousing is no different and faces the tough task of keeping millennial (and younger) workforces interested in walking through its doors for the long haul.

Just how do warehouse operators attract qualified hires from the millennial generation? What are some ways not only to bring in these employees–but retain them?

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags:
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|

Shoptalk: How Does AisleCop Work?

December 10, 2019

AisleCop Explanation

In this installment of Cisco-Eagle’s Shoptalk series, Markus explains how our AisleCop forklift safety system works to prevent dangerous pedestrian-forklift accidents in aisles, blind crossing and other dangerous areas in a facility.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags:
Posted in Forklift - Pedestrian Safety|

How We Handle Project Management

November 19, 2019

installation for pallet rack with fall safety prevention

Material handling installations can be complicated by nature.

Shipments are coming from multiple sources, arriving at different times. Subcontractors from electrical installers to controls to cleaning crews must be coordinated. Layouts and concepts must be implemented on time, even as deadlines change while issues are being resolved. At the end of the process, the system must be commissioned and the people who will work in it trained. Maintenance and spare parts will be dealt with.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

When Pallet Rack Expertise is Critical

November 7, 2019

Warehouse racks in a layout, with consultants walking through
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.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

How to Calculate Automation ROI

October 10, 2019

robotic palletizer system in action
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.
Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

Read our customer reviews