ploy | Warehousing Insights | Material Handling Systems - Part 7
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The Right Caster Can Be a Game Changer

May 4, 2023
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Casters in an industrial facility

Casters need a moment! They know you don’t think about them in the grand scheme of a facility’s operations. They know they’re overlooked most of the time….until they’re not for all the wrong reasons.

But, if you take some time to get to the ground level of things, you can see that casters keep your warehouse moving forward. Yes, the task they carry out is a simple one (at least from our perspective), but only if you outfit your operations with the right caster solutions. You don’t want reoccurring problems with your casters, either.

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Posted in Material Handling|

Mezzanine Monthly – Why Choose A Shelf Supported Mezzanine

April 18, 2023
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shelf supported mezzanine in an order fulfillment operation
Above: Shelf supported mezzanine in a warehouse facility.

Not all warehouse shelving (or storage) options work for every facility. One operation’s pallet rack solution might not be ideal for a warehouse that wants to not only grow vertically but offer more picking options for items they’re selling and shipping. When you need high density storage, what mezzanine option fits best?  Shelf supported mezzanines checks a lot of boxes.

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Posted in Mezzanines & Industrial Platforms|

Targeted Warehouse Automation: Manual Pallet Handling

April 13, 2023
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stacking and wrapping pallets with manual processes
While many companies can benefit from full scale automation, the math isn’t the same for everyone. However, labor shortages continue to drive companies to seek ways to reduce dependence on manual processes in specific, labor-intensive functions. What are some areas you should target for partial automation?

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

Shoptalk: EDC Pick Module Expansion

March 14, 2023
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In our latest Shoptalk installment, employee-owner Amanda of our Systems Integration Group discusses how EDC upgraded and expanded its pick module operations.

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Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|

Pallet Rack Safety: Policies and Practices

March 7, 2023
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warehouse manager inspecting a pallet rack in a warehouse.

Operating a warehouse almost always means using pallet racks to take advantage of vertical space and organization of bulk storage. If they’re specified, installed and loaded correctly, racks are usually one of the most stable, effective and safest pieces of warehouse equipment. Because they carry heavy loads on vertical structures, racks should always be evaluated for safety and effectiveness. They’re stable, but that stability can be compromised by any number of factors.

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

4-Tote Carriage Mini-Load for Small Product Storage & Retrieval

March 2, 2023
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Ledger A3 mini-load AS/RS system in action at a fulfillment center

Our partners at Murata Machinery USA are introducing the company’s newest addition to its mini-load AS/RS line, the Ledger A3 AS/RS system. This four-tote carriage mini-load system for smaller, lighter goods is the first of its kind.

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

Mezzanine Monthly – Why Choose A Rack Supported Mezzanine

February 21, 2023
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rack supported mezzanine in an order fulfillment operation
Above: Rack supported mezzanine in a warehouse facility. Photo courtesy of Unex.

The typical U.S. distribution center is 31.1 feet tall, according to a survey by Statista.  But when more space is needed for operations, mezzanines can be used to create it. Most facilities aren’t fully using that vertical cube, either. Rather than expanding out, you can expand up.  Vertical storage options have options within as well (whoa, that got deep).

Tall racks are frequently deployed to utilize all if that vertical cube. If you have pallet rack, using part of it in the form of a rack supported mezzanine gains more from your vertical cube is an ideal solution. What could a rack mezzanine do for your facility?

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Posted in Mezzanines & Industrial Platforms|

Vertical Package Transport: Incline Conveyors vs. Reciprocating Lifts vs. Spiral Conveyors

February 2, 2023
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vertical spiral conveyors vs. automated package lifts

High-velocity order picking operations frequently need to transport cartons vertically–on and off mezzanines or pick modules, into workstations, onto work platforms, over traffic aisles or to merge with overhead conveyor lines. You can accomplish this with incline conveyors, vertical package lifts, spiral conveyors, automated package lifts and manual methods. Each method has its limitations and its advantages.

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

How to Prevent Pallet Rack Push-Through Accidents

January 12, 2023
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Loading a pallet into a high-bay rack system with a forklift

When heavy pallets are stored on horizontal beams in your pallet rack system, there is always some danger of a pallet or items stored on it, being pushed through the back of the rack. Items or full pallets can then fall or push the pallet behind them toward the next aisle in double row systems. What are some options to reduce the hazards related to push-through accidents?

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

The Benefits Of Automated Stretch Wrappers

January 10, 2023
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Automated Rotary Stretch Wrapper

Automation in the warehouse or manufacturing facility continues its momentum. In many locations, workers and robots of various forms co-existing are now the new normal. Operations want to increase throughput (as always) but are now in an hard battle for people….one that isn’t ending anytime soon. Systems are being installed to reduce time and increase productivity are becoming common for operations of most every size.

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

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