ploy | Warehousing Insights | Material Handling Systems - Part 9
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When To Replace Pallet Rack

July 21, 2022

View of warehouse pallet rack used for storage

As a long-term investment, pallet racks tend to “go the distance”; you can count on them to retain their strength and integrity for years.

Even so, replacing your pallet rack might be a matter of damage (over time or suddenly) or from other reasons such as age or changes in your storage operation. Let’s review the reasons you might want to partially or fully replace your rack.

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

Gapping Conveyors: A Guide to Types and Applications

July 12, 2022

Gapper Conveyor line in a distribution center

Conveyors that create gaps between loads—called “gappers”—are used in functions ranging from sortation to quality control to packing to machine integration. Any process that requires identical and predictable gaps between the back of a load and the leading edge of the following will probably need a gapper. Most gappers are slider bed belt conveyors, since belts provide superior control and support.

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

Automated Palletizing Options: Finding a Happy Medium

July 7, 2022

cobot system with pallet
Robotics in distribution operations aren’t exactly the stuff of the Jetsons; you see them every day. Because end-of-line palletizing involves so much repetitive motion, it’s a prime target for automation. It fits the profile of easily-profiled, repeatable and low-value labor tasks. It’s also back-breaking and un-ergonomic. How do you know if a robotic palletizing option makes sense? And what type of automation fits you?

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

AGVs Implementation And Pathway Considerations

June 28, 2022

agv navigating a pathway

Automated Guided Vehicles are no longer an anomaly when it comes to adding productivity and efficiency to operations. As robotics of many varieties infiltrate facilities and work alongside human counterparts, adoption is becoming commonplace.

With this new embrace of automation, and specifically AGVs, comes new considerations within your warehouse. Daily interactions lead to new precautions to protect workers and your new equipment from damage. One area that must be addressed is your floors and aisles, for they will see a new age of comings and goings.

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

How to Reduce Conveyor Headaches, Repair Costs and Downtime

June 16, 2022

conveyor service

We spoke with Eric Dodd, who manages Cisco-Eagle’s Field Services Group. Eric’s expertise when it comes to conveyors – and how to keep them running tip-top – is unparalleled. Eric and the Field Services group maintains many miles of conveyors from virtually every manufacturer, in just about every environment. Here’s what he had to say.

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

Applications for Urethane Sleeved Conveyor Rollers

May 17, 2022

Roller conveyor incline with urethane sleeved rollers in an ecommerce distribution center

Above: urethane rollers used on an incline distribution application.

Roller conveyors are galvanized steel, and are sleeved in urethane for specific applications. These rollers can be used almost anywhere and are often specified for food & beverage, printing, automotive and medical/pharmaceutical operations. When should your conveyor utilize urethane rollers?

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

Pallet Rack Evaluation: Storage and Retrieval Speed Improvements

May 3, 2022

Loading a pallet into a high-bay rack system with a forklift
Your rack system is your business, if you’re operating a warehouse or distribution center—or, it at least holds your business.

Pallet racks aren’t simply rows of storage shelves, and you shouldn’t treat them that way. Something so fundamental to a warehousing operation can and should be evaluated for improvement. One of the chief roles of a rack system is to allow efficient, quick access to stored products. How fast can you store things? How fast can you retrieve them?

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Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|

Accumulation Conveyor: How to Choose Zero or Minimum Pressure

April 26, 2022

Accumulation conveyor system with open top cartons moving on the line.

Accumulation systems let you adjust drive pressure on the product to a minimum—or eliminate it completely. This is useful when you have to accumulate a long line of cartons without damaging any of them. It’s ideal for applications like machine feeding, case sealers or shipping area buffers. When integrated correctly, accumulation increases throughput and gives you precise control of your conveyor line, the products on it and the time they spend in various stages.

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Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

The Anatomy of a Pick Module

April 12, 2022

Pick module with carton flow on two levels in an apparel distribution center.

Pick modules support a range of warehouse activities, but their primary role is to increase the speed and space efficiency of order fulfillment operations. Configured with racks (which are usually the support structure), conveyors, flow storage, shelves and modular storage, they let you design the storage, fulfillment and picking strategy that fits your needs. Some pick modules are simple — really, just a shelf-supported mezzanine. Others combine automation and WMS systems for full systems integration.

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Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|

Shoptalk: Goal Post Dock Door Guards

April 7, 2022

dock door goalposts in warehouse

In this installment of Cisco-Eagle’s Shoptalk series, Lance reviews how goalpost dock door protectors work.

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Posted in Docks & Shipping|

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