Most warehouses use bins, cartons or containers as bulk product shipments are broken into “eaches” or smaller quantities for putaway, storage and eventual picking. This is also largely true of assembly and manufacturing lines where components are transported between workstations and work is progressively done. While they don’t exactly break the bank given their costs, specifying the wrong container can result in a less efficient, less ergonomic operation.
Posted in Storage, Organization & Workstations|
Above: workers in a distribution center putaway aisle with flow and bulk storage accessibility. Picking aisles are left clear as the system is replenished. Photo credit: Unex Manufacturing.
Putaway, which is the methods and processes that occur between receiving inventory and that inventory resting in storage positions in a warehouse, may have more impact on the performance of order fulfillment or warehousing operation than most anything else.
Tags: Third Party Logistics, ecommerce, 3PL
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
Dock boards and dock plates are built to transition forklifts, pallet jacks, carts, people and other transportation methods between trailers and your warehouse dock area or staging floor. How can you be sure the transition between truck trailers and your dock is safe?
Tags: ergonomics, Safety & Ergonomics
Posted in Docks & Shipping|
In this installment of Cisco-Eagle’s Shoptalk series, Rodney, Regional Director of Arkansas, discusses the benefits of using the forklift laser tine guide system.
Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|
In modern warehouses and manufacturing facilities, the vertical cube should be fully exploited, meaning that you should use overhead air space in your storage and processing operations because it’s less expensive and more efficient. Before you expand or relocate, it’s always better to use that space. You’ve already paid for it and the environmental costs of using it.
Using that space comes with some limitations. One is that you’ll need to transport pallets up to mezzanines or other machinery. While that’s more difficult than moving cartons or other lighter loads, there are ways. Let’s examine some of those options.
Posted in Mezzanines & Industrial Platforms|
Scissor lift tables are a staple of many warehouses and factories because they are versatile and ergonomic. Anytime you need to raise and lower loads for processing, palletizing, depalletizing, picking or maintenance, lifts are a good option.
Posted in Lifting & Lift Systems|
Belt conveyors are used in applications where loads need more support than rollers can give them, usually for things like cartons with irregular bottoms, bags, components and similar loads. They’re sometimes used for small parts, produce or components. The type of belt you specify will usually tie directly to the application, load and operational environment. Here are some questions to ask when you are specifying a conveyor belt.
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
With the massive worker compensation costs related to musculoskeletal disorders, finding ways to reduce the risks is imperative. In May, we discussed the impact of work positioning. This time, the focus on the effects of extreme movements and how to counteract the risks.
Tags: ergonomics, workstations
Posted in Storage, Organization & Workstations|
When conducting storage and picking operations the use of carton flow rack not only saves space and makes picking faster, but it also reduces wasted motion. People don’t need to walk as much between pick positions, so they spend more time doing productive work like picking and packing.
There are many options and configurations for carton flow, and to help you navigate those choices, we’ve published a guide to carton flow rack.
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a commonly reported source of missed or restricted work in America. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, WMSDs account for over 33% of all worker compensation costs.
Tags: workstations, ergonomics
Posted in Storage, Organization & Workstations|
