rack | Warehousing Insights | Material Handling Systems - Part 18
Cisco-Eagle Logo

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|

When to Transport Loads with Overhead Conveyor Systems

March 10, 2020

overhead conveyor transporting empty boxes

Overhead conveyors are an efficient way to transport products on an assembly line or in a distribution facility. For the right load in the right situation, they’re the most economical and efficient way to convey products. What are some of the characteristics of a good overhead load?

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

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|

Protecting Forklift Loads & Pallets

February 11, 2020

forklift loading pallets in warehouse rack

Companies spend a great deal of time and energy protecting people and assets in their warehousing operations, but one aspect of it that can be difficult is forklift load protection. Once a load is on the forklift, what can you do to reduce the chances of forklifts damaging your product?

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|

How to Specify Your Mezzanine Project

January 7, 2020

mezzanine

Increasing space in your current facility is a big decision that requires an evaluation from a number of perspectives for the best outcome. Mezzanines are a common, relatively fast and economical way to add space to warehouses, factories, hangars and other commercial facilities. You should work through the following considerations for mezzanine design and specification.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: ,
Posted in Mezzanines & Industrial Platforms|

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|

Conveyors: Belt or Roller?

October 22, 2019

roller curve in a distribution center application

Belt and roller-powered conveyors are specified for a variety of reasons within a given conveyor system. The reasons almost always come down to load characteristics and functionality. Both can be used in transportation, sortation, and accumulation applications. This article delves into the differences and the specific advantages each conveyor type offers.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags:
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|

Finding Hidden Warehouse Capacity

October 15, 2019

Distribution Center Mezzanine
Out of space? You are not alone. With increasing SKUs and inventory levels, many warehouse operators are staging products in the aisles, using outside storage, and mixing SKUs in locations. All of this lowers labor productivity and impacts quality. So, where is the hidden capacity in your warehouse?

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , ,
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|

Navigating Your Way to Warehouse Savings

September 10, 2019

warehouse

Today’s warehouse managers are fighting growing inventory levels, dealing with increased SKUS, and managing higher frequency of tiny orders. Dealing with this daily grind many often have no time to find or fix operational issues. If your company is not fortunate enough to have a team of industrial engineers, you could be missing many opportunities.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: , ,
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|

How Well do Your Forklift Drivers See?

August 13, 2019

Forklift driver with obstructed view
When forklifts transport large loads across a busy warehouse full of people, visibility is perhaps the most critical safety concern.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags:
Posted in Forklift - Pedestrian Safety|

Read our customer reviews