When you consider the various storage media and order picking methods, it’s critical to understand why some items are better picked in a variety of storage media, and accessed by the right type of picking authentication. The following table is a visual comparison of these alternatives.
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Order Picking Velocity: Storage and Picking Method Comparisons
April 12, 2018
by Scott Stone
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Factors for Storage Area Security
April 5, 2018
by Scott Stone
Although security experts agree that dock areas are probably the largest security concern in a warehousing operation, storage and picking areas are also a problem. What are some things you can do to reduce your pilferage risks?
Tags: Industrial Security, wire mesh security cages, secure storage, distribution center pilferage, access control
Posted in Security|
How To Choose The Right Cold Storage Facility for Your Needs
March 29, 2018
Because it links the manufacturing process with transportation to retailers, cold storage is one of the most important parts of the frozen food supply chain. The rise in e-commerce and evolution in where food is stored and how it gets to our homes is causing a massive increase in cold storage facilities across the nation. With supply chains becoming more and more complex and increasing in length, it’s more important than ever for providers to ensure that perishable products that are stored in their warehouses are kept within a strict temperature range (normally between -20 degrees Celsius and -28 degrees Celsius). A temperature variation of even a few degrees could ruin hundreds of pallets of food—and cost many thousands of dollars.
Tags: e-commerce, cold storage, frozen storage, 3PL cold storage
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Smarter Space in the E-Commerce Landscape
January 18, 2018
Online sales will account for 17% of all U.S. retail sales by 2022, up from a projected 12.7% in 2017. As you might imagine, warehouses are suffering from a major capacity crunch. Whereas previously warehouses were organized to handle large volumes of each product, E-commerce orders are characterized by a low quantity of many items or just a singular item. In an e-commerce oriented warehouse, huge quantities of SKUs exist, each needing their own specific storage slots.
Warehouse managers know that inventory levels can fluctuate anytime within a sales season, especially during a holiday when inventory levels are typically at their peak, often double or triple normal levels. Plus, because of the Amazon-effect, consumers are demanding more products with faster and better service, putting additional strain on warehouse space. Because of this growth, many businesses are looking for additional space to distribute and store products, but warehouse real estate is hard to find.
What is a retailer to do? The answer for additional space can be found within the four walls of your current operation.
Tags: warehouse, e-commerce, Order Picking & Fulfillment
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
To Move Your 3PL Forward, Harness the Power of Data
January 11, 2018
3PLs frequently serve as the central communication conduit between shippers, carriers, regulatory agencies and other supply chain participants as cargo moves in-bond and from port-to-port. As a result of this pivotal role in the marketplace, they are uniquely positioned to view scenarios that address the best methods to move goods as well as data. Innovative 3PLs are demonstrating that moving information better—re-purposing data, improving accessibility, enhancing visibility and supporting the latest data standards—helps move freight better.
Tags: supply chain operations, logistics, Supply Chain, warehouse, Third Party Logistics, data, ecommerce, Material Handling, 3PL
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|
How to Cope with Winter Cold in Warehouses, Near Dock Doors
January 9, 2018
by Scott Stone
When it’s single-digits outside, any warehouse worker can tell you how cold the job gets near the shipping or receiving docks. Due to the sheer size and typical construction of warehouses, they’re difficult to insulate and heat. They are also susceptible to roof leaks, which may cause slip hazards during rainy or winter weather. Warehouse workers who work in chilly, uncomfortable environments all day are going to be less efficient, slower and at more risk for accidents or injuries. Even wearing jackets and gloves, the cold has a profound effect on their comfort and work. What are some steps you can take to reduce the impact?
Tags: shipping & receiving, dock safety, work environment, winter, dock doors
Posted in Docks & Shipping|
Essential Skills for Warehouse Managers
January 4, 2018
by Scott Stone
It’s demanding to manage a warehouse, distribution, plant floor, manufacturing or order processing facility.
There are time constraints, labor shortages, long hours, and demands from both customers and management. The phone rings a lot with all kinds of issues. For warehouse managers, today’s age of rapid e-commerce order fulfillment, rising customer expectations, new technologies and regulatory issues have made the job more complex than ever. What specific skill sets should you cultivate as a manager?
Tags: Warehouse Management, career, dc manager, distribution management
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|
How to Prepare Your Warehouse for a Client Tour
December 13, 2017
When a prospective client wants to visit your 3PL facility, it’s critical; you could be on the verge of new business.
You want to show them why they should select you as their 3PL of choice; that you’re the best choice; that you can be trusted to help them serve their clients. It’s no easy task running a successful warehouse or third party logistics company – it’s a multi-faceted organization with its own specific attributes and specialties.
Tags: Warehouse Management, warehousing, Material Handling, 3PL, lean warehousing, warehouse, Third Party Logistics, warehouse flow, ecommerce
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|
How Can You Go Forklift-Free?
December 12, 2017
by Scott Stone
The forklift is ubiquitous in warehousing, manufacturing, distribution and other industrial operations, but many companies are actively working to reduce fleet size—or eliminate forklifts entirely.
Why eliminate forklifts?
This seems to be mostly about safety. Powered industrial trucks ranked sixth for OSHA violations in the most recent data. They’re always near the top. They cause about 100 deaths in the United States every year, and tens of thousands of injuries, with a high percentage termed “serious.” Forklifts are often the single most hazardous machine in any facility that operates them. Can you truly make a warehouse forklift free, as many EHS experts recommend? Maybe not, but you can minimize forklifts and keep them out of the most dangerous areas. Let’s dive into some methods.
Tags: forklift, Warehouse Management, Material Handling, Industrial Lifts
Posted in Forklift - Pedestrian Safety|
OSHA Safety Standards for Mezzanines & Platforms
November 9, 2017
by Scott Stone
We help clients with structural mezzanines and rack supported systems in a range of facilities.
Mezzanine options range from professionally manufactured to home-made to local fabrication shop to professional contractors. If you have a mezzanine or storage platform custom fabricated, you need to be sure your contractor is complying with OSHA & local safety regulations, particularly on guard railing, stairs and gates. If your fabricator doesn’t routinely work with mezzanines, this is something you’ll have to do on your own. The best policy is to look at established vendors if you don’t want to micro-manage the details of building permits, code compliance, and OSHA’s blessings. Here’s a breakdown of the handrail issues you might run into:
Tags: OSHA, Mezzanines, industrial safety, code compliance, building codes, Space Optimization, warehousing, Material Handling
Posted in Mezzanines & Industrial Platforms|