Pick modules are commonly used in distribution operations when companies need to build high-density, high-throughput order fulfillment operations. This typically involves a multi-level platform system integrated with vertical storage options to move finished orders on and off platform levels toward other warehouse destinations.
One overlooked aspect is the addition or removal of empty cartons to picking positions. What are your options?
Tags: conveyors, Mezzanines, pick modules, Vertical Storage
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
There are many ways to transport products vertically in a warehouse or manufacturing operation, each with its distinctive advantages and limitations. These methods can range from extremely basic – a forklift and a pallet – to fully-integrated, automated systems. Vertical conveyors are one of the most common methods for certain loads and situations. What are some of the integration factors for these conveyors, and how can you handle them?
Tags: conveyors, mezzanine, work platforms
Posted in Lifting & Lift Systems|
People who operate industrial facilities have a difficult task. While the world changes around them, they’re dealing with a static operation that can be difficult to change or revitalize. Sunk costs, funding and organizational inertia can paralyze you at the worst moments. But the reality is that from our supply chains to labor to our customer demand profile, things are always in flux.
Tags: conveyors, labor management, Robotics, AS/RS
Posted in Automation, Labor & Efficiency|
Anyone who works in a production facility or distribution center knows how loud these places are. The sound of forklifts, the constant whirr of conveyors, the thrum of generators, and the steady beat of all things mechanized can be overwhelming. There are also specific, distracting noise producers, such as small engines, stampers, and generators. Over time, people adapt to this environment, “tuning out” noise as much as possible.
Research from the National Institutes of Health is clear: sound affects productivity. It’s also unsafe on a number of levels for industrial workers.
Tags: labor, conveyors
Posted in Safety & Ergonomics|
Years ago, direct-to-customer fulfillment was a niche business, dominated by catalog companies. Most distribution was mostly retail-oriented, with pallets of items shipping to store locations rather than to millions of front porches. Sometimes, retail brands would allow customers to order at stores and have their purchases shipped directly to their homes, but it wasn’t nearly as common. Today, speed from placement to shipment has become critical. Let’s dive into some ways you can improve this crucial warehouse metric.
Tags: conveyors, ROI, ecommerce
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
Conveyors are exceptional in their productivity enhancement for manufacturing and distribution operations, but they need attention – and not just from your maintenance group. Everyone involved with them should be aware of the safety and performance issues involved. Here are five practices for happy conveying…
Tags: conveyors, conveyor systems, maintenance, industrial maintenance, parts
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
Many operations utilize pallet or slip-sheet to convey bulked material, whether in manufacturing, work in process, to convey from a palletizer, or in shipping areas. While some applications require these palletized items to only be carried the last few feet of their process, many rely solely on the pallets to carry their product throughout a facility. Today’s processes require a smarter and often unique footprint for these palletized items. However, historically these unique footprints have been difficult for the material handling, namely conveyors, to handle effectively.
Tags: conveyors, pallet conveyor, skid conveying
Posted in Conveyor Optimization|
