As we’ve discussed automating anything as complex as a large scale material handling process has risks, but there are ways understand the outcome better in advance and reduce any risks. It’s always good to have more data, and simulation plays into that scenario by giving you a view of what key systems, technology and process will interact in your system, with your loads.
Tags: ROI, data, simulation, Factory Automation
Posted in ROI, Order Picking & Fulfillment, Automation, Warehousing| No Comments »
Light-directed picking is the heavyweight champion when it comes to productivity gains, order picking speed, increased accuracy, and ease of operator development.
Because it’s 100% hands-free and requires no headpiece, it’s also highly flexible for many challenging fulfillment operations. We’ve compiled ten ways to analyze your operation to determine if these systems would be a fit for you. Obviously, more specific information will be needed, but this should get you started.
We spoke with Lightning Pick’s Dave Broadfoot about the best ways to ensure you are making a good pick-to-light decision.
Tags: ROI, Order Picking & Fulfillment, pick to light, 10 tips
Posted in Automation, Supply Chain, ROI, Order Picking & Fulfillment| No Comments »
You know that your warehouse is critically important to being able to satisfy customers. You know how warehousing mistakes can impact your company’s bottom line, and how excellent warehousing can boost it. You know that a lack of resources can cripple a thriving storage or distribution operation. You also know that there are people in some organizations who don’t understand this.
Communicating the warehouse’s value is almost as important as establishing it.
Tags: lean warehousing, distribution centers, return on investment, ROI, Corporate Culture
Posted in Warehousing, Supply Chain, ROI, Order Picking & Fulfillment, Lean| No Comments »
Waste might be the most critical measure for manufacturing operations – waste of labor, materials, time and money. Many companies are faced with nearly constant pressure to cut costs and increase efficiency, even as demand spikes. This means reducing costs without compromising quality or throughput. What are some things you can do to balance these needs?
Tags: lean manufacturing, ROI, Cost Reduction, assembly, cost-of-goods
Posted in Automation, Manufacturing, Sustainability| No Comments »
As it has every year for the last decade, DCVelocity Magazine has surveyed its readers and members of WERC to  find what industry professionals believe are the top metrics for a successful operation. This is instructive for most operations, and worth taking a look.  The full survey can be found here.
Not everything on this list necessarily applies to every operation, but they are all worth some reflection. It’s worthwhile to have the questions posed, as we all fall victim to the “forest and trees” syndrome.Â
Tags: metrics, warehousing, distribution center, ROI
Posted in ROI, Inventory Management, Warehousing, Supply Chain, Material Handling, Docks & Shipping| No Comments »
It’s important to control costs in your operation. What are some warehousing cost-cutting methods you can employ that don’t require extensive investment or re-tooling? Most of the costs of warehousing operations fall into the following categories:
Tags: ROI, Warehouse Management, Automation, labor management, LCS, employees, ergonomics
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment, Safety & Ergonomics, Warehousing, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Material Handling, Lifts| No Comments »
When you are moving items such as cartons, bins, or components through a facility, several methods are available. Most of the time the choice is between non-powered carts & trucks or conveyors, whether power or gravity. (If you’re moving pallets, there are other methods and issues). Generally, conveyors deliver a less manual, safer operation with added efficiency across the board. Products are moved faster and fewer employees are required to accomplish the same tasks. Conveyors minimize fatigue and reduce potential manual lifting injuries. This improved handling has the potential to reduce worker compensation claims and expenses
But when do you make the leap from a manual, cart-driven system to a conveyor transport system?
Tags: lean manufacturing, lean warehousing, Conveyor, ROI, Automation, warehousing, carts
Posted in Warehousing, Manufacturing, Material Handling, Conveyor, Space Optimization & Planning, Automation, Docks & Shipping, ROI, Order Picking & Fulfillment, Safety & Ergonomics| No Comments »
We’ve been posting a series of brief conveyor white papers. There are 5 now, with many others in development for future publication. You’ll always be able to download these PDF files from our site, and will be informed as there are new ones. This paper, “Conveyor System Implementation Considerations” (PDF file; opens in a new window) focuses on implementation considerations.
Tags: return on investment, ROI, white paper, Conveyor, green supply chain
Posted in Material Handling, Sustainability, Conveyor, Warehousing| No Comments »
