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?
Finding Hidden Warehouse Capacity
October 15, 2019
Tags: space saving, warehouse, warehouse space savings
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
Shoptalk Interview: Seismic Regulations And Your Warehouse
July 18, 2019
Buying standard storage racks for quick-shipment from a manufacturer used to be the norm. You relied on stocked inventory, but this is occurring less and less as racking becomes more specialized and regulations stricter. Today’s storage rack systems are generally considered a building-like element, and as such must meet a slew of regulations.
While these emerging ordinances are continuing to evolve, they can generate considerable headaches for even the most seasoned warehouse manager. You should seek expert guidance from a qualified design professional whenever the racking, foundation, or warehouse infrastructure must accommodate unusual stress, loading, function, or other non-standard factors.
To help you stay up to date with changing requirements and regulation, we discuss how partnering with an expert can help to ensure durable, cost-effective, compliant storage rack with Arlin Keck, an engineer at Steel King Industries, a designer and manufacturer of warehouse storage racks, pallet racks and material handling/safety products since 1970.
Tags: Pallet Rack, warehouse, Safety & Ergonomics, rack, Shoptalk
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
Load the Barbell: Heavy Lifting Options
April 18, 2019
When you need to move heavy loads, you want equipment that offers the flexibility of a CrossFitter with the power of a power-lifting beast. Lifting heavy loads is no small feat, and understanding which option will work best for your facility, plant, or warehouse will keep your lifts in good form without sacrificing strength.
Tags: jib crane, gantry crane, warehousing, warehouse, manufacturing equipment, hoist, chain hoist, cranes
Posted in Lifting & Lift Systems|
Safety When Installing A Foundationless Jib Crane
January 17, 2019
You want to move heavy loads safely and effectively while also keeping your solution economical and efficient. Consider the Jib Crane, and effective tool in your warehouse arsenal that will hold its own and can interface with a wide variety of workstations and functions.
Foundationless Jib cranes offer versatility and economic savings, as they are bolted directly to an existing concrete floor and don’t require a concrete foundation. Using the existing floor means that you don’t need to install a costly special foundation, plus you can install and use the system sooner because you don’t need to wait for concrete to cure. Existing floor use also makes sense for smaller capacity and shorter span jib cranes.
With that said, there are multiple concrete considerations before you install a foundationless jib crane. The key, is your installation.
Tags: jib crane, warehousing, Manufacturing, industrial safety, warehouse, Safety & Ergonomics, cranes
Posted in Lifting & Lift Systems|
The Final Frontier – Using Space Efficiently
August 16, 2018
In a recent article released by the Wall Street Journal, warehouse space was showcased as being at its tightest since 2000. While this should come as no surprise that this issue of space is consistently growing, the rate at which warehouse vacancy is dwindling is far outpacing the increase in new construction. Â In the second quarter of 2018 alone, industrial real estate availability fell to 7.2%. This creates in a unique predicament for those thriving and looking towards expansion, but also provides opportunities for those who can maximize their available footprint.
Tags: storage, warehouse, warehouse productivity, Warehouse Management, warehousing, space savings
Posted in Space Optimization & Planning|
A Detailed Guide to Pallet Rack Decking Types
July 24, 2018
Pallet rack is a key storage method for effective warehouses, allowing high-cube storage in vertical space along with organizational advantages. When searching for the right pallet rack, you also must consider what decking you want to use with the pallet rack you chose. Each decking option can provide your rack with even more efficiency and storage potential, but which one will work for your rack?
Tags: Warehouse Management, warehousing, Pallet Rack, pallet racking, warehouse
Posted in Pallet & Warehouse Racks|
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, Third Party Logistics, warehouse flow, ecommerce, Warehouse Management, warehousing, Material Handling, 3PL, lean warehousing
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|
The Best 3PLs are Invisible to Customers
October 6, 2017
Logistics pros are a lot like the offensive line on a football team: at their best, you know they are doing a great job, but their numbers never get called by television announcers. When they do talk line, it’s usually because someone committed a penalty or allowed a blitzing safety in for a sack. When the quarterback isn’t pressured and there are great running lanes, the line rarely gets mentioned. It’s kind of the same for 3PLs.
The goal of your 3PL should be to avoid those issues and remain unseen and unremarked on by end users.
Tags: 3PL, lean warehousing, warehouse, warehouse productivity, Third Party Logistics, warehouse flow, Warehouse Management
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|
Peak Season Preparation for 3PLs
August 24, 2017
Winter is always coming.
While you might not be battling an army of zombie warriors, the seasonal surge in orders and fulfillment poised to engulf your 3PL warehouse can feel like a never-ending battle. Preparing for this fulfillment onslaught should be the goal for any efficient 3PL, so you can be ready for the inevitable increase in all facets of your business. By efficiently handling the high volumes of orders that flow through your warehouse during peak season, you’ll enjoy the spoils of higher production, correct shipments and overall customer/client satisfaction.
To enhance the preparation, you need to analyze each segment of your process and pick those that seem to be the biggest torment.
Tags: warehouse productivity, Third Party Logistics, performance improvement, warehouse flow, Warehouse Management, 3PL, productivity, warehouse
Posted in Order Picking & Fulfillment|
3PL Reverse Logistics: Going Reverse to Move Ahead
July 20, 2017
E-commerce customers are increasingly comfortable with a buying experience that includes easy, free and frequent returns. Returns—and the issues involved with them—are nothing new for retail and e-commerce distribution. The “new normal” of frequent returns offers 3PLs that can leverage their reverse logistics capacity a significant competitive advantage over competitors who can’t adapt to the new reality.
While some companies consider reverse logistics a necessary evil, those with well-managed returns programs can increase overall efficiency and profitability while satisfying customers and increasing loyalty. They find ways to resell more returned products, and can dispose of or restock what they can’t resell more efficiently and with less environmental impact.
What are some ways to increase your returns capacity?
Tags: warehouse, inventory control, warehouse productivity, Third Party Logistics, inventory, Warehouse Management, warehousing, 3PL, logistics
Posted in Warehousing & Distribution|