Day: June 14, 2016

When Do You Need To Replace Your Forklift With A Tugger?

Forklifts have been a mainstay of warehouses and manufacturing facilities for decades. Lately, though, you may have found yourself wondering if it’s time to update with equipment tugs. You’ve heard about the improved efficiency they offer, but are they really worth the investment?

Equipment tugs can definitely add value to your operation, and many of the benefits may be ones you never even realized. Here are some questions to ask about your material handling needs that will demonstrate specific improvements tugs can provide.

  • Are you finding your inventories slowly increasing? Lift trucks work better with full cases and pallets, which results in excess inventory stacked in the aisles. Tugs allow you to replenish materials as needed, keeping inventories lean and floors and aisles clear.
     
  • Are your customers ordering in smaller quantities? Tugs offer a great solution for split-case and direct-to-consumer picking.
     
  • Are you seeing a lot of forklift accidents and workman’s comp claims? On-site safety is enhanced with the use of tugs. Their smaller size makes them less obtrusive on the work floor and they’re equipped with safety features such as alarms and power-stops. In addition, tugs are ergonomically engineered for maximum ease of operation.
     
  • Does the work flow frequently become slowed down by bottlenecks? Easy maneuverability of tugs means a smoother flow of materials throughout your facility.

Whatever application you require, DJ Products has your solution. We offer a wide variety of tugs for warehouses, manufacturing plants, containers, automobiles and aircraft. Call 800.686.2651 to speak to one of our Sales Engineers.

Are Drones in the Future for Warehouses?

Until recently, talk of drones centered around military applications. Now a couple of major companies have raised the possibility of this technology being put to use in supply chain and logistics capabilities. Amazon and United Postal Service have both revealed that they’re researching the concept of package delivery via these unmanned aircraft.

Drones are also considered to have potential as sophisticated security systems for shipping valuable loads. They would be programmed to fly overhead to monitor any obstacles and threats to the vehicle as it made its journey.

Qimarox, a Dutch manufacturer of material handling components, has come up with a use that’s more down-to-earth, literally and figuratively. They anticipate drones being used in warehouses to build pallet loads, picking up materials from a conveyor belt and placing them on the pallets. While weight would be a major consideration, the company believes there is a way to solve that problem.

This is seen as a stepping-stone to full automation of the material handling process. The drones could be easily reprogrammed as needed to accommodate variables such as speed and capacity. Qimarox has currently commissioned a company to create a dynamic 3D software model in order to study the process in action.

While the possibilities are thought-provoking, actual use of drones is still many years away. Right now you can modernize your warehouse with the efficient, eco-friendly material handling solutions from DJ Products. We offer a full line of tugs and pushers ergonomically designed for safe and efficient handling by a single employee. Please contact one of our friendly Sales Engineers at 800.686.2651.

Are Robots in the Future for Your Warehouse?

Robots have become integrated into many operations as a material handling solution. Until now, their use has revolved primarily around safety issues. Worker safety has been improved in areas where robots have handled the heavy lifting. As technology improves, robots are becoming sophisticated enough to assist with more specialized tasks.

As manufacturers try to meet demands for faster service and higher productivity, robots are becoming more important for their ability to move and store both large and small items. They enable the ability for quick turnarounds, with only a settings change required to accommodate different products and shifting quotas.

Whereas robots that handle large loads need heavier arms and grippers, the key to moving smaller items is to incorporate grippers with more flexibility and a lighter touch. Companies that deal with more fragile items such as electronic components have turned to delta robots. This style uses a parallel link rather than serial to allow for faster, more precise movements.

Food handling might sound like an insurmountable task, but the USDA has actually certified certain grippers to touch raw food. The FDA has followed suit by certifying grippers for biotech applications such as handling blood and plasma samples.

Our comprehensive line of tugs and pushers from DJ Products have also made major contributions in the area of worker safety. Their powerful battery-operated motors and ergonomic design enable a single person to handle loads of up to 50.000 pounds with ease. Please call our Sales Engineers at 800.686.2651 or use our convenient online chat feature to find the perfect solution for your application.

Is it Better to Push or Pull?

Do you remember watching Dr. Doolittle as a child? One of his animals was a double-headed llama named Pushmi-Pullyu. It had difficulty moving because both sides went in a different direction. The same question exists in material handling applications. When transporting items, is it better to push or pull?

Experts agree that pushing is clearly the more effective and safer choice. Pushing allows you to utilize force from your stronger leg muscles rather than relying simply on your upper body. Ergonomically, your body is also in a better position with your arms held naturally in front. When pulling a load, your arms are twisted behind you, placing undue strain on your back and shoulders. If you pull while facing the load, you give up visibility and increase the chances of slipping or falling. The load can end up getting away from you and running over your feet or knocking you down.

Whether you’re pushing or pulling, there are measures you can take to make the activity safer. Use these tips when transporting a load of any type.

  • Make sure the load is stable. If it starts to fall, don’t attempt to catch it. You’re more likely to injure yourself than prevent the spill.
  • Plan your path ahead of time. Avoid obstacles, slippery surfaces and any other element that could get in your way.
  • Whenever possible, minimize the distance you need to cover.

Take the guesswork out of transporting heavy loads. DJ Products has a full line of electric pushers and movers that are ergonomically designed to easily handle loads up to 50,000. Call 800.686.2651 and let our friendly Sales Engineers help you find the best solution for your application.

Warehouse Workers in CA Gain a Victory for Workplace Equity

Last month a group of warehouse workers in California gained a major victory for fair and equitable working conditions. Schneider Logistics, a distribution subcontractor, agreed to pay $21 million in wage and hour violations dating back to 2001. The case also has implications for corporations who outsource their warehousing functions to a third party.

Schneider operates three warehouses in Mira Loma, CA that are contracted by national retail giant Wal-Mart. In October 2011, the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement conducted a raid on the facilities. More than $1 million in civil fines were issued for inadequate recordkeeping. That same month, a group of six workers brought suit against Schneider to recover unpaid wages along with penalties and damages. It was later elevated to the status of a class-action lawsuit.

At issue were allegations that “lumpers”, workers who manually load and unload shipping containers, were often forced to work off the clock and denied overtime pay as required by law. Wal-Mart sought to be removed as a defendant, stating that they didn’t technically employ the workers. The judge ruled otherwise, stating that they could be held accountable since they had personnel on site setting productivity metrics and other standards.

While Wal-Mart outsources the warehouses to Schneider, they in turn outsource staffing to two other subcontractors who reached a separate settlement earlier. The outcome is seen as a message to companies who try to deflect responsibility for working conditions onto multiple layers of subcontractors.

Our electric tugs and trailers make a significant contribution toward safer working conditions in warehouses and other applications. Contact one of our Sales Engineers at 800.686.2651 to find the right solution for your organization.

Highlighting the Cart Caddy Roll Pusher

Heavy, bulky boxes and crates are difficult enough to move around a warehouse or workplace. How do you handle round products like paper rolls and spools that can turn on their own? Enter the CartCaddy Roll Pusher from DJ Products.

Our Roll Pusher puts an end to awkward attempts to manually move these circular shaped items. It adds a custom, adjustable roller system mounted to the front of our CartCaddy heavy duty pusher/puller. The roller adds pressure to the tires for extra traction while it pushes against the bottom of the object being moved.

The ergonomically designed variable speed twist grip allows the operator to roll the object forward without letting it go too fast. The item will accelerate and slow down along with the speed of the CartCaddy. In addition, the rollers extend beyond the profile of the pusher to pick individual rolls that are stacked next to each other.

CartCaddy Roll PusherThe Roll Pusher can accommodate loads of up to 20,000 pounds. Its ease of use allows a single person to operate it, reducing the amount of manpower needed to transport items. The three-battery system provides 16 hours of continuous use to last through two shifts.

Our CartCaddy Roll Pusher is only one of many material handling solutions available from Team Cart Caddy. We have products to fit applications from hospitals to hotels to general aviation. Call 800.686.2651 to get help from one of our friendly Sales Engineers. If you prefer, take advantage of our convenient online chat service for immediate assistance.

Improve Warehouse Efficiency With Cart Movers

Moving carts throughout your warehouse, even ones mounted on wheels, is a cumbersome and time-consuming task. Traditional equipment like forklifts no longer fit current material handling needs. Improve efficiency and worker safety with one of the battery-powered movers from DJ Products.

Our selection of CartCaddies includes models that can accommodate loads of up to 50,000 pounds. These units are designed to allow easy operation by a single worker, eliminating the need to devote valuable manpower to the tasks. A customized attachment lets the operator quickly connect to the load. In addition, it transfers weight to the CartCaddy tires, providing needed traction.

Are work-related injuries in your workplace cutting into productivity and reducing the bottom line? Our CartCaddies are ergonomically designed to prevent many of the more common injuries. For example, the variable speed twist grip allows smooth starting and stopping without promoting repetitive-stress injuries such as carpal tunnel.

The electric caddies are powered by three 12-volt batteries which will generally last through two shifts of continuous use before recharging. The units are also compact and can pivot a full 180 degrees under the arm attachment, meaning they can smoothly and safely maneuver through even the tightest quarters in your warehouse.

We have an assortment of movers to provide solutions to a wide variety of applications. Our Sales Engineers are ready to help you find the one that’s right for your needs. Call 800.686.2651 or use our convenient online chat feature and find out why you should be a member of Team Cart Caddy.

Upcoming Material Handling Conventions

With the rapid pace of change in the material handling field, it can be a monumental task to keep up with the latest news. Why not make plans to attend one of the industry conferences and trade shows? You’ll have access to hundreds of resources in one place along with educational sessions addressing the latest trends and developments.

Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

  • International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), September 8-13, 2014 in Chicago, IL Billed as one of the largest industrial trade shows in the world, this event draws more than 100,000 attendees from over 100 different countries. Displays from 1,900 exhibitors focus on industries such as aerospace, automotive and medical.
  • APICS 2014, October 19-21, 2014 in New Orleans, LA This conference is considered the premier event for supply chain and operational management professionals. Educational sessions are organized around paths based on different areas of interest. Available themes include Operational Efficiency, Supply Chain Innovation and Risk and Resiliency.
  • Pro-Mat 2015, March 23-26, 2015 in Chicago, IL More than 800 exhibitors will be featuring the latest in material handling and logistics equipment. There will be more than 100 informational sessions including show floor seminars and keynote speakers on current supply chain topics. Your ticket is also good for admission to Automate 2015, a companion show highlighting cutting-edge automation technologies and solutions.

DJ Products is proud to be one of the leaders in this vital and progressive industry. Our battery-powered tugs, pullers and pushers provide safe and effective material handling solutions for a wide variety of applications. Call 800.686.2651 or use our convenient online chat feature for more information.

The Barcode Turns Forty What Will Replace It

Do you remember when barcode scanning was the new cutting-edge technology for distribution center operations? It’s hard to believe, but that was 40 years ago. As the industry considers new systems such as radio frequency that may take its place, it’s a good time to take a look at the current state of the barcode.

Barcodes brought automation to a task management process that had previously been done manually. Keeping records on paper is cumbersome and inaccurate, resulting in errors and inefficient operations. Despite these drawbacks, a recent study found that 27 percent of distribution centers are still using paper for many of their workflow procedures.

The barcode has been instrumental in streamlining basic warehouse functions such as receiving, picking and replenishing. The rise of direct-to-consumer operations has increased demand velocity, making rapid movement of merchandise through the facility even more imperative.

Food safety is another factor driving the importance of automated data capture. The Food Safety Modernization Act was instituted to compel growers, wholesalers and other members of the foodservice industry to follow more rigorous recall procedures. With consumer safety at stake, the precision of barcodes allows for more effective tracking of food items at every stage of the delivery process.

No matter what type of task management system you use, electric-powered tugs and tows from DJ Products remain a constant element of safe and efficient warehouse operations. Visit TeamCartCaddy.com and let one of our friendly Sales Engineers help you find the perfect solution for your material handling needs.

Is Radio Frequency the Next Big Thing for Warehouses?

Barcode scanning revolutionized distribution center and warehouse operations by automating functions such as receiving that had previously been done manually. As the technology celebrates its 40th birthday, the industry is looking for the systems that will move operations up to the next level.

Radio frequency is a major candidate to replace barcodes in order picking and fulfillment systems. This technology involves establishing a wireless network within a facility. The host server exchanges order information with the Warehouse Management System and this data in turn goes out to terminals worn on the wrists of warehouse employees.

The order picker is directed to each successive pick location and given information regarding quantities for each item. Confirmation of the pick is processed through the terminal, either by scanning the item or manually entering its ID number. Once an order is complete, it’s recorded in the server and the next order is on its way.

The RF system is less cumbersome for order pickers since they don’t have to deal with a paper ticket. It also results in more accurate order processing because the picker is required to confirm each line item. RF accommodates a wide variety of order picking methods, including zone, batch and wave, with all information recorded in real time.

Make sure that products are in the correct location on a timely basis. DJ Products has a full line of battery-operated tows and tugs that allow a single employee to efficiently move loads up to 50,000 pounds. Call 800.686.2651 or use our convenient online chat feature for immediate assistance from our friendly Sales Engineers at Team Cart Caddy.