Day: April 16, 2017

IoT Connectivity is Revolutionizing the Modern Warehouse

Make the Load Easier!
Make the Load Easier!

Sophisticated technology has made it possible for you to control you home thermostat via your smart phone and order groceries through your refrigerator, but what does that mean for your business? Here’s how the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing warehouses and why you need to be prepared.

Creating “Smart” Warehouses

As technology continues its rapid advancement, the international market for warehouse management IoT devices is projected to reach an astounding $19 billion by the year 2025. Ian Jindal, editor-in-chief of InternetRetailing, predicts a seismic shift in “how companies handle and distribute orders.”

The most significant impact will likely occur in supply chain visibility. Accurate tracking of a product from origin to consumer has always been a priority, and devices such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags will allow a specific picture of a product’s real-time progress through the system.

Planning for the Future

So what steps should you take to begin preparing your warehouse for the IoT revolution?

  • Evaluate your current warehouse management system (WMS). If it’s been implemented relatively recently, it may be IoT-ready. If not, consider the net savings from upgrading your system compared to keeping a soon-to-be outdated one.
  • Start incorporating peripheral IoT devices, such as a system to control ambient features like temperature and lighting.

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Why Your Warehouse Management Needs to Embrace the Internet of Things

Warehouse truck works
The Smart Warehouse via the IoT is Coming

The Internet of Things (IoT) has been described for years as an emerging technology, so when will using it become universally accepted? Nobody will hoist a banner announcing the official victory for the IoT. You wouldn’t delay purchasing a piece of automation equipment like warehouse tugs, so why wait to add innovative technology?

The technology and devices of the IoT are already here. Warehouses should go ahead and embrace it.

Benefits of Warehouse IoT

David Akka recently detailed for Magic Software why warehouse IoT should be embraced just like other recent technology such as mobile apps. Customer-facing apps serve the dual purpose of benefiting the user experience and increasing sales through engagement. Similarly, the IoT has benefits for customers and warehouse management:

  • Capitalize on Big Data analytics
  • Smart barcodes for shipping and receiving
  • Plan for “burst capacity” and short-term extra storage
  • Enable warehousing as a service for third parties
  • Propagate changes to sales, customer data, shipping statuses, etc.

Embracing New Technology in the Warehouse

Sometimes waiting to implement new technology can be wise, especially if your customers or clients are unfamiliar with it. However, people already use the IoT at home and work. Shift to IoT integration, and your warehouse staff and customers will be quick to leverage it for a better experience.

Ultimately, the IoT represents just another important step in the warehouse automation trend. Automated equipment like warehouse tugs for your staff and smart technology of the IoT for your devices can drastically reduce costs and stay ahead of the game.

Find out more about warehouse tugs and other warehouse materials handling equipment from DJ Products.

Dumpster or Compactor – The Pros and Cons

Before Making a Decision, It's ALWAYS Important to Consider the Pros and Cons.
Before Making a Decision, It’s ALWAYS Important to Consider the Pros and Cons.

Proper trash room maintenance keeps your workplace clean and reduces the risk of injury. Is a dumpster or compactor best suited for your needs? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each to help you choose the right solution for your application.

Dumpsters and Compactors: What’s the Difference

  • Dumpsters are large metal containers with volumes ranging from 10-yards to 30-yards. They are practical for a wide range of both household and commercial refuse and they are generally emptied by a trash hauling service that picks up every one to two weeks.
  • Trash compactors come in indoor and outdoor models. Thanks to the compressing action they can hold a greater volume of trash, but they’re not recommended for disposal of items such as oils, wood products, electronic items and toxic materials.

Which One Is Right for You?

  • If your business generates a lot of trash on a daily basis and your current garbage containers are being overfilled, a compactor is better for controlling the volume.
  • Dumpsters don’t seal tightly, which means they tend to attract rodents and other pests.
  • How does your trash removal service calculate charges? If it’s by the pickup, a compactor could save you a significant amount of money, but if it’s by the pound, it could be a more expensive option.

Put Safety First with the WasteCaddy from DJ Products

Now that you’ve selected the right container, make another choice for trash room safety. Our best-selling WasteCaddy can transport loaded dumpsters weighing up to 5,000 pounds, preventing the need for manual pushing and pulling.

Visit our website for more information.