Day: January 11, 2018

Tips to Reducing Costs and Improving Efficiency in Your Warehouse – Part Two

Tips to Reducing Costs and Improving Efficiency in Your Warehouse
Tips to Reducing Costs and Improving Efficiency in Your Warehouse

Are you looking for ways to control labor, inventory and freight in your warehouse? In a recent blog post, we addressed the use of material handling equipment and other ways to optimize productivity. We’re continuing our look at ideas to help you improve efficiency and reduce costs.

How to Reduce Costs and Improve Efficiency

Here are five more tips from experts to streamline your warehouse operations.

1. Optimize Inbound Supply Chain Policies and Procedures

Late deliveries and vendor non-compliance on issues such as product packaging and labeling create costly delays for your employees. Develop specific policies and push value-added services up the supply chain so your employees can focus on their own jobs.

2. Implement Voice-Enabling Technology

Voice-enabling technology reduces errors and improves productivity to the extent that a system will pay for itself in as little as four to six months. Most systems are installed quickly and require little training, but do your homework and make sure you find the right program for your application.

3. Consider Third Party Fulfillment Options

Many companies prefer to keep fulfillment functions in-house, but there are times, such as when you need more warehouse space, when third party fulfillment (3PF) is a cost-effective solution.

4. Compare SaaS and Licensed Services

Enterprise and WMS systems involve substantial investments that may prohibit timely upgrades. A SaaS subscription model can be a more appropriate option.

5. Never Stop Improving

Measure the results of your plans and build on them to continue ongoing improvement.

DJ Products: Your #1 Source for Quality Material Handling Equipment

No matter what your industry is, DJ Products has a full line of material handling equipment to meet any need. Call 800.686.2651 for assistance from one of our helpful sales engineers.

Tips to Reducing Costs and Improving Efficiency in Your Warehouse – Part One

Tips to Reducing Costs and Improving Efficiency in Your Warehouse
Tips to Reducing Costs and Improving Efficiency in Your Warehouse

Managing a warehouse is a constant juggling act as you work to control labor, inventory and freight. Tugger carts from DJ Products help employees be more productive. What other methods can you use to improve efficiency and reduce costs?

How to Reduce Costs and Improve Efficiency

Here are five top tips from experts to keep all three elements of your warehouse operations running at high levels.

1. Control Freight Charges

Freight charges can eat away at profits more quickly than any other factor. Skilled consultants can help you negotiate carrier agreements at lower rates without a corresponding decrease in service.

2. Develop Incentive Pay Programs

Incentive pay for performance is actually one of the more cost-effective methods to increase productivity. Review programs carefully to make sure they’re not redundant.

3. Simplify Workflow and Processes

Less really can be more. Take a look at the warehouse layout and work processes to see if you can identify any wasted space and motions.

4. Establish a Baseline and Benchmarks

If you don’t know where you started, how can you tell when you’ve reached the finish line? Determine the measurements you want to track and provide employees with regular feedback to get them engaged.

5. Invest in Manager Development

When managers are the weak leak, it impacts every area of your business. Make sure they have proper training and other tools they need to succeed.

Streamline Warehouse Efficiency with Tugger Carts from DJ Products

Battery-powered tugger carts, such as our best-selling CartCaddyLite, promote higher levels of productivity and reduce costs through lower risk of workplace injuries.

Visit our website to learn more about our full line of material handling solutions. Use the convenient online chat feature to get real-time assistance from our sales engineers.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Long Haul Drivers Healthy on the Road

In addition to satisfying clients and operating legally, you need to make the health, well-being, and safety of your truckers and other employees your top priorities. Products like the DJ Products powered trailer dolly improve the efficiency of companies and safety of yard personnel. The following tips can help your truckers stay healthy on the road.

A wellness program

Company-sponsored wellness programs are proven to be an effective way of helping employees maintain a healthy overall lifestyle. Truckers are at high risk of obesity due to limited healthy food options on the road and having a job that requires sitting for extended periods of time. Programs can save companies money by improving productivity, reducing the risks of chronic diseases, and keeping employees happy and loyal.

Help them overcome bad habits and addictions

Employers should be mindful of all the risks long-haul drivers face. Many hard-working, knowledgeable, and experienced truckers have picked up bad habits like smoking over the years. Long hours of traveling alone make it easy to pick up and maintain bad habits. Offer truckers non-judgemental programs and help in overcoming bad habits and addictions so they live more fulfilled lives and are more productive drivers.

Help them get plenty of rest

Time and miles are money in the trucking industry. Too often, companies focus solely on getting the most productivity out of their drivers without thinking about the health and safety of the person. Drivers getting ample rest must be just as important as customers getting products on time. Convey that in all communications with drivers.

We can help you save time, maximize manpower, and prevent injuries with products like our powered trailer dolly and heavy truck pusher. Contact DJ Products today for more information and a free demo.

Tips for Long Haul Drivers to Stay Family and Friend Connected While on the Road

Tips for Long Haul Drivers to Stay Family and Friend Connected While on the Road
Tips for Long Haul Drivers to Stay Family and Friend Connected While on the Road

Innovations in technology help to make our lives easier and improve safety as we go about our jobs. Products like the yard dog from DJ Products allow one person to easily, safely, and efficiently move semi-trailers weighing up to 100,000 lbs. This improves efficiency, reduces workplace injuries, and lowers costs for companies. Technology can also help long-haul drivers stay connected with loved ones while on the road, improving their mood and making time away more bearable for everyone.

Social media posts

Long-haul truckers get to see practically every corner of the United States. They see amazing natural wonders, interesting cities and towns, and man-made attractions. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow drivers to show everyone back home how their day is going and get feedback and support. With Facebook, posts can be sent to a wide audience of people or just a selected group of friends.

Face to face communication

Apps like FaceTime, Skype, and Google+ Hangouts allow truckers to have conversations with the entire family all at the same time. Kids can show their report cards or school projects. Being able to see family members during live conversations is one of the best ways to feel connected. Video messaging apps are available for a variety of portable devices like tablets, laptops, and smartphones.

Schedule time for loved ones every day

For long-haul truckers, maintaining a proper work-life balance has additional challenges. Just as trucks and other equipment need ongoing maintenance, relationships must also be maintained.

DJ Products carries a wide selection of low-maintenance, battery-powered products like the yard dog that help companies maximize manpower, reduce damage to docks and other equipment, and reduce risks of injury to workers. Contact one of our sales engineers for more information.