Day: February 5, 2018

What Supply Chain Trends are Predicted for 2018 and the Years Beyond Part Two

This post is a continuation of Part One found on our blog.

What Trends Will You Expect to See in 2018?
What Supply Chain Trends Will You Expect to See in 2018?

We brought in the new year with a look at supply chain trends that are expected to affect the industry in 2018 and beyond. While tugger carts and other electric material handling equipment are established parts of today’s warehouses, we continue to examine developing factors that can change your approach to workplace operations.

Emphasis on Supply Chain Externals

As environmental awareness has continued to grow, the public has become more concerned about how companies affect society in terms of carbon footprint and sustainable practices. Companies will need to increase transparency with disclosure of the end-to-end impacts of supply chains.

Serving the “Base of the Pyramid”

More than five billion people around the world make less than $2,000 per year. An influential book entitled The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid explored the market potential of this segment. As a result, current cost-plus supply chain models will transition to not-to-exceed cost models.

Global Demand for Knowledge Work and Workers

The shift to a global market has increased the need for supply chain workers who understand the local complexities of foreign communities and have an ability to communicate in multiple languages. Approximately 40 percent of this work involves analytics, planning and processing.

Identifying Micro Segments

Supply chain usually paints the model of customer service with a broad brush that addresses the basic category. Companies are now finding more success with a supply chain that effectively serves specific micro segments of customers based on what triggers their buying decisions.

Increase Safety and Productivity with Tugger Carts from DJ Products

Our electric tugger carts provide a consistent level of safety and efficiency that maximizes productivity in your workplace. Visit our website to learn more about our full line of material handling solutions.

Forklift Dangers and How to Prevent Them

Is forklift safety a priority in your warehouse? According to OSHA, there are one million forklifts in use around the United States and they’re involved in 20,000 serious injuries each year. Here are tips to minimize risk of the top dangers of this popular warehouse equipment.

1. Turnovers

Forklift turnovers are usually a result of overload, unbalanced loads or traveling with the fork too high.

– Require drivers to wear seat belts at all times when operating a forklift.

– Train employees in optimum methods of stacking loads.

– Slow down when turning as well as when traveling across wet or slippery surfaces.

– Keep the load uphill when going up or down inclines and ramps.

2. Striking Pedestrian Employees

Pedestrian employees can be struck directly by forklifts, or indirectly by objects that have been hit by forklifts.

– Restrict specific aisles to pedestrians only or forklifts only.

– Avoid operating forklifts near time clock, break rooms, exits and other areas where pedestrians tend to congregate.

– Locate workstations away from aisles and safeguard with physical barriers when necessary.

– Pedestrians should also take responsibility for being aware of their surroundings and moving out of the way if they encounter a forklift or hear a horn or backup signal.

3. Crushing Workers

Approximately 16 percent of forklift fatalities occur when the vehicle crushes a worker.

– All passengers must be in a seat with the seat belt engaged.

– Never allow anyone to ride on the fork itself.

– Drivers should inspect their route carefully for potential hazards and obstructions.

Improve Warehouse Safety with Electric Movers from DJ Products

Electric movers such as our best-selling CartCaddyLite are an essential part of your warehouse equipment. Visit our website to learn more from our friendly and knowledgeable sales engineers.