christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Tips for Improving Slotting and Picking in Your Warehouse

Improving Warehouse Efficiency

Every warehouse runs as effectively as possible. Orders come in, they get filled and go out. It’s the nature of the business. However, by using a few simple tips you can greatly increase the efficiency of your warehouse, saving time and effort.

Slot your products by season — In many cases, the usage of certain products depends upon the season. Instead of searching the entire warehouse for seasonal products, group them together so you’ll know exactly where to go.

Use software for categorization — List the most frequently requested products that you have with software. Instead of endlessly searching the entire database, these products will come up first and limit your search times.

Group the most requested products together — You can make a warehouse within a warehouse by grouping the most commonly requested products together. Those products which are requested between 70% to 80% of the time, should have their own space. Ideally, they should be closer to the front to reduce travel time.

Waist to shoulder zone — All of your most commonly requested products, regardless of how you categorize them, should be in the waist to shoulder picking zone. Constantly climbing or bending for the most often requested products wastes time and energy.

Use the right warehouse equipment — Regardless of anything else, the right warehouse equipment for slotting, picking and moving surplus will improve effectiveness and efficiency in every warehouse environment.

For more information on warehouse equipment for any job, contact DJ Products, makers of trailer movers, dumpster movers and even rail car movers. We have the mobile solutions for all of warehouse floor management needs.

Weichert Launches New Property Management Company

Property Management

Known for providing top quality customer service to home buyers and sellers, the Weichert Family of Companies announced recently that they will consolidate their property management businesses into one entity called Aureus Property Management.

The gold standard

Headquartered in Morris Plains, New Jersey where it was founded in 1969, Weichert Realtors has grown to be a leader in residential and commercial real estate transactions by going beyond “full service.” They make it clear with the company name that they want to be the gold standard for residential and commercial property management. Aureus was the name of the gold coins that were the main monetary unit of ancient Rome.

Aureus offers a wide range of property management services for property owners and renters. The company helps relocating employees and long term tenants with their housing needs. Services for property owners include marketing, screening tenants, rent collection and maintenance services.

Property manager equipment

For the best waste container and dumpster movers, check out the DJ Products line of efficient, battery powered pullers and waste caddy haulers. Regardless of your property manager equipment needs, we have the electric or motorized cart tug solutions to help your company operate efficiently and reduce the risk of injury to your employees.

According to Greater Media Newspapers, Mike Williams will serve as president of Aureus. Williams was previously president of Penn Property Management and has 15 years of experience in the industry.

At DJ Products, we also strive for gold standard customer service. For information about waste bin movers and other motorized systems, call one of our sales engineers and follow our blog for property manager tips.

Ransomware Causes Shutdown of Kentucky Hospital

Ransomeware

If you have never heard of Ransomeware, it goes like this. An off-site hacker hacks into your computer system, most often a business, encrypts or removes all the files from your computers and stores them in an off-site machine. To get your files back, you must pay the hacker a certain amount of money, and they will then unencrypt or transfer your files back onto your system. It is insidious.

This is what a Kentucky Hospital faced, having all of their files completely removed from their computers, with the prospect of paying thousands of dollars to get them back.

The Solution

Instead of paying the ransom, this particular hospital maintained back-up files that were not connected to their computer system. Fortunately, they were able to go computer by computer and reinstall the pertinent data for each one.

The reinstallation process took weeks and until completed the hospital had to go back to using paper, just like the good old days. Tons of old forms that were packed away in storage needed to be moved back to the working areas, where they were implemented into general use so the hospital did not have to shut down.

It was a grueling process, but it could have been greatly simplified if they had been using powered hand wagons or other hospital maintenance equipment to shuttle tons of paperwork back into use.

You can be prepared for any business emergency with powered hand carts suitable for any job, even hospital paperwork. Contact DJ Products, makers of hospital maintenance equipment, hospital cart pullers, and many more. We have the mobile solutions for your hospital needs.

Smoke-Free Hotels Embraced as the Future

No Smoking

If you haven’t noticed, over the past few years the entire hotel industry, from top to bottom, has been slowly transitioning to a smoke-free environment. Not only is this a direct response to the health issues of second-hand smoke, but it also directly confronts safety issues associated with smoldering cigarettes.

Examples include burn marks from lit cigarettes, damage to furnishings, risk of fire, and nuisance fire alarms. Each hotel has the potential of saving tens of thousands of dollars yearly by going smoke free.

Hospitality Industry Equipment

In every respect, the money saved by going smoke free can be invested into hospitality industry equipment, and more specifically, powered equipment for housekeepers and maintenance personnel.

Housekeeping is the backbone of every hotel, and powered equipment, such as linen carts and housekeeping supply carts, will make the hotel staff more effective and better still, more efficient every time they clean a room.

A powered cart for maintenance employees allows moving heavy tools and equipment with ease. Not only does it cut down on potential injuries, but it allows maintenance personnel to move quicker and easier through halls and passageways. There’s no more straining and pulling to get from one place to another as it is far easier to steer around corners, into rooms and around customers.

If you need more information on hospitality industry equipment like hospitality carts, motorized linen carts or any other powered cart that will aid in housekeeping or maintenance, contact DJ Products, We offer the mobile solution for your hotel housekeepers and maintenance staff that will aid in their effectiveness and overall efficiency.

How to Screen Applicants for Your Warehouse

Quality Warehouse Staff

If you feel like your warehouse is staffed by “warm bodies” rather than skilled workers who will stick around, you’re not alone. Turnover runs high in the warehouse industry, and overcoming churn starts with screening and matching applicants to the right positions.

First you need to look in the right place. Employee referrals can be great because your current workers know what the job takes. Temp agencies also work well because they take care of skills assessment and provide warehouse tips for smarter hires.

Warehouse Tips: How the Best Hiring Managers Screen Applicants

Even with great job advertising and plenty of candidates, the screening process will always be critical. Character and skills need to be assessed above all else.

As one distribution exec recently told CleanLink.com, hiring managers should focus less on the obvious factors (criminal records and drug screening) and more on personality.

Keep in mind that longevity will depend on a worker’s ability to physically and psychologically thrive in the job.

Warehouse tips for screening include:

• Use personality tests that can tell you which people will thrive in various positions, e.g. fulfillment versus management.

• Conduct multiple rounds of interviews, discussing in between and afterward.

• Look for good communicators. Even if the position is somewhat solitary, everyone should be comfortable interacting with coworkers, supervisors and customers.

• Don’t guarantee future raises or promotions. Workers who accept jobs under pretenses that never materialize are more likely to leave.

After screening, avoiding turnover still requires more work. Compensation should be competitive and job conditions reasonable. Warehouse tips for retention would include performance-based raises and automated material handling equipment to relieve physical stress.

Six Technology Trends Embraced by the Hospitality Industry

Hospitality Industry

While some people are reluctant to embrace new technology, most folks recognize that it enhances their lives and work. Many travelers are accustomed to a technology-rich world and expect such amenities to be standard. Today, business and vacation travelers expect features that were a costly luxury just few years ago. To remain competitive, hotels should embrace the latest technology trends and evaluate all of their hospitality industry equipment for possible upgrades.

Six mega-trends in the hospitality industry

Hospitality Technology (HT) is dedicated to covering technology issues for the hotel industry. According to HT, protecting payment and personal information of guests is a top priority for every hotel. Providing in-room technology to guests and interacting with them on a mobile platform also ranks close to the top. The following are the six meg-trends for 2016 from HT:

Guestroom technology: More than half of hotels surveyed (56%) say they plan to upgrade the in-room technology available to guests in 2016.

Future-proofing networks: To avoid the costs of installing new cables every few years, most hotels are opting for the latest fiber optic lines.

Improved security: More online payments means increased vulnerability to hackers.

Mobile engagement: Location-based technology and communications with guests improves customer experience.

All-location internet: Connectivity from any location on hotel property is now expected by most guests.

Energy savings: New technology can reduce energy costs for every size of hotel.

Another way hotels can lower their operating costs is with highly efficient motorized carts and trash dump hoppers. Check out the entire line of hospitality industry equipment from DJ Products to reduce the likelihood of injury to your hotel staff.

Waste Caddy Purchases Increase Due to OSHA’s New Reporting Requirements

WasteCaddy Lite, Available from DJ Products

To many businesses, the new OSHA electronic record keeping rules sound like airing dirty laundry. The policies have been a subject of considerable controversy, but ultimately the message is clear: more than ever before, it’s time to step up efforts to prevent workplace injuries.

Leaders of business groups and labor have chimed in with reactions, rounded up by industrial news group EHS Today. Industry execs from ASSE and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce think that OSHA will be exposing confidential data and shifting the focus from preventive efforts. The AFL-CIO and COSH agree that the rules will protect workers and whistle blowers.

Reactions to New OSHA Electronic Record Keeping Rules

The tougher environment definitely has businesses placing greater emphasis on safety practices and ergonomic equipment.

Sales of automated tools like battery-powered waste caddys have risen as property managers and waste haulers seek to reduce the risk of severe injury incidents and long-term health problems.

Waste caddys and dumpster movers address a common cause of worker injury — the manual pushing of dumpsters that weigh thousands of pounds and take several workers to move. One worker can easily move any waste bin with an electric waste caddy.

With worker injury and illness data getting published to the public, businesses face intense scrutiny. Compliance is demanding. The data might dissuade job applicants from companies that appear to be dangerous. Some fear that the OSHA records could be used to justify lawsuits and claims more often.

Waste caddys are a smart investment to promote safety and reduce worker injuries, at any business where dumpsters must be moved. For more info, consider the WasteCaddy dumpster tow and other motorized equipment from DJProducts.com.

Is There Such a Thing as Ergonomics for Waste Disposal?

Back Injuries Can Occur from Pushing or Pulling Heavy Dumpsters.

You bet there is! Ergonomics is all around us, from keyboards that protect our wrists repetitive task injury, to workplace trainers showing staff how to lift heavy items with proper technique. Ergonomics in the workplace is especially important because workers tend to repeat the same actions countless times, day after day.

Waste disposal ergonomics can be tricky, and we’re not talking about throwing crumpled paper like a basketball. Workers who handle heavy dumpsters face injury risks from lifting and throwing heavy objects and when pushing or pulling the dumpster to collection points. They must deal with literally tons of weight, on wheels, while traversing slopes, inclines, and gravel. Ask your maintenance and janitorial staff if they are comfortable with moving dumpsters, and you might be surprised to hear about their sore lower backs, shoulder strains, and hamstring pain.

How to Prevent Waste Disposal Injuries

If you’re not using a dumpster mover to move waste containers, chances are good that one of your employees will experience a painful injury that costs the company a fortune in productivity and workers comp. Brian Piñon of ICW Risk Management recently told MySafetyNews about how he analyzes and prevents workplace ergonomics problems:

• Be proactive by asking employees about injury risks and observe their process of looking for physically dangerous practices.

• Talk to your management team and employees about reporting pain or discomfort before injuries occur.

• Train some trusted employees to watch for and correct ergonomic problems.

• Purchase automated equipment like dumpster caddies to ease frequent, demanding tasks.

Examine the ergonomics safety process for waste disposal at your business, and consider a dumpster mover and other ergonomic equipment from DJ Products to protect your staff.

Hot Weather Safety Laws May Significantly Impact the Warehouse Industry

Summer heat can impact warehouse worker productivity.

In an effort to keep you informed about legislation that impacts warehouse safety and performance, we wanted you to know about new legislation in California that may be embraced by other states. A proposed bill in California could impact the warehouse industry, including companies such as Inland. Supporters state that this bill is necessary in order to provide employees with protection from heat inside warehouses, while opponents claim that the bill could negatively affect growth in the warehousing industry.

Heat Safety Bill

SB 1167, authored by Senator Connie Levya, would require Cal-OSHA to propose health and safety standards to protect warehouse workers from the effects of high indoor temperatures, such as heat-related illnesses and injuries.

No standards are currently in place for indoor workers, although outdoor workers are protected by a bill that became law in 2005. In a report from 2011, 74 out of 101 Inland warehouse workers stated that temperatures inside these buildings reached up to 125 degrees, causing dangerous working conditions.

Those who oppose SB 1167 include John Husing, an economist in the Inland area. Opponents cite costs as the main reason for fighting the bill. This includes concerns over how much it will cost to develop and implement standards and how that cost could inhibit growth in the industry.

Levya states that the proposed measures would not have to include installing climate control systems in all warehouses. Instead, the focus is more likely to be on ensuring that workers have access to cold water at all times and giving workers an area to cool off. The bill is currently being reviewed by the Appropriations Committee.

If you need a cart puller or other industrial tugs to help employees lower strain to stay cool, please visit DJ Products. We offer a wide range of industrial tugs, including motorized and electric cart tug solutions.

Dumpster Moving – Push or Pull, the Wrong Choice May Put You in the Hospital

Push or Pull done incorrectly may cause injury.

Many workers have a preference for either pushing or pulling heavy equipment, but the truth is manually pushing or pulling are both dangerous. The motion and exertion requirements can cause a repetitive stress injury while also risking losing control of the heavy equipment that’s in motion.

Danger of Pulling Heavy Equipment

Pulling a heavy load puts high stress on the body. Also, a moving dumpster can itself be dangerous. As one manager recently explained to MySafetyNews, the momentum might make the rolling equipment smash into the feet of the worker.

Injuries from pulling heavy equipment include:

• Back injuries from twisting and straining

• Neck and shoulder muscle strains and tears

• Hamstring and hip injuries

• Collisions and out-of-control carts endangering others

Danger of Pushing Heavy Equipment

Pushing a cart can be safer than pulling, but also has numerous injury risks:

• Wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries

• Lower back injuries

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Cart blocks view of path, endangering other people and property

Avoid Workplace Injuries with Dumpster Tugs

The best solution for pushing or pulling a heavy cart like a waste dumpster? A motorized caddy that propels itself and stops on command. Dumpster tugs use a battery-powered motor to move thousands of pounds of weight with a simple steering control.

Dumpster tugs prevent many causes of worker injury:

• Eliminate physical strain of pushing and pulling

• Control the dumpster up and down inclines and across rocky surfaces

• Safely stop without sending a shock through the arms and back

• Maneuver around turns without straining the wrists and legs

Prevent the injury risks of manual pushing and pulling with motorized dumpster tugs from DJ Products.

Author: christopher Harper