Tag: business

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.

Ergonomics Is Back on the Congressional Table

With the Democrats expected to control both the House and Senate come January, ergonomics is back on the Congressional table. In 2001, spurred by business lobbyists, a GOP-controlled Congress killed a Labor Department regulation aimed at reducing ergonomic-related injuries. Heavily supported by Democrats, the measure was, and still is, a top priority for union groups. According to political analysts, it was a stunning defeat for the Clinton White House. With the support of the Bush administration, Republicans have managed to keep the issue off the docket.  However, now that Democratic power is the rise, unions are again pushing for ergonomic regulations.

An internet article on The Hill, a Washington insiders tip sheet, said, “Sen. Barack Obama has promised to issue a new ergonomics regulation as president, and industry officials say they want to be ready for it.”

Chamber of Commerce leaders are mobilizing for a Congressional fight, stating in a recent announcement, “the threat of a new ergonomics regulation has been kept in check by the Republican congressional majorities and the Bush administration. But with the recent shift in power on Capitol Hill, and regardless of who wins the White House, issuing a new ergonomics regulation will once again become a hot issue.”

Naturally, no businessman looks forward to tighter regulations and the time-eating forms, procedures and training that usually accompany them. Particularly in the current economy, we’re all budget conscious and no one’s looking for ways to fritter away more money. But if you look at the statistics, embracing ergonomics makes good business sense.

Workplace injury and illness costs American businesses $171 billion annually. Workers’ compensation claims add another $60 billion to that annual price tag. More than a quarter of those claims are for back injuries from repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing and straining, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance. OSHA reports that back injuries cost U.S. businesses $12 million in lost workdays and $1 billion in compensation costs each year. The time-lost cost of a single injury is estimated at $26,000.

Ergonomics has been repeatedly proven to significantly reduce back and other repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Businesses that institute ergonomic practices and use ergonomically-designed equipment realize immediate and significant reductions in injury rates and associated medical, insurance, disability, workers compensation and lost man-hour costs. Proactive implementation of ergonomic policies improves worker morale and demonstrably increases operations efficiency and productivity. Contact the specialists at DJ Products to find out how ergonomics can improve your business.