material handling equipment Archives

When is the Best Time of Year to Purchase Material Handling Equipment for Your Warehouse?

Motorized Trailer Dolly Improves Warehouse Efficiency

Warehouses rely on various types of material handling equipment, such as forklifts. These pieces of equipment can break down or develop damage over time. In some cases, businesses become busier and don’t have enough equipment to handle more loads. Whether you’re looking into getting a motorized trailer dolly or another type of equipment for material handling, knowing when to make this purchase is important.

Busy Seasons

Is your warehouse busier during certain seasons, such as the holiday shopping season? If so, it’s essential to make sure you have material handling equipment to take on more loads. Otherwise, your current equipment can end up with more wear and tear, which can boost the chance of needing repairs or more frequent maintenance. If you’re expecting increased business during the holidays, order the material handling equipment you need now. If your busy season is summer, it’s still a good idea to order ahead of time in case of delays.

Supply Issues

When many other businesses are ordering equipment, you might experience lengthy delivery times. For example, a shortage of material handling equipment can lead to long delays before you’re able to get your items. If you know you’ll be needing more equipment in the near future, put your orders in now to make sure they arrive on time.

Damaged or Worn Equipment

Don’t wait until the ideal time of year to buy material handling equipment if yours is worn or damaged. Ordering as soon as possible helps ensure that you receive new equipment, while also lowering the risk of excessive downtime and productivity loss.

Not Enough Equipment

If your warehouse is expanding or business is picking up steadily, plan ahead. Take a look at the equipment you have now and determine what you need in order to keep up with the growing demands of your warehouse. Place orders for material handling equipment as soon as you know what you need.

If it’s time to purchase a trailer dolly for your warehouse, please contact DJ Products. We offer material handling solutions to help businesses improve efficiency, productivity, and safety, while lowering costs.

How To Improve Your Material Handling Warehouses Productivity and Safety

Improved Safety and Productivity

Material handling is defined as, “the movement of goods and materials around manufacturing and storage facilities.” Clearly, material handling forms the backbone of your warehouse operations. Here are some tips on how use of our trailer dolly and other methods can improve material handling productivity and safety.

1. Optimize the warehouse layout.

Is there a smooth, logical flow to your warehouse layout, or do workers jockey for space as they constantly travel from one end to the other? Basic warehouse layouts are U-shaped, L-shaped and I-shaped. Analyze your operations and determine whether the current layout works.

2. Invest in a warehouse management system (WMS).

The days of manual recordkeeping with pencil and paper are long gone. A warehouse management system tracks every piece of inventory from the time it arrives to the time it leaves, allowing for more accurate and timely data. Other benefits include alerts and reminders, such as an advance ship notice that a delivery is on the way.

3. Plan storage space carefully.

Are the warehouse aisles cluttered with overflow? Maybe order selectors are losing time having to move one product to reach another. Figure out how much inventory can be safely stored in your warehouse at any one time.

4. Implement RFID tags and scanners.

RFID, or Radio Frequency IDentification systems, are a significant improvement over barcodes. Line of sight isn’t required for RFID scanners, which can detect inventory anywhere from 20 to 100+ feet away, depending on the base technology.

5. Conduct employee safety training.

Good old-fashioned manpower is still required for certain material handling tasks. Develop regular safety training on best practices for manual processes, such as the best way to lift materials.

6. Provide the correct equipment.

Would construction workers dig a foundation using a tablespoon? Make sure your employees have the proper equipment, such as our trailer dolly, to help them work smarter, not harder.

The Trailer Dolly and Other Solutions from DJ Products

Implementing safe and efficient equipment improves employee morale, which in turn raises productivity. Contact us at at 800.686.2651 to learn more about our material handling solutions from our cheerful and experienced Sales Engineers.

For Efficiency in Material Handling, Equipment Needs to Follow These Guidelines

Material Handling Efficiency

Regardless of how much you pay for material handling equipment, the true value is a combination of reduced downtime and increased productivity. When purchasing our Trailer Dolly or other pieces of equipment, spend less time considering the sticker price and more time evaluating the item based on these helpful guidelines.

1. Does it keep material moving?

Maximum efficiency calls for a steady flow of materials from one point to the next, with few stoppages and little to no backtracking.

2. Does it fit within the layout of your facility?

Conduct periodic reviews of your warehouse layout to make sure it’s not hindering workflow. Ask questions such as:

- Are aisles wide enough to prevent congested traffic?
- Is machinery set up in a logical progression?
- Are potential danger spots clearly marked?

3. Are material sizes standardized?

Variety may be the spice of life, but it’s detrimental to warehouse operations. It’s not feasible to have a single size for equipment such as containers, but it’s best to go with the minimum number needed to accomplish the job. Standardization of equipment also cuts down on the amount of space required to store replacement parts.

4. Does the equipment improve workplace safety?

Liberty Mutual, one of the largest insurance companies in the United States, estimates that employers pay a staggering $1 billion per week in workers compensation costs for non-fatal injuries. Add that to the amount lost in reduced productivity, and it’s easy to see why workplace safety should be a priority. Morale is also improved when employees see that the company values their well-being.

5. Does the equipment accommodate a variety of uses?

As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said, “The only constant in life is change.” Your warehouse often incorporates new products, new methods and other updates. Do you want to purchase new equipment every time you make a change? Look for products that are adaptable to a number of different applications.

Boost Productivity and Worker Safety with the Trailer Dolly

The Trailer Dolly is just one of our electric material handling solutions designed to meet the needs of the warehouse and distribution center industry. Call us at 800.686.2651 to learn more.

Cart Pulling Solutions for Cart Towing in Your Warehouse

CartCaddyShorty

Warehouses are full of materials that need to be transported quickly from one spot to another. If the process gets interrupted at any point, it results in costly delays and reduced productivity. Keep operations running smoothly with the CartCaddyShorty from DJ Products.

Meet the CartCaddyShorty

Are you relying on outdated equipment to move carts and materials around the workplace? This method ties up manpower that could be put to more valuable use elsewhere. Even worse, employees may sustain injuries that cause expensive workers’ compensation claims and a potential labor shortage.

With the CartCaddyShorty, a single employee can safely and easily move loads of up to 3,000 pounds. Our puller works particularly well with carts that have two front swivel casters and two back straight casters, which are commonly found in most manufacturing facilities.

Take a Closer Look

No matter what industry you’re in, whether you’re moving a cart full of cookie dough or a flat bed of steel, the CartCaddy has all the power needed. Its compact size allows for maximum maneuverability around corners and through tight spaces.

Here’s a look at some of the top features of our best-selling cart puller:

* Our eco-friendly cart puller operates on three 12-volt batteries, with a charger that fits 120/220 Hrz outlets. One charge usually provides enough power to last through two shifts.

* The ergonomic design, with features such as a variable speed twist grip, helps reduce repetitive motion injuries.

* A 3 MPH capacity means the puller can easily keep pace with its operator, eliminating the frustration of stop-and-start delays.

* The safety stop switch, conveniently located at the back of the handlebar box, brings the puller to an immediate stop, preventing damage and injury from collisions.

As one of our satisfied customers recently expressed, “The machine has worked reliably for several months and is easy to use. I would recommend it for anyone that needs a small, yet powerful, cart towing truck.”

Want to Learn More?

Find out more about this product and the DJ Products trailer dolly line. We have wheeled cart moving solutions for trailers, cargo trailers, RV’s, semi-trailers, and boat trailers. We have wheeled cart moving solutions for trailers, cargo trailers, RV’s, semi-trailers, and boat trailers.

DJ Products makes a full range of tugs, movers and pushers to solve all your material handling needs. Call 800.686.2651 to learn more from our cheerful Sales Engineers.

How to Save Money by Using Eco-Friendly Electric Material Handling Solutions

Our electric material handling solutions offer many perks for companies large and small: improved operational efficiency, increased safety measures, and unparalleled load maneuverability to name a few. Additionally, our battery-powered equipment moving units are no-emission. Rather than relying on pollution-causing gas or diesel, all of DJ Products tugs are electric and environmentally-friendly. Companies who use our eco-conscious electric material handling solutions can take advantage of additional cost-savings via various state-specific environmental programs, such as the California Clean Energy Program or the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. These various programs can reimburse California companies quarterly for utilizing electric and environmentally-friendly material handling solutions. According to the website, “The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted to extend the LCFS program by ten years to 2030 and to double the program’s carbon intensity reductions target from 10% to 20%.” If you have already purchased one of our electric equipment moving solutions, or if you’re looking to find one in the future, be sure to check out your state’s specific environmental programs to take advantage of possible reimbursement opportunities. We offer material handling solutions for virtually any industry. To discuss your application needs, please reach out to one of our sales engineers at 1-800-686-2651 or at info@djproducts.com.

Tips for Managing and Optimizing Your Warehouse Labor Costs

Don’t Burn Money Manage Your Labor Costs

Labor costs comprise the largest and most unpredictable element of warehouse operating expenses. Unlike material handling equipment and other fixed assets, staffing needs are dependent on variables such as fluctuating workloads and employee turnover.

This doesn’t mean resigning yourself to uncontrolled budget expenses. Experts offer the following tips for successfully managing labor costs.

Optimize Warehouse Layout

When was the last time you made modifications in your warehouse layout? Are order pickers wasting a lot of time traveling from one slot to the next? Review the warehouse layout and look for ways to make workflows more efficient.

Consult an Expert

Outside consultants have experience working with all types of warehouse operations so they can provide tested solutions. Objective eyes can also spot problems and opportunities that may not be readily evident.

Automate Manual Processes

People are often reluctant to give up old-school methods, but when it comes to cost management, you have to use every tool at your disposal. Warehouse management systems (WMS) and other electronic data-gathering programs collect real-time data for more accurate and timely decisions.

Integrate Voice Logistics

Voice-driven systems have reached new levels of sophistication. Bluetooth headsets keep workers’ hands free for more efficient picking and other tasks.

Reduce Turnover

Hiring and training workers is a tremendous drain on the budget. In addition to direct costs associated with the process, it creates a ripple effect of indirect costs, including reduced productivity. Incentivize employees with bonuses, recognition programs and other perks for outstanding performance.

DJ Products: Your Top Source for Material Handling Equipment

Customers have proclaimed that using our electric material handling equipment is “like adding another employee.” Visit our website and learn how our assortment of tugs, movers and pushers can improve warehouse productivity and safety.

Tips to Managing Your Warehouse Labor with an Eye on Retention

Expenses for material handling equipment and other fixed assets are relatively easy to control, but managing labor costs presents a unique challenge. The optimum balance between low cost and high productivity is frequently a moving target.

In addition, today’s shrinking labor pool makes it difficult to retain good workers. Use these tips to manage warehouse labor efficiently while boosting engagement and loyalty.

Automate Repetitive Tasks

While we’re a long way from fully robotic warehouses, there are a number of automated solutions available to handle many repetitive tasks. Automated conveyors, voice-directed picking and connected glasses are just a few of the options that can free employees up for higher-value jobs.

Implement Labor Management Software (LMS)

You probably already use a warehouse management system (WMS), which collects a wide range of data and compiles it in convenient formats. Integrating LMS with WMS offers more robust analysis to make planning and scheduling more accurate.

Establish Incentive Programs

Workers will be more motivated to increase productivity when there are individual benefits at stake. The incentive costs will be more than offset by the positive results.

Conduct Cross-Training

Fluctuating workloads add to the difficulty of managing staffing levels. When employees can move easily between tasks, you’re able to handle ebbs and flows with fewer workers and the variety of tasks will prevent boredom.

Make Safety a Priority

Maintaining a culture of safety demonstrates concern for employee welfare. Make sure workers have high-quality material handling equipment and conduct ongoing training to instill proper procedures.

Material Handling Equipment Designed for Safety

Battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers from DJ Products are designed to reduce the risk of most common workplace injuries. Their efficiency also frees up employees to focus on more important tasks. Contact us to learn more.

New Smart Warehouse Technologies to Embrace in 2019

New Smart Technologies to Embrace

Technology has made devices such as phones “smart,” and now it’s doing the same with warehouses. There are a number of sophisticated tools available to help you increase productivity of employees and material handling equipment.

So when it comes to implementing these processes, where do you start? Experts recommend these must-have technologies as ones that will make the greatest impact.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

If you don’t already have a WMS in place, you’re behind the curve. These systems let you review large amounts of data in an organized fashion, making it easier to anticipate and plan for changes. A WMS also coordinates well with other technologies to serve as an information hub.

Automated Picking Tools

Fewer issues will annoy customers more than orders filled with errors. Voice automation, robots and upgraded barcoding are some of the options you can use to improve order-picking accuracy.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)

AS/RS is not a new concept, but the drawbacks of earlier versions often outweighed their benefits. Today’s systems are more streamlined so you can enjoy the advantages of lower costs and greater accuracy without the inconvenience.

Automated Inventory Control

Inventory control is an essential factor in cost management and effective customer service, but manual systems are clumsy and time-consuming. Automated platforms can perform the work automatically and put real-time data at your fingertips, even remotely.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

While visions of the future often include fully automated workplaces, staffing a warehouse with robots isn’t truly feasible at this point. Cobots are designed to work alongside employees, not replace them, to enhance operations.

State-of-the-Art Material Handling Equipment by DJ Products

Our electric material handling equipment coordinates perfectly with all types of warehouse systems. Contact us for more information.

A Look Ahead into Barcoding and Labeling Usage in Warehouses for 2019

Barcoding Use in Warehouses

The rise in E-commerce has resulted in customer demand for greater speed with less room for error. Reliable material handling equipment and accurate barcoding and labeling are necessities to stay ahead of the competition.

Here are the barcoding and labeling trends experts are seeing today. How does your system measure up?

Flexible Usage

Product demand, return volumes and seasonal fluctuations cause frequent changes in product slotting for maximum efficiency. Many barcoding and labeling systems are moving to materials that are easy to remove and reposition.

Advance Planning

When planning a warehouse layout, the barcoding and labeling process is often regarded as a secondary issue that can be handled on the fly. Putting it off until later can result in confusion, errors and delays. Make sure barcoding and labeling is part of the initial planning process for any new construction or renovations.

Color-Coding

Colored barcode labels are more visible, making them particularly helpful with tiered racking systems. Color-coding also provides consistency across a network of warehouses or distribution centers.

Environment-Specific

Different conditions present different challenges for barcoding and labeling. For instance, a label that works in ambient temperatures may be insufficient for freezer use. Consider the environment that labels will be used in and be sure they can stand up to the conditions.

Full-Service Suppliers

As warehouse space grows to accommodate inventory levels required for E-commerce, barcoding and labeling becomes more complex. Full-service suppliers can handle the project every step of the way, from planning and preparation to creation and installation.

Modern Material Handling Equipment for Today’s Warehouses

As a satisfied customer put it, our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers are like adding another person to your warehouse staff. Contact DJ Products to learn more about our full selection of material handling equipment.

Warehouse Tips: Special Considerations for Warehouse Shift Worker Safety

Always Enforce Safety Rules – It Might Just Save a Life!

While material handling equipment can handle the demands of being on duty 24/7, warehouse workers rely on shifts to accommodate round-the-clock staffing needs. While nearly 15 million Americans are employed on shifts, night or long-term shift work can result in health and safety risks.

Happy and healthy workers improve job productivity and employee retention rates. Protect your staff with these helpful tips for managing shift work.

Tips for Managing Warehouse Shift Work

Shift work, especially for employees on rotating or night shifts, interferes with the body’s circadian rhythms, which form the internal clock that governs wakefulness. Disrupted sleep patterns can lead to emotional, metabolic and cardiovascular problems as well as greater risk of workplace errors and injuries.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers incorporate these procedures for shift workers:

– Schedule workers for a minimum of 10 consecutive off-duty hours each day so they can get seven to eight hours of sleep.

– In addition to regular meal breaks, provide short breaks every one to two hours for particularly demanding jobs.

– Limit shifts to no more than 10 hours wherever possible.

– Provide workers with education and resources about shift work.

Here are steps that shift workers can take individually to control fatigue:

– Take a walk before the start of the shift, preferably outdoors in daylight.

– Limit consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola to the first half of the shift to avoid sleep problems.

– Take frequent mini-breaks to move around and keep muscles loose.

Combat Shift Work Fatigue with Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

Our battery-powered material handling equipment is easy to use and designed to prevent common musculoskeletal injuries. Contact us to find the right tug, mover or pusher for your applications.

Tag: material handling equipment