Material Handling Equipment Supplier Archives - Page 3 of 6

Smart Tips for Hiring Pickers for Your Warehouse Operation

Having the right material handling equipment in your warehouse improves productivity, but high turnover rates can quickly negate those gains. Use these tips to recruit and hire qualified pickers and packers for a more stable workforce.

Encourage Employee Referrals

Current employees can often be the best source of quality candidates. Workers feel a sense of pride in making a contribution to the company, and they’re reluctant to risk their own reputation by recommending a substandard applicant.

Some companies offer a bonus program for referrals who are hired, but that can be a double-edged sword. Employees may be tempted to refer someone simply to collect the money, so think carefully before going that route.

Use On-Demand Staffing Platforms

As the industry moves toward more temporary positions, it becomes increasingly counterproductive to spend a lot of time vetting job applicants. On-demand staffing platforms have developed to meet the demand of companies that need pre-screened candidates who are prepared to accept a job immediately.

Fine-Tune Your Requirements

The more specific you are with a job description, the easier it is to find a qualified candidate who matches your needs. As an added benefit, a detailed job description can provide strong evidence against possible discrimination claims.

Offer a Competitive Starting Pay Rate

Research the market to get a feel for what other companies are paying workers for comparable skills and responsibilities. Review your starting pay rates frequently to make sure they’re not falling behind the rest of the industry.

Turn to DJ Products for Your Material Handling Equipment Needs

Employees feel greater job satisfaction when working conditions are optimized. Battery-powered material handling equipment from DJ Products demonstrates your commitment to a safe and efficient workplace. Call 800.686.2651 for more information.

Tips on Boosting Morale and Making Your Warehouse Staff Love Their Job

Does it feel like the air in your workspace is so heavy lately that even the strongest material handling equipment couldn’t lift it back up? If laughter in your workspace is but a vague memory, your employee morale needs a boost!

Low Morale = A Losing Business Scenario
Employee morale can make or break a company’s success. Low morale zaps productivity, amplifies grouchiness and lack of cooperation, and increases turnover. Keeping an eye on morale and strengthening it when times are tough are integral to helping your business achieve its goals.

Creative & Easy Ways to Strengthen Morale:

1. Help Employees Understand Their Work Serves a Higher Purpose.
It’s easy for employees to lose their sense of purpose in the daily grind. However simple postings of ‘I Got a Job’ stories from recently hired, grateful job seekers who snagged a spot with the company can help highlight the value of job positions.

2. Celebrate Accomplishments.
In your quest to get ahead, don’t forget to look behind, recognizing significant accomplishments of team members annually.

3. Give Employees the Chance to Recharge.
With adequate time off that grants an energizing break from regular responsibilities, whether in the PTO or creative office party arena. S’mores Friday, anyone?

4. Mix-It-Up.
Doing the same thing day-in-day-out is boring. Shake things up with office Olympics, ping-pong tournaments, or simple impromptu cookout lunches.

5. Have Fun.
Conduct a monthly lotto for participation in a card, board game, or Wii bowling match. Or reward workers with gift cards for play-days at amusement parks or other fun area events.

Boost morale by showing you care with ergonomic material handling equipment designed to prevent injuries, make work easier and more efficient, and reduce labor. Learn more from DJ Products today.

Are Your Hiring Practices Ready for 2018 Trends?

Finding qualified help to handle warehouse equipment and perform other vital jobs is one of the biggest challenges in the material handling and logistics industry. Experts weigh in on this year’s talent trends you should be watching.

People Analytics

Today’s incoming workforce has grown up with technology. People analytics provides specific and objective information for creating goals, making decisions and measuring progress.

Growth-Created Jobs

The rise of e-commerce has triggered greater expectations for efficient shipping and shorter turnaround times. Companies are seeking knowledgeable people in the areas of research and development, engineering, hardware and software.

Candidate-Driven Job Market

While job openings are increasing, the shortage of qualified labor continues. Companies are adapting their hiring strategies to become more attractive to potential candidates.

Explosion of Telecommuting

Working remotely is no longer an exception. By 2020, an estimated 40 percent of the workforce will be working remotely, whether from home or a third location.

Women Making Strides

Many companies are beginning to employ women in all levels of business. It’s a double-pronged solution to beating the talent shortage and bringing fresh perspectives to a mature but changing industry.

Social Media Is Here to Stay

Surveys show that 84 percent of organizations currently use social media in talent acquisition, with another nine percent planning on joining the pack.

Robots: Good News and Bad News

A recent report predicts that nearly 40 percent of today’s jobs will be filled by robots by the 2030s. On the plus side, this will create jobs for skilled workers areas such as engineering and software development.

Quality Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

State-of-the-art warehouse equipment makes your company a desirable option for top job candidates. Visit our website to learn more about our battery-powered movers, tugs and pushers.

Tips for Keeping Your Warehouse Staff Safe from Forklift Injuries

If your business doesn’t have the advantage of tugger carts, and is relying on forklifts for the movement of products and inventory, safety training is essential to prevent dangerous and costly accidents. You can’t just hop-in and go – it takes more than a little traditional driving experience to operate these heavy machines.

Tips for Safe Forklift Operation
Employees should be fully trained and qualified to operate lifting equipment, not only for their own safety, but for that of your staff as well.

– Pre-Operational Safety
Operators should have clean, dry hands, and begin by examining the forklift for damage, including steering, brakes, mast, tires, and other control issues. Drivers should buckle-in for operation, adjusting seating and mirrors for comfort and safety.

– Load Stability
Before moving loads, always ensure they are securely and stably positioned across both forks, and within permissible heights.

– Movement
Survey surroundings for staff/obstacles before driving. Know site rules, including speed and height limitations, and staying on designated paths. Remain vigilant of people and surroundings, keeping your distance from employees, objects and vehicles. Ensure a safe stopping distance. (You can control your maneuvers – but not those of others.) Be mindful of bumps, debris, loose road surfaces and clearance issues, watching for signs of load limits.

– Ramps
Drive forward up the ramp; down in reverse.

– Delivery
Do not move/unrack the load unless visibility is optimal. Keep your body clear of the lowered mast to avoid serious injury. Do not let anyone near/under the machinery or forks.

– Safety
Never leave a running forklift unattended. Park in designated areas with forks lowered and park brake engaged. Always remove the key.

Keep workers safe from forklift injuries. Discover more about tugger carts from DJ Products today.

Warehouse Management Tips: What Type of Leader are You?

Warehouse managers are responsible for a wide range of tasks in order to keep their operation running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. While some leaders don’t mind overseeing employees and finding ways to encourage them, others would rather spend their time handling tasks, such as selecting new equipment for warehouses.

If you’re among those who don’t necessarily enjoy being in charge of others, you can still be an outstanding manager. The following tips can provide you with some insight on how to make the most of your skills.

Focus on Problem Solving

One of the most effective ways to ensure that your warehouse keeps running as efficiently as possible is by putting an emphasis on problem solving. Have workers engage in coming up with ways to handle problems that come up in day-to-day operations. Having challenges to face at work can provide workers with motivation to do their best on the job.

Delegate Leadership Tasks

When possible, find employees that have earned your trust by proving to be dependable and highly competent. Assign certain leadership tasks to these employees rather than having to handle all of them on your own. Giving these tasks to trusted employees helps boost morale in the workplace while also giving them a reason to trust and respect you.

Improve Communication

Having solid communication skills is one area that you can’t compromise on. If you struggle with communication, work on improving those skills in order to encourage your workers to put forth their best efforts on the job.

If you need high-quality equipment for warehouses that helps improve safety and productivity, contact DJ Products. We carry a wide selection of equipment that allows your workers to do their jobs more efficiently.

A Safety Checklist for Warehouse Managers – What to Put Into Action

As a warehouse manager, you can improve productivity and employee morale by being proactive about safety. Upgrade working conditions by using warehouse tugs and implementing this checklist of safety practices.

1. Create a Culture of Safety

Establish a shared concern for safety among employees. Set mandatory standards and communicate expectations through verbal and visual reminders, including safety tips posted in appropriate areas.

2. Review Workplace Conditions

Maintaining a safe workplace is an ongoing job. Conduct regular walk-throughs of the warehouse with an eye out for blocked aisles, exposed electrical cords and other common safety hazards.

3. Hold Training Sessions

Schedule periodic training to reinforce safety behavior and update employees on current regulations. Encourage questions and discussions and give occasional pop quizzes to keep awareness high.

4. Recognize and Reward Safety Practices

Recognition is always an effective way to internalize behavior. Start a program that allows employees to nominate co-workers who have demonstrated excellent safety practices and provide rewards.

5. Establish a Safety Committee

Involve employees directly by creating a safety committee that empowers them to take responsibility. Members can take questions and concerns from other workers, follow through on solving problems, and taking charge of training programs.

6. Have Clear Emergency Procedures

Provide first-aid kits, fire extinguishers and other emergency safety equipment and make sure everyone knows where they’re located. Emergency exits should be clearly marked and all employees should know the protocol for evacuation in case of fire or other dangerous situations.

Warehouse Tugs: An Effective Solution for Workplace Safety

Electric warehouse tugs from DJ Products include a wide range of safety features to reduce the risk of workplace accidents and repetitive-use injuries. Visit our website and learn more about our full line of material handling equipment.

Warehouse Efficiency – Top Tips from Industry Experts

As your preferred material handling equipment supplier, our primary goal is your success. A panel of industry experts was recently asked to reveal each person’s single best tip for increasing warehouse productivity, and we’re sharing the best answers with you.

What’s the Single Best Way to Improve Warehouse Productivity?

Optimize Pick Routes

It’s a basic equation: the easier it is for employees to perform their tasks, the more they can complete. Review pick routes and modify them as much as possible to have them end close to the packing and dispatch area.

Control Inbound and Outbound Freight Costs

When it comes to eating away at profits, freight charges are at the top of the list. Hire a consultant to help you bid more competitively. The profit will more than pay for the expense.

Incorporate Mobile Computing

Studies show that each step by a warehouse employee costs four cents. Replace fixed workstations with mobile ones that allow associates to process data on the spot.

Use Digital Communications

Accurate communication keeps operations running smoothly, but it’s difficult to keep everyone on the same page when they’re constantly in motion. Create a centralized digital workplace hub that includes communication and chat apps along with productivity software.

Invest in Quality Equipment

Hardware often seems like an obvious place to cut costs, but it frequently ends up being counterproductive when productivity suffers because employees don’t have the right tools to perform their jobs.

Electric Material Handling Solutions from DJ Products

Battery-powered movers such as our popular CartCaddyLite are cost-effective ways to improve efficiency and safety while reducing expenses. Call 800.686.2651 to learn why DJ Products is your first choice for a dependable material handling equipment supplier.

What to Know and Do When OSHA Makes a Surprise Visit

Does your warehouse maintain appropriate safety standards? Is your material handling equipment in good working order? An OSHA inspection can occur when you least expect it, so use these guidelines to be prepared at a moment’s notice.

During the Opening Conference

– Wait until designated management personnel are on site.

– Ask for a copy of the complaint and determine whether the inspection is safety- or industry hygiene-related.

– Designate an employee representative. If your warehouse is organized, a union official may serve. If not, choose a member of your safety committee.

– Limit the scope of the investigation to areas corresponding to the complaint.

During the Walk-Around

– Stay with the inspector at all times, but involve as few others as possible.

– Provide information only when asked, and don’t go beyond the parameters of the questions.

– Take pictures of anything the inspector photographs.

– Keep copies of any documents requested by the inspector and take detailed notes of the walk-through, recording the areas inspected, how much time was spent in each and the names of any employees who were interviewed.

– Repair minor violations on the spot to show good faith.

– If the inspection is related to industrial hygiene, find out what tests OSHA will be conducting and consider having simultaneous testing done by a third party.

During the Closing Conference

– Listen carefully and take notes.

– Be conservative when establishing timelines for correcting any violations.

– Refrain from arguing with the inspector.

– Discuss your company’s established safety programs to demonstrate your commitment to good health and safe working conditions.

Material Handling Equipment that Exceeds OSHA Standards

Ergonomics are not regulated by OSHA, so use of our material handling equipment shows your concern for the health and safety of your employees. Visit our website for more information.

Warehouse Key Performance Indicators (KPI) – What You Need to Know

Key performance indicators, or KPIs, have become standard elements of business plans in nearly every type of industry. In your warehouse, KPIs can be used to monitor and evaluate anything from purchases of material handling equipment to workplace safety.

Warehouse KPI’s – Why Use Them?

Why Use KPIs?

As the saying goes, you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been. KPIs provide you with specific criteria to evaluate performance in predefined areas. Armed with solid data, you can then make any necessary adjustments to refine the journey toward your company goals.

KPIs for Warehouse Operations

No two companies will have the same KPIs. While there are a number of measurements that are commonly used, the final mix is based on your business plan and what factors you consider important.

Here are some KPIs that apply to major areas in a warehouse business model:

Business Performance

– Gross and net profits

– Costs (broken down by labor, inventory, equipment, etc.)

Operational Efficiency

– Utilization of resources

– Waste

– Order fulfillment

Safety

– Workplace accidents (number of incidents, time lost, etc.)

– Monthly health and accident prevention costs

– Percentage of products and services assessed for health and safety effects

“Green” Practices

– Emissions (CO_2,greenhouse gases)

– Renewable energy usage

– Percentage of recycled materials used

– Total energy created on-site

Safe, Efficient and Eco-Friendly Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

Whatever your warehouse goals are, material handling equipment from DJ Products will help you attain them. Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers save on time, manpower and energy while reducing the risk of workplace injuries.

Visit our website and use the convenient online chat feature to learn more. Our experienced sales engineers are ready to help you find the best material handling solutions for your applications.

Mobile Technology is Coming to Warehouses in 2018

Make Sure You Are Using the Mobile Tech That Makes Sense for Your Business

The e-commerce market is rapidly expanding as consumers increasingly shift to online shopping. As warehouses and distribution centers spread and expand to meet the expanding needs of today’s online retailers, warehouses are being challenged to turn orders faster in efforts for retail venues to maintain a relevant online presence. To meet this challenge, they’re turning to real-time mobile technology in their warehouse equipment arsenal.

Different from Other Mobile Tech
In the warehouse environment, mobile technology differs from other applications. Used intensely for the duration of worker shifts, workers interact with devices hundreds-to-thousands of times per shift, making optimal design and operation critical to accomplishing tasks at hand, ensuring maximum productivity and accuracy.

Meeting Supply Chain Needs
Serving a range of industries, mobile warehouse technology featuring the latest capabilities, including UHF RFID for tracking warehouse equipment, assets, inventory, and workers, is becoming increasingly affordable.

Real-Time Location Solutions (RTLS) are growing in use and popping-up in warehouses nationwide, with its precision optimizing operational visibility, efficiency and safety.

Shipping warehouses can now scan, count, manage, and search for inventory in real-time, getting a complete picture of inventory at multiple locations. This not only reduces errors and improves customer service, but eliminates much of the legwork necessary for managing stock, pricing, and other product data that previously required a repetitive labor investment.

Compatible with Existing Automation & Technology
The latest mobile technology for warehouses, which is most effective when deployed collectively, is also capable of collaborating with existing and up-and-coming technology. From quick-picking drones to articulating arms working in tandem with sensor-fusion technology, precision industrial processes are the new standard.

Do you have the warehouse equipment solutions you need to remain relevant in today’s rapidly changing retail environment? Improve your operation with DJ Products today.

Tag: Material Handling Equipment Supplier