material handling equipment Archives - Page 9 of 12

Good Warehouse Housekeeping – Improves Safety and Prevents Injury

Good housekeeping shouldn’t be confined to your place of residence. Maintaining a tidy workplace and using tugger carts reduce injury risk and promote high levels of efficiency.

Incorporate these expert tips for making cleanliness an important part of your workplace culture.

Prevent Slips-and-Falls

Slips, trips and falls are second only to musculoskeletal stress as a cause of workplace injuries.

– Keep aisles and doorways free of obstructions.

– Clean up spills and leaks as soon as they occur.

– Immediately repair or replace worn-out or damaged flooring.

– Use strategically placed floor mats to provide traction and prevent employees from tracking materials across the warehouse.

Control Dust

A layer of dust no thicker than a dime presents a serious explosion risk. Use vacuums and compressed air to keep all surfaces, materials and equipment dust-free.

Remove Clutter

Clutter forces employees to restrict their movements, which can lead to sprains, cuts and other injuries. Make it a habit to return items to their proper place after use and keep extraneous items out of the workplace.

Use Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, closed-toed shoes and face masks should be used appropriately, with no exceptions. Have supervisors conduct regular checks to make sure all PPE is in good working condition.

Create and Maintain Written Housekeeping Policies

Create a manual thoroughly detailing housekeeping policies and keep it updated. All employees should be trained on proper procedures and have convenient access to the manual.

Save Time and Money with Tugger Carts from DJ Products

Our battery-powered tugger carts pay for themselves many times over in improved productivity and reduced workplace injuries. Visit our website and get real-time assistance from our sales engineers to select the perfect tugger carts for your warehouse.

Winter Warehouse Safety Tips

Use Our Tips to Increase Warehouse Safety During the Cold Months.

Is your warehouse prepared for the challenges of winter weather? Using proper material handling equipment is only part of the equation. Follow these tips to keep your workplace accident-free through the season.

1. Enforce an Appropriate “Dress Code”

It can be costly and difficult to heat a spacious warehouse, especially loading docks and other areas exposed to the outdoors. Employees should wear sweatshirts, coats and boots as well as accessories such as hats, gloves and thick socks.

Dressing in layers lets employees add and remove clothing as the temperatures dictate. Make sure draw strings, scarves and other items that can get caught in machinery are safely tucked away.

2. Stay Hydrated

Employees may be less likely to drink water when temperatures are low, but they still need to replenish electrolytes that are lost during physical activity. Have a ready supply of water on hand and let employees take frequent water breaks.

3. Stretch Regularly

Muscles tend to contract in cold weather, which increases vulnerability to strains and other injuries. Post information about effective stretching techniques and have employees stretch thoroughly before moving heavy objects.

4. Keep Floors and Workspaces Dry

It’s inevitable that moisture will be tracked in as employees come in and out.

– Keep outdoor walkways clear of snow and ice.

– Mop doorways and other damp areas before they become a problem.

– Use no-slip mats and “Wet Floor” signs to promote awareness of potential hazards.

DJ Products: Material Handling Equipment for All Seasons

DJ Products offers a full line of material handling equipment that improves workplace safety during any time of the year. Visit our website to learn more about our popular CartCaddyLite and other battery-powered material handling solutions.

How to Build a Culture Focused on Safety in Your Warehouse

Movers and Tuggers for Warehouses Keep Employees from Injury and Improve Safety

Have you integrated workplace safety into the overall culture of your warehouse? In addition to working with a material handling equipment supplier, use these tips to instill a safety-first mindset in your employees.

Making Safety a Priority in the Workplace

– All employees should receive training on each piece of equipment, even if they don’t use it regularly. Make sure training is an ongoing process, not simply a one-time-only session.

– Take every opportunity to let your employees know how much you value their safety, and they will follow your lead. Encourage them to watch out for themselves and each other and report any potential safety risks.

– Back up your words with visual reminders, which are absorbed more readily than speech. Post charts and graphics with information such as the number of days without incident.

– Create tangible incentives by running contests to reward specific safety behavior.

– Keep equipment properly maintained. Aisles and workspaces should be clean and clutter-free.

– OSHA requires companies to post occupational health and safety program information in a highly visible location. Go one step further and start a safety team that will proactively work toward maintaining a safe workplace.

– Enforce use of personal protection equipment such as goggles, helmets and work boots whenever necessary.

Reduce Injury Risk with Electric Movers from DJ Products

Most workplace injuries result from pushing, pulling and lifting of heavy materials. We offer a full line of battery-powered tugs and movers such as our popular CartCaddyShorty, which lets a single employee easily move loads of up to 3,000 pounds.

Visit our website and use our convenient online chat feature to learn why your search for a material handling equipment supplier begins and ends with DJ Products.

Safety – It’s All About Being Alert to Moving Equipment in the Warehouse

Forkift Safety is Crucial in Busy Warehouses

Is forklift safety a priority in your warehouse? A material handling equipment supplier like DJ Products can help you find effective options. Make sure your employees follow these guidelines for safe forklift use.

Forklift Safety Tips

– Don’t let unauthorized employees operate forklifts – no exceptions! OSHA specifies that only people 18 and over who have been properly trained and certified are allowed to drive a forklift.

– Know the recommended load limits for each forklift and make sure employees don’t exceed them.

– Before operating a forklift, visually inspect the exterior and test the mechanical function to ensure everything is in working order.

– Check the work area immediately around the forklift for obstructions and be alert to any obstacles along the way. Be particularly cautious with any blind spots.

– Make sure that employees and visitors to the workplace give forklifts a wide berth. If a pedestrian does cross the path, the forklift operator should stop and lower the load, resuming only after the pedestrian is completely out of the way.

– Never allow a forklift to block a stairway, exit or other points of access.

– While a forklift is in operation, the load shouldn’t be more than four inches off the ground. When the load is being lifted, no one should walk underneath.

– A running forklift should never be left unattended.

– In the event of problems, employees should immediately notify their supervisor.

DJ Products: Your Top Choice for a Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Our battery-powered movers such as our best-selling CartCaddyLite include ergonomic and safety features for maximum productivity with minimum injury risk. Call 800.686.2651 and let one of our cheerful sales engineers help you select the perfect solution for your application.

Warehouse Management And Productivity Tips Part Two

Our Productivity and Management Tips for Warehouse Managers

DJ Products is more than just your preferred material handling equipment supplier. We’re your source for the latest information and tips on warehouse management solutions.

Here are more ideas from experts on how to improve operations and maximize productivity.

Eliminate Dead Spots

Warehouse space is valuable. Use an asset tracking system to monitor how often items are picked. If an product is rarely picked, move it to drop-shipping and put a higher-turning item in the slot.

Streamline the Returns Process

Handling returns is one of the more cumbersome processes in a warehouse. Automate the procedure with a specialized returns system such as a warehouse management system (WMS).

Control Freight Costs

Many people accept freight charges as the cost of doing business, but few elements eat into profits as quickly. Talk to an experienced consultant who can offer helpful advice on negotiating better rates.

Re-Slot Pick Positions as Needed

Changing slot positions may seem inefficient, but it’s actually the opposite. Business is constantly changing, and your strategies need to change with it. Keeping items slotted correctly lets your employees make better use of their time.

Make Safety a Top Priority

Manpower is your greatest asset. Use industry safety regulations as a starting point, not an ending point. You should constantly be looking for ways to implement better safety practices.

Save Time and Money with Material Handling Solutions from DJ Products

Our battery-powered tugs, pushers and movers pay multiple dividends for warehouse efficiency. They let your employees accomplish more in less time while avoiding workplace injuries.

Visit our website and use the real-time chat feature for assistance from our friendly sales engineers. They’re one of the reasons why DJ Products is your first choice for a material handling equipment supplier.

Warehouse Management And Productivity Tips – Part One

Use Our Tips to Increase Warehouse Productivity

Warehouse managers understand the importance of having quality material handling equipment for maximum productivity. That’s only one of the numerous factors involved in efficient warehouse organization and operations.

Here are the top tips from industry experts for managing your warehouse with a focus on consistently high productivity levels.

Automate the Data Collection Process

With today’s sophisticated technology, there’s no reason for employees to collect data manually. Bar codes and radio frequency identification allow previously unattainable standards of accuracy, even when you’re dealing with tens of thousands of items.

Promote Company-Wide Information Sharing

Visibility has demonstrable effects on productivity. One supply executive at a large retailer noted that faster access to information can help produce a double-digit decrease in cycle times.

Use Bin Locations

Some in the industry believe that bin locations require keeping vendor lines together. In fact, bin locations let you locate items based on sales volume, reducing the amount of time needed to pick orders.

Assign Unique Tracking Numbers

It may seem like a no-brainer to track items by serial numbers, but these numbers can often be duplicated across assets. The end result is compromised data integrity and customer dissatisfaction.

Eliminate Procrastination

This is such a basic concept, but so few people adhere to it. Putting off tasks, no matter how insignificant they may seem, creates a ripple effect that can result in serious work disruptions.

DJ Products: The Leader in Material Handling Equipment for Every Need

Workplace injuries have a devastating impact on productivity and profitability. Our material handling equipment solutions are ergonomically designed to reduce the risk of injury from moving heavy loads and performing repetitive motions.

Visit our website to learn more from our friendly and knowledgeable sales engineers.

Plan Ahead to Boost Your Warehouse Productivity with Improved Skills and Training

Improve Efficiency in Your Warehouse with Training

Implementing tugger carts is a great way to improve day-to-day productivity in your warehouse. Providing proper training is crucial for maintaining a motivated and efficient workforce now and into the future.

Training a New Generation of Workers

Consider the example of CVS, one of the country’s largest pharmacy chains. Drug Store News recently reported that CVS plans to open a new training center in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, which is also home to a sizable number of military families.

The CVS Talent Connect Center will use virtual reality and other modern instructional methods to educate enrollees in retail, logistics, nursing and IT. In addition, students will get assistance in handling all phases of the hiring process.

Planning for the Future

According to Lisa Bisaccia, executive vice president and chief human resources officer of CVS Health, the healthcare industry will need an estimated 5.6 million workers by 2020. The skills taught at the Talent Connect Center will position enrollees to be highly desirable candidates to fill these jobs.

Trade magazine DC Velocity points out that effective training is a win-win situation for employers and employees. Workers enjoy an improved quality of life thanks to better job opportunities, while employers have a stable workforce of productive employees who are happy with their jobs.

Electric Tugger Carts from DJ Products

Reducing workplace injuries is another way to improve productivity. Our battery-powered tugger carts let employees transport loads up to 50,000 pounds safely and efficiently.

Visit our website and use the convenient online chat feature for real-time assistance from our friendly sales engineers. They’ll be happy to use their knowledge and experience to help you find the right solution for your specific needs.

What Supply Chain Trends are Being Driven by Cloud Technology?

Supply Chain Management is Moving to the Cloud

Businesses that have embraced cloud technology have a clear advantage over their competition. This is especially true in the area of supply chain management. Technology that is commonplace today was difficult for most people to believe possible just a few years ago.

By analyzing current supply chain trends that are driven by cloud technology you can get an idea of industry changes yet to come and position your business to stay ahead of competitors. Optimizing manual processes with modern material handling equipment should be a part of every business plan.

Improved security

Many company managers were reluctant to embrace cloud technology due to security concerns. They felt anytime data left the company’s premises it was placed at higher risk. The concern was understandable. Over the past few years, cloud providers have improved infrastructure security to comply with mandatory standards for HIPPAA, SOX, FedRAMP, and other regulatory agencies.

Smart robots

Assembly-line robots and other industrial robots have been in use for decades. Cloud technology is making it possible for these robots to work smarter and humans to work more efficiently alongside these artificially intelligent machines that are constantly learning. Modern robots can navigate complex work environments and improve the efficiency of order fulfillment and all other aspects of e-commerce.

Enhanced integration

According to a recent article by business.com, integrated organizations will outperform the competition going forward. Cloud technology makes it easier for companies to collaborate with their customers, business partners, and employees.

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is rapidly becoming commonplace in supply chain management. It allows people to better manage material handling equipment, warehouse inventory, and delivery truck routes. Cross-channel integration requires intra-organizational and inter-organizational reconfigurations along with a dedicated investment in the company’s IT department.

Stock-Taking by Drone Emerges in Futuristic Warehouses

Drones for the Futuristic Warehouse

Amazon made waves a few years ago when they announced ongoing development of Prime Air, their drone-based package delivery system. Also, their supply chain took another step toward full automation with the roll-out of the first autonomous inventory scanning and stock-taking system.

Drone-Based Inventory Management

Infinium Robotics is an award-winning start-up specializing in Unmanned Aerial Systems (AES) that incorporate drones. The company has spent three years working on Infinium Scan, a system specifically designed to address slow stock-checking turnover in warehouses.

After staging a series of progressive demonstrations for major warehouse operators, Infinium Robotics held the official debut of Infinium Scan at Bolloré Logistics, an international transport leader. Invited guests witnessed a live demonstration of the system in action.

Benefits of Infinium Scan

Due to its autonomous nature, Infinium Scan reduces the risk of theft while improving safety and accuracy. According to Infinium Robotics CEO Junyang Woon, the system increases productivity through precise indoor navigation and automated scanning, even to the highest reaches of the warehouse.

Global logistics giant DHL Group in Singapore hosted DHL Innovation Day to recognize current breakthroughs in warehouse technology. Infinium Scan received the award of “Most Valued Future Idea” out of a field of more than 140 entries, including some from DHL clients.

Boost Safety and Productivity with Warehouse Tugs and Pullers from DJ Products

Are workplace injuries affecting your company’s productivity? Electric warehouse tugs and pullers such as our popular CartCaddyShorty allow a single employee to easily maneuver loads weighing thousands of pounds.

Visit our website and let our friendly sales engineers help you find the best material handling equipment solutions for your applications.

What’s In Store for the “Smart” Warehouse of the Future?

The Smart Warehouse is Here!

Technology has been making inanimate objects like cell phones and appliances “smart,” and warehouses are part of the revolution. Companies who embrace the concept of smart warehouses today will reap the benefits of increased profitability in the future.

Robotics and Automation

For some time now, production and assembly tasks have been shifted to automated warehouse equipment, but some companies like Amazon are pushing the envelope and using machines for packing, shipping and other fulfillment services.

Customer Relationship Management

Customers certainly benefit from the improved accuracy and faster ship times that result from automation, and many companies are adopting chatbots to handle the initial order process and basic troubleshooting. But the personal touch hasn’t been eliminated altogether, as human intervention is still needed to solve more complex issues.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT is what allows you to shop and place orders from such diverse means as a smart phone and touch-screen kiosks. Industry 4.0, or the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), is the technology that’s creating self-contained automation, such as self-driving forklifts and order picking robots.

Seasonal Functionality

In the past, employees were forced to deal with seasonal workflows on top of normal day-to-day operations, which often meant sacrificing efficiency. Smart warehouses are better equipped to handle seasonal inventory without interrupting regular operations.

Material Handling Solutions for Smart Warehouses

Smart warehouses call for smart solutions to move heavy warehouse equipment safely and efficiently. DJ Products has a full line of electric tugs, pushers and movers to fit any application. Visit our website or call 800.686.2651 to learn more from our friendly sales engineers.

Tag: material handling equipment