Warehouse Equipment Supplier Archives

September Warehouse Cleaning Tips

Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that there were close to three million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in 2016. Using quality warehouse equipment such as our electric industrial tugs is one way to reduce such incidents. Maintaining a clean workplace is another.

With the busy holiday season approaching, September is a great time to improve the cleanliness of your warehouse. Use this checklist to make good housekeeping habits part of the company culture.

Create a Schedule

It’s easier and more efficient to clean on a regular basis than it is to let dirt, debris and trash build up until clean-up is a difficult, time-consuming job. Create a schedule and assign responsibilities, either by warehouse area or specific duties.

Empty Trash Bins

Full trash bins force employees to find other means of disposal, which can result in littered aisles and workspaces. Make sure bins are emptied before they reach the point of overflow.

Keep Cleaning Supplies Easily Accessible

If cleaning supplies aren’t readily available, workers will be more likely to put off cleaning until it’s “convenient.” Keep appropriate supplies on hand in several locations around the warehouse.

Avoid Aged Inventory

Out-of-date stock that sits in one place for a long time is a magnet for dust. Keep accurate records and make plans to dispose of aged inventory, such as donating to charity or selling at a reduced cost.

Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle

Operating a “green” warehouse contributes to workplace cleanliness, saves money and demonstrates your commitment to environmental responsibility.

Promote Workplace Safety with Industrial Tugs from DJ Products

Our industrial tugs are clean, eco-friendly and designed to reduce risk of workplace injuries. Visit our website and use the convenient chat feature to learn more from our cheerful sales engineers.

Innovations in Warehouse Automation Allows Less to Do More

Our battery-powered industrial tugs let a single worker complete tasks that usually take at least two people. What is the fewest number of employees it takes to conduct day-to-day operations in your warehouse?

Amazingly, a warehouse in China is processing 200,000 orders per day with only four human employees, who principally service the robots performing the actual work. Is this wholesale conversion to automation a sign of things to come?

Warehouse Automation from Start to Finish

JD.com is a massive e-commerce company that is China’s largest retailer in terms of revenue. Due to JD.com’s continued growth, the company nearly doubled its warehouse space between Q1 2017 and Q1 2018.

The warehouse in question is located in Kunshan, just outside of Shanghai. A complex, fully automated network including conveyors, image scanners and driverless forklifts handles the entire process from receiving to shipping.

Meeting Expectations of a Demanding Customer Base

While JD.com has a firm foothold in China’s major cities, the company believes its automated fulfillment center will allow it to expand into more remote areas. JD.com expects to provide same-day delivery service anywhere in China when orders are placed by 11 a.m.

In order to satisfy demanding Chinese consumers, JD.com and its closest competitor, Alibaba, are constantly seeking ways to make supply chains faster and more efficient. One solution is moving repetitive tasks from a human workforce to robotic workers.

Save Time and Labor with Electric Industrial Tugs

Are you also looking for ways to optimize the supply chain in your warehouse? With industrial tugs from DJ Products, a single employee can move loads weighing thousands of pounds, freeing others to attend to more important jobs.

Visit our website and chat with one of our helpful sales engineers for more information.

Three Tips to Improving the Bottom-Line at Your Warehouse

Improve the Bottom-Line in Your Warehouse Operation

In the highly competitive warehouse and distribution center industry, it’s more important than ever to minimize expenses and maximize profitability. Our electric material handling equipment helps you allocate valuable manpower more efficiently.

But that’s just a start. Here are some expert tips to reduce costs and optimize your bottom line.

Incorporate a Warehouse Management System (WMS)

How much do you really know about the effectiveness of individual employees? If you’re still using time cards and other old-school methods, the answer is, “not much.”

Warehouse management systems with labor management functionality offer reporting at a granular level that provides unprecedented amounts of data. All the information you need to spot problems is right at your fingertips.

Reduce Excess and Obsolete Inventory

– Discounts available with buying in bulk may be tempting, but it can actually be counterproductive due to increased storage costs. Review the warehouse layout and make any necessary changes to improve space utilization.

– Obsolete inventory also ties up capital and renders warehouse space unprofitable. Slow-moving items can be donated to charity, sold at a discount or disposed of in other creative ways that don’t result in a total loss.

Conduct Ongoing Tech Training

Access to technology isn’t enough. Workers need adequate training to ensure that they’re getting full functionality from tablets, scanners and other devices.

Establish a training program for both current and new employees. Online learning systems allow hands-on training and reduce costs of live training sessions.

DJ Products: Your Top Choice for Material Handling Equipment

Labor is your number one expense. Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers offer two-fold savings with more efficient manpower allocation and reduced workplace injuries.

Visit our website and chat with our friendly sales engineers to find the best solution for your specific needs.

Tips for Improving Warehouse Picking Accuracy

Thanks to the Internet, today’s customers are savvier than ever. As a result, they have increasingly higher expectations for their buying experience. Top-of-the-line warehouse equipment helps improve productivity, but your employees are the key to greater efficiency.

Order picking is a time-consuming but vital part of warehouse operations. Experts offer the following tips to boost accuracy without sacrificing time.

Set Goals and Track Results

Employees can better focus their efforts when they know what’s expected. Set accuracy goals and track them faithfully so you can pinpoint and address problems before they grow out of hand.

Review the Process from Beginning to End

A problem at any stage of order picking creates a ripple effect that affects the entire process. Carefully review each step to identify any roadblocks.

Count, Recount and Count Again

Even the most effective order pickers make mistakes. As often as possible, count before and after picking, and have shippers and packers reconfirm counts. The time spent is more than offset by savings in returns, accurate inventory data and customer satisfaction.

Embrace Automation Wherever Possible

Automated warehouse solutions have become the norm rather than the exception. You may think you can’t afford to modernize your systems, but you’re even less able to afford losing customers to tech-friendly competitors.

Reduce Walking and Worker Fatigue

Walking adds time to order picking and causes workers to tire, resulting in a slower pace. Optimize product slotting and incorporate solutions such as carton flow racks to reduce travel time.

Conserve Manpower with Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

Do you lose valuable manpower hours having to assign multiple employees to physical tasks? With our eco-friendly tugs, pushers and movers, a single worker can move loads weighing thousands of pounds.

Call 800.686.2651 for more information.

Should You Relax Your Warehouse Staff Drug Testing Policies?

For several decades, pre-employment drug testing has been standard procedure in a wide range of industries. It’s been especially important in supply chain and logistics, with its use of warehouse equipment that requires clear minds and steady hands to operate.

During the last few years, some companies have begun limiting drug tests or eliminating them altogether. Is it time for you to consider relaxing your drug testing policies?

New Perspectives on Drug Use

In the big picture, attitudes toward drugs have been changing throughout the country. As of 2018, marijuana is legal in nine states as well as Washington, DC, giving more than 20 percent of adults the freedom to smoke it.

What’s more relevant for the supply chain and logistics industry is the tight labor market that’s further constricted by drug testing. According to a survey conducted by the Federal Reserve last year, inability of applicants to pass a drug test was included as one of the major obstacles to finding qualified candidates.

Does Recreational Drug Use Matter?

This claim is backed up by the fact that the number of failed drug tests reached a historic level in 2017. Experts predict that totals will continue to rise with the spread of state-legalized marijuana.

Some companies are adopting the attitude that what employees do on their personal time is irrelevant. Relaxed drug testing policies also allow companies to hire the best candidate for the job instead of issuing blanket rejections based on recreational drug use.

Warehouse Equipment that Improves Workplace Safety

Workplace injuries are a costly drain on productivity. Our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers are designed to let a single employee move heavy loads with less risk of musculoskeletal or repetitive-motion injuries.

Visit our website for more information.

Material Handling Industry Trends to Watch for 2018

As your preferred material handling equipment supplier, we stay on top of the latest supply chain news and information. Here are five trends to watch for in the upcoming year concerning forklifts and other essential warehouse equipment.

Energy-Efficient Equipment

Electrically-powered material handling equipment is becoming increasingly popular in warehouses and distribution centers. Battery life under optimum conditions is approximately eight hours, which is enough to carry through a full shift. Top efficiency prevents costly downtime due to charging batteries.

Non-Marking Tires

Customer service is one of the biggest selling points for any warehouse. Black rubber dust that settles onto products is cause for dissatisfaction. Non-marking tires also help maintain clean warehouses, which in turn improves worker safety.

Compact Equipment Size

As business increases, more material moves through your warehouse. Demand is increasing for forklifts and other equipment that combine superior lifting and moving capacity with a less bulky profile.

Worker Safety

When you’re looking for ways to reduce costs, workplace injury claims rise to the top of the list. Modern material handling equipment incorporates ergonomic controls and other safety features to reduce the risk of on-site injuries.

Equipment Management

Maximizing equipment life is another way to control costs. Warehouses are using sophisticated systems to compile and analyze data in order to determine maintenance schedules that get the most out of equipment.

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

Want to keep up with the latest trends in material handling equipment? Battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers from DJ Products, such as our best-selling CartCaddyLite, check all these boxes and more.

Visit our website and use the handy on-line chat feature, where our sales engineers are standing by to help you find the right solution for your application.

Tips to Cool Down Your Overheated Warehouse in August

How to Get Cool in August

Some cultures have the traditional siesta to cope with the dog days of summer, but companies don’t have that luxury. How do you keep the heat from affecting your employees, warehouse equipment and inventory?

Use these helpful tips to keep your warehouse cool and you’ll have it made in the shade.

Monitor Warehouse Temperature

Cooling a warehouse is much different than cooling an office building.

– Ensure that the building is sufficiently insulated.

– Supplement air conditioning with ceiling or industrial fans if necessary.

– Shut off any machinery that’s not in use.

Use Appropriate Supplies

Thermal labels and other warehouse supplies can malfunction during times of extreme heat. Review the supplies used in your warehouse to determine where alternative products are required.

Maintain Proper Inventory Control

Avoid carrying excess inventory, which increases the chances of spoilage. Even if products are not heat-sensitive, too much stock can prevent optimum airflow within the warehouse.

Invest in Dehumidifiers

Moisture in the air makes it heavier, which raises the perceived heat levels. Dehumidifiers remove moisture and make air conditioning more efficient.

Keep Doors and Exits Closed

When doors and gates are constantly opening, it lets cold air out and hot air in. Consider installing curtains or strip doors on exits that are used frequently.

Prevent Heat Exhaustion

High temperatures can lead to negative effects ranging from low morale to heat stroke. Provide frequent breaks and plenty of water so workers can stay cool and hydrated, and educate employees on the symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Beat the Heat with Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

Moving heavy loads in excess heat increases the chance of workplace injuries. Visit our website to learn how our electric warehouse equipment increases productivity, even during hot weather, while reducing injury risk.

Amazon Warehousing Contractor Pays Out $1.9 Million in Wage Settlement

Amazon Contractor Pays Large Settlement

As your preferred material handling equipment supplier, DJ Products recognizes the importance of providing warehouse employees with good working conditions. Cities and states have specific laws to ensure that workers are treated fairly and honestly.

Unfortunately, such was not the case with a SoCal-based logistics contractor and a group of staffing companies who were faced with allegations of labor law violations. What led to their recent proposed settlement totaling nearly $2 million?

Dodging Regulations to Cut Expenses?

In 2014, a group of workers at a Los Angeles-owned storage facility filed a class action lawsuit against California Cartage Co., which includes Amazon among its clients, as well as several staffing firms. Allegations included:

– Violations of the state’s minimum wage law and L.A.’s “living wage” statute

– Insufficient break periods during times of exceedingly hot weather

– Retaliatory measures against employees who raised objections

While Amazon was not a party to this action, the company has had to answer several lawsuits alleging violations ranging from inadequate safety precautions to non-payment of overtime wages.

Seeking Justice for Wronged Workers

The California Cartage case involved a question of whether workers who filed suit were covered by a policy that applies the “living wage” statute to companies leasing municipal property. In 2016, a judge ruled that the defendant companies were exempt from the policy.

The judge did allow the retaliation suit to move forward, and the defendants were found to have conducted illegal interrogations and threatened employees who took action. A final approval hearing for the $1.9 million settlement is scheduled for October 25.

Eco-Friendly Tugs, Movers and Pushers from DJ Products

Are you looking for a material handling equipment supplier that can provide solutions to your specific productivity and safety needs? Call 800.686.2651 for more information.

The Future of the Warehouse – Mobile Robotic Order Pickers

Every year the threat of work-related injuries is disconcerting for the millions of warehouse workers and employers that drive our economy. Tens of billions of dollars are spent by employers annually to address work-related accidents. Technological advances that have been introduced to the business industry are offering life-changing solutions to address mounting safety concerns. It’s easy to open the door to new safer working conditions when robotics plays a key role in bettering your workplace environment and your manufacturing capabilities.

The Best in Material Handling Equipment

Mobile robotic order pickers are quickly becoming the new normal in warehouses. Repetitive motion is a common cause of labor force injuries. Robotic machinery is even now being programmed to organize, pick and move hard-to-reach orders in warehouses across the world. The right robotics can alleviate any excessive strenuous labor your dedicated workforce engages in. At DS Products, we offer the benefits of complex machines to complete tasks that wear on our employees and their physical capacities. Material handling equipment such as these product types below allow enterprising companies to expand production and keep loyal workers from overexertion:

*Industrial Cart Movers

*Bin Pullers

*Aircraft Tow Tugs

*Trailer, Vehicle and Equipment Movers

Running On Robotics

Reaching for packages on high shelves while using ladders or other precarious means can be dangerous. In fact, falls from high places on the job were in the top 10 causes of work injuries. Robotic machinery such as pullers, pushers or various movers is time-saving and allows your employees to expend their energy on more important tasks without the threat of incurring minor or life-altering injuries.

Peruse DJ Products today to find quality material handling equipment that uses technology to counteract safety concerns and unneeded expense.

Summer Tips to Keep Your Staff Cool in an Un-Air-conditioned Warehouse

Summer is quickly approaching and with it comes rising temperatures. For warehouse employees who are diligently working inside, summer months are something to dread. Spacious work areas are difficult to warm and extremely expensive to cool. So how can employees and their conscientious employers gain some relief from the heat? Check below for a few easy-smart heat-battling tips!

Prepping for the Heat

Extreme heat conditions are trying on the body in any environment, and especially on the job. In buildings that are vulnerable to intense temperatures, your employees often battle exhaustion, dehydration and other trying ailments related to heat. On the business side, difficult working conditions lower productivity and increase the potential for threatening and costly safety issues. Here are some summer heat solutions you can implement to create better on-the-job experiences for your hard-working base:

– Make sure to inspect the insulation. If the warehouse building is properly insulated, heat can’t find its way in quite as easily.

– Add ceiling fans. They are affordable options that allow for good air flow to permeate large areas.

– Fight humidity. By running dehumidifiers, removed moisture often brings instant cooling relief.

– Inform your workers of heat dangers. Knowledge is an elemental factor in preventing dangerous accidents. Self-awareness plays a part in lessening the chances of incurring injury related to high heat levels.

– Purchase durable material handling equipment. High-functioning material handling equipment performs well in various temperatures. Heat wreaks havoc on machines that run too hot. Hot machinery produces excessive heat. The right products simplify worker tasks rather than create more troublesome problems.

Ensure good working conditions continue by employing the proper preventative procedures. And when you utilize quality material handling equipment like those offered by DJ Products, productivity and employee morale will increase!

Tag: Warehouse Equipment Supplier