warehouse equipment Archives - Page 4 of 11

Top Safety Tips for Your Warehouse – A Great Review

As the warehouse industry gains new facilities in response to the demands of online retailing, companies are taking on inexperienced workers to fill their staffs. Employee onboarding should include training on warehouse equipment as well as appropriate safety tips.

There are basic safety procedures that apply to all warehouses regardless of size and products handled. Protect new and experienced employees by incorporating these safety tips in your company culture.

Top Tips to Prioritize Warehouse Safety

– Safety training is essential for all new hires, but it should also be ongoing to ensure that workers stay current with policies and protocol. Specific areas of focus include warehouse equipment operation, handling of hazardous materials and emergency procedures.

– Is your warehouse organized for optimum safety? Review workflows periodically and make any necessary adjustments to maintain a logical layout.

– Cluttered aisles, dirty warehouse equipment and liquid spills are unsightly and pose serious injury risks. In addition, a sloppy warehouse affects morale and leads to decreased efficiency. Establish cleaning checklists and schedules for all workstations.

– Fire detection and extinguishing systems are set by building codes, but additional measures may be required if hazardous or flammable materials are stored in your warehouse. All fire escape routes should be clearly marked and kept free of obstructions.

– Employees are involved in the day-to-day operations of the warehouse, putting them in a good position to identify hazards that may develop over time. Instruct supervisors to maintain transparent channels of communication with workers so they feel comfortable reporting any problems.

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Tips for Removing Grease from Concrete Floors in Your Warehouse

Have you ever struggled to remove stubborn grease stains from laundry? Oil and other fluids from warehouse equipment cause the same problem in porous concrete floors. The difference is that greasy floors in the workplace are a serious safety hazard.

Fortunately, the floor isn’t doomed. Protect your workers from slip-and-fall accidents by using these tips to remove grease from concrete warehouse floors.

Removing Grease from Sealer

A sealer is often applied to the surface of concrete floors to help prevent liquids from penetrating. If there is a sealer on the warehouse floor, it’s difficult to tell just by sight whether the grease is trapped in the sealer or it’s actually seeped through into the concrete.

Remove the sealer with a citrus and soy oil-based stripper, taking care to ventilate the area and use personal protective equipment. If the underlying surface is clean, simply reseal the floor.

Removing Grease from Concrete

You may find that the grease stain has migrated into the concrete, or perhaps your warehouse floor doesn’t have a sealer in the first place. In that case, most commercial cleaners and solvents will loosen the grease particles.

Once that’s done, there are a couple of options for removing the stain.

– Wipe the area with cotton rags soaked with solvent.

– Steam-clean the floor and scrub with a degreaser.

After the floor has been thoroughly cleaned, coat with a grease-resistant sealer. Consider adding a top coat of finishing wax for easy maintenance and greater protection.

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Plan Ahead for Cold Weather by Winterizing Your Warehouse Now

Winter is on the way and warehouses are more vulnerable to cold temperatures than most workplaces. Employees and warehouse equipment alike can suffer decreased productivity without appropriate seasonal preparations.

Don’t leave your warehouse “out in the cold” this year. Use this checklist to plan a successful winterizing strategy for all operations.

Winterizing Your Warehouse

• Forewarned is forearmed. Walk through the warehouse from one end to the other looking for potential trouble spots. Pay special attention to areas that have had past problems.

• Stock up on snow shovels, de-icing products, first aid supplies and other necessary winter materials. Store them in a spot that’s readily accessible to all employees.

• Develop a contingency plan to allow for short-handed days due to weather or illness.

• Have the HVAC system inspected to make sure it’s in good working order and head off any unexpected breakdowns.

• Check plumbing for leaks and make sure to properly insulate any exposed pipes.

• Schedule regular cleanings of drains and gutters to prevent overflow.

• Keep docks, walkways, vehicle paths and workspaces clear of snow and ice.

• Check seals on doors to keep the heat in and cold out. Consider installing air curtains or high-speed doors to limit exposure to the elements.

• Compensate for shorter daylight hours by adding light sources as needed.

• Provide cold-weather gear for workers and keep additional sets on hand.

• Designate a heated area for lunches and breaks.

• Have a meeting for all employees to discuss winter safety tips. Review the signs and symptoms of frostbite and other weather-related health concerns.

Warehouse Equipment for Year-Round Needs

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Warehouse Technology Trends for 2018

How are Warehouse Operations Changing ?

Will driverless trucks be making their way to your warehouse docks anytime soon? As technology constantly improves, material handling equipment and supply chain procedures reach levels that were once considered a distant dream.

So what changes can you look forward to in the near future? Experts weigh in on the top warehouse technology trends of 2018.

DIY Last-Mile Deliveries

Customers are demanding faster delivery times, leaving retailers scrambling to stay competitive without increasing costs. Industry giants such as Amazon and Walmart have begun handling last-mile deliveries in-house, with other companies following suit in order to save the expense of third-party delivery services.

Shift to Regional Warehouses

Expedited delivery has also made warehouse location more strategic than ever. Companies around the world, once again led by Amazon, are moving from large warehouse hubs to smaller regional warehouses. In addition to putting product closer to delivery points, these smaller facilities get approved more quickly and they’re easier to build.

Rise in Cybersecurity Concerns

Safety has always been a major concern in warehouses, but now managers are in the position of protecting something they can’t even see. As more data is collected and stored in warehouse management systems and other digital applications, companies are looking for solutions to eliminate electronic poaching of proprietary information.

Experimentation with Alternate Logistics Options

Innovations in technology are encouraging companies to experiment with unconventional logistics methods. In addition to the aforementioned driverless trucks, drone delivery and robotic workers are just two of the high-tech options being tested.

Time-Tested Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

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Tips to Protect Your Warehouse Employees and Boost Performance

All warehouse managers strive to optimize productivity, but unfortunately some let good safety practices fall to the wayside in pursuit of their goal. Our industrial tugs are one way to increase efficiency without sacrificing safety.

Don’t let costly injuries offset valuable productivity gains in your warehouse. Use these expert tips to help employees be more effective while avoiding common risks of workplace injury.

Conduct Ongoing Safety Training

Regular safety training enables proper procedures to become second nature with employees and demonstrates your commitment to a culture of workplace safety. Include training as part of the onboarding process and hold periodic refresher courses. Test managers and supervisors to make sure they’re setting a good example.

Post Instructions for Safety and Emergency Procedures

Reinforce safety training by posting checklists and visual aids in prominent places around the workplace. Topics can include:

– How to handle hazardous materials

– Recommended lifting techniques

– Machine and equipment operating instructions

Provide Quality Personal Protective Equipment

Have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) on hand and readily available. Establish an inspection schedule and immediately replace any PPE that shows signs of wear and tear.

Invest in Safety Amenities

Supplement PPE use with warehouse features and add-ons that contribute to a safe environment. Industrial tugs, generous lighting, guard rails and ergonomic workstations are just some of the extras that can be easily incorporated in a warehouse for maximum results.

Perform Safety Audits

Create daily, weekly and monthly checklists of items and details to be inspected and verified.

Combine Safety and Productivity with Industrial Tugs

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As More Warehouses Are Built, Managers Find Skilled Workers Harder to Find

Skilled Warehouse Staff is Becoming Hard to Find

As online shoppers demand faster and less expensive shipping, it’s created a warehouse boom in several parts of the country. Companies are investing in high-tech facilities and state-of-the-art warehouse equipment to provide an elite level of customer service.

Unfortunately, there’s a downside to this seeming success story. While the number of warehouses grows, it’s become increasingly hard for employers to find enough qualified people to staff them.

The Shrinking Labor Force in Warehousing and Logistics

The problem is readily apparent in the Midwest, where many companies are locating their distribution centers to be close to a larger segment of the public. One example is Cincinnati-based Proctor & Gamble, which recently opened a mile-long facility not far from Dayton International Airport.

According to P&G’s Jeff LeRoy, the entire warehouse is digital, allowing them to get product to the customer in less than 48 hours. But LeRoy adds that the influx of warehouses is making competition for employees tougher, with the biggest demand coming for jobs that robots are still unable to do.

How to Beat the Competition for Qualified Workers

In order to attract qualified applicants, P&G is offering a starting wage of $15 per hour, which is more than $5 higher than the area standard for low-skilled warehouse jobs. LeRoy says that as automation becomes more integrated in supply chain and logistics, future workers will require a different set of skills.

Mark Cohen of Columbia Business School says that communities need to support programs to develop these new skill sets. Ohio Governor John Kasich is also urging companies to better align training programs.

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Warehouses Will Never Profit Using a Gig Economy Model with Employees

Are You Burning Money?

Your company pays close attention to the money invested in quality warehouse equipment. But as today’s gig economy changes the traditional concept of a workplace, how much are you willing to invest in your employees?

Are Warehouse Workers Truly Expendable?

While labor is the largest expense in the warehouse industry, workers are often viewed as easily replaceable commodities. In fact, experts recommend taking the opposite approach and treating employees as your company’s most valuable asset.

With factors such as increased competition creating a sharply reduced labor pool, it’s more important than ever to consider the environment you create for your employees. A worker who feels appreciated puts forth a better effort and is more likely to internalize a company’s mission and goals.

Starbucks: A Culture of Employee Appreciation

Starbucks has maintained an enviable track record of success in the face of stiff competition. While cashiers and baristas are not highly skilled positions, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz firmly believes that these customer-facing associates are indispensable to the company’s success.

More importantly, Schultz backs up his philosophy with action. Starbucks employees receive a generous benefits package that includes stock options and free college tuition.

Efficient warehouse operations depend on workers who pay attention to details and keep the customer in mind. It’s hard to maintain that level when employees are passing through a revolving door. Why not make it worthwhile for associates to share your vision and culture?

Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products: Tools for Success

Employees work harder when they’re given the training and tools to succeed. Our battery-powered warehouse equipment takes the drudgery out of the toughest jobs and reduces the risk of workplace injuries.

Visit our website and use the handy online chat feature to learn more.

New Cold Storage Warehouse Construction Focuses on Technology and Regionalization

Changes Are Coming to Warehouse Construction.

While our industrial tugs are sturdy and versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of uses, cold storage warehouses and distribution centers are subject to factors different from those that affect other types of facilities.

What trends are currently shaping cold storage warehouse construction? Here’s a look at six major topics that are influencing the industry today.

1. A Shift to Regional Distribution Centers

Online shopping has expanded the reach of smaller brands, but companies can’t afford to sacrifice freshness of product to meet delivery demands. As a result, many sellers are creating smaller, locally-based distribution centers that are supplied by redistribution services.

2. Upgrades in Employee Amenities

The shrinking labor pool and harsh working conditions make cold storage warehouse jobs difficult to fill. Companies are implementing perks such as onsite meals and recreation to make employment more attractive.

3. Acquisitions

As in many industries, larger cold storage companies with more resources are buying up smaller ones. With more at stake, these companies are prioritizing high standards and streamlined operations.

4. Technology

Improvements in technology allow for better accuracy and efficiency in every stage of cold storage facilities, from design and construction to day-to-day operations.

5. Threat of Steel Tariffs

Steel is used extensively throughout cold storage facilities, so it’s no surprise that tariffs would cause higher costs and delayed construction.

6. Packaged Refrigeration

Packaged refrigeration is a part of a green initiative that many cold storage facilities are incorporating to move away from ozone-depleting refrigerants.

Industrial Tugs for All Uses

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Modern Warehouse Operations – Are You Ready?

How Can We Better Approach the Evolving World of Warehouses in the Digital Era?

In the past, warehouses have traditionally centered around physical labor and manual processes. Today, technology has been making its presence felt in sophisticated warehouse equipment and operational methods.

Here are five major trends that are currently shaping the direction of modern warehouse operations.

Big Data

Technology gives warehouse management access to an unprecedented amount of data. With careful and efficient analysis, this data can enable a greater degree of accuracy in functions such as predicting customer demand and identifying areas that need improvement.

Driverless Vehicles and Autonomous Equipment

Automatic guided vehicles (AGV), the first wave of driverless vehicles, have limited movement and require significant human intervention. The field is transitioning to semi-autonomous vehicles, which will eventually give way to fully autonomous vehicles that operate entirely on their own.

Autonomous equipment ranges from conveyor systems and scales to automated storage solutions. In the next three to five years, many warehouses will make significant moves to integrate robotics for tasks such as order picking and palletizing.

Mobile Devices

While mobile technology has been implemented in warehouses for more than 10 years, it’s been restricted to RFID and handheld barcode readers. Tablets and smartphones are familiar to nearly everyone, so it’s been a natural process to bring these devices into the warehouse industry.

Internet of Things (IoT)

With the influx of available data, IoT facilitates collection by tracking and coordinating the relevant warehouse equipment.

Cloud Computing

As mobile devices become a bigger part of warehouse operations, their low cost of ownership and small IT footprint have made cloud technology an effective solution.

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New Trends Appearing in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Trends to Watch

Do you have the right material handling equipment to keep up with industry changes? MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) are merging. To meet changing operations, such as warehouses taking on manufacturing roles, tighter/leaner order requirements and ever-faster shipping expectations, new trends are emerging, syncing WMS and MES to allow for real-time knowledge of materials flow and finished goods status.

Smaller, More Frequent Work in Progress (WIP) Replenishment

Instead of large production runs and big loads, e-commerce bigwigs are trending toward smaller production runs and more frequent replacement. Since MES governs production, and WMS governs inventory/material movement, these two systems must work in synchronization to ensure accurate inventory levels and safeguard shipping times.

More Value-Added Services

WMS vendors are moving toward increased manufacturing/customization capabilities, completing assembly/customization with key components which are later assembled in manufacturing areas of warehouses. Here, the synchronization of WMS and MES are key, ensuring ‘just in time’ (JIT) replenishment by supplying a dynamic ‘shopping list’ of what needs to move into assembly centers, and when. This JIT replacement cuts WIP inventory space on the warehouse floor as much as 95%, dramatically streamlining operations.

Integrating WCS with WMS

Integrating WMS with Warehouse Control System software, which controls automated materials handling equipment, offers access to real-time data from automation processes. This facilitates material movements into/out-of manufacturing work centers, prevents disruptions/bottlenecks, identifies them, adjusts the movement of material to adapt to the situation, and prevents (and potentially predicts) further issues.

Increased Use of Robotics

The integration of WMS and MES can also help users more precisely manage fleets of autonomous mobile robots, fine-tuning operations and optimizing routes from storage to shipment.

What’s moving your business? Find the material handling equipment you need at DJ Products today.

Tag: warehouse equipment