Warehouse Management Archives

Tips to Negate the Effects of Inflation on Your Warehouse

Improving Warehouse Efficiency with a Motorized Trailer Dolly

Over the last two years, inflation rates in the United States have had consumers and business owners on a roller-coaster ride. Some distribution facilities have seen their spending increase by nearly one-third. Our experts at DJ Products, makers of the motorized trailer dolly, share tips for keeping inflation from playing havoc with your warehouse budget.

1. Revisit financing options.

Are you hampered by current equipment leases? Look into the possibility of renegotiating the financial terms.
Thanks to high demand, used equipment sells for as much as 50 percent of the cost of new equipment. Sell existing equipment and lease it back as needed.

2. Prioritize power and equipment maintenance.

How much are you spending to power forklifts and other fuel-driven equipment? Battery-powered material handlers such as our motorized trailer dolly can operate a full shift on a single charge.
As the saying goes, prevention is better than the cure. Regular maintenance checks extend the life of equipment by catching problems early, allowing you to get maximum value and forestalling the need for new equipment.
On the flip side, promptly replace any equipment that is beyond normal repairs. Using faulty equipment is throwing good money after bad. More importantly, employees are at risk for injuries, for which the costs are more than financial.

3. Focus on employee retention.

For most companies, labor is the one of the larger costs in the operating budget. Constant turnover negatively affects productivity due to lack of experienced workers and reduced morale.
Company culture is a significant factor in attracting and keeping first-rate talent. Employees interpret the use of defective or unsafe equipment as a lack of concern for workplace conditions and, by extension, their safety. Providing safe and effective equipment goes a long way toward fostering job satisfaction.

Save Money and Time with a Motorized Trailer Dolly

Our trailer dolly allows a single employee to do the work of two or more, while battery power makes them economical and eco-friendly. The electric yard truck is only one of our full line of tugs, movers, and pushers. Call 800.686.2651, where our cheerful Sales Engineers are ready to help find the best solution for your application.

Warehouse Automation Trends – Are You Ready?

The Future of Warehousing

Advancements in technology are leading to new and improved ways to automate warehouse processes and tasks. From the way fleets are managed to the way picking and packing is done, automation is making big strides in the industry. Using automation can help warehouse owners and managers increase productivity, boost safety, and fulfill orders more quickly and efficiently.

Keep in mind that investing in motorized solutions, such as an electric trailer dolly, and making use of automation tools can benefit warehouses even more. Learning about the latest automation trends can help you determine if your warehouse is ready.

Wireless Fleet Management

More and more warehouses are depending on wireless fleet management using the latest technological tools. Some of these systems use Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to manage warehouse vehicles. This kind of technology can provide real-time monitoring for safety purposes and detailed analytics for cost savings.

AI and IoT Analytics

The combined use of artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT analytics can help warehouses improve the way data is collected and analyzed. This helps provide more accurate predictive analytics for the purpose of improving logistics.

Mobile Robots

Some warehouses are already using robots to handle stationary tasks, such as sorting or inspecting items. Robots have also been handling picking and packing, which has helped speed up order fulfillment. Mobile robots, such as automated guided vehicles, are becoming more common in warehouses. These automated robots are able to handle multiple kinds of tasks with minimal training. In some cases, warehouses retrofit traditional forklifts for automated purposes during busy seasons. Afterwards, they restore forklifts to their traditional use.

Motorized Solutions

While automation can be beneficial, retrofitting forklifts and changing them back is a time-consuming task. Warehouse owners can instead invest in an electric or motorized trailer dolly. This type of dolly is safe and simple to operate and doesn’t require operators to have a special license. These trailer dollies can go a long way toward boosting operations in your warehouse.

If you’re interested in buying an electric trailer dolly to improve warehouse safety and productivity, please contact DJ Products. Our team can assist you in finding the right solution for your warehouse.

Driverless Trucks – Did They Change the Supply Chain as Expected?

It seems surreal to think that we’ve been talking so much about driverless trucks. Most of us probably never thought this could happen. But here we are, in a new day and age, and it is certainly happening whether we like it or not.

But, the question is, what changes have taken place since driverless trucks started being used more often? Has the supply chain been altered at all? These are the questions we’re here to answer today.

Why are Driverless Trucks Necessary?

The reality is that most accidents are caused by human negligence or errors. If you think about it, the number one problem today is distracted driving. When humans are removed from the equation, the number of accidents should go way down.

In addition, our country is facing a truck driver shortage that is unlike anything we’ve seen before. The drivers we do have tend to maintain about a 40% utilization factor within 24 hours. They are not able to drive as long as companies wish they could.

How Will the Supply Chain be Impacted?

Experts believe that the supply chain will be affected in three key areas:

*A Decrease in Distribution Centers – With so many trucks being able to travel much longer miles each day, fewer distribution centers will be necessary. The ones that remain may be further apart and much larger.

*Delivery Speed – Customers will be able to get their orders much faster than they did previously.

*Product Costs – Costs are expected to go down significantly, which is great for the market as a whole.

At DJ Products, we offer the best in terminal tractors and other products to help your company function at its best. If you have questions about our terminal tractors, contact us!

Tips on Managing Your Warehouse Work Force

Managing Your Warehouse Workforce

Managing material handling equipment involves not much more than following an established maintenance schedule. When it comes to managing your warehouse work force and operations, a wide range of variables comes into play.

Use these tips to keep your work force and operations running smoothly and efficiently.

Managing Employees

– Keep lines of communication open in both directions. Encourage employees to share questions or concerns freely so they can be addressed immediately, before they become more serious problems.

– Establish an effective training program for new hires. Both productivity and worker retention benefit when employees are confident in their job. Implement ongoing training and cross-training as needed.

– Conduct performance reviews on a regular basis. Reward outstanding performance and give employees a chance to improve their weaknesses.

– Success and failure are contagious. Don’t allow negative attitudes to get a foothold in the workplace. Let an employee go if he or she consistently demonstrates negative behavior.

Managing Operations

– Prioritize safety in your company’s culture. Keep all areas clean, organized and well-lit. Enforce safety regulations and post them in visible places throughout the warehouse.

– Order-picking is the most labor-intensive job in many warehouses. Review the process and solicit input from employees about making it more efficient.

– Meet with key staff members on a weekly or monthly basis to discuss new ideas, questions and problems.

– Successful companies embrace change. Don’t be afraid to implement new processes or material handling equipment when and where improvement is needed.

Material Handling Equipment for Today’s Warehouses

Are your employees still struggling to move heavy loads? Improve productivity and reduce workplace injuries with battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers from DJ Products. Get assistance from our friendly sales engineers with the convenient chat feature on our website.

Clear Your Dock with a Battery-Powered Trailer Mover

At loading docks, efficiency is crucial to maintaining productivity and profitability. Until now, warehouse managers had to depend on unreliable trailer shunters. The solution is a battery-powered trailer mover designed for maximum efficiency at the loading dock.

How a Battery-Powered Trailer Mover Can Help

The TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractor is a trailer moving tug powered by long-life batteries. It’s a reliable way to move anything from small boats and utility trailers to semi-trailers, heavy equipment, and ocean shipping containers. The TrailerCaddy increases efficiency because:

It’s always available to move trailers at a moments notice.
It’s maneuverable around tight spaces and busy yards, saving time and reducing accidents.
It does not require a CDL to operate, so any employee can use it with a minimal amount of training.
It eliminates the need for a professional shunting service.

Increased Maneuverability, Accessibility, and Efficiency

The TrailerCaddy is highly maneuverable. Requiring no special training to operate, the motorized trailer mover includes a high-tech speed controller and variable speed twist grip for simple operation. Maneuverability in tight spaces limits the potential for damage to equipment, parts, and cargo. It also features neutral throttle braking and adjustable acceleration and braking. An operator can drive it at up to three miles per hour; combined with precise steering control, this increases the efficiency of the battery power trailer dolly in numerous warehouse activities.

Control and safety are also improved with forward-facing control. Some models come with an optional air compressor and glad hand connector, which releases air brakes on trailers equipped with them. All models are highly maneuverable compared to a yard truck, so drivers can operate them safely in tight loading docks and yards.

Cost Savings

The TrailerCaddy requires little maintenance, further reducing costs on top of not requiring a shunt truck driver. It’s also a quarter the cost of a new shunt truck. Efficiency improvements alone mean instant cost savings, as it can be used at a moment’s notice in any warehouse or distribution center. You don’t have to staff a certified driver, nor do you have to pay for annual training, certification, and licensing for drivers—and you don’t need to rely on an outside shunting service; all loading and transport operations are managed in-house.

To learn more about boosting efficiency and saving money with a TrailerCaddy battery-powered trailer mover, call us at 800-686-2651 or request more information online.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Warehouse Organized from the Dock Forward

Efficiency Works Best When There is Proper Management and Organization.

In the trucking industry, nothing is worse than a disorganized warehouse. It can really slow down your company’s daily operations and put you dangerously behind schedule. But the good news is that there are ways to remedy this.

The right material handling equipment can help you in more ways than you probably realize. We’d like to offer some helpful organization tips that you can put to use right away.

Tips for Organizing Your Warehouse

Keeping your warehouse organized doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, by making a few simple changes you’ll notice that your daily operations will run much more smoothly.

Tip #1: Label everything. It might seem like you’re taking an extra step, but really, labeling everything as it comes through the door will save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

Tip #2: Keep any high velocity items in easy to reach places. This will help your workers stay more efficient and you’ll be much more likely to get orders out on time.

Tip #3: Finish all orders before the shift ends. It’s way too easy for orders to get lost or forgotten during shift changes. Make sure your workers have the time they need to get them all finished.

Tip #4: Implement regular cycle counts instead of waiting to do inventory at the end of the year. This one step can change everything for your business. You’ll be able to stay on top of any problems.

Tip# 5: Resolve to use the best in material handling equipment to keep things running efficiently. You might not know exactly what you need, but we can help you at DJ Products.

The best time to get organized is right now. Contact us for assistance!

Tips for Keeping Your Warehouse and Work Staff Safe in Cold Weather

Tips for Keeping Your Warehouse and Work Staff Safe in Cold Weather.

No matter how advanced and efficient your warehouse equipment is, it means nothing with no workers around to use it. Bad winter weather adds another layer to the everyday risk of workplace injuries.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes “cold stress” as a significant work-related danger during winter months. Here are some valuable tips to keep your workers warm and healthy as temperatures drop.

What Is “Cold Stress?”

According to OSHA, cold stress is a general term that encompasses a range of weather-related health concerns such as hypothermia, frostbite and trench foot. While OSHA maintains no specific regulations governing cold weather work, they do recognize an employer’s requirement to operate a workplace “free of recognized hazards.”

Winter-Related Illnesses

Winter months also bring the onset of colds and flu. Data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that companies lose $10.5 billion in medical costs and decreased productivity during flu season each year.

Tips to Prevent Cold-Related Injuries and Illnesses

– Educate employees about cold stress risk factors such as dressing improperly, working in wet clothes and consuming excessive caffeine.

– Implement radiant heaters and other engineering controls to keep the workplace warm.

– Schedule the bulk of work activities during warmer times of the day.

– Have supervisors monitor employees for signs of cold stress. If possible, assign workers in pairs.

– OSHA doesn’t require employers to provide coats, gloves and other winter wear, but many companies find it cost-effective to do so.

– Promote flu shots. Consider holding an on-site vaccination clinic or partnering with local pharmacies.

Count on Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

A safe workplace includes high-quality, effective warehouse equipment. Contact us to learn why our electric tugs, movers and pushers are the optimum solution for your warehouse.

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!

How to Keep Birds Away from Your Open Warehouse Dock Doors

Birds may think your material handling equipment makes attractive perches, but a warehouse is no place for our feathered friends. In addition to being a nuisance, birds can create serious safety risks and impact productivity.

Here are some expert recommendations for products to help prevent birds from entering your open warehouse dock doors.

Netting

Netting is a great way to block birds while still allowing doors to remain open. Mesh is available in different sizes to accommodate types of birds prevalent in your area, and material is flame-resistant, rot- and water-proof.

Vinyl Strip Doors

Vinyl strips come in both standard and custom sizes to fit any type of door, interior or exterior. The flat strips overlap to provide a secure barrier, but they’re flexible enough to allow passage for workers and material handling equipment.

Bird Repellent Gel

Bird repellent gel is non-toxic to both humans and birds. The transparent, odorless substance works by making surfaces too sticky for birds to land on. There are several brands on the market, and the gel is applied easily with a standard caulking gun.

Sonic Deterrents

Birds are subject to a number of natural predators. Sonic deterrents use pre-recorded calls from these predators to send birds off in search of safer quarters. This product is made with UV-protected materials so it’s weather-resistant, and it includes a handy volume control.

Spikes

Stainless steel bird spikes have blunt edges, so they don’t cause physical harm. It’s simply more awkward for birds to land on a surface with spikes attached. The plastic base strips are flexible enough to allow mounting on curved or contoured surfaces.

Contact DJ Products for Your Material Handling Equipment Needs

Call 800.686.2651 to learn more about our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers.

Five Summer Warehouse Staffing Tips

Is your business staffed and equipped to handle the holiday crunch? From Valentine’s Day to Christmas, every industry has its busy seasons. Now’s the time to start staffing and determining your need for material handling equipment – before mistakes that lead to shipment issues and injuries ruin your reputation.

Five Staffing Tips for Managing Seasonal Operations Employees:

1. Bring back the best.
Stay in contact with the best holiday workers from previous seasons, contacting them by phone, text or postcard to invite them to return. Bonus: These workers are already trained. Be sure to note the potential for a year-round position for top-performing candidates to encourage returns. A system based on attendance, productivity, and teamwork (over seniority) can fuel performance.

2. Enlist a skilled staffing agency.
A strong partnership with a temp agency can help you build your staffing resources. Look for providers who can supply you with workers in hours, if necessary. Aim to be a business BFF to top agencies to ensure top-quality employees. Keep staffing agencies on-point with a list of busy seasons, giving them as much notice for temporary labor as possible.

3. Involve team leaders with hiring.
Team-up with HR. You need more than warm bodies to build a skilled team.

4. Try a trial run.
Have test runs several times before peak season, identifying top performers and requesting their services for holiday spikes.

5. Pay well.
Pay rates above minimum wage are a huge motivator, weeding out those who don’t want to work in favor of quality staffers.

Stocked up on staff? Ensure both new and seasoned and employees have the material handling equipment they need for success. Prevent injuries and streamline your shipping operation with the help of DJ Products today.

Tag: Warehouse Management