Warehouse Technology Archives

Top Warehouse and Business Disrupters to Be Watching in 2019

Warehousing Trends to Watch

Warehouses are always in need of efficient equipment such as industrial tugs, but ever-evolving digital technology creates a flow of disruptions that affect small and mid-sized businesses (SMB). These disrupters have been particularly fast and furious over the last 20 years.

Here are some of the top SMB disruptors experts anticipate over the next year. Is your warehouse prepared for change?

Data Ethics

When it comes to data collection, technology has been a double-edged sword. Companies have unprecedented amounts of information at their fingertips, but customers fear excessive intrusions into their privacy. Create a formal and specific data usage policy and make sure it’s clearly communicated to customers.

Machine Learning

Machine learning is essentially an inversion of traditional computer programming. Instead of hard-coding logic into software, engineers define the results they’re looking for and the machine algorithm works backwards to determine its own logic. Most internal and customer-facing SMB software programs are expected to integrate machine learning by 2020.

Conversational User Interfaces

Conversational user interfaces such as chatbots have already revolutionized customer-facing functions, but they’re increasingly being used for internal processes as well. Examples include virtual employee onboarding and online knowledge management systems.

Blockchain

At this point, blockchain is associated primarily with cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. The underlying technology, in which data transactions are linked and recorded on a public network, is being adapted for applications like ensuring product quality along every step in the supply chain.

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New Smart Warehouse Technologies to Embrace in 2019

New Smart Technologies to Embrace

Technology has made devices such as phones “smart,” and now it’s doing the same with warehouses. There are a number of sophisticated tools available to help you increase productivity of employees and material handling equipment.

So when it comes to implementing these processes, where do you start? Experts recommend these must-have technologies as ones that will make the greatest impact.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

If you don’t already have a WMS in place, you’re behind the curve. These systems let you review large amounts of data in an organized fashion, making it easier to anticipate and plan for changes. A WMS also coordinates well with other technologies to serve as an information hub.

Automated Picking Tools

Fewer issues will annoy customers more than orders filled with errors. Voice automation, robots and upgraded barcoding are some of the options you can use to improve order-picking accuracy.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)

AS/RS is not a new concept, but the drawbacks of earlier versions often outweighed their benefits. Today’s systems are more streamlined so you can enjoy the advantages of lower costs and greater accuracy without the inconvenience.

Automated Inventory Control

Inventory control is an essential factor in cost management and effective customer service, but manual systems are clumsy and time-consuming. Automated platforms can perform the work automatically and put real-time data at your fingertips, even remotely.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

While visions of the future often include fully automated workplaces, staffing a warehouse with robots isn’t truly feasible at this point. Cobots are designed to work alongside employees, not replace them, to enhance operations.

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More Warehouse Robots Added at Walmart and Amazon But Not at a Human Cost – Yet

The move toward automation is affecting the retail industry, but is it a threat to employees yet? Retail giants Amazon and Walmart are adding warehouse robots to handle different tasks. While this might seem like a concern for employees, they can still count on being able to do their jobs using warehouse equipment for now.

Amazon Robots

Amazon first made the company’s interest in robotics known in 2012 with the purchase of Kiva Systems. Since that time, Amazon has set up cashierless stores and put robots to work moving items around inside its warehouses. These robots have allowed Amazon to store more inventory and handle customer orders at a quicker pace. This has led to shorter delivery times, making customers happier overall.

Walmart Robots

Walmart also uses robots in warehouses to take care of some tasks and plans to add more. Newer robots will be moving groceries around warehouses at a grocery distribution center in California in 2020, and a New Hampshire location will have automated carts available for moving items that are part of online grocery orders.

Other plans for robots at Walmart include an unloading system that removes items from trucks and sorts them while bringing them to warehouse shelves.

Effects of Robots on Jobs

Adding automation to warehouses is expected to create some jobs, but it could also lead to job losses for some warehouse workers over time. While warehouse workers don’t have to worry about losing their jobs to robots just yet, they should keep an eye on automation news.

If you need warehouse equipment to keep your business running smoothly, visit DJ Products. We have a wide selection of this equipment available to help your employees handle warehouse tasks more efficiently.

Forklifts Embrace Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Our eco-friendly tugs, pushers and other material handling equipment use rechargeable batteries instead of costly and emission-laden fuels. A third option is on the horizon – green forklifts that incorporate hydrogen fuel cells for cleaner operation and higher productivity.

The Science of Fuel Cells

The “fuel” used by fuel cells is actually a mix of hydrogen and oxygen, which the cell then converts to electricity. Unlike gasoline and other traditional fuels, this form of energy produces only water vapor and heat as byproducts rather than toxic emissions that damage the environment.

Hydrogen is available in gas form, which is suitable for low-volume usage, as well as liquid form, which is recommended for heavier usage.

Benefits of Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Forklifts

– Lead acid batteries currently used in most forklifts must be replaced or recharged in a cumbersome process that can cost a minimum of 20 minutes downtime each four- to eight-hour period. In contrast, hydrogen fuel cells can be refueled in as little as three minutes.

– Hydrogen fuel cells provide a consistent level of energy, allowing for maximum forklift performance throughout the charge, while productivity of lead acid battery-powered forklifts drops as the charge wears down.

– Lead acid batteries have approximately three to four years of useable life and disposal can be problematic. On the other hand, hydrogen fuel cells last for 10,000 hours, making them more cost-effective.

– Not only are hydrogen fuel cells completely emission-free, generating hydrogen on-site can result in a 33 percent reduction in harmful greenhouse gases as opposed to lead acid batteries.

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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.

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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

What do warehouses, fulfillment centers and cold storage have in common? DJ Products has a variety of industrial tugs to solve any needs. Visit our website or call 800.686.2651 to learn more about our electric pushers and movers.

Amazon’s Embracing of Robots Drive Investment into Warehouse Worker’s Education

Embrace the Future: A Society with Efficient Robots.

As your first choice for a quality material handling equipment supplier, DJ Products wants to keep you up-to-date on news and trends affecting the warehouse industry. Here’s a look at how Amazon is addressing the challenge of robots and automation displacing human workers.

Adapting to the Changing Workforce

It’s no secret that technology is creating automated solutions for more repetitive types of jobs, but the time is coming when robots will be able to handle more sophisticated tasks. At this point, automation is creating more jobs than it’s destroying.

Problems arise when robots take over basic entry-level jobs that usually go to people who need to work but aren’t qualified for higher-paying jobs. Amazon has taken a proactive approach by offering training to expand these workers’ options.

Preparing for the Future

Amazon’s Career Choice program was rolled out in 2012. It’s currently available to any hourly employees who have been with Amazon for a minimum of one year. Under the program, Amazon pays up to 95 percent of college tuition for employees who want to train for more in-demand jobs.

Classes are conveniently held right in the warehouses, and so far 14,000 people have taken advantage of the program. Amazon’s goal is to double that number by 2020.

According to author Martin Ford, lifelong learning is the key to staying relevant in the workforce. While Amazon’s program is a start, the next step is to provide training for more advanced jobs.

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Manpower is still needed for lifting, carrying and other physical labor, and our state-of-the-art pushers, tugs and movers allow greater productivity and reduce the risk of workplace injuries. Visit our website and use the handy online chat feature for more information.

Typical Causes of Forklift Accidents

When it comes to material handling equipment, most warehouses aren’t complete without forklifts. These compact but powerful vehicles are also involved in thousands of injury accidents each year.

Here are some of the more common causes of forklift accidents and how they can be prevented.

Lack of Training

You wouldn’t consider hiring a truck driver who didn’t have the necessary training, and forklift operation should be taken equally seriously. Provide appropriate training that must be completed by employees before using a forklift.

Mechanical Problems

Malfunctioning equipment, such as failing brakes or jammed forks, often leads to accidents. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and remove old forklifts from service.

Improper Loading

Broken pallets or poorly stacked loads can result in unstable forklift operation or hazards from cases falling off the fork. Instruct employees in the correct methods of loading forklifts so the pallets are balanced and the driver’s vision isn’t obstructed.

Operator Error

Forklift operators should follow the same safety precautions used when driving any vehicle.

– Maintain a safe speed.

– Seat belts should always be fastened when forklift is in use.

– Use caution when backing up.

– Always check for obstructions in the path of travel.

– Passengers should be sitting in seats, not on the load or on the fork itself.

Workplace Design

Keep aisles, intersections and doors free of obstructions. Set up workstations away from the aisles and lay out clearly marked walkways.

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Warehousing for eCommerce – Capturing a Piece of the Profit Pie

As ecommerce has changed the face of the traditional retailing model, so too has it triggered new methods in warehousing and logistics. Has your company incorporated these best practices for ecommerce warehousing?

7 Methods to Improve Ecommerce Warehousing Efficiency

>Use a cluster-picking strategy with multiple order containers in a single cart. Pick rates will go up while order pickers have to make fewer trips throughout the warehouse.

>Timely and accurate communication between retail and warehouse locations is imperative. Integrated systems such as distributed order management (DOM) help ensure smooth processing of all sizes of orders from any point of origin.

>The natural progression from a multi-channel model is omni-channel, which focuses on enhancing the customer experience by providing consistent service across all purchasing options. Designing facilities that consolidate these operations results in better cost-effectiveness.

>Use level-loading throughout the year to avoid the seasonal disparities of order processing.

>Don’t discount the value of warehouse management systems (WMS) as a solution to ecommerce challenges. Many WMS vendors are including more automation in their systems to meet the demands of higher volumes of smaller orders.

>Warehouse seasonality doesn’t always correspond with holiday seasonality. Make sure you understand the specific seasonality of your business so you can plan for the highs and lows.

>Consider using pop-up fulfillment centers to better accommodate order flow.

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The Made in America Supply Chain as a Top 2017 Trend

As technology continues to advance at lightning speed, changes in warehousing and logistics reflect new methods and products. What are today’s hot trends in the supply chain?

“Made in America”

Policies of the current administration are likely to result in decreases in trade with China and Mexico. Europe is facing a similar situation, but the slow pace of Brexit negotiations could delay a decline in trade between Great Britain and Europe.

Logistics Is Becoming Increasingly Automated

Driverless vehicles are still on the distant horizon, but robots are decreasing the need for warehouse workers. In a recent survey by ARC, 15 percent of warehouse executives said that autonomous robots are a priority in their three-year plan.

The current threshold is development of robots with arms that can function as order pickers. Once that issue is solved, the loss of warehouse jobs is expected to accelerate.

E-commerce Continues to Revolutionize Shipping

As online shopping became more popular, logistics struggled to keep up with increased volume, culminating in the holiday season of 2013 when an estimated two million packages were delivered late. Large 3PLs like DHL are meeting the opportunity with innovative solutions such as drones and crowdsourcing.

Digital Supply Chain

The Internet of Things has progressed to the more wide-ranging Digital Economy. Next is the concept of a supply chain control tower, where IoT data is turned into actionable tasks.

Warehousing and Logistics Solutions from DJ Products

Are you looking for ways to improve productivity without sacrificing safety? Visit our website and chat with one of our sales engineers for information about the CartCaddyShorty and other electric movers, tugs and pushers.

Tag: Warehouse Technology