DJ Products, Inc.

LOS E.E.U.U. los costes de la logística acaban de rematar el 10% del producto interno bruto del país (GDP) en 2007. El diecinueveavo estado anual recientemente lanzado de la logística divulga revelado que los costes de la logística para 2007 eran justos bajo $1.4 trillones. El informe es patrocinado por el consejo de los profesionales de la gerencia de la cadena de fuente.

Las figuras del GDP para 2007 eran para arriba a partir del 9.9% de 2006 y emparejada 1998 figuras. En los años que intervenían, solamente 2000 dio lugar a una figura del GDP sobre el 10%. A excepción de 10.3% de 2000, gasto total como un porcentaje del GDP declinó constantemente a partir de 1998 a un punto bajo de 8.6% de 2003 antes de comenzar una subida lenta. Los expertos financieros predicen una gota en las figuras del gasto del GDP para 2008 que citan la economía lenta, los altos costes de combustible, la crisis de la hipoteca y la crisis del crédito que resulta.

El informe indicó aumentos significativos en inventarios de negocio totales. En 2007 inventarios se levantaron 8.7% y 3.7% adicionales en el primer trimestre de 2008. En el 5%, los tipos de interés comercial estaban en los colmos de 5 años. Las tarifas del papel comercial eran los apenas 1% de 2003 y de 2004.

No asombrosamente, el carro del motor condujo el gasto de la logística en $671 mil millones o 79% de costes de transporte y 48% de costes totales. Los costes del carro del motor se levantaron 6.1% de 2007. Con los precios diesel afilando más allá de $5 por galón, se espera que los costes 2008 del carro sean perceptiblemente más altos. Las compañías de la logística y las firmas del envío están sintiendo el sujetador de precios de combustible de levantamiento. Sin la relevación en vista, las compañías de envío están lastimando y muchas firmas más pequeñas van debajo.

Se espera que los precios de combustible crecientes tengan un efecto deletéreo en las figuras 2008 del GDP. Los aumentos de la industria de la logística observados en 2007 pueden manar se pierdan. Cómo el cuadro económico total será desesperadamente restos afectado que se considerarán, pero expertos no piense que está pareciendo bueno. Las pérdidas esperan a través del tablero.

Si usted tiene cabritos, usted ha visto probablemente los acoplados para la película animada Disney-Pixar nueva WALL-E. Robots like WALL-E and his cohorts represent the wave of the future in material handling, though let’s hope they get the kinks worked out before they start installation. Can you imagine the chaos if a bunch of inept robots was allowed to run amuck on your plant floor? Life, after all, is not a movie. The hero almost never arrives to save the day in the final seconds of a plant emergency!

Robot prototypes that allow us to glimpse and plan for the future of material handling are already on the market. British tech firm RTS Flexible Solutions has introduced a 3-D vision-based robot automation system that can grip complex shapes and profiles, pick at variable heights and even perform some inspection and defect rejection actions.

“Advances in technology mean we can deliver applications which have been difficult for conventional 2D technology,” commented RTS managing director David Bradford. While 2D vision-guided robotic automaton works on grayscale, color or line-scanning vision systems, the new 3D system can process on X, Y and Z coordinates. For the first time this allows a robotic application to accurately gauge height, depth and surface contours, opening new possibilities for material management. 

It will be a while before robotic applications can effectively perform many material handling functions, but that day can already be glimpsed on the horizon. Computer software and management skills are more apt to define material handling workers of the future. It’s going to be a whole new ball game!

In our last post we talked about the exorbitant cost of back injuries to industry. In both human and financial cost, back injuries take an expensive toll. Application of ergonomic principles to the work space and use of ergonomically designed equipment can reduce potential back injury significantly. But sometimes materials must be manually lifted and moved.

It’s important to train workers in proper lifting techniques. Musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the lower back, can result when items are improperly lifted. The key to developing good lifting habits is to think about what you plan to do before picking up an object. Practice these safe lifting tips:

• Size up the load and check surrounding conditions. Get help with the lift if the object looks heavy or awkward. Make sure you have good footing and enough space to maneuver easily. If the object must be carried, may sure your path is free and clear of obstacles.
• Balance your body. Your feet should be shoulder width apart and beside each other. To provide maximum balance and leverage, your feet should be positioned somewhat behind the object to be lifted.
• When lifting, don’t stoop. Bend both knees and keep your back straight but not vertical. Tucking in your chin will help you keep your back straight.
• Use your hands and fingers to grip the load. Called a palm grip, this grip provides maximum security. Remember to tuck in your chin before you lift.
• Use your body weight to get the load moving. Lift by pushing up with your legs, your body’s strongest muscle group.
• Keep arms and elbows close to the body while lifting to provide better balance and maximize lift force.
• If you must carry an object, carry it close to your body and don’t twist. Shift your foot position and turn your whole body to change direction.
• Remember to watch where you’re going.
• Bend your knees when lowering an object. Avoid stooping which places unnecessary strain on your lower back. Place the object on the edge of a shelf, bench or other surface and slide it back into position. Keep your hands and feet clear as you let go of the object.

Even when lifting or moving light-weight objects, it pays to develop good lifing and carrying habits. Your back will thank you!