christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Tips for Managing and Optimizing Your Warehouse Labor Costs

Labor costs comprise the largest and most unpredictable element of warehouse operating expenses. Unlike material handling equipment and other fixed assets, staffing needs are dependent on variables such as fluctuating workloads and employee turnover.

This doesn’t mean resigning yourself to uncontrolled budget expenses. Experts offer the following tips for successfully managing labor costs.

Optimize Warehouse Layout

When was the last time you made modifications in your warehouse layout? Are order pickers wasting a lot of time traveling from one slot to the next? Review the warehouse layout and look for ways to make workflows more efficient.

Consult an Expert

Outside consultants have experience working with all types of warehouse operations so they can provide tested solutions. Objective eyes can also spot problems and opportunities that may not be readily evident.

Automate Manual Processes

People are often reluctant to give up old-school methods, but when it comes to cost management, you have to use every tool at your disposal. Warehouse management systems (WMS) and other electronic data-gathering programs collect real-time data for more accurate and timely decisions.

Integrate Voice Logistics

Voice-driven systems have reached new levels of sophistication. Bluetooth headsets keep workers’ hands free for more efficient picking and other tasks.

Reduce Turnover

Hiring and training workers is a tremendous drain on the budget. In addition to direct costs associated with the process, it creates a ripple effect of indirect costs, including reduced productivity. Incentivize employees with bonuses, recognition programs and other perks for outstanding performance.

DJ Products: Your Top Source for Material Handling Equipment

Customers have proclaimed that using our electric material handling equipment is “like adding another employee.” Visit our website and learn how our assortment of tugs, movers and pushers can improve warehouse productivity and safety.

Exoskeleton Service Robotics Move Into the Warehouse

Robotics, in combination with warehouse equipment, has become a dynamic means of boosting productivity with lower costs. Exoskeleton robots are now poised to become the next big innovation in supply chain and logistics.

Could exoskeleton robots have an application in your warehouse operations? Here’s what you should know about this fascinating technology.

What Are Exoskeleton Robots?

Exoskeleton robots are wearable devices that incorporate electric motors, pneumatics and hydraulics to mimic or augment actual human movements. These devices afford a greater degree of strength and endurance than workers could achieve on their own.

Applications of exoskeleton robots cut across a wide range of fields, from manufacturing and supply chain to healthcare and military. As a result, the market is expected to reach an astonishing $2.8 billion by the year 2023, for a compound annual growth rate of 45.2 percent.

Advantages of Exoskeleton Robot Use

Muscle fatigue and overuse is a primary limitation in a number of activities. An exoskeleton robot lets the user remain functional and productive beyond the point at which they would normally have to stop.

Exoskeleton robots are currently incorporated extensively in two industries:

– Healthcare services use exoskeletons for injury rehabilitation to help muscles recover efficiently.

– The military uses exoskeletons in combat situations to reduce fatigue and injury risk among soldiers.

Full-body exoskeletons aren’t yet ready to be rolled out commercially, but upper- and lower-body exoskeletons have great potential as ergonomic aids for warehouse workers who perform repetitive tasks.

Make Safety a Priority with Ergonomically Designed Warehouse Equipment

Battery-powered warehouse equipment like our best-selling CartCaddyShorty includes features such as variable speed twist grips to prevent common repetitive motion injuries. Use our convenient online chat feature to learn more from our helpful sales engineers.

What to Expect in 2019 in the Logistics and Transportation Industries

What is the best way to use big data in logistics and transportation? In 2019 and beyond, businesses are under competitive pressure to turn the data they have into effective results. From overseas manufacturers to the terminal tractors and trucks at your warehouse, every piece needs to be in sync and taking advantage of the latest technology and data.

Transportation experts see organizations taking a “coherent and structured approach” to their newest initiatives. Whether it’s public transportation, warehouse shipping, or last-mile couriers, each segment needs to align its stakeholders under one vision of reliable, efficient logistics.

Logistics trends in 2019 include:

– Smart cities initiatives

– Customized service models

– Money-back guarantees

– Results-based investments using big data

– IoT solutions to solve TL, LTL, and parcel delivery issues

– Driverless vehicles to solve the shortage crisis

– Reducing transportation costs by minimizing loading and unloading delays

Controlling Costs and Improving Logistics Efficiency

New technology and approaches are emerging to cut down on the ever-rising costs of transportation. Once you have the data to identify bottlenecks, prevent overstocking, and streamline the supply chain, you need to put a plan into action.

At the warehouse, the digital age has already made inventory tracking easier. Transportation needs to catch up. All the speed in the world for ordering and picking doesn’t matter if you can’t get the trucks on the road just as fast.

To reduce wait times at the warehouse and move products more efficiently and less expensively, switch to electric terminal tractors instead of shunt trucks. TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractors from DJ Products cost less than a quarter of a shunt truck with lower maintenance, greater safety, and no CDL driver required.

To learn more about battery-powered, semi-trailer tow dollies and terminal tractors, contact DJ Products or call 1-800-686-2651.

Reducing Logistics Costs Through the Use of Internet of Things (IoT)

The global supply chain already relies on smart technology to speed up distribution, reduce paperwork, and allow customers and vendors to track shipments. Next up, the Internet of Things for logistics is reducing costs by improving tracking and data.

Some retailers are moving closer to on-demand manufacturing. Others are reducing wait times and stagnant inventory by taking advantage of the smallest details, like using yard trucks to prepare trailers to go out even before customers have actually placed the order.

How IoT Affects Logistics

Traditionally, supply chain logistics has been about making the best of push-based systems that require manufacturing parts or products months or years before a product will ever be sold. Missing data and guesstimation lead to high costs.

Connected devices provide better data that makes several cost-cutting and efficiency goals attainable:

– Pull-based ordering and manufacturing

– Solving understock and overstock issues

– Analytics to predict customer demand

– Identify slow parts of the supply chain

– Map inventory from raw materials to delivery

Examples of Supply Chain IoT

Smart devices for the supply chain range from simple products like RFID and GPS sensors to more advanced robotics. The data you collect is just as important for analytics as it is for on-the-ground operations.

Once your supply chain is on the Internet of Things, you can enact measures for better operational efficiency at the warehouse. It’s all about getting things out the door on time – not a moment too soon or too late.

Electric yard trucks allow workers to park trailers at the dock and maneuver them around the lot for immediate pick-up. DJ Products makes powered trailer dollies like the TrailerCaddy yard trucks that any employee can use, even without a CDL.

Truck Driving Tips to Stay Safe on Long Hauls

Coming in at #8 on Time magazine’s 2014 list of ‘10 Most Dangerous Jobs,’ your semi trailer movers are toting goods destined for a dangerous journey. How can you ensure your long-haul truck drivers stay safe as they facilitate the timely delivery of essential goods across the U.S.?

Seven Truck Driving Safety Tips for New Drivers & Seasoned Pros

1. Don’t neglect routine maintenance.

Check your hauler daily, including tires, brakes, fluids, mirrors, horn, and other integral safety components. Report any issues before driving off.

2. Load cargo carefully.

Spreading cargo into lower stacks across the entire area of your truck allows for better handling and fuel economy.

3. Beware of blind spots.

Most passenger car drivers are frustratingly unaware of ‘no zones.’ (Directly behind the truck, behind side mirrors, and just to the side of cab fronts.) To avoid an accident, stay aware of surrounding vehicles, maintaining a safe distance and carefully checking these zones before turning/lane changes.

4. Go slower on curves than speed limits suggest.

Posted speed limit signs are typically geared toward lighter, low-profile cars and are too fast for trucks. Avoid tipping over by going far slower than posted limits around curves.

5. Be extra-cautious in construction zones.

Don’t put the lives of interstate construction workers at risk. About one-third of work-zone fatalities involve large trucks.

6. Make necessary driving adjustments in inclement weather.

Bad weather causes one-quarter of speeding-related accidents. In wet conditions, be sure to slow speeds by one-third. In icy/snowy conditions, cut them by half.

7. Take care of yourself as you do your truck.

Truck driving safety has as much to do with your vehicle’s health as yours.

Start off the journey safely. Learn more about semi trailer movers from DJ Productstoday.

Five Considerations for Managing Your Semi Truck Fleet Maintenance

Preventive maintenance for truck fleets has gotten easier thanks to smart apps that monitor and alert you to service needs. Yet managers still need to be vigilant. We’ve rounded up some fleet maintenance tips that will help with costs and efficiency.

One overlooked area is the option to reduce the stress on your fleet vehicles by using electric yard trucks to shunt trailers to and from the dock.

Top 5 Tips for Semi Truck Maintenance

Keep those wheels rolling, and consider these tips:

Pay now, or pay more later: The cost of preventive maintenance will always be less compared to emergency repairs and towing for broken-down trucks.

Turn oil changes into full inspections: When it’s time for an oil change or a tire rotation, make more efficient use of the downtime by getting the fluids, air pressure, and other things inspected.

Monitor warranties: Some fleet managers prefer to run each vehicle to death to squeeze maximum life out of a paid-off asset. Others choose to sell off vehicles that are out of warranty. Do the math on cost of ownership.

Train drivers on what to look for: Create a system for drivers to report vehicle problems and make sure they adhere to the preventive maintenance schedule.

Get the right trucks and equipment: For your round of purchasing, find fleet vehicles that meet your specs. If it’s a stretch, work will be harder on the vehicle. Also look for material handling equipment and shunt yard trucks that make it easier to operate your fleet.

Reduce Fleet Maintenance Costs

At DJ Products, we’ve designed our Trailer Caddy Electric Yard Trucks for easy control and safety. They also aid with operations efficiency and reduce fleet maintenance costs. For more info, call 1.800.686.2651 or contact us.

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!

Beyond the Dumpster: Could We See a End to Plastic Waste in Our Lifetimes?

Could your dumpster moving equipment soon be pulling less plastic waste? With plastics rapidly accumulating, littering our green spaces and waterways, materials scientists and designers are looking to reinvent the plastics regime.

They’re striving to put an end to plastics problems such as unrecyclable products, confusing recycling symbols, and a lack of compatible recycling facilities worldwide. Their innovations, if adopted and integrated into the plastics industry, could put an end to the pileup.

What New Technologies Could Put an End to Plastic Waste?

1. New recyclable films

Plastic films, comprised of an assortment of polymers and used in paper and plastic packaging, make materials unrecyclable. Swapping these films for nature-inspired, nano-engineered recycled materials mimicking a few of nature’s molecular building blocks can provide a wider variety of new materials – those that are water-resistant, airtight, or printable.

2. Magnetic additives

Magnetic additives can improve the ability of plastics to block oxygen in sensitive products like coffee and medicines, while upholding their recyclability.

3. Wood ‘plastics’

The cellulose in renewable agricultural/forestry wood byproducts, formed into a compostable multilayered material, can be used for stand-up food pouches such as those used for dried cereal, nuts, and fruits.

4. Plastics from recycled food waste

Agricultural byproducts and food waste can be used to create compostable plastics for packaging in a broad range of products, from cereal bars to detergents.

5. Compostable coatings

Silicate and biopolymer compostable coatings could improve the performance of biodegradable packaging, which by itself cannot uphold the required minimum shelf-life of products.

Are your waste management practices falling behind the times? As the industry enters a a new era, ensure a safer, more efficient waste management system. Learn more about dumpster moving equipment from DJ Products today.

Tips to Managing Your Warehouse Labor with an Eye on Retention

Expenses for material handling equipment and other fixed assets are relatively easy to control, but managing labor costs presents a unique challenge. The optimum balance between low cost and high productivity is frequently a moving target.

In addition, today’s shrinking labor pool makes it difficult to retain good workers. Use these tips to manage warehouse labor efficiently while boosting engagement and loyalty.

Automate Repetitive Tasks

While we’re a long way from fully robotic warehouses, there are a number of automated solutions available to handle many repetitive tasks. Automated conveyors, voice-directed picking and connected glasses are just a few of the options that can free employees up for higher-value jobs.

Implement Labor Management Software (LMS)

You probably already use a warehouse management system (WMS), which collects a wide range of data and compiles it in convenient formats. Integrating LMS with WMS offers more robust analysis to make planning and scheduling more accurate.

Establish Incentive Programs

Workers will be more motivated to increase productivity when there are individual benefits at stake. The incentive costs will be more than offset by the positive results.

Conduct Cross-Training

Fluctuating workloads add to the difficulty of managing staffing levels. When employees can move easily between tasks, you’re able to handle ebbs and flows with fewer workers and the variety of tasks will prevent boredom.

Make Safety a Priority

Maintaining a culture of safety demonstrates concern for employee welfare. Make sure workers have high-quality material handling equipment and conduct ongoing training to instill proper procedures.

Material Handling Equipment Designed for Safety

Battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers from DJ Products are designed to reduce the risk of most common workplace injuries. Their efficiency also frees up employees to focus on more important tasks. Contact us to learn more.

Be On the Lookout for These New Emerging Supply Chain Technologies and Trends

Whether it’s automated warehouse equipment or integrated software systems, there’s a constant stream of trends affecting supply chain management today. Keeping up with these changes is essential in order to meet increasing customer demands.

What’s on the horizon for 2019? Here are some supply chain trends to focus on over the next twelve months.

Emerging Technologies

High-tech innovations continue to reshape every facet of the supply chain industry. Drones, artificial intelligence and highly developed robots are part of the next wave of technology making its way into warehouses and transportation.

Supply Chain Visibility

Ebbs and flows such as seasonal business have traditionally made it difficult to forecast supply chain workloads. Features such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data give managers real-time information they can use to accurately predict demand shifts and respond quickly to problems.

Sharing Economy

As retailers look for ways to be flexible enough to accommodate customer demand while keeping costs low, on-demand warehousing and logistics is seen as a viable solution. The sharing economy is projected to grow from $14 billion in 2014 to $335 billion in 2025.

Evolving Customer Channels

Change in customer channels has actually been an ongoing trend over the last few years. Traditional brick-and-mortar retail continues to move into direct-to-consumer, with 40 percent of brands now selling DTC. By the year 2025, DTC sales are expected to reach $130 billion.

Warehouse Equipment for Today’s Supply Chain Needs from DJ Products

While many elements of the supply chain may change, one constant is the need for efficient, reliable and safe warehouse equipment. We offer a full line of electric tugs, movers and pushers to suit any application. Visit our website for immediate assistance from our friendly sales engineers.