christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Process Automation Key to Logistics Success

For logistics providers competing in a tight economy, process automation is an essential strategy. A MarketInsight study just released by Hubspan, Inc. surveyed more than 200 North American logistics companies with annual revenue between $30 million and $10 billion. Process automation to streamline shared processes, achieve operational efficiency and improve collaboration between customers, carriers and distributors were identified as the most critical challenges facing the logistics industry today.

“The logistics industry recorded strong growth over the past decade due to globalization and an increased demand for imported goods,” said Robert Pease, Vice President of marketing for Hubspan. “However, the industry shifted in early 2008 due to a slowing economy, rising fuel costs and a shortage of qualified personnel. This shift drives the need for logistics companies to apply efficiencies that automate processes and streamline operations to overcome current economic hurdles.”

Incompatible systems and difficulties in integrating systems were cited as the greatest challenge by a majority of survey respondents. “In an industry driven by efficiency, it is surprising that so few logistics providers are able to resolve core integration issues that impact on-time performance, process automation and customer service,” Pease said. “Increasing process automation and system compatibility illustrate two key opportunities for logistics providers looking to outperform the competition and thrive in today’s tough economic environment.”

Utilizing ergonomically designed powered carts and tugs to replace the manual transport of materials and products is one way logistics companies can increase automation and improve production efficiency. With the logistics industry facing a shortage of workers, ergonomic material handling solutions allow each worker to efficiently accomplish a greater workload while dramatically decreasing potential risk of injury. Replacing expensive, high-maintenance, fuel-guzzling forklifts and gas/diesel-powered equipment, with less costly, more maneuverable, electric-powered carts and tugs can result in a considerable savings in high fuel costs. These smaller, more maneuverable carts also provide more versatile solutions to material handling problems. For more information on ergonomic solutions to material handling problems, visit the DJ Products website.

Supply Chain Digest Announces Fall Workshops

Supply Chain Digest is pulling out a heavy-hitter to headline its annual fall workshop on improving distribution center and warehouse management and performance. Ken Miesemer, Senior Consultant at St. Onge and former Director of Distribution and International Logistics for Hershey Foods, will lead two fall workshops being sponsored by the industry magazine. “Best Practices in Distribution Center Design, Operations and Management” will be presented in Philadelphia on October 21-22 and in Atlanta on October 28-29.

Author of the book Start-Up of a World Class DC, Miesemer said, “These workshops use outstanding materials that have been extremely well received by logistic professionals, and deliver concepts and insight that aren’t just theory but which have been proven in real-world distribution environments.”

Billed as “hands-on, practical training sessions,” Supply Chain Digest’s popular Professional Education Series workshops encourage interaction between instructors and distribution, warehousing and logistics professionals. In addition to Miesemer, Supply Chain Digest editor Dan Gilmore will review supply chain execution software systems. Course materials include distribution analysis and decision-making tools and templates that attendees will be able to implement in their own operations. The discussion and provision of practical action plans is a hallmark of Supply Chain Digest workshops.

The workshops will focus on the implementation of best practices to improve labor productivity, operations efficiency and inventory accuracy using proven techniques and technology. Course highlights include: building and material handling equipment design, testing design through automation, organizing to minimize bottlenecks, workforce performance management, fostering a culture of continuous development and improvement, differentiating solutions, redefining bid specifications, controlling risk driven margin expectations, and much more.

“Best Practices in Distribution Center Design, Operations and Management” workshop details:

October 21-22 at Penn State Great Valley Conference Center in Malvern, PA just outside of Philadelphia
October 28-29 at Georgia Tech Conference Center in Atlanta, GA

Click here for a complete course outline and hotel and registration information.

What New Material Handling Innovations Were Showcased at ProMat in Chicago?

As anticipated, ProMat 2015 unveiled a wide variety of exciting new tools and solutions for warehouse efficiency. Chicago hosted the annual convention recently, and leaders in the material handling industry learned about innovative new products and advances in the field that are bringing great value to businesses — in the future and right now.

Highlights from ProMat 2015

We are particular excited about the products that boost efficiency by making it easier to store, move, and track inventory. At the Modula booth, for instance, the shelving and storage innovator showed off a new vertical storage solution. The new Modula VLM makes it easier to make use of square footage by maximizing vertical space. Controlled by computer and integrated with inventory management, the VLM makes it easy to pick items ranging from tiny and lightweight parts to large and heavy materials that weigh over a ton.

Our own warehouse mover solves the other half of the equation: pushing and pulling large, heavy carts around the facility. Workers slow down and face back, shoulder, and leg injuries from manually pushing wheeled carts. The warehouse mover speeds up material handling in two ways: automating cart movement, and keeping employees healthy and energized to get more done.

Other exciting highlights from ProMat 2015 included the Nuvera fuel cell battery from Yale and powerful fleet management software from Raymond. Overall, ProMat featured a wide variety of tools to improve efficiency and productivity in warehousing and material handling.

For more information about innovative new tools to speed up material handling at your facility, check out the warehouse mover and other industrial cart movers from DJProducts.com.

History and Popular Trivia of the Forklift

The forklift, as we know it, began life as a powered winch. It was used to hoist heavy objects, and used electrical motors to get the job done. They were compact but specialized, with pulleys and chains for lifting heavy objects. World War II saw the widespread uses of these hoists, as they were mainly employed to lift up bombs for transportation. That’s a job that certainly calls for hazard pay!

In 1920, the first hydraulic lifting system was invented, and this was melded to a couple of forks. These huge trucks were the direct forerunner of the forklifts that we see today, and when pallets became standardized in the late 30’s, so too did the forks to lift them. But they were big and bulky, and they needed a lot of space to work.

When electric motors and hydraulics finally came together in the mid 40’s, the first real forklift was born. These vehicles were relatively small and compact, yet they could lift very heavy loads.

Here is some trivia.

Forklift batteries originally only lasted 8 hours on a full charge, which is how long an average working shift lasts.

Forklifts account for only 1% of all accidents in a commercial setting.

A forklift was once used to steal an ATM.

A modern forklift called a “Sidewinder” is the only forklift that can travel in any direction, even when it is carrying a load.

If you want more information about what a forklift or other industrial cart movers, like trailer movers, small aircraft tuggers and dumpster movers, among others, can do for you, please contact DJ Products.

Looking to Save Money in Your Warehouse? Look for New Packaging Solutions

The shift toward dimensional weight shipping rates has triggered a cascade of changes on warehouse management. Many warehouses are sidestepping the higher rates by using polybags or Tyvek mailers instead of boxes.

Along with the potential savings, soft bags present a new set of challenges compared to the familiar and reliable process of handling rectangular boxes.

As Alexander Communications points out, polybags require new technology for picking and scanning. The ultimate cost savings, however, should drive warehouse managers to analyze whether products can be mailed in polybags and how to make the process effective.

Key considerations for using packaging solutions to circumvent dimensional weight shipping charges:

Scanning and sorting solutions must be able to handle irregular shapes.

Material handling can become more efficient because more items can fit in a cart and be transported with motorized warehouse tugs.

Warehouses can often find ways to ship some, if not all, products in bags. Using both bags and boxes does not necessarily present an insurmountable challenge.

Customers can be charged dynamic rates based on actual shipping — or flat rates that protect your margins when boxes must be used.

Be sure to not overlook the changes that polybag shipping will have on material handling inside the warehouse. Instead of a pallet with several large boxes, you may have a cart weighted down with many more products in polybags. Warehouse tugs automate this movement to streamline the process and protect workers from injuries.

When cost savings are on the line, the boost in productivity from warehouse tugs can maximize the benefits of new packaging solutions. Visit DJProducts.com for more info about industrial cart movers.

How to Attract and Keep Young Talented Workers to Your DOD Contracting Business

One of the most overlooked warehouse management tips is attracting and keeping young talented workers in a department of defense contractor scenario. This may even seem like a non-issue because the standard has always been to give someone a job, give them a fair rate of pay, and they would then stay there until they retired.

But that mindset no longer works for a modern job force under 30 years of age. You have to learn and understand the nature of this modern workforce in order to keep them on the job for the long haul.

Family Friendly

Although you are employing one single person, the family comes along for the ride. Competitive businesses allow such things as paternity leave, flexible schedules and telecommuting, to name a few. Making your business family friendly makes for long term employment.

Growth Within

In this case, one of the most important warehouse management tips is to give the opportunity for growth within the company. These younger employees are more apt to enroll in higher education, gain knowledge and experience, and move on to another job if a growth opportunity does not present itself within a reasonable time.

Perks

In this day of modern communication, which is nearly constant, get Wi-Fi for computer access to allow these younger employees to stay connected during lunch hour and breaks.

Many employees may also have kids that need daycare or nannies, and that can be a valuable perk if offered on-site.

For more information on this or products that will aid your DOD warehouse, contact DJ Products, makers of trailer movers, tuggers, dumpster movers and aircraft tugs.

The Amazing Trend of “Green” Cars for Dealerships

Hybrid sales increased not too long ago as awareness over environmental harm from car emissions grew. In the last couple of years, though, car makers have backed away building to feed this market. With the recent steep drop in gas prices, consumers have been more willing to spend their money on traditional gas powered less efficient cars rather than on hybrids or EV models. One car maker, Lexus, however has remained committed to manufacturing hybrid “green” vehicles.

Lexus Hybrids Lead the Way

Two of the vehicles that Lexus sells the most include the NX class and RX class, which are both hybrids. Sales of the RX 450h hybrid are up 34 percent this year, while sales of the NX 300h hybrid are up 24 percent. Roughly one out of every ten vehicles that Lexus sells is a hybrid, and the company doesn’t plan to slow down production of these models any time soon.

Lexus also stands out from the rest of the competition by offering hybrid versions of all of its best-selling car models, as well as a hybrid-only model in the CT 200h. As other car manufacturers move away from hybrids, Lexus has been able to maintain steady sales of its hybrid models. This trend is expected to continue, although other car makers may start focusing on hybrids again when gas prices begin to increase.

DJ Products sells material handling products for all types of vehicle parts warehouses and for car dealership lots. If you need a reliable Car Caddy for your factory, warehouse or dealership lot, please visit DJ Products. In addition to our Car Caddy, car pushing equipment, you’ll also find we sell other electric and motorized tug solutions.

Electric Aircraft – the Newest Trend in Aviation

Ground vehicles are not the only form of transportation making strides in eco-friendly technology. Before long, your aircraft tugs may be pulling electric planes and helicopters in and out of hangars.

What’s New in Alternative Power Sources for Aircraft?

Rapidly developing technology is advancing a number of potential green alternatives to traditional fuel-dependent aircraft. Options in development include super capacitors that may be able to partially or completely replace batteries, along with range extenders such as fuel cells and multiple energy harvesting.

Electric power is finding its way into all levels of aircraft, ranging from gliders and sailplanes up to helicopters and airliners. Hybrid vehicles feature electric nose wheel drives that turn aircraft into electric-powered vehicles on the ground.

Benefits of Electric Aircraft

• Electric aircraft are quieter, enabling near-silent take-off and landing of feeder aircraft.

• Electricity burns cleaner, reducing air and ground pollution.

• Dependence on foreign oil sources is greatly reduced.

• Aircraft contribute less to global warming.

• Aircraft safety is greatly improved. For example, electric backup could allow a helicopter to complete a controlled landing in the event of a system failure.

• Leisure aircraft can be completely powered by solar cells in hangars.

• The aircraft industry has expanded and modernized, creating additional applications for new electrical components and systems.

Electric-Powered Aircraft Tugs: Another Eco-Friendly Solution

Battery powered electric aircraft tugs from DJ Products are powerful enough to handle vehicles up to 35,000 pounds, but they are easy enough for one person to maneuver. Visit our website and use our convenient online chat feature to get assistance from one of our helpful sales engineers.

Power Tugger Helps Greenhouses Grow Their Bottom Line

In an interesting online article on Nursery Management & Production, John Bartok, Jr. schooled nursery and greenhouse owners in the value of using material handling equipment to streamline their operations. Faculty emeritus of the University of Connecticut’s Department of Natural Resources Management and Engineering, Bartok noted that labor is the biggest cost in plant production. He recommended “incorporating material handling techniques and mechanization into a growing operation” to improve nurserymen’s bottom line.In selecting material handling equipment for nursery operations, Bartok cautioned growers to consider the following to which we’ve added our comments based on DJ Products’ years of experience in the material handling business:

Consider available production space. Small spaces require small-scale equipment like DJ Products’ CartCaddy power tugger that maneuver easily in narrow aisles and can pivot loads a full 90 degrees without jackknifing.
Select equipment that will reduce peak labor requirements. Manually transporting plants uses valuable personnel resources. DJ Products’ power tugger and electric carts can transport loads of heavy plants quickly and easily, eliminating the need to hire additional workers during peak seasons.
Bartok said growers can save by reducing walking. By his calculations, at a labor rate of $10/hour, each trip to the end of a 100-foot greenhouse adds 15 cents to a grower’s costs. Using DJ Products’ power tuggers to consolidate trips and maximize productivity can keep costs down.
Bartok recommended purchasing standard equipment that is expandable. Good advice, but we’d add versatile. The more tasks a single piece of equipment can perform in your operation, the more productive it is.
Ensuring employee comfort increases productivity. Ergonomically designed DJ Products’ CartCaddy power tuggers and movers are built to eliminate musculoskeletal stress and strain.

Ergonomically designed, compact material handling equipment like DJ Products’ CartCaddys power tugger can help nurseries and other retailers and wholesalers increase production and decrease costs.

“Where do you get off …?” Why DJ Products Talks About Economy, Politics

We cover a lot of ground in the DJ Products’ blog: general material handling news, business and production tips, product specifications and applications, industry trade shows, ergonomics, government regulations, and manufacturing forecasts. To the apparent annoyance of some of our readers, we also discuss the economy and politics.

It’s our view that today’s astute business person is interested in a broad view of the business world, as opposed to a narrow, industry-specific perspective. Because he/she realizes that American business does not exist in a vacuum, the savvy business person is interested in not only what’s in front but what’s coming over the horizon. It’s the economic and political landscape of our country that shapes that future view.

One of the purposes of this blog is to provide a forum for discussing those broader forces that affect U.S. business. If our readers just wanted to learn about DJ Products’ ergonomically-designed carts, tugs and movers, they could visit our website. But we think they want more, and we’re not the only ones. Many industry bloggers stray off their own narrow subjects to address the greater concerns of business. And, like us, they get the occasional reader comment, “Where do you get off ….” talking about the economy or politics or whatever annoys the reader.

Mike Botta addressed this issue in his March 2 post on the Industrial Equipment News blog. Botta labeled it “Stimulosis Psychosis,” which he defined as “a rare disorder that causes people to temporarily lose touch with today’s economic, political and business realities.” Botta has run into the same issue we have: Blog readers complaining that they prefer to get their economic and political news from other sources. It seems to be a question of bona fides. While we agree that we are not national experts in the field of economics or politics, who better to discuss how the broad concepts bandied about in Washington will actually affect the businesses forced to apply them than the business owners tasked with the job?

An excellent case in point is national ergonomics standards. Ergonomics standards have waxed and waned with Washington’s shifting political winds: in with Clinton, out with Bush, coming in again with Obama. While business owners generally support ergonomic measures because they increase production, lower overall costs and improve worker health and safety, the state of the economy has many worried about the expense of implementation and reporting procedures if the feds get involved.

Politics and the economy are all part and parcel of doing business in America. It’s like Botta, who writes about industrial equipment, says in his blog, “No Industry = No Equipment.” Without a viable U.S. industrial community, material handling firms have no market for their equipment. A healthy industrial community is dependant on a healthy economy and, right now in particular, a healthy economy is dependant on politics.