Material Handling Equipment Archives - Page 3 of 56

A Look Ahead into Barcoding and Labeling Usage in Warehouses for 2019

The rise in E-commerce has resulted in customer demand for greater speed with less room for error. Reliable material handling equipment and accurate barcoding and labeling are necessities to stay ahead of the competition.

Here are the barcoding and labeling trends experts are seeing today. How does your system measure up?

Flexible Usage

Product demand, return volumes and seasonal fluctuations cause frequent changes in product slotting for maximum efficiency. Many barcoding and labeling systems are moving to materials that are easy to remove and reposition.

Advance Planning

When planning a warehouse layout, the barcoding and labeling process is often regarded as a secondary issue that can be handled on the fly. Putting it off until later can result in confusion, errors and delays. Make sure barcoding and labeling is part of the initial planning process for any new construction or renovations.

Color-Coding

Colored barcode labels are more visible, making them particularly helpful with tiered racking systems. Color-coding also provides consistency across a network of warehouses or distribution centers.

Environment-Specific

Different conditions present different challenges for barcoding and labeling. For instance, a label that works in ambient temperatures may be insufficient for freezer use. Consider the environment that labels will be used in and be sure they can stand up to the conditions.

Full-Service Suppliers

As warehouse space grows to accommodate inventory levels required for E-commerce, barcoding and labeling becomes more complex. Full-service suppliers can handle the project every step of the way, from planning and preparation to creation and installation.

Modern Material Handling Equipment for Today’s Warehouses

As a satisfied customer put it, our battery-powered tugs, movers and pushers are like adding another person to your warehouse staff. Contact DJ Products to learn more about our full selection of material handling equipment.

Warehouse Tips: Special Considerations for Warehouse Shift Worker Safety

While material handling equipment can handle the demands of being on duty 24/7, warehouse workers rely on shifts to accommodate round-the-clock staffing needs. While nearly 15 million Americans are employed on shifts, night or long-term shift work can result in health and safety risks.

Happy and healthy workers improve job productivity and employee retention rates. Protect your staff with these helpful tips for managing shift work.

Tips for Managing Warehouse Shift Work

Shift work, especially for employees on rotating or night shifts, interferes with the body’s circadian rhythms, which form the internal clock that governs wakefulness. Disrupted sleep patterns can lead to emotional, metabolic and cardiovascular problems as well as greater risk of workplace errors and injuries.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers incorporate these procedures for shift workers:

– Schedule workers for a minimum of 10 consecutive off-duty hours each day so they can get seven to eight hours of sleep.

– In addition to regular meal breaks, provide short breaks every one to two hours for particularly demanding jobs.

– Limit shifts to no more than 10 hours wherever possible.

– Provide workers with education and resources about shift work.

Here are steps that shift workers can take individually to control fatigue:

– Take a walk before the start of the shift, preferably outdoors in daylight.

– Limit consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola to the first half of the shift to avoid sleep problems.

– Take frequent mini-breaks to move around and keep muscles loose.

Combat Shift Work Fatigue with Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

Our battery-powered material handling equipment is easy to use and designed to prevent common musculoskeletal injuries. Contact us to find the right tug, mover or pusher for your applications.

Tips on Managing Your Warehouse Work Force

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.

Lidar Technology Being Used to Improve the Safety of Warehouse Robots

Robots are the ultimate material handling equipment, but their application in the warehouse environment is still limited. While robotic workers are being developed to handle increasingly sophisticated tasks, they lack the ability to sense and react to their surroundings.

This obstacle may be overcome soon, thanks to a Massachusetts tech company. A system known as lidar could be the solution for safer warehouse robots.

Solving the Problem of Robotic Safety

Lidar is a high-tech method used to detect nearby objects, much like radar, but it uses laser light rather than radio waves. While lidar has a a number of applications, it’s gained attention recently as a navigational system for self-driving vehicles.

Massachusetts-based Veo Robotics came up with the idea to use a similar system with industrial robots. Veo’s proprietary lidar program generates real-time 3D maps of warehouses and factory workspaces. The data is used to stop robots if humans are approaching or the robots can’t sense what’s going on around them.

Lidar Hits the Industrial Market

In late 2017, Veo raised $12 million in capital from venture investment firms to finance their project. Kuka is one of several robotics companies allowing Veo to test their technology on their machines.

The completed system is expected to begin shipping to customers this year. At $40,000, the system is roughly one-tenth of the cost of industrial robots and requires less than a day for installation.

Veo co-founder Patrick Sobalvarro projects $1 billion in annual revenue within five years. Sobalvarro hails Veo’s system as the “end of fear” around bulky but fast-moving industrial robots.

Let Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products Do the Heavy Lifting

Our material handling equipment improves workplace safety in any warehouse. Contact us for more information.

Learn How to Reduce Warehouse Inventory Damage with an Eye on Boosting Profits

Quality material handling equipment improves productivity, but those gains can be offset by inventory loss, eating away at profits. Between damages, poor inventory control and theft, losses that seem insignificant on a daily basis can add up to considerable amounts.

While some loss is unavoidable, you can take steps to limit inventory shrinkage. Incorporate these tips in warehouse day-to-day operations to reduce inventory loss and protect profits.

Reduce Risk of Damages

Inventory damage occurs primarily due to packaging or handling. Review incidents of damage over time to see if you can discover a pattern.

– Make sure packaging materials are sturdy enough to accommodate products and stand up to specific warehouse conditions, such as extreme heat or cold.

– Limit the amount of headspace in packages to prevent boxes becoming crushed, especially when they’re stacked on a shelf or pallet.

– Train employees in proper loading techniques.

Improve Inventory Control

High-tech warehouse management systems (WMS) allow for greater precision when tracking inventory. Traditional methods such as inventory auditing and cycle counting programs also minimize the risk of lost products.

Increase Security Measures

No one wants to think about in-house theft, but it’s an unfortunate fact of life. Strategically placed video cameras can serve as deterrents while providing a means of investigating instances of pilferage. If your warehouse stocks products with a high value on secondary markets, consider instituting a consistent and fair inspection program in which all bags are searched.

Upgrade Warehouse Safety with Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

Are workers struggling with heavy loads? Our battery-powered material handling equipment reduces risk of both inventory damage and workplace injury. Visit our website and let our knowledgeable sales engineers help you find the perfect tug, pusher or mover for your application.

How “The Airbnb of Warehouses” Is Revolutionizing E-Commerce

The boom in e-commerce has challenged retailers, who have limited warehouse space. A company dubbed “the Airbnb of warehouses” has stepped in to provide companies with a cost-effective solution.

Have Warehouse, Will Rent

The founders of Seattle-based Flexe were inspired by the offhand complaint of a friend who was struggling to acquire adequate warehouse space for his online business. They began by offering an “overflow” service pairing companies that had unused warehouse space with others that needed temporary storage.

Less than five years later, Flexe has 25 million square feet of storage and expects to add 10 million more in 2017. With zero dollars invested in facilities, Flexe can boast of better geographic coverage than industry titan Amazon.

More Solutions for E-Commerce Companies

In 2016 Flexe added online fulfillment services, which allows warehouse operators to charge additional prices to ship orders directly to customers. This has been an attractive option for companies who want the speedy shipping Amazon provides but still want a direct relationship with customers.

Flexe took another step forward in May when it launched an overnight delivery service. As the company’s co-founder Karl Siebrecht explains, e-retailers can now compete with Amazon Prime in price and delivery while continuing to build their own brand.

Streamline Operations with Warehouse Tugs from DJ Products

Customer satisfaction depends on timely movement of products through the supply chain. Electric warehouse tugs like our popular CartCaddyShorty let a single employee safely move loads up to 3,000 pounds through tight quarters and up and down inclines.

Visit our website and use the online chat feature for real-time assistance from one of our sales engineers.

Start 2019 Out Strong with Our Top Warehouse Efficiency Tips

Is increased efficiency on your list of New Year’s resolutions for your warehouse? Our electric industrial tugs are a safe and cost-effective way to accomplish this goal.

Supplement your efforts with a number of easy-to-implement methods that improve all factors of warehouse performance. Here are tested tips to increase efficiency and boost productivity in 2019:

Communicate Openly and Often

No matter how well everyone knows their job, nothing should be taken for granted. Share all relevant information required to prevent problems and keep order processing moving smoothly.

Embrace Metrics

Metrics provide specific measurements of performance in a straightforward and objective manner. Today there are more tools than ever before to collect and share data in a user-friendly format.

Maximize Vertical Space and Optimize Slots

Expanding vertically is a quick way to add space without expensive renovations. Warehouse management systems (WMS) let you assign slots for maximum productivity based on seasons, inventory levels, SKU movement and other relevant factors.

Reduce Travel Time

Labor is a significant expense, and much of it is taken up with travel time while picking, packing and shipping orders. Analyze your warehouse layout and make sure work stations are set up in a logical order.

Implement Effective Training Programs

As technology becomes more integrated in warehouse management, workers can’t afford to be left out of the loop. Design robust and ongoing training programs that allow employees to be comfortable with new systems and solicit feedback to find areas for improvement.

Industrial Tugs for Every Application from DJ Products

Whatever your need, we have battery-powered industrial tugs, movers and pushers that handle it. Use the handy chat feature on our website and let our friendly sales engineers find the solution that’s right for you.

The Internet of Things is Transforming Warehouses

How can your warehouse keep up with the challenges of today’s increasingly competitive industry? Use labor-saving solutions from a material handling equipment supplier and integrate Internet of Things (IoT) technology for state-of-the-art warehouse management.

IoT Applications for Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Business technology has gone far beyond consumer applications. The IoT provides efficient and accurate ways to manage even the most complex warehouses through every step of operations.

– Products can be located at each point in the supply chain through unique ID numbers.

– Real-time data collection allows for speedier and more effective decision making.

– Data sharing across platforms and between departments is simplified.

– Detailed information can be attached to all incoming and outgoing transactions without the need for human interaction.

– Patterns can be identified and used to improve speed, accuracy and efficiency.

– Reporting, alerts and notifications are available through a number of devices.

Continuing Benefits of IoT-Equipped Warehouses

Currently, 10 percent of companies have implemented IoT systems, while another 30 percent are planning to adopt the technology. Over the next 10 years, the IoT industry is predicted to reach a global value of $8 trillion.

Companies are increasingly viewing warehouses as value streams rather than merely inventory storage. IoT systems can help create leaner systems by reducing wasted time, labor and supplies. As a result, both vendors and customers will have higher levels of confidence and satisfaction.

DJ Products: Your Complete Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Overexertion due to lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying is the number one cause of workplace injuries. We offer a comprehensive line of battery-powered pushers, tugs and movers to fit any material handling application.

Visit our website and use the convenient online chat feature for immediate assistance from our friendly and knowledgeable sales engineers.

OSHA Weighs in On Forklift Safety Awareness

Forklifts are standard material handling equipment in most warehouses. While forklifts allow greater productivity, they can also increase risk of injury and damage if workers don’t follow safe operating procedures.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promotes education and training to raise awareness of workplace safety. Here are OSHA’s top tips for operating forklifts safely and efficiently.

Mounting and Dismounting

– Make sure hands are clean and dry to prevent slipping off handholds.

– Don’t use the steering wheel to pull yourself up.

– Check the soles of shoes for grease that may cause your footing to slip.

– Climb in and out carefully and avoid jumping.

Starting and Stopping

– Conduct a visual and operational inspection of the forklift before each use.

– Check the travel path for obstructions.

– Watch out for blind spots and use the horn as needed.

– Don’t park in a spot that blocks the aisle or doorways.

– Always engage the parking brake.

Driving, Steering and Turning

– Drive at a speed that allows for safe stopping.

– Always look in the direction of travel.

– Reduce speed when turning and come to a complete stop before changing directions.

– Make sure forks are lowered before turning or reversing.

– Give pedestrians generous clearance.

– When traveling on an incline, always keep the load upgrade.

Forklift Operators

– Keep arms and legs inside the forklift at all times.

– Never carry passengers on the lift itself.

– Don’t engage in stunt driving or tricks.

– In case of a tipover, hold tight to the steering wheel, brace your feet and lean away from the impact.

Put Safety First with Material Handling Equipment from DJ Products

Minimize costly workplace injuries and damages with our ergonomically-designed tugs, movers and pushers. Visit our website to learn more about our efficient and cost-effective material handling equipment.

Warehouse Workers Adapt to New Roles as Robots Move In

Amazon is unquestionably an industry leader. The e-commerce company surpassed Walmart as the biggest retailer by market value years ago. According to Fortune, Amazon is worth more than Costco, Target, and Walmart combined. Companies like Walmart are scrambling to maintain revenue by increasing their focus on e-commerce. Currently, nobody does e-commerce better than Amazon. And the company Jeff Bezos founded in 1994 is fully embracing warehouse equipment and robots to stay ahead of others.

New challenges for employees

In the not so distant past, monotonous, repetitive jobs were done by humans for low pay. Thanks to advancements in technology, robots are now capable of doing more intricate tasks. While it’s true that many jobs that were traditionally completed by human hands are now being done by robots, Amazon’s staggering growth has created an abundance of other jobs that need to be filled by human workers. These jobs are mentally challenging and not repetitive, says 21-year-old Nissa Scott, who began working at one of Amazon’s New Jersey warehouses last year. She is responsible for monitoring and troubleshooting several robots.

Warehouse equipment benefits employees and companies

Warehouse management has a lot of things happening all at once and countless repeatable processes. Reliable, efficient equipment along with a proper focus on ergonomics and employee training helps to maintain profitability for a company by preventing back strains, reducing slip and fall injuries, and lowering the company’s costs associated with workplace injuries. The average cost to an employer due to a common trash room injury is more than $41,000.

Contact DJ Products to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales engineers about which of our material handling equipment products are best for your company’s needs.