If you’re not running at peak performance, find out why. Start with a desk full of data, and start crunching the numbers—from overall utility costs versus square feet of operational space, to orders processed that shift versus total labour costs for the shift. Once you get a better perspective of the state of affairs, start setting goals, track progress and move upwards.
They are upgrading the picking technology. Paper-based picking is going the way of the dinosaur. With the advent of RF (radio frequency) in the material handling equipment industry, more and more companies are improving their processes, positioning SKUs and eliminating complex process manoeuvres flawlessly. There’s something to be said for better technology, and one of the first places to upgrade should be your pick-up process.
They are reducing downtime significantly. Some content management companies don’t know what downtime is. why not? Starting with the goal of 0% downtime, these companies are implementing processes that eliminate the need for it. First, planned maintenance is arranged on all equipment, meaning only partial and temporary downtime is required. Secondly, a rigorous inspection process is put in place, which means any problems are caught before they become serious. Third, the power supply is robust with surge protectors, batteries and backup plans. Fourth, the management is actively training its staff to ensure the best service at all times.
Efficiency and productivity
At its core, efficiency is about people. Without highly trained people working in a well-oiled system there can be no efficiency. The most important efficiency improvement is that you spend more time and better training and coaching your employees. Increasing management relationships with employees and reducing the frequency of errors will increase efficiency.
Workers’ safety in the workplace has long been neglected by manufacturers and employers. Today, all equipment must meet strict safety standards and OSHA oversees workplace safety. However, there are risks in any industry where you are using flammable or combustible materials. The following safety standards and the latest safety equipment and accessories need to be used to minimize risks in handling materials.
We have all seen the dramatic pictures on the news of the evening warehouse fire. Often, a visual inspection reveals that a leak or an improperly controlled cylinder is responsible for the damage. It is a material handling hazard that can be easily eliminated with the use of proper cylinder storage equipment.
There are three types of handling equipment commonly used in warehouses and factories. The first is a simple and effective wall mounted cylinder holder. It is a strapping device that is firmly mounted on a holder against the wall. Easy to use and easy to remove, such a device prevents accidental knocks on the stationary cylinder.
For workplaces where multiple gas cylinders must be stored, an aluminum mesh cylinder locker is a must. These lockers come in various sizes and styles. Some keep tall cylinders upright, while others stack them on their sides. Aluminum is non-sparking, thus eliminating any risk of fire even if you slide the container in and out of the locker.
There are two material handling safety hazards that cylinder containers can eliminate. Cylinders are heavy and can cause injury if carried manually. Also, when a cylinder is carried on a hand truck, there is always a danger of it falling. Cylinder pallet racks serve the dual purpose of safely storing cylinders and providing an easy means of transporting cylinders around the job site.
Final thoughts
Even small leakages pose many risks. Workers passing by can slip and fall if they step on wet and oily surfaces. Often the contents of the drum are flammable and an accidental spark can cause an uncontrollable fire. In addition to these safety concerns, spillage from 55-gallon drums is unsightly and difficult or impossible to remove. A simple material handling solution to this problem is a spill tray or drum containment basin.
