Dan M – Page 109 – Bahrns.com Blog

Increasing Warehouse Space for Less, Part 2

November 14, 2023July 8, 2013 by Dan M

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of blogs examining the most efficient and affordable ways to optimize existing warehouse space

Thanks to near universal access to the Internet and web’s elimination of geographic boundaries, many companies today are turning to e-commerce as a way to increase their customer base. While this usually results in more business, it also typically requires more warehouse space.

One of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to optimize your existing space — without having to invest heavily in new construction or renovations — is to install work platforms. These sturdy, steel structures allow warehouse operators to utilize vertical space, maximizing their cost-per-square-foot.

Increasing Warehouse Space for Less, Part 1

November 14, 2023July 3, 2013 by Dan M

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a three-part series on innovative ways to increase warehouse space.

Rapid growth is every business’s objective, but it can sometimes have unintended consequences.

When companies experience a sudden upswing in business, it often requires them to find additional warehouse space. Building new facilities requires substantial capital investment. And seeking out more leased space can be time-consuming, not to mention the logistical issues it can cause when products are located in multiple locations.

Need More Room? Try Looking Up!

Another option that most warehouse operators sometimes don’t consider is to make better use of their vertical space. This can be achieved by either adding on a mezzanine — or essentially a second floor that runs wall to wall within the warehouse — or by simply installing work platforms.

Mobile Robots Make Warehouse Ops Cheaper and More Efficient

November 14, 2023July 1, 2013 by Dan M

Mobile robots have been used in manufacturing for decades, but thanks to their shrinking costs and the needs for businesses to increase efficiencies and lower expenses, they are starting to appear more frequently in warehouse and distribution applications.

Corey Ryan, medical account manager for KUKA Robotics, based in Shelby Township, Michigan, said that in recent years robots have been showing up in more and more businesses, not just manufacturing.

“We increased interest in mobile robotics across all industries,” Ryan told the website Robotics Online. “The ability of one mobile robot to service several locations and perform a greatly expanded range of task offers a great appeal for specialized applications.”

Giant Eagle Uses Robots to Cut Warehouse Costs

One success story is Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle, a leading supermarket chain that operates in four Eastern states. The company currently is using pallet-handling mobile robots in its 440,000-square-foot food distribution center outside of Pittsburgh. Four double pallet robots, which resemble driver-less forklift truck, handle much of the facility’s putaway operations. Another four mobile robots are being used at a Giant Eagle distribution center in Cleveland, Ohio.

Outdoor Canopies Can Improve Your Business’ Visibility

November 14, 2023June 28, 2013 by Dan M

If you are looking for a fast, affordable and effective way to increase your business’ visibility, you might consider an outdoor canopy. During the warmer months, people are outside and on the go more often. So setting up an outdoor canopy either in front of your business or in another high-traffic location can be an … Read more

Benefits of Modular Workstations

November 14, 2023June 26, 2013 by Dan M

For many companies that are expanding rapidly or have limited office space, modular workstations are an effective and affordable solution.

Modular workstations, or cubicles, are prefabricated desks that come attached to short walls that are usually covered in attractive fabric or other professional-looking material. They are used by many businesses today because of their versatility and their efficient use of space. Modular workspaces allow the flexibility to modify office layout almost instantly, without having to tear down or build up new walls or perform other expensive renovations.

Cubicles can be broken down, moved and set back up in just a few minutes using a minimal amount of tools and labor. You won’t need to hire construction workers or even outside workers to change the setup of your office. Some cubicles even snap together.

How to Reduce Your Shipping Costs

November 14, 2023June 24, 2013 by Dan M

Thanks to the rise in E-Commerce, most companies today are shipping their products to their clients or customers more often than ever before. But this added convenience for the end user often means additional expenses for vendors, which usually are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices or additional charges. Yet some companies … Read more

Why You Should Consider Replacing Your Wood Pallets

November 14, 2023June 21, 2013 by Dan M

Wood has been used to make pallets for decades and there are still millions of wood pallets still being used in warehouses and in the supply chain worldwide. Yet if you have ever worked with wood pallets, you know their drawbacks: They are heavy, can splinter and often expose dangerous sharp nails when their boards become loose, among other problems. If you currently are using wood pallets for your materials handling needs, you might want to consider switching to pallets made from 100% recycled post-industrial recycled foam. They offer a number of advantages, including being moisture-proof, lightweight and nest-able to save space.

A Safer, More Affordable Solution

Heavy-duty structural foam pallets, on the other hand, offer a safer and more durable alternative to your pallet needs. Their polystyrene foam core is coated with a high-impact polystyrene skin that can’t absorb water. They are food safe and universally approved to transport food products. Wood pallets, on the other hand, can pose serious bio-hazard risks because they are susceptible to bacterial and chemical contamination, including E. coli and other food borne illnesses.

European Designed Packaging Equipment Detects Metal

June 19, 2013 by Dan M

In this article you will find the advantages of incorporating metal detection in food processing equipment is a good move. Read more about how European design and implementation of the this process is saving money and increasing product purity.

Using an Inventory System to Reduce Warehouse Theft

November 14, 2023June 19, 2013 by Dan M

Regardless of the types of products they store, nearly every warehouse has experienced shrinkage due to employee theft at some time or another. But one of the best prevention tools you can use to reduce or eliminate theft from your warehouse doesn’t require the purchase of an expensive surveillance system or the adding to your payroll with the hiring of security guards. It’s your inventory system that might need the upgrade.

An accurate, frequent inventory of the products you store in your warehouse can be your best defense against employee theft. First, when your workers see your inventory being counted on a monthly, or even a weekly basis, it will put them on notice that you are paying close attention to how much of your product should be there. While some businesses will perform a physical inventory as little as once a year simply to satisfy bookkeeping requirements, a monthly or weekly inventory will help you identify and solve a theft problem more quickly.

Is Bubble Wrap Actually Good for the Environment?

November 14, 2023June 17, 2013 by Dan M

Everybody loves bubble wrap. Businesses love the versatility and safety it provides when shipping products through the supply chain. Consumers love it because they know the products they order will arrive intact and undamaged. Even children love to play with bubble wrap, squeezing the tiny air pockets and delighting in the cascade of popping sounds.

But bubble wrap is actually good for the environment for a number of important reasons. First, bubble wrap provides superior cushioning than other forms of packaging, such as corrugated cardboard, recycled newspaper or shredded paper. It is made from polyethylene that is formed into air pockets. This trapped air provides a cushion that prevents damage during the inevitable jostling and impacts that occur during shipping. That means fewer items are damaged to the point where they have to be returned. Shipping items back to where they came from and then shipping replacement products can double or even triple your freight costs for that product- and increases emissions.