Managers of warehouses are well aware of the equipment available that is essential to operations. However, over time machinery may become worn. Because the manager has relied on those machines for so long, he may neglect the need for replacement. Moreover, manufacturers of warehouse equipment make innovations every once in a while to improve the capability of machines and warehouse managers may not be aware of this.
So it may be a good idea for managers to review their equipment to see whether replacement is necessary or to ascertain whether they should have things that they may not presently have.
What Kind of Equipment Do You Need?
Warehouse managers more so than anyone else understand how varied warehouse operation can be. The equipment you have depends on the products you receive, store and ship out. For example, a warehouse that handles clothing needs different means of handling stock than a warehouse that might stock PVC pipes. Warehouses can also vary in size. Again depending on the product category to which they serve the warehouse could be small in the range of a home garage to large, a multi-thousand square foot complex.
A small warehouse may need just a hand truck. However, a large warehouse may need mechanized pallet lifters.
Then there are accessories available that make your workers’ tasks much more efficient. A worker who is involved with returns will probably find a box cutter a handy tool to have on hand.
So to determine what equipment you need, take a tour of the warehouse floor and watch your employees work. It might even be a good idea to talk to some of them about what they could use to make their jobs easier. Then find out what equipment and accessories are available and match them to the needs of your employees.
What to Consider Before Acquiring Warehouse Equipment
Besides determining your employees’ needs, there are other things to consider before you go out and spend money on equipment and accessories. They include:
· Space. Is there room in which you can store or locate equipment? Are there items available that will help you use space more efficiently?
· Accessories. There are accessories that permit forklifts and other machines to perform more tasks and there are accessories that assure that your employees are safe within the working environment. Do research on both types and then match accessories to needs.
Finally, here is a list of warehouse equipment and accessories that are available. It is your job to figure out if they assist your operations enough to want to purchase them.
Pallet Jacks/Lifters
(Courtesy: Steven Dowle at flickr.com)
· Trans-positioners or transporters. These items rapidly move material and pallets from one location to another. They are ideal for moving pallets from a dock to a storage area
· Lifter transporters. This item performs the same task as a trans-positioner, but is designed to handle lighter weight items and is best used in small to medium size warehouses.
· Trans-stacker/transporter. Great for moving heavy pallets from shelf to shelf.
· Unit lifters/Transporter. This item lifts and transports pallets and can be used with skids and open-bottom pallets.
· Container tilters. These things are great for tilting heavy containers.
· Pallet truck. This device lifts pallets off the ground and moves them easily from location to location.
· Hand truck. These things are great for moving small loads.
Box-Related Equipment
· Shrink-wrap equipment. Shrink-wrap is used to package items for shipping and shrink-wrap equipment dispenses the wrap as you box picked items for shipping.
· Gravity conveyors. Furnished with roller wheels and bearings, a gravity conveyor moves boxes and other items from one place to another. They can be configured into a number of lengths
(Courtesy: Robert Smith at flickr.com)
and shapes depending on how you plan to use them. A great item for a loading dock from which packages are shipped.
Warehouse Accessories
· People positioners. This moves individuals easily from one place to another. They include adjustable stools that are fixed in place through casters. They are ideal for working at lower shelves and machinery.
· Back support belts. This item assures that workers will not harm their back when lifting. They are available in a variety of styles and sizes.
· Shipping scale. Provides the true weight of a shipment
· Wet floor signs. Essential for avoiding accidents on floors that are wet due to spillage or cleaning. They set up quickly to assure a safe work environment.
· Tape dispensers. This equipment allows workers to quickly dispense tape when packing and sealing boxes.
· Box-cutters and cutting knives. These are essential tools for anyone who opens boxes.