The Material Handling Blog

Pallet storage is the silent engine of any warehouse or manufacturing facility. It’s the backbone that keeps everything else running smoothly—from intake and storage to inventory management or preparation for shipping. While often overlooked, efficient pallet management ensures operations flow seamlessly.

This coming Friday, October 4, we celebrate Manufacturing Day, it's a perfect time to pause and recognize the remarkable efforts of our manufacturing team members. Each day, their skills and dedication drive our success, and this celebration is a reflection of the vital role they play in shaping the future of our industry.

Automation solves many operational challenges in today’s forward-thinking warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. From reducing labor costs to increasing order accuracy and throughput, material handling automation has become essential to modern operations. But while it’s tempting to look at automating specific tasks, the real value comes from considering how each solution fits into the overall system.

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, businesses are increasingly relying on automation to meet customer demands, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're in manufacturing, logistics or any other industry that relies on automated systems, the ability to handle spikes in demand efficiently can make or break your operation. One essential step in ensuring your system can perform under pressure is conducting thorough robotic simulations before installation.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the role of engineers is more critical than ever. As technology advances and industries transform, the next generation of engineers must be equipped with both technical expertise and practical skills to navigate the many challenges posed by employers, customers and technology. My recent experience teaching an Introduction to Sales Engineering class for the Industrial Systems Engineering department at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) provided insight into the next cohort of engineers and how they are prepared to make an impact in the future.

Fire safety is a critical concern in warehouse, manufacturing, and distribution facilities due to the potential for significant damage and loss. In Canada, stringent regulations around fire suppression systems often surprise customers looking to install material handling automation equipment. These regulations particularly impact facilities handling flammable products such as textiles, fragrances, and aerosols.

In the ever-evolving world of automation, selecting the right robotic system for your application can significantly impact efficiency, precision and overall productivity. Among the multitude of options available, articulated robots and gantry robots are two popular choices. While both have their unique advantages, there are several compelling reasons why articulated robots often stand out as the superior choice for many industrial applications.

In modern material handling warehouses, efficient product transport through conveyor systems plays a pivotal role. While conveyor systems are pretty straightforward, there are various elements that help to achieve that efficiency. A key facet of any conveyor solution is the control card, which manages the flow of goods through conveyor zones. These cards provide users complete control over product singulation and release, ensuring products are moved precisely when and where they are needed to optimize the entire automated material handling system.

You've invested in a material handling automation system, eagerly anticipating its transformative impact on your warehouse operations. You're ready to see your processes streamlined, your efficiency skyrocket, and your bottom line soar. But the truth is, while automation is a game-changer, it's not a magic wand that can be waved to solve all your operational challenges instantly. To fully unlock the potential of these cutting-edge technologies and realize the maximum return on your investment, ensuring that your team has the knowledge and skills to leverage them effectively is essential. Even the most advanced automation systems may fail to deliver the expected results without proper training.

Most manufacturers are well aware that manual palletizing is no easy job. Awkward movements, repetitive motions and production requirements make for a challenging process that is difficult to keep staffed. Throw in the requirement that handled products are +50lb bags – which can be unwieldly and hard to hold and balance – and a difficult job to staff becomes a close to impossible. This is a well-known challenge for any manufacturers that handle bags, totes or oddly shaped items like tires. The geometry of an item can pose a challenge just like weight and size. Robotic bag palletizing is a tried-and-true automation solution that allows for the reallocation of your staff to avoid costly on-the-job injuries and increased job satisfaction. The automation will also result in higher line uptimes and greater throughputs to be handled.

“The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.” Bill Gates This quote highlights a fundamental truth: the success of automation hinges not just on the technology itself but on the underlying efficiency of the processes it aims to enhance. This means that strategic planning and process optimization are essential prerequisites for reaping the full benefits of automation in warehouse operations.

Ecommerce warehousing involves storing, organizing, and managing goods in the supply chain for online retail. India is becoming one of the fastest-growing ecommerce markets in the world, so efficient warehousing solutions are essential. The Indian ecommerce warehousing market is growing rapidly now with no sign of slowing down. If you are an online retailer looking to gain a competitive edge in your market, read more to find out which technologies will benefit you as you start to plan your next warehouse operation upgrade.