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MHI Updates
It’s a common misconception that seismically designed rack is only found west of the continental divide. In fact, earthquake activity has been documented in multiple regions throughout the U.S., including the Midwest and Southeast. That’s why, depending on where within the U.S. a facility is located, a seismic force review may need to be taken into account by the rack manufacturer when engineering, manufacturing and installing a pallet rack system.
A newly published quick reference infographic from the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), offers an overview of the different available types of industrial overhead material handling cranes. It also details the benefits delivered by this method of materials movement, as well as the breadth of resources available by CMAA.
Technology and Innovation
In 2018, global revenues from cobot production exceeded $550 million. This was almost a 60% increase over 2017; and over 19,000 cobots were shipped. A new market report by Interact Analysis, The Collaborative Robot Market – 2019, forecasts that revenues for cobots will reach $5.6 billion in 2027, accounting for almost one-third of the total robotics market, and that <5kg and 5-9 kg cobots, popular in small to medium-sized industrial settings, will represent the majority of sales in 2023.
Companies are now turning to robotics and other automated technologies to meet customer demands. Updating facilities with new equipment previously meant purchasing and installing systems to see if they worked in your operation. Now companies are able to see and evaluate their options using digital modeling and virtual commissioning.
The popular press has increasingly touted the expectation that blockchain will make a substantial impact upon supply chain management. But, as of this moment, there’s more hype than reality surrounding blockchain and its potential to transform supply chain management. That’s why a pair of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley’s Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research recently published a white paper on the topic.
Workforce
To maximize the overhead space in their facilities, many operations utilize elevated work platforms, pick modules or rack supported platforms upon which workers access stored items. Because they’re working above ground level, it’s important to integrate permanent fall protection—specifically guardrails—around the perimeter of the platform or walkway to prevent those associates from falling over the edge.
Maximizing productivity is the holy grail of warehouses, but there are lots of things that impact the ability to run operations efficiently. The real key to running an efficient and successful operation is your workforce, so keeping your employees engaged, motivated and happy should be high on your priority list.
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