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Deep Lane Storage: When to Choose High-Density Automated Warehouse Storage
Key Takeaways: • The supply chain is very complex, with many moving parts.• Deep lane storage systems can help simplify inventory and cube utilization within a facility, but they have pros and cons.• Supply chain managers should consider whether this solution is right for them.• Warehouse aisles have been shrinking to accommodate more products, which…
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The Benefits of Robotic Palletizing: Why You Should Invest in a Palletizer
ARTICLE UPDATED ON JULY 29, 2023 Technology plays an increasingly vital role throughout the supply chain. With the increased use of automated systems and artificial intelligence (AI), manufacturers and retailers are implementing more efficient processes as they navigate ongoing supply chain challenges. For many, fully automized robotic palletizing systems have taken the place of human…
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Three Distribution Center Technology Trends to Improve Throughput
Today’s distribution center technology trends center on using smarter equipment to speed up the path from the distribution center to the customer. Market expansion through online ordering and direct-to-consumer sales models have also increased the need for DCs to carry a more diverse selection of products. At the same time, distribution centers must keep throughput…
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What Are the Benefits of a Closed Loop Supply Chain?
Sustainability and environmentalism have transformed from topics at the fringes of society to mainstream concerns that affect consumers’ daily lives and purchasing decisions. Recyclable packaging and environmentally friendly certifications are found on many products. More and more customers look for these marks when shopping for food and packaged goods. However, there’s a clear consensus that…
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4 Warehouse Loading Dock Safety Tips
About one-quarter of all warehouse injuries happen in loading docks. For managers who want to reduce injuries in their facilities, warehouse loading dock safety should be a priority. It’s not hard to understand why accidents occur so frequently in loading docks; these spaces are extremely busy, with people and machinery working quickly and in close…
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Why Are Freight Rates Dropping in 2019?
The years 2017 and 2018 were incredibly profitable for transportation companies, but the increasing transportation rates that made these years so profitable for carriers also tightened profit margins for manufacturers. Many increased product prices to cover the high cost of freight rates. The boom showed no sign of stopping at the end of 2018. In…
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The Circular Economy and Packaging: How Reusable Shipping Materials Can Close the Loop
Circular economies have always been with us. The world’s natural systems are constantly recycling minerals, nutrients, and energy. Early human civilizations developed with the help of these natural cycles. What has been changing since the industrial revolution is that the global economy has vastly outstripped the pace at which these natural systems can work. The…
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The Most Popular Pallet Material Types
ARTICLE UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 06, 2023 The variety of materials used in pallet construction mirrors the diverse range of products they transport. Some pallet materials are favored for their affordability, while others offer exceptional durability and weight-bearing capabilities for transporting heavy goods. Softwood stringer pallets, for instance, are suitable for brief one-way journeys, whereas plastic…
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What Are the Benefits of Heat-Treated Pallets?
ARTICLE UPDATED ON FEBRUARY 2, 2023 Constructed to comply with international export standards, heat-treated pallets are wood pallets that are treated at high temperatures in order to lower moisture content. This makes them less prone to problems such as wood rot or insect infestation. These pallets are costlier than traditional wood pallets; the additional time…
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Improving Automated Storage and Retrieval System Safety
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are one of the newest and most impressive innovations among the myriad marvels of the global logistics chain. These automated systems palletize, store, and retrieve products with unmatched speed and precision, vastly increasing throughput and ensuring process controls are consistently followed. The use of these systems and other forms…
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5 Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Best Practices
When it comes to supply chains, the pharmaceutical supply chain is probably the most heavily regulated of all–and for good reason. Even the smallest error in shipping and storage can impact the efficacy of a product and put lives at risk. Adhering to pharmaceutical supply chain best practices is crucial to ensure pharmaceuticals are delivered…
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How to Optimize Your Warehouse Automation ROI
If you’ve implemented automation in your warehouse or are considering doing so, you know that pinning down hard numbers for an expected return on investment (ROI) can be tricky. Considering only the cost of technology leaves out other, less obvious costs, like the need to adjust the warehouse floor layout or support ongoing maintenance. By…