Thursday, August 21, 2008

Warehousing News - Week of 8/17

On-board weighing system
RDS technology has invented a solution to increase efficiency and ameliorate safety. The digital Liftalert system alarms workers when load capacities are nearing overload status. A hydraulic load sensor sends visual and audible signals when maximum capacity is approached.

Read the full article at Warehouse and Logistics News.



Keeping Safe from the Ground Up
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one-fourth of all occupational fatalities result from transportation and material moving occupations. This warrants heavy safety precautions to be present in warehouse facilities. In addition, OSHA has recently delivered some hefty fines in an attempt to curb violations and to place more emphasis on safety.

Read the full article at MMH Magazine

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Warehousing Q&A

How quickly can my warehouse process an order?

Warehouses are usually quick. It is likely that a morning order can be shipped that day and an afternoon can be shipped early the next.


Will I have to communicate with my warehouse vendor each time I want to know the status of my account?

Most vendors have a computer system established. At any time you can view the history of orders, leave messages, see numbers relating to stock, etc.


Do I have to use their account for shipping?

You will have the freedom to use your own trucking company, your own Federal Express or UPS account, or use the one owned by the warehouse service.


What if my products arrive from production not completely assembled?

Most warehouse have added services that handle such things. There are even processes that involve partial assembly or combining several idle components. The process is called 'pick packing' or 'kitting.'


Does my company need to be a certain size in order to acquire the services of a warehouse provider?

No. Warehouses charge in relation to the amount of space you use. You do not need to have a big business in order to use their services.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Find a Warehouse Near Your Hot Spot

Warehouse services are helpful to small to mid-size businesses that do not own a housing unit of their own. Along with other factors to consider in outsourcing, a business must think about the location of the warehouse.

Many warehouses exist in the middle of the country. The rationale behind this geographic decision is that the warehouse is equidistant to all borders, thus theoretically making shipping costs the lowest.

Do research and find out where your company's 'hot spots' reside. This way, you can choose a warehouse that is closest to the highest number of customers.

Warehouse news:

How to Work the Warehouse - WashingtonPost.com

Warehouse Management Systems - A Top-Shelf Solution - DC Velocity

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Work with Your Warehouse Vendor

Outsourcing is a popular convention in the business-to-business world. Companies choose to outsource because it provides them the opportunity to focus on their business rather than engage in peripheral tasks to keep it running.

Though the outsourced provider handles your needs, it can still be advantageous to learn about their services, keep contact, and offer suggestions.

Warehousing is used by many companies without a place to store their goods after production. Warehouse services usually charge based on the amount of space used. Playing a part in how your goods are stored in your warehouse is a good decision.

Software is available to help you visualize optimal arrangements for your goods in order to save money on storage expenses.

Learn more about warehousing services:

Know the Advantage of Warehousing Facilities

What You Need to Know About Warehouses

Warehouse Services FAQ
 
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