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Warehouse management continues to shift toward automation to drive efficiency and speed in order to meet rising consumer expectations. As you consider automating areas of your operation, keep in mind this important data. 

Companies purchase used lift equipment for a number of reasons. Newer companies with limited cash on hand may prefer the lower up-front costs of used equipment. Companies with cyclical handling needs, or with unexpected spikes in production, also may find used equipment useful as a stopgap measure. And in other cases, the features of a brand-new piece of equipment may not be desired or required for the application at hand.

Planned maintenance services are essential programs for maintaining the quality and effectiveness of your equipment. These services not only save you money but assure your equipment is running at peak performance. Being proactive about servicing equipment allows you to maintain high levels of productivity and prevent any serious repairs. However, it is important to be strategic when choosing planned maintenance services to make sure you select the right equipment maintenance plan and maximize the value and return you will get on your investment.

The best time to replace material handling equipment is not always obvious. If you replace equipment too soon, you may not be getting the full return on your investment. Replace it too late, however, and you may encounter production and capacity issues in addition to unscheduled and unexpected financial costs. Not to worry. We will explain the key factors to keep in mind to help you know when to buy a new forklift or other piece of material handling equipment.

Warehouse safety should be an essential part of your day-to-day operations, and the best way to ensure that safety remains a focus for all employees is to create a safety management plan. Why is warehouse safety so important? Because it can affect so many aspects of the organization, including productivity and efficiency, as well as employee well-being and morale.

Your operations do not stop once the weather turns colder. During this time of year, it is important to prepare your forklifts and other material handling equipment to ensure continued reliable performance — despite the frigid environment.

Failing to prepare equipment for winter can lead to increased malfunctions and maintenance requirements, as well as damage to machines and components. In the sections below, you will learn about winter forklift maintenance, why it is important and how to conduct it properly.

An optimized warehouse is an efficient warehouse: one which maximizes the value and utility of every resource it uses and every process it undertakes. Warehouse optimization requires effort and investments to identify and implement the most efficient mix of people, systems and equipment. It is also critical to establish the right processes, so you can take full advantage of your most finite resource — time.

High-capacity forklifts and heavy-duty equipment serve as the pulse of many manufacturing plants and other major industrial facilities. They enable workers to transfer large parts, products and components from one place to another efficiently and effectively. However, along with the benefits of this equipment come certain challenges for proper operation and usage. Learn how to avoid some of the most common mistakes involved with high-capacity forklifts and heavy-duty equipment.

When it comes to optimizing your material handling equipment fleet, visibility and planning are key. You would not operate a lift truck with obstructions blocking your view. So why do many operations managers approach fleet management and cost-projections without reviewing critical information?

Accidents involving forklifts and other material handling equipment are common and can cause significant injuries to both operators and workers. In addition to the detrimental physical impact, the costs associated with any accident can be astronomical.

Seasonal sales, special promotions and new product introductions become busy periods for smaller warehouses. With arriving shipments, you need to find the right spaces for merchandise that will later be used to fill orders or restock empty shelves. Material handling equipment increases the productivity level for your warehouse workers while enabling them to safely move pallets, crates and boxes.

There are a lot of equipment options specifically designed to fit in small spaces. Whether your warehouse has narrow aisles, limited space or must function within a tight budget, you can utilize a variety of equipment that will best fit for your operations. Learn about the different types of equipment below

Receiving merchandise, storing items on shelves, picking, packaging and shipping deliveries are just a few of the main activities that occur in large warehouses. Workers are constantly on the move trying to keep operations running optimally. Yet warehouse supplies can become lost or misplaced. Damaged goods may end up being shipped by mistake, and disorganization can create an unsafe and inefficient work environment. 

Warehouse management solutions can improve your large operations while minimizing order errors. Here are the top five tips to consider when it comes to organizing your warehouse.

A forklift is an essential piece of equipment in any warehouse, distribution center or factory. Without it, it would be nearly impossible to efficiently move heavy objects in these environments. The strength and versatility of lift trucks certainly make life easier for the people who work in most industrial settings. However, the power that forklifts provide must be used with a great deal of responsibility.

We often receive questions about operating an electric forklift in various weather conditions. Because these forklifts rely on complex electrical components, it is important to know when and where you can run your electric forklift.

Three frequently asked questions we receive about using electric forklifts in the rain are:

1. Are electric forklifts able to operate in the rain?
2. How waterproof are electric forklifts?
3. What safety precautions should I take in the rain?

Electric forklifts are a great option if you are looking to lower your total cost of ownership, increase productivity and reduce emissions. However, you have to make sure the battery is maintained properly so you can extend its life and maximize your investment.

IP Codes, sometimes referred to as Ingress Protection Markings, are an international standard for classifying the degree of protection a machine has against liquid and solid objects. Every forklift should have a code that will tell you what the forklift can withstand. The Ingress Protection Markings will be located on the rating plate, and once you have located that, you will be able to ascertain in what environments you can safely operate your forklift. 

Safe + Sound Week, August 13-19, 2018, is a national event sponsored by OSHA to raise awareness and understanding about the importance of safety in the workplace. Successful safety programs help identify hazards before they become dangerous and reduce injury or illness within the company. Whether you do not have a safety program or have had one for years, Safe + Sound has resources and activities for you!

Manual pallet jacks, used to lift and move pallets and other loads, are a great alternative to forklifts. They are smaller, require less upkeep plus operators are not required to be OSHA certified to use one. Although you may not need an official certification, it is important that everyone who uses a pallet jack is familiar with the safest ways to operate the equipment.