Tips on Improving Warehouse Productivity

Managing inventory effectively and maximizing warehouse productivity rank on top of the priority list of almost all warehouse managers,

We offers some tips on how to improve warehouse management.

Apply Cross-Docking to Maximize Space

The objective of cross-docking is to reduce the shelf storage time of stocks in the warehouse. It helps in transporting warehouse delivered goods quickly to the outbound carriers that can take the stocks to distribution centers. Make sure that the warehouse layout supports cross-docking.

Implement Strict Standards for Safety

Don’t make the warehouse an unsafe place for employees. If the staff isn’t trained properly, the result will be numerous accidents and high injury rates. Ensure that only the well-trained and experienced employees operate heavy duty equipment such as forklifts. Mark the safety protocols in the warehouse, such as indicating a safe distance from danger zones.

Incorporate Efficient Weighing Systems

Make efficient weight scales, such as truck scales, an integral part of your warehouse as it helps in optimizing all the weighing processes. By improving the accuracy of the billing and shipping tremendously, revenues can be increased. The overall workflow productivity is also enhanced.

Use Technology to Enhance Inventory Management

New robotics technology has become the most sought after technology in many companies. Automated vehicles come a close second. By incorporating self-driving technology in the warehouses, human labor can be assigned to more critical jobs and enhance safety and efficiency.

3-D printing technology allows on-demand production of various components for manufacturing at the location itself. It can effectively eliminate the need for any transportation, thus reducing the cost and lead times significantly.

Innovation of newer, lighter and stronger materials like nanotubes and graphene  will improve warehouse productivity as less energy is needed to transport lighter materials and equipment.

Extract taken from goo.gl/USrdb3

Written by MH&L Staff

Diesel prices drop for fourth straight week, reports EIA

The Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported this week that the average price per gallon of diesel gasoline dropped for the fourth straight week, with a 0.4 cent decline to $2.558 per gallon.

This follows declines of 0.7 cents, 1.6 cents, and 1.2 cents, respectively, over the previous three weeks.

The last four weeks of declines were preceded by gains over the previous six weeks, with the average price per gallon increasing a cumulative 17.7 cents from the week of November 28 to the week of January 9.

The average price per barrel of West Texas Intermediate Crude is at $52.27 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

A recent Reuters report said that oil prices were steady as news of lower production by OPEC and other key exporters was balanced by reports of more drilling and higher output in the United States. And it added that U.S. oil production has risen by more than 6 percent since mid-2016, though it remains 7 percent below the 2015 peak. It is back to levels reached in late 2014, when strong U.S. crude output contributed to a crash in oil prices.

In its most recent Short-Term Energy Outlook, the EIA is calling for diesel prices to average out at $2.73 in 2017 and $2.84 in 2018, with WTI crude oil pegged at $52.50 per barrel in 2017 and $55.18 in 2018.




Extract taken from   goo.gl/KHhpdo

LM staff

http://.logisticsmgmt.com/