Warehousing Software: How Logistics Software Can Help Keep Track Of Item Costs And Holding Costs

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Warehousing Software: How Logistics Software Can Help Keep Track Of Item Costs And Holding Costs

master2 years ago06 mins

Warehousing Software: How Logistics Software Can Help Keep Track Of Item Costs And Holding Costs

Logistics software can help operate any business that requires you to have a warehouse streamlining even the toughest of businesses.

One of the reasons for this is there are so many items you have to keep track of in order to make sure things are running the way they are supposed to be. Losing track of any one of these things can mean disaster and it can set you back for a long time. Warehousing software is the perfect way to help avoid such problems.

Understand that this particular inventory software offers a lot in the name of value, not just basic capabilities. How often are you able to go through every product you have in your warehouse in order to keep track of how much the item is selling for? Granted, you probably have a pretty good idea of what these items cost because you have to buy them on a regular basis.

However, the market is always changing. You may have some items that have actually gone up in value and then you may have some items in your warehouse that have gone down in value.

With this being the case how would you know which individual items were costing you way more money than what you had to pay for them? How would you know which items you can get a better deal on if you do not understand which items are constantly going up in price?

Warehousing software will allow you to keep track of costs in this regard. In just about any business, your ability to know price is very important. The majority of the time various suppliers offer discounts depending on the quantity of items you purchase. Using this logistics software can allow you to catch items that have been steadily going up in price.

Once you noticed this trend you can decide to make a change and go with either a different supplier or negotiate a lower price for ordering larger quantities. This is the way real businesses operates, and having the right tools at your disposal will ensure you’re able to keep prices down. Warehousing software can help you in other ways as well.

Odds are you are probably purchasing particular items that you have been offered a discount on, even though the current customer demand does not require them. Now what does this do to a business? It leads to you having to carry excess inventory that is going to sit in your warehouse for a long period of time.

This is not to say that carrying excess inventory is always going to be a bad thing. However, you would need a way to understand what the associated costs are so you will know if buying a certain product in bulk is a smart business decision.

Whatever discount you might get offered to buy certain items in bulk will cost money to store and as a …

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Warehouse Management Systems – 5 Ways to Make Your Business More Efficient and Profitable

master2 years ago05 mins

Warehouse Management Systems – 5 Ways to Make Your Business More Efficient and Profitable

During both good times and bad, it’s essential for you to find ways to make your business operate more efficiently. Given today’s business environment, your very survival may depend upon your ability to reduce costs and increase productivity. This article will show you how an electronic warehouse management system can help your business thrive.

Warehouse Management Systems Background

Warehouse management systems (WMS) electronically track and record the movement and storage of inventory and materials within your warehouse. This allows you to streamline your business processes. WMS capture data electronically using barcode or RFID technologies. You gain real-time visibility and control over supply chain processes such as put away, picking, packing and shipping.

How this Benefits Your Operation

Implementing a practical warehouse management system will streamline your business and provide tangible, bottom-line benefits. Here are 5 ways an automated system can improve your operation:

Reduction in Inventory Levels. A WMS gives you real-time visibility into your inventory and an accurate measure of item consumption velocity. The ability to electronically establish min/max levels combined with better visibility should allow you to significantly reduce your safety stock.

Quicker Order Fulfillment. A WMS improves inventory location visibility and accuracy. This saves wasted time trying to find the right item. A WMS also gives you the ability to define the most productive way to pick items. For example: by order, item, location or ship method.

More efficient use of warehouse space. First, less safety stock means more available space. Next, a WMS improves warehouse space utilization by allowing rule based stock locating. Items are no longer required to always be stored in the same location; the system directs workers to an item’s storage location(s). Higher volume items can be designated to forward pick locations with automatic replenishment based on volume. Lower volume items can be designated to locations which are further away. Volume based placement allows items to be located more efficiently relative to receiving, packing, and shipping areas. This significantly improves productivity.

Reduced paperwork and delays. WMS substantially reduces the paperwork associated with typical warehouse operations. More importantly inventory transactions are reported in real-time so sales have better visibility, accounting can invoice faster, and warehouse workers are more productive. Reports, tickets and lists are maintained electronically virtually eliminating paper copies.

Reduced error rates. An effective WMS automates and standardizes processes to eliminate human errors. Put away locations are verified, part numbers are validated against the orders, and lot or serial numbers can be captured as items are picked. This validation significantly reduces the costs of errors associated with manual systems.

Improved customer service. An effective WMS streamlines processes from initial order to shipment to customers. You can determine product availability and commit shipping/delivery dates more accurately. You’ll also reduce costs associated with returns because shipments will be more accurate.

You can see that these very real business benefits are associated with automated warehouse management systems. Given the realities of business …

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10 Reasons To Use Log Burning Boilers

master2 years ago06 mins

10 Reasons To Use Log Burning Boilers

If you’re fed up with rising fuel costs, and want to do your bit for the environment too, then you’ll want to know more about log burning boilers.

Here’s what you need to know.

Simple to use – Log burning boilers are easy to ignite and simple to use. With many models having remote controls, and LCD displays, they can be programmed to come on and go off when you want them to, and the temperature can be adjusted to your exact requirements too.

Burns logs and clean wood waste – Farms and other commercial wood producing environments that have a lot of waste wood can use their wood for heating purposes. Rather than have to spend additional resources on LPG or oil heating, if you’ve got logs or waste wood readily available you’re heating will be much cheaper.

Easy to refuel – Depending on the size of your boiler, the amount of heating you’ll be using, you may need to fill up your boiler once a day. This shouldn’t take long, and will be a small price to pay for having much reduced heating costs.

Simple cleaning and maintenance – If your boiler is in a dedicated boiler room, then you’ll find it quick and easy to maintain and keep clean and in full working order. This will save you time and money in the long run, and aso keep your boiler running as it should do.

Highly efficient – Log burning boilers offer up to around 92% efficiency, making them extremely efficient indeed. This means that more of the heat provided by burning wood is used as heat and not lost. You’ll need to use less fuel, and so you’ll save even more money.

Performance – Your log burning boiler will be designed to provide excellent performance for many years. It will be reliable and designed to be up to the job, so you can buy with confidence and know that it won’t let you down in the depths of winter.

Wood storage – Your wood logs can be stored in a dry place, and so they shouldn’t degrade, so you can take advantage of seasonal log availability. Perhaps you know of family and friends who have a surplus of logs too, and would be willing to help you out.

Remote boiler house – By installing your log boiler in a remote location, it doesn’t need to even be in your home. If you live on a farm, then you may have a suitable outbuilding than can be used. This will mean that you can store your wood next to your boiler.

Versatile – You’ll find that there are many log burning boilers available, and so you’ll need to find one that meets your requirements. Different manufacturers offer different features so you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Value for money – Thanks to the RHI (Renewable Heating Incentive, those who are using a renewable heating system in commercial setting can receive …

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Article Marketing Is The Key For Traffic To Your Business Opportunity

master3 years ago05 mins

Article Marketing Is The Key For Traffic To Your Business Opportunity

How do I get traffic to my website? Everyone who has an online business opportunity has the same issue. There are so many ways to go out and get web traffic, email marketing, blogs, seo, pay per click and article marketing. Yes, article marketing has been popular for a few years now. The problem is when the latest or greatest new method comes along we sometimes forget about what is really working and we lose focus. As a fisherman I am just as guilty, by tackle box is filled with different lures. They caught me at the store, but there is always a select few that are reliable that I go back to. Article marketing is the same way.

There have been some of the “so called experts” that claim that article marketing is dead, it’s overused, watered down, etc. That can be true to a point but the key point is when you write a decent article and submit the article to the right article directories, you still will get a great surge of traffic to your website. One article submission service that I use is, Submit Your Article. They submit your articles to all the major directories, but what really effective with them is the way you can rewrite your title and content so each directory picks up unique content.

By changing the article title and the content you could have one article submitted to 10 of the best article directories, and with 5 changes to the article you can rank in over 50 spots. That is very powerful! In fact in the last couple of weeks I have had several calls from people interested in my network marketing program that I promote, see my name and my sites all over the internet. They all signed up with me because the articles promote me as the expert and I am noticed all over for my keywords. If you like the business opportunity then the question becomes, who do you want to partner with? The side benefit of course is links back to your website that boost your sites rankings.

There is a lot of buzz about social marketing and yes it does work. But in order for social marketing to be effective it takes a lot of time. Article marketing done the right way can take time as well. Unlike social marketing, the benefits are realized right away. Even company replicated websites can benefit from article marketing traffic. The keyword Fuel Direct has over 12 million sites listed. The company replicated site is ranked number 2. That’s powerful, all with only 5 articles!

So, you want more visitors to your website? Put some effort into something that works, article marketing. In the tough economic times we are in it truly is a great way to brand yourself and receive a great deal of traffic. The great news is that it is free!…

General Article

10 Ways To Save Money On Your Heating

master3 years ago05 mins

10 Ways To Save Money On Your Heating

If you’re looking to save money on your heating, then you might have think you’ve tried everything. Instead of being cold during the day, or coming home to a cold house after work, why not see if some of these can make your home warmer whilst saving you money.

Doors and windowsIt sounds obvious, but you’ll need to make sure that you close doors and windows. By closing doors downstairs, and concentrating on keeping the heat in a single room, you will notice the difference. Bleeding the radiators can also make them more effective too.

GapsRemember to look out for gaps around doors and windows. These gaps can mean that the cold can enter a room, or the heat can escape. Long curtains over doors or windows, and draught excluders, really can make a big difference.

InsulationIf you’re not sure about the insulation in your home, you might want to see whether there are grants or incentives to improve the insulation. Free insulation is available for some people, and so it can dramatically reduce the amount of money you spend on heating your home.

ClothingAnother obvious answer is to wear more clothes. If you’re only wearing a T shirt in the middle of winter, and moaning that you’re cold, then you could definitely be more appropriately dressed. Remember that several layers is better than one thick layer.

All day heatingLeaving the heating on constant can be more cost effective than timed, during the day. This is because maintaining a constant temperature requires minimal heating, compared to heating up from cold again.

Shop aroundWhen was the last time you compared prices? You can save a considerable amount if you shop around to see if you’re using the cheapest energy supplier. Even if you’re in a rural area, or are off the grid, then you can save money on your heating by finding a cheaper oil or LPG supplier.

Service and maintenanceWhen was the last time your boiler was serviced? Like your car, your boiler needs servicing regularly so that it is working efficiently. Why not arrange for your boiler to be serviced, and see if that helps to bring down your heating bill?

Time for a new boiler?A new boiler could make a huge difference too. If you have an old combi boiler, it may be as little as 50-60% efficient, compared to modern boilers, some of which are more than 90% efficient, making them more effective and cheaper to run.

Wood pellet boilersA wood pellet boiler will cost less to run than an oil, LPG or coal heating system for many people. If you’re a heavy user of heating and hot water, such as a hotel or factory, or need to heat a large house, then you should consider a wood heating system.

RHIThe recently introduced government funded Renewable Heating Initiative (RHI) means that those people, domestic, and business, who use renewable heating will be paid for it. Qualifying wood pellet boilers …

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Fleet Managers Beware – Rocketing Petrol Prices Highlight Lack of Vehicle Efficiency

master3 years ago051 mins

Fleet Managers Beware – Rocketing Petrol Prices Highlight Lack of Vehicle Efficiency

Research has shown that the huge increase in petrol and diesel prices is the biggest current challenge facing fleet managers. On top of this it is evident that not only are the prices increasing but that there is a large amount of wastage.

A recent study carried out by Trimble MRM has shown the British businesses are squandering millions of litres of petrol due to inefficient driving of company cars. The survey especially highlights inaccurate fuel gauges, poor driving techniques as well as bad record keeping as being the main culprits. Fleet managers and businesses can be unaware of the real consequences of their fuel usage due to these culprits.

With fuel prices continuing to rise there is an urgent need for a better understanding to be developed of where fuel is being used and when it is being wasted unnecessarily.

The piece of the jigsaw which will be central in helping fleet management and companies achieve fuel savings is real-time data from individual vehicles which can be linked to individual drivers. The correct type of driver feedback technology can potentially make the average commercial fleet vehicle up to 15% more efficient.

One example given by Mr. Andrew Yeoman, the MD of Trimble MRM, is a heavy goods vehicle which drives 60,000 miles per year at 8 miles to the gallon. In this instance a saving of £6,142 could be made.

The reality is that guesswork on mileage logs and fuelcards are open to problems, abuse and mistakes. However new fleet diagnostic solutions nowadays allow companies to receive valuable information on each vehicle. These reports show where the fuel is being wasted, reports on faults and performance. It contains information on individual driver performance which incorporates driving style, braking, acceleration and speed.

Even though fleet drivers may feel as if this moves towards a bit of a Big Brother is watching them style of fleet management, the reality is that whether they like it or not in these highly challenging times what is most important for business survival and success is overall productivity and costs.

Taking the previous example of the heavy goods vehicle if a fleet manager was to multiply this by hundreds or a thousand or so vehicles, the potential savings are enormous.

Therefore the idea is not to penalise drivers who drive as part of their jobs but instead to troubleshoot problems at the earliest possible stage. Some drivers may need re-training or to have the awareness to change their behaviour patterns. Your fleet has the opportunity to make significant long term savings.

General Article

Ford’s EcoBoost Engine Family

master3 years ago04 mins

Ford’s EcoBoost Engine Family

Since the launch of Ford’s EcoBoost family, demand for the engine has increased every month; and not just for current Ford owners. Customers who had not previously considered Ford vehicles are now attracted to the fuel-friendly engine family. And it’s not hard to see why.

In a Ford F-150, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque and provides a best-in-class towing capability of 11,300 pounds, all while increasing fuel economy savings by 20% and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 15%. In fact, the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost has an EPA estimated rating of 22 MPG highway, which combined with the power of the F-150, creates the best combination of efficiency and capability among all light duty, full-size pickup trucks. This may explain why 40% of all EcoBoost engine options are sold on the popular truck.

The F-150 is not the only Ford vehicle that can be equipped with an EcoBoost engine. It is also currently available in the Ford Flex, Taurus SHO, and several Lincoln vehicles. Later this year, the engine family will be offered on the Explorer SUV and Edge CUV, followed by a Focus ST option in 2012. The optional EcoBoost on these cars will be a 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter 237 horsepower engine, slightly less powerful than that of the F-150, but with even greater fuel efficiency. By 2013, Ford aims to produce 1.5 million EcoBoost engines around the world, in vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

The newly redesigned 2013 Ford Taurus, which was recently unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, will bring about the next level of EcoBoost. The sedan is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimated 31 MPG highway. Currently, EcoBoost engines have also increased the fuel economy of the Taurus SHO, which receives 25 MPG highway when powered by the 3.5-liter V6 version. The engine has helped increase the perceived value of the Taurus SHO as well, adding it to the list of cars considered by many who are shopping in the luxury market. In fact, 28% of SHO buyers traded in a luxury brand vehicle for the car.

With gas prices on the rise, drivers are looking for ways to save, and Ford has stepped up to the plate. The EcoBoost may be just one small part of Ford’s plan to create fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars, but it has made a large impact on consumers.…

General Article

Don’t Get Stuck With a Gooey Gasoline

master3 years ago04 mins

Don’t Get Stuck With a Gooey Gasoline

A little known fact is that gasoline can freeze. In fact, it can freeze while you are operating your vehicle. Over-the-Road truck drivers have long touted the benefits of fuel additive while driving in freezing temperatures. Gasoline and diesel are a mixture of hydrocarbons and the components have different freezing points. Huh? For the scientists out there, I’m sure you just went what a simplistic approach. But for the average non-mechanically inclined American who wants to protect their car and not get stuck in the slush, I offer a couple of simple tips.

For diesel as the temperatures begin to drop below 32ºF or 0ºC the paraffin in the fuel begins to cloud and gelling soon occurs. This gelatinous fuel is then unable to flow through the fuel filter as a waxy coat builds up and the engine begins to choke. The simple fix is a fuel heater or a diesel additive such as Howes Diesel Treatment. The additive has received an overall approval rating by users and is easily found at most truck stops.

The magic point for gasoline occurs at a much lower temperature, -97ºF, even that is going to vary depending on the additives in the fuel. In temperatures as common place as 32ºF your tank can begin to freeze if water gets into the mixture. Methyl Alcohol is a ready fix to keep the water from freezing in your gas tank if it gets in there. Oh sure, like you have a gallon of that hanging around the garage? And how would you know if water is even in there, right? What about an additive for those of you who don’t keep a chemistry lab? Just want to be able to walk in and buy something economical for your ordinary GG (grocery getter) or as it is otherwise known, the family car? HEET, is the most popular gas-line antifreeze and water remover product on the market. This product can be found readily in all major auto parts stores and several general merchandise stores as well. So, if you’re not living in sunny Florida and have to face those nippy winds of Illinois, investing in an additive during the winter months may be well worth it.

Of course, most of this problem can be kept to a minimum by simply keeping a one-half or greater level of fuel in the tank. That can be easier said than done when money is tight, but the benefits far outweigh the temporary pinch in your pocket.…

General Article

Don’t Get Stuck With a Gooey Gasoline

master3 years ago04 mins

Don’t Get Stuck With a Gooey Gasoline

A little known fact is that gasoline can freeze. In fact, it can freeze while you are operating your vehicle. Over-the-Road truck drivers have long touted the benefits of fuel additive while driving in freezing temperatures. Gasoline and diesel are a mixture of hydrocarbons and the components have different freezing points. Huh? For the scientists out there, I’m sure you just went what a simplistic approach. But for the average non-mechanically inclined American who wants to protect their car and not get stuck in the slush, I offer a couple of simple tips.

For diesel as the temperatures begin to drop below 32ºF or 0ºC the paraffin in the fuel begins to cloud and gelling soon occurs. This gelatinous fuel is then unable to flow through the fuel filter as a waxy coat builds up and the engine begins to choke. The simple fix is a fuel heater or a diesel additive such as Howes Diesel Treatment. The additive has received an overall approval rating by users and is easily found at most truck stops.

The magic point for gasoline occurs at a much lower temperature, -97ºF, even that is going to vary depending on the additives in the fuel. In temperatures as common place as 32ºF your tank can begin to freeze if water gets into the mixture. Methyl Alcohol is a ready fix to keep the water from freezing in your gas tank if it gets in there. Oh sure, like you have a gallon of that hanging around the garage? And how would you know if water is even in there, right? What about an additive for those of you who don’t keep a chemistry lab? Just want to be able to walk in and buy something economical for your ordinary GG (grocery getter) or as it is otherwise known, the family car? HEET, is the most popular gas-line antifreeze and water remover product on the market. This product can be found readily in all major auto parts stores and several general merchandise stores as well. So, if you’re not living in sunny Florida and have to face those nippy winds of Illinois, investing in an additive during the winter months may be well worth it.

Of course, most of this problem can be kept to a minimum by simply keeping a one-half or greater level of fuel in the tank. That can be easier said than done when money is tight, but the benefits far outweigh the temporary pinch in your pocket.…

General Article

Advantages of LPG As an Automotive Fuel

master3 years ago03 mins

Advantages of LPG As an Automotive Fuel

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a perfect solution to increasing fuel prices and automotive pollution. It is a flammable mixture of propane and butane that turns into a liquid under moderate pressure. Thus, the name given to this gas is Liquefied Petroleum gas.

LPG with its high energy output and environment friendliness has become an important source of energy in various industrial applications. In the recent years, the use of LPG as an automotive fuel has increasingly become popular. Many car manufacturers are automobile companies are designing hybrids of this fuel to deliver an economical, convenient, and fuel-efficient drive to the customers.

As more and more numbers of people are learning the benefits of LPG, they are switching over from petrol and diesel to LPG. Some of the key benefits of LPG as an automotive fuel are as follows:

• It is an economical fuel as compared to petrol and diesel.

• It is a quieter and smoother fuel that produces no noise and vibration while in motion.

• Automobiles with this fuel enjoy extended life of engine and its components.

• The service and maintenance cost is also reduced to a great extent.

• The fuel also helps increases the speed and average of a vehicle.

• It has a lower running cost as compared to petrol and diesel.

• The octane content of LPG is high which in turns results in complete combustion leaving no residue or pollutants behind.

• Because of its high octane content it also has a superior anti-knocking power.

• It leads to significant enhancement in quality performance and efficiency.

• Low carbon content in the fuel drastically reduces carbon footprints and does not contribute to global warming.

• In case there is a fuel spill, LPG will soon evaporate without causing any kind of damage to soil and water.

• It produces fewer harmful emissions like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen. It is believed that LPG vehicles produce about 80% less automobile pollutants than their petrol counterparts whereas about 90% less emission than their diesel counterparts.…