Warehouse Management Systems: Saving Money While Improving Operations

Warehouse Management Systems: Saving Money While Improving Operations

Many mid-sized companies assume that automated warehouse management systems are a costly investment they simply can’t afford, but the actual costs of warehouse management solutions are minimal compared to the many ways they can actually help you save money and improve production over time.

Increase Production And Reduce Product Loss

Warehouse management and automated conveyor systems can operate with minimal supervision on all shifts, including weekends and holidays, with minimal increase in costs. Automation also means no time lost due to employee lateness or no-shows. With automation, the right materials are delivered to the correct areas in an economical, timely fashion, reducing loss during manufacturing production runs or high frequency shipping schedules.

Automation doesn’t just finish or pack products faster; it can also improve the quality of the finished products and minimize product and material loss due to breakage, inconsistent handling or inattention by employees.

Improve Storage Capacity And Maximize Space

Using automated conveyor systems practically guarantees you’ll have more storage space for your products before they’re shipped. Better, more efficient use of space translates into less overhead for additional storage and more efficient fulfillment scenarios for your customers.

Conveyor belt systems can be installed in a variety of configurations in order to take optimal advantage of the existing space. They can hang from the ceiling, be mounted to walls or routed around areas of maximum foot traffic to keep things moving smoothly with wasting space or interfering with key areas needed for other tasks.

Reduce Operation Costs With Conveyor Belt Systems

Businesses that use conveyor belt programs typically reduce the need for employees significantly. Automated machinery can do the work of multiple employees; in fact, for each automated task it would usually take two or three employees to perform the same task. You’ll not only need fewer employees on payroll, you’ll also save money on human resources management, employee training and administrative costs.

Improve Employee Retention And Satisfaction

Employee satisfaction is notoriously low in warehousing environments because of the potential for accidents and the monotony of many job tasks. Ergonomically designed conveyor belt solutions will increase the comfort level for your employees and reduce the incidence of injuries sustained on the job. By using automated systems, you can also diminish the need for employees to do physically demanding tasks while improving your efficiency and safety record, leading to higher employee on the job satisfaction.

More Consistent Results

The tedium and constant repetition required of workers doing specific tasks can lead to errors that cost your business hundreds or even thousands of dollars in losses every month. Where accuracy and repeatability are crucial to your success, automation can produce repeatable, quality results over and over without giving in to fatigue or boredom.

The many advantages of warehouse management and automated conveyor systems quickly outweigh the design and installation costs for all but the smallest of manufacturers and shippers. If you’ve considered installing these programs to improve efficiency, now is the time. There’s …

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Demands of a Wholesale Business

Demands of a Wholesale Business

Are you a man with big ambitions and want to fly high? But your job is not good enough to support your dreams then wholesale business is a good option for you. From the last decade, wholesale business turned out to be one of the most promising businesses with excellent future aspects. Wholesale business is not a complex business with a lot of complications, its very simple business which just requires high ambitions, passions and hard work.

The duty of a wholesaler is to buy cheapest products from manufacturer in huge bulk quantities then store those products in warehouse. Later, those products are sold to retailers in chunks on higher rates which are still much lower than end consumer rates, which leave huge profits for retailers.

Today’s society has totally become consumer society and production circle is getting thinner with passage of time. It ultimately increases the demand of wholesale products which in return cause wholesalers and retailers to benefit the most. Wholesale business demands very less from you, all you need to do is to have an appropriate office from which you will run all operations of your business.

To store the products you will need a warehouse in which you will keep your whole inventory and products bought from manufacturer. To run and manage warehouse obviously you will need manpower, in start only hire limited people or they will cost you more than your profits. After setting your whole set up you can move to develop a niche, your niche should always target a single line of wholesale products. After achieving your niche you can move forward to expand you business. Map out your plans before starting your full operations, plans will really help you out to resolve difficulties in future.

To successfully run your wholesale business you will need to adopt good management techniques. Every successful business runs only due to perfect managerial techniques. To devise management plans you will need to develop management skills in yourself because the business will be yours and if you will take it lightly then it will not last long and soon you will lose all money. The owner or manager is the person who leads the herd of employees and gets the most out of them. In last you will also need to adopt adequate marketing techniques to make your wholesale business known to every one.…

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Guide to QuickBooks Inventory Control

Guide to QuickBooks Inventory Control

Why do you need inventory control software in addition to QuickBooks to manage your business? If you perform daily inventory, tracking your inventory data could quickly become overwhelming without inventory software to track data such as items received and item location and quantity after receipt. Using warehouse or inventory management software that integrates with QuickBooks would create an accurate and efficient system for controlling the inventory aspect of a business such as a warehouse or stockroom. The need for an integrated system could be determined by how QuickBooks accounting software is utilized, inventory size and budget.

How are you currently using QuickBooks software? If you are a warehouse manager, inventory control software in addition to accounting software is recommended for managing inventory efficiently. A paper-based method of recording inventory receipts, inventory moves, serial numbers, units of measure and cycle counts would not be able to keep up with a large or ever-increasing amount of on hand inventory.

With the right warehouse management system (WMS), designed with a plug- in for QuickBooks, you could:

Close a purchase order upon receipt of a shipment

Retrieve QuickBooks sales orders & upload them into WMS software

Generate Invoices

Close a Sales order after an order is picked

What version of QuickBooks is used? Confirm that the warehouse management software you are considering is compatible with:

QuickBooks Premier

QuickBooks Enterprise

QuickBooks Premier & Enterprise Industry Specific Versions

What is the size of your inventory? Any size warehouse or stockroom will ultimately benefit from using a warehouse management system. Features such as reporting, barcode labeling, and physical counting will keep any warehouse on the right track. However, size may dictate additional features you need. A small warehouse or stockroom may not need a wireless system to manage inventory (a wireless warehouse inventory system utilizes radio frequency (RF) to automatically transmit data from a handheld to the workstation without having to dock the barcode scanner) or additional features such as sequenced pick and put away, basic cubing, replenishment, and zone picking.

What is your budget? Before deciding on a final software budget, consider the true value of an inventory or warehouse management system that is integrated with QuickBooks. Efficient inventory control is a common goal for any business. Efficiency in this area may be accomplished easily with the right tools. Warehouse management software cuts costs by preventing inventory loss or errors, and it also provides accurate data collection through the use of barcode or wireless technology. Many businesses that manage inventory on a daily basis rely on accurate record keeping in order to maintain streamlined operations. Reducing inventory waste caused by over ordering or expired stock would further reduce business costs. Through the use of WMS software integrated with QuickBooks, a business can manage everything from inventory to purchase orders to save time and cost. The many benefits of a WMS-QuickBooks integrated system enable business operations to achieve their fiscal goals.…

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Get Better Fuel Economy When Driving Hills and Mountain Roads and Highways

Get Better Fuel Economy When Driving Hills and Mountain Roads and Highways

To save gas and fuel costs, increase and improve their miles per gallon rating of fuel economy professional drivers on the road not only drive efficiently and effectively. They also take the time and effort to plan and think ahead to anticipate what is on the roadway and to how they can get there quick but yet with good driving safety and style as well as obtaining good and even better fuel economies. This is especially so when driving up hills and in mountainous roads. In this day and age, with the high and ever increasing prices for gas and diesel fill ups, almost all drivers seem to forever driving towards greater economies and cost reductions when on the road.

First of all except for the most extreme driving circumstances, don’t ever accelerate while climbing a hill. No doubt you will be using gas like its on fire to get just a very few more miles speed up. Think about if needless acceleration is wasteful on a level road imagine how poor it is when fighting gravity.

If you drive a heavy car or truck, especially one with an automatic (as opposed to a manual or standard) transmission, don’t poke your way up a hill. Gradually press the gas pedal to maintain your momentum but remember not to accelerate. Automatic transmissions tend to “lock up” and become generally more efficient at higher speeds. Hence it pays to climb a little more quickly than in the case of a manual transmission.

Next learn not to approach a hill with any more initial speed than you need to maintain momentum on your way up. Likewise do not put your foot to the floorboard in an impossible attempt to maintain speed on a very steep grade. If a hill starts to win the momentum contest, take it as a matter of course. Take your time. You cannot ultimately win against the great powers of nature and gravity.

Lastly one tip professional drivers offer is that if are driving in a small car, they allow their vehicle’s speed to drop ever so slightly as they climb rather than speed up or even keeping it constant. They keep the gas pedal steady as they go. If the vehicle has a manual transmission they accomplish the same task and end effect by downshifting if necessary. Even if the engine appears to be roaring under less load, and wasting fuel, in all actuality your power plant is actually running under a much more efficient load and load gearing factor. In both cases once you reach the crest of the hill you can gain speed and energy saving momentum on the way down. The power of gravity has now become your friend and companion.

In the end the driving pros advise that it is all about planning your trip on the road. Anticipate so that you can plan as well as react to both road conditions …

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Get Better Fuel Economy When Driving Hills and Mountain Roads and Highways

Get Better Fuel Economy When Driving Hills and Mountain Roads and Highways

To save gas and fuel costs, increase and improve their miles per gallon rating of fuel economy professional drivers on the road not only drive efficiently and effectively. They also take the time and effort to plan and think ahead to anticipate what is on the roadway and to how they can get there quick but yet with good driving safety and style as well as obtaining good and even better fuel economies. This is especially so when driving up hills and in mountainous roads. In this day and age, with the high and ever increasing prices for gas and diesel fill ups, almost all drivers seem to forever driving towards greater economies and cost reductions when on the road.

First of all except for the most extreme driving circumstances, don’t ever accelerate while climbing a hill. No doubt you will be using gas like its on fire to get just a very few more miles speed up. Think about if needless acceleration is wasteful on a level road imagine how poor it is when fighting gravity.

If you drive a heavy car or truck, especially one with an automatic (as opposed to a manual or standard) transmission, don’t poke your way up a hill. Gradually press the gas pedal to maintain your momentum but remember not to accelerate. Automatic transmissions tend to “lock up” and become generally more efficient at higher speeds. Hence it pays to climb a little more quickly than in the case of a manual transmission.

Next learn not to approach a hill with any more initial speed than you need to maintain momentum on your way up. Likewise do not put your foot to the floorboard in an impossible attempt to maintain speed on a very steep grade. If a hill starts to win the momentum contest, take it as a matter of course. Take your time. You cannot ultimately win against the great powers of nature and gravity.

Lastly one tip professional drivers offer is that if are driving in a small car, they allow their vehicle’s speed to drop ever so slightly as they climb rather than speed up or even keeping it constant. They keep the gas pedal steady as they go. If the vehicle has a manual transmission they accomplish the same task and end effect by downshifting if necessary. Even if the engine appears to be roaring under less load, and wasting fuel, in all actuality your power plant is actually running under a much more efficient load and load gearing factor. In both cases once you reach the crest of the hill you can gain speed and energy saving momentum on the way down. The power of gravity has now become your friend and companion.

In the end the driving pros advise that it is all about planning your trip on the road. Anticipate so that you can plan as well as react to both road conditions …

Read More

Learn How To Produce Biofuel

Learn How To Produce Biofuel

With the cost of gasoline only heading in one direction more of us are now interested in powering our cars and trucks through alternative fuels. The potential of hybrid vehicles and electric only cars seems to have died a natural death as the concept is not one that is sustainable or desirable, at the end of the day any electric vehicle still needs to be plugged into mains power to be charged. One area in which there is still a lot of potential is biofuel. If you want to know how to produce biofuel and become more independent and self reliant then read on.

It is not just the price of gasoline which should encourage us to switch over to biofuel, also there is a massive cost to the country to try and secure a supply of oil. There can be no denying that almost every military campaign in the last two decades has had this goal at its core.

Fortunately learning how to produce a non fossil fuel alternative is relatively easy, you do not require advanced equipment or hard to come by ingredients. Almost any one of us should be able to produce biodiesel with a little knowledge and understanding.

To start with you will need to get hold of the right equipment and tools for the job. These can be sourced online or at you local hardware store. In no particular order the following items need to be bought: measuring beaker, blender, funnel, a large PET bottle, thermometer, and a half liter HDPE container. Next you will need to get your hands on the actual ingredients and compounds, this would include vegetable oil (used or new), 200ml of pure methanol, and a lye catalyst such as potassium hydroxide.

If you want to simplify proceedings you can always order a biofuel kit that includes all the equipment and material you would need. This is an easier option and can help you save time and energy. Also by opting for a kit you will have clear instructions as to how to make your own biofuel.

Before you can begin the process you need to ensure that all the equipment is clean and dry. Next you need to mix together the methanol and the lye catalyst. The vegetable oil should be heated to a temperature of around 55 Celsius and then added to the blender with the methanol mixture. This concoction should then be blended for a minimum of twenty minutes. You should then leave the liquid in a PET bottle for at least twenty four hours before using.…

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MHT Fuel Wheels – Getting the Most Out of Your Truck

MHT Fuel Wheels – Getting the Most Out of Your Truck

Fuel Wheels are the one of the leading brands in aftermarket wheels for your truck. They combine unique aesthetics with top of the line quality to bring you some of the most sought after wheels on the market today. They are are manufactured by MHT alloy the leader in aftermarket alloy wheels. The company stemmed from a need for a leader in the off road aftermarket wheel and rim industry.

You may have just bought your first brand new vehicle. Deciding on the type of rims your going to put on is a big decision. Aftermarket wheels are made of alloy, which is very lightweight and just as strong as the bulky steel wheels your vehicle is originally equipped with. These wheels will dramatically improve your vehicles handling everywhere you take it! They have been in the industry for a while. The owners have been all over the world, from the dunes, the toughest mountains to local car shows throughout the world. Fuel Off-Road wheels are setting the standard from which all other aftermarket companies are measured. Increase the value and appeal of your vehicle, not to mention the respect of your peers.

These rims come in sizes from 16 up to massive 24″ for trucks and sport utility vehicles. They virtually let you own the road and beyond, makes you wonder how you drove around in a stock vehicle for so long? We have all seen it before, beautiful products with no longevity. This company strives to be the exception to the rule. Any of the wheels in this line will be a great compliment to your vehicle. From the design process to the finished product they takes pride in their wheels.

They look just as good on the road as they do off-road. Anybody can buy aftermarket parts and accessories these days but putting but choosing the right rims on your vehicle is a sure sign of good taste. With offering in their wheels such as bold triple chrome, matte black, and two tone black and machine finishes. So whether you are looking for on or off-road wheels Fuel wheels can make the difference in turning your daily driver from ordinary to extraordinary. This company will be setting the standard for years to come.…

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How to Calculate the Carbon Footprint of Trucking Shipments

How to Calculate the Carbon Footprint of Trucking Shipments

I get many inquiries about how to calculate the carbon footprint of truck transportation. The problem is a fairly simple one to calculate. However, there is one variable that presents a problem. Fuel consumption. Fuel consumption is not constant. It depends on many factors like: age of truck, the general maintenance of the truck, the aerodynamic factor for the truck, if it was travelling up hill, or down hill, if it was a windy day, etc, etc. If your comfortable with an estimate: 6 miles per gallon is a good estimate of what a truck uses on average. Now, the rest is hard data…

Example #1: FULL TRUCKLOAD

Full Truck load

Fuel Consumption: 6 Miles per Gallon

Miles travelled: 1000

Carbon per US Gallon of Diesel: 2.77 KG

= 1000miles/6mpg x 2.77KG per gallon

(please disregard the intermixing of imperial and metric. The transportation industry is still in imperial while the rest of us are on metric!)

= 461.68 KG is the Carbon Footprint of this shipment.

If you’re looking for a formula = 0.46 KG per mile travelled (based on a 44,000lb truckload).

Example #2 LTL:

LTL

Full Truckload = 44,000 lbs

Fuel Consumption = 6mpg

Miles = 1000

Shipment = 10,000 lbs

Carbon per US Gallon of Diesel = 2.77 KG

We know the total Carbon Footprint on this truckload is 461.68 KG from the previous calculation and that a full truck carries 44,000 lbs. So, 461.68 / 44,000 = 0.0105 per pound. Multiply by 10,000 lbs = 104.93 KG of Carbon for this LTL shipment.

If you’re looking for a formula = 0.0105KG per pound/1000 miles = 0.00001 Kgs per pound/mile

=0.00001x POUNDS x MILES

Note: Because LTL densities can be different you will have to change the formula based on how much of your product fits in a truck. For example: if you were shipping pillows and a whole truckload of pillows weighed only 10,000 lbs. You would have to adjust the calculation I just did above accordingly.…

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How to Choose a Warehouse Management System

How to Choose a Warehouse Management System

By now, most sizable warehouses have already been automated. When coming to choose a warehouse management system, managers typically seek to replace their legacy system with one that meets changing company needs, addresses increasing operational costs, and integrates seamlessly with new ERP systems, while obtaining quick return on investment (affordability) and to make the implementation of the system as smooth as possible.

Choosing the warehouse management system that matches the company’s needs, requirements, budget, and expectations requires attention and a high degree of professional expertise. The abundance of WMS software solutions and the broad range of warehousing methods and technologies make the choice difficult.

All warehouse management systems aim to meet several goals that as a whole should provide the expected benefits for the client. Knowing what to expect from the system makes the choice between the various WMSs easier. When replacing an existing WMS, a logistics-oriented manager should ask for the following features:

* Improving accuracy of inventory and operations

* Maximizing warehouse space utilization

* Improving order fulfillment

* Providing low ownership cost

* Delivering quick ROI

* Reducing stock while meeting demand

* Lowering decision-making time

* Allowing for quick implementation

To meet these and other expectations requires understanding the key aspects of the future WMS solution, the manner in which these aspects will meet existing needs, and the additional benefits that arise from choosing a specific warehouse management system. The following aspects of any WMS are relevant to the logistics-oriented manager:

Functionality. What does the system offer? Most WMS solutions offer a broad range of functionalities that cover the basic aspects of managing a warehouse. But in addition to inventory management, replenishment, and loading and shipping warehouses also require a more sophisticated set of functionalities such as a billing module, cross-dock capabilities, RFID support, etc.

Flexibility. How easily does the system adapt itself to the client’s needs? A flexible warehouse management system is adaptable to different warehousing scenarios without the need to invest exceptional resources in adaptation. The more flexible the system is, the more easily it integrates in a working warehouse and complies with existing warehouse operations and working methods.

User Friendliness. A WMS must be user friendly. In addition to saving on training costs, user friendliness helps avoid operating mistakes.

ERP Interfacing. The choice of a warehouse management system depends heavily on its ability to integrate with the ERP systems used by the client. Businesses depend on the successful flow of information between company units. The WMS must be able to accurately support this flow of information.

Innovativeness. The technology that underlies the WMS is crucial for its ability to keep abreast of progress in the industry. An outdated system is unable to adapt to future technological requirements, which leads eventually to the need for its replacement.

Disadvantages. Every system has disadvantages. Getting to know the disadvantages of a WMS helps avoid surprises and unexpected costs.

Choosing the right warehouse management system is important. Other issues that …

Read More

How to Choose a Warehouse Management System

How to Choose a Warehouse Management System

By now, most sizable warehouses have already been automated. When coming to choose a warehouse management system, managers typically seek to replace their legacy system with one that meets changing company needs, addresses increasing operational costs, and integrates seamlessly with new ERP systems, while obtaining quick return on investment (affordability) and to make the implementation of the system as smooth as possible.

Choosing the warehouse management system that matches the company’s needs, requirements, budget, and expectations requires attention and a high degree of professional expertise. The abundance of WMS software solutions and the broad range of warehousing methods and technologies make the choice difficult.

All warehouse management systems aim to meet several goals that as a whole should provide the expected benefits for the client. Knowing what to expect from the system makes the choice between the various WMSs easier. When replacing an existing WMS, a logistics-oriented manager should ask for the following features:

* Improving accuracy of inventory and operations

* Maximizing warehouse space utilization

* Improving order fulfillment

* Providing low ownership cost

* Delivering quick ROI

* Reducing stock while meeting demand

* Lowering decision-making time

* Allowing for quick implementation

To meet these and other expectations requires understanding the key aspects of the future WMS solution, the manner in which these aspects will meet existing needs, and the additional benefits that arise from choosing a specific warehouse management system. The following aspects of any WMS are relevant to the logistics-oriented manager:

Functionality. What does the system offer? Most WMS solutions offer a broad range of functionalities that cover the basic aspects of managing a warehouse. But in addition to inventory management, replenishment, and loading and shipping warehouses also require a more sophisticated set of functionalities such as a billing module, cross-dock capabilities, RFID support, etc.

Flexibility. How easily does the system adapt itself to the client’s needs? A flexible warehouse management system is adaptable to different warehousing scenarios without the need to invest exceptional resources in adaptation. The more flexible the system is, the more easily it integrates in a working warehouse and complies with existing warehouse operations and working methods.

User Friendliness. A WMS must be user friendly. In addition to saving on training costs, user friendliness helps avoid operating mistakes.

ERP Interfacing. The choice of a warehouse management system depends heavily on its ability to integrate with the ERP systems used by the client. Businesses depend on the successful flow of information between company units. The WMS must be able to accurately support this flow of information.

Innovativeness. The technology that underlies the WMS is crucial for its ability to keep abreast of progress in the industry. An outdated system is unable to adapt to future technological requirements, which leads eventually to the need for its replacement.

Disadvantages. Every system has disadvantages. Getting to know the disadvantages of a WMS helps avoid surprises and unexpected costs.

Choosing the right warehouse management system is important. Other issues that …

Read More