5 ways warehouse equipment can improve productivity

THE NEED for adaptable and efficient warehouse solutions is a pressing challenge faced by warehouses in today's dynamic landscape. Exciting growth opportunities may require a reassessment of handling operations to maximise performance to safeguard against bottlenecks.

Yale has five solutions to help businesses consolidate growth in beverage handling applications and improve overall productivity:

1. Managing a wider range of materials

As the number and variety of materials and unit sizes held in a warehouse increases, efficiency is paramount to ease the pressure on warehouse storage, while durability and versatility are important to optimise handling productivity and reduce downtime. 

Order pickers, like the Yale MO10-25, can efficiently move multiple loads in time-sensitive distribution centres, while double pallet handlers offer reliable bulk loading and movement of palletised goods.  

Operator comfort and performance is equally important and Yale lift trucks can be fitted with a raised operator cab and ergonomic 15° swivel seat to assist with operator visibility and fatigue, enabling increased productivity. 

2. Desire for greater sustainability 

Making the switch from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric power is one way to reduce carbon emissions and reduce maintenance costs.  

From a sustainability point of view, using lithium-ion to power your fleet is the preferred battery option. Lithium-ion reduces charging time and energy usage, while eliminating the need for larger battery storage and charging rooms. Lithium-ion is also durable, providing equivalent power for longer than other available battery types. 

3. Cost and margin pressure 

The rising cost of fulfilment and volatile macro-economic conditions have created a lot of uncertainty within many industries. As a result, businesses need cost-effective solutions to manage their fleet. Yale can help reduce the administrative burden as part of its fleet management program, which offers both advice and support to customers. 

There are ways to stay relevant and save money in the long term - without compromising productivity and efficiency. Automation of repetitive tasks can help reduce labour costs and increase efficiency, which can lead to cost savings over time. 

4. Labour challenges 

The multi-shift nature of warehouse work makes it difficult to attract and retain a skilled workforce. Employing a large number of inexperienced workers can affect productivity. Adoption of new technology is a key way to maintain the efficiency of warehouse operations

A combination of driver aids and automation can release operators from repetitive tasks, allowing them to concentrate on more value-added and productive tasks – and increasing staff retention.

In addition, automated obstacle detection reduces damage to products and equipment, while Yale Vision controls access to equipment, monitors warehouse equipment and promotes best practices for optimal performance. 

5. Monitoring health & safety 

On-board lift truck technology provides safeguards designed to assist in reducing truck incidents that impact operations flow, uptime, associated health and safety issues, and insurance costs. 

Yale supports best practice with a range of operator assistance features, such as Yale Reliant, along with Yale Vision customized on-board performance tracking on a range of warehouse equipment. 

Robert O'Donoghue is VP marketing and solutions, EMEA at Yale Lift Truck Technologies

For more information:

www.yale.com/en-gb/emea