Logistics & Materials Handling Blog

Stretch Wrapping vs. Shrink Wrapping - Understanding The Difference

2012-02-24T01:10:14+00:00

When it comes to protecting products, or holding products together and intact for transport; stretch and shrink wrapping are often employed. Although these two types of wrapping have many differences, they are often confused. This blog aims to outline the differences between the two products and under what application they are both utilized.

	Stretch wrapping	Shrink wrapping

What is it?	Stretch wrapping is stretchable plastic film that is wrapped around a load of products allowing it to be stretched; this elasticity holds the load tightly together.	Shrink Wrapping is covered loosely around a product or load & it shrinks tightly when heat is applied.
What is it made from?	Most commonly made from polyethylene plastics.	Most commonly made from polyolefin plastics.
What is it used for?	This type of wrapping is usually employed to hold loads and products together on a pallet for transportation or storage purposes. Stretch wrap can come in a variety of specialty films. Some examples are: UV stretch wrap, vented pallet wrap, anti-static stretch film, colored stretch film, pre-stretched stretch film, etc.	This type of wrapping is usually employed to protect a single product from dust or weather; or to tightly combine smaller items together. It can also wrap products together on a pallet; but is less common. This wrapping is widely used for covering foods; for example, cheese, meats and vegetables.
What are the advantages?	Protective- This wrapping is secure and protects products from dust and moisture. It can also protect from sun with UV film options Cost Effective- Stretch wrap is less expensive than other types of pallet wrapping. Additionally the equipment needed for stretch wrapping is cheaper than other forms of wrapping. Adaptable- Stretch wrap has a variety of films to suit each application; and it is even appropriate for different types of surfaces.	Protective – Shrink wrap is great for protecting products from weather or moisture damage along with dust and dirt. No surface damage – If shrink wrapping has been properly applied you should have no issues with chafing or damage during transportation or whilst being stored. Breathability- Shrink wrap has the option of being ventilated; therefore reducing any damage that can occur from moisture.
Available Equipment	Manual wrappers include the extended core with a film extension used as a handle. Mechanical brakes have a supporting structure with a break resistance system. Pole wrappers involve an extended pole for easier use. Stretch wrap machines are suggested when wrapping more than 15 loads per day. Stretch wrap machines help to reduce waste and to increase efficiency. Semi – automatic machines include turntable wrappers where the load is placed on a turntable and wrapped by film which moves vertically. Rotary arm wrappers rotate around a still load to wrap. Orbital wrappers involve feeding the load though a rotating ring of film. Automatic wrappers involve conveyer belts and automatic machines to cut and seal the stretch wrap.	A heating machine is essential when using any type of shrink wrap. Some of the shrink wrap machines available for heating are; heat guns which release a stream of hot air, shrink tunnels which are mounted over or around a conveyor system for the product to flow through, along with ovens. Heat guns are necessary for more professional looking shrink wrap jobs as shrink wrap properly shrinks at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Many auto and manual shrink wrapping machines are also available such as L-Bar sealers and I-Bar Sealers. Most shrink wrap sealing machines can cut and seal the shrink wrap together; and once this has been done it is ready for heating in order to shrink and tighten the plastic to the product.

Forklift Servicing Tips – Ten tips to save you time and money

2012-02-19T23:18:26+00:00

Ensure your forklift is serviced within the prescribed service intervals. This will keep your forklift in optimum running condition which in turn will reduce fuel consumption.
Complete your daily checks such as oils, water and tyres, and don’t forget the safety items like seatbelt, mirrors, rating plate, and emergency disconnect for all you battery electric users.
Raise those fork tynes. Excessive wear on fork tynes is generally caused by dragging them around on the ground. Not only is more fuel being used in this process, you are also wearing out your fork tynes which again is an avoidable cost.
Call in those problems. Don’t leave it for the next operator, as components can wear out during a shift. If you see a problem report it!
Keep an eye on those hydraulic hoses for wear (Splitting/cracking or weeping). Organise replacements prior to them failing.
Forklifts are the vacuum cleaners of the warehouse industry. If you have compressed air, blow the unit out including the radiator weekly. This will keep your unit clean inside and also keep the unit from having a blocked radiator which is a common problem.
Ensure your operators are licensed and trained to operate the equipment. Having unlicensed or untrained operators can be detrimental to the safety of others and the condition and use of your forklift. Operating the forklift without the knowledge of completing a licence can lead to ineffective daily checks. Knowing the boundaries’ of your equipment such as “Stability Triangle” or “Rear end Swing” can prevent overloading and damage to your equipment and surrounding structures.
Check your tyre wear. Is the forklift operating in the same direction and turning the same corners? This can cause premature tyre wear. During the routine maintenance ensure the tyres are rotated for maximum efficiency. This is the same for tandem load wheels on Reach & Pallet Trucks.
Traction battery maintenance, use the WOW Principle (Water On Wednesday). Top the battery up after charge, and do not opportunity charge your battery as this will reduce the life of your battery. Keep in mind it is the fuel for the forklift.
Uptime versus Downtime. Call it in prior to a failure. This will increase productivity and reduce downtime and most of all maintain equipment to manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines.

Download a free print friendly version of Forklift Servicing Tips – Ten tips to save you time and money

Guest Blog by Alex Enticknap – Adaptalift Hyster’s Victorian Service Manager (Alex has over 17 years experience in the materials handling industry.

What is a Reach Truck? - Reach Truck Basics 101

2012-02-09T03:59:22+00:00

Are you considering buying or hiring a reach truck? To help you in your decision we have provided some basic information that will help you in understanding their specific application.

Reach trucks are designed to work in narrow aisle warehousing spaces. They have two outer legs that distribute the load weight; with a wheel configuration of two or one wheels per leg. The drive wheel is located under the operator’s seating position. The driver sits sideways when operating the machine.

The wheel base of a reach truck is the same length as a normal counter-balance forklift; however the body is more compact. When lifting a load a reach truck moves the load back within the wheelbase; meaning less of the load is protruding from the reach truck, allowing the reach truck to work in much narrower aisles.

Turning Radius:

Reach Truck Possible working aisle 2.4 m
Counter Balance 3.7 m

Check out our warehouse racking information section or our double deep racking configuration diagram.

Types of Reach Trucks

Pantograph Reach Trucks

A Pantograph Reach Truck uses a scissor design reach mechanism to extend the lifting forks forward, allowing it to reach into racking with either a double or a single reach configuration design. These reach trucks are designed to drive into the racking to load pallets therefore racking configurations must be arranged to have no bar on the bottom level with bottom pallets being loaded directly onto the floor. Another option for racking configurations is to employ the use of smaller wheels with a higher bottom bar configuration to allow for the reach truck to move forward under the racking bottom bar. It is also important to note that pantographic reach trucks have a higher lifting capacity when fully extended at double deep reaching.

Moving Mast Reach Trucks

A Moving Mast Reach Truck uses a hydraulic system; based on rails that allow the entire mast to move forward. A moving mast reach truck’s key disadvantage is that it is unable to handle double deep racking without a fork extension attachment. These trucks come standard with larger-diameter wheels giving them greater ground clearance, often enabling them to operate dockside as well as in narrow aisles.

Other Configurations

A Reach Straddle Truck is an uncommon configuration of either type of reach truck. This allows the unit to straddle the pallet (meaning the legs are set apart wider so that the unit legs can surround the pallet).

This type of configuration is not recommended as it means that pallets cannot be as closely stacked resulting in increased required storage space.

FAQ’s

Here we have included some frequently asked questions about reach trucks.

Can a reach truck work outside?

Yes, with sufficiently flat floors; but they are battery electric powered equipment so they are unable to work in the rain. If larger wheels are fitted they are able to work on higher incline ramps due to higher ground clearance.

Does the driver always sit sideways?

Yes, the driver sits sideways, as this leads to improved operator comfort and control due to working in narrow aisles.

What are the advantages of the moving mast reach truck compared to pantographic?

Both types of reach truck are very similar but the pantographic is able to handle double deep racking applications where as moving mast requires an attachment to handle double deep racking.

Pantographic reach trucks have a higher lifting capacity when fully extended at double deep reaching; compared to a moving mast reach truck with fork extenders.

Can reach trucks load trucks with pallets?

Yes, a reach truck can also be used for counter-balance forklift applications and can be fitted with attachments for specialised lifting jobs.

Choosing the right narrow aisle equipment and racking can be a complicated and difficult task. Contact us today and one of our experienced staff will guide you through the process ensuring you get the best configuration for your specific application needs.

Have a question about reach trucks? Please comment below and let us know.

What is Lean Logistics? – Understanding the Concept.

2012-02-01T00:50:32+00:00

Organizations are stuck in a constant cycle that pushes them to improve their business in order to gain a competitive advantage. They consistently feel the stress to reduce costs, time and inventory. One way that has proven to improve an organization substantially is a supply chain process known as Lean Logistics.

What is the importance of Lean Logistics?

Lean Logistics, simply put, can be described as a way to recognize and eliminate wasteful activities from the supply chain in order to increase product flow and speed. In order to achieve Leaner Logistics; organizations need to implement leaner thinking. Organizations that incorporate lean thinking into their supply chain can benefit from improved customer service, reduced environmental impact by reducing waste and even overall corporate citizenship.

What is Lean Thinking?

Lean Thinking originated from manufacturing methods used by Japanese automotive manufacturers. Due to minimal resources and shortages, they employed a production process that worked with minimum waste. This thinking soon spread to all manufacturing areas, new product development and supply chain management. (Krafcik and MacDuffie, 1989)

Lean Thinking involves a constant cycle of seeking perfection by eliminating waste and maximizing product value. This process means that end-customers don’t pay for organization inefficiency and waste. Four principles are involved in achieving minimal waste:

Specify value: Customer value is identified and added along the supply chain network.
Map out value stream: Identifying all processes along the supply chain network in order to eliminate the processes that do not create value to the overall product. This mapping helps us understand how the value is created into the product from the customer’s perspective.
Create a product flow: Applying the factors outlined in order to make valuable processes to occur in a smooth system; minimizing interruptions, inventories, downtime.
Establish customer pull: Manufacturing only in response from the customer that more is needed; implying that demand information is made available across the supply chain.

Each of these four processes seeks perfection to progressively improve every process; minimizing waste and maximizing value.

Reference:

Alan Harrrison, Remko V Hoek (2011) Logistics Management and Strategy, 4th edn, Pearson

Are cardboard pallets the key to transportation success? Ikea dares to find out.

2012-01-24T04:08:47+00:00

Furniture retail giant Ikea recently announced they will no longer be using wooden pallets to transport goods, instead moving to the less widely used corrugated cardboard pallets. Ikea’s Sustainability Chief, Jeanette Skjelmose, states that the main goal of switching to cardboard pallets was to create a smarter transportation system, while also reducing transport costs. Ikea estimates this change will save them approximately $193 million per year.

So has Ikea made the right decision by switching to cardboard pallets? In this post, we will compare cardboard pallets to wood and plastic pallets, so that we can better understand the reasoning behind Ikea’s major change.

What are Cardboard Pallets?

Invented in 1992, cardboard pallets are formed from a structure of corrugated cardboard sheets which are designed to carry a load of up to 750kg. These pallets include an under layer where spaces are inserted for forklift blades to enter, then two more layers of cardboard form the upper layer.

Advantages and disadvantages of Cardboard Pallets.

Cardboard Pallets seem like the ideal solution to fulfil Ikea’s specific needs for transporting their lighter products such as cushions and candles. In cases where reusable wooden pallets are not essential cardboard pallets come out on top due to a number of advantages.

Handling cardboard pallets is safer, with less risk of damage or injury due to nails or splinter. Cardboard pallets are also lighter than wood or plastic pallets; with each pallet weighing less than 10kg each. Being lighter makes cardboard pallets easier to handle and reduces shipping costs. They can also be easily constructed to specific custom sizes to reduce wastage, transportation and storage space; saving a huge amount in freight costs.

Cardboard pallets are also less expensive to replace compared to wooden or plastic pallets. Another key advantage is that due to the ‘single use’ nature of cardboard pallets each pallet will be cleaner and more hygienic, removing the requirement for maintenance and cleaning of each pallet, as is the case when using plastic pallets.

It is not all good news for cardboard pallets. Wood and Plastic pallets are industry proven to be stronger, able to handle loads up to 1,600kg; ensuring safe handling of heavy loads. They also reduce the likelihood of product damage as they are more operator friendly due to their ridged structure.

Brambles spokesman James Hall raises a good point, “Paper pallets are not suitable for pooling”. Cardboard pallets cannot withstand certain weather conditions; and are easily damaged by handling and loads. Therefore they can generally only be used for a single journey before being recycled and hence not suited to every organisation. Producing new and recycled cardboard pallets for every journey may be seen as an inconvenience seeing as these pallets may not be repaired.

Another issue to be considered when looking at cardboard pallets is the additional special-purpose forklift attachment you will need in order to correctly handle cardboard pallets with minimal difficulty and damage. As cardboard pallets are not as stable as other materials they have a tendency to sag with heavier loads placed on them which can interfere when unloading products if regular forks are used.

It will be interesting to see how Ikeas strategy works out for them in the long run; and whether other companies will follow suit by switching to cardboard pallets. Full credit to Ikea though for taking a chance and continually striving to improve workplace processes and save costs.

What do you think about Ikea’s decision to move to cardboard pallets?

Advantages and disadvantages of cross-docking

2011-12-23T04:23:22+00:00

There are numerous factors that need to be considered when making an informed decision to implement cross-docking into an organisation. Every organisation has their priorities in terms of costs, warehouse space, geographical specifics, and product types. Therefore the advantages and disadvantages of implementing cross-docking into your organisations supply chain need to be considered and weighed up in order to make the right decision. The below list of advantages and disadvantages is designed to assist in this process.

Advantages of cross-docking?

Reduces material handling.
Reduces need to store products in warehouse.
No need for large warehouse areas
Reduced labour costs (no packaging and storing).
Reduced time to reach customer.
Transportation has fuller loads for each trip therefore a saving in transportation costs while also being more environmentally friendly.
Products are moved more quickly through a cross dock.
Easier to screen product quality.
Elimination of processes such as ‘pick-location’ and ‘order picking’
Cross docking terminals are less expensive to construct than your average warehouse.
High turnover of products with everything moving quickly through the cross docking terminal. Products usually spend less than 24 hours here.
Products destined for a similar end point can be transported as a full load, reducing overall distribution cost.

Disadvantages of cross-docking

Much management attention, time and planning is necessary to make it work effectively.
Setting up the cross docking terminal structures would take quite a bit of time and capital to start with.
Some suppliers would not be able to deliver customer ready products to the cross docking terminal.
A sufficient number of transport carriers are necessary for the cross docking terminal to run smoothly, therefore is mainly dependent on trucking.
A high volume of product is necessary to be cost effective.
The organisation has to have a confortable reliance that their suppliers will deliver the right product in its right amount to the cross docking terminal on time which doesn’t leave too much room for error.

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of cross-docking and how they fit with your organisation is an important step for evaluating the supply chain process and deciding whether Cross-docking is right for your organisation. Make sure you understand the key factor requirements of your organisation. For example: High Volume Turnover, Rapid turnaround, Perishable goods are all factors that indicate a successful fit for Cross-Docking. Analyse your key factor requirements and decide from there.

What is Cross-docking – Understanding the concept & definition

2011-12-23T00:35:45+00:00

Speed and productivity of a supply chain has become an important factor of growth for organisations. Cross-docking is just one strategy that can be implemented to help achieve a competitive advantage. Implemented appropriately and in the right conditions, cross-docking can provide significant improvements in efficiency and handling times.

What is cross docking?

Cross docking is a logistics procedure where products from a supplier or manufacturing plant are distributed directly to a customer or retail chain with marginal to no handling or storage time. Cross docking takes place in a distribution docking terminal; usually consisting of trucks and dock doors on two (inbound and outbound) sides with minimal storage space. The name ‘cross docking’ explains the process of receiving products through an inbound dock and then transferring them across the dock to the outbound transportation dock.

In simple terms, inbound products arrive through transportation such as trucks/trailers, and are allocated to a receiving dock on one side of the ‘cross dock’ terminal. Once the inbound transportation has been docked its products can be moved either directly or indirectly to the outbound destinations; they can be unloaded, sorted and screened to identify their end destinations. After being sorted, products are moved to the other end of the ‘cross dock’ terminal via a forklift, conveyor belt, pallet truck or another means of transportation to their destined outbound dock. When the outbound transportation has been loaded, the products can then make their way to customers.

When is cross-docking used?

The process of cross docking will not suit every warehouses needs, it is therefore important to make an informed decision as to whether cross-docking will increase the productivity, costs and customer satisfaction for your specific business. Cross docking can advance the supply chain for a variety of specific products. For one, unpreserved or temperature controlled items such as food which need to be transported as quickly as possible can be benefitted by this process. Additionally, already packaged and sorted products ready for transportation to a particular customer can become a faster and more efficient process through cross docking.

Some of the main reasons cross docking is implemented is to:

Provide a central site for products to be sorted and similar products combined to be delivered to multiple destinations in the most productive and fastest method. This process can be described as “hub and spoke”
Combine numerous smaller product loads into one method of transport to save on transportation costs. This process can be described as ‘consolidation arrangements’.
Break down large product loads into smaller loads for transportation to create an easier delivery process to the customer. This process can be described as ‘deconsolidation arrangements’.

Hopefully this blog assists you in understanding the concept of cross-docking and why it is implemented into an organisations supply chain process. The next part to this blog will detail the advantages and disadvantages of cross-docking for a greater understanding of this process.

Plastic pallets vs Wood pallets

2011-12-21T22:17:17+00:00

Pallets are an important part of the materials handling industry used in most aspects of the supply chain. This type of packaging is widely used in the storage and transport of goods. Pallets can be made from wood, plastic or metal; each comes with their own advantages and disadvantages.

The aim of this blog post is to consider and compare two most commonly used types of pallets in order to assist in finding the right type of pallet for your warehousing and transportation needs; keeping in mind costs, environmental sustainability, hygiene and manoeuvrability.

WOOD PALLETS	PLASTIC PALLETS

Advantages of using wood pallets: Less expensive Easy to repair, as they are made with various boards which can be removed and replaced if broken or as necessary. Can be resold Materials for the pallet can be collected from recycled materials. Can be recycled into mulch and paper. Quick and easy to construct Have high friction compared to plastic and metal pallets	Advantages of using plastic pallets: No interruption in delivery due to timber pallet regulations. 100 % recyclable and can be ground up and turned back into a new pallet. More than 10 years life span. Resistant to chemicals such as acids and alkalis. Safe to handle; no screws nails, splinters and chipping. Forklifts have a four way entry to pick the pallet up. Usable in all climate conditions Save space by sliding together to stack and store. Can be easily cleaned (hot washed, steam cleaned or chemically sanitized) to remove any bacteria. Approximately 30% lighter than wood pallets. reducing the cost of shipping;
Disadvantages of using wood pallets: More for air freight weight Very difficult to clean and, if they become wet, actually encourage growth of bacteria and fungus Splinters, protruding nails, warping, or shrinking are common issues for handlers Continual reordering costs: Because wood is an organic material, it easily splinters and can quickly warp or weaken	Disadvantages of using plastic pallets: If a plastic pallet cracks or breaks, repairs are not as simple because the material would have to be melted down and remolded in order to make a repair. More expensive than wood pallets.

When choosing a pallet type that is best suited to your warehouse needs you may consider both the wood and plastic pallet. Although plastic pallets are seen as more expensive than wood pallets; the extra costs may be outweighed by keeping your product well ventilated and protected from chemicals and bacteria. Hygiene and ventilation may not be as important for some products however; in this case wood pallets may be more beneficial to your specific warehouse needs. It is important to weigh up the pros and cons of each pallet type to best suit your needs including cost, impact on the environment, life span and hygiene.

How to get a forklift licence in Australia – FAQ’s

2011-12-13T22:14:04+00:00

Choosing the right forklift driving course

Not all forklift driving courses are the same. Before enrolling in a course a little research on the company needs to be done to ensure you are getting what you require from the course they offer. Some courses cost more than others for a reason, whether it is a reason that benefits you is what you need to find out prior to enrolling.

Questions you should ask your course provider

Are you certified?
What specific machinery is the course targeted at?
How many years has the program been running?
What is your average pass rate?
How many people are usually in the course at once? (class size)
What is your training environment like? (Try to simulate your own workplace)
How much will it cost to resit the test if I fail and when can I do it?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What are the prerequisites of getting a forklift licence?

You must be at least 18 years of age
You need to have a basic understanding of the English Language (verbal & non-verbal)
At the test you will need 100 points of identification (e.g. passport, drivers licence, birth certificate, proof of address)

Types of licences: LF or LO?

LF: permits you to operate any forklift (with the exception of an order picker/stock picker forklift)
LO: permits you to ONLY operate an order picker/stock picker forklift

What is the duration of the course?

Courses can vary according to your needs and whether you are completely new to forklifts or just need a refresher course. Courses include:

1 day forklift course: Appropriate for experienced drivers who already understand the basics of forklift driving; often used for refreshing skills and improving workplace safety.
2 day forklift course: This type of course is for beginners with little to no understanding of operating a forklift.

How much does a course cost?

Pricing will vary depending on the course provider. Here is our pricing:

1 Day course is $450.00 + the WorkSafe licence fee
2 Day course is $550.00 + the WorkSafe licence fee

These courses include the learners book, and are GST exempt.

What should I wear to the training course?

It is suggested that you wear clothes that you are comfortable in. It might be a good idea to wear the clothes that you would typically wear within your workplace, so you learn in a similar environment. Also a requirement is that you wear closed toe shoes and a high vis safety vest (usually provided) for health and safety reasons.

I am ready to enroll in a forklift driver training course. What should I do next?

Do your research (online, ask co-workers and other companies)
Call up to the training provider ask a set of questions (refer to “Questions you should ask your course provider”)
Book the next course available

How much can I expect to earn as a forklift operator?

According to Payscale.com forklift operators in Australia earn between $17.20-$22.33 per hour with overtime averaging $27.22-$34.39 per hour. Total annual paying starting at $37,274-$49,953 and bonus averaging from $305.21-$1,965.

How can I prepare for my forklift licence?

Ensure you read a forklift driver manual, and be sure to read our basic driver tips and hints. Answer the questions at the back of the book to practise. Ask your course provider for their forklift driver manual and practice questions as every training course will have different tests and different questions.

Training courses normally include a 72 question written exam. Make sure you practise the theoretical part before getting to the course.

How long does forklift licence last?

Forklift licence must be renewed every 5 years.

Do I have to pay to renew my forklift Licence?

Take a passport quality photo, money to pay the renewal fee and 100 points of ID to your local Australia Post outlet and fill out the appropriate renewal form. This must be done within the 5 years that the licence is valid.

Want more information about how to get your forklift licence?

Comment below and we will do our best to provide you with useful advice. If it is a common question we will add it to our FAQ’s. Thanks for reading and good luck getting your licence.

What Is Powered Mobile Racking – Warehouse Racking Guide: Part 5

2011-12-08T05:03:25+00:00

What is powered mobile racking?

Powered mobile racking is an electrically powered racking storage bank involving a framed motor base with wheels that move along floor rails with the press of a button or a remote control. Each racking shelf remains compacted until they are required to be accessed and are opened through creating an aisle space in between the two racking blocks. This aisle space is only required between each racking shelf when the racking is being accessed.

Powered Mobile Racking vs Selective Racking

When should you use mobile racking?

If you have limited space for storage.
When required access to a certain racking load is minimal, as they can stay compacted whilst not required.
Allows FIFO (First In First Out) racking selection while having extremely high density storage capacity.
Ideal for perishable goods; that require cold storage.

Advantages of powered mobile racking:

More storage space due to there being fewer aisles which can be moved.
Less land space required.
Up to 90% of storage space is utilised, maximising storage space for high land cost situations, such as cold or freezer stores.
Can have access to all pallets without having to move other pallets first (FIFO).
There is no First In Last Out (FILO) limitations.
No specialised trucks required.

Disadvantages of powered mobile racking:

High capital investment.
Limited storage height.
Decreases pallet handling times; due to slow movement of racking.
Limits aisle access as only one or two aisles can be accessed at the same.