The holiday season is upon us, meaning busy weeks lie ahead for retail businesses and warehouse operations. Not only are sales driving forward, but flu season is ramping up, weather changes disrupt logistics, and scheduling employees around travel can be complex. The holiday season can be a season of chaos without proper planning and contingency plans in place. This blog will review some holiday warehouse survival tips to get you through the season. Equipment Maintenance & Inspection Before the holiday…
Autumn in the Midwest is a season of (often rapid) changes. Weather dips into colder temperatures and brings heavy precipitation before winter officially begins on December 21st. While you may feel that you have plenty of time before it arrives, it can sneak up quickly and leave you scrambling to figure out a game plan. It's never too early for warehouse owners, managers, and staff to prepare for colder temperatures, snow, ice, and potential issues they bring. Let's go through…
Warehouses are the backbone of many businesses, serving as hubs for storing and distributing products. The efficiency of a warehouse can significantly impact a company's bottom line. So, what's the secret to running a successful warehouse? It starts with hiring the right warehouse team. In this blog post, we'll explore the essential qualities that make a strong warehouse employee and provide tips on identifying these qualities during the hiring process. Attention to Detail Warehouses are the backbone of many businesses,…
Is your warehouse living up to its full potential? If not, developing a list of improvements you and your staff can implement to reach your full potential is essential. Even if you feel your warehouse is living up to its full potential, there's always room for improvement. Successful warehouses are efficient, productive, clean, organized, and more. Let's look at some upgrades you and your team can make to enhance your warehouse this quarter. Electric Forklifts One effective upgrade you can…
Accidents can happen anywhere throughout the warehouse, but the loading dock is one of the most common places for injuries and equipment damage. A safe warehouse leads to an efficient and profitable operation. Loading docks are excellent for implementing safety principles and improving efficiency. Whether you've updated your safety protocols recently or it's been a few years, you can always consider ways to improve loading dock safety. Understanding Loading Docks and Their Challenges Loading docks serve as crucial points for…
Setting up a new warehouse can be an exciting but challenging endeavor. As the backbone of the supply chain, efficient warehouse operations are crucial for the success of businesses in the materials handling industry. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps for setting up a warehouse with a focus on optimizing operations, managing inventory, and implementing a successful warehouse strategy. At Benco Industrial Equipment, we are dedicated to providing the necessary tools and equipment for your…
Forklifts are the backbone of the materials handling industry. No matter how you choose to operate your warehouse facility, the equipment you use and how you use it will impact your efficiency and bottom line. Having a robust and effective forklift fleet becomes a great asset for your warehouse. Let's look at some strategies to save money on a forklift fleet while still having top-tier equipment and operations. Have the Right Number of Forklifts The initial purchase cost is one…
Running a successful warehouse operation is no small feat, and one of the keys to success is adequately training your warehouse team on all aspects of the job. From forklift safety to sanitation and cleaning practices, every team member must know how to perform their job safely and efficiently. To help ensure that your warehouse team is trained correctly, here is an essential training checklist that covers some of the most critical areas of warehouse operations. Forklift Safety Forklifts are…
The saying "work smarter, not harder" is a staple in the materials handling industry. Often, warehouse employees may find themselves going about a task without the most suitable equipment. Anyone can power through and still get the job done, but identifying equipment that will be more suitable to the task can help improve efficiency, precision, and even safety. Finding the best equipment, like the right forklift, for the job requires research and building up background knowledge. Maximize Productivity with Suitable…
Forklifts are an integral part of the material handling industry, and choosing which type to use is a crucial decision for any business. Internal combustion (IC) and electric forklifts have advantages and disadvantages, which warehouse managers should carefully consider before purchasing. IC forklifts are traditionally less expensive up front, while electric forklifts offer greater safety and environmental friendliness. Both types also have their own unique sets of maintenance and operational costs that should be taken into account when weighing the…
One of the costliest parts of running a warehouse is accidents. When people get injured or equipment is damaged, fees and worker's compensation costs increase quickly. The best way to prevent accidents in the warehouse is by staying organized. Employing these organizational strategies to prevent warehouse accidents will put your best foot forward for 2023. Keep Aisles Clean A common way workers get injured in the warehouse is simply by tripping over items or messes left in the aisles. People…
Spaces are used most efficiently when they are clean. When it comes to industrial spaces like warehouses, keeping the area clean boosts productivity and keeps everyone on-site healthy and safe. Whether you are new to managing a warehouse or industrial property or a seasoned veteran, there are several considerations when planning your industrial cleaning procedures. Places to Clean Before you buy or rent any cleaning equipment, you'll want to identify which areas of your space you want to clean regularly.…
The material handling industry is the unsung hero of the supply chain. Some folks may not think of a warehouse or manufacturing center as a place of innovation – but the technology used in the material handling industry is, in fact, innovative and influential. The material handling industry also advances as growth continues in the industrial and construction sectors. Even with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business world, the material handling industry continues to rise globally, and…
Some folks say that your clothes, car, and house say a lot about you – if you're a warehouse owner or staff member, then you know that your loading dock says a lot about you. Your warehouse docks and doors are often the first impression someone coming to your warehouse gets. For this reason, your docks should be well-maintained, convenient, and fully functional. Another way to improve the overall warehouse experience is to be sure that anyone traveling to the…
Reduce, reuse, recycle: you've heard it a million times and have your recycling down to a T at home – but is your workplace implementing a proper recycling system? Recycling materials and being mindful of waste products are essential in the warehouse environment. Although implementing a system may take time and effort, the benefits will show up in cheaper waste collection costs and improve your company's sustainability. Plus, when businesses practice sustainable habits, such as recycling in warehouses, it will…
