Brainstorming Materials Handling Problems in Uncertain Times

Brainstorming Materials Handling Problems in Uncertain Times

The global recession of 2008 caught thousands of businesses unawares. Since then, many, instead of acting, have been stunned into inaction. This has been the case in the materials handling world as much as it has been elsewhere. It has not been universal, though. Some forward thinking industry leaders have found ways to forge ahead, because they have always anticipated cyclic changes, both positive and negative. What can they teach us?

Top business leaders are never the type to sit back and relax. They remain optimistic because they are realistic and plan ahead. They see where opportunities may lie in times of downturn and are ready to take advantage of upturns in the market. For example, while many throw their hands up in despair because of the drastic drop in demand for goods, these leaders point out that the world population is growing every day and they will bring about future consumer demand.

This is not to say that they have their eyes closed to the current situation. They are finding ways to both improve business efficiency today and be ready for future growth. One of their solutions is automation. To many, at a time when profits are down, this seems like an unnecessary risk and expense. Is there any logic to the idea?

The leaders in the materials handling industry argue that their industry has not kept up with the times and has not embraced automation as much as it should have. Robotics, for example, was attracting a great deal of attention until the recession. Then interest waned. This has begun to change, though. The second half of 2010 has seen a resurgence of interest in robotics.

What business operators are realizing is that robotics and other automated materials handling equipment allow a business to operate far more cost efficiently. While they don't feel that changing to a fully automated system would be cost efficient, they are looking at those aspects of automated systems that would work for their business.

It is not likely that small manufacturers and warehousing companies are going to see robotics as the solution to their problems. These high tech systems are too expensive for smaller operations. However, the principles behind the solution remain valid. While a giant computer manufacturer might benefit from robots, a small manufacturer may improve efficiency by upgrading its pallet rack system.

Older, established warehouses complacently let themselves get by with outdated pallet rack systems. They have had them in place for so many years, they are accustomed to them and don't see how there could be a better, more efficient solution. However, if they looked at the new stacker rack assemblies or pallet flow racks, they might be able to dramatically improve efficient materials handling in their warehouse.

This example demonstrates how relevant the solutions of the multi billion dollar materials handling companies can be applicable even to the smallest enterprise. Automation is not limited to expensive high-tech electronic gadgets. It can be something as simple as a gravity flow pallet rack. The principles are sound and worth exploring. In a fast changing world, you have to either keep up with the times or see the world pass you by.

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