May 2020

With all the changing targets and ideas, We have developed our TOP 10 list of specific actions to implement to help return to work safely. As some states start to loosen their “lock down” status in response to the pandemic we find ourselves getting back to work in a much different environment.  We realize we

Using a few simple components, you can easily reconfigure your production layout to help keep workers at a safe distance 2. Reconfigure your production layout Using flexible extendable conveyors allows you to quickly and efficiently rearrange your production floor to spread out operators and allow for social distancing.  This style of conveyor is relatively inexpensive

Keeping operators at safe distances is not always easy. Using barriers will help improve the ability to keep workers safe. #3 Workstation Barriers If rearranging your layout is not a good option, see-through barriers can be added to your work area to help isolate operators from each other.  Several different styles of barriers exist from

Renting conveyors for a short term fix   10. Conveyor Rentals – temporary reconfiguration of production line What if you have a new temporary production line you would like to add – have you considered renting conveyors on a month to month basis?  Sometimes simple portable belt conveyors can allow you to quickly set up

Interesting in reducing the handling of material in your supply chain? 9. Hands Free OperationsAre there manual processes in your operation that could be automated to take the “personal touch” out of the equation? Manually applying labels?  Consider adding automatic label applicators PANDA is an acronym for Print and Apply. Print and applying labels by

Securing your facility is important to eliminate untested visitors. Common uses are for Trucker waiting areas or Visitor entrances. Do you have entrances where visitors can gain unsupervised access to your facility?  Installing a building access cage is an inexpensive way to add another level of security.  If the visitor is scheduled to be there

By actively managing the pick path of the operators you can limit the contact and effectively promote social distancing. #7 Manage operator pick paths and/or reslotting Here are some ideas to reconfigure your order picking area to promote social distancing: Spread out High volume SKUs over greater area to maximize distancing and minimizing pick path

Some repetitive tasks can be supported or eliminated with the use Collaborative Robotic Technology – Cobots Automate repetitive tasks – Collaborative Robots (Cobots) Highly repetitive tasks within a production facility that can be done with a collaborative robot will reduce the operator density and naturally distance workers from one another.   As Universal Robot’s blog explains,

Reduce the operator interaction by utilizing Autonomous Mobile Robots to move material from one location to another Automated Materials Delivery – Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) Do you have a lot of repetitive material handling in your process?  Are your operators manually moving products throughout your facility?  An Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) can help reduce the

Technology has significantly changed the automated warehouse. One side effect is the ability to maintain social distances between operator stations. #4 Goods to Person Order Fulfillment Many distribution centers have manual picking processes that put a high number of operators in a specific area.  Using Goods to Person technology decreases the number of operators needed