Expanding Motion’s Service Footprint in CanadaBirmingham, Ala. – Motion Industries, Inc., a leading distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, is pleased to announce the opening of a new sales branch in Quebec, Canada. The new facility, located at 2903 7th Street, Val-d'Or, officially opened on June 2, 2025. This strategic location strengthens the company’s ability to better serve and expand its customer base in Northern Quebec.The Val-d’Or facility joins an extensive network of approximately 70 Motion branches across Canada, further expanding the company’s market footprint. Services include product order fulfillment supported by a large inventory network, as well as engineering and repair services in pneumatics, hydraulics and power transmission. The location also offers industry training opportunities for customers.Leadership Quotes on the New FacilityMotion’s new Val-d’Or branch enhances customer service in Northern Quebec. Brent Pope, Motion’s Senior Group Vice President, Canada & Sales Excellence, said:“This new branch is set up for success thanks to its experienced team, innovative services and strategic industrial park location. It reflects our commitment to supporting Quebec’s economy by delivering expert solutions and fostering strong community connections.”James Howe, President of Motion, added:“By establishing a foothold in Northern Quebec, we can now provide local customers with faster, more responsive service to help keep their facilities running smoothly. We’re eager to build lasting relationships through exceptional service.”A Positive Economic Impact for QuebecIn addition to providing industry-leading services, the branch will create opportunities for skilled jobs in Quebec, stimulating the local economy and supporting a thriving community.About MotionWith annual sales of over $8 billion, Motion is a leading industrial distributor of more than 18 million parts and supplies, including bearings; mechanical power transmission products; electrical and industrial automation components; hose, belting, and gaskets; hydraulic and pneumatic components; process pumps; industrial and safety products; seals and accessories; material handling solutions; and more. To increase customers’ productivity, the company offers many value-added services, including engineering, fabrication, repair and Industry 4.0 solutions across these product groups. In addition, Motion Automation Intelligence (Motion Ai), Motion Conveyance Solutions and Motion Repair & Services were formed to offer a wide range of specialized, related products and innovative solutions tailored for diverse applications.Motion North America operates over 600 branches and service centers and 17 market distribution centers. Motion Asia Pacific has nearly 150 branches and service centers and 13 distribution centers in Australasia. Motion serves more than 190,000 OEM and MRO customers in aggregate and cement, automotive, chemical and allied products, equipment and machinery, equipment rental and leasing, fabricated metals, food and beverage, iron and steel, lumber and wood, oil and gas, pulp and paper, rubber, utilities, and more. Motion is a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC). Visit our website at www.Motion.com.ContactBrenda MillerMotion(205) 956-1122

Datalogic expands its ever-growing mobile computing portfolio with the new Memor™ K20-25, a compact, keypad-based mobile computer engineered to maximize efficiency in many operational environments. Combining the versatility of a smartphone with the tactile benefits of a physical keyboard, the Memor K20-25 redefines value, performance, and productivity for mobile workers across industries. It’s the ultimate data capture solution—pocket-sized, powerful, and purpose-built!Bologna, Italy – July 1st, 2025 – Datalogic, a global leader in automatic data capture and industrial automation markets, proudly announces the launch of the new Memor™ K20-25, the next-generation key-based mobile computer designed for businesses that demand speed, precision, and flexibility from their data capture tools. The Memor K20-25 is set to redefine industry expectations by addressing the diverse needs of both touchscreen and keypad applications, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes across different verticals, regardless of budget constraints.Designed to streamline operations across retail, healthcare, hospitality, transportation & logistics, and light manufacturing, the Memor K20-25 maximizes productivity through its perfect balance of portability and durability. Workers can confidently scan any barcode - even damaged or complex ones, including GS1 Digital Link formats – with exceptional speed and accuracy thanks to Datalogic’s powerful Megapixel Halogen™ DE2102-HP scan engine, reducing delays and minimizing errors that impact customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.Frontline workers can input data quickly and accurately in any lighting condition – even low light - thanks to the device’s clear 4-inch display and illuminated 24-key physical keypad, designed for comfortable extended use. With Android™ 13 OS (upgradeable to Android 15) and Google Mobile Services (GMS), businesses can protect their investment while ensuring seamless usage of their software applications across different devices and maintaining enterprise-grade security.Built to keep workers productive throughout their entire shift, the Memor K20-25 eliminates downtime as it features a 4,850 mAh battery that supports up to 10 hours of continuous work. Its rugged housing survives inevitable drops (from up to 1.5 meters) and harsh conditions of daily fieldwork. Options for Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi/4G connectivity provide flexibility for both indoor and remote operations. The high-quality 13MP rear camera further enhances proof-of-delivery processes and documentation tasks, reducing manual paperwork and accelerating customer services.Datalogic’s Memor K20-25 sets the new standard for mobile computing versatility, uniquely combining touchscreen convenience and keypad efficiency, offering unmatched value and reliability for growing businesses. With the full support of Datalogic Mobility Suite and its Android SDK, customers can now unlock our scanner’s full potential, making it the definitive choice for organizations seeking one device that can evolve with their operations and deliver maximum return on investment.The Memor K20-25: Where Versatility Meets Productivity.For more information, visit www.datalogic.com.About Datalogic GroupA global technology leader in the automatic data capture and industrial automation markets since 1972, specializes in the design and production of barcode readers, mobile computers, sensors for detection, measurement and safety, machine vision and laser marking systems. These products and solutions enhance efficiency and quality across the entire value chain, in industries such as retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and healthcare.Trusted by major global players in its four target sectors, Datalogic is recognized for its customer focus and commitment to quality, upheld by the Group for over 50 years.Today, Datalogic Group, headquartered in Bologna (Italy), employs approximately 2,700 staff worldwide, distributed in 27 countries, with 10 manufacturing and repair facilities in the U.S.A., Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, China, and Vietnam, 10 Research & Development centers and 3 DL Labs in Italy, U.S.A., Vietnam, and Czech Republic. In 2024, Datalogic Group recorded sales of € 493.8 million and invested € 65.9 million in R&D. Datalogic S.p.A. has been listed in the Euronext STAR Milan segment of the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001 as DAL.MI. Visit www.datalogic.com.Datalogic and the Datalogic logo are registered trademarks of Datalogic S.p.A. in many countries, including the U.S.A. and the E.U. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.Contactwww.datalogic.com

WALKER, MI – June 2025 – Speedrack Products Group, a leading provider of industrial storage solutions, has launched a strategic partnership with Configura to create a fully integrated design extension in CET, a leading space-planning software platform used across the commercial interior, kitchen and bath, material handling, and logistics industries.Starting July 14, 2025, the Speedrack Extension in CET empowers warehouse professionals—including supply chain engineers, 3PL solution providers, and systems integrators—to design and configure Speedrack racking systems within a digital twin of their warehouse environment. Key Capabilities of the Speedrack Extension in CET: Real-time configuration of Speedrack pallet racking and storage systems 3D visualization of racking layouts to optimize warehouse workflows Automatic Bill of Materials (BOM) generation for faster procurement and quoting Accelerated project timelines from concept to client-ready deliverables“This technology places Speedrack systems at the core of warehouse planning workflows,” said Dan Rozycki, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Speedrack. “It enhances speed, accuracy, and collaboration between dealers, engineers, and end users. Working with Configura was a natural fit.”Rich Trahey, VP of Material Handling at Configura, emphasized the synergy between the two companies, stating, "We’re proud to welcome Speedrack to the CET platform. Their legacy of innovation and focus on building safer, smarter systems align perfectly with what we value at Configura. This partnership makes it even easier for our users to design with confidence and deliver great results for their customers."Optimized for Distribution and Manufacturing EnvironmentsThe launch is timely as distribution centers, manufacturers, and 3PL providers face increasing pressure to deliver operational agility. By merging Speedrack’s robust racking solutions with Configura’s configurable design engine, this new integration provides a digital advantage in warehouse layout and optimization projects.About Speedrack Products GroupHeadquartered in Walker, Michigan, Speedrack is a premier manufacturer of selective pallet racking and engineered storage systems. With over 50 years of experience, Speedrack is recognized for its engineering excellence and commitment to innovation in material handling.About ConfiguraConfigura is a global software company specializing in space planning and product configuration solutions. Its flagship platform, CET, is used by thousands of professionals in commercial interiors, material handling, and industrial design to create smart, adaptable environments.ContactTricia BoumaMarketing ManagerSpeedrack Products Grouptbouma@speedrack.net616.887.7525www.speedrack.net

For warehouses and distribution centers, Destuff-it™ portable ergonomic conveyors provide a safe and efficient solution for handling floor-stacked packages in shipping containers or related vessels.

The challenge was to engineer a system of catch nets to protect employees working under a fast moving overhead conveyor system. In addition, the caught objects must remain undamaged and be retrieved quickly without impeding the workflow.

The case study explains how Boplan provided polymer ( plastic ) guard rails, hand rails, traffic barriers and other safety products from the Flex Impact by Boplan product line to protect the infrastructure and people in a new distribution center. Boplan manufatures the original polymer barrier system. Polymer guard rails have a memory, are flexible and thus return to their original shape after impact. This highly reduces replacements, paint jobs and concrete repairs which are associated with traditional steel products.

In the dynamic world of material handling, where the efficiency and safety of operations hinge on the reliability of equipment, the often-overlooked heroes are the casters and wheels. Both play a pivotal role in the seamless movement of loads through industrial environments, yet the intricacies of selecting the right ones are often underestimated.Before you add to cart consider these common mistakes to avoid.Ignoring Load Limits: The Pitfalls of Overlooking Capacity RequirementsExceeding the recommended load capacity of casters can result in premature wear, damage, and failure. Most loads don't maintain an even weightacross the length and width of the platform. An off-center load could overload even the most durable casters. If a caster fails due to excessive weight, it can potentially cause injuries to workers and damage to products or infrastructure.It's crucial to accurately assess load requirements and choose casters that can accommodate the appropriate load capacity (including the weight of your cart!) Pro Tip: For optimal load distribution and safety, the common mistake of dividing the load capacity by 4 overlooks crucial factors. Instead, we advise dividing by 3 to account for potential uneven floors and to ensure stability. There are two reasons for this: First, on uneven surfaces, 3 or fewer casters bear a greater load, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the load can be adequately supported by 3 casters for operator safety and equipment integrity.Second, unpredictable load distribution necessitates planning for potential shifts, whether due to floor irregularities or weight imbalances. Adjusting the load rating accordingly ensures a proactive approach to prevent potential issues.Material Mismatch: Why the Right Wheel Matters for Your EnvironmentWheels are used in material handling because they significantly reduce the force required to move an object. Think about the force needed to push a heavy box across a floor. Static friction demands a specific applied force to initiate motion, and once in motion, dynamic friction insists on a consistent force to sustain it. The person exerting the force encounters a delicate balance: their applied force against the friction force generated by the box's weight and the floor. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the factors that impact caster performance.Will it navigate rough or uneven floor conditions? Is floor protection a priority? Does noise or speed play a role? Will the wheel be subjected to washdown or high-heat applications? These are the questions that guide the meticulous selection of the right caster and wheel.The complexities within polyurethane wheels alone can create paralysis in selecting the right type. Add in metal, nylon, rubber, and pneumatic, and it becomes even more crucial to comprehend the environment the wheel will be working in. Choosing caster materials unsuitable for the environment can have a significant impact on rolling resistance, triggering a waterfall effect of potential issues including compromised performance and durability, premature wear, failure, and a more strenuous work environment.Pro Tip: Casters and wheels come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to match unique performance requirements. Some roll-on tracks and temperatures up to 500F. Others bear 40,000-pound loads inside and outside the factory. Gather application data and choose an industrial caster/wheel manufacturer (or distributor) that you trust to help you select the right caster. Taking these extra steps will prevent headaches down the road. RELATED: Casters, Wheels, and Accessories GuideMaintaining Momentum: Why Speed Matters Most casters are rated for walking speed (3-5 mph), but sometimes the need for speed extends beyond this. Faster speeds require a caster that can not only withstand the increased velocity but also the increased severity of impacts. When towing loads at accelerated paces, it becomes imperative to assess not only the wheel material but the bearing type as well.Precision ball bearings can typically handle higher speeds and radial forces. These bearings are best for manual applications due to lower start-up forces. Wheels used in towing applications benefit from tapered wheel bearings as they run at higher speeds and encounter turns under load. These bearings are best for side load conditions as well as higher industrial speeds. Pushing the speed boundaries requires casters that can keep up without compromising performance or safety.Pro Tip: Larger wheel diameters and axles, more robust swivel construction, and bearing selection are critical components that enhance casters' overall performance and endurance at higher speeds. Overlooking Safety Standards: Don’t Put Your Workplace at RiskAccording to the Spine Research Institute at The Ohio State University, over 1.3 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders that lead to low back, neck, shoulder, and other joint pain. While the causal pathways of these disorders are influenced by a multitude of factors, the workplace environment is a consideration.Adhering to safety standards ensures casters used in material handling meet specific load capacity, durability, and design criteria. This compliance is directly tied to workplace safety, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and damage to both personnel and property. Following safety standards helps create a safer working environment by ensuring casters can withstand the demands of the application.Pro Tip: Ask if the manufacturer is a member of the Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers (ICWM), a Material Handling Institute (MHI) subgroup. Members are committed to safety and must adhere to certain criteria such as the American National Standard ANSI ICWM-2018, Vocabulary, Performance, and Testing Requirements for Casters and Wheels. This Standard is intended to guide owners, users, designers, purchasers, and/or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems.Neglecting Maintenance: The Silent Killer of Caster LongevityAccording to Forbes, unplanned/unscheduled downtime represents one of the costliest events at any manufacturing plant.  Specific to casters, failing to perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubrication, can lead to the accumulation of foreign objects and debris on caster components. This accelerates wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of the casters and increasing the risk of failure and unplanned downtime.Alternatively, planned downtime is a proactive approach to preventing breakdowns, and the build-up of contaminants within your caster to prolong the life of your equipment. Should you be using a caster that is not maintenance-free, it is important to implement a routine maintenance schedule that includes cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of caster components. Pro Tip: Have you considered maintenance-free casters? These casters minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs by eliminating the need for lubrication or regular upkeep. Featuring sealed precision bearings and durable construction, they provide consistent performance, enhanced safety, and cleaner operation. Perfect for lean manufacturing, automated systems, and industries like aerospace, automotive manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, electronics assembly, cleanrooms, and renewable energy.As we understand the pitfalls explored above, it becomes evident that the right caster choice is not just about functionality but a commitment to safety, efficiency, and longevity. So, before you proceed with your next caster purchase, remember the cardinal rules: respect load limits, choose materials wisely, embrace routine maintenance, adhere to safety standards, and consider the often-underestimated factor – velocity. Each decision contributes to a chain reaction of reliability and performance in the workplace.Never consider casters and wheels a commodity; rather consider them the foundation of a safe, efficient, and enduring material handling environment.For more information visit hamiltoncaster.com or www.mhi.org/icwm.

The Season of StrainFrom warehousing to manufacturing to hospitals, workers experience heightened strain when completing tasks, particularly those involving pushing and pulling. Whether maneuvering a material handling cart or a hospital bed, employees’ backs endure stress from high exertion forces. While this is a year-round challenge, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s amplifies the risks.Seasonal pressures stem from worsening weather conditions and increased workloads amongst many other factors that lead 2 in 5 companies to see a rise in injuries during the holiday season (OHS Canada, 2024). For example, healthcare workers often operate with a skeleton crew during the holidays, yet patient numbers and thus the demand for patient engagement spikes (Continuing Care Safety Association, 2022). In warehousing and manufacturing, consumer spending surges drive a demand for faster production and delivery. The pressure to ensure customers receive their products on time is intensified by potential postal delays and logistical challenges.From the carts we push to the beds we pull; the holiday season heightens the strain workers face. Effective communication becomes even more essential in these fast-paced, noisy environments. Misunderstandings Misunderstandings between “no” and “go” in a warehouse or hospital can lead to critical mistakes. Addressing push/pull injury risks, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring clear communication are key to overcoming holiday challenges. The right ergonomic caster can play a significant role in mitigating these issues.Are Your Casters Ready to Handle the Holidays?Here are some ways ergonomic casters help reduce holiday-season hazards:Push/Pull Forces When operators exert significant strength to move a cart, they face a primary ergonomic risk factor: force. Excessive push forces can lead to acute injuries, such as muscle strains, and chronic injuries that develop over time, particularly in the lower back. Ergonomic casters help reduce push/pull forces, including the initial force, the sustained force, and the swiveling force—which occurs when the wheels are perpendicular to travel, often the worst-case scenario. These reductions are achieved through thoughtful design elements and carefully chosen wheel materials integrated into ergonomic casters. Overall Rig Design Components like precision ball bearings and Kingpinless casters promote better ergonomics by decreasing push/pull forces, providing maintenance-free use, and eliminating single points of failure to enhance durability. Some Kingpinless casters’ permit modular designs which allows for adjustments to meet increased seasonal demands. Additional wheels can be added to improve maneuverability and push/pull performance, ensuring operations stay safe and efficient under holiday pressure.Caster Offset Caster offset refers to the distance between the swivel head’s center and the wheel axle. Without an offset, loaded wheels experience direct compression, increasing the force required to move the cart. By introducing a caster offset, the wheel pivots more easily, reducing push/pull forces. However, offset designs must be carefully engineered. Excessive offset can create tripping hazards as the caster extends beyond the cart’s footprint. Additionally, insufficient reinforcement of the offset can lead to deformation under heavy loads. Conversely, over-reinforcing the caster can increase its weight, creating new handling challenges. So, ensure the offset meets the requirements of the task, the environment, and the cart operator.Wheel Material Wheel material significantly influences push/pull forces and other ergonomic considerations. Very hard wheels excel in clean environments with hard flooring, such as concrete, due to their low coefficient of friction. However, in less controlled environments like shop floors, their push/pull performance may decline. Softer, resilient materials are ideal for environments with debris and uneven flooring, where harder materials often fail. The lower durometer wheel can absorb the impact of these environmental characteristics. Loud environments, whether in hospitals or distribution centers, can compromise safety and efficiency. Ergonomic casters with noise-reducing materials absorb shocks and reduce noise, addressing common secondary ergonomic risk factors while not being impeded push/pull performance. These materials promote safer, more efficient workplaces, ensuring smoother operations during the busiest time of year, particularly when housekeeping is less frequent.Not all wheel materials perform equally across facility environments. While improving push/pull performance is critical, it’s also essential to account for other ergonomic and operational risks when selecting the right wheel material.Wrapping It UpThe holiday season brings heightened demands and increased risks for workers across industries. Ergonomic casters can significantly reduce these risks by lowering push/pull forces, improving cart maneuverability, and enhancing communication through noise reduction. Selecting the right wheel material is critical to optimizing caster performance. Investing in ergonomic caster solutions ensures that your workforce remains safe, productive, and ready to handle the holiday rush.

Click Here to Read More

The always-on, lights-out distribution center has been a conversation point in the supply chain space for years. Many industry professionals look to that ideal as inspiration while building automation into their processes and designing for end-to-end connectivity. Now that we are seeing more use cases for agentic AI, are we meaningfully closer to a DC that can truly operate without any human intervention?Discussing this idea are Warren Owen, VP of Solution Consultants at Netstock; Karl Sanchack, COO of Carnegie Foundry; and Thomas Zoehrer, CEO and Co-Founder of SSy.AI.

Explore how supply chain professionals can future-proof their warehouses’ design and construction by embracing innovations and structural knowledge to build resilient, scalable, and efficient facilities—ensuring long-term success in an ever-changing industry.

Join WERC leaders Arch Thomason and Will Sparks as they delve into the unique value of WERC membership for warehousing and distribution center professionals including the new team membership offerings and the added value they offer including the new Distribution Logistics Education Program.

This is a paid advertisement. Sustainability is an increasingly important topic in the logistics industry. Companies must consider minimizing their impact on the environment during each step of their distribution center processes. Register for our free webinar, September 24th, to learn best practices to help you meet your sustainability goals!

This learning course is tailored to train employees on the many components that make up operating a distribution logistics facility. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the various aspects of managing warehousing and distribution center operations. It’s the fourth course in the WERC Distribution Logistics Education Program.

This learning course is tailored to train employees on distribution logistics regulations and U.S. compliance, along with important compliance requirements from OSHA, EPA, DOT, and FDA. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how different types of compliance are required in warehouses and distribution centers, which contribute to the overall safety of operations. It’s the third course in the WERC Distribution Logistics Education Program.

This handbook provides an overview of the different possible functional applications of conveyors and sortation systems within warehouses and distribution centers. Its purpose is to give an overview into some of the ways in which conveyors and sortation systems can be potentially deployed throughout a variety of inventory handling processes. Examples range from manual operations to highly automated facilities; technical specifications are not included.

The Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) has published a blog to supplement its latest video on safety at pick modules. The video can be viewed at mhi.org/progma/videos.Here at ProGMA, we have produced a series of educational videos on protective guarding equipment in the material handling industry. ProGMA members provide fixed protective guarding products to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. A variety of such items are designed for installation at pick modules, which are multi-level structures typically constructed out of pallet rack that allow multiple pallets of product to be stored, broken down, picked, and packaged into specific orders for shipping.Our video is targeted at end users, system integrators, material handling warehouse design consultants / engineers, distributors, and safety professionals in manufacturing and distribution centers in the material handling industry, as well as students studying the sector. Many household and industrial goods we interact with every day were once stored or passed through a pick module. At the distribution centers of companies like CVS Pharmacy and Rite Aid Corporation, for example, goods are stored before being repackaged and shipped to individual stores.As the 2:23min-long video says at the outset, pick modules can have several elevated levels of materials that are handled by both automation and personnel. Although everything in the material handling industry is becoming more automated, separation of full stored cases into smaller, individual shipments is still being completed manually. The size of pick modules has been increasing over the years; in the past, you may have seen a floor plus one level system, then a floor plus two levels, and now it is not uncommon to see three or even four elevated levels. This increases potential hazards.As the video continues, it is of paramount importance that proper guarding is used from the ground up to protect structures, the product they hold and, most importantly, the people working within and around them. Rack upright columns can be difficult to replace and costly to repair because often the area has to be closed off, product has to be removed, and multiple sections need to be disassembled. These components are all dependent upon one another, so if one part fails, the entire system can fail.The video highlights three “easy and affordable” solutions: Free-standing pallet rack column protectors Post cushions Bumper guardsHowever, ProGMA members offer a variety of products for ground-level protection including guardrails, bumper guards, column protectors, bollards, rack guards, and product containment enclosures  (i.e., wire mesh or netting); and for upper-level protection, such as side and back product containment enclosures (wire mesh or netting) to prevent products from falling below.What does ANSI say?The video continues, and quotes American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 6.4.3, which states that “…any gate that provides an access opening through the guards for the purpose of loading and unloading material onto a work platform shall be designed such that the elevated surface is protected by guards at all times. Gates that swing open, slide open, or lift or leave an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.”However, it is important to note that there are many mezzanines that were installed before the ANSI standards were created that used more conventional gates, such as removable, sliding, or swinging systems—and that is the same for pick modules. Systems can be retrofitted to achieve conformity with current standardization. There is no grandfather clause for ANSI (or OSHA) so all systems whether new or old should follow their guidelines. Note that many of the protective guarding products found in the video and on the ProGMA site are easily retrofittable to these older systems.As the video stresses, only dual-gate systems should be used. The same gates used on a pick module are also the preferred method for securing all elevated pallet drop areas whether they are in pick modules, on mezzanines, or on elevated work platforms such as storage or production / blending areas. The ANSI standards that recommended the use of dual-gate systems were written specifically for elevated work platforms and since a pick module is a type of elevated work platform that should be applied.The video demonstrates how a dual-gate system uses two counterbalanced and interconnected gates that are configured so when the first gate at the ledge is open, the second gate behind the pallet is closed. Fixed guarding on the sides—often the frame of the pallet rack in a pick module—prevents access into the side of the areas. This allows material to be loaded into the area while keeping employees a safe distance from the ledge and the material. When the rear / operator gate is opened, the ledge gate automatically closes, maintaining a barrier at the ledge while the pallet is accessed and picked. This creates what ProGMA calls a controlled-access area so there is always a barrier between the worker and the ledge.For information, ProGMA members that manufacture such solutions include Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc., Wildeck, and Heartland Engineered Products. Although companies still provide swing gates for pallet drop areas where a single pallet is loaded and staged, they are not an acceptable solution according to ANSI and could potentially create a situation where they are in violation of OSHA code.A self-closing swing gate, also featured in the video, should only be used when integrated with pallet flow lanes where multiple pallets are loaded into the system. The pallet flow lanes are pitched so the pallet rolls into the storage area. This allows the gate to immediately close once the pallet is loaded.  By comparison, when used for a single pallet position without flow rails, the staged pallet would hold the swinging gate open, preventing it from closing.For securing multiple deep pallet flow lanes, a dual-gate system is the preferred safety method because not only does it make sure a barrier is in place all times for fall protection, but it also keeps people out of the pallet flow lanes when pallets are being loaded. The two types of incidents we see in these areas are falls from the ledges and pallets being pushed into the legs of employees who have entered the lane. Only the dual-gate system keeps people out of the lanes when the lane is being loaded. The self-closing swing gate, however, does secure the ledge for fall protection.Hand in gloveOftentimes, a safety aspect can be used to increase productivity. For example, the self-closing swinging gate on pallet flow lanes will allow pallets to be quickly loaded into the system. Any time the lift truck operator wants to load a pallet into the area, they just push the pallet through the swinging gates. The dual-gate system has the potential of the gates being in the incorrect position for loading, meaning that the ledge gate is closed when the lift truck is trying to replenish pallets into the area. So they can go to load but a barrier is in place preventing them from doing so.A user can power operate these gates for remote operation but often this isn’t feasible due to the number of areas. Manual operation can actually create a safer and faster environment. The position of the gates in a dual-gate system can be used as a signal between the picker up on the platform and the lift truck operator below. In other words, when the ledge gate is closed that means the picker is picking from the pallets or the area doesn’t need to be replenished.When the picker has finished in that bay or when they notice the pallets need to be replenished in that bay, they just manually close the gate near them, which opens up the ledge gate. Now the lift truck operator can look up and see which areas are safe and ready to be replenished. This is an example of a safety system helping communications among the different workers.In conclusion, it’s evident that, despite automation, people remain at the center of activity in and around pick modules. ProGMA and its members are a one-stop-shop for leading safety solutions, whether it be for preventing hazards associated with falling boxes, product, or workers; or structural protection of the system itself from impact. As the video serves to reiterate, even in automated systems there are still people moving around the facility, either on ground level or on the elevated levels. Even if people are not used for the picking of material, there are areas where empty pallets or totes are removed that need to be guarded.The product-centric video doesn’t feature specific brands, but free-standing pallet rack column protectors, post cushions, and bumper guards are available from ProGMA members including Adrian’s Safety Solutions, A-Safe USA, Bluff Manufacturing, Boplan, DamoTech, Folding Guard, Husky Rack & Wire, Heartland Engineered Products, Jesco, McCue, Slowstop Guarding, SpaceGuard Products, Steel King, Troax, VisiPlas, Wildeck, and WireCrafters.Costs range from inexpensive, light-duty products to more expensive, heavy-duty solutions. Importantly, talking with the manufacturer about the application will help source the right product/s for the facility. No two pick modules or applications are completely alike and that’s what the member companies of the ProGMA are here to help with.The ProGMA website—mhi.org/progma—features details of 22 member companies and hundreds of solutions to help companies with older systems find protective guarding solutions to update / upgrade their pick module system.See the latest video and others in the series at mhi.org/progma/videosShould you be using a ProGMA member to enhance the safety and productivity of your pick modules?About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. Visit the website at mhi.org/progma.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, their customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.Contact for editorial enquiries: Ashley Skidmore, askidmore@mhi.org or 704-676-1190

Successful retail stores must have merchandise on the shelf; neatly presented, clean, fresh, priced and ready for the consumer. Imagine a large busy store selling $500,000 a day - that means $500,000 worth of merchandise has to be stocked back on those shelves every day.

Wheeled devices, generally made from plastic and/or metal, utilized to move items within a warehouse, distribution center or manufacturing facility. Carts can be equipped with drawers, bins, trays or flat surfaces to secure items for transport and storage. Carts utilize casters as well as pneumatic and semi-pneumatic wheels. See also Trays .

Wheeled vehicle used in the plant or distribution center, in the dock area (and in some cases also in the yard or on construction sites, to pick up, transport and deposit single loads. May be powered manually, by gasoline, propane or electrically.

The most common conveyor used in large warehouses and distribution centers. Rollers are powered through various means and therein producing movement in needed direction. The load is supported directly by the roller mounted in a frame.

When you’re manufacturing product for a customer, the final step in the packaging process usually to place containers of products onto a pallet for shipping – either to a distribution center or directly to your customer – so it’s a pretty important step. However, manual palletization (employees physically putting containers on pallets) is often considered one of the least desirable activities; the containers are heavy to lift and in many cases the position on the pallet requires extended reaching. It can be a back breaking job and it may even be causing employee safety concerns for the company. But there is another option. Robotic palletizing exists, and it can be a solution for your company.

This handbook provides an overview of the different possible functional applications of conveyors and sortation systems within warehouses and distribution centers. Its purpose is to give an overview into some of the ways in which conveyors and sortation systems can be potentially deployed throughout a variety of inventory handling processes. Examples range from manual operations to highly automated facilities; technical specifications are not included.

This interactive CD-Rom is built around a case study of Teen Fashion Center, a fictional clothing company. The learner is taken through the various steps involved in designing a distribution center for the company. As the learner is guided through the analysis and design of a distribution center, through the use of integrated material handling systems, such subjects as deunitizing, AS/RS, palletizing and pallet storage are addressed. Developed under the leadership of Dr. Sunderesh Heragu of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.