Cold Storage Warehousing Solutions
The food and grocery logistics industries are growing rapidly. Thanks to new technologies, it’s now possible to transport frozen and refrigerated products safely across the country. One of the most crucial parts of the supply chain is cold storage warehousing. Products are preserved in temperature-controlled environments as low as -40°F. These freezing cold temperatures pose challenges that other types of warehouses don’t have to worry about, such as worker comfort and lift truck operation, all while still trying to maximize speed and efficiency.
Barclay Brand Ferdon works closely with cold storage warehouses to help them overcome some of the unique problems associated with storing food. Specific environments like these require specialized equipment that warehouse managers can rely on.
3PLs: Third Party Logistics Companies and Needs for Flexible Materials Handling Equipment
A 3PL, or third party logistics company, helps manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers with product fulfillment and distribution. One of the main reasons why retailers decide to work with a 3PL is because they value the flexibility. 3PLs can scale up and down as client needs change and accommodate a range of product types. Clients rely on this flexibility because, without it, they could face major problems in their supply chain any time something changes.
When thinking about adapting and restructuring, a lot of 3PLs focus on software to help keep them moving forward. Efficiency actually begins with the warehouse equipment and with the workers who are operating them. Barclay Brand Ferdon explores why it’s so important to focus on those things first before prioritizing technology.
Taylor-Dunn Warehouse Solutions
If you’re rethinking the equipment in your warehouse and whether you have the right materials handling solution, there is good news. Barclay offers Taylor-Dunn warehouse vehicles that allow you to move material, tow or carry a load, transport people, pick orders and more. These tools of the trade are excellent compliments to your forklift fleet that will help your company increase productivity and efficiencies.
Benefits of Quality Forklift Service Technicians
Even though there are a lot of forklift technicians out there, they don’t all have the same level of expertise. And, unfortunately, when technicians aren’t fully qualified to service your fleet, it shows. That’s why it’s so important to hire trained professionals who know exactly what they’re doing, like the team at Barclay Brand Ferdon. Here are the top four benefits of working with well-trained lift truck service technicians.
When Do You Need an EX Rated Forklift or Pallet Jack?
Facilities where flammable and/or volatile materials are present require specific equipment designed to minimize the risk of open fire and explosions. This equipment is Explosion Proof (EX) rated to strictly control temperature, static and other factors that cause dangerous explosions. Should your business invest in EX rated forklifts? The material handling equipment experts at Barclay Brand Ferdon explain how EX rated forklifts improve safety and where they should be used.
NexSys Forklift Battery Charging Safety Precautions to Observe
NexSys industrial batteries by EnerSys are gaining popularity, and for good reason. These rugged, high-tech powerhouses offer lasting use and are optimized for opportunity charging, making them a smart choice when multiple shifts work around the clock. And while NexSys forklift batteries are as safe as they are reliable, it’s still important to take precautions during charging. Protect your team – and your investment – with these forklift battery charging safety tips from Barclay Brand Ferdon.
When To Replace Forklift Tires
Lift truck tires need to be replaced on a regular basis. As the rubber starts to wear away with use, it can impair the truck’s overall handling and performance. However, because tires don’t necessarily come with an expiration date, you have to rely on visual cues to let you know when it’s time for new ones. To help you better manage your fleet’s maintenance, review these tire care tips from the technicians at Barclay Brand Ferdon.
How to Maintain Your Electric Pallet Jack
For many warehouses, moving materials is a 24/7 job. But as long as you keep your electric pallet jacks in good working condition, you’ll be ready for whatever comes through the dock doors. Anytime you need maintenance, repairs or replacement parts, call on the service technicians at Barclay Brand Ferdon to help extend the life and maintain the safety of your pallet jacks.
Your Business is Logistics, Not Lift Trucks: Short-Term Rentals or Long-Term Solutions
Purchasing a lift truck isn’t the right path for every warehouse, every time. In some cases it makes more sense to invest in owned forklifts, but often times, businesses find that renting can make better financial sense. If you’re in need of reliable lift trucks for your fleet but aren’t sure whether to buy or rent, Barclay Brand Ferdon shares some insights into how to make the best decision for your business.
Is Cheap Lift Truck Service Really Less Expensive in the Long Run?
When deciding on which lift truck service provider to call, be careful not to let cheap hourly labor rates blind you. Opting for lower rates may appear to be the cheapest route, but it’ll cost you in the long run. As they say, you get what you pay for. The next time your lift truck breaks down or needs maintenance, call on the experts at Barclay Brand Ferdon.
Cheap Service Isn’t So Cheap After All
Would you choose a low hourly service rate if it meant higher overall costs and exposure to liability risks for your company? Understand the “true” cost of that “cheap” hourly service rate and the other factors you should consider.
Reduced Repair Times
By using Factory Technicians that undergo continuous training and testing, you have the best opportunity to reduce time of repair. A technician who knows the equipment and is trained in diagnostics can make a big difference in repair costs. Consider this: A 20% difference in hourly rate for a 3 hour repair that takes 4 hours will cost you more, not less.
Equipment Downtime
An OEM lift truck service provider that invests in technologies and parts inventories can offer better response time, high fill rate on parts availability, OEM quality parts and proper Operational Maintenance to prevent breakdowns. Lost productivity due to equipment downtime can be costly.
“Right Size” your fleet
Excessive equipment and the potentially corresponding labor is extremely costly!! The cost of just (1) additional “underutilized” truck can be huge. A responsible Materials Handling Service provider should offer you continuous analysis and management reporting to prevent overspending and inefficiencies.
Stay in Control
A true partner helps you understand your “total” Fleet Maintenance Expense and will guide you to emerging technologies that may help reduce costs over the long run.
Reduce your Risk
A Service Technician will spend time within your operation and alongside your employees. Accidents can happen. Reduce your risk by selecting a partner with adequate, responsible liability Insurance Coverage. You will be surprised by what that low hourly rate doesn’t cover.
Improve Safety & Reduce Product Damage
A good Service provider also provides on-going OSHA Operator Safety Training programs and thorough Equipment Safety Inspections. Many companies do not perform all that the manufacturer requires during a regular operation maintenance interval.
Protect Your Investment
A lift truck is a big investment, choosing the right Service Provider and Maintenance Plan is essential in protecting that investment as well as assuring the lowest overall cost over the life of the equipment.
To learn more about maintenance programs at Barclay, contact a representative today.
Good Operational Maintenance Can Save Your Company More than Money
A lot of companies don’t realize just how valuable a planned operational maintenance program can be. Not only can it help keep your lift trucks, dock levelers, overhead doors and other equipment working properly, but it can also impact your operations in many other ways. In this blog post, Barclay Brand Ferdon explores what those benefits entail.
Forklift Telemetry | Managing Your Fleet Wirelessly
More and more warehouse managers are relying on lift truck fleet telemetry to help with everyday oversight. It allows them to monitor safety, efficiency and productivity around the entire warehouse—all in the palm of their hand. If you’re interested in integrating telemetry into your operations, Barclay Brand Ferdon offers a few key insights into the process below.
Understanding Lift Truck Fleet Telemetry
Telemetry is defined as a communications process by which data is collected and wirelessly transmitted to another piece of equipment. In this situation, it means the data from lift trucks can be sent to a manager’s laptop, computer or tablet for review at any time.
When they log on, managers can quickly get all the information they need to keep the warehouse running smoothly. The telemetry system can tell them…
When it’s time for individual truck maintenance
Information about accident occurrences
When employees need to complete their safety training
Labor requirements
Lift Truck Utilization – fleet “right sizing”
And more…
Essentially, telemetry gives managers the data they need to streamline and improve their operation in a simple and convenient way.
Benefits of Using Lift Truck Fleet Telemetry
Telemetry systems help managers be proactive about things going on around the warehouse. If it’s almost time for a lift truck’s regular maintenance, they can schedule it proactively to prevent additional repairs and downtime. Similarly, if an employee isn’t practicing proper safety procedures while operating a machine, they can intervene with additional training before an accident happens.
Other benefits of a lift truck fleet telemetry system include:
Maximize Productivity
Gives easy access to data at any time, so managers are always informed
Makes it easier to uphold safety and maintenance standards
Helps maximize ROI of your assets
Works with almost any lift truck
For example, at Barclay, we offer the Yale Vision telemetry system. Even though it’s designed by Yale, it’s compatible with all OEM brands of lift trucks as well. It is an option on new Lift Trucks or can be added to an existing fleet.
For electric lift trucks, fleet owners should consider industrial battery telemetry. Yale® Battery Vision is a solution that offers insight to better care for your batteries, an often overlooked but expensive asset. By having access to data, batteries can be monitored for better performance and longer life.
Improve Warehouse Efficiency Today
Whether you have 10 lift trucks or 100, adding telemetry will assist in managing your fleet to maximize productivity, improve safety and increase ROI. Contact Barclay Brand Ferdon and ask about getting lift truck fleet telemetry for your warehouse to take advantage of this powerful technology.
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