The Material Handling Blog

The 8 Wastes of Lean Manufacturing Applied to Warehouse Operations

Landon Mumbower, Matt Adsit

February 16, 2022

Using lean manufacturing principles to increase efficiency and productivity in warehouse operations by eliminating wasteful, non-value-added components. Read: The 8 Wastes of Lean Manufacturing Applied to Warehouse Operations

7 Ways to Help Your Warehouse Employees Work at Peak Performance

Justin Willbanks

December 29, 2020

For years, logistics consultants, material handling engineers , and supply chain execution providers have been slicing-and-dicing warehouse statistics in a quest to enhance employee performance for the ultimate purpose of bringing profitable dollars to the bottom line. While having tangible statistics and historical records of warehouse operation is important, I suggest that these benchmarks alone will not drive peak employee or warehouse performance.

Hyper-Local Fulfillment 101: Permanent Changes in Buyer Behavior

Alex Haines

October 14, 2020

This supply chain evolution has created the need for hyper-local fulfillment, which also comes with its own challenges. Customers expect things like free or low-cost shipping, same or next day delivery, hassle-free returns and inventory to be always in stock, just to name a few.

Breaking the Ice on Cold Storage Automation

Robert Humphry, PE

October 08, 2020

Bastian Solutions’ Supply Chain Explained: LIVE webinar series continued with Robert Humphry, manager of systems sales taking a look at the complicated industry of frozen and refrigerated goods.

B2B Warehousing: Automation to Transform your Operations

Jason Tenorio

September 30, 2020

Our second webinar of the Supply Chain Explained: LIVE series featured advice from Bastian Solutions’ Director of Consulting, Jason Tenorio, on challenges everyone in the B2B warehousing world is facing.

Ecommerce Automation: Addressing Overnight Changes in Buying Patterns

Matt Kuper

September 24, 2020

In the first installment of our Supply Chain Explained: LIVE webinar series, Director of National Accounts Matt Kuper discussed the massive impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the ecommerce supply chain. With retailers shifting to more online sales, grocers managing more buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS) orders, and supply chain interruptions across the globe hindering the ability to order parts or products, we saw a major shift in buying patterns for both B2B and B2C.

5 Ways to Keep Your Project on Schedule

Gina Labou

September 10, 2020

The two weeks at the beginning of a project take just as long as at the end of a project. The difference between the beginning and end, is that the beginning is usually less stressful than when a project is getting close to a deadline or a hard Go Live date. It can be easy to let precious time slip! By being efficient during the negotiation stage and clearly communicating the project timeline and milestones at the beginning of the process, you can help your projects run smoother.

2020 Internship Program

Shelby Shay

August 13, 2020

Ever wondered what Bastian Solutions interns are up to during their programs? Bastian Solutions makes every effort to ensure each intern goes back to school or out into the industry with valuable skills necessary for success. From controls to software and systems, our interns had a diverse experience this year, and even with the challenges presented with COVID-19, they each flourished and brought great value to our teams!

Microfulfillment Part 1: What is Microfulfillment?

Ahmed Arif

July 22, 2020

Without a doubt, microfulfillment is one of the hottest trends in supply chain. The ability to get products into consumers’ hands quicker than your competitors is the ultimate leg up, so not only is it a trend, but it’s a strategy enabling today’s retailers to decentralize fulfillment, create a better customer experience and redefine the retail landscape. So, what is it?

Building A Community for Women in Tech: Mentorship and Sponsorship

Amanda Padilla, Tiffany Joseph

July 15, 2020

In the spirit of Canada’s National Engineering Month back in March, and as we welcome a new wave of grads into the workforce, we’re sharing our top tips for inspiring students and young engineers to join the engineering field, stay motivated, and find the community they need to feel sense of belonging. In light of COVID-19’s isolation measures, there’s no better time to connect with community members for a video call to discuss their goals and how you can support them.

A New Graduate's Experience in the Warehouse Automation Environment

Kevin Najdienow

June 03, 2020

Graduating from university is an exciting and meaningful milestone for many. Following shortly after is a huge leap into the first full-time position of your career

3 Things That Will Help You Succeed in a Robotics Career

Hans Leidenfrost

May 02, 2019

At Bastian Solutions' R&D branch, we have seen many intern candidates and interested students apply, all hoping to get into robotics. Here are three characteristics that we look for. They may not be what you think!

Lessons Learned: Styrofoam Coolers and Timing Belt Transfers

Mark Zeilinger

March 20, 2019

While most of our projects are successful, there is always the occasional project that didn’t go as planned. Here are some lessons learned from a recent project involving timing belt transfers and styrofoam coolers.

What to Expect When Onboarding at an Engineering Company

Pablo Pozas

February 28, 2019

Here's what you can expect when starting a new role at an engineering company based on my experience joining a team of industrial & systems engineers.

Split Case Picking Systems: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 3

JD Stumpf

February 15, 2019

With the growth in e-commerce, the demand for split case picking order fulfillment systems has never been higher. Here's Part 3 of our Beginner's Guide: Considerations for Choosing a Split Case Picking System Design

Split Case Picking Systems: A Beginner's Guide, Part 2

JD Stumpf

February 14, 2019

With the growth in e-commerce, the demand for split case picking order fulfillment systems has never been higher. Here's Part 2 of our Beginner's Guide: Options for Designing a Split Case Picking System Read: Split Case Picking Systems: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 2

Split Case Picking Systems: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 1

JD Stumpf

February 12, 2019

With the growth in e-commerce, the demand for split case picking order fulfillment systems has never been higher. Here's Part 1 of our Beginner's Guide: What Is Split Case Picking? Read: Split Case Picking Systems: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 1

Trends in Supply Chain Network Software Stack

Mike Prince

December 27, 2018

Supply chain network software tools that can help optimize inventory, facilities, and transportation - and some tips to use them.

From the “Other Side” – Perspectives from a Systems Integration Rookie

Matt Bangert

October 19, 2017

Material Handling is not as large of a household term as many of us would like, but once you have product that needs handled, you must know certain levels about the industry. Here's my first material handling systems integration experience.

4 Tips for New Engineers Starting Their First Job

Shelby Shay

July 27, 2017

So you just graduated from an engineering school, and you had a couple interviews with a company that went pretty well. With a sigh of relief, you’ve managed to convince them that you know stuff about things. You may have even convinced yourself of the same. For a time.

A Supply Chain Software Comparison: WMS vs. WCS vs. WES

Bastian Solutions

June 07, 2017

The evolution of supply chain management has introduced a new breed of supply chain software, but what are the differences between the "big three"? Let's examine the functionality of WMS, WCS, and WES. Read: A Supply Chain Software Comparison: WMS vs. WCS vs. WES

Improve Warehouse Safety During National Safety Month

Chelsi

May 16, 2016

Employee safety is important in any field of work, but for manufacturing, distribution, and warehouse workers, it's something that must be considered every day. From poor ergonomics to high-tech machinery, there are a lot of situations our workers encounter each day that could potentially lead to injury.

How to Select the Right Container for Conveying Products

Joe Campbell

July 01, 2015

Are you considering the purchase of a conveyor system to transport your product in the warehouse? If so, there can be many factors to consider when deciding how to convey your material, especially when it comes to the box or container holding the material. In this article, we’ll discuss a few things to keep in mind.

Prep for the Holidays with These Material Handling Maintenance Tips

Stefanie Hardy

September 24, 2014

The holiday season is fast approaching: Yesterday was the first day of fall, football is finally back, and Kmart has already released its first Christmas commercial (no matter how hard they deny it). With the holiday rush around the corner, it’s important to inspect each area of your material handling system to ensure it's running at peak performance.

How Do We Recruit the Next Generation of Skilled Workers?

Mark Colzani

October 02, 2013

I regularly hear from manufacturing business leaders about how hard it is to attract and retain top skilled workers for manufacturing. I know firsthand how hard it is to bring on the next generation of craftsmen in our plant. There are many reasons for this shortage, but I think a lot of it stems back to lack of a successful career path for our young people coming out of high school...

Transitioning from a FIRST Student to a FIRST Mentor

Tom Hazelrigg

January 16, 2013

A stadium is packed, adults and kids filling the stands and watching in anticipation. Fans loudly cheer on their team, proudly wearing their teams' colors, while fans back home watch the game on ESPN. Both teams are vying for a guaranteed playoff spot within their division and have had a long season getting to this point. Think this is your typical sporting event? Think again. Welcome to Einstein Field during the championship event of a FIRST Robotics Competition.

The Value of Training

Mark Colzani

November 07, 2012

As a recent college graduate, I have been exposed to many new and exciting aspects of the robotics and material handling industries. I will argue that in the past month alone I have gained more valuable work experience than in the last four years of college. Why do I say this? The main reason is due to strong and impactful training.

Do You Know the Difference Between SaaS and Cloud Computing?

Chris Bratten

June 27, 2012

When talking about software as a service (SaaS) and cloud computing, people tend to use the two terms interchangeably. Although the two technologies are related, they are not the same. So what is the distinction? Simply put, SaaS is a type of cloud computing . Let’s roll up our sleeves and dig into the specifics so you can better select services and products that will benefit your organization... Continue Reading >>

Help Me, Help You -- A Project Engineer's Take on RFPs

Ahmed Arif

January 19, 2012

In this day and age, it's absolutely crucial to develop a sound request for proposal, or RFP. There are several key advantages to taking the time and effort to do so, but this isn't a how-to on on RFPs. Instead, it is key information that you should think about as it relates to your projects.

5 Ways to Support Your Conveyor System, While Conserving Floor Space

October 27, 2011

In years gone by, facility roofs were designed in such a manner that you could just about hang the Queen Mary from them with little regard given to worrying about the roof collapsing or caving in. Nowadays, this is not always the case. With rising costs in steel and labor, roof structures are for the most part designed with the minimum loading allowed by law.

Safety First: A Review of OSHA Violations and Penalties

Bastian Solutions

October 21, 2011

In my last blog article, What's the True Cost of Your Corporate Safety Program , I discussed the importance of corporate safety training and some of the most popular OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) citations in 2010. Now I'd like to review some of the costs that occur when workplace safety standards are not followed, which often results in violations with costly penalties that can reach upwards of $500,000, and in some cases, even jail time.

Evaluating the Economics Behind Your Project Investment

Marvin Logan

September 14, 2011

As consultants and material handling system integrators, we are often asked to evaluate the economics of capital projects. There are several metrics that can be used to evaluate a project, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, we are almost always pressed to say what the "payback period" is of a given project. Every time it happens, my stomach hurts just a little.

How the Material Handling Industry Sparked a Marketing Craze

Stefanie Hardy

August 18, 2011

As surprising as it might seem, the material handling industry was the founder of today's current marketing craze--the quick response (QR) code. That little black and white square now seen everywhere from your Starbucks cup to movie posters was originally used by vehicle manufacturers to track parts.

The #1 Way to Increase the ROI of Your Automation System

Jason Nowak

July 20, 2011

So you're planning to invest, or have already invested, thousands or millions of dollars in your industrial automation system to ensure the long-term growth and success of your company. That's great! Now it's time to make a relatively small investment that will help you maximize the return on investment (ROI) from your new system, and here's how...

Creating Effective Safety Training for Your Employees

Derek Cribley

May 03, 2011

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandates that business owners must provide safety training to all employees. However, owners are given the option of deciding what kind of training will be done and what topics will be covered as it relates to their business.

Thinking Outside the Box is Key to Innovative Solutions

Matt Kohler

April 28, 2011

In today's business world, many employees--including myself from time to time--wear multiple hats on a day-to-day basis. These additional responsibilities, combined with a decreasing amount of time in which to do them, create an atmosphere in which out-of-the-box thinking is often lost.

Lean Six Sigma Part II: Do You Know What Your Customers Want?

Bastian Solutions

January 20, 2011

As an officer in the U.S. Air Force, I was responsible for the phase inspection of our bomber aircraft. The team took the aircraft down for inspection, repairs, and preventative maintenance of safety-of-flight and mission-critical items. Our maintenance group commander, a colonel, constantly challenged our quality assurance (QA) pass rates on phase inspections. The goal was 96 percent, and on average, the unit hit that mark.

The Importance of Optimizing Your Packing Process

Bastian Solutions

January 13, 2011

For most companies, warehouse efficiency has become a matter of survival versus the profitability goals of a few years ago. Thus, most companies are looking for even more ways to make their day-to-day processes more efficient.

What's the True Cost of Your Corporate Safety Program

Bastian Solutions

December 21, 2010

Few of us have been able to escape the unwanted, but necessary, cost-cutting initiatives of our employers during the past three years of the recession. In the interest of self preservation, we have combed through each line item of the corporate budget looking for hidden treasures to help sustain us until consumer demand returns.

The Top 10 Characteristics of a Perfect Project Manager

Bill Bastian II

July 26, 2010

Having been in the trenches executing complex automated material handling systems for the last 23 years certain “lessons learned” become etched into my mind. The difference between a great project manager and a mediocre project manager directly impacts: the ability to complete the project on time, overall profitability, and most important customer goodwill... which translates to the future revenue stream with that customer. I would offer the following 10 characteristics of a perfect project manager for your consideration...

Lean Optimization for Pack Out and Manifest Operations

Aaron Jones

June 28, 2010

Lean manufacturing is a common production practice. It considers the spending of resources for any goal other than the creation of value for the end customer to be a wasteful practice, and thus a target for elimination. Wasteful practices are those practices that do not add value to our customers. When considering each process within your facility it becomes necessary to consider those goods and services that you, as a customer, are willing to pay for and those goods and services that you do not see value in...

Inventory Accuracy is Key to Operational Performance

Marvin Logan

April 08, 2010

I was recently at a client location and I asked them what their number one operational problem was. The director of distribution didn’t miss a beat. “Inventory Accuracy,” was his reply.

Options Available with AS/RS Technology

Aaron Jones

March 05, 2010

This article will discuss some of the options available to the designer for Unit Load AS/RS Systems. Mini and Micro Load systems will be discussed in the next article.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About AS/RS, But Were Afraid to Ask...

Aaron Jones

August 05, 2009

Since the introduction of AS/R systems in the United States, the technology has evolved in a number of directions that has resulted in greater capability, and a large diversity in the rules for its application. Needless to say, in the last 40 years or so, these systems have become both Hero and Villain to the enterprises they have served. Success and horror stories are constantly referenced, and depending on which end of the spectrum your counsel is from, you may be influenced to make a decision focused on the wrong issues or for the wrong reasons...

"Rules of the Road" for Conveyor

Bastian Media

May 28, 2009

There are basic rules of the road for designing a conveyor system. Here are a few.

Continuous Employee Development: Setting and Managing Expectations for Successful Growth

Marvin Logan

May 28, 2009

All living things grow if they're healthy. The same principle is true for a healthy organization of people.

How to Maintain System Uptime, In a Down Economy

Bastian Solutions

April 02, 2009

In a down economy, businesses start to maintain their conveyors instead of replacing them. As the economy starts to squeeze the wallet, new conveyor sales start to fall but spare parts sales, according to Bob Trebilcock from Modern Material Handling magazine, could potentially increase 25% this year...

AI-Based Robotic Depalletizing vs. Robotic Layer Depalletizing

Planning for Warehouse Automation: Where to Begin?

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