The Material Handling Blog

Building, storing and moving pallets is often what most people think of when they hear the word “warehouse.” And they’re not entirely wrong, pallet handling operations are critical to the effective flow and performance of many manufacturing and distribution facilities. Outbound pallet handling is often the focus of most companies in this space, as these processes appear to be most impactful to the end-customer. However, inbound pallet handling operations can be equally important to the overall production and fulfillment process. Manual palletizing and movement of inbound product in distribution and manufacturing centers often presents challenges due to labor-intensive processes, ergonomic concerns and safety risks. To address these issues, automation can be implemented to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Ecommerce warehousing involves storing, organizing, and managing goods in the supply chain for online retail. India is becoming one of the fastest-growing ecommerce markets in the world, so efficient warehousing solutions are essential. The Indian ecommerce warehousing market is growing rapidly now with no sign of slowing down. If you are an online retailer looking to gain a competitive edge in your market, read more to find out which technologies will benefit you as you start to plan your next warehouse operation upgrade.

Automation is not merely a buzzword; it's a transformative force reshaping the landscape of warehouse operations and logistics management. By harnessing the power of advanced automation technologies such as AS/RS systems, conveyor and sortation systems, robotics, GTP (goods to person), artificial intelligence, and data analytics, are streamlining their logistics processes like never before. From inventory management to order fulfilment, automation is revolutionizing every aspect of warehouse operations, driving efficiency, accuracy and agility.

As a leading systems integrator, Bastian Solutions understands material handling solutions do not come in a one-size-fits-all package. The company holds decades of experience across a broad spectrum of industry verticals and our experts partner with customers to engineer warehouse automation and material handling systems designed to achieve business objectives. Bastian is eager to exhibit at MHI’s MODEX 2024 trade show March 11-14 in Atlanta, Georgia. Booth B5619 will feature various automation and technology, along with opportunities to learn more about how Bastian can help select, implement and optimize the right material handling equipment and processes to Engineer Your Competitive Edge!

In warehouse automation and material handling systems, companies typically fall into two categories: manufacturers (OEMs) or integrators. Manufacturers are known for creating the hardware and technologies that power warehouse automation, while integrators specialize in bringing these diverse components together into a cohesive, functioning material handling system. At Bastian Solutions, we often encounter the question, 'Are you an integrator or a manufacturer?'

Order fulfillment operations play a crucial role in today's fast-paced world, where customers expect their orders to be processed and delivered quickly and accurately. With the increasing demand for seamless and efficient order fulfillment services, businesses are turning to innovative solutions to meet the needs of their customers. One such solution is the use of robotic buffer systems.

Managing a warehouse operation is not an easy job. Land costs and warehouse leasing charges are increasing exponentially. At the same time, there is also limited availability of trained operators which adds to expenditures, either in training cost, recruitment or addition of new technology that fulfils the task. However, for a business to successfully meet consumer needs, it is essential to optimize the centre for picking, storing and shipping. These opportunities for efficiency cannot be overlooked.

The question for today’s modern warehouses is no longer when should we automate, but how and where do we automate for the best impact? To help sort through these cutting-edge offerings, we’ve created a quick visual guide to understanding the basics of goods to person systems, including the different types, their benefits and important factors to consider. View the full-size infographic.

Unique challenges invite opportunities for custom automation solutions – custom design and engineering. So, how does the process work? We meet you at your current state and lead you through our development process based on your custom needs.

Real estate is a hot item right now. Coupled with changing consumer grocery and ecommerce buying habits and frozen goods growth, cold storage is in demand. Whether a metropolitan location, to satisfy microfulfillment and hyperlocal needs, or as a regional distribution center, commercial real estate availability has dropped according to Real Capital Analytics. Cold storage industry growth, however, is projected at 4.5% by 2023. This means storage providers are faced with the challenge of optimizing facilities while handling increased inventory volumes and speed. How can cold chain supply professionals effectively prepare for this expected growth? By eliminating inefficiencies and leveraging the right material handling automation.

With the advent of cube storage solutions, non-traditional ASRS have become more prevalent. In certain applications, the cube storage solution can be denser (smaller facility footprint) and less expensive than traditional ASRS.

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.