caljan wp 061217c
W H I T E
P A P E R
PRODUCTIVITY AND THE E-COMMERCE REVOLUTION: Efficiencies Start at the Dock
Produced by
W H I T E
P A P E R
P R O D UC T I V I T Y A N D T H E E - CO M M E R C E R E VO L U T I O N :
Efficiencies Start at the Dock
T
he rise of e-commerce has changed the nature of order fulfillment. In warehouses, the norm of picking full pallets or cases to fill brick & mortar orders is giving way to more picking for e-commerce. And once those items are packed, labelled and ready to go, it means more loose loaded cargo to handle—and handle quickly to ensure the promised service level stays on track. Here are just a few facts about theses growing
The conclusion for DC operators and logistics
market pressures:
companies is clear: it’s time to get efficient at
•E -commerce grew 15.6% in the U.S. last
e-commerce order picking and shipping. Within
year, comprising nearly 42% of retail market
DC environments, the loading and unloading
growth, according to U.S. Dept. of Commerce
of loose cargo presents an opportunity to gain
figures.1
speed, explains Michael Harrit, international
•P arcel shipping volume is expected to grow
sales manager for Caljan Rite-Hite, a provider of
annually at between 5% to 7% from now until
telescopic conveyor systems.
2018, for total growth of 20%, according to a Pitney Bowes study.2
“With the growth of e-commerce and the time
• Today, 23% of distribution center (DC)
pressures involved with e-commerce fulfillment,
operators rank “smaller, more frequent orders”
it has become crucial to be able to deal with
as an important industry issue, but 30%
loose-loaded cargo efficiently,” says Harrit.
expect it to become even more important in
“Companies need speed in handling loose-
two years, according to a study by Peerless
loaded cargo, which can be achieved through
Research Group.3
telescopic conveyor solutions that enable the same number of operators to load or unload significantly faster, or allows the organization to reduce the number of people assigned to these tasks and still achieve the needed throughput.”
1
W H I T E
P A P E R
P R O D UC T I V I T Y A N D T H E E - CO M M E R C E R E VO L U T I O N :
Efficiencies Start at the Dock
Loading challenges
A non-powered, telescoping roller conveyor,
In warehouses, loading and unloading of loose
for instance, would involve gravity to move
cargo can be handled in multiple ways. One
boxes down the conveyor to the loading/
approach is to palletize loose loaded cargo,
unloading area. This isn’t always possible and
making it possible for lift trucks to bring pallets
restricts the use of the door to loading only. A
into a trailer. While this can be efficient for the
powered telescopic conveyor would automate
“Speed is very important, because you have to keep up with order commitments and service levels, while also avoiding fees from carriers for any delays or excessive wait times in the loading areas.” —Michael Harrit, international sales manager for Caljan Rite-Hite
final step of loading onto the
the movement of goods to the general loading/
trailer, labor resources and costs
unloading area. But if it is a straight stick of
would be incurred in palletizing,
conveyor, the operators in the trailer would still
and some smaller trucks may not
have extra movement or foot travel to place the
be accessible for lift trucks to drive
items right where they need to be for loading, or
in and load or unload.
to place them onto the conveyor for unloading.
Another approach is to use cages
While a telescopic conveyor will be more
or other containers to hold loose
efficient than manual methods such as rolling
cargo. While some operations
carts with loose cartons into a trailer, if it’s
take this approach, a downside
straight conveyor, it still involves walking and
to using cages for loose cargo is
reaching movements to fill up the trailer or van.
that some of the cubic volume of the trailer or van is consumed
Fortunately, there are powered telescopic
by the container itself. While this is also true
conveyors with belt attachments that can pivot
with pallets, pallets do not have sides and
and move to align the belt right to the spot
can typically be stacked to make better use of
where the loading or unloading should take
vertical cubic capacity, whereas with cages, the
place. This can significantly improve the speed
full cubic height/volume of the trailer or van may
of both loading and unloading of loose cargo.
not get used.
A common unloading scenario for loose cargo would be receiving and unpacking of ocean
A third approach for loading loose cargo is to
shipping containers, or in inter-DC transfers or
use telescopic conveyors that can be inserted
cross-docking operations.
into the trailer. Operators can then more easily place loose cargo into the trailer, or in unloading,
“Giving the increasing pressures of
can more easily place cartons onto the conveyor
e-commerce, there are multiple considerations
to begin their movement into the facility.
to think of in how to handle loose cargo
However, not all telescopic conveyors are equal
more effectively,” says Harrit. “Speed is very
in capabilities.
important, because you have to keep up with order commitments and service levels, while also avoiding fees from carriers for any delays or excessive wait times in the loading areas. You also want to make full use of the cubic volume of the transportation. Then there are ergonomic and worker health concerns. Fortunately, all these concerns can be addressed with the right telescopic conveyor functions.”
2
W H I T E
P A P E R
P R O D UC T I V I T Y A N D T H E E - CO M M E R C E R E VO L U T I O N :
Efficiencies Start at the Dock
Solution elements
Articulating belt extensions that angle the belt up
Since e-commerce pressures aren’t showing
and down (such as the DroopSnoot) also bring
signs of easing up, and the difficulties in
the conveyor into a better position for loading/
recruiting and retaining warehouse labor are
unloading allowing for increased speed and
acute in many regions, the need for speed,
optimizing ergonomics. The latest development
labor productivity, and ergonomics is on the
is a product called EXPRESS Snoot that not only
increase. The answer for both improved speed
articulates vertically, but pivots from side to side
and ergonomics comes in the form of new
to bring the belt extension right to the optimal
telescopic conveyor equipment with optional
point for operators to do their work.
functions that make handling of loose cargo faster, more productive, and more ergonomic.
The ability to bring a telescopic conveyor into the operator’s Power Zone is the key to speed in
For example, Caljan Rite-Hite offer conveyors with
loading and unloading loose cargo, notes Harrit.
ManRider operator platforms. These elevate one
“Depending on the equipment used before,
or two operators to the ideal point for the work
it’s possible to double the speed at which the
task. Using a smart pad, the operator can extend
same number of operators can complete a given
the boom, raising or lowering as appropriate, to
amount of work,” says Harrit. “The pivoting and
where it is needed inside the trailer. Similarly,
movement of the belt extension are the main
vacuum-assisted lifting mechanisms can be
source of this speed, but the EXPRESS Snoot
attached to a telescopic conveyor. These use
line also offers easy-to-use buttons an operator
vacuum power to grasp and lift heavier items,
can nudge with a knee or elbow to control the
thus further improving ergonomics and speed.
belt position. Using these buttons, an operator
3
W H I T E
P A P E R
P R O D UC T I V I T Y A N D T H E E - CO M M E R C E R E VO L U T I O N :
Efficiencies Start at the Dock
can reposition the belt and immediately begin
Another traverse option is a slewing movement
handling parcels, rather than waiting for the belt
conveyor. This could be a good solution for a
to be positioned.”
dock that services a mix of loose loaded vehicles and trailers requiring lift trucks. This type of
With the belt extension moving right to the spot
conveyor can be easily be put in place for loose
where handling can most easily be executed,
loading needs or moved out of the way when lift
ergonomics improve because
trucks are required for a loading situation.
“We have companies that have used our conveyor systems for 20 years. Users need systems that are highly reliable, as well as a global network of trained service technicians.”
there is less lifting and twisting.
Many of the special attachments
“Users need systems that are highly reliable,
—Michael Harrit
or “functions” for Caljan
as well as a global network of trained service
Telescopic Conveyors improve
technicians.”
This helps protect worker health
The long-term reliability of a telescopic conveyor
and reduce fatigue. Being able to
is another factor to consider. Look for providers
pivot the belt extension toward the
that offer strong warranty programs. Even with
corners or upper area of a trailer or
its articulating and pivoting belt extensions,
van also makes it easier to “cube
Caljan Rite-Hite offers a five-year structural
out” the volume of each vehicle.
warranty. “We have companies that have used our conveyor systems for 20 years,” says Harrit.
worker ergonomics. It’s important to the lifecycle cost of the conveyor that such functions
Larger considerations
can attach in a simple, standard way, even if the
Telescopic conveyors with modular functions
upgrade takes place years after the equipment
such as articulating and pivoting belt extensions
was originally installed.
will greatly minimize two key issues in ecommerce fulfillment: one; they make it
Caljan Rite-Hite does this through a specially
possible for the workforce to load and unload
developed MultiConnector—a unique connector
faster—as much as 50% faster; and two, they
for additional functions. “We offer modular
create ergonomic, healthier work conditions.
systems that are future capable, in that all the functions we have now, and all of the functions
Telescopic conveyors may seem like a tactical
we will develop in the future, will easily fit onto our
solution, but they support strategic goals. The
Performer telescopic conveyors,” explains Harrit.
number one strategic edge they enable comes from the increased loading speed. When
DC operators should also take into account how
parcel shipments need to get out the door
easy it will be to deploy and store the equipment.
and on their way to ecommerce customers,
Conveyors should be able to be moved quickly
there can’t be a bottleneck at the final step.
between dock doors, or out of the way if a dock
With service levels now measured in hours
door needs to support loading via lift trucks.
and not days, increasing productivity by up to
Caljan Rite-Hite provides optional functions such
50 percent in that final loading step carries a
as overhead rail and floor-based rail mechanisms
competitive edge.
to easily move conveyors between dock doors and position them for work.
4
W H I T E
P R O D UC T I V I T Y A N D T H E E - CO M M E R C E R E VO L U T I O N :
P A P E R
Efficiencies Start at the Dock
At a time when the workforce is aging in many regions, labor costs are rising, and some facilities simply can’t find enough workers. Equipment that improves ergonomics will help attract and retain the needed workforce. In sum, telescopic conveyors that can pivot and move, create a “sweet spot” for effective handling of loose cargo. Not only will loading and unloading operations be faster; they will be healthier and safer for the workforce. That is a powerful combination of benefits that should improve your ecommerce fulfillment operations. About Caljan Rite-Hite: Caljan solutions help you increase capacity, reduce cost and cultivate a better work environment By pivoting to the upper reaches of a trailer or
when handling loose-loaded cargo. Telescopic belt
van, telescopic conveyor solutions also make it
and roller conveyors, powered curve conveyors
easier to fully utilize cubic volume of trailers or
as well as systems for dimensioning, weighing,
vans. This means more goods are moved at less
scanning and labelling are developed and produced
cost. That carries a sustainability benefit that
in-house. These are combined with third-party
over time, will lower a shipper’s carbon footprint.
equipment as required. Whatever your needs,
Overseas shippers know this benefit, which is
you have just one interface with a trusted partner,
why ocean freight containers are typically loose
committed to finding the right solution.
loaded to maximize cubic volume.
For more information go to: caljan.com
Finally, by making loading/unloading tasks
Caljan Rite-Hite Inc
more ergonomic, worker health and safety is
7160 W. Donges Bay Rd
improved. No one wants to bend or twist all day
Mequon, WI 53092
to complete tasks. It not only slows work down,
800.338.1751
it leads to strain and fatigue. With telescopic
[email protected]
conveyors that can articulate and pivot to the ideal point for the task, and that offer additional functions like platforms and vacuum lifters, much of the strain in handling loose cargo is quite literally taken off the backs of workers.
Footnotes: 1 “US eCommerce Sales Grow 15.6% in 2016,” Internet Retailer, Feb. 17, 2017. https://www.internetretailer.com/2017/02/17/us-e-commerce-sales-grow-156-2016 2“Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index Forecasts a 20% Increase in Volume by 2018.” 3 2017 State of Warehouse/DC Equipment Study, Peerless Research Group study, Logistics Management magazine, March, 2017
5
P A P E R
PRODUCTIVITY AND THE E-COMMERCE REVOLUTION: Efficiencies Start at the Dock
Produced by
W H I T E
P A P E R
P R O D UC T I V I T Y A N D T H E E - CO M M E R C E R E VO L U T I O N :
Efficiencies Start at the Dock
T
he rise of e-commerce has changed the nature of order fulfillment. In warehouses, the norm of picking full pallets or cases to fill brick & mortar orders is giving way to more picking for e-commerce. And once those items are packed, labelled and ready to go, it means more loose loaded cargo to handle—and handle quickly to ensure the promised service level stays on track. Here are just a few facts about theses growing
The conclusion for DC operators and logistics
market pressures:
companies is clear: it’s time to get efficient at
•E -commerce grew 15.6% in the U.S. last
e-commerce order picking and shipping. Within
year, comprising nearly 42% of retail market
DC environments, the loading and unloading
growth, according to U.S. Dept. of Commerce
of loose cargo presents an opportunity to gain
figures.1
speed, explains Michael Harrit, international
•P arcel shipping volume is expected to grow
sales manager for Caljan Rite-Hite, a provider of
annually at between 5% to 7% from now until
telescopic conveyor systems.
2018, for total growth of 20%, according to a Pitney Bowes study.2
“With the growth of e-commerce and the time
• Today, 23% of distribution center (DC)
pressures involved with e-commerce fulfillment,
operators rank “smaller, more frequent orders”
it has become crucial to be able to deal with
as an important industry issue, but 30%
loose-loaded cargo efficiently,” says Harrit.
expect it to become even more important in
“Companies need speed in handling loose-
two years, according to a study by Peerless
loaded cargo, which can be achieved through
Research Group.3
telescopic conveyor solutions that enable the same number of operators to load or unload significantly faster, or allows the organization to reduce the number of people assigned to these tasks and still achieve the needed throughput.”
1
W H I T E
P A P E R
P R O D UC T I V I T Y A N D T H E E - CO M M E R C E R E VO L U T I O N :
Efficiencies Start at the Dock
Loading challenges
A non-powered, telescoping roller conveyor,
In warehouses, loading and unloading of loose
for instance, would involve gravity to move
cargo can be handled in multiple ways. One
boxes down the conveyor to the loading/
approach is to palletize loose loaded cargo,
unloading area. This isn’t always possible and
making it possible for lift trucks to bring pallets
restricts the use of the door to loading only. A
into a trailer. While this can be efficient for the
powered telescopic conveyor would automate
“Speed is very important, because you have to keep up with order commitments and service levels, while also avoiding fees from carriers for any delays or excessive wait times in the loading areas.” —Michael Harrit, international sales manager for Caljan Rite-Hite
final step of loading onto the
the movement of goods to the general loading/
trailer, labor resources and costs
unloading area. But if it is a straight stick of
would be incurred in palletizing,
conveyor, the operators in the trailer would still
and some smaller trucks may not
have extra movement or foot travel to place the
be accessible for lift trucks to drive
items right where they need to be for loading, or
in and load or unload.
to place them onto the conveyor for unloading.
Another approach is to use cages
While a telescopic conveyor will be more
or other containers to hold loose
efficient than manual methods such as rolling
cargo. While some operations
carts with loose cartons into a trailer, if it’s
take this approach, a downside
straight conveyor, it still involves walking and
to using cages for loose cargo is
reaching movements to fill up the trailer or van.
that some of the cubic volume of the trailer or van is consumed
Fortunately, there are powered telescopic
by the container itself. While this is also true
conveyors with belt attachments that can pivot
with pallets, pallets do not have sides and
and move to align the belt right to the spot
can typically be stacked to make better use of
where the loading or unloading should take
vertical cubic capacity, whereas with cages, the
place. This can significantly improve the speed
full cubic height/volume of the trailer or van may
of both loading and unloading of loose cargo.
not get used.
A common unloading scenario for loose cargo would be receiving and unpacking of ocean
A third approach for loading loose cargo is to
shipping containers, or in inter-DC transfers or
use telescopic conveyors that can be inserted
cross-docking operations.
into the trailer. Operators can then more easily place loose cargo into the trailer, or in unloading,
“Giving the increasing pressures of
can more easily place cartons onto the conveyor
e-commerce, there are multiple considerations
to begin their movement into the facility.
to think of in how to handle loose cargo
However, not all telescopic conveyors are equal
more effectively,” says Harrit. “Speed is very
in capabilities.
important, because you have to keep up with order commitments and service levels, while also avoiding fees from carriers for any delays or excessive wait times in the loading areas. You also want to make full use of the cubic volume of the transportation. Then there are ergonomic and worker health concerns. Fortunately, all these concerns can be addressed with the right telescopic conveyor functions.”
2
W H I T E
P A P E R
P R O D UC T I V I T Y A N D T H E E - CO M M E R C E R E VO L U T I O N :
Efficiencies Start at the Dock
Solution elements
Articulating belt extensions that angle the belt up
Since e-commerce pressures aren’t showing
and down (such as the DroopSnoot) also bring
signs of easing up, and the difficulties in
the conveyor into a better position for loading/
recruiting and retaining warehouse labor are
unloading allowing for increased speed and
acute in many regions, the need for speed,
optimizing ergonomics. The latest development
labor productivity, and ergonomics is on the
is a product called EXPRESS Snoot that not only
increase. The answer for both improved speed
articulates vertically, but pivots from side to side
and ergonomics comes in the form of new
to bring the belt extension right to the optimal
telescopic conveyor equipment with optional
point for operators to do their work.
functions that make handling of loose cargo faster, more productive, and more ergonomic.
The ability to bring a telescopic conveyor into the operator’s Power Zone is the key to speed in
For example, Caljan Rite-Hite offer conveyors with
loading and unloading loose cargo, notes Harrit.
ManRider operator platforms. These elevate one
“Depending on the equipment used before,
or two operators to the ideal point for the work
it’s possible to double the speed at which the
task. Using a smart pad, the operator can extend
same number of operators can complete a given
the boom, raising or lowering as appropriate, to
amount of work,” says Harrit. “The pivoting and
where it is needed inside the trailer. Similarly,
movement of the belt extension are the main
vacuum-assisted lifting mechanisms can be
source of this speed, but the EXPRESS Snoot
attached to a telescopic conveyor. These use
line also offers easy-to-use buttons an operator
vacuum power to grasp and lift heavier items,
can nudge with a knee or elbow to control the
thus further improving ergonomics and speed.
belt position. Using these buttons, an operator
3
W H I T E
P A P E R
P R O D UC T I V I T Y A N D T H E E - CO M M E R C E R E VO L U T I O N :
Efficiencies Start at the Dock
can reposition the belt and immediately begin
Another traverse option is a slewing movement
handling parcels, rather than waiting for the belt
conveyor. This could be a good solution for a
to be positioned.”
dock that services a mix of loose loaded vehicles and trailers requiring lift trucks. This type of
With the belt extension moving right to the spot
conveyor can be easily be put in place for loose
where handling can most easily be executed,
loading needs or moved out of the way when lift
ergonomics improve because
trucks are required for a loading situation.
“We have companies that have used our conveyor systems for 20 years. Users need systems that are highly reliable, as well as a global network of trained service technicians.”
there is less lifting and twisting.
Many of the special attachments
“Users need systems that are highly reliable,
—Michael Harrit
or “functions” for Caljan
as well as a global network of trained service
Telescopic Conveyors improve
technicians.”
This helps protect worker health
The long-term reliability of a telescopic conveyor
and reduce fatigue. Being able to
is another factor to consider. Look for providers
pivot the belt extension toward the
that offer strong warranty programs. Even with
corners or upper area of a trailer or
its articulating and pivoting belt extensions,
van also makes it easier to “cube
Caljan Rite-Hite offers a five-year structural
out” the volume of each vehicle.
warranty. “We have companies that have used our conveyor systems for 20 years,” says Harrit.
worker ergonomics. It’s important to the lifecycle cost of the conveyor that such functions
Larger considerations
can attach in a simple, standard way, even if the
Telescopic conveyors with modular functions
upgrade takes place years after the equipment
such as articulating and pivoting belt extensions
was originally installed.
will greatly minimize two key issues in ecommerce fulfillment: one; they make it
Caljan Rite-Hite does this through a specially
possible for the workforce to load and unload
developed MultiConnector—a unique connector
faster—as much as 50% faster; and two, they
for additional functions. “We offer modular
create ergonomic, healthier work conditions.
systems that are future capable, in that all the functions we have now, and all of the functions
Telescopic conveyors may seem like a tactical
we will develop in the future, will easily fit onto our
solution, but they support strategic goals. The
Performer telescopic conveyors,” explains Harrit.
number one strategic edge they enable comes from the increased loading speed. When
DC operators should also take into account how
parcel shipments need to get out the door
easy it will be to deploy and store the equipment.
and on their way to ecommerce customers,
Conveyors should be able to be moved quickly
there can’t be a bottleneck at the final step.
between dock doors, or out of the way if a dock
With service levels now measured in hours
door needs to support loading via lift trucks.
and not days, increasing productivity by up to
Caljan Rite-Hite provides optional functions such
50 percent in that final loading step carries a
as overhead rail and floor-based rail mechanisms
competitive edge.
to easily move conveyors between dock doors and position them for work.
4
W H I T E
P R O D UC T I V I T Y A N D T H E E - CO M M E R C E R E VO L U T I O N :
P A P E R
Efficiencies Start at the Dock
At a time when the workforce is aging in many regions, labor costs are rising, and some facilities simply can’t find enough workers. Equipment that improves ergonomics will help attract and retain the needed workforce. In sum, telescopic conveyors that can pivot and move, create a “sweet spot” for effective handling of loose cargo. Not only will loading and unloading operations be faster; they will be healthier and safer for the workforce. That is a powerful combination of benefits that should improve your ecommerce fulfillment operations. About Caljan Rite-Hite: Caljan solutions help you increase capacity, reduce cost and cultivate a better work environment By pivoting to the upper reaches of a trailer or
when handling loose-loaded cargo. Telescopic belt
van, telescopic conveyor solutions also make it
and roller conveyors, powered curve conveyors
easier to fully utilize cubic volume of trailers or
as well as systems for dimensioning, weighing,
vans. This means more goods are moved at less
scanning and labelling are developed and produced
cost. That carries a sustainability benefit that
in-house. These are combined with third-party
over time, will lower a shipper’s carbon footprint.
equipment as required. Whatever your needs,
Overseas shippers know this benefit, which is
you have just one interface with a trusted partner,
why ocean freight containers are typically loose
committed to finding the right solution.
loaded to maximize cubic volume.
For more information go to: caljan.com
Finally, by making loading/unloading tasks
Caljan Rite-Hite Inc
more ergonomic, worker health and safety is
7160 W. Donges Bay Rd
improved. No one wants to bend or twist all day
Mequon, WI 53092
to complete tasks. It not only slows work down,
800.338.1751
it leads to strain and fatigue. With telescopic
[email protected]
conveyors that can articulate and pivot to the ideal point for the task, and that offer additional functions like platforms and vacuum lifters, much of the strain in handling loose cargo is quite literally taken off the backs of workers.
Footnotes: 1 “US eCommerce Sales Grow 15.6% in 2016,” Internet Retailer, Feb. 17, 2017. https://www.internetretailer.com/2017/02/17/us-e-commerce-sales-grow-156-2016 2“Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index Forecasts a 20% Increase in Volume by 2018.” 3 2017 State of Warehouse/DC Equipment Study, Peerless Research Group study, Logistics Management magazine, March, 2017
5
