November 24, 2006, Newsletter Issue #39: Expanding Your Materials Handling Operation

Tip of the Week

When is it time to expand, renovate, or relocate your operation? There are a few obvious physical indicators that go overlooked as time passes, but one good way to evaluate your current material handling operations is to come on-site after a weekend and inspect for the following:

1. The "Material Shuffle." Do your workers have to constantly shift containers, forklifts, or other items around the work center to accommodate arriving or departing loads?

2. Work Slowdown. This one is related to the "Material Shuffle". Any stoppage, rescheduling, or slowing of work based on a lack of space, employees, or an overcrowded schedule due to these factors.

3. Strained Electrical System. Are you experiencing brown-outs, frequent interruptions in your electrical service, or other symptoms of an overloaded electrical system?

Any of these symptoms can indicate that you have outgrown your current facility for materials handling. If you catch these symptoms early enough, you can begin planning for renovations, relocation, or refurbishment before the entire operation is affected. If you even suspect you are entering a trouble phase in this area, develop an action team to tackle the problem before it happens.

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