Are You Ready for Material Handling Peak Season? Evaluate Now.
Peak season is on the horizon in the material-handling industry. Distribution centers and manufacturing facilities, in particular, will be gearing up to take advantage of this busy period. And we're all familiar with retailers hustling to stock their shelves during this hectic time of the year. Preparation for this higher-than-average volume is key to meeting the challenge. To help prepare, ask yourself these 4 questions:
- Have we completed preventative maintenance on our forklift fleet to reduce unplanned downtime? Top performance from your lift trucks and reducing downtime is always a goal, but proactive maintenance now is crucial to preventing loss of production during peak season. Inspections and audits should be conducted, focusing on critical equipment that will be subject to the most wear and tear as utilization increases. Connect with your forklift service provider sooner than later to address your maintenance needs.
- Do we have the right spare parts in stock to minimize repair time? Take an inventory of your parts and be sure to be prepared for the increased output of your equipment. Stock up on the parts that are most used and the most difficult to restock. Partner with a parts supplier that can meet your needs with an on-site inventory or on-site parts consignment program.
- Do we have enough of the right material-handling equipment for increased velocity? With the busy season comes additional hours, so your operation needs to be running on reliable equipment. Particularly during peak season, your forklift operators need all the help they can get to meet the extra demand. You can leverage for the maximum output with efficient forklift rental solutions. Be sure to use a supplier that offers a selection of lift trucks tailored to your needs. And it’s important to search for short-term and long-term rental options depending on the length of your peak season.
- Can we increase productivity by cross-docking? In logistics, cross-docking is the practice of unloading materials from an incoming source and loading them directly into outbound trucks, trailers, or rail cars. Limiting the need for storage ensures that products reach the distributor, and consequently the customer, faster. Consider additional hand pallets or electric walkie pallet trucks to help with the process.
By asking these questions and taking proactive steps now, you will make great strides towards optimizing your operation. In NE Pennsylvania, Action Lift is ready to be your material-handling solutions partner. We can help with your parts, service, rental, and new equipment needs in preparation for peak season and beyond.
Comments