Some material handling situations are ideal for forklift alternative material handling as a means of reducing accident potential while increasing efficiency and ergonomics.
1. Cellular Manufacturing
The use of carts as a build platform enables base assemblies to be delivered to discrete build locations while other carts provide for convenient part presentation around the build cells.
View more Cellular Manufacturing Examples
2. Distribution Pick & Move
Moving product within a warehouse can be time consuming and labor intensive. Narrow aisle pick carts and flat deck carts offer an alternative to forklift delivery of bulk and small carton items to dock locations. Carts are tugged in trains of 5-6 units to reduce handling time.
View more Distribution Pick & Move Examples
3. Flexible Assembly Handling large, bulk products in manufacturing requires special attention to safety and logistics. This agricultural equipment manufacturer opted for a flexible cart platform to move various models from station to station in to paint and out to finished goods staging.
View more Flexible Assembly Examples
4. Bulk Delivery and Small Parts Lean material handling practices warrant the delivery of parts to line side locations with less “touches” in a ready to use format. The carts become the work platform being lifted, rotated and tilted to safely and ergonomically accommodate the operator’s needs. Flat decks can be outfitted with a variety of presentation “uppers” such as leaf frames, Christmas trees and racks.
View more Bulk Delivery and Small Parts Examples
If you have any questions about these configurations or other ideas for forklift alternative solutions, call us at 440-943-4111 to learn more about getting started.
Larry Tyler
President, K-Tec
Where materials flow by design
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 Forklift Alternative projects are typically pursued for the safety and the efficiency benefits. It often requires a retooling of many of the fundamental operational processes such as manufacturing assembly strategy, line side parts delivery and supplier logistics. Following are some of the areas that our customers review before launching a project:
1. Objectives of program
2. Personnel
3. Parts Presentation
4. Logistics
For more information on planning your Forklift Alternative Project, view the whitepaper on "Considerations for Success"
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