Electric forklifts are crucial for the efficiency of warehouses and industrial operations, relying on industrial batteries for power. Proper maintenance, including regular watering, ensure optimal battery function. This guide offers comprehensive instructions on correct watering procedures for forklift batteries, emphasizing timing, safety measures, and necessary equipment. Why and When is Battery Watering Necessary? Understanding the importance of watering forklift batteries is critical. Lead-acid batteries, commonly used in forklifts, require periodic watering to maintain optimal electrolyte ..read more

First, what’s a Vertical Lift Module (VLM)? A VLM is a high-density, automated storage device. It is used for several purposes, one of the most common being to reduce the floor space required for storage. VLMs are also used to improve the throughput, control, and accuracy of parts storage, parts picking, or both operations. Endless storage solutions VLMs are commonly used by manufacturers, distributors, and labs in the aerospace, electronics, and biomed-tech industries, but their applications are endless. VLMs generally store a wide range of inventories, including: raw materials work-in-proce ..read more

From CEOs, Presidents, Operations, EHS and engineering professionals to facility and purchasing managers, consultative skills and industry knowledge are two important reasons to get to know your local material handling account manager. Essential Topics for Today’s Warehouse The blogs produced by the seasoned professionals at Abel Womack are a testament to our collective expertise. We offer a unique approach combining literature, informative ideas, new product training challenges in the current market, and collaborative thoughts on making your company work optimally. Our insights are backed by ..read more

Over time, keeping up with the costs of owning forklifts can be more than just parts and labor. Damaged or poorly maintained lifts can cause a loss in productivity when waiting to be repaired. As a truck nears the end of its lifespan, the cost to keep it operational and productive can rise steeply. The motors, drivetrains, hydraulics, masts, and other various components need more frequent and typically expensive repairs as they age. For most lift trucks, this shift occurs when they accrue 10,000+ hours of use, depending on the application. This translates to 7-10 years or more of use in a typi ..read more

Using a known and reliable vertical storage system can minimize the floor space required inside the clean room to store kits and components for production. Abel Womack’s automation group is often called upon to find solutions to use underutilized vertical cube more efficiently in manufacturing operations. This is a very common application for Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) and vertical carousels. By adding a second access opening on the back side of the VLM, it turns into a vertical buffer system that doubles as a pass-through. We all know that clean room space is costly, so getting the best pro ..read more

The document inserter is the next technology I want to touch on in our Standalone Automation series. This technology does exactly what it sounds like: automating document insertion for an order. This can be a packing list or BOL, invoice, return slip, marketing info, or any other document needing to be included in the packaging. Where a human operator was required to perform this function in the past, there are several ways to automate this function now. How do you get to the document inserter automation phase? There is never a simple answer to the “when do I” question as it relates to automat ..read more

In industrial settings, forklifts are pivotal in material handling. However, their power and maneuverability come with inherent risks, making forklift safety a top priority. Understanding and implementing safety measures is crucial to prevent workplace accidents and potential injuries or worse. Training and Certification Before operating a forklift, employees must undergo comprehensive training and obtain the necessary certifications. Training programs cover aspects such as proper vehicle operation, load handling, and emergency procedures. Regular refresher courses can help reinforce safety ..read more

Print and Apply (PandA or Labeler) Recently, we started our “Standalone Automation” blog journey with the carton erector – see “Standalone Automation – Carton Erectors-Builders”. The next piece of standalone automation in our journey is the Print and Apply, or PandA, or labeler. There are several ways to add a label to items inside of a warehouse: the product itself, the individual/loose cartons or items/products in full cases, labels for internal movement purposes (license plate numbers or LPNs), and shipping labels, to name a few. However, the main reason behind whichever label is used ..read more

Understanding the maximum capacity of your forklift is crucial, and it’s not a static number—it can change based on equipment specifications and usage. To ensure safety and prevent potential hazards, let’s explore how capacity ratings are calculated and what considerations are vital for maximizing safety. Rules and Regulations OSHA regulations mandate that all powered industrial lift trucks must have a clearly legible data plate displaying the truck’s maximum capacity. Additionally, any modifications or attachments affecting capacity, load center, or other critical statistics must also be docu ..read more

In the dynamic landscape of modern warehouses and distribution centers, efficiently utilizing space is the key to success. Pallet racking systems are a cornerstone in optimizing storage capacity and streamlining logistical operations. Pallet racking is a method of material handling that involves storing palletized goods in horizontal rows at multiple levels. These systems are designed to maximize vertical space, providing an organized and accessible way to store and retrieve items. There are several types of pallet racking systems, each catering to specific storage needs: Selective Pallet ..read more