Logistics articles

  • Importance of Effective Warehouse Slotting

    Importance of Effective Warehouse Slotting

    27 May 2019

    An optimised warehouse slotting design is the foundation of a successful warehouse and results in the ability to streamline operations, eliminate ineffective processes and maximize efficiency.

  • Software solutions to adopt an omnichannel strategy

    Software solutions to adopt an omnichannel strategy

    07 Nov 2018

    Mecalux Software Solutions offers companies efficient omnichannel management solutions. Easy WMS, as well as the WMS for e-commerce and Multi Carrier Shipping Software functionalities, aim to satisfy the end consumer with on-time deliveries and quality customer service.

  • Simulation: be in the driver's seat

    Simulation: be in the driver's seat

    21 Aug 2018

    Gartner, the world's leading IT research and advisory company, predicts that digital twins will be one of 2018s industry-shaping trends and that, by 2021, 50% of large-scale companies will use them. A ‘digital twin’ is a simulation, a digital replica of a process, product or service through information gathered by built-in sensors on equipment inside manufacturing centres. How does simulation work and why use it? How can simulation be applied to a supply chain or in my warehouse?

  • What is reverse logistics?

    What is reverse logistics?

    30 Jan 2018

    Reverse logistics is defined as the practices and processes set up for organising product returns from points-of-sales to the manufacturer in order to repair, recycle or dispose of these articles in the most cost-effective way.

  • Fire protection measures for metal racks and warehouses

    Fire protection measures for metal racks and warehouses

    01 Nov 2017

    Fire safety in a warehouse is a particularly big challenge since, usually, these types of buildings have a high fire load. In addition to the merchandise, installations contain elements that spur on the spread of flames, like plastic materials, cardboard or wood, among others. To minimise this risk, warehouses must have fire prevention, detection and suppression systems.

  • High throughput and automated goods handling with pallet conveyors

    High throughput and automated goods handling with pallet conveyors

    09 Oct 2017

    Even though conveyors are generally associated with highly automated installations, in reality, they are more and more common in standard warehouses. The reason is they boost warehouse productivity by optimising the flow of goods, reduce loading, unloading and transport times, as well as ensure a constant stream of products.

  • Thermal insulation in cold storage installations

    Thermal insulation in cold storage installations

    15 Sep 2017

    This article explains how the thermal insulation of low-temperature warehouses is achieved and emphasises the importance of a rigorous design to guarantee the optimal operations of cold storage.

  • Seismic calculations for racks in Europe

    Seismic calculations for racks in Europe

    04 Sep 2017

    The highest seismic hazard values and the likelihood of earthquakes occurring converge typically in regions close to the edges of Earth's tectonic plates. In Europe, the countries with the greatest seismic risk are Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Iceland. At the same time, in each country, there are areas at higher risk than others. Prevention, as well as the compliance with European standards regarding the design and construction of storage systems, are fundamental for the earthquake-proofing of racks.

  • Cloud computing: a supply chain ally

    Cloud computing: a supply chain ally

    24 Jul 2017

    Cloud technology is a huge help for companies to strategically manage their logistics supply chain and integrate all processes carried out to maximise earnings. In recent years, this computational model has started to replace traditional, on-premise ones at a phenomenal rate.

  • Chile: a seismic laboratory for testing rack behaviour

    Chile: a seismic laboratory for testing rack behaviour

    05 Jul 2017

    Chile is one of the most earthquake prone countries in the world due to its geographical location in the Circum-Pacific belt (also known as the Ring of Fire), the scene of intense seismic activity. It also presents unique characteristics, making it ideal for scientific research related to this natural phenomenon. Accordingly, Mecalux has spent years analysing and improving the structural behavior of racking.

  • How to achieve energy savings in the logistics processes of an automated warehouse

    How to achieve energy savings in the logistics processes of an automated warehouse

    06 Jun 2017

    Electricity is essential to the operation of manual or automated warehouses, and as a result companies can supply the goods and services they produce for general consumption. Nowadays, businesses implement practices, as well as technical and organisational measures aimed at reducing energy consumption and optimising the throughput of installations.

  • Metal racking: What finish offers greater protection against corrosion?

    Metal racking: What finish offers greater protection against corrosion?

    03 Feb 2017

    In warehouses, racks are exposed to changes in temperature, humidity, continuous transport of goods and operators. These factors can cause deterioration of the components that make up the structures. This article analyses the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods and finishes available on the market to protect the metal profiles from the effects of corrosion and oxidation.

  • Choosing the ideal system for storing pallets

    Choosing the ideal system for storing pallets

    07 Nov 2016

    In the same installation, goods of different turnovers can co-exist, classified on the basis of consumption criteria (type A, B, C). Taking this fact into account, and factors such as capacity or required installation flows, each product should be deposited in a different storage system based on their characteristics. Automatically, a question arises: what is the ideal system?

  • The importance of testing pallet racking components

    The importance of testing pallet racking components

    21 Oct 2016

    Both the components that pallet racks consist of and the materials they are fabricated from are submitted to testing; first to determine their strength and elasticity capacities, whereas the second establishes their tensile strength and their ductility, i.e., the capacity to be bent. These processes fulfil the international standard, which outlines the parameters that must be taken into account with respect to the quality and safety of products.