What Does it Mean to be ISO 9001 Certified? ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization. The ISO has 92 member countries and is based in Geneva Switzerland. The ISO 9000 standards were developed to promote the consistency of quality practices and to provide a common set of terms, which could be used in all countries. (https://www.iso.org). ISO 9001 certified means that the organization meets the designated requirements. The term ISO 9001:2015 refers to the latest version of the ISO standards and specifications, which is the set of requirements that companies adopt to ensure their organization achieves a high level of customer satisfaction. By implementing these ISO 9001:2015 requirements organizations use a common-sense approach to manage their organization. The output of an effective quality management system will ensure the organization meets their customer needs and expectations. Throughout every stage of business (quoting, design, engineering, purchasing, scheduling, manufacturing, shipping, installation and service), the customer requirements are clearly defined and the output of each process is verified to ensure the customer requirements are met. Processes within the organization must be monitored, measured and improved (processes affecting cost, quality, service and/or delivery must be measured). Tools used in determining these measurements must be accurate and periodically evaluated to ensure continual improvement. Companies must set goals and objectives based on customer needs and expectations and on past performance. ISO 9001:2015 requirements stress the importance for an organization to identify, implement, manage and continually improve the effectiveness of these processes to achieve the organization’s objectives. The basic principles of a quality system are: Say what you do; Do what you say; Prove it; and Improve...
Overhead Conveyor Simplifies the Storage and Retrieval of Hanging Parts Just as the name implies, the RETRIEVER is an ASRS device (Automated Storage Retrieval System) using an HMI (Human Machine Interface) to bring a specified item back to a load/unload area that has been stored on an overhead conveyor storage system. This retrieval system is ideal for recalling a stored item that has been placed on a storage conveyor. Its location pendant has been logged and the device is then used to recall that pendant with the push of a button. A typical scenario for this system would be the storage of numerous items and having the convenience of recalling these items on demand. This would include applications such as cutting dies from a fabrication plant, wiring harness jigs or any number of items that need to be stored. The RETRIEVER™ is small, very easy to use and an affordable solution for this specialized ASRS need. The RETRIEVER™ also acts as an interface between a computer database and the conveyor. In fact, it will control several storage conveyors from one device. If you have a large inventory database and several conveyors all loaded with this catalogued inventory, let the RETRIEVER™ handle the job of returning a specific load pendent which holds a particular item. Your database computer can connect directly to the RETRIEVER™ ASRS and feed this system with the pendant numbers. The RETRIEVER™ also handles a load retrieval queue. By either manually entering several pendant numbers or instructed through a database connection, the device will methodically move from one pendant to the next as items are either loaded or unloaded and then triggered to move...
Increase Capacity with Overhead Conveyor Load Bars As the name suggests, conveyor load bars carry a loads on conveyors. Normally a carrier is attached at one point to a chain pendant, however the load bar is suspended from two points on the conveyor chain. So by using a load bar we have effectively spread the load out, distributing it over more chain bearings on the conveyor system. Typically a load bar is used when the product being carried is large and heavy or simply to maximize the life of your overhead conveyor system by distributing load weight evenly. The load bar essentially doubles the capacity of the conveyor by doing this and if required it can even double again by using a 4 pendant load bar. For example if an overhead conveyor has a capacity of 50 lbs. per chain pendant, with a load bar you would be able to carry a load of 100 lbs safely, and even 200 lbs if you chose to use a 4 pendant load bar. Just remember you still want to make sure that your track is safely supported for the larger load. Conveyor load bars can also enhance the stability of the load. As loads come out of a curve they can exert a twisting force on the chain pendants. Using load bars ensures that this ‘twisting’ is resisted. There are many variations of load bars and they can even be arranged to carry multiple loads under each, so that there is great flexibility in the placement of the loads. All these factors just depend on your current or proposed system and your application needs. GET MORE INFORMATION Your NameCompany...
What Are the Top Ten Material Handling Costs? Many of us don’t realize the extent of all the hidden material handling costs. These costs are constantly being accumulated in many different areas. To effectively control these costs you must know where to look for them. Here is a list (in no particular order) of ten areas to watch for cost reduction possibilities. #1: Production Bottlenecks Here, a whole line of machines are shut down due to poor systems therefore in the long run costing you more money and time. #2: Idle Machine Time The cost of machine downtime is calculated on the basis of lost productivity. When a machine is slowed down or stopped because of inadequate material flow, the cost must be charged to material handling. #3: Poor Space Utilization Space is money, we all know that. There are many system techniques and designs that can be applied to put space to better use. Such as utilizing unused overhead space. #4: Re-handling of Material Every time an item is handled it costs money. Techniques should be devised to reduce the number of times an item is handled in reducing your material handling costs. #5: Damaged Material Breakage is usually a high-cost factor at best. Improper techniques and equipment can increase this cost manyfold. #6: Large Inventories Inventories tie up capital and require large storage facilities, which cost more. Usually, the more efficient a system, the smaller inventory/storage space is required. #7: Excessive Maintenance Maintenance costs are two-fold, the time and material spent on the corrective action plus the loss of the equipment’s production time. Improper application or use of...
Advantages of a Vertical Carousel Conveyor Vertical carousels or Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are used for the storage of products. These items are typically placed on hanging bars or trays that move up and down; hence ‘vertical’ storage as the name. These bars can also hold customized carriers to support specific products/parts. Vertical carousel units are a great way to utilize unused overhead space in a warehouse or plant, while also taking up minimal floor space. The units can also be customized to specific heights and capacities. For instance, our PAC-RAK™ vertical conveyor offers high capacity storage, holding up to 12,000 lbs. Vertical carousel conveyors can also have a number of different control options ranging from automated storage and retrieval to simple up/down push buttons making this conveyor one that is easily tailored to an application’s individual needs. There are many different applications for a vertical conveyor. Here is a list of a few typical uses: Vertical Carousel Conveyor Applications: Spare parts storage Cooling of parts Storage of dies Storage of various items for order picking Carpet and flooring storage and retrieval Wire and cable storage and retrieval Clothing storage and retrieval GET MORE INFORMATION Your NameCompany NameE-mail Address Phone NumberCountryIndustry/ApplicationWhat is your application?Assembly LineEmpty Carton and Tote HandlingCorrugated Trash RemovalPaint & FinishingParts Accumulation & WIPGarment HandlingGreenhouseWoodworkingProduce PackingEntertainment ProductionCreative DisplayOtherTell us about your project?NameThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ...
