By Kwaku Owusu-Ansah, Industry Manager for Yale Lift Truck Technologies
Food processing companies face unique operational challenges when it comes to material handling and warehousing applications. Multiple factors can impact profitability and operational efficiency. Here are some key challenges, and how to navigate through them.
Rising costs
With operational costs increasing steadily, the right fleet management programme can help control materials handling equipment investment. Fleet management programmes analyse applications and operational data to help right-size warehouse equipment fleets. This approach helps to minimise idle equipment, reducing unnecessary costs, and improving overall efficiency.
Maintenance also plays a key role in fleet management. Preventative and predictive maintenance help limit equipment downtime, and potentially costly operational disruption. Maintaining equipment correctly can help extend its life, delaying the need for new equipment acquisitions, and may help trucks operate reliably for longer. Furthermore, it helps reduce environmental impact by maximising the use of existing assets.
Sustainability goals
While there is a desire to integrate sustainability into the materials handling aspect of food processing operations, it presents challenges. Choosing electric equipment has often meant dealing with costly lead acid battery maintenance and replacements, and relies upon robust and expensive charging infrastructure. However, lithium-ion power for lift trucks and warehouse equipment may present a solution.
Lithium-ion batteries have a useful life up to three times longer than lead acid counterparts. They can often be charged quickly and efficiently, optimising energy use and associated costs. Lithium-ion batteries can also be opportunity charged in situ, eliminating the need for large battery storage and changing rooms, which can be a barrier to zero-emission equipment adoption.
Strict standards
Strict food safety regulations can become more complex when materials handling equipmentis involved. Opting for equipment with food grade lubricants can help minimise risk around incidental contact causing food contamination and resultant product recalls. Lithium-ion also offers a clean technology for battery powered machines. It eliminates tailpipe emissions, and factors like fumes and acid are eliminated around food handling.
Traceability and visibility
Digital records and reporting can help to track and trace products throughout the supply chain. Telematics, such as Yale Vision can help. It can also support operational safety. Yale Vision only allows operators with the correct training credentials to access and operate equipment. It provides impact monitoring, alerts, and incident data, which may help with route optimisation and reinforcement of desired behaviour. It can also track training updates needed.
Labour shortages
Physically difficult and fatiguing work can lead to recruitment challenges and high staff turnover. Catering to operator comfort is crucial. Simultaneously, companies must adhere to
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations around operational safety for employees, to avoid incidents, fines, and unplanned downtime.
Selecting equipment that optimises operator comfort is key. For example, the ergonomically designed Yale MS20XD platform double stacker offers three different, comfortable operator compartments to suit different applications.
Unlock performance
The food processing industry is navigating a complex landscape of challenges. However, by adopting robust fleet management programs, integrating lithium-ion battery technology, and compliant practices within safety and traceability, companies can thrive in a competitive industry.
