Material Handling

Whether you're talking about human health or equipment functionality, an ounce of prevention is easily worth a pound of cure. That's the idea behind TPM — total productive maintenance. TPM is a strategy that aims to minimize downtime by fixing equipment before it breaks, rather than the conventional approach — fix it when it breaks. The strategy is more sophisticated than it sounds, with routine maintenance activities actually performed while equipment is running. And all employees, not just maintenance personnel are responsible for keeping things running. Who's responsible for equipment maintenance in your operations? Would TPM work for you?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Material Handling, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Material Handling today.

Economic performance tends to be cyclical and it seems that everyone agrees that the current recession will end, sooner or later. The question is what can a company do to position itself for top performance after downturn ends? A recent article suggests that the leading companies will be those that are committed to innovation, and go deeply into emerging growth markets. Innovation requires investment. Is your company positioned for the future, or focused on the short-term bottom line?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Material Handling, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Material Handling today.

A report recently came our way that analyzes greenhouse gas emissions and associated costs and aims to help companies prepare for the implementation of a cap and trade system. The study examines the risks, costs, and opportunities related to greenhouse gas emissions from a range of industries including chemical companies, food and beverage, healthcare, industrial goods and services, personal and household goods, automobiles and parts, and retail operations. Is your company prepared or planning for a cap and trade environment?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Material Handling, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Material Handling today.

New, energy efficient technologies are slowly making their way into materials handling practices. Fuel cell-powered lift trucks are highlighted in one article in this issue, and we've seen lots of press for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a durable, efficient light source for use at the loading dock. The potential is definitely there for these technologies, but are you prepared to sort through all the hype to find products that really work? What sources do you use to determine if a particular lift truck is truly environmentally sound, or what the life-cycle costs of an LED really are?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Material Handling, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Material Handling today.

Similar to that other public debate between plastic shopping bags and paper, makers of wood and plastic pallets are apparently battling over which material is worse for your health and the environment. Wooden pallets put our food supply at risk, says one side; plastic pallets harbor more bacteria than wood says the other; and they also trade barbs about flammability and toxicity. Which material do you use? Have you had any problems with either?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Material Handling, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Material Handling today.