Top 2010 Moments at AK & a Website Flashback from 2001!

AK Website Flashback 2001: (compared to the new website)

At AK the new year brings about new goals, high expectations and a high level of excitement to the office. In general, 2010 was a great year for us and we expect the same in 2011.

Team members share some of their most memorable moments of 2010:

Brian K. "My most memorable moment of 2010 was helping the Minnesota Twins open their new Target Field ball park. I enjoyed designing the different storage areas though out the ball park with pallet rack and steel shelving"

Jason K. "My most memorable moment(s) of 2010 would have to be the addition of James and Linda to our team"

Jake K. "I enjoyed the upgrades that were made in our technology and our increased participation in social media"

Linda A. "AK shined on 9/30/10 when there were only hours to coordinate
several truckloads of material out of Excel Storage Products, South Dakota before the doors were closed indefinitely"

AK Material Handling Systems wishes you a very happy and prosperous 2011!

Space Saving Tip: Go Modular

Save Time & Space Going Modular

Modular drawers are often overlooked when there is a need for high density storage. Too often shelving is the choice when storing small parts with a variety of SKU's. When done correctly one drawer system can take the place of an entire bay or even a run of standard shelving.

Other benefits of using modular drawers are mobility, security, time, and selectivity. These systems can be made to order to your specific needs, sizes, openings and have an array of drawer dividers. The ability to secure your inventory is made easy by simply locking them up.

Free up space and time by looking into this option when you are in need of parts storage.

For more information visit our: Stanley Vidmar Modular Cabinet Page: http://www.akequipment.com/stanleyvidmar.html

Keys To Planning, Locating, and Moving into A New Space Part 2 of 3

Part # 2 Layout & Property Searching...

Once the baseline measurement of the clients needs have been established, then the search can begin. We take their needs and translate them into square footage based on a given clear height. For example, we can estimate that if a client needs to store 2,000 pallets that they are going to need about 25,000 square feet allowing adequate staging and processing areas. This assumes storing the pallets four high in selective rack system (single deep). Be careful! Four high storage can mean 30’ clear versus 20’ clear for another. In addition, you must understand the effects of the rack system, sprinkler clearances, forklifts, code requirements, etc. Also, for some, high density storage rack systems can be used causing their square footage requirement to decrease. On the opposite end, large or long products can dramatically increase the square footage requirement per unit stored. Understanding all the rack types and options is a critical component to this step. For example, push back rack requires significantly less square footage than selective pallet rack.

Once there are some property choices that meets the clients other criteria, (ie. location, costs), we can actually do a layout to see how a potential rack system will work in it. The shape of the building may prove to be better than another because of the particular aisle widths needed. Building column spacing and dock location may also affect storage counts. If the layout proves worthy, the storage height restrictions should again be reviewed. Important issues such as clearance to the lighting and sprinklers will be key issues. Do not assume that 25’ clear means you can store to 25’. It never happens. No one wants to find out after they sign a lease that their storage capabilities are going to be 25% less than they expected because they aren’t allowed to store over a certain height.


Stay tuned for Part #3 of the series: Execution/ Moving coming soon.

For more information on warehouse layout & design call 800-722-5908 or visit our warehouse design page:
http://www.akequipment.com/warehouse_layout_design_MN.html

FUN FRIDAY has been moved.

Fun Friday has been moved to our facebook page. Check it out @ AK Facebook Page

Top Five Operational Costs That You Can Avoid:

• Wasted Ceiling Space: Racking that does not maximize your warehouse height.
• Excessive Material Movement: Unnecessary moves of product in storage systems.
• Not Correctly Utilizing Material Handling Equipment: Improper training leads to employees incorrectly using equipment taking away from the effectiveness of the product.
• Improper Inventory Storage: Storing machines and equipment that are not in use and have little or no value to the company.
• Unnecessary motion: Movements or equipment that does not add value to the product.

Fun Friday! Pallet Rack Spotting.

Pallet Rack Spotting...

When Industrial Strength is taken to the next level.

Mailbox Stand made out of Galvanized Pallet Rack.