Logistics articles

  • 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.

  • The new batteries and supercapacitors for automated material handling systems

    The new batteries and supercapacitors for automated material handling systems

    01 Apr 2017

    In recent years, there has been widespread change in the technology used to store electrical energy in automated handling systems. The largest manufacturers in the sector have been gradually replacing lead-acid batteries with lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors since they maximise the performance.

  • 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.

  • What are the keys to ensuring the safety of your warehouse?

    What are the keys to ensuring the safety of your warehouse?

    06 Oct 2016

    Despite its obvious importance, there are still many questions about the essential measures the storage systems user should observe when minimising the risk of accidents in daily operations. Protecting personnel and ensuring proper warehouse operations should be any logistics manager’s top priority. In this article, Mecalux shares its expertise on this topic, analysing the keys to good management in safety policy.

  • Panamaximization

    30 May 2016

    The Panama Canal opened in the summer of 1914, carving a link between two oceans and revolutionizing maritime travel. The new expansion project is 98% finished as of May 2016.

  • How to calculate the structure of a conventional pallet rack

    25 May 2016

    What forces must be pondered when designing metal pallet racks? How do we verify that the structure will be suitable to withstand all loads? These and other issues are those which should be taken into account in the design of this type of rack, with the goal of ensuring its stability and resistance, and therefore the overall security of the installations.

  • Advantages of a clad-rack warehouse

    05 Apr 2016

    This type of constructions are integrated buildings formed by the racks themselves, whose structure is coupled to both the roof and wall cladding. Clad-rack warehouses have achieved great importance in the last 30 years, mainly because of the need for space optimisation, and resulting in the construction of buildings that are taller than 45m.

  • Logistics software: the cloud is the future

    Logistics software: the cloud is the future

    15 Mar 2016

    Due to the continuous evolution of technology, our business landscape is changing at a high speed. One of the most important paradigm changes that has taken place in recent years has been caused by the software industry, with the creation of cloud-based applications. The logistics operations of companies have quickly adapted to this change, demanding that software applications be implemented which are increasingly compatible with the cloud.

  • Warehouse design and layout: 6 basic factors

    10 Dec 2015

    Warehouses are no longer merely places for storing products; they are now focused on providing service and support facilities to companies of all kinds. They must be properly designed, with a design project that compiles as much information as possible. We have compiled the 6 basic factors for the design and layout of a warehouse.