The costs of handling product can increase quickly when distribution centers (DCs) use large sortation systems with miles of conveyor to move products through the facility and into a truck. When the product lines change due to variable product mix, 3PLs (Third Party Logistics) with a variety of products received, picked, and shipped, the requirement of flexibility is not an option. Some of the most sophisticated systems can automatically convey product directly into storage racks, flow racks, or mother-daughter carts that can be mixed and matched to deliver the variable and everchanging product.
The variability of product lines also requires different degrees of manual handling. Orders processed at most distribution centers in North America are now smaller in volume, but more frequent. This is to meet the demands of customers while reducing the back-stock inventory. Customer requirements for product configurations, variety, and non-stop changes in demand have changed the standards that old DCs were able to get away with.
At DCs, now the fickle customer must be respected. The FMCG (fast-moving consumer good) that was most popular last week, is now old news. All DCs strive to deliver the hotly demanded products to customers as requested, when they need it, configured to their specifications. Topper Industrial sees this flexibility as part of the company’s strategic initiative and guiding principles to DCs. It has been a core competency of providing optimal configuration and fulfillment services to customers in various manufacturing sectors; it now is a value proposition that Topper is able to create flexible cart delivery systems to DCs throughout North America.
Topper is well-respected as the Fork Truck Free Cart Delivery leader and is a conduit to supply chain solution implementation. Because Topper promotes and believes in the Lean Manufacturing approach to business, the company designs and manufactures equipment that creates solutions that improves material flow. Lean experts, as well as distribution center executives and line product staff work to create a culture of managing daily improvements. The result ensures a more efficient distribution and operations process. For decades Topper Industrial has delivered long-term customer value and business performance adding value through the material handling equipment designed and implemented.
Lean is a methodology that utilizes continuous, incremental improvements to update—and upgrade—business operations. Instead of abruptly changing the way things are done, small changes are made over time, refining operations as time goes by. As these changes are made, significant gains in both the quality of the work and operating performance are realized. Unnecessary product changeovers are reduced, improving slotting and flow planning, and increasing asset productivity. These improvements lead to more efficiency in production lines as well as the loading and shipping processes.
Topper Industrial creates material handling solutions with the equipment made. Each piece of equipment has a purpose. When lean processes seek out problematic practices, Topper Industrial creates and designs improvements and solutions to make the day to day work easier, more functional and flexible. Cart delivery can be adjusted, it can be interchangeable and it can be used and re-use in a lot of different applications. Topper is proud of the innovation and flexibility cart delivery brings to DCs.
About Topper Industrial
For more than twenty years, Topper Industrial, (www.topperindustrial.com) based just outside of Milwaukee, WI, has been a leader in the material handling equipment industry. The company’s product roster features industrial carts, conveyors, lifts, lifts & tilts, shipping racks, containers, casters, and cart components. From mother-daughter carts to quad steer carts to tilt carts and rotate carts, Topper’s material handling solutions make delivering material line side more effective through more efficient practices. Topper Industrial has a team of experienced professional experts able to assess and provide the right product for all material handling equipment requirements.
Topper Industrial is a proud member of MHI. Follow on Twitter @TopperInd or on LinkedIn.