DCS’s design and engineering team has more than 40 years of experience creating unique parcel handling systems for diverse customer applications. With installations including semi-automated handling in small city distribution centers and fully automated, integrated hubs with advanced conveyor and sorter equipment, DCS routinely thinks outside the box.
DCS designs and implements end-to-end warehouse automation solutions for e-commerce and multi-channel retailers that address numerous workflow challenges. This includes solutions for receiving, putaway, storage, replenishment, order fulfillment, picking, packing, sortation, and outbound shipping. Our custom integrated warehouse, distribution, and fulfillment systems draw from a deep pool of conventional, semi-automated, and automated material handling technologies.
Whether an operation is considering the construction of a new distribution or fulfillment center, or a retrofit or expansion of an existing facility, it’s important to create a solution that fits the overarching supply chain strategy. DCS has four decades of experience designing and integrating comprehensive, end-to-end material handling solutions that meet a multitude of operational goals. Whether conventional, semi-automated, or fully automated, DCS can help your organization implement a custom solution that meets its goals while maximizing return on investment (ROI).
The DCS Supply Chain Consulting team offers a range of services to help your operations address the challenges it faces. Working in partnership with you, DCS consultants analyze your business data- existing workforce, workflow processes, inventory, order data, operations, and more- to determine a strategy that addresses your unique needs. Whether you need an operations assessment, process improvement recommendations, or distribution design services, DCS consultants will help guide you to the material handling system or operational solution that best meets your current and future needs, as well as your budget.
Keeping your warehouse operations and material handling systems running smoothly and at the peak of productivity are the goals of DCS’ Customer Service Team. By partnering with DCS, your warehouse automation solution is supported from commissioning to end of life. You’ll receive comprehensive in-house training of your personnel, including specialized training of your designated internal system expert. Plus, DCS offers a complete package of spare parts and expert system troubleshooting support from qualified engineers dedicated to your installation.
DCS offers a broad range of material handling equipment and automated system design, installation, and integration services for a multitude of projects. These include retrofits, expansions, upgrades, and more. While every project is unique, our system design and execution processes are the same, encompassing meticulous attention to detail, frequent communication, and a dedicated partnership with our clients.
Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS) has 40 years of experience serving major clients in multiple industries by providing material handling, full-scale warehouse operations, and conveyor design solutions that are custom crafted for their needs. DCS does not sell ready-made conveyor systems but builds relationships that empower collaboration to craft custom warehouse designs together. DCS utilizes consulting, engineering design, project management, installation services, and client support to ensure our customers can keep their promises to deliver on time.
With more than 40 years of experience providing automated system design, installation, and integration services, DCS has created solutions for companies throughout the United States in a broad range of industries and markets. We’ve completed more than 1500 projects ranging from greenfield facilities with completely new systems to expansions and retrofits of existing operations.
5 Tips for Learning the Material Handling Industry
By submitting, you consent to DCS processing your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We take your privacy seriously; opt out of email updates at any time.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
5 Tips for Learning the Material Handling Industry
Date Posted:09.03.19
5 Tips for Learning the Material Handling Industry
by Alyssa Colvin
Learning any new industry can be daunting. New people. New processes. New everything it feels like. I would know. I found myself new to the Material Handling Industry just a short 6 months ago. Good news is I’ve compiled a list of tips & tricks to help anyone in learning all things Material Handling. Think of it as a cheat sheet. Full disclosure, this won’t have all the answers, but it’s a good starting point. With all of that said, here are 5 tips for learning the MH Industry.
Learn the Vocab
I’ll never forget my first project meeting. The team could have been speaking another language, and I would have understood the same amount. Commissioning versus beneficial use versus project go-live. There are a ton of industry specific terms. How I managed through this learning curve was to write down any terms I didn’t know. After the meeting, I’d ask someone to explain what each term meant. Each day, I had new terms that I didn’t know, but at the same time, each day I was adding to my personal Material Handling dictionary of terms I did understand.
Learn the Equipment
This goes with learning the vocab, but there is so much equipment that I had to put it as a separate bullet. Pulleys, belting, gravity, transfer plates, power curves, QA chutes. There is a lot of equipment that goes into a system. Whenever you’re unsure about equipment, I’ve found it best to ask a coworker. More times than not, you’ll find someone who can explain what it is, what it does, and why it’s important to have. My next suggestion is to turn to the internet. Google and YouTube will become your friend. Find the equipment online. Watch a video. Knowing what a piece of equipment is is one thing. Understanding its function is another. Videos help with that. Lastly, if you have the option to go to site, say yes. Go see a conveyor system in real life. Don’t talk about dumpers and dumper chutes, go see a dumper in action.
Be a Sponge
You will be surrounded by people who have experience. Learn from them. Engage in conversation. Some of the biggest tricks I’ve learned have come from comments in passing. If you have a day where you’re shadowing someone, take notes on their processes. Why do they something the way they do? How do they handle certain situations? Understand that in every situation, there is a learning opportunity. Soak it in.
Ask Questions
If someone is talking about something you don’t understand, the worst thing you could do is act like you’re following along. Speak up. Ask questions. The people around you are accustomed to the industry, but you aren’t. They will forget some topics aren’t easy to comprehend when you have no exposure or experience with it.
Manage your Expectations
It’s easy to get discouraged when everything is so new. Don’t fall into the trap of feeling like you’re not making any progress. Beyoncu00e9 didn’t become a superstar overnight. You’re not going to be an expert in a week. Each day you’ll learn something new, and honestly, that’s the fun part. Continue to push forward, ask questions, show up each day, but understand that time is your biggest asset. The more time you spend learning the Material Handling Industry, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Before you know it, you’ll be the person explaining equipment, answering questions, and helping others adjust to this new, ever-changing industry.
_
With a strong background in logistics, Alyssa has expanded her career to the Material Handling Industry as a Buyer for DCS. She enjoys working in a team environment while helping provide supply chain solutions for a variety of customers. Outside of work, you can catch Alyssa walking her lab, exploring new places, and rooting on the Crimson Tide.