In some industries, the process isn’t complete until all items are returned, for safety reasons.  In others, they help improve organization and efficiency by keeping equipment in their storage place.

Knowing where the equipment is to clear debris, helps reduce down time.  Also, knowing that all tools are returned, confirms that a wrench was not left in a critical area of an aircraft after maintenance checks.

Shadow boards are a form of storage devise.  They are designed to hold and present implements in a way to show where each goes.  Items such as tools in manufacturing, and cleaning items, are the most common seen in industry.

The items clip-in, hook-on and in some cases, sit against the boards, in designated places.  Their position is determined in design with the silhouettes added to display clearly where each item goes.

These are storage panels, designed to hold and display tools, cleaning implements, etc. A user can quickly select, use, and replace each item needed, which is represented by a ‘shadow’ of its unique size and model for quick visual reference. Shadow boards come in all sizes depending on item size and number to be stored and are most often used in industry.

If you are not able to generate a location file from your warehouse management system, we recommend you use a spreadsheet to help build your own. Spreadsheets allow you to use columns to separate the location sub references, and the rows to quickly expand the number of derivates per run. These columns of data can then be combined to create the barcode data and separately to create the readable elements with separators so operatives can read the rack and shelf location names easily.

Read more on how to build a warehouse location data file.

Yes. Floor labels are the most susceptible location label in a warehouse, they are tough and if used correctly can be extremely cost effective, but they are impacted by material handling equipment, pallets, cages, skids, and everything else which is in contact with your floor.

Ways to avoid damage include:

• Placing the label to the left or right of a pallet lane or storage location entrance. This helps avoid continual impact.
• Lift pallets and forks clear above the floor. This prevents impacts.
• Turn in clear space, not on the floor label or line striping. A wheel turning on a label, will twist the label and rip it off the floor.
• Place a floor label protector over the label, these can help improve the lifespan on the label.
• Place a floor label frame to surround the label which protect and allow you to change the label as needed.

You can drive over our adhesive floor labels without damage being caused, but anything impacted will be damaged, even the protective covers and frames. Consider a training session with your MHE operators also.

They are ‘digits’ to be double ‘checked’ against the warehouse management system (WMS) records. Once the operative has arrived at the pallet or shelf location, they are asked by the system to provide the ‘check-digit’ information which ensures it matches that on the pick sheet or terminal. If their is a match, it is further confirmation they have found the correct location or product and they are able to proceed with the item pick.  If it is a failed match, the operative is prevented from completing the pick task, and so knows to look again for the correct storage location.

Check digits are often provided by the warehouse management system, as randomized characters forming an addition to the location code. Most barcodes include a check digit within the symbology, calculated by other characters which form that barcode. In a storage environment, the check digit is typically a separate feature.

Below, you can see the user check digit presented as characters with a black background on a warehouse rack label and a barcode location sign. The operator reads the location reference, scans the barcode and enters the check digit.

Line widths are not critical, but there are several considerations to make, some are as follows:

• OSHA consider lines of 2 inches and greater to be acceptable to provide floor markings for aisle and passageways.
• Narrow line become more difficult to see inside buildings.
• 4 inch wide lines are standard through the logistics and distribution industry.
• Narrow lines wear out quicker as there is less paint on the floor.
• Very wide lines may need an anti slip finish applied where moisture is present.

Other considerations:

• The layout measurements must include line widths to ensure a pallet fits within the markings.  Pallets on markings can damage the line.
• A narrow line needs less material so is cheaper.
• A more visible marking on the floor draws more attention and so heightens safety.

We have several options including mating, adhesive anti-slip products bolt down anti-slip plates as well as anti-slip paint coatings. All are designed for specific uses and varying durability but ultimately, consideration must be given to the use of an area where injury is a risk.

You can find some of the standard products on our anti slip floor tape page.

During an installation, our team on site can relay any updates or requests to the project team, or support you with ideas and possibilities. They are experienced with this situation and will work with you to achieve the preferred outcome.  Our project and sales team will work remotely, on re-planning, pricing and scheduling to maintain a professional control.

After an installation, again just let us know. We can remove, cover up and install most products during an installation, and schedule for a return visit for amendments or additions.

The simple and short answer is durability. Durable line striping is more expensive because there is a lot more work involved in preparation and the machinery needed.

Preparation is critical for paint to adhere well to most surfaces and unfortunately, concrete is a very hard material which takes time to work and prepare.  The positive consideration is that more durability means less re-working later, so the investment pays off.