One day, a customer approached Automation Plus, a Stoughton, Wis.-based division of CSF Inc. with a problem. They needed a solution for stacking empty pallets in full case picking modules that was both ergonomic for the picker and more efficient for the fork truck driver.

Objectives:

·         Create an ergonomic device to reduce the stresses of stacking empty pallets.

·         Eliminate the amount of time required for fork truck drivers to re-work pallet stacks.

·         Design to mount on pallet flow rails in order to be retrofitted into any picking module.

·         Accommodate seven empty pallets per load.

·         No external source of energy required (electricity or compressed air).

·         Must be heavy duty to withstand many years of use.

The Solution
Automation Plus’ Pallet Return Device (PRD) incorporates an ergonomic lifting method that reduces the stresses of stacking empty pallets for the picker, and at the same time, squares up every pallet that is lifted into the device, making a “perfect” stack. The PRD is mounted to existing pallet flow rails and uses no electricity or compressed air. Each unit is made from heavy gauge, powder-coated steel.

The Results
The PRD’s ergonomic lifting method reduces worker fatigue and risks of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Since each stack is made “perfect,” a noticeable time savings was achieved, as much as 2-4 minutes each time a stack was pulled from the picking module.

The PRD was retrofitted in 200 empty pallet return lanes, thus saving the customer a considerable amount of capital. And, an unforeseen benefit that resulted from the PRD was that the risks of pallet stacks getting hung up on rack frames, causing pallets to fall from various heights to the floor below, was eliminated.

"There is an ergonomic impact to the picker, reduced time for them to build the perfect stack and reduced time for the forklift operator to pull the stack down. No one will have to worry about twisted or bad stacks getting hung up on the rack frames, eliminating a possible risk or tie off requirement,” says the customer. “There is an added safety factor to all those below because the movement of the stack out to the edge is controlled as opposed to being gravity (or pushed) and coming to an abrupt stop."

Based on projected numbers, the PRD units boast a return on investment of approximately 1.28 years.