Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Optimize Productivity by 25% with WNS

Make your warehouse function with great efficiency with the installation and integration of the wire guidance system—a semi-automatic approach to reaching pallet positions within the aisles of a warehouse. Transponders are used to communicate with an RFID reader / writer in the lift truck to identify warehouse aisle locations and distances. Armed with this information and the forklift’s height measuring capability, the system knows its location within the aisles at all times. The program and can help reach pallet positions in the most efficient path to travel and lift.


Available in Los Angeles and Orange County through Southern California Material Handling.
Call SCMH now to schedule a demo. 1-866-SCMH-CAT or visit http://www.scmh.com/warehouse-navigation-system/


Click to see how our expert techs can support the most advanced lift trucks for your specific application. http://www.scmh.com/the-scmh-tech/


Wednesday, March 23, 2016

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOUR FIELD TECH

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOUR FIELD TECH
FEATURING JULIO

We followed Julio around one morning just to see how one of the most senior and reputable techs go about his day. Here’s what we found:

Q: HOW DOES YOUR DAY START?
J: By picking up and organizing orders placed the day before. It’s important to get this            
   going early to get to the customers as soon as possible.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?
J: Being able to resolve a customer issue without having to have them wait. It feels great
   when you know you’re able to fix something needed and relied on. It’s most
   rewarding when a customer appreciates what I do.

Q: BIGGEST CHALLENGE
J: Sometimes the parts to fix a lift truck are very specialized and orders need to be placed and there will be a wait period, particularly if the factory has it on back order. And you know the customer wants his truck up and running as soon as possible.

Q: HOW DO YOU HANDLE THIS CHALLENGE?
J: I keep my customers updated at least every other day until the parts arrive. Most of
   them understand the process, but it helps our relationship when I keep them posted as  
  often as I can.

Q: WHERE WOULD YOU STOP FOR LUNCH?
J: If possible, my number one choice is seafood. Oysters, shrimp, fish, lobsters! Any kind of seafood!

Q: ANY UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES WHILE ON THE JOB?
J: I had a last repair heading into the night. It was a brake problem needing drums to be cut. I had to take the part to downtown LA and secured permission from my supervisor if I can head back to the customer and complete the job after I got the drum fixed. When my customer saw me back, they wondered if I had forgotten something. But when I told them I’m back to finish the job, they were very happy and appreciative. Seeing my customers pleased is reward enough for that extra effort.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE CUSTOMER?
J: When you’ve been around 15 years, they all become your favorites. But there are some you work longer and spend more time with. They become your second workplace—you know everyone in their warehouse, you’ve got a good relationship with all their employees.

Q: WHAT’S THE SCMH VALUE THAT YOU CAN MOST RELATE WITH?
J: Sense of urgency. It’s always at the top of my mind because sometimes, we can’t fix everything right away. But if I always try my best, it shows. The customer sees it and knows I am working hard to make things done no matter the circumstances—that’s what matters to the people I serve. That I will do everything I can and get them running as fast as I can.

Q: HOW DOES YOUR DAY END?
J: Final notes. Paperwork. Place orders for the next day’s service calls…

Q:  NO, AT THE VERY END AFTER WORK
J: (Laughs) I kick off my heavy boots. Hang in the garage for five to 10 minutes. Then find the kids inside the house.

Julio is a Journey Tech A and has been with SCMH for 15 years. He enjoys spending time with his four children ages 27 through 14. He’s also looking forward to a time when he gets to be a grandfather—although waiting a few more years won’t hurt. If you have Julio as a tech in your warehouse, remember he loves seafood!

More at: http://www.scmh.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-your-field-tech/

Monday, March 14, 2016

Upgrade with Long-Term Cost Saving in Mind.

Productivity. Efficiency. Sustainability. Savings.

Contrary to some misconceptions about electric equipment, battery-powered lift trucks perform as well as internal combustion forklifts. Cost assumptions regarding electric trucks can be misleading. The lifecycle costs of an electric VS internal combustion truck are significantly lower. Outweighing any initial investment cost. Another great advantage is carbon footprint reduction which benefits something greater outside of our operations—our environment.

Compute for your cost savings here:http://www.scmh.com/electric-equipment/


Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Parts can Make or Break You

Ty Milliken, SCMH shop supervisor and 27-year veteran in the material handling industry, lends insights on how integral the type of parts used in lift trucks that come into his shop.

“When jobs come in, we insist on OEM parts.” Ty, stickler for perfection says. In his professional experience, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts:
·       Fit better
·       Last longer
·       Has warranty coverage advantage*
Yes original parts may be a few bucks more but think about the extra time you spend trying to make an after-market part fit into a function properly. According to Ty, “Time is more costly. Especially if the equipment comes to the shop for repair because it has been damaged by a remanufactured part.”

Many times, Ty has seen unnecessary repairs that could have been avoided if proper parts have been used the first time. “Some customers shop for the cheaper deals in terms of parts and service, only to end up in my shop because eventually  they realize that ‘you get what you pay for.’ And that they would have saved more money had they spent that extra dollars on an OEM.”

In the end, it’s the customer’s choice to either use an OEM, an after-market, or a remanufactured part. But not without fair recommendation from Ty on SCMH’s preference to stick with OEM parts. “I explain that OEM and after-market parts may look the same, but they are not the same. Patrticularly for operations with minimal fleet, it is crucial that repairs are done correctly, promptly, and with the use of OEM parts because breakdown risk is lower. Imagine if you had a limited number of trucks, what happens if they keep coming back for repairs due to unreliable parts? Doesn’t that cripple production enormously?”

Ty says that he has many customers keen on cost-efficiency and they trust SCMH’s expertise when it comes to parts, repair, and service. “They are the experienced ones who know no shortcuts and understand that saving money is beyond the initial dollar amount.”

Ty has extensive experience in managing the SCMH shop as well as structuring repair estimates inclusive of parts and labor.
http://www.scmh.com/parts-make-or-break-you/                                  

*Not all OEM parts are covered under warranty. Consult your PSSR for details.

For more features on the SCMH Tech, please click http://www.scmh.com/the-scmh-tech/

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

It's No Longer Just About the Oil Change

It’s No Longer Just About the Oil Change
Why SCMH Techs are always a Step Ahead

“We’re moving quickly!” SCMH Technical Trainer Ron Lester responds to our first question why lift truck upkeep is no longer just about an oil change. There’s so many advancements we’ve seen in the last couple of years that’s definitely beyond basics. “We’re talking about software, computers, semi-automated navigation systems—technologies beginning to drive the material handling industry.”

For lift truck expert Ron, people are key in managing these changes. Any company can obtain the latest lift truck. But without knowledgeable and skilled technicians to maintain, repair, and keep these forklifts moving it’s not going to make a difference in customers’ productivity. A reason why SCMH invests heavily in training. “In 2015 we marked 2200 hours in training alone. That includes required E-learning classes and practical training. We’re even set up for wire guidance simulation—a very technically challenging component of our training program.”

SCMH runs one of the most extensive technical training courses for its shop and field techs. The intense, multi-phase curricula (from safety courses to master courses) require techs to complete each level not just by passing written exams. Techs are evaluated on utilization, attendance, hands-on performance, progress, and attitude. “When these techs touch your trucks, you know they’re not just the best at what they do. They come in with a focused goal of getting you precise resolution. Fast.”

From basic oil change to programming complex software suited for the most demanding applications, SCMH techs are not just your first option. They are your qualified solution. “Our techs take pride in what they do. That’s another thing that sets them apart.” Before his promotion to technical training manager, Ron has had extensive experience as a master tech for eight years and has witnessed lift trucks evolve into intelligent material movers.
Long before SCMH started pioneering material handling technologies, it already laid the ground work and prepped the human resources through which these new lift trucks will be supported. “That’s why it’s always a step ahead.” Ron confidently shares that with our expert tech force, “we’re absolutely poised to deliver and support the lift trucks of the future.”
http://www.scmh.com/its-no-longer-just-about-the-oil-change/