As with all businesses, there are times when sales and production peak and when they level off and slow down. Over the last few months, I have noticed a slowdown with many of my customers. This is not necessarily a terrible thing. This period gives companies and their management teams time to evaluate internal policies and procedures and how to improve them—a perfect time to slow down to speed up.

A Time for Discovery

From a warehousing perspective, one of the top priorities during a slowdown is to evaluate your material handling fleet fully. This comprehensive evaluation can lead to significant cost savings and efficiency gains. By examining everything from money spent on general maintenance to damage due to improper or careless use, you can determine if the current quantity and types of lift equipment are adequate for the current and impending level of business activity. Evaluating the age of the equipment can also help you decide if trading in those lift trucks and purchasing new or pre-owned equipment with warranties could sufficiently mitigate maintenance costs to justify the investment.

Ways to Manage Your Costs

One of the most significant costs associated with electric lift equipment is the battery. However, with the proper knowledge, you can manage this cost effectively. The average life expectancy of lead acid batteries is five years, but this can be extended with proper care. There are also other alternatives, such as lithium-ion or flat plate technology. These alternatives are great for multi-shift operations that need longer run time and do not have the time or workforce to water batteries. By conducting battery and charger surveys through your material handling provider, you can clearly understand your power needs and feel confident in your current state.

Get Reliable Results

Conducting time studies is another excellent tool for understanding overall processes and whether a conversion to an automated solution might offer long-term benefits. Today’s work dynamic has changed dramatically, and the cost of labor is higher than in prior years. Automated solutions continue to gain traction, and their compelling ROIs cannot be overlooked.

Take a Straightforward Approach

Corporate slowdowns happen and can be turned into positives by introspection into all aspects of the business. It is just like life in that reflection is always a good thing. Sometimes, we all need to slow down to speed up.