Cross Docking Logistic Services Help Support Your Business

Logistics is an important part of the business and it is the concept of getting products from point A to point B in the quickest possible moment. Depending on where you are in the supply chain is how cross-docking can benefit you and your business.

 

What is Cross Docking

Cross-docking is a supply chain process in that it helps manufacturers and bulk suppliers get their product into the supply chain much faster. The product arrives at one side of the building and it is immediately unloaded and moved directly to the outbound side of the building ready to be loaded onto an outbound truck that is headed in the same location. This helps to consolidate loads and cuts down on expensive LTL shipping cost.

 

Benefits of Cross Docking

Gets the product to market faster – The use of cross-docking helps to improve efficiency in moving product to market faster. By turning around shipment quicker and less handling of the product also helps to speed up efficiency in shipping. The process can be used in both durable goods and those types of products that require refrigeration. It can be useful in the shipping of higher value items that normally need special security consideration.

 

Lowers over shipping cost – Cross docking cuts down on a number things like labor cost through, a smaller warehouse footprint so that you don’t need as much space. It also can help to consolidate several LTL shipments into a single shipment. You also eliminate having to rotate product and having inventory which saves money.

 

Improved service levels – Cross docking can be extremely useful when there is a call for a change in a shipment, this can make any changes downstream a lot easier since shipment arrives in bulk. The shipment is repacked in a container and shipped out to their final destinations. This process helps to speed up the entire supply chain, in turn, help all businesses across the board.

 

Downsides to Cross Docking

Cross-docking does not work especially well in all circumstances and it helps to know when those times are when trying to determine if it fits in with your logistical needs. Here are just a few examples of when it might not be a good fit for crossing docking shipments.  It requires a lot of management time to organize all of the movement of product and all of the planning that goes into can make it counterproductive under some circumstances.  Establishing a cross-docking terminal structure can be time-consuming and the capital expenditures need to be considered ahead of time.

 

Not all suppliers are able to support across dock setup and that could throw a monkey wrench into your operation having to have an alternative system in order to support the supplier’s needs.

In support of an efficient cross dock system, there has to be an adequate number of trucks to move the product in and out fast enough to support such a system.

 

It really works well with mainly high-volume products that break down well and can be repackaged for quicker shipments. In order for a cross-docking arrangement to work the supplier has to reliable enough to get their product to you in order to be able to turn it around fast enough.

 

Learn more about Matrix Transportation and the transportation services they offer including: dedicated truckloads, JIT truckloads, less than truckload (LTL), same day expedited FTL and LTL, full truckload, warehousing, cross-docking, and trailer rentals at www.matrixtransportation.com  To contact one of our trucking experts call toll free 888.896.2405 today.

 

 

 

How Do I Know When My Homes Windows Need to Be Replaced?

The windows in your home allow you to keep cold or extremely hot air out or let fresh air inside when there is a nice breeze flowing.  You may not give your windows much thought, especially if you can still open and close them with ease, but you may want to look at them carefully to see if they need to be replaced.

Here are 5 clues that you need to replace the windows in your home:

  1. Your Windows Will Not Open or They Frequently Get Stuck

When you begin to struggle opening or closing your windows, it is time to consider calling a window contractor to have your windows replaced.  The foundation of your home may have shifted, causing your windows to become wedged in place, or the frame may have deteriorated to the point where it will not allow the window to move up and down any longer.

  1. Your Energy Bills Are Rising

You may want to consider a home improvement or two when you notice a cold draft coming in through your windows during the winter months or you notice that your energy bills are much higher than they have ever been.  Old windows with only one pane do not do a good job of keeping outside air out, which is why you may want to hire a window contractor to replace all your windows with a more energy efficient option.

  1. The Window Frame is Cracking or Rotting Away

Any noticeable cracking or rotting of your window frame signals that your windows need to be replaced sooner than later.  If you do not replace them, you may find that you are dealing with additional structural damage to your home, which could have been easily avoided.

  1. Your Window Pane is Cracked

A cracked window pane can mean that your window or windows need to be replaced.  While you can have a new window pane installed, the chances that a window contractor can find the exact same type of window pane is slim, especially if you have older windows.

  1. You are Updating Your Home

Home improvement projects encompass numerous items around your house.  While you can do home improvements like replacing your siding or roof without replacing your windows, you may want to consider doing them all at once.  After all, you will already have easy access to your windows when your siding is off, and that will make it simpler for a window contractor to replace them in a short amount of time.  Plus, once everything is completed, your home will look amazing.

You don’t need to wait until it is too late to replace the windows in your home.  Catching these small clues right away will ensure that you can hire a window contractor to get your windows in working order sooner, so that you do not need to be uncomfortable inside your own home.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

Tips to Maximize Your Bathroom’s Layout During Renovations

Bathrooms renovations can be extremely tricky, especially if you are trying to create more space in a room that currently seems really small.  However, there are many things that you can do to maximize this space during your bathroom remodel.

Here are 5 tips to maximize your bathroom’s layout during renovations:

  1. Create Storage Anywhere You Can

As you are creating the design for your bathroom remodel, you are going to want to incorporate storage wherever you can, because that is the one thing that is always needed the most in this space.  You can choose to install open shelves on the walls or consider installing a vanity with a cabinet underneath to really maximize your bathroom space.

  1. Add Natural Light

Natural light can really open up a room and make it appear larger than it really is.  We recommend installing a skylight if possible, so you have continuous light shining down into your new bathroom.

  1. Reflect with a Mirror

During your bathroom renovations, you are going to need to find a few ways to add to the space for décor, and we recommend making sure that a mirror is at the top of your list.  Not only will the mirror help as you are getting ready in the morning, it will also help create the illusion that your bathroom is larger than it is.  While most people place their mirror over their vanity, there is nothing wrong with having a couple mirrors in this room to really open things up.

  1. Create Niches

A niche is a little indentation in the wall that allows you to store items that you want to keep in your bathroom.  These niches can be located in your shower, next to your bathtub, or even in the wall above your toilet.  The possibilities are endless and so are the items that you can place inside them.

  1. Install Glass Shower Doors

A shower curtain will quickly make your bathroom look smaller than it is, which is why we recommend installing glass shower doors when you are completing your bathroom renovations.  The glass doors will allow your eyes to travel the entire length of the room, while making it feel open and airy.

There are many times when changing the layout during bathroom renovations is not completely possible, but there are plenty of ways that you can improve the layout that you have.  The above tips should help you maximize what you have to work with, and we know that if you think out of the box a little, you will find even more options as well.

JFC Remodeling, out of Howell, Michigan, offers a variety of construction services for the home including: kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring renovations, and home remodeling.  You can find out more information at http://www.jfcremodeling.com or by reaching out to our home renovation specialists at 810.923.1123.

 

 

How Are Bus Plugs and Ducts Used in Manufacturing?

All buildings whether commercial or residential require some sort of electrical power in order to provide lighting, outlets and other electrical devices. For commercial buildings, you have power needs for machinery, lighting, cooling systems, and other types of electrical needs. Typically, in a residential building, you have electrical service entering the house with cables. This is different then how electrical power is distributed in commercial and manufacturing settings.

Commercial buildings, especially those used by medium or large-scale manufacturing businesses use a larger type power distribution system that requires a much different way to run power through the manufacturing spaces of the building. Unlike residential power distribution which uses cables to carry the power throughout the home, commercial building use bus ducts or sheet metal runs with either aluminum or copper busbars.

History of the Busway Power Distribution System

The busway and bus bars were first introduced in the US back in the 1920’s at the request of the auto industry in Detroit, Michigan. The system gave them the necessary versatility that was needed for supplying power to the assembly line equipment that was being used in the manufacturing facilities at the time. Over the years since, there have been numerous innovations that have improved on the original design and installation procedures.

 

Commercial Power Distribution System Components

Heavy duty machinery typically found in manufacturing plants have unique power requirements which cannot be served by typical power distribution systems that are found in most residential homes and most commercial buildings. For these unique power requirements, there is a power system that is designed especially suited for this type of need. Bus Ducts and Bus Plugs are combined to deliver the necessary power to each machine

 

Bus Ducts – Bus Ducts also referred to as busways are sections of sheet metal with bars attached to them that are made of either aluminum or copper.  The sections are connected together in order to reach each piece of machinery that is needing the power. This type of power distribution system requires trained, certified professional electricians to install them and ensure that they are in full operation at all times.

 

Bus Plugs – Bus Plugs are specially designed components that work in tandem with the busbars in a unique type of power distribution system that is typically installed in a large-scale manufacturing facility. Each bus plug is used to connect directly to busways that are running throughout building to deliver the power to equipment like large motor starters and other power switching equipment.

Indoors and Outdoors Power System

One of the benefits of using this type of system in a manufacturing facility is that it can be used both indoors and outdoors to deliver the necessary power to different parts of any operation. The unique design of the system helps to prevent voltage drops across each of the numerous sections of the bus ducting throughout the building.

 

The system can also be fitted with a trolley system that is designed to deliver power to equipment that is designed to move frequently. There are also cables that are used to deliver the power directly to the trolley itself.

 

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

How to Make Your Driveway Stand Out with An Aluminum Driveway Gate

A critical aspect of how your home is viewed by the outside world is your driveway. A beautiful, appealing driveway not only makes the home look inviting, it can radically transform its visual perception. Likewise, a beautiful home with a neglected and unkempt driveway can lower its appeal and even drive potential buyers away. But with just a little creativity, you can easily transform your driveway and make it stand out among its peers in the same neighborhood. In many cases, this involves designing a custom driveway installing an aluminum gate.

When looking into custom aluminum driveway gates homeowners have a ton of options to choose from.  There are a number of styles, configurations, material grade options, and accent options that iFenceusa.com offers.  Below homeowners can find a out a great deal of information on selecting a new aluminum driveway gate for your home.

When it comes to choosing an aluminum gate there are many homeowners that choose a style that matches their fencing while others choose a style that is complementary but not matching.  At iFenceUSA.com each option in aluminum fencing has a corresponding gate that matches a style of fencing including:

  • The San Marino
  • The Santa Monica
  • The Sanibel
  • The Boca Grande
  • The Ventura
  • The Excelsior
  • The New Orleans
  • The Napa Valley
  • The Camarillo
  • The Amarillo
  • The Bella Vista
  • The Bella Terra
  • The Charlemagne
  • The Mission Point
  • The Providence
  • The Camelot
  • The Castile
  • The Valencia

There are also several arch option configurations as well.  There are four basic styles the Regal Wave, Stonecliff Sunrise, Horizon Straight, and Stonecliff Sunset Arches. No matter the style of gate you choose, any arch configuration can be chosen.  Thus, meaning there are in fact 72 options in aluminum driveway gates to choose from at iFenceUSA.com.

The aluminum material that iFenceUSA.com offers comes in a variety of grades as well.  The larger the gate the heavier it will be and therefore the grade of material used needs to thicker.  Residential resort grade gates are more often used for fencing and gates that are used around a swimming pool area just as residential classic gates are used for perimeter entrance and exits.  iFenceUSA.com offers two heavier grade options in gates which are best for driveway gates: premier and ultimate.  Both are used for commercial purchase with the ultimate grade being heavier and also used in industrial gates.

iFenceUSA is an online manufacturer and distributor of wholesale aluminum fencing. With over 18 styles of aluminum fence panels and gates to choose from, we have aluminum fences that will meet your wants and need.  Choose from custom aluminum fencing options including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing all at https://ifenceusa.com/.  For more information contact one of our aluminum fence experts toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

 

 

Gutter Maintenance Tips for Rainy Climates

Well-maintained functional gutters can protect your home’s foundation from water damage. This, in turn, can translate into better structural integrity thereby maintaining the value of your investment. Sagging and clogged gutters can overflow, causing damage to the soffit and fascia of your home. By taking care of your roof’s drainage system, you not only extend the life of your roof, you can also boost the value of your home and help prevent water damage to your home. Regular maintenance of your homes gutters and roof is crucial especially in regions that receive a significant amount of precipitation.

Unmaintained, dirty, full gutters can decrease the value of your home.  This occurs because of a phenomena known as “tiger stripes”, unsightly marks and stains along the outside walls of a home’s gutter system. Mold can begin to fester along these stripes blackening the whole surface and destroying the original aesthetic look of your precious home.

The steps below apply whether you are utilizing the services of a professional contractor or you are a DIY, do-it-yourself.

Clean Gutters

Clean gutters ensure the rainwater flows freely. They also see to it that leaves and other debris brought about by the rain do not clog the drainage system causing damage to the home. Part of cleaning the gutter involves repairing sagging or loose gutters and replacing the gutter spikes with gutter screws. Gutter screws hold much better than standard gutter spikes, thus providing support and security.

Seal Leaks Promptly

Due to wear and tear, gutters will often have leaks. Inspect these thoroughly and use a water hose to check for leaks in the joints and seams. Most gutter repair experts will recommend using silicone caulk to seal leaking gutters.

Repairing Downspouts

The downspout is the pipe that typically drains rainwater from the roof to the ground level (and away from the building’s foundation). A well-functioning downspout is a must in order to protect your home from water damage. Because this system sometimes becomes clogged, it is important to inspect it regularly for leaves and debris to ensure rainwater continues to flow unimpeded.

In conjunction with a functional downspout is a system of splash blocks that utilize an irrigation pipe. These work together to ensure water flows freely and is diverted from the roof and away from the home’s foundation.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

Event Planners Find Interactive Events Some of Guests Favorites

Many people are interested in ways that they can make their events interactive for participants.  From weddings and birthdays to corporate outings and non-profit events, event planners are often tasked with finding ways to make the event interactive so that guests can have a way to be active participants in the event.  To turn guests from passive to active here are a number of ideas to set your event in motion.

  • Inspire Imagination: When you see a canvas that is blank what is the first thing you want to do?  I know the first thing that enters my mind is to draw on it!  This is the case with most people.  One interactive activity that people love is to turn a blank space into something special.  A space or two to doodle with paint, chalk, dry-erase markers, crayons, and more are all great options to give guests the inspiration they need to create a wall of awesomeness.  If you are looking for zero-waste and little clean up some tech organizations are offering graffiti walls out of digital devices.
  • Photo Memories: Photo booths are such fun and very common for events now-a-days. They allow guests to capture memories and leave event attendees with a personalized keepsake.  Depending on the type of event, it may be a nice touch to add props and costumes.  It is even better if the images that are taken can be projected for viewing throughout the venue.
  • Up Close Entertainment: Performers that are allowed to showcase their skills while integrating into the crowd is an awesome way to keep guests involved.  From magicians, dancers, gymnasts, still-walkers and more are popular to work a crowd especially during cocktail hours before and after the main event.
  • Voting Booths: Encourage guests to get involved through voting.  Create campaigns on anything from music to food samplings.  Get creative casting online votes before the event or throughout the event using smart phone devices.
  • Item Testing: If your event is to introduce a new product or service allow attendees a firsthand experience.  Find a fun way for items to be used from massages to pedicures and cookware to paint incorporating a way in which attendees can use your product or services.
  • Teach Guests Something New: A great way to get guests involved in your event is to teach them something they didn’t know before they came. Maybe it is a fun game, activity, dance move, cooking technique, drink, or whatever the case may be teach guests.  This allows them to be involved while taking something from your event.

 

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget.  We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations.  Contact the professionals at Event Planning DC http://www.eventplanningdc.com today!

Benefits of Managed IT Services Explained

Regardless of the size of your company, you will need an IT, Information Technology, infrastructure if you are to function within the 21st century.  Qualified IT personnel are essential as the services they provide can save small, mid-sized, and large sized owners.  Many times, small and mid-sized companies attempt to perform many IT tasks, roles, and functions in-house.  This however can result in poor performance, systems failure, downtime, and even in some cases business failure. Below is a non-exhaustive list of services that a typical managed IT company performs for clients.  These skills require

In order to save money many small to mid-sized business owner attempt to perform many IT tasks, roles and functions in-house. The result is poor performance, systems failure, downtime and even bankruptcy. Below is a non-exhaustive list of services required by a typical business and which require highly-skilled staff to complete.

  • Increasing the longevity and uptime of equipment
  • Monitoring staff productivity
  • Software upgrades, licensing, and installation
  • Spam filtering
  • Securing systems and data
  • Patch management and updates
  • Monitoring and ensuring server reliability
  • Routine disaster recovery drills and tests
  • Hardware procurements, monitoring, testing, and repair
  • Network management
  • Email server setup and management
  • Spyware detection and removal
  • Creating secure systems and complete system backups
  • Server builds, maintenance, upgrades, and installation

Each of the above tasks require highly-trained IT personnel and technical equipment in order to execute. When business owners skirt around this issue, attempting to do all these tasks in-house, will quickly find themselves facing the results that come from incompetent IT repairs.

Outsourced Managed IT Services

The solution to all most company’s IT problems is to hire the services of a managed IT company.  Out sourcing professional IT consultants often saves companies time and money.   It is important to have once company that is in charge of all of your IT needs.  This ensures that accurate records are kept, your goals and objectives are known, and you have 24/7 access to professional IT service consultants.

Companies looking for the best IT solution will hire an outsource IT services company.  Not only will it save your company money it decreases downtime and increases the longevity of your technology as maintenance and upkeep is done on a schedule unique to your needs.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts, call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

 

 

Dual Agency-Why Buyers and Sellers Should Avoid It

There can be some confusion when it comes to the role of real estate agents whenever a real estate transaction is being executed. In most states, an agency disclosure form is required and should be signed by both seller and buyer. This form is typically a disclosure, not an agreement and details the roles of each party in the real estate transaction.

In a typical real estate transaction, there is either a single agent or a dual agent. A dual agent is a real estate broker who represents both the seller and the buyer. This is important because, in a traditional real estate deal, the broker only represents the seller. Sometimes the lines become blurred and the broker crosses over to the buyer and negotiates a better buying price. While this is a common practice in the real estate arena, it is considered unethical and can even illegal in many states. In a dual agency setting, the broker is required to disclose that he or she is working with both the seller and the buyer.

Single Agency

In a typical real estate setting, the buyer works with a single buying agent. Sellers, on the other hand, work with brokers or selling agents who are working in a single agent capacity listing agents. Legally, these single agents owe a fiduciary responsibility to their clients and documents are signed to this effect. For instance, they cannot share confidential information with the other party or the other party’s agent. Single agency agents must exercise due diligence in the performance of all their duties, be forthright, and disclose all material facts.

Dissecting Dual Agency

Owing to the fact that all real estate agents are licensed under a real estate brokerage, it is not uncommon to find the same agent licensed by the same broker as the listing agent. This situation creates a dual agency. Even if the agents are located in separate offices and do not know each other, nevertheless a dual agency scenario exists because they are both licensed by the broker (one representing the buyer and the other representing the seller).

Here is how dual agency essentially plays out in the real world: after qualifying for a home, the buyer works with a real estate agent who in turn is registered under the same brokerage firm that has listed the home. In this scenario, a dual agency has been created by that real estate agent. In many cases, the agent proceeds as if it is a single agency transaction. The law, however, requires that this dual agency is disclosed.

A listing agent for a property who also represents the buyer of that property automatically becomes a dual agent. Because dual agents cannot operate in a fiduciary relationship with both the seller and buyer, they must treat both equally. They can offer advice to both but cannot disclose confidential information. There are instances where real estate agents have found themselves embroiled in lawsuits for failing to adhere to these standards.

Consider the complications that a dual agency can cause.  If an agent is adamant about proceeding in the representation of both transactions be careful and consider hiring an attorney to review the transaction thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.

Learn more about C21 Lady of the Lakes Realtors and the numerous services they offer including: buying a new home, selling a home, or renting a home at www.ladyofthelakes.com.  To contact one of our real estate agents call 734-426-6060 today.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Refurbished Linear Accelerator

A brand-new linear accelerator can cost upwards of four million dollars, which is why many places will choose to purchase a refurbished one to meet their needs.  There is nothing wrong with most refurbished linear accelerators, but as with most things, when you purchase used, you must use an abundance of caution.

Here is what you want to look for when purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator:

Software and Hardware

Each refurbished linear accelerator comes with software and hardware, and it helps if you are familiar with it all before you begin the purchasing process.  You will not want to purchase a refurbished linear accelerator that does not meet your current needs due to the fact that it does not have the software or hardware components that you are looking for.

Know What Has Been Refurbished

There are many parts of linear accelerators that can be refurbished, and you will want to know if those items were mechanical, electrical, or cosmetic.  While all three categories should be checked on the machines, to see if any repairs are needed and that everything is operational, it doesn’t mean that there is always something seriously wrong with them.  Instead, the process can ensure that the linear accelerators are in excellent working order and lists exactly what items need to be repaired or replaced.

See if the Refurbished Linear Accelerator Received Routine Maintenance and Servicing

Records that show that a refurbished linear accelerator was carefully maintained and serviced when it was in use may not guarantee that it will work better than any other refurbished linear accelerator, but it does show that it was well taken care of.  That means that there is a better chance that there will not be any surprise issues right after the purchase.

Accessories that are Included

Certain accessories can ensure that a refurbished linear accelerator works better than those that do not have specific accessories.  A few of the accessories that you should look for include a water chiller, power conditioner, in-room monitoring system, and patient positioning lasers.  If you can find a refurbished linear accelerator that includes these accessories, you can save yourself even more money.

Always Get an Inspection of the Refurbished Linear Accelerator Before Purchasing

Anyone that doesn’t want you to have a professional inspection done on the refurbished linear accelerator that they are selling you is trying to hide something major and that should be your first clue to walk away quickly.  An inspection can show any inadequacies of the linear accelerator as well as any repairs that need to be made before it can be used.

You won’t need to worry about being scammed when purchasing a refurbished linear accelerator as long as you take your time and know what you are looking for as you are going through the purchase process.  If you are unsure of certain things, talk to other professionals as you are going through the process for input and guidance.

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com.  To contact one of our LINAC experts call 610.524.3300.