To unload and depalletize efficiently is a logistical and ergonomical challenge. Today, one of the guiding principals is that automation should be used wherever automation can be used. Why?

Because of the benefits to workers’ health and operational efficiency. Manual tasks and processes expose workers to risk of straining their backs, necks, shoulders, arms, hands or other parts of their body. Especially with repetitive tasks and motions. When looking to introduce automation it is imperative to design a custom solution fit for the specific tasks, goods and workers of the distribution center.

The lift table is a crucial part of the modern distribution center. It offers great flexibility for a wide variety of tasks all while reducing the amount of physical labor required. Instead, modern distribution centers workers monitor and operate the lift tables, cobots and robots instead. Unless your distribution center is brand new there are likely many opportunities to improve the efficiency, safety and ergonomics by installing lift tables alone.

A common worry with automation is that you lose flexibility, which need not be the case at all. Low lift tables do not require a pit and can therefore be moved easily should the table be of better use somewhere else. With compact solutions the lift tables can be perfectly adapted to the task at hand and help create a lean flow. Appropriately placed lift tables and conveyor belts can truly optimize the path pallets take and reduce the cost of transferring goods internally. Additionally, more advanced lift tables with integrated hydraulics can use Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for lifting heavy goods.