Simple Machines and Advanced Software to Maximize Efficiency
How much could a simple product, like a pallet, have advanced in the last 80 years?
At the end of the day, wooden pallets are made of just lumber and nails. But each evolution of the pallet was motivated by improving efficiency for businesses all across the world, guided along the way by design and technology advancements.
Early Pallets
Skids, the predecessor to the pallet, looked very similar to the design we know today, except they didn’t have bottom boards. When the lift truck was developed, materials could be moved more than just within the plant; they could be transported to new locations. This prompted the need to redesign the skid, and the first pallets came into use. Together, the use of pallets and lift trucks allowed plants and warehouses to move and store materials more efficiently.
The design of early pallets stayed fairly similar throughout the 1930’s. When World War II began, it caused a new design change. The first pallets with 4-way entry were built to better fit the U.S. military’s logistics strategy. The mass shipping of materials also led to more standardization of pallets. While many different sizes were still in use, standardized materials helped make mass production a possibility when the U.S. needed it most.
Pallet Design
Today, the pallets you see near grocery stores are the most common in size (48×40), but that doesn’t mean that’s the only type of pallet around. That size might not provide enough support for your product or may create waste either in space, packaging or wrapping materials.
In this case, many Kamps customers turn to our Custom Pallet Design services to maximize their use of space. Our experts use software to ensure you’re using the best pallet design for your application.
Other Advancements
Of course, technological advancements outside of pallets and pallet design have improved our industry. For example, our drivers have GPS in the palm of their hands, helping them find the fastest routes during delivery. Communication lines improved with the common adaptation of cell phones. Similarly, email and social media channels, like Twitter and LinkedIn, allow us to answer questions and provide excellent customer service, even when we’re not in the office.
Remote capabilities have also improved both safety and efficiency for Kamps in each stage of the pallet lifecycle, including repair and recycling. Investing in technology allows us to move more of our product, and adds an extra level of safety for our team members. We’re committed to developing faster, safer and more efficient processes for all aspects of pallet repair and manufacturing.
While constructing a new wooden pallet may not take a machine more advanced than a nail gun, advancements in technology in the pallet industry and beyond continue to improve efficiency. Ready to learn how the experts at Kamps can help you? Contact your local sales rep to get started today!
