Utility Push Shop

Utility Push Shop

Any Job Shop Can Utilize Automation with a Little Planning

Automation does not always have to be extremely complex with multiple work stations to be productive for a business. There are a lot of small manufacturing shops around that could utilize automation to improve the bottom line of their businesses and make the productivity of their workers increase dramatically. Sometimes a shop owner gets the idea that when you mention the term "automation" in relation to their business you would also have to start thinking about millions of dollars to finance such an undertaking. This is simply not the case. Even the most simplistic approach to automation, especially in a job shop, can yield a speedy return on investment and make the lives of all the employees much more productive and enjoyable at a job shop. Most importantly it will allow the job shop to increase the amount of business that the shop can do in any period of time. It only takes a little planning and a little bit of diagramming to layout the beginnings of a very improved job shop facility.

Most shop owners are always looking for ways to increase the revenue that the job shop will produce in any given period of time. The thoughts that they have are along the lines of adding extra staff that will have to work on a second or third shift. This will mean an increase in benefit expenses, insurance, worker's compensation insurance, more supervisory staff, among other costs. These are perfectly valid ways to accomplish the goal of improving the bottom line by increasing the production rate. Another train of thought might be to build another job shop in another geographical location and clone the currently successful operation to grow the income. There are benefits that can be gained by creating other establishments, but that is a large capital outlay, and may not be as successful in the other location.

Usually a job shop owner will have a "feel" for the demand for the products that are produced in the shop, knowing what the nature of the demand is throughout the year. There may be seasonal times when demand is higher and slow times when demand is lower. The job shop probably has limited space in which products can be created, and needs to work withing this area. A typical job shop usually has a series of operations that are performed on products as they are completed in the shop.

For instance such a shop might be one that applies finishing coatings to wood products. In this imaginary job shop wood products move from one work area to another for coatings that lead up to the final finish. The work areas that perform operations on the products might be sanding, priming, drying, painting, and sealing. In order for the products to get from one work area to another, carts must be used to move the products. The employee working in the sanding area must get a cart and go to the dock where unfinished products arrive, load the cart with several products, and take them to the sanding work area. There the employee will work with another employee to unload and sand the products. After completing the operation the products must be loaded and moved to the next work station. This physical loading and unloading continues as the products go to priming, drying, painting and sealing. The production rate in this operation is limited by the physical speed of the employees moving products from one work station to another.

This wood finishing operation could have the entire production rate doubled or even tripled in the same space without adding staff. The solution lies in the installation of an overhead conveyer system for automating the movement of products from one work station to another. As raw products enter the facility they would be attached to the overhead conveyor. This product "mover" could be scaled so that as the product approaching any given work station would be hanging at an optimum height for work to be done at that location. With this type of system there would be no need for the carts that were used before, which would free up the area that they occupied on the shop floor. Employees would not be required to spend time getting carts, pushing them to another location, loading them with products, pushing them back to the work area, and unloading them. The employees would be able to remain in their assigned work area and spend the "pushing", "loading", and "unloading" time they spent before in doing productive work that contributes to the increase in the production rate. Utilizing this type of system it is easy to see that the production rate could be increased by a factor of 2 or even 3, with the addition of added staff.

Any job shop operation that has work stations to which products must be taken for steps of completion can greatly benefit from a conveyor system to move products at an optimum rate from station to station.

About the Author

John Mitchell is President of Provision, Inc, an online publisher of information about the application of automation in business. Mitchell has years of experience in the management of manufacturing, warehousing, and transportation. The company website, <a href="http://www.provinc.net">http://www.provinc.net</a>, assists companies in the evaluation of the <a href="http://www.provinc.net/job-shop-automation/"> job shop automation</a> and capabilities of production automation. Thoughts on how to evaluate automation for a business are presented, and ways to begin the automation process are discussed. Insights into the use of vision systems, RFID and other topics in automation are covered. <a href="http://www.provinc.net/request-for-quote-2/">Requests for quotations</a> and questions about automation can be submitted to the consulting engineers of leading automation companies.

LED Utility Push Light $9.78 The TL-20 Illuminators™ twin LED Push-Light is an ultra-bright cordless LED Light that can be installed almost anywhere. Simply push the top of the light to turn on/off. The Illuminators™ LED Push-Light can attach to most surfaces using the adhesive backing or use screws (not included) to permanently mount your light. The TL-20 Push-Light twists freely when mounted allowing you to angle it perfectly. Two super-bright LED Lights illuminate any area where light is needed. Weight: 2.1 oz.Dimensions: 3.375" x 3.375" x .825"Batteries: 3 AAA (not included)

Shop-Vac 9190110 1.5 Industrial Utility Cleaning Kit $19.99 Shop-Vac 9190110 1.5 Industrial Utility Cleaning Kit

Chop Shop/Man Push Cart $67.97 This two-title collection presents director Ramin Bahrani`s critically acclaimed, neo-realistic portraits of the hardscrabble lives of New York City`s marginalized workers. Bahrani`s bleak and poetic feature CHOP SHOP (2008) follows Ale, a small orphan boy who works at a sketchy auto "repair" shop in Queens, all the while scheming to fix up and operate a vending truck. Filmed two years prior on a shoestring budget, MAN PUSH CART chronicles the quiet nobility and despair of an immigrant who sells coffee and donuts in Midtown Manhattan.

Carson TL20 Illuminators Push LED Utility Light $21.32 The Carson Illuminators Push Light LED Utility Light TL20 is an ultrabright cordless LED light that can be installed almost anywhere. Simply push the top of the Carson utility light to turn on/off and attach it to most surfaces using the adhesive backing or use screws (not included) to permanently mount the Carson TL20. The utility light by Carson also twists freely when mounted allowing it to angle perfectly. Two superbright LED lights illuminate any area where light is needed.

Shop Vac 9067500 8in Utility Vacuum Nozzle $24.04 The 8 Utility Nozzle is ideal for most bulk dry pickup jobs. The Utility Nozzle can be connected directly to any hose with a 21/2 opening (about the size of a baseball). Large 8 square opening designed for bulk dry pickup.

Shop Vac 9067400 Vacuum Utility Blower Nozzle $22.71 Connect this Utility Blower Nozzle to any Extension Wand with a 21/2 opening (about the size of a baseball) to concentrate the air flow of your blower for extra power. Doubles as a good dry pickup nozzle for 21/2 hoses. For use with Blower Vacs.

Shop Vac 9196100 Claw Utility Vacuum Nozzle for 1.25in Hoses $27.18 Fast pick up for both wet and dry messes. Ideal for vehicle interiors boats and campers. When using with 21/2 hose 11/2 21/2 adapter must be used. Adapter Included. This Shop Vac Claw Utility Nozzle is one of many top quality items in our Shop Vac Hose and Parts department.

Optimus H7100 Portable Utility/Shop Heater With Thermostat $47.45 A great moneysaving alternative to heating the entire home this portable utility heater delivers comfortable warmth to a basement garage workroom or wherever it s needed most. The unit features two heat settingslow at 750 watts and high at 1500 watts plus an internal heat limiting thermostat that helps regulate the heat automatically. The heater works great for warming up personal spaces in the winter but can also operate as a cooling fan in the summer months or as an air circulator in the kitchen when cooking. Safety features include a power indicator light an internal heatlimiting thermostat with a thermal cutoff safety device and an overheat protection circuit with a warning light. In addition its builtin carrying handle allows for convenient transport from room to room. 2 Heat settings 750 and 1500 watts. Fan only setting. Ceramic PTC heating element. Overheat protection circuit and over heat alert light. Metal structure body.

Shop-Vac 3050010 Industrial Push Sweeper $699.99 Lightweight, easy-to-maneuver push sweeper will improve maintenance productivity with cleaner more efficient results. Cleans dirt, dust and litter from any hard surface including cement, tile, wood and asphalt. 12" diameter side broom sweeps debris away from walls, curbs and obstacles into path of the main broom. The reverse rotation of the 8" diameter x 19" wide main broom sweeps the debris into the large 1.4 cubic foot easy-to-empty hopper. Cleans a 27" wide path. Rubber seals provide dust free operation.

Shop Vac 001-340500 Push Shop Sweep Dry Pickup 19 Cleaning Path 1-1/2 Intake Size With Only 300 CFM $239.99 Shop Vac 001-340500 Push Shop Sweep Dry Pickup 19" Cleaning Path 1-1/2" Intake Size With Only 300 CFM

12 Filler Hose with Push Plug $5.95 LC 12" Filler Hose with Push Plug 12" clear utility jug filler hose Push plug included

Towel-Utility Basket In Oak $54 Towel-Utility Basket In Oak is available from bedbathstore.com for only $29.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Utility Hook - Soho $80 Utility Hook - Soho is available from bedbathstore.com for only $59.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Utility Hook (Plain) - Soho $75 Utility Hook (Plain) - Soho is available from bedbathstore.com for only $54.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Utility - Robe Hook - Venus $40 Utility - Robe Hook - Venus is available from bedbathstore.com for only $29.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Frisco Utility Basket $40 Frisco Utility Basket is available from bedbathstore.com for only $24.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Jefferson Banded Utility Basket $75 Jefferson Banded Utility Basket is available from bedbathstore.com for only $49.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Monroe Banded Utility Basket $80 Monroe Banded Utility Basket is available from bedbathstore.com for only $54.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Portico Utility Basket $85 Portico Utility Basket is available from bedbathstore.com for only $59.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Parkview Braided Utility Basket $105 Parkview Braided Utility Basket is available from bedbathstore.com for only $69.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Allure Utility Basket $100 Allure Utility Basket is available from bedbathstore.com for only $69.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Elegance Braided Utility Basket $100 Elegance Braided Utility Basket is available from bedbathstore.com for only $69.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Montego Utility Basket $110 Montego Utility Basket is available from bedbathstore.com for only $79.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Chop Shop / Man Push Cart Combo Pack $30.49 Koch Lorber Films:3168

Shop-vac Shop-vac 1-1 2 in Claw Utlty Nozzle 9196100 $11.77 1-1/2? claw utlty nozzle Claw utility nozzle for 1-1/4? hoses Fast pick up for both wet and dry messes Brand #: Shop-Vac 9196100 UPC: 026282919618 Keywords: utility nozzle shop vac claw none`

Push $5.99 Push

Shop-vac Shop-vac 3pc Vac Accessory Kit 9064300 $11.14 3pc vac accessory kit Includes round dusting brush, crevice tool and utility nozzle Brand #: Shop-Vac 9064300 UPC: 026282906434 Keywords: shop vac accessory kit

Chop Shop / Man Push Cart (2PC) / (DOL) - Dolby $34.99 Includes:Man Push Cart (2005) Chop Shop (2007), MPAA Rating: NR Man Push Cart A former Pakistani rock star attempts to adjust to life in New York City while simultaneously making friends and selling coffee from a push cart on the streets of Manhattan in Iranian-American director Ramin Bahrani poignant, character-driven drama. By day Ahmad (Ahmad Razvi) tends to hurried Manhattan-ites by keeping their bellies full and ensuring that they are adequately caffeinated, and by night he supplements his income by selling bootleg porn DVDs. Though Ahmad hopes to one day raise enough money to purchase a place of his own and reunite with his estranged son, times are tough in the city and the hard-working immigrant soon strikes up a tentative friendship with fellow countryman Mohammed (Charles Daniel Sandoval); a generous but sometimes condescending soul who readily takes the fledgling New Yorker under his knowing wing while offering additional work decorating his apartment. Spanish immigrant Noemi (Leticia Dolera) works at a newsstand near Ahmad's cart, and also finds herself warming to the haunted former rock-star's timid ways. As Ahmad, Mohammed, and Noemi gradually begin to socialize together, a tragedy in Ahmad's past soon prompts the struggling New York newcomer to question the true nature of his current relationships. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi Chop Shop A street-smart orphan determined to make a better life for himself and his sixteen year-old sister spends his days working in an auto body repair shop in director Ramin Bahrani's gritty coming of age drama. Alejandro may be a young boy on the verge of adolescence, but his tough persona and driving ambition give the impression of a man twice his age. As with many street kids Alejandro has been forced to mature before his time. Now, in a disheveled junkyard on the outer edge of Queens, New York, one boy will learn what it means to become a man as he sets out to build a brighter future for the only family he knows. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Energizer Utility Lantern $6.99 0% 5109WB-S 6 V DC Utility Lantern Eveready Classic 6-volt Battery Floating Utility Lantern features bright PR13 bulb that produces a strong beam while prolonging battery life. Includes antiroll foot. Contemporary design with durable yellow case. Soft Push Button Switch Bulb Bulb Lantern Energizer Energizer Holdings, Inc Lantern No Shatterproof Lens Utility Lantern Yellow www.energizer.com

Retractable Utility Pen Knife $12.54 This utility pen knife is functional and safe with a retractable blade. This knife is made of steel and fit contently in your pocket. Retractable utility pen knifeSafety block with retractable push buttonMaterials: SteelDimensions:7.63 inches x 2.5 inches x 0.5 inch

Microwave / Utility Cart, Honey finish $210 Microwave / Utility Cart, Honey finish is available from bedbathstore.com for only $110.00. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Midnight Space Dyed Utility Basket $84 Midnight Space Dyed Utility Basket is available from bedbathstore.com for only $59.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Twilight Space Dyed Utility Basket $85 Twilight Space Dyed Utility Basket is available from bedbathstore.com for only $59.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.