Pallet Tracking Technologies
A number of technologies now exist for tracking pallets. Here are the main ones to consider for tracking pallets in the supply chain:
Barcode: The use of barcodes as part of a barcode system provides a low-cost, widely used approach to tracking. Simply put, the barcode, affixed to a reusable asset, provides a unique license plate. The barcode is scanned by the barcode reader, and that record is captured in a database. A barcode system includes labels, scanners, and related software. Barcode systems provide a relatively inexpensive approach to asset tracking compared to other more automated solutions. Barcode visibility is limited to scan points, however, which creates gaps in monitoring. Other considerations include barcode durability (adhesion to wood), the amount of data the barcode is required to store, and barcode compatibility with the supply chain application.
The Membership Drive Is On!
This year's membership drive is now underway, and as always, the competition will be intense.
In addition to valuable cash prizes, the winner now also receives the membership plaque, presented at the Annual Meeting. With the highly successful 2019 Annual Meeting now in the books, it is time to work toward 2020.
When you recruit new members, the entire WPA membership is the winner!
New members can join and pay on the website. Here is the link: www.westernpallet.org
DECEMBER 2019
Benefits of the EPAL pallet system enjoyed by millions, states EPAL
EPAL wooden pallets move flows of goods globally and are essential for safety and smooth operations in the logistics sector, says a new press release from EPAL. The huge number of A and B quality pallets ensures that the open Euro pallet pool is the most extensive exchange pool of all. Users of EPAL Euro pallets take advantage of the benefits of the open pool, the EPAL system, whose cornerstones are widespread availability and global exchangeability, cost transparency and contractual independence.
In high bay storage especially, EPAL pallets are the first choice and very hard to replace. The independently assured quality guaranteeing safety in the warehouse; the high load capacity; the non-slip properties provided by the wood, which are indispensable on smooth steel surfaces in high bay storage; these characteristics distinguish the EPAL Euro pallet as the ideal high-bay load carrier. In comparison, most plastic pallets are not suitable for racks because they need non-slip pads to fix them on racks. On traditional chain conveyors, like those used in most automatic warehouse systems, again plastic pallets don’t work properly because they tend to be too smooth for transport on chains. Traditional Euro pallets in A and B quality
run flawlessly and thus guarantee optimum processes.
Wooden load carriers are predominantly used for transporting raw materials and finished products to the first stage of the supply chain, as well as for third party delivery of tissue products. Even in the fruit and vegetable sector, wooden load carriers are used for delivery to the first stage in the supply chain. Wooden pallets are hygienic too: extensive studies now attest that pine wood, especially, exhibits antibacterial effects. Wooden pallets are all-round marvels, and are resistant to both temperature and UV exposure.
Also, environmental responsibility and sustainability are key components of EPAL’s DNA. Due to the high number of times EPAL pallets can be reused in the open pool, logistics costs and CO2 emissions can be reduced. Generally an EPAL pallet is repaired for the first time after 6 or 8 rotations, then it can be repaired almost infinitely meaning lower materials and energy costs and, at the end of its life cycle, it is completely recyclable.
Source: EPAL