TOTE BOX INFORMATION GUIDE | |
Before you buy a tote box-any tote box-it will pay you to spend a few minutes in a simple analysis of your needs. We have devoted these pages to helping you to make this analysis. We hope that it will enable you to get the most for your material handling dollar. What is a tote box? HANDLING An efficient hand load consists of as much weight or bulk as one person can carry with safety. Few parts or products constitute an efficient hand load, in and of themselves. A tote box of a size and configuration to combine the largest practical number of parts into one hand load unit is the most practical method of handling parts and assemblies. STORAGE 1. Protection of contents: The container acting as a barrier against damage should include a cover to prevent contamination from dirt and moisture. It should be indestructible enough to withstand contact with other containers or objects stored next to or on top of one another. 2. Efficient use of space: The size and shape of the container should be considered as it best fits the storage area, whether it be racks or shelving, whether you plan to store the containers separately or stack them. 3. Ease of identification: To facilitate storage inventory control, the container you use should be labeled and, if possible, have see-through covers so quantity and contents type can easily be determined. |
PROCESSING Other considerations include availability of space for containers at work stations and handling of contents for safe and efficient assembly and processing. Size of container will vary according to whether the operator is standing or sitting, by the variety of components to be assembled, and by the volume of parts required to maintain desired production rate. A wide variety of parts often calls for a variety of small containers at an assembly station. Alternatively, compartmented or kitted boxes, which will accommodate a mixed supply of parts for final assembly, can be used. In choosing the best container avoid boxes with sharp corners, or those made of materials which might chip or splinter. to eliminate the possibility of damage or contamination to delicate parts. ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS The cost of a box includes, in addition to base price, cost of acquisition, projected costs of maintenance during its useful life (e.g. cleaning and painting), and cost of disposal. Environmental problems associated with disposal are becoming more involved and more costly every day. The "use" of a container depends on its function. In storage, "use" can be determined by time and environment; in handling or processing, "use" can be measured by the number of production cycles involved. In either case, the obsolescence factor must be considered; an expensive, custom box closely tailored to current requirements may have a shorter life than a more versatile, and perhaps less expensive box. Other "hidden cost" factors to consider include possible damage to contents as a result of container-caused hostile environment (e.g. rust, paint chips, splinters, cardboard chaff, moisture, dust, etc).
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