A recent study found that on the average 600-mile truck journey, parcels are physically handled between ten and twelve times! Mishandling is one of the biggest challenges within the packaging industry, it can cause serious impairment to cartons and pallets as a whole, especially if they are fragile or getting handled the full twelve times. This is why incorporating the use of shock and tilt indicators is important for any warehouse. Instead of having to waste money on recovery costs, replacing damaged or lost items, and having to re-ship your stock due to the mishandling of items from workers, using shock or tilt indicators can ensure the best treatment is provided to your items. This can further verify that handlers can be held responsible for damage that ensued whilst parcels were in their care. In this blog, we will be exploring the different types of shock and tilt indicators, alongside their benefits so you can decide on which indicator you would like to use in your storehouse in the future.

What are the Different Shock and Tilt Indicators?

Shock and tilt indicators are mechanical devices that can prove the mishandling of parcels during transit. The indicators can be easily implemented and monitored on packages containing medical equipment, automotive, semi-conductor equipment, IT servers, and other fragile or delicate items. The reason behind handlers taking more care with parcels that have both types of mechanics on the pallet is because they can be charged for mishandling. This is because both shock and tilt indicators clearly show when impairment of parcels occurs whilst under their supervision and care. Both variations of the technology provide a cost-effective and effortless way to monitor and prevent damages. Here at Davpack, we recommend them for warehouse use to avoid the high costs that can come with having to replace and resend stock.

Tilt Indicators – These pieces of technology are incredibly easy to use, simply record the tilt of the pallet in its primary state before shipment and handlers will act accordingly. Every tilt indicator includes arrows to remind staff to keep one side up, a serial number to prevent tampering, and a company name. If the tilt has been moved to a level that is more than what was entered before shipment, the middle of the label will change colour to prove the mistreatment of the pallet and parcels.

Shock Indicators – If you want to detect and record shock during transit or storage, shock indicators are a must-have in your warehouse. Once the value exceeds the G value it was originally set as the colour of the indicator will change from white to red and cannot be changed back to the first colour. Thus, providing clear evidence of mishandling within the warehouse or during delivery. Shock indicators can be stuck to the packages directly or on the outside of a product.

The Benefits of Shock and Tilt Indicators

Shock and tilt indicators can reap countless benefits in your working environment. Not only can it influence handlers’ behaviour during shipment but it can also lower costs on damages or replacements as individuals can be held accountable for the mishandling of stock. This will relieve stress from the warehouse about potential damages when pallets are packed and shipped. This in turn has other positive effects on the business through lowering parcel impairment or loss and increasing customer satisfaction due to products arriving safely and in pristine condition.

Other advantages of shock and tilt indicators can include:

• They guarantee full protection to fragile and sensitive items.
• They help identify weakness and mistreatment in the supply chain, from production through to transportation.
• Enforce your company’s values and reputation due to products consistently arriving safely for customers.
• Alert all staff that the careful handling of items is essential.
• Provide clear evidence of mishandling and where it occurred within the chain so these individuals and issues can be dealt with accordingly.
• Reduce time processing damaged product claims and less money spent restoring and replacing said items.
• Customer inspection time is lowered alongside the necessity for them to do so.
• Both shock and tilt indicators are easy to install and are tamper-proof, so you can rely on the results produced during shipment or any movement within the storehouse.
• Both types of indicators do not require you to make any changes to your packaging, products, or shipping methods.
• You further do not need to worry about having to do any re-designs either, they can simply be stuck on packages and sent out for delivery.

Tips for Applying Indicators Correctly

Lastly, we wanted to leave you with some tips to ensure that you are using tilt and shock indicators efficiently, so you do not need to have any doubts about potential damages.

1. Install the indicators in a visible location such as an end panel and a side panel of a pallet or carton to verify that all sides of the pallet are measured for tilting or shock.
2. Place an extra indicator on the interior of the crate to guarantee accurate results during shipment.
3. Add a personalised marking on the top of the mechanics to prevent replacement by the handlers.
4. Spray glue is a superior adhesive for shock and tilt indicators, especially on wooden crates.

Both shock and tilt indicators can improve the efficiency of your business in several ways, it can help your staff be more relaxed and improve morale due to not having to stress about the safety of items once they leave the warehouse. It can further please your customers, create consistency in your company, and improve the reputation of the brand because the stock stays in great condition and safe throughout its journey during transit. Shock and tilt indicators can help save your business money, but if you are considering buying them, make sure you implement our guidance to ensure your products are not risking any mishandling and are reaching maximum protection. To shop Davpack, click this link: https://www.davpack.co.uk/ 

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Remy Courtois

Remy has been a contributing author since late 2011, when he arrived at Davpack from a major packaging competitor. Originally a product buyer with many years of specialist knowledge in the fields of custom cardboard boxes and corrugated products, Remy now combines his purchasing and literary skills to maximum effect in our marketing team as a content writer. Born to French and British parents in Nottingham, Remy had a bilingual upbringing and has lived for the past twelve years just South of Paris. He presently commutes twice a month to France but is in the process of re-locating to his birthplace. Davpack

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