Warehouse Safety

| 08/19/2015

When it comes to warehouse management, EPI-HAB’s team makes safety a priority. One of the most important areas of the warehouse that demands safe operations is forklift operations. Below, we’ve compiled a list of responsibilities for both the driver and non-driver to ensure safety.

Non-driver
1. Make eye contact with the driver.
2. Keep a safe distance from the forklift and pay attention.
3. Never assume the forklift driver knows you are there. Make yourself known.
4. Stay clear of the “fall zone.” This is a full circle around the forklift equal to twice the height of the carried load.
5. Never walk under the raised forks. Even when empty, the forks could fall without warning.


Driver/operator
1. Only qualified drivers operate our forklifts. This is determined by EPI-HAB’s management team and is based on experience and training.
2. Any accidents must be (no matter the degree of severity) reported immediately.
3. We use the horn at blind spots, but don’t overdo it.
4. Non-drivers have the right of way–assuming they are not aware of forklift traffic.
5. Slow down at intersections, corners and ramps.


Finally, one last thing to remember: If you do get into an altercation with a forklift, the lift always wins.

We encourage you to stay tuned to EPI-HAB’s blog for additional resources and articles showcasing the unique way we manage our warehouse!

3 Reasons to Choose EPI-HAB for Your Next Project

| 07/16/2015

Reason #1: Epi-Hab will alleviate the costs and stress associated with overtime and seasonal workers.

For many businesses, there is a peak season when you are (for better or for worse) overwhelmed with orders. How do you manage the extra load? Do you utilize your permanent staff by paying overtime? This is a risky move because overtime typically brings about extra stress and eventually employee ‘burnout’.

Do you hire seasonal workers to take on the extra work? This tactic is risky, as well. There are always training costs associated with new hires, and seasonal workers lack the loyalty of permanent employees. They may quit with short notice to take on a better opportunity, and they are more likely to steal from their employer.

Rather than staff and train or pay overtime for your peak periods and emergency needs, Epi-Hab can help you by utilizing our well-trained labor force and competent supervision. Our employees have obtained valuable experience by working for national companies as well as many local businesses in Phoenix, Arizona. Putting our skilled workforce to work for you will enable you to save in many ways.

Reason #2: Epi-Hab can help you increase your production output without a costly plant expansion.

Epi-Hab’s first building is approximately 38,000 square feet, and our second building is 30,000 square feet. We also have approximately 15,000 square feet of racked pallet storage. All this space gives us plenty of area to receive, assemble, repair, inspect packages and warehouse.

Reason #3: Epi-Hab promises customer satisfaction.

Epi-Hab’s customer list includes hundreds of businesses large and small. We have been in business for more than fifty years because our customers always receive quality and timely service.

Contact Epi-Hab today, and put us to the test!

Order Fulfillment at Epi-Hab

| 06/12/2015

There is much more to order fulfillment than packing items in a box, adhering a shipping label and placing it on a truck for delivery. Epi-Hab’s order fulfillment revolves around controlling three factors: cost, delivery times and accuracy. We outperform our competition because of our team of dedicated professionals and our warehousing system.

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Epi-Hab has 57 years of experience in every stage of order fulfillment. We have employees who have been with Epi-Hab for more than twenty years. So, when you need a “go-to” resource for order fulfillment, you are partnering with people who not only know what they are doing, but they know how to do it right.

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Epi-Hab has a strong reputation for its quality team and history of fulfillment services. In addition, we are centrally located at 2125 W. Fillmore St. in Phoenix, Arizona for shorter delivery time. The location also helps us to be more responsive to our customers.

Call Epi-Hab at 602-254-7027 when you are ready to outsource your order fulfillment.

Fulfillment Service Tips for Startup Businesses

| 05/21/2015

Yippee! You’ve invented the next best widget. Time to break out the champagne!

But wait, hold your horses! How are you going to fulfill all of those orders?

Epi-Hab Phoenix is the leading order fulfillment company for startup companies. We have heard a lot of stories from a variety of startups with a common theme: the seller wasn’t prepared to handle the huge volume of orders.

From choosing the best shipping method, to pick and pack according to phone, fax or emailed orders, there’s a lot that goes into order fulfillment and shipping. And what makes it more difficult is trying to get orders shipped in a hurry in order to meet your commitments.

Whether you’re a startup company or hiring for your peak periods and emergency needs, here are a few tips to help with your order fulfillment:

Have a Plan

We have learned lots of startups find themselves struggling to find a solution to their fulfillment needs.

Typically, startups initially plan on doing the order fulfillment on their own, only to find out they underestimated the amount of time and planning needed to pick, pack and ship orders.

Your customers expect their orders in a reasonable amount of time, so be sure that you have a well-thought-out plan on how you’re going to get orders shipped on time.

Account for Shipping Costs & Time

Shipping isn’t free, so it’s important to analyze your options in advance.

Depending on your product weight and size, you may be limited in your shipping options. Those factors will affect your shipping cost. Additionally, processing your orders all at once can be a good thing, so you can take advantage of bulk rates that could save you money.

The more you know about all the shipping options, the better. That way, you’ll be in a position to communicate costs and delivery times in advance and keep your customer happy.

Communicate with Your Customers

Your customers have sought out your product and have made a purchase. They will understand if you hit a snag along the way with order fulfillment—that is…as long as you let them know.

Whether the news is good or bad, it’s always a good idea to communicate with your customer. Send them regular updates informing them once orders are being processed and again once they’ve shipped. Being proactive with your communications will save you lots of time and headaches.

Consider Outsourcing Your Fulfillment Needs

The truth is, many startups are overwhelmed with the effort it takes to get their orders shipped. Furthermore, there’s a lot to the shipping process if you’re looking to keep costs down and your customers happy.

For 57 years, Epi-Hab has specialized in efficient and simple order fulfillment. Our team of professionals will keep you and your customers completely informed throughout the entire fulfillment process.

Give us a call. Our services are flexible and ideal fit for a wide range of startup companies.

What is the Key to EPI-HAB’s Success?

| 04/13/2015

Over the years, the key to EPI-HAB’s success has been our PEOPLE working together as a team.

There have been a lot of changes; employees, customers and different types of projects. In addition to doing various mailings, we have assembled iPad stands, poly bagged and sealed various kits, inspected and sorted kitchenware, stuffed absorbent material in a stuffed toy, washed candle jars and helped many startup businesses with fulfillment services. However, there is one constant: the dedication and hard work our PEOPLE demonstrate each and every day.

For more than 57 years, EPI-HAB has searched for new customers that need our “helping hands” as well as more ways to help our current clients. Our decades of work prove we meet customer expectations with any problem or work they bring our way.

If you have a labor-intensive job, call on EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc. at 602-254-7027. If you know someone who may be interested in working at EPI-HAB, call or email us at info@epihab.org.

Welcome to the EPI-HAB Blog!

| 03/27/2015

For more than 57 years, EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc. has assisted customers with affordable hand labor solutions; including mailings, inspection/cleaning, custom packaging, storage and order fulfillment.

EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc. was founded in 1958 by a group of business and medical professionals who volunteered their time and efforts to form a company providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with epilepsy. Government grants and donated funds helped start EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc., but the goal from the beginning was for the company to become self-supporting.

Today, EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc. is a totally self-sufficient, not-for-profit company. And while the focus of the organization remains on the “abilities of its employees, not their disabilities,” the mission has grown to provide meaningful employment for individuals with other challenges, as well as epilepsy. The company’s employees perform valued work for businesses large and small, taking on important projects ranging from the assembly of medical devices to shrink-wrapping.

In the last 50 years, EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc.’s services have evolved along with the communication needs and expectations of our partners. In today’s digital age, we are presented with new opportunities to further develop our customer service efforts. And with more communication happening online, we are launching the EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc. Blog to complement our existing marketing and communication channels. This allows us to deliver important updates and information more efficiently and illustrate the company’s value in an artful, entertaining, and lighthearted way.

What kind of content will EPI-HAB’s Blog provide?
• Articles demonstrating how EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc. hand labor services can solve common problems within the technology and manufacturing industries
• Fun introductions to EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc.’s team members and recognition of their service milestones
• Articles showcasing EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc.’s efficient processes and specialized handiwork
• Hot topics and updates in accordance with advancements in our industry and the industries we serve
• Unique case histories illustrating how EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc. meets and exceeds client expectations
• Articles announcing trade shows and community events in which EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc. is participating

We are excited to welcome you to EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc.’s new online community and encourage you to share your thoughts and questions at any time! If you have a labor-intensive job, call on EPI-HAB Phoenix, Inc. at 602-254-7027. If you know someone who may be interested in working at EPI-HAB, call or email us at info@epihab.org.

www.epihab.org