Confabulations

Whether you are looking for an effective organisational tool for storing small parts or bins from which to pull products that are ready to ship, choosing the right parts bins can save you time and money over the course of time. Begin choosing the best bin for the job by familiarizing yourself with common types of parts bins.

Shelving Bins

If the job calls for a large number of medium to large bins, a shelving unit with easy to pull bins provides a quick solution for products of different sizes. Personalize the unit by choosing different colored bins for each different sku series or type of product. Shelving units on wheels provided the added convenience of easy relocation.

Union Bins

Union bins are slotted to fit directly together with no need for assembly tools or shelving. This type of parts bins comes in multiple sizes and is best used for making short stacks of products. The higher the stack, the less stable the bins. The drawback of Union Bins over shelving bins is you have to take the bins apart if you just want to relocate one bin. With shelving units, you just pull the bin and go.

View Bins

View Bins look like clear drawers in a stationary case. The bins tilt out to allow for easy access to the contents. These bins are good for small items and many View Bins are available with a locking bar, which make them a great addition to a service van because the lock means you don’t have to worry about the bins falling open.

Corrugated Board Bins

Corrugated Board Bins are an economical bins solution for small to medium-sized products. While the bins are sturdy, they are ideal as a temporary organization solution only.

Steel Tote Bins

Made of steel, the Tote Bins are the ultimate in durability. Made of galvanized steel construction, these bins are made to withstand heavy products. Steel Tote Bins comes in a variety of sizes and configurations.

Drawer Units

Drawer Units are drawer bins with clear or semi-clear fronts. These units are designed from small items, and with the added full enclosure feature, better at keeping dust from sensitive products better than other options.

Before you buy parts bins, consider the long-term use of the bins, the budget available for the purchase and the size of the parts. You should buy the best durability bin that you can afford in the right size, and if you do that you may never have to replace them again.

Anyone who has travelled on the French Autoroute will have at some point experienced toll booths.  In France the Autoroute system is semi-privatised; with the government owning the road network, but companies having control of the administration.  In order to maintain the roads a toll system is in place, which is collected at booths along the distance of the Autoroute.  These toll booths can be prove both inconvenient and time consuming to motorists travelling in France.  This is where Télépéage technology can help.

How it works

The phrase Télépéage is a French one that relates to all automated toll payment systems.  Each company that has interests in the Autoroute system produces their own Télépéage tag that helps to speed up the process of passing through French tolls.  It should be noted that a tag sourced from one toll road company will allow payment on the whole of the Autoroute system; you don not require a separate tag for each section of road that is run by a different company.

The tag, which is fitted to your windscreen behind the rear-view mirror, contains a transponder which is detected by a beacon as you approach the toll booth.  The barrier then opens and allows you to pass through the toll station with minimal hassle.  Be aware that only special Télépéage traffic lanes are fitted with beacon detectors – they are always clearly marked.

The benefits

The first obvious benefit is that you won’t have to stop at the tolling booth to make your payment, which can save you valuable time.  You will have to slow down to 30kmph – however, the system works well and traffic keeps on rolling without queues forming.  Aside from saving time, there are other benefits and especially for British drivers.  Due to the fact that the French drive on the right-hand side of the road, the toll booth payment windows are located on the wrong side of the window for British cars.  Therefore you either have to get out and run round to make your payment or lean across the passenger seat.  In some instances it may be that your passenger is taking a nap and you don’t want to disturb them.  Even if you get out and walk round to make your payment; the slamming of the car door might be enough to wake your passenger or the kids in the back seat if you have any.  Utilising Télépéage technology results in a smooth and uninterrupted journey; providing your passengers with the opportunity to get some sleep.

Cost

When you register for a Télépéage tag you will have to provide your bank details.  The cost of each toll used will then be automatically deducted from your account.  Other charges for the running of your account are applicable, with the cost varying dependant on the company that you purchase from.  However, running costs are relatively low and outweighed by the convenience that Télépéage technology offers.