As warehouse and distribution center leaders gathered for the latest MMH Roundtable Webinar, one message was loud and clear: the way we design, equip, and operate our workspaces is no longer just about throughput – it’s about people.
At Dehnco, we were proud to participate in this timely conversation on the evolving state of warehouse ergonomics. The challenges covered – labor shortages, increasing fulfillment pressure, and the need for safer, more adaptable work environments – are the very issues we design our systems to solve.
Here’s our take on where the industry stands and where it’s heading:
Ergonomics Isn’t a Luxury. It’s a Competitive Advantage
Historically, ergonomics has been treated as an afterthought in many pack and ship operations. But the roundtable reinforced what we’ve long believed: ergonomics is essential to operational excellence. When you design with the human in mind you reduce injury, increase accuracy, and boost morale. The ROI is real and measurable.
At Dehnco, our modular workstations, adjustable components, and system-first thinking are engineered to adapt to the worker, not the other way around. Because productivity isn’t just about speed – it’s about sustainability.
Today’s Labor Demands Require Smarter Systems
Panelists noted the strain today’s labor market puts on managers to do more with less. That’s not just a staffing issue – it’s a systems issue. Ergonomic inefficiencies compound over time, draining energy, creating bottlenecks, and leading to burnout.
Our solution is to design smarter. To develop modular systems that flex with volume, components that adjust to the worker’s height, handedness, or motion pattern, and to create data-informed layouts that reduce wasted movement. The warehouse of the future won’t just be automated – it will be human-optimized.
Technology Helps, but Design is the Foundation
There’s plenty of buzz around robotics and automation – and rightfully so. But without the right ergonomic foundation, even the best tech can fall short. The roundtable reinforced the need for hybrid solutions such as technology that works alongside people, paired with environments that are tailored for safety, comfort, and efficiency.
This is why Dehnco continues to focus on integrative design, focusing on the ergonomic core where tech and task meet.
Looking Ahead: Ergonomics as a Culture, Not a Checklist
As we move forward, we believe ergonomic thinking must become cultural, and embedded in how organizations approach layout planning, workflow analysis, and equipment procurement. It’s not just about injury prevention; it’s about empowering every worker to do their best work, every day.
At Dehnco, that’s been our north star from day one. We’re proud to be part of the conversation shaping a better, safer, and smarter future for warehouse and DC operations.
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You can view the entire roundtable discussion at Advancing Ergonomic Solutions for a Safer, More Efficient Workforce - Modern Materials Handling.
Ready to rethink your pack & ship operation?
Let’s talk about how Dehnco can help you create ergonomic solutions that adapt, scale, and deliver.
