Material Handling Management articles from December 2004

Material Handling Management archives from December 2004

What's a robot gotta do to get a job in your warehouse?(News)(robotic applications)
December 1, 2004... You probably wouldn't want to hire a robot for most of your material handling jobs. For the kind of flexibility you need, the programming would be difficult and the reprogramming would be expensive. But give them time. If robot manufacturers...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
December 1, 2004... In the October Letters to the Editor section, the names on the two letters were accidentally swapped during production. Nathan Johnson, of epaCUBE, wrote the letter referring to George Weimer's August column, while Greg Byers, of NCI Building...

Kmart + Sears: acquisition or collision?(News)(Kmart Holding Corp. to acquire Sears, Roebuck and Co.)
December 1, 2004... When Kmart Holding Corporation announced its intentions to acquire Sears, Roebuck and Company last month, business publications across the country were full of reports on the real estate implications, the effects on other retailers, Wall...

Reader poll.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... My company's top management understands the importance of material handling management Disagree 45% Agree 55% Note: Table made from bar graph. Let your voice be heard! Participate in our next poll at...

Heroes for hire.(Editorial)
December 1, 2004... This magazine is read by heroes in the public and private sectors. Yes, I'd say anyone responsible for ensuring the quality and security of one of this nation's supply chains is a hero. That responsibility doesn't leave material handling...

Happy holidays.
December 1, 2004... The entire staff of Material Handling Management wishes you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season and a happy and prosperous new year. We look forward to sharing with you the latest news and events in 2005.

On the job.
December 1, 2004... "Hope you've been the nice sort this year! Happy Holiday from MHM!" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Hytrol founder remembered as MH pioneer.(News)(Henry Thomas "Tom" Loberg, founder and chairman of Hytrol Conveyor Company Inc. dies)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Henry Thomas "Tom" Loberg, founder and chairman of the board of the Hytrol Conveyor Company, died November 8, 2004, following heart surgery. Mr. Loberg received an early grounding in the mechanics of material handling by starting his...

Cost of supply chain disruptions: six- to seven-figure range.(News)
December 1, 2004... Company recovery costs from supply chain disruptions have serious financial impact, ranging from six to seven figures on the average, the Aberdeen Group says in its recent research report "Supplier Performance Management: What Leaders Do...

3PLs win share of logisitcs operating budgets.(News)(third party logistics)
December 1, 2004... American manufacturers are allocating a greater percentage of their total logistics operating budgets to third-party logistics provider services than ever before, according to a study released recently by Accenture and Northeastern University....

Packaging machinery shipments indicate economic revival.(News)
December 1, 2004... United States packaging machinery shipments reached $4.889 billion, an $82 million, or 1.7 percent, increase over 2002, according to the 10th Annual Shipments and Outlook Study conducted by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute...

Work yourself into the UPS holiday rush.(News)(United Parcel Service)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... If UPS's estimates are any indication, it looks as if the "nice" will outnumber the "naughty" on Santa's list this year. That will require some planning on the part of shippers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] UPS has completed its holiday...

Adding to your reading enjoyment ...(News)(Lisa Kempfer joins as managing editor)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... MHM welcomes Lisa Kempfer to its staff as managing editor. Lisa brings with her a wealth of industrial writing experience. Her work has appeared on-line and in print for Machine Design, Computer-Aided Engineering, and Materials Engineering...

Work station labeling: angled label holders are clearly visible.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
December 1, 2004... AngleVision[TM] combines a heavy duty, clear plastic insertable label holder with a flexible "C" channel snap that retrofits the 1.00"-1.12" diameter tubing used by major work station manufacturers. Tilt holder to any desired angle for maximum...

Narrow aisle forklift: LP gas lift truck works in 7 Ft. aisles.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The Aisle-Master articulated forklift is designed to maximize storage space by reducing operating aisle widths. The truck can work both indoors and outside like a regular counterbalance truck. The Aisle-Master has 4400 lb. lift capacity, with...

Packing function: free packing area design guide.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The Order Fulfillment Solution Center-Packing Function Website has been created to help management become better informed about problems involved in designing and integrating a packing department into the company order fulfillment plan. Each...

Power systems: Legacy Platinum System.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The Legacy Platinum System from Douglas Battery offers the ultimate in maintenance-free power. This valve-regulated system is designed and manufactured to provide long life and superior performance, while reducing maintenance costs and...

Conveyor systems: modular conveyor systems offer versatility.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
December 1, 2004... Dynamic Conveyor's light- to medium-duty DynaCon[R] modular conveyor systems offer true versatility. DynaCon's modular conveyor systems can be reconfigured in less time, in ever-changing manufacturing or workflow environments. Made from...

Telescoping lifter: telescoping lifter provides safe, stable handling.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
December 1, 2004... The MechLift's[TM] rigid structure ensures ergonomic load movement without annoying sway. Pneumatic and electric models adapt to a wide selection of end effectors. Capacities to 1500 lbs. The MechLift is ideal for applications such as door or...

Safety Gates: double coverage--up to 6-foot-wide mezzanine openings.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
December 1, 2004... Protect a 6-foot-wide opening with standard FabEnCo XL71 Series Self-Closing Safety Gates for $500 or less. Special features allow for mounting on either side of your mezzanine opening with no opposite point contact. No cutting, welding or...

Dock Lights: Metal Halide Dock Lights--brighter and energy efficient.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
December 1, 2004... Our new generation of Dock Lighting Equipment: The Metal Halide (100-watt HID lamp source) is operated by integral electronic ballast and is extremely lightweight. The aluminum shade design includes an interior polished reflector allowing for...

Lifting device: precision lifting.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... More precise than a hoist, more efficient than an air balancer. Gorbel's new Easy Arm[TM] lifting device gives you the speeds you need to increase productivity, the precision you need to decrease product damage, and the strength to protect your...

Lift trucks: new brushless AC-powered, three-wheel lift trucks are durable and maneuverable.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
December 1, 2004... Hyster announces the J30-40ZT three-wheel lift truck series, combining brushless AC technology with excellent maneuverability, for top performance in crowded aisles and congested loading bays. Available in 3,000 to 4,000 lb. capacities, the...

Powered conveyor rollers: Interroll's HTBL roller offers 70% more torque.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
December 1, 2004... Interroll Corp. enhanced its 8000 Series RollerDrive BL (brushless) DC powered roller with a new motor that delivers 70% more torque and speed. RollerDrive BL rollers may be paired with a PC or with Interroll's DriveControl zero pressure...

Presswood pallets: export and domestic pallets.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Litco's Inca presswood pallets meet the new ISPM 15. International Standards for Wood Packaging Material, and do not require additional costly treatment for infestation. Inca pallets are priced for the budget-minded! Incas have been used in the...

Workstations: modular ergonomic industrial workstations.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Choose from basic four leg stations, hand-crank or electric height-adjustable, technical systems, wire harness stations, clean room, LAN stations, ball transfers and packaging stations, cabinets and lab furniture. Many units IN STOCK. Our...

Labeling software: EASYLABEL[R] software RFID enabled.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... EASYLABEL[R] 5 Platinum, bar code labeling software, is now available with an RFID Wizard that takes the worry out of creating and printing smart labels with its extensive support for EPC specifications. Additional features: EAN/UCC-128 Wizard,...

Wire partitions: style 840[TM] woven wire partitions.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
December 1, 2004... Separate, secure, or store valued items with this easy to install system. Use 20 standard sized panels and steel support posts to build partitions, enclosures, or storage areas of any size or configuration. Modular design reduces installation...

Material handling resources: find it quickly and easily at the new www.MHMonline.com.(Special Advertising Section: New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(www.MHMonline.com)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Easy online access to what you want to know about material handling logistics, warehousing & distribution and transport packaging. Find suppliers with our new online directory, read the current issue of Material Handling Management, get...

Who'll be MHM's innovator of 2004?(Editorial Advisory Board)
December 1, 2004... In this issue, MHM offers readers a preview of the finalists in its Innovator of the Year Awards program, to be held in Chicago the evening of January 11, while ProMat is in town. Members of MHM's Editorial Advisory Board have agreed to help...

Entertainment sorter.(Cutting Edge)
December 1, 2004... The high-speed tilt-tray entertainment sorter handles products such as CDs, DVDs, video topes, cassettes and books. It features automatic induction, print-and-apply "on-the-fly" label applicators and stacking chutes for uniform products. The...

Wobble Light doesn't fall down.(Cutting Edge)
December 1, 2004... The Wobble Light is a self-contained unit that is durable, easy to set up and self-righting. Its dome shields users from open bulbs and metal housings that can cause burns. It disperses light in all directions, making it easy to illuminate...

Dock leveler conversion.(Cutting Edge)
December 1, 2004... This conversion kit converts a mechanical-style dock leveler into a hydraulic-style leveler. The kit features a hydraulic lifting system that, at the push of a button, lifts the dock leveler and increases loading dock safety. It replaces...

Backup scanning software.(Cutting Edge)
December 1, 2004... BossFlex software provides backup for bar code scanning in the assembly process. It can be configured to read all bar codes, including the 2D matrix system. It provides a standalone mobile application with no host required. The printer does all...

Calendar.(Calendar)
December 1, 2004... January 10-12 WestPack. Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA. Visit www.tsnn.com or phone 781-449-0286. January 10-13 ProMat 2005. McCormick Place South, Chicago, Sponsored by Material Handling Industry of America. Visit...

Pallets: a brand new approach to recycling.(Shipping Management)
December 1, 2004... Recently, a long-time, loyal reader of this publication, Bob Footlik of Footlik & Associates, knowing my penchant for pallet parables, sent me an article that piqued my interest. The account first appeared in Wood & Wood Products magazine's...

Wal-Mart and DoD unscramble RFID buzz: there's so much noise going around about RFID that core learnings tend to be drowned out. That's why Material Handling Management decided to get some answers directly from the pioneers who are currently implementing RFID throughout their supply chains.(Feature Story)(discussions of Department of Defense, ConAgra Foods Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Material Handling Industry of America)(Cover Story)
December 1, 2004... MHM organized a roundtable discussion involving two of the leading drivers of RFID implementation, Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense as well as one of their top suppliers, ConAgra Foods. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Representing...

OSHA's leader thinking lift trucks: John L. Henshaw doesn't want OSHA to be industrial truck inspectors. He wants allies who will take that job.(Warehousing & Distribution)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Industrial Truck Association)
December 1, 2004... There were big happenings at this year's fall meeting of the Industrial Truck Association. First, ITA announced to its members that it has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to become a standards-developing...

Nordson goes operation lean, service heavy: this little warehouse operation is learning to supply global customers without putting a world of hurt on its bottom line.(Warehousing & Distribution)
December 1, 2004... What is lean? For Nordson Corporation, it's identifying waste in its manufacturing and warehousing processes. Waste is a byproduct of overproduction, inefficient motion, unnecessary waiting, excess inventory, defects, extra processing and...

Manufacturing needs creativity, not hand-wringing: lessons in innovation form Eaton Corporation.(Manufacturing Management)
December 1, 2004... Success can be confusing, especially in economics. American manufacturing, for example, is reportedly being "dismantled and shipped to other countries." "Outsourcing" was one of the main dirty words of the presidential campaign, which is...

Who is driving lift trucks to China? (And should you follow?): China represents opportunities lost and found for many businesses. For those who are patient, it could mean huge market growth. For those whose timing is off by a few years, China will be a disappointment. Lift truck manufacturers have a good head start on the former.(Manufacturing Management)(Industrial Truck Association)
December 1, 2004... If your company is considering a manufacturing or distribution presence in China, consider the lessons learned by pioneers who have braved that Far Eastern frontier. Some are in the lift truck business. Lift trucks are the workhorses of...

When does new technology hit the point of diminishing returns?(Technology Trends)
December 1, 2004... There is a point when you realize that the technology you were sold isn't delivering on the promise of the seller. I'm talking about the seller inside your own head. Sometimes technology's promise is hard to ignore, and we trick ourselves into...

How to make ROI real: three steps to proving you'll deliver a return.(Technology Trends)(Return On Investment)
December 1, 2004... Experts will tell you that defining your business objectives is the first step in determining how to get the best return on your investment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For example: If your objective is to get a quick payback all along your...

Get primed for ProMat 2005: plan your booth visits using our preview package.(ProMat 2005 Products)
December 1, 2004... It's time to make plans now for the largest and most comprehensive material handling and logistics show in the United States. ProMat 2005, an international exposition sponsored by the Material Handling Industry of America, will be held January...

Accu-Time Systems, Inc.(Company Profile)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... ATS hardware is configurable to fit the application. Whether Time and Attendance or security, there is a terminal available that is ideal for your needs. The ATS product line includes terminals that have support for modem, serial and Ethernet...

APA -- The Engineered Wood Association.(Company Profile)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... Engineered wood pallet manufacturers draw from hundreds of pallet designs and configurations to provide a pallet thatis right for your operation. The proof is in the pallet, and APA, through its partnership with the Engineered Pallet Network is...

Cat Lift Trucks: delivering productivity and quality with a Low Cost of Ownership.(Company Profile)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... Cat Lift Trucks, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a leading manufacturer of material handling equipment for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. With more than 600,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space, the Houston plant is...

CLARK Material Handling Company.(Company Profile)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... Company Profile: CLARK Material Handling features a comprehensive line of forklift trucks designed for use in manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing. Using design principals that include ergonomics, rugged components, operator safety...

Crown Equipment Corporation.(Company Profile)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... A family-owned, privately held company, Crown Equipment Corporation is the fifth largest industrial lift truck company in the world and the number one brand of electric lift trucks in the United States. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Crown's...

Daewoo Heavy Industries America Corporation.(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... Daewoo Heavy Industries America Corporation, the U.S. affiliate of Daewoo Heavy Industries and Machinery Ltd., is headquartered in a 170,000-sq. ft. facility outside of Atlanta, Georgia. The facility houses a state-of-the-art parts operation...

DIC International (USA), Inc.(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... As a pioneer in the field of plastic pallets, DIC places a high priority on developing cutting-edge design technologies that raise the quality standards of plastic pallets. For over 30 years, pallets have been a part of DIC's product lineup....

FKI Logistex[R] Material Handling Solutions Worldwide.(Company Profile)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... FKI Logistex[R] (www.fkilogistex.com) is pleased to present the latest in high-speed, high-accuracy material handling systems from around the world. This year's exhibit will highlight the following from our world-class R & D facilities: ...

HK Systems: finally ... economical warehouse automation.(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... HK Systems Unveils Four Productivity Innovations at PROMAT HK Systems has applied its 35 years of Automated Storage and Retrieval (AS/RS) machine design and developed a fully automated rotating fork Storage and Retrieval Machine intended to...

Hytrol Conveyor Company Inc.(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... Hytrol is a major manufacturer of conveyors, conveying systems, and conveyor accessories. Since its beginnings in 1947, Hytrol has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of conveyors and conveying hardware in the world. [ILLUSTRATION...

JLG Industries, Inc.: save time and money with JLG vertical stock-pickers.(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... JLG offers a complete line of push-around and driveable vertical stock-pickers that are designed to improve the efficiency, reach and safety of your workers. With the new Model SSV10 store support vehicle, JLG has created the ultimate personnel...

Landoll Corp.(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... Landoll Corp. will be demonstrating the new Series IV model BN 180 degree articulating mast Bendi. This truck easily stacks standard 48" X 40" loads in 6' aisles and is available in 2,500 and 3,500 lb. capacities and lift to 26'. Additionally...

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks: Ready, Reliable, and Right On The Money.(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is recognized worldwide for innovative, operator-friendly material handling equipment. The North American headquarters for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, in Houston, Texas, encompasses more than 600,000 square feet of...

Materials Transportation Company--the power of change.(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... The future of battery changing will be on view at ProMat 2005 in Chicago as Materials Transportation Company (MTC) unveils the Intell-A-Changer, a next generation, fully automated battery changing system that allows the flawless execution of...

Quantronix; Cubing: it's all we do.
December 1, 2004... CubiScan 100 When you're faced with big storage challenges, think of one little word: Cube--the total space a stored item occupies. Discover the space you didn't know you had with the CubiScan 100. Because your warehouse isn't getting any...

The Raymond Corporation.(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... Company Profile: The Raymond Corporation is the leading North American provider of materials handling solutions that improve productivity and space utilization, with lower cost of operation and greater operator acceptance....

Toyota--leading the industry.(Company Profile)(Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. the number one selling lift truck supplier in the united states)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU), the number one selling lift truck supplier in the U.S., enters 2005 poised to strengthen its lead in the material handling industry. Toyota also is the global leader in lift trucks, and maintains...

Yale Materials Handling Corp.: Yale's new Veracitor VX, customizable for your application.(Company Profile)
December 1, 2004... Join Yale at ProMat 2005 to... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Witness the launch of a revolutionary new lift truck. * Learn how to keep costs down and productivity up. * Drive a remote controlled lift truck through a challenging...

How to avoid fatal mistakes when selecting and using conveyors, Part I: available safety standards make the job easier.(Safety & Security)
December 1, 2004... Preparation of conveyor system specifications by owners/engineers covering their operational, maintenance and training safety requirements often is inadequate and can result in a conveyor accident. In the absence of any OSHA conveyor safety and...

How am I multi-tasking? Use this score card.(Innovator of the future)
December 1, 2004... Take Mom's out of the picture. Then try to think of a job that calls for as much multi-tasking as yours. There aren't many. With all the torches you have to juggle, wouldn't it be nice if there were a methodology to help you keep them all...