Material Handling Management articles from July 2002

Material Handling Management archives from July 2002

Good karma from big pharma. (Editorial).(pharmaceutical industry and supply chain management)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The pharmaceutical industry probably thinks Peter Jennings is a pill. ABC's star anchorman recently presented a news special called Bitter Medicine: Pills, Profit and the Public Health. That title alone should tell you how the industry was...

Demand for MH equipment increases. (News Briefs).(materials handling equipment market forecast)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The market for conventional and advance/automated material handling systems and equipment in the U.S. will increase 5.2 percent per year through 2006 to $23.5 billion, an improvement over the early 2000s performance that was characterized by...

Increase in purchase plans for handheld devices. (News Briefs).(Network World Inc. study)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2002... Network World has released the results of its 2002 Network World 500 study. It reveals corporations plan to purchase an average of 2,733 handheld units in the next 12 months, a 107 percent increase from last year's study. Corporate...

Ya win some, Ya win some. (News Briefs).(American Society of Business Publication Editors)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The American Society of Business Publication Editors' (ASBPE) annual editorial, graphics and online competition continues to be the most competitive awards program in the business press. This year's contest garnered more than 2,200 entries. ...

Service to recycle electronic equipment. (News Briefs).(Safety-Kleen Corp. services)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... To meet the increasing need for proper disposal and recycling of obsolete and damaged electronics, Safety-Kleen has developed a new service to recycle almost any electronic component, including computers, keyboards, mice, monitors, cathode ray...

Business conditions slow, still favorable. (News Briefs).(manufacturing industry business)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)(Industry Overview)
July 1, 2002... According to the monthly Business Conditions Index (BCI) of the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), manufacturing activity slowed in April, but is still showing signs of growth. The new orders component of the index held steady...

Susan Rider. (Managers Making News).(hired at RedPrairie Corp.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... RedPrairie Corporation (formerly McHugh Software International announced the appointment of Susan Rider as sales results leader. Rider will be responsible for leading the sales organization. Rider has been in the distribution and logistics...

Savi Technology Inc., a provider of real-time solutions for asset management and supply chain security. (Managers Making News).(Steve Cole and Chris Stephenson hired)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Savi Technology Inc., a provider of real-time solutions for asset management and supply chain security, announced the appointment of two new executives. Chris Stephenson joins the company as vice president of product management and Steve Cole...

SCA North America announced that John P. O'Leary has been named senior vice president. (Managers Making News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... SCA North America announced that John P. O'Leary has been named senior vice president for SCA North America and David C. O'Leary was promoted to president and CEO of Tuscarora Inc. Tuscarora, a manufacturer of custom-designed protective...

Kurt H. Mather. (Managers Making News).(hired at MeadWestvaco Corp.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Westvaco Brand Security announced that Kurt H. Mather has been named global security technical service manager for its wholly owned subsidiary, MeadWestvaco Corp.

Terry O'Hara. (Managers Making News).(hired at SupplyPro Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... SupplyPro has appointed Terry O'Hara its new COO.

New Breed has hired Raymond Brady and Harold Anderson. (Managers Making News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... New Breed has hired Raymond Brady and Harold Anderson to be its vice presidents of business development.

George J. Schindler Jr. (Managers Making News).(hired at Regency Transportation)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Regency Transportation Inc. has named George J. Schindler Jr. executive vice president.

Tom Berger. (Managers Making News).(hired at Drexel Industries Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Tom Berger, PCMH, has been appointed national sales director at Drexel Industries.

Global mandates on recycling? (News Briefs).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Eleven countries already have take back laws for electronics -- each a little different. Within five years it's expected that 28 countries will have such laws. The European Union parliament is moving on three electronics recycling directives...

Pactiv Corporation announced an agreement to purchase Winkler Forming Inc. (Companies Making News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Pactiv Corporation announced an agreement to purchase Winkler Forming Inc., a leading thermoformer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) for food packaging, for $72.5 million. The purchase of Winkler will afford Pactiv an opportunity...

Lewco Inc. has purchased the LAHR Conveyor product line. (Companies Making News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Lewco Inc. has purchased the LAHR Conveyor product line, popular in the metalworking industry.

Kalmar Industries and Patrick Corporation have entered into an agreement known as Patrick Technology and Systems. (Companies Making News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Kalmar Industries and Patrick Corporation have entered into an agreement known as Patrick Technology and Systems to implement the Kalmar-constructed automated straddle carriers and integration of advanced container handling systems within the...

Scales Manufacturers Association. (Association News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Scales Manufacturers Association has elected Robert J. Schuller general manager, Hobart Corporation, president. Also elected was Richard G. Norden, president and COO, Fancor Inc., vice president.

Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC). (Association News).(new board members)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) has named the following to its board of directors: James L. Allen, Midwest Distribution Systems; William T. Gates, Standard Corporation; Susan Rider, Red-Prairie; Annette Hartmann, The...

Play it safe. (News Briefs).(USCO Logistics unit goes ten years with no lost workday accidents)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... USCO Logistics' Baltimore distribution center has gone 10 years without a lost-workday accident. The 100,700-square-foot facility provides distribution services for a number of customers. The staff was honored for its extraordinary safety...

Encouraging employment news. (News Briefs).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... U.S. employers will increase their hiring activity in the third quarter of 2002, continuing the steady trend toward recovery that began in second quarter, according to the Employment Outlook Survey, conducted by Manpower Inc. Of the nearly...

Humantech ergonomists obtain certification. (News Briefs).(Humantech Engineering)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Humantech Engineering consultants Jeff Sanford and Tony Silva recently achieved the status of Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) from the Board of Certified Professional Ergonomists (BCPE). The company has 14 full-time CPEs, more than any...

Packaging machinery demand up. (News Briefs).(in 2002)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... U.S. capital spending for packaging machinery is predicted to increase by 1.5 percent to 2.5 percent in 2002, to an estimated $4.992 billion. The forecast is based on the findings by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI). The...

Robot orders increase. (News Briefs).(in North America in first quarter 2002)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The North American robotics industry showed signs of stabilizing in the first quarter. A total of 2,350 robots were ordered through March, an increase of one percent over a comparable period in 2001. However, weakness in sales to overseas...

Environmental responsibility rewarded. (News Briefs).(Dearborn Mid-West Conveyor Co. earns International Standards Organization 14001 certification)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Dearborn Mid-West Conveyor Company has earned the International Standards Organization 14001 certification, demonstrating the company's commitment to contributing to a cleaner environment. In April, Michigan Governor John Engler named the...

What you should expect from an LES. (News Briefs).(discussion of logistics execution systems)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... What's the return on investment from a logistics execution system? Depends. Some users get a quick ROI from a plain vanilla four-walls warehouse management system (WMS). Others achieved those efficiencies years ago and are ready to scale their...

Letter to the Editor.
July 1, 2002... I just finished reading your editorial in the May 2002 issue of MHM: Prepare Tech's Welcome. I've been in the conveyor systems business since 1983 and have worn many hats. In my time in this industry, there has been a consistent decline in...

WERC conference shares lessons learned. (Conventional Wisdom).(Warehousing Education and Research Council)
July 1, 2002... Ever hear the advice, "Don't sweat the small stuff"? Forget it. Sweat the small stuff. Then the big stuff will take care of itself. That message was repeated in several presentations during the 25th annual conference of the Warehousing...

Calendar.
July 1, 2002... July 21-26. Automatic Identification and Data Capture Technical Institute. Ohio University. Athens, Ohio. Sponsored by the university, AIM and the Uniform Code Council. Phone (740) 598-1452 or walkers3@ohio.edu. August 13-15...

Something brewing in the beer business. (Transport Packaging).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Maybe because it's summertime, but a recent conversation I had with Greg Cronin about beer was instructive. We talked about his latest adventure, into the world of reverse logistics, returnable containers and beer kegs. Not well known in...

Cost or investment? There's a difference. (Controls & Systems).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Come up with something new to sell! That's often the directive of upper management when they're looking for more profits. Such a focus though, can overlook some real profit opportunities, right in material handling warehouses and distribution...

Protect the pedestrians. (Compliance).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... That's you and I when we're walking through a plant or warehouse. Or workers walking to their jobs or on coffee breaks. Clerks, secretaries and engineers who work in the plant. Even a visitor, like a writer researching an article. Protection...

Manufacturing matters: how much? (Manufacturing Management).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Many Americans are still believers in the Service Economy, and the employment numbers seem to give them a boost. Indeed, it was back in the late '60s that the United States became the first modern economy to count more service jobs than...

Information makes good medicine. (Pharmaceutical Report).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... In the march toward material handling excellence, the pharmaceutical industry has been comfortable following the lead of other industries. Now it's ready to set the pace. Catalysts are big in the pharmaceutical industry. In formulations, a...

The FDA's data mandates -- and why you should care. (Pharmaceutical Report).
July 1, 2002... How pharmaceutical companies choose to handle their information material flow will have a huge impact on their profitability and competitiveness. The lessons they're learning could also benefit you. There's a lot of cost that can be cut in...

Putting more "M" into WMS: A flurry of analysis, communications, Internet and labor-planning modules are adding management power to warehouse software. (WMS).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... "Inventory tools are a dime a dozen, and they don't provide the crucial management tasks a buyer needs," says Mark Robertson, manager of marketing, software division for Knapp Logistics and Automation. "Today, you've got to get more 'M' out of...

WMS fits "Totes" just right. (WMS Case Histories).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Totes Isotoner is a world-class marketer of umbrellas, gloves, raincoats and rubber overshoes. The company was faced with combining a purchased business with its current inventory into one, fully automated, 450,000-squarefoot warehouse. ...

Warehouse software seals success for bearing distributor. (WMS Case Histories).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Transcom, a Minnesota-based distributor of seals and bearings, needed a WMS to integrate its legacy ERP software with increasing order volume in its warehouse operations. Transcom manufactures and distributes more than 12 million seals in 7,000...

WMS handles 380,000 SKUs at Avnet. (WMS Case Histories).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Avnet is one of the world's largest distributors of semiconductors and other computer components for industrial, commercial and military customers. Like other high-tech companies, Avnet required special temperature controls to store and...

WMS handles the heavyweights. (WMS Case Histories).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... BAX Global provides worldwide service in transporting heavyweight packages and cargo. It also provides warehousing, kitting, light manufacturing, brokerage and regulatory service for a wide range of B2B customers. The company accumulated five...

Sony plays WMS like a song. (WMS Case Histories).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Sony Music Distribution sends COs, DVDs, audio tapes and videocassettes through four distribution centers, totaling more than one million square feet of warehouse space. To keep up with its ever-growing volume, Sony chose Catalyst WMS to handle...

If you buy it, use all of it. (Software).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... At trade shows, whenever a company introduces a new feature for a product, I usually ask the product manager if operators are making use of all these new features. The answer is no. Always. At best, the managers will tell me, customers use...

A systematic approach to material handling maintenance: Maintenance is essential to business success. (Maintenance).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The term material handling equipment refers to conveyors, sorters, spirals, carousels, and a wide assortment of electrical and mechanical devices. Proper maintenance of this equipment is essential, because it prevents the loss of business or...

Optum. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... MOVE WMS handles both inbound and outbound logistics. Use it for high-volume, piece-pick applications. Optum. www.optum.com. Write 242

EXE Technologies. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... EXceed WMS makes for increased cube utilization in picking and reserve areas. It increases orderpicking and shipping accuracy, which allows for crossdocking and directed worker tasks. EXE Technologies. www.exe.com. Write 243

Maximum Data Solutions. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The InTouch product offers modules on distribution and inventory control for Tier 2 companies. It uses bar codes to improve data collection. Maximum Data Solutions. www.fcswebsite.com. Write 246

Intek Integration Technologies. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Warehouse Librarian is WMS is scalable and suited for Tier 2 buyers. Intek Integration Technologies. www.intek.com. Write 247

WERC. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Warehouse Systems and the Supply Chain is a text by Andersen Consulting. It is available from WERC at www.werc.org. Write 248

Syvox. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Syvox Solutions Suite is voice software for warehouse applications. Syvox. www.syvox.com. Write 249

Omega Technologies. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Warehouse Wizard provides automatic data collection, and wireless RF, and is Windows NT based. Omega Technologies. www.omega-rf.com Write 251

Marc Global Systems. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... This firm's software provides visibility across the supply chain as well as conventional WMS functions with XML language communications. Marc Global Systems. www.marcgs.com. Write 252

ShipInfo. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... ShipInfo offers software and services for managing freight and parcel carrier service, performance and costs. Provia is a partner with this service. ShipInfo. www.q4shipinfo.com Write 253

Vertex Interactive. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The eWMS Suite software Version 3.5.1 is written in the Java format. It is useful for 3PL, multi-owner and multi-warehouse applications. Vertex Interactive. www.supplychain.pb.com. Write 254

RealTime Data Collection Solutions. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Offered is RT/CIM RF device that transforms a PDA into a bar code scanning device. It is an alternative type of RF equipment and can run Windows CE with an existing PDA. RealTime Data Collection Solutions. E-mail to wboekenk@rtdcs.com. ...

Industrial Data & Information. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Advanced WMS RFI Version 6.0 of this firm's Request for Information software for WMS. The software has more than 900 questions with new questions on manufacturing, RF task management and many other areas to help you sort out various WMS...

Maximum Data Solutions. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... InTouch automatic data collection software, hardware and training is for accurate information gathering about your inventory. It offers modules for receiving dock, warehouse storage and loading dock. Maximum Data Solutions. www.maximumdata.com....

RedPrairie. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Offered is DigitaLogistix (DLx Warehouse) software that handles transportation, worker productivity and distribution management. RedPrairie (formerly McHugh). www.RedPrairie.com. Write 258

Catalyst International. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The CatalystCareSM program is a tailed approach to WMS support service. Users can select different levels of support in terms of telephone access, response time and value-added services. Catalyst International. www.catalystwms.com. Write...

The Ackerman Co. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Task Interleaving -- A Significant Step in Improving Warehouse Productivity is available from The Ackerman Co. at www.warehousing-forum.com. Write 260

Catalyst International. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).
July 1, 2002... CatalystCommand Version 9.0 is open-technology software with an independent browser and new functions including event management, advanced standard material handling interfaces, compliance with industry standards and collaborative commerce...

Datamax. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The Datamax Software Resource Directory offers information on label design software for thermal printers. It covers about a dozen software vendors. Datamax. E-mail to mgreco@datamaxcorp.com. Write 262

iristaWarehouse. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... iristaWarehouse handles basic warehouse functions as well as paper-based or RF picking. It features a labor management and productivity module and tracks lot and serial numbers. It is useful for 3PL applications. irista. www.irista.com. ...

Swisslog. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Flowtrak warehouse analysis software handles warehouse design, layout analysis, overseeing pick and storage locations during warehouse setup and ongoing efficiency studies of pick locations. Swisslog. Phone 800-764-0300. Write 264

Operations Concepts. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... This firm offers consulting services for implementing WMS projects. Operations Concepts. www.operations-concepts.com. Write 265

Lilly Software Associates. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Visual Distribution WMS covers order management, inventory replenishment, procurement, CRM as well as warehouse functions including Visual DCMS RF-WMS. It works well in 3PL applications and connects to a transportation management system. Lilly...

Ann Arbor Computer. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... iView is the first module unveiled for the new pcAIM iSeries of Web-based WMS modules. iView gives visibility into warehouse inventory and order status levels. It allows access to warehouse data through a browser. Ann Arbor Computer....

LIS. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Version 7.2 of Dispatcher-WMS offers event management functions, allowing each user to specify which alerts he wants to receive. Also available is a white paper, "Cost Justification of a WMS." LIS. www.lis-online.com. Write 268

Manhattan Associates. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Version 2002R1 of PkMS offers enhanced yard management, lot management and dynamic routing functions to control activity beyond the four walls of the distribution center, as well as improved receiving and putaway functions. Manhattan...

Integrated Barcoding Systems. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... QuildTrac-Xi uses a wireless fixed or portable data collection terminal to collect information for distribution, manufacturing, warehouse management, fixed asset management and more. It works in tandem with J.D. Edwards' One World ERP software....

Manhattan Associates. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).
July 1, 2002... SmartInfo 2002R1 analyzes data from WMS software, like PkMS, to better manage your operations. It can send warning if certain thresholds are reached, like if space utilization at the distribution center exceeds 85%, etc. Manhattan Associates....

Knapp Software Div. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The WMS-2000 warehouse software allows Internet access and manages all resources, including workers, inventory and the facility. It has multiple languages and is NT and Unix compatible. Knapp Software Div. www.knappusa.com. Write 272

Maximum Data Solutions. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).
July 1, 2002... The InTouch software uses wireless bar coding to automatically collect warehouse data. Five modules include distribution, fixed assets, manufacturing, route and service. Maximum Data Solutions. www.maximumdata.com. Write 273

eSync. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... A white paper by John Hill on return on investment analysis for WMS is available from eSync. www.exsync.com Write 274

iristaWarehouse Express. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... iristaWarehouse Express software offers basic warehouse functions. As a buyer's order volume increases and warehouse operations become more complex, more functions can be activated. irista. www.irista.com. Write 275

TrenStar. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... mybarcode.com software extends SAP's R/3 ERP software with warehouse functions including RFID data collection and mobile data computing. Use it for warehousing, fleet management and more. Catalyst Intl. is a partner that implements...

Provia. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... ViaView 2.0 offers event/alert management and better monitoring of events that take place and those that should have. It searches WMS data for patterns of repetitive events throughout the day, week or month, alerting managers to these patterns....

J.D. Edwards. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Warehouse Management is warehouse software that handles opportunistic crossdocking, system-directed putaway, wave picking, load consolidation, lot/serial number/date control and much more. It handles the UCC/EAN 128 code. J.D. Edwards....

Integrated Warehousing Solutions. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... IRMS warehouse software handles WMS functions including vendor-managed inventory, consignee inventory, remote operations and customer order inquiry. Integrated Warehousing Solutions. www.iws-irms.com. Write 279

Eskay. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Warehouse Rx is scalable WMS from manual operations to fully automated. The system handles up to 90,000 SKUs and is working in applications of 800,000 pieces per day with a capacity to grow to 1.6 million/day. Eskay. www.eskay.com. Write...

Averill M. Law & Assoc. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... ExpertFit is simulation software for modeling distribution centers. Averill M. Law & Assoc. www.averill-law.com. Write 244

AutoSimulations. (Literature Focus: WMS and Related Software).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... AutoMod offers 3-D virtual reality animation graphics of warehouses and distribution centers to help study and improve your operations. AutoSimulations. www.autosim.com. Write 280

Self-propelled lift. (Product News).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The Workforce SkyRider 15 Lift is for restocking shelves and other warehouse and distribution center applications. It has a 500-lb capacity with a cage that accommodates an operator and several boxes. It moves at 2.5 mph in the down position...

Front-and-back labeling. (Product News).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... A swing arm tamp module applies a label to the leading edge or the trailing edge of a case or carton. The tamp arm swings down or from the side. The applicator can be oriented in either a reels-up position or an over-the-product, swing-down...