Material Handling Management articles from March 2006

Material Handling Management archives from March 2006

Lean's secret ingredient.(Column)
March 1, 2006... I love talking to people involved in lean. Whether they work on the shop floor or in plant management, in distribution or in administration, they are generally happy to describe the process improvements that they've made, and eager to share the...

Nit-picking.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2006... Nice article [A Place for Everything, Everything in Its Place, Feb. 2006, page 27], but you really missed some key points--big time! Product affinity, customer stocking preferences and optimization of material handling equipment are the most...

Transport packaging and cutting-edge RFID.(Transport Packaging)
March 1, 2006... It's tough finding a newspaper or magazine these days that does not have a radio-frequency identification (RFID) story embedded somewhere within its pages. Recently, I was reading an interesting article on the benefits of RFID tags embedded in...

What would Ben say?(Manufacturing Management)
March 1, 2006... This year is the 300th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin. Hence the recent interest in his amazingly productive life as an inventor, businessman and diplomat. What would he say, I wonder, about how U.S. manufacturers should compete...

RFID certification: who do you trust?(Manufacturing Management)
March 1, 2006... Even if you haven't been paying very close attention to material handling equipment news releases, you might be tempted to believe that radio- frequency identification (RFID) readers and encoders are becoming a fairly standard accessory--rather...

Package deal: current suppliers, packaging audits, tradeshows and online shopping, offer valuable information to buyers of packaging equipment and material.(Transport Packaging)
March 1, 2006... When it's time to find the best deal on a piece of packaging equipment or material, buyers should talk first with current suppliers. Other useful sources of direction include third-party auditors, industry tradeshows and the mountain of...

Mail flow: Canada Post aligns its material handling process across the supply chain to serve customers better.(Process Excellence)(Cover story)(Company overview)
March 1, 2006... When most material managers think of lean manufacturing and material handling, they think of the many well-publicized techniques for reducing waste and improving material flow. These tools include setup time reduction, standardized work, five...

First pick: sporting goods retailer uses "continuous batch picking" to give its stores an edge.(Order Picking)
March 1, 2006... A cyclist, or skier, or any athlete that relies on his or her equipment for a competitive edge knows that you are only as good as your gear. In the highly competitive retail industry, Sport Chalet relies on its distribution center--its...

Produce delivered fresh and fast: four Seasons Produce improved inventory accuracy and increased order fill rates when it implemented new warehouse management software and voice technology.(usage of Warehouse Management Software and voice-recognition hardware)
March 1, 2006... It's always "growing season" at Four Seasons Produce. The Ephrata, Pa.-based distributor will deliver more than 11 million cases of produce this year, including organics, in bulk and custom packaging for domestic and export markets. Warehouse...

The right stuff: be a better talent scout: knowing how to interview and hire job candidates is not just for human resource professionals.(Labor Management)
March 1, 2006... Finding the right person to fill a job opening is the most important decision that a manager makes, but it is not an exact science. Taking a few pages from the notebooks of experts can help managers select the right people and create a more...

Ashworth goes for the green: automation and streamlined processes lower the handicap of Ashworth Inc.(Ashworth Inc decided to built a new facility)
March 1, 2006... Sometimes landing a big contract is what pushes a company to make the decision to move to a larger facility. That's what Ashworth Inc. (Carlsbad, Calif.) decided when it acquired the license from Calloway Golf Co. (Carlsbad, Calif.) to design,...

NA06 getting down to business: see the latest material handling equipment and technology at NA2006.(NA06)
March 1, 2006... Welcome to Cleveland, host to the 2006 Material Handling & Logistics Show and Conference (NA2006) sponsored by the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA). Bring your coat to ward off the crisp March weather; NA2006 takes place March...

Walkway grating.(New Technology On Display at NA2006)
March 1, 2006... Press lock bar grating for mezzanine walkways and racking systems has a range of spacing capabilities. The grating is well suited for many architectural applications and other grating uses. Ohio Gratings, Inc., www.ohiogratings.com ...

Automated load transfer.(New Technology On Display at NA2006)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... This new forked-type automated-guided vehicle (AGV) is designed to automatically load truck trailers. The vehicle, using standard dock equipment, efficiently delivers and loads pallets of goods into standard, over-the-road trailers. It is...

Wireless data collection system.(New Technology On Display at NA2006)
March 1, 2006... The DataSure wireless system automates data collection, improving speed and accuracy compared to manual recording. It consists of three elements: miniature radios that connect to the data output ports of electronic tools, a USB or serial port...

No-Shock dock levelers.(New Technology On Display at NA2006)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Loading dock levelers are designed to minimize the potential for chronic personal injuries at the loading dock resulting from dock shock. The line of hydraulic, air-powered and mechanical levelers is engineered to improve dock productivity and...

Adaptable fulfillment system.(Kiva Mobile Fulfillment System)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Kiva Mobile Fulfillment System employs hundreds of low-cost mobile robots to bring inventory shelving pods directly to operators resulting in triple the number of orders picked per hour per person. The system can be installed in one day and...

Stronger links to supply chains.(New Technology On Display at NA2006)
March 1, 2006... The upgraded Supply Chain Advantage 8.0 include integration between the software's warehouse management system and Vocollect voice-enabled technology. New replenishment functions include top-off and quantity-based replenishments as well as...

Stretch wrappers read RFID.(New Technology)(Radio Frequency Identification )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Available on all Wulftec semi-automatic and automatic machines, this wireless RFID reader is attached to the machine's film-feeding unit, allowing it to read RFID tags continuously as the pallet load rotates during the wrapping process. This...

Cost-efficient inflatable cushioning system.(New Technology On Display at NA2006)
March 1, 2006... The NewAir I.B. 200 packaging system automatically inflates and dispenses 3/4-inch height patented Barrier Bubble cushioning material. The material retains more than 95% of its original thickness and absorbs 60% more transmitted shock than...

Fuel-efficient and dependable lift trucks.(New Technology On Display at NA2006)
March 1, 2006... The new S30-40FTS Fortis line of lift trucks features a multi-tiered engine-transmission configuration that improves fuel efficiency. The new drive axle, transmission, and a redesigned hydraulic system, increase the trucks' dependability. ...

Pro-series stretch wrapper.(New Technology )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Features of the new 4,000-lb. capacity, pallet stretch-wrapping machines from ARPAC Group include a new design that encloses chains in the tower frame for safer operation. The machines come standard with LED wrap counters, top-over-wrap...

Split-tray sortation system.(GBI Data and Storage Systems)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Split-Tray carrier design incorporates two independent trays on the same carrier. This allows each side tray to tip independently of the adjacent tray traveling on the same carrier. When using the split-tray on a high-speed tilt-tray sorter,...

Handheld computer for inventory management.(New Technology On Display at NA2006)
March 1, 2006... The GL 800 mobile handheld computer is designed for scan-intensive retail, warehouse and distribution applications for inventory management, cross-docking, receiving, put-a-way, picking and shipping. The units run Windows CE.Net with an Intel...

Horizontal carousel, vertical lift module, WES.(product enhancement)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Diamond Phoenix horizontal carousel features a new closed-loop control that gives smoother rotation. Upgrades to its SMARTdepot Vertical Lift Module include a new controls platform, height detection system and sensors that improve unit cycle...

Warehouse truck departure safety.(New Technology On Display at NA2006)
March 1, 2006... The Salvo Dock Interlock dock safety system is designed to prevent unscheduled truck departure from warehouse loading docks. It works by establishing a procedural link between the trailer and the dock door, forcing the driver to lock out the...

AGV can load trailers.(New Technology )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... SmartLoader automatic guided vehicle (AGV) can move unit loads around a warehouse 24 hours/day, seven days/week. It can deliver palletized loads in multiple configurations from palletizer output, rack or staging areas into an over-the-road...

Motor-driven roller conveyor controllers.(product introduction)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Holjeron's new DK100 Microroller driver module offers closed loop speed control to within [+ or -]1 motor RPM for the same price as competing non-microprocessor-based control systems. Other controllers for motor-driven roller conveyor systems...

Conveyor flange adapter.(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The 700 Series Conveyor Flange Adapter is designed for increased control and lower maintenance costs on material handling conveyors. The direct-mount worm gear speed reducer replaces costly and heavy chain drive mounted on many material...

Servo electric manipulator.(product information of y-man servo electric manipulator)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The Y-MAN servo electric manipulator features instantaneous response to operator commands. Light and stable construction makes it suitable for material handling and lift-assist applications. A servo drive conversion retrofit kit lets current...

Web-based fulfillment.(Cadre Technologies provides a web based customer self service component )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Cadence Fulfillment System provides a web-based customer self-service component that allows customers to search for and order products within the warehouse database. The real-time, integrated system manages all warehouse inventory and...

RFID-tagged NASCAR tires level racing field.(radio frequency identification tags )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (Akron, Ohio) has the pole position at the start of the 2006 auto-racing season with a new tire leasing program for NASCAR's top three series--the Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck series races. The...

U.S. manufacturing innovation at risk.(reports of manufacturing innovation)(united states)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... There are five clear warning signs pointing toward downward trends in U.S. manufacturing innovation, writes Dr. Joel Popkin and Kathryn Kobe in a new report underwritten by the The Manufacturing Institute and the Council of Manufacturing...

On the job.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... "I don't think Sharon's new bullhorn is what the consultant meant when he said we should invest in "voice-directed technology.'"

OSHA and IWLA renew alliance.(U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration alliance with International Warehouse Logistics Association)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA, Des Plaines, Ill.) renewed a two-year alliance to promote worker safety and health in the areas of lift truck operation,...

RFID talent pool shallow.(surveys of radio-frequency technology)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The lack of employees skilled in radio-frequency technology (RFID) technology is going to negatively impact the adoption of RFID, according to a new survey released by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA, Dallas). "RFID...

Most employees are unaware of company strategies.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Most employees don't know their company's overall business strategies and are not engaged in their jobs, according to a recent study by Right Management Consultants, a career transition and organizational consulting firm. A survey of 336...

U.S. Defense Dept. expands RFID contract with Savi Tech.(united states Department of Defense increased its radio-frequency identification contract wtih Savi Technology )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) increased its RFID II contract value with Savi Technology (Sunnyvale, Calif.) from $207.9 million to $424.5 million and extended the ordering period for the company's active radio-frequency identification...

Philips produces RFID tags using plastic electronics.(radio-frequency identification)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Scientists at Philips Research (Eindhoven, the Netherlands) created a fully functional 13.56-MHz, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag based entirely on plastic electronics. In contrast to conventional silicon-chip-based RFID tags, the...

SICK marks 30 year anniversary, $100-million revenue milestone.(SICK, Inc celebrated its 30th anniversary)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... SICK, Inc. (Minneapolis), a provider of sensors, safety systems and automatic identification products, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. The company also announced that it achieved record revenues in 2005, exceeding $100 million in...

TGW-Ermanco Inc. Opens new assembly and technology center.(Assembly and Technology Center facilities)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... TGW-Ermanco Inc. (Spring Lake, Mich.) opened a new 7,000 sq.-ft. Assembly and Technology Center. Assembly of unit load conveyor is already under way at the new plant. It includes an eductional center where attendees can learn about TGW-Ermanco...

St. Onge names new leaders, sets date for founders' retirement.(appointments of Michael Jones and Lloyd Morgan)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The St. Onge Co. (York, Penn.), a supply-chain and logistics engineering company, announced that Michael Jones, 36, has been appointed president, and Lloyd Morgan, 44, assumed the newly created role of global executive vice president. For the...

FKI Logistex starts making AS/RS cranes in the U.S.(FKI Logistex manufacturing its hybrid as/rs cranes in the united states)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... To support the growing North American market for automated storage and retrieval (AS/RS) systems, FKI Logistex (St. Louis) is now manufacturing its hybrid AS/RS cranes in the United States at its plant in St. Louis. "Many of our North...

Kuka partners with transbotics.(Vendor News)
March 1, 2006... KUKA Robotics Corp. (Clinton Township, Mich.), a manufacturer of industrial robots, signed Transbotics Corp. of Charlotte, N. C. as its newest system partner. Transbotics is an integrated solutions provider specializing in automated guided...

UPS rebrands overnite.(Vendor News)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Customers will begin seeing new uniforms and newly branded Overnite trucks on May 1. The rebranding includes a move to the UPS (Atlanta) logo; new colors-a gray reminiscent of the Overnite gray combined with UPS's signature brown, and the...

EPA recognizes crown for environmental performance.(Environmental Protection Agency recognized Crown Equipment Corp for its waste minimization efforts)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized Crown Equipment Corp. (New Bremen, Ohio) for its waste minimization efforts. Company representatives accepted an Achievement Award from the National Partnership for Environmental...

Prime-mover brand lift trucks discontinued.(Vendor News)
March 1, 2006... BT Prime-Mover is withdrawing the Prime-Mover brand from the market and terminating the marketing and production of all Prime-Mover products. The company will accept orders for Prime-Mover products through July 20, 2006, and will continue to...

OKI systems to relocate.(Vendor News)
March 1, 2006... OKI Systems Ltd., which sells and services material handling and dock equipment, will be moving its corporate headquarters to Evendale, Ohio (outside of Cincinnati) in October 2006. The company plans to renovate and add 60,000 sq. ft. to an...

Change at the top for Pacline.(Vendor News)
March 1, 2006... Karl Scholz, formerly general manager for Pacline Overhead Conveyors (Mississauga, Ontario) acquired 100% of the outstanding shares in the company. Outgoing president Paul Geddes, has retired after 25 years in the business. In his new role as...

American electric power signs $32 million contract with FMC.(contracts between FMC Technologies Inc and American Electric Power )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The Material Handling Systems division of FMC Technologies, Inc. (Houston) signed a $32 million contract with American Electric Power (AEP, Columbus, Ohio) for the design, supply and installation of a limestone and gypsum handling system for...

Eaton Corp. selects Penske to lead European logistics.(contracts between Penske Logistics and Eaton Corp)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Penske Logistics (Amsterdam) announced that Eaton Corp. (Cleveland) has selected Penske to serve as its lead logistics provider in Europe. Under the new agreement, Penske Logistics will provide transportation management services, which includes...

Nestle USA implements warehouse optimization pallet software.(Nestle united states implemented pallet software)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Nestle USA has implemented Warehouse Optimization LLC's APAL AutoPalletP3 and AutoLoaderT3 in five of its distribution centers. AutoPalletP3 case picking and pallet building software helps build stable and effective pallet loads. AutoLoaderT3...

Accu-Sort Systems receives RFID innovation award.(Accu-Sort Systems Inc received frost & sullivan market award )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Accu-Sort Systems Inc. (Philadelphia) received the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Market Award for Product Line Strategy. The global consulting company recognized Accu-Sort for its ability to evaluate the business processes and successfully integrate...

"Two-buck Chuck" winery partners with IFS.(Bronco Wine Co contracts)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Bronco Wine Co. (Ceres, Calif.), signed a contract to implement software from IFS (Linkoping, Sweden) for supply chain management, product design, corporate performance management, and quality management, at its headquarters and crush-and-store...

Specialty paper company installs RedPrairie software.(Warehouse software installations)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... With more than 100 corporate-owned retail stores, Papyrus Corp. (Fairfield, Calif.) ships specialty paper to thousands of retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company manages all distribution through a 210,000-sq.-ft. facility in...

AIDC industry leader receives Percival Award.(Automatic Identification and Data Capture)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... AIM Global (Warrendale, Pa.), presented the 2006 Don Percival Award to Dr. Patrick F. King, global electronics strategist for Group Michelin (Clermont-Ferrand, France). King's leadership helped establish a single tire standard. He continues to...

Documentary tells the history of shipping containers.
March 1, 2006... A new film (The Container Story, $29.95) documents how Malcom McLean, a farmer's son from North Carolina, turned a metal box into one of the more influential inventions of the past century. The documentary features interviews with key figures...

RadioShack to close two DCs.(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... RadioShack (Fort Worth, Texas) announced that it will close 400 to 700 company-owned stores and two distribution centers in Southaven, Miss., and Charleston, S.C. The company's profits fell 62% in the fourth quarter of last year, from a net...

Brightpoint North America expands capacity to support growth.(Brightpoint, Inc facilities)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Mobile electronics device distributor Brightpoint, Inc. (Plainfield, Ind.) recently leased a new facility to expand its operational capacity. The new 321,000-sq.-ft. facility in Plainfield, Ind. adds to the company's existing 560,000 square...