Material Handling Management articles from October 2004

Material Handling Management archives from October 2004

Don't dis wedded bliss.(impact of mergers and acquisitions)(Editorial)
October 1, 2004... Wherever you travel in the U.S., you'll read about mergers and acquisitions in the business section of the local newspaper. These items are as common as wedding announcements. You don't read much about the divorces in either case, however. Half...

How MH planning cheated Charley.(News Briefs)
October 1, 2004... "If we have a misfortune, it's not our customers' misfortune." That's what Jack Phelan, chairman, Advanced Handling Systems (AHS), told MHM on a bright February day. He was standing outside his newly built world headquarters. Seventy-two...

Four elected to Packaging Hall of Fame.(News Briefs)(Lawrence Starr)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Four career-long packaging professionals--Dr. Raymond Bourque, Audrey Marsh King, Stanley Kopecky and Lawrence Starr--will be inducted into the Packaging Hall of Fame during an awards reception at the Hyatt McCormick Hotel on November 7, in...

RFID in the supply chain seminar.(News Briefs)(Northeast Ohio WERCouncil)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Northeast Ohio WERCouncil and the Center for Information Technology and E-Business (CITE) will co-sponsor a half-day seminar November 19 at the Paul E. Martin University Center on the campus of the University of Akron. Time is 7:30 a.m. to...

AITC provides increased data security.(News Briefs)(Advanced Information Technology Center)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... CSX Technology and TNT Logistics North America have announced a co-hosting data security agreement that will supplement TNT Logistics' information technology infrastructure. CSX's Advanced Information Technology Center (AITC) will provide...

Committee to help guide global public policy.(News Briefs)(EPC Public Policy Steering Committee )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... EPCglobal Inc. and representatives of various industry sectors that are implementing RFID and electronic product code (EPC) technologies have formed the EPC Public Policy Steering Committee to foster open dialogue with key audiences around...

Letters to the editor.(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... I recently read Bert Moore's article AIDC in the Warehouse: Hardware's Easy; Software's Hard (August 2004; http://www.MHMonline.com/view-Story.asp?nID=3625&iID=20883). You might want to modify the title to Hardware's Easy; Software's Hard;...

Siemens re-brands division.(News Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Siemens has finalized the integration of Siemens Dematic Corp. of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Siemens Dematic Postal Automation L.P. of Arlington, Texas; and Siemens Dematic Electronic Assembly Systems of Norcross, Georgia. The combined...

Hill honored with Reed-Apple Award.(News Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... John Hill, principal of Esync, was given the Reed-Apple Award at the annual Material Handling Education Foundation banquet held during the fall meeting of the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA). This is one of the most prestigious...

Managers making news.(Appointments)
October 1, 2004... Savi Technology has named Mary Ellen Genovese as chief financial officer, Paula Camporaso as vice president of information technology and Steve Burman as vice president of manufacturing operations and quality assurance. Orbis Corporation...

Angled label holders are clearly visible.(Work Station Labeling: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

Free packing area design guide.(Packing Function: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

Modular conveyor systems offer versatility.(Conveyor Systems: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

Double coverage--up to 6-foot-wide mezzanine openings.(Safety Gates: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

LP gas lift truck works in 7 ft. aisles.(Narrow Aisle Forklift: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

Legacy Platinum System.(Power Systems: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

Telescoping lifter provides safe, stable handling.(Telescoping Lifter: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

Metal Halide dock lights--brighter and energy efficient.(Dock Lights: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

Precision lifting.(Lifting Device: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

Interroll's HTBL roller offers 70% more torque.(Powered Conveyor Rollers: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

Modular ergonomic industrial workstations.(Workstations: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Choose from basic four leg stations, handcrank 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...

Style 840[TM] woven wire partitions.(Wire Partitions: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

New brushless AC-powered, three-wheel lift trucks are durable and maneuverable.(Lift Trucks: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

Export and domestic pallets.(Presswood Pallets: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

EASYLABEL[R] software RFID enabled.(Labeling Software: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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,...

Find it quickly and easily at the new www.MHMonline.com.(Material Handling Resources: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
October 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...

Inventory and transportation management.(Ask the MHM Editorial Advisory Board)
October 1, 2004... How has the concept of inventory management--and its strategic importance to your company--changed throughout your logistics career? Has it become intertwined with transportation management, and, if so, how big a part does transportation...

Small scanner.(Cutting Edge)
October 1, 2004... The CLV 405 scanner is only 1.75 in. X 1.17 in. X 0.85 in., yet has a scan rate of 300 to 1,000 Hz and a reading range of 2 to 10 in. Applications include robotics, clinical analyzers, electronics, document handling and read-after-print in...

Quiet mezzanine.(Cutting Edge)
October 1, 2004... A dampening system for mezzanines handles applications where sound and vibration are detrimental. The system was originally created to solve specific acoustic suppression needs of the U.S. Postal Service and the 2004 Republican National...

Precision scales.(Cutting Edge)
October 1, 2004... SAW scales feature surface acoustic wave technology for increased accuracy. Applications include formulation, parts counting, pharmaceuticals and general weighing. Load sensors may be designed for lower strain for higher safety overload...

Mirror warning.(Cutting Edge)
October 1, 2004... The Mirror Alert protects 3-way intersections from lift truck accidents. It turns a passive mirror into an active alarm. A Directional Worker Alert is placed on the wall of the active aisle. A sensor on the lift truck triggers the mirror. The...

Calendar.(Calendar)
October 1, 2004... October 19 Logistics & Supply Chain Execution Seminar. Willis Conference Center, Nashville. Sponsored by the Logistics Execution Systems Association of MHIA. Visit www.mhia.org or phone 800-345-1815. October 25-27 Industrial Ethernet...

Battling bugs with electrons.(Transport Packaging)(Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade)(Editorial)
October 1, 2004... Just as cooler weather began moving in to Northern Ohio, and I stopped thinking about insect problems in the forest, a call from a reader poured in, asking what's new surrounding bug issues and solid wood transport packaging material. I...

Make the most of mergers: how material handling and logistics operations are managed can determine the success of mergers and acquisitions.(Cover Story)
October 1, 2004... Most mergers and acquisitions are failures. According to a study by KPMG looking into the success of these deals, 83 percent were unsuccessful in producing any business benefit in terms of shareholder value. What's missing in many cases is...

Pack Expo International: meeting packaging's challenges: the changing, growing requirements of packaging professionals require education and hands-on experience.
October 1, 2004... What's new with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology? What are the latest anti-counterfeiting packaging options? How can you increase packaging line performance? Answers to these questions and many others will be provided at the...

Association report: PMMI: commitment to its industry and membership has advanced this association to world leadership.(Interview)
October 1, 2004... The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) has been around since 1933. This trade association for manufacturing companies in the packaging industry now numbers 509 members. It held its first Pack Expo trade show in Cleveland in...

The big money in warehousing.(Warehousing & Distribution)
October 1, 2004... Want to see who's making the big bucks in warehousing? Visit your vice president of logistics' office. If that's you, then look in the mirror. According to the 2004 Study of Warehousing Salaries and Wages, conducted by the Warehousing Education...

Stop training your warehouse employees; invest in human capital through education. The dividends are faster and more rewarding.(Warehousing & Distribution)
October 1, 2004... Whether your distribution center is in North Dakota where unemployment levels are three percent, or Alaska where the number climbs above seven percent, finding the right person for the job is a challenge. And once the person is in the building,...

Fallacies of Logistics Productivity Management.(Warehousing & Distribution)
October 1, 2004... Productivity management represents perhaps the lowest-hanging fruit for companies interested in reducing supply chain and distribution costs. With its accelerated return on investment, a productivity management system delivers a rapid,...

Gilmer doubles handling without double handling; whether you're a vendor, a middleman or a manufacturer, success is judged by how smartly you manage supply chain flow. This innovator's smarts start in the warehouse, where flow is managed two pallets at a time.(MHM Innovator of the Month)(Gilmer Warehouse & Logistics)
October 1, 2004... Gilmer Warehouse & Logistics has been providing logistical support for paper mills across South Georgia for years. Gilmer's new (2004) 320,000-square-foot Perry, Georgia, facility is dedicated to backing Graphic Packaging International Inc.,...

Are you a social problem?(Manufacturing Management)
October 1, 2004... Did you know you were a social problem? Seems you're doing so well in terms of productivity, efficiency and automation in general that you and your company and thousands of other American producers are not going to hire anywhere near as many...

From pirating to privacy.(Controls & Systems)
October 1, 2004... Ah, the benefits of outsourcing. Lower costs. Lower employee benefits. More profits. Broader markets. No unions. Pirated software. And now, data insecurity. Pirated software is only one potential problem material handlers need to consider...

The cantilevered gravity trailer loader automates loading in distribution and warehousing applications.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The cantilevered gravity trailer loader automates loading in distribution and warehousing applications. Its wide design increases accumulation capacity. The cantilever base and three-stage telescoping booms retract to conserve floor space. PVC...

The CSW inclined conveyor features corrugated sidewall construction and vulcanized cleats that prevent material from falling off or becoming trapped under the belt.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The CSW inclined conveyor features corrugated sidewall construction and vulcanized cleats that prevent material from falling off or becoming trapped under the belt. Belt widths range from 12 to 36 in.; cleat heights of 1 to 3 in. on 12-, 24- or...

The Whispersort sorts both light and heavy cartons.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The Whispersort sorts both light and heavy cartons. Divert spurs are available in single-sided and X configurations. Specifications include overall width: 46, 52, 58 in.; divert angles: 20[degrees], 30[degrees]; length: to 700 ft; speed: 200 to...

The CSR20 conveyor is ideal for moving small parts.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The CSR20 conveyor is ideal for moving small parts. It uses two 2mm-diameter round belts per conveyor. Standard belt lengths between pulleys range from 132 to 500mm; widths range from 10 to 200mm. Custom lengths and speeds are also available....

These standard-duty magnetic conveyors are completely sealed and self-lubricating.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... These standard-duty magnetic conveyors are completely sealed and self-lubricating. Only 3 3/8 in. high, the conveyors feature a stainless steel slider bed, and are available in straight, L-style or Z-style configurations. Prab Inc. ...

The VO-Series vertical offset conveyor is part of the company's WhisperTrax modular flexible line.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The VO-Series vertical offset conveyor is part of the company's WhisperTrax modular flexible line. Product can be oriented horizontally at the beginning and end of the conveyor before and after elevation. The angles of the vertical curves can...

These low-profile conveyors feature an open-side stand design for quicker belt changes.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... These low-profile conveyors feature an open-side stand design for quicker belt changes. Cantilever-style mounting to one side of the stand permits legs on the stand's opposite side to stop short of the conveyor frame, eliminating obstructions...

The AquaPruf line of sanitary, wash-down conveyors serves the food, medical and pharmaceutical industries.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The AquaPruf line of sanitary, wash-down conveyors serves the food, medical and pharmaceutical industries. The line includes the 7200 and 7300 series. Features include sealed bearings, flat belt and cleated belt end drive models, 60-lb load...

The CDLR (chain-driven, live roller) conveyor offers 5-ton capacity while handling loads as short as 18 in.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The CDLR (chain-driven, live roller) conveyor offers 5-ton capacity while handling loads as short as 18 in. It has 3.5-in.-diameter rollers close-spaced on 4.88-in. centers. Independent zones are powered by 3 hp drives and photoelectric sensors...

The PowerTrac aluminum frame conveyor features V-guide belt tracks that eliminate belt drift and keeps belts centered.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The PowerTrac aluminum frame conveyor features V-guide belt tracks that eliminate belt drift and keeps belts centered. Low-profile models are only 1.875 in. high, 2 to 24 in. wide, and to 20 ft long. Medium-profile models are 3.875 in. high, 4...

The combination VMC electromagnetic conveyor/metal detector units reduce the danger of metal contaminants in conveyed products.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The combination VMC electromagnetic conveyor/metal detector units reduce the danger of metal contaminants in conveyed products. Standard tray sizes range from 18 to 48 in. wide by 5 to 20 ft. long. The conveyor can be built to USDA...

A modified loop-to-loop chain-driven roller conveyor is designed with minimum pressure accumulation wheels.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... A modified loop-to-loop chain-driven roller conveyor is designed with minimum pressure accumulation wheels. The wheels are retained on 1-3/16-in. diameter drive shafts with locking collars, allowing free rotation. The conveyed product can be...

The Valu-Lift is a 4-strand, continuous lift, light-duty conveyor.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The Valu-Lift is a 4-strand, continuous lift, light-duty conveyor. Standard lifting heights range from 8 to 14 ft. Maximum unit load size is 21-in. long by 16-in. wide by 22-in. high with weight capacity of 50 lb. Its platform design consists...

The Accupass pick-and-pass transfer conveyor provides excellent package control.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The Accupass pick-and-pass transfer conveyor provides excellent package control. Its modular design minimizes installation time. Motorized rollers handle up to 30 packages per minute and weight capacity to 75 lb. Utilizing a modular wiring and...

The Flex Flow accumulator adjusts automatically to the changing pace of production flow.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The Flex Flow accumulator adjusts automatically to the changing pace of production flow. It offers side transfer at the in-feed and discharge points. At other corners, the accumulator drives product around the radius, preventing locking or...

The Unibilt 348 power & free conveyor combines X-348 power chain with Unibilt standard enclosed track for a compact profile and quieter operation.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The Unibilt 348 power & free conveyor combines X-348 power chain with Unibilt standard enclosed track for a compact profile and quieter operation. Advantages include reduced costs, increased performance, rivetless power chain, unassisted...

The Model PSB plastic belt conveyor can be used as a transport belt on conveyors with right-angle pushers/pull-offs to maintain belt tracking.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The Model PSB plastic belt conveyor can be used as a transport belt on conveyors with right-angle pushers/pull-offs to maintain belt tracking. Users can transport, accumulate and utilize right-angle diverts with ease. Standard widths are 12, 18...

The ZRF-P 2040.02 line of timing belt conveyor systems is designed for accurate product staging and indexing.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The ZRF-P 2040.02 line of timing belt conveyor systems is designed for accurate product staging and indexing. Belt widths range from 40 to 400mm with dual or multiple lanes possible to handle wider requirements. Lengths range from 650 to...

AC-powered lift truck.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The AC-power E45-65Z series of lift trucks provides superior torque, speed capabilities, reliability and thermal performance throughout the entire discharge cycle. The brushless design cuts maintenance costs. Powered by a standard 36-volt or...

Pivot Arm sorter.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The Pivot Arm sorter provides throughput rates between 30 and 75 cartons per minute depending on conveyor speed and carton size. It can be configured as a single-side or bidirectional sorter. Easily integrated into belt or roller conveyor...

Stacker lift trucks.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... The new ST 3000 and SX 3000 stackers are capable of lifting up to 168 in. of wood or plastic pallets, skids, metal containers or wire baskets over rough floors and in congested work areas. The ST 3000 handles loads to 2,000 lb, and offers four...

Replacement batteries.(Conveyor Spotlight)
October 1, 2004... These batteries meet or exceed OEM specifications. Cells are supplied by Sanyo, Toshiba, Panasonic and Sony. The company helps users manage battery lifecycle from correct storage and maintenance to proper disposal and recycling. Honeywell...