Modern Materials Handling articles from August 2004

Modern Materials Handling archives from August 2004

Europe's METRO goes full throttle on RFID.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Germany's METRO Group, the world's fourth largest retailer, has set November as the month when 20 consumer products suppliers will begin to place RFID tags on pallets of goods. Another 80 suppliers are scheduled to follow in 2005. And by...

Fast fact.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... $270 billion was spent in 2003 for outsourced value-added logistics services worldwide. Source: 15th annual State of Logistics Report sponsored by CLM

Swisslog completes divestment.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(NORD Holding)(Transnorm)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... With the sale of its Transnorm conveyor group, Swisslog (www.swisslog.com) has completed the sell off of its materials handling equipment divisions. Transnorm was sold to a private equity group called NORD Holding with headquarters in Harsum,...

CLM to become CSCMP.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Council of Logistics Management)(Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The professional association now known as the Council of Logistics Management or CLM (www.clm1.org) has announced it will change its name in 2005. The new name will be the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). "People...

The whisper number for voice.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... "I don't see why sales of voice systems can't hit $500 million a year just four years from now," says Jack LeVan, president and CEO of Vocollect (www.vocollect.com). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What's so notable about that statement is...

Retail distribution makeover.(My View)(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... If you're a long time reader of Modern, you may recognize this month's cover man--Roy Drilon, senior vice president of distribution at Elizabeth Arden. This is actually his second time on the cover, the first in April 1997. He was at...

Real-time data is the future: the key to manufacturing success is gauging performance metrics in real-time, not by static targets, says ARC.(Performance Management)
August 1, 2004... TRYING TO DRIVE YOUR OPERATIONS forward using fixed annual goals to measure performance is like steering a car by looking in the rearview mirror. This was the outlook shared by ARC Advisory Group executives and others at ARC's...

SSA Global acquires Arzoon.(Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... IS SSA GLOBAL (www.ssaglobal.com) a best-of-breed solution provider, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) provider, or both? With SSA's recent purchases of Arzoon, a provider of transportation and global trade management solutions, and...

Stronger demand for trucks and their technology.(Lift Trucks)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... COMING OFF THREE TOUGH YEARS, narrow-aisle trucks are now into the comeback phase, says Jim Malvaso, president and CEO of Raymond (www.raymondcorp.com). Calling the first half of 2004 "pretty exciting" in an exclusive interview with Modern...

Prices down, sales up for industrial computers.(Information Management)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... IF YOU'RE IN THE MARKET for a rugged industrial computer, now may be a good time to purchase such a system. According to a recent report by Venture Development Corporation (www.vdc-corp.com), demand for rugged stationary computers in the...

The next generation of label printers.(RFID)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... TO SAY THE LEAST, the world of radio frequency identification (RFID) is in a state of flux. Class 0 and 1 standards are in place but everyone's waiting for Gen 2 standards. Then there's the matter of determining how to print and apply only...

Places to go.(Calendar)
August 1, 2004... SEPTEMBER 2004 September 13-15 Frontline Solutions USA Chicago, Ill. Sponsor: AIM Global and Advanstar Technology Group Call: 800-477-2446 Web: www.frontlineexpo.com September 13-15 2004 MESA International...

Software maintains cranes and hoists.(Overhead Handling)(CraneMart International)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... KEEPING OVERHEAD CRANES and hoists in top operating condition just got easier. CraneMart International (www.cranemart.com) now offers a comprehensive maintenance software program designed to increase equipment uptime and performance. The...

Appointments/promotions.(People & Companies)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Stephen Ackerman is appointed president of FKI Logistex North America... DeAnn Brunts joins TrenStar Inc. as executive vice president and chief financial officer... Edward Hunter is named president and chief executive officer of Harrington...

Alliances/construction.(People & Companies)
August 1, 2004... EnerSys and Aker Wade Power Technologies, LLC partner to offer fast charge battery solutions... Manhattan Associates, Inc. teams up with Alien Technology Corporation and Microsoft Corporation to develop RFID-in-a-Box... Epicor moves its...

Inventory set to rise after five stagnant years: there could be as much as an 11% increase in inventory volume this current economic cycle.(Outlook)
August 1, 2004... THERE'S A SHIFT COMING IN INVENTORY VOLUME across the economy. And it's going to have an impact not only on the amount of inventory being handled, but on the ability of companies to keep pace. The physical volume of inventory is almost the...

A fresh look at Elizabeth Arden: the cosmetics supplier slashed DC space 60% and invested $5 million in materials handling to streamline distribution.(Warehouse of the Month)(Cover Story)
August 1, 2004... To say the least, Elizabeth Arden's DC in Roanoke, Va. has undergone some significant changes of late. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In the past year, it was expanded from 265,000 to 400,000 square feet. The layout of the facility was...

Jasper puts it in gear: by reconfiguring its transmission assembly area, Jasper Engines increased throughput 36% as it cut lead times.(Manufacturing Spotlight)(Jasper Engine and Transmission Exchange Inc.)
August 1, 2004... When it comes to NASCAR racing, the pit stop is the ultimate materials handling test. Nothing is allowed to slow changing of tires, filling the gas tank or swapping out of any parts that need attention. And it all needs to be done in 20 seconds...

Managing the flow of information.(Information Management)(Interview)
August 1, 2004... Today, more information than ever is available about the supply chain. Like managing water with a dam, how we contain and put that information to best use is the challenge facing supply chain professionals. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Most...

RFID: powering the supply chain; Questions every user needs to answer before implementing RFID.(A Special Supplement: News & Solutions)(Radio Frequency Identification )
August 1, 2004... "RFID is the most exciting thing to happen to the supply chain in the last thirty years... even if it doesn't work." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That is the provocative position of John Hill, a principal with the consulting firm ESYNC...

About Manhattan Associates.(Profile)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Manhattan Associates, Inc., is the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimization solutions. Our Integrated Logistics Solutions enable operational excellence through warehouse, transportation, distributed order management,...

RFID solutions for ERP.(Profile)(Radio Frequency Identification)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... PEAK Technologies is uniquely positioned to provide complete RFID solutions for customers running SAP or Oracle as their ERP system. For nearly two decades, PEAK has helped thousands of companies reduce costs and improve operational...

The EPCglobal US Conference 2004 is the right event.(Profile)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Electronic Product Code[TM] (EPC) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies promise to take supply chain management to new levels. As the place Where Industries Connect, EPCglobal US[TM] engages Subscribers across all industries,...

RFID Smart Printers.(Profile)(Radio Frequency Identification)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... SATO America, a leader in barcode printing since introducing the first thermal transfer barcode printer in 1979, announces the industry's first, complete multi-protocol EPC-compliant UHF RFID solutions! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SATO is...

RFID compliance and beyond.(Profile)(Radio Frequency Identification)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... In the rush to meet today's mandate for RFID compliance, many companies are facing significant investment with the likelihood of very little return. At issue is how to meet the mandated requirements without affecting existing material flow...

RFID tagging solution.(Product Releases)
August 1, 2004... Accu-Sort Systems, world leader in auto-ID, has released its FAST Tag[TM] system for automatically applying and verifying RFID tags on cartons and pallets. Its patented tag-reject mechanism ensures no bad tags enter the supply chain. FAST Tag...

Temperature monitoring solution.(Product Releases)
August 1, 2004... Laudis Systems introduces RFID-enabled real-time tracing, tracking and temperature monitoring solution. The solution uses a low cost, reusable, battery-assisted passive RFID tag with temperature sensor. The Laudis software package improves...

Multi-client, multi-marketing distribution opportunities.(Product Releases)
August 1, 2004... Ozburn-Hessey Logistics has emerged in the 21st century as the nation's leading provider of strategically-placed campus locations offering multi-client, multi-market distribution opportunities. The food & grocery, industrial (including...

Lift truck giants: here's how the world's 20 largest lift truck suppliers fared in the past year's recovering market.(Special Report)(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... By any measure, lift trucks had a much better year in 2003 than the previous two years. Not only were orders up worldwide, but revenues for the largest suppliers moved ahead smartly. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Looking at the five top...

Overhead handling: from monorails to overhead conveyors and cranes, overhead handling opens up floor space without sacrificing speed of movement.(Equipment Report)
August 1, 2004... When it comes to materials handling, most think of the warehouse or plant floor in two dimensions: width and length. The third dimension--the space above the floor--is often ignored. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sure, some facilities run...

The pressure is on grocery distribution.(A Special Supplement)
August 1, 2004... Let there be no doubt about it. The pressure is on in grocery distribution. Miniscule margins, industry consolidation, smaller and more frequent store deliveries, and a proliferation of stock keeping units (SKUs) are some of the basic...

ORBIS[R] Corporation optimizes the supply chain.(Profile)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Plastic reusable packaging products are used to move, store, distribute and merchandise food products within a single operation or entire supply chain. ORBIS understands each loop of the supply chain and provides the necessary packaging...

Complete line of electric forklift trucks provide ultimate material handling soluton for loading.(Profile)(Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp. offers a complete line of AC-powered industrial trucks for an unlimited variety of applications. The trucks provide increased performance while reducing maintenance and handle loads up to 10,000 pounds, reach...

PosiCharge[TM] powers the grocery industry.(Profile)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... For years, PosiCharge[TM] has supported the most profitable grocery, cold storage, and food-related distribution centers in North America, working around the clock in multi-shift operations to ensure efficient management of perishable and...

Improve carton flow.(Product Release)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Roller Rack is a new carton flow system which integrates the concept of traditional flow rack with the flow properties of full-width roller track. Complete track & rack units, Roller Rack is easy to assemble, includes wide-span uprights, a...

RFID-enabled solution.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Supply Chain Advantage is a radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled product suite with tightly integrated software solutions. These include warehouse, yard and transportation management, supply chain visibility and event management,...

WMS offers broad functionality.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... A warehouse management system offers radio frequency identification (RFID) compliance labeling with various print engines. It fully supports global trade item numbers and global location numbers. With this advanced functionality, the software...

WMS for small DCs.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Designed for small distribution facilities, Foxware LITE is a warehouse management system with a full range of capabilities including radio frequency data communications (RFDC). The system supports up to five RFDC users and five workstations....

Streamline order fulfillment.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... A warehouse management system allows users to streamline complex fulfillment operations, making same-day shipments more cost-effective. MOVE 7i improves warehouse operations through advanced supply chain intelligence and management...

Software optimizes shipment cycle.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Voyager transportation planning and management (TPM) software integrated with Voyager WarehousePRO automates and optimizes the entire shipment cycle including planning, shipment execution and freight accounting. The integrated supply chain...

Fine tune warehouse operations.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... All of the physical processes that occur in a DC are managed by one software package. This warehouse management application suite manages order fulfillment from inventory allocation to shipping. With labor management and slotting optimization...

Control inventory and labor.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Incorporating current user-controlled business rules, IRMS warehouse management system (WMS) controls inventory and labor through the entire supply chain cycle. While maintaining serial and lot integrity, the WMS directs such applications as...

Matching RFID to warehouse software.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Three radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled solutions are integrated with Web-based visibility tools to create a real-time, end-to-end supply chain execution solution. The ViaWare software suite comprises solutions for managing...

Monitor the entire production process.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... P3 Collaborative Manufacturing Execution (P3CME) suite creates a common stream of information across the enterprise and manufacturing supply chain by coordinating labor and the movement of materials. It consists of three integrated modules:...

Supply chain integration with third parties.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The supply chain, including third-party systems, are integrated with Supply Chain Platform featuring tactical optimization and workflow management applications. This integrated, adaptive suite extends trading partner networks and forms a...

WMS controls wave management.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Additional functionality for wave management is offered with the ELITE series of warehouse management systems. The set of applications manages the wave processing requirements and coordinates the multiple variables in wave execution such as...

Centralize supply chain information.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... A newly released version of supply chain execution software provides a centralized resource of logistics information for manufacturers, distributors and retailers using single or multiple third-party logistics (3PLs) providers. New features of...

Supply chain software for small-, mid-size DCs.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Designed for small- to mid-size DCs, eBizNET is a supply chain suite tailored for broad-scale functionality but with the framework for quick, easy implementation. Multiple client inventories are managed using its multi-client, multi-site...

WMS for consumer goods distributors.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... A warehouse management system featuring Microsoft .NET is designed to help consumer goods distributors meet customer compliance requirements. Microsoft .NET enables fast, tight integration between warehouse activities and other distribution...

Graphical, easy-to-use yard management tool.(Focus on Supply Chain Execution Software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The latest version of a yard management tool includes a graphical feature, allowing any user to obtain instant visibility of all yard-related assets and inventory. Yard Smart version 3.6 provides the tools to ensure trailers, tractors and...

Apply labels at high speed.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Designed to apply pressure-sensitive labels at high speeds, the Alpha V40 label applicator automatically peels labels from a supply roll and affixes them to items traveling on a conveyor. Labels measuring up to 4.72 inches wide and 19.7 inches...

Plastic pallet for one-way shipments.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Designed for one-way shipping, a low-profile plastic pallet is lightweight and measures 48 X 40 inches. The pallet's low profile makes for maximum cube utilization. Other features include weather and chemical resistance. TriEnda 800-356-8150...

Electric lift trucks are more ergonomic.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Four models of the CRX electric, stand-up counterbalanced lift truck are available in load capacities ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. For operator comfort, the trucks feature a lower step height to the side-stance compartment as well as a...

Durable pallet separator board.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... More durable than plywood, the Grip-Board is a pallet separator board made from recycled, waterproof high-density polyethylene. Its gripping surface reduces material shifting and sliding and temporarily conforms to fit any material. TransPac...

Computer withstands harsh conditions.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... For mobile computer needs in extreme temperatures, the G-Force 850 PC weighs only 3.5 pounds and features an 8.4-inch (diagonal) screen. Operating temperature ranges from 23 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. It also features a 5-hour battery. G-Force...

Containers feature plastic hinges for safety.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... For added safety and durability, the FlapNest 2717-12 containers feature plastic hinges as well as a reinforced lid and wall collars. The containers are stackable and have a 5:1 nesting ratio for efficient return shipping and storage. ...

Shelves hold up to 40,000 pounds.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... A heavy-duty storage unit features powered roll-out shelves with a load capacity of 40,000 pounds per shelf. The unit, measuring up to 40 feet wide and 8 feet deep, eliminates the need for wide aisles to accommodate fork trucks. When operating...

Simplifying orderpicking.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Pick-to-Cart is a workstation for horizontal carousel systems designed to ease orderpicking and minimize floor space requirements. Holding up to 16 totes with individual light modules, the cart is positioned in front of a put-light array. After...

Containers for tall stacking.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Heavy-duty bulk containers that stack up to three-high and nest up to seven-high maximize storage space. Rotationally molded from durable polyethylene in a solid, single-piece design, the Ship Shape bulk containers hold up to 1,500 pounds each....

Cart tilts for easy access.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Holding up to 300 pounds, the TSCT-3 three-tiered stock cart tilts between 0 and 45 degrees for easy access to its three baskets. A hand-operated friction lock screw adjusts the angle of the baskets and includes a 1.5-inch lip around all four...

Conveyor attachments are a snap.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Make conveyors more modular with a variety of Snap-in-Place attachments and accessories. Among these components are exit chutes, metal detectors, a tote stacking system and drop zone reinforcement modules to absorb the shock of impacts. All...

High-speed sorter.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Included in the S-3000 series of sorters is a system designed for high-speed, high-accuracy applications. The S-3000E tilt-tray sorter's electronically controlled tilt mechanism allows precise sorting control while its banking of trays through...

Mobile carts feature adjustable trays.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Versatile and rugged, the Adjust-A-Tray cart features detachable 16-gauge steel trays that can be spaced to accommodate different sized products. Users simply remove and replace trays using wire handles. Available styles include a single-sided...

Rider trucks feature 8,000-pound capacity.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Designed for low-level orderpicking, cold storage and freezer applications, the B60Z and B80Z walkie rider pallet trucks are available in 6,000- and 8,000-pound lift capacities, respectively. Fork lengths range from 48 to 144 inches for load...

Load balancer improves ergonomics.(Product Showcase)(Liftronic EASY )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Liftronic EASY zero-gravity load balancer allows operators to lift a load with minimal effort. Using the balancer's "float mode" control, users can manipulate loads without actuating the control handle, saving time and reducing repetitive...

In-line vehicle sequencing system.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... A radio frequency in-line vehicle sequencing (RF-ILVS) system is designed for sequencing and shipping of single parts or complete kits of parts to automobile manufacturers. Scalable and adaptable to handle various sequencing requirements,...

Casters move heavy loads.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... A line of low-level casters moves heavy loads while minimizing equipment height. Fourteen casters are available in 10 overall heights. Load capacities range from 220 to 1,200 pounds. Wheel materials include nylon, phenolic, polypropylene,...

Automated pallet transfer solution.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... An automated pallet transfer solution eases end-of-line operations. The Shuttle Car transfers full pallet loads from multiple unit load build stations to specific destinations at speeds up to 40 feet per minute. It consists of a powered cart...

Compact lift truck is maneuverable.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Available in gas, LPG and dual fuel, the Platinum Nomad series lift trucks feature pneumatic tires, a compact design and higher ground clearance for enhanced maneuverability inside and outside the warehouse. Load capacities are 3,000, 3,500 and...

RFID applicator writes and verifies tags.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags is easy with the IDT 250R printer/applicator. The system reads, writes, verifies and applies RFID tags in top, bottom and side label applications. Featuring a modular component assembly, the...

Worktable supports up to 450 pounds.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... A hand crank table provides an adjustable working surface with an integrated crank handle. The workstation ranges in height from 30 to 42 inches and supports up to 450 pounds. Its tabletop is coated with an epoxy powder finish that resists...

RFID-enabled warehouse management system.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... A warehouse management system integrates radio frequency identification (RFID) capability for in-transit tracking, lot tracking, inventory management, work-order production, yard management and other applications. ASCTrac Enterprise WMS 5.03...

Computer for RFID applications.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Making radio frequency identification (RFID) compliance easy is the CV 60 vehicle mount computer, which integrates RFID with Bluetooth technology and a wireless base station. With this integrated system, users can easily migrate to RFID...

AGV handles paper rolls.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... An automatic guided vehicle (AGV) handles paper rolls of varying sizes and weights. Available vehicle styles are fork, probe, lift and clamp. Various forms of navigation are also available, including laser. Non-contact bumpers provide...

Versatile work platform.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Featuring a small footprint, a work platform is only 20 inches wide and travels from its lowest height of 10 inches to 46 inches high. It comes with or without guardrails for a wide variety of tasks. Also available with a worktable measuring 20...

Handle long tubes and pipes.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... A new bar cradle cart positions long materials such as tubing and pipe for movement by fork truck. Constructed of heavy-duty structural steel, the cart holds up to 10,000 pounds. It uses a pair of single casters at each end and a pair of...

Lift fits into confined areas.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Lift as much as 350 pounds as high as 25 feet, 4 inches with the 19AMI-DC vertical lift. Ideal for use in confined areas, the lift is only 34 inches wide. Its battery automatically shuts off when the lift is idle and can be recharged using a...

Implement automation systems quickly.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Implement manufacturing automation systems in less time using a collection of pre-designed modules that provide practical reconfiguration, expandability and future change flexibility. The Smart-AutoMotion(SAM) Platform is an advanced transport...

Reduce loading dock accidents.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Standing 44 inches tall, the Dok-Guardian SB-5000 creates a barrier to prevent employees and equipment from falling off an empty dock. The barrier manually spans up to 10 feet, 5 inches and is bright red and yellow for easy visibility. It...

Walkie/rider pallet trucks.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Available in 6,000- and 8,000-pound capacities, walkie and walkie/rider pallet trucks offer increased performance and comfort. Standard features include a 5.1 horsepower drive motor and light touch switches mounted to a soft grip bar for a...

Repair conveyors.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Three types of kits for conveyor replacement parts are available for repairing belts, spindles and drive modules. Each kit contains major service parts to help minimize conveyor downtime during emergency repairs. Installation manuals are also...

RFID tagging system.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Added to the Flexible Automation Solution Tools (FAST) suite is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging system for placing, tracking and verifying RFID tags on cartons and pallets. FAST Tag integrates with existing materials and data...

Worktables in various sizes.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... A line of stainless steel tables is available in more than 400 models and sizes, ranging in widths from 24 to 36 inches and lengths from 24 to 144 inches. All tables include the "uni-lok" gusset two-point welding design to eliminate leg wobble...

Crane remote control is rugged.(Product Showcase)
August 1, 2004... Rugged, compact and lightweight, a belly box remote controller features a sturdy aluminum casing and precise T34 levers. Distinctive handles for the levers and a guard bar help operators discern the controls without looking down. The remote...