Modern Materials Handling articles from February 2005

Modern Materials Handling archives from February 2005

Where slap-and-ship fits.(BREAKING NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW)(RFID Equipment)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... ALTHOUGH GENERALLY THOUGHT TO BE THE MOST COMMON METHOD OF APPLYING RFID LABELS in DCs, slap-and-ship (slap a printed label on the case manually then ship) is not as prevalent as once believed. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A study recently...

Innovator remembered.(BREAKING NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW)(George G. Raymond, Jr. died )(Obituary)
February 1, 2005... George G. Raymond, Jr., president of The Raymond Corporation from 1953 to 1977 and chairman from 1978 to 1994, passed away recently at the age of 83. Under his leadership, The Raymond Corporation (www.raymondcorp.com) grew from $5 million in...

Public warehousing--$25 billion plus.(BREAKING NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The U.S. public warehousing industry market is now $25.7 billion, according to a study conducted by Armstrong & Associates. After-tax profitability is 2.7%. Public warehousing covered includes third-party logistics providers and other contract...

Software companies merge.(BREAKING NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW)
February 1, 2005... TECSYS Inc., a supply chain management software provider, has signed a letter of intent to acquire bar code software developer, Application Solutions Inc. (ASI). TECSYS (www.tecsys.com) made the acquisition to develop ASI's RFID projects and to...

Fast fact.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... 39,167 The number of OSHA workplace inspections in 2004. Source: OSHA www.osha.gov

Process, process, process.(MY VIEW)(Column)
February 1, 2005... AS I WAS WALKING AROUND McCORMICK Place South on the final day of ProMat last month, a thought struck me. Typically, this show is all about new products. And for sure, there were plenty. Just see our reports of press conferences held beginning...

ProMat sets the stage for a strong 2005: the year's largest North American materials handling show gave every indication that equipment and system demand will remain strong.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)
February 1, 2005... Last month at Chicago's McCormick Place South, ProMat 2005 hosted more than 36,000 attendees, many of whom were there with specific materials handling projects and budgets in mind. And they certainly had plenty of opportunity to see the latest...

Productivity winners honored.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Modern Materials Handling magazine honored the industry's best at its 15th annual Productivity Awards Dinner. This year's dinner was sponsored by Intelligrated, a platinum sponsor, and silver sponsors Foxfire Technologies, The Progress Group,...

Automatic battery changer unveiled.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Materials Transportation Company (www.mtcon-line.com) debuted the Intell-A-Changer fully-automated battery changing system. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Intell-A-Changer is designed to change batteries in automatic guided vehicles...

Diamond Phoenix introduces software package.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... At ProMat, Diamond Phoenix (www.diamondphoenix.com) introduced The Diamondware Warehouse Execution System (WES) 3.0. The software synchronizes order fulfillment, materials handling and shipping systems, bringing many execution-level functions...

Raymond urges caution with lift truck innovations.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(conferences of Raymond Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... During a ProMat press conference, Jim Malvaso, Raymond's president and CEO, said Raymond (www.raymondcorp.com) is researching and testing lift trucks outfitted with emerging technologies like RFID readers, hydrogen fuel cells and vision...

Automated orderpicking system.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Nedcon USA inc)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... DLS USA (www.nedcon-usa.com) announced a fully automated, high-speed case picking system designed to handle the wide variety of products commonly found in food and beverage DCs. The DLS Order Release Module system is capable of processing high...

Save space with new VLM.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Remstar International, Inc. (www.remstar.com) announced the release of its new Shuttle XP vertical lift module (VLM). The Shuttle XP shelves can be re-organized to adjust to multiple business needs. The shuttle door provides security while...

Intelligent conveyor.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Siemens Logistics and Assembly )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... A new line of conveyors introduced by Siemens Logistics and Assembly (www.usa.siemens.com/logisticsassembly) feature intelligence. Independent belt and roller conveyor modules are pre-engineered and pre-wired. That reduces installation time...

Drum motors introduced to North American market.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... A complete line of internally powered drum motors to drive conveyor systems has been introduced by BDL America (www.bdlamerica.com). Also known as motorized pulleys, the conveyor drive systems feature the motor, transmission and bearings...

InSight builds a smarter conveyor.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(InSight Automation)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... InSight Automation's Convey TraxIP is the world's first conveyor to have an onboard computer system that tracks products flowing on its rails, according to Randy Combs, president of InSight (www.insightautomation.cc). The system can be...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
February 1, 2005... In the December 2004 issue of Modern, a story entitled "Hyster launches new line" erroneously printed Reginald Eklund's title. Eklund serves as president and CEO of NACCO Materials Handling Group. David O'Dell is president of Hyster Company.

ESYNC develops assessment tool.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The RFID assessment, introduced last month by ESYNC (www.esync.com), is powered by a software tool that compares different strategies to determine the most cost-effective solution for complying with an RFID mandate, according to John Sidell, a...

New conveyor control system.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Holjeron)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... A new control system for connecting powered roller control zones from Holjeron (www.holjeron.com) requires less installation time, field wiring and cabling. Holjeron is a subsidiary of Matthews International Corp. (www.matthewsmarking.com). ...

HK offers affordable DC automation.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Integrating HK Systems' automated storage and retrieval machine design, the HK3000/RF (rotating fork) offers an automated materials handling option for warehouse operators with conventional turret trucks or people considering the layout for a...

Storage cabinet debuts.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Rousseau Metal Inc)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Rousseau Metal (www.rousseaumetal.com) has released its new heavy-duty storage cabinet featuring multiple modular drawers. The cabinet, available in both stationary and mobile configurations, is offered in 12 different colors. ...

Orion touts lighting as route to cost savings.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Orion Lighting and Energy Services Inc.)
February 1, 2005... At a ProMat press conference, Stephan Heins, Orion's vice president of communications, presented case history examples that show energy savings of up to 50% annually via improved lighting. Wisconsin-based printer Quad/Graphics, for instance, is...

Colson Caster president introduced.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Colson Caster Corporation (www.colsoncaster.com) introduced at ProMat a new president, Charles Bub, who joined the company in November. "We will continue to design and engineer new product advancements, particularly in the areas of higher...

Software reduces sales costs.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... A software tool can increase profit margins by as much as 5% for materials handling companies selling complex component or modular based-products, according to Johan Lyreborn, managing director of Configura (www.configura.com). "The...

Yale launches efficiency options.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Yale Materials Handling Corporation (www.yale.com) has unveiled the Veracitor VX line of internal combustion engine lift trucks, and a new manufacturing process that adapts a number of the manufacturing techniques used in the automotive...

CODEplus demonstrates RFID solutions.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... CODEplus (www.code-plus.com) has released two new RFID products designed for users faced with compliance mandates. The first is a software system for tag and ship operations. The system integrates with any RFID reader, printer or scanner to...

Automotive aftermarket retailer selects Vocollect.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Vocollect (www.vocollect.com) announced that O'Reilly Automotive, Inc. has selected the company to implement its voice-directed picking solution to all 11 of O'Reilly's U.S. distribution centers by the end of 2005. "O'Reilly Automotive...

Aker Wade and EnerSys partner.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Aker Wade Power Technologies)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Aker Wade Power Technologies (www.akerwade.com) and battery-provider EnerSys (www.enersysmp.com) have partnered to provide a complete fast-charging battery solution for heavy-duty electric vehicle fleet applications. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Inther voice software integrates PDAs.(NEWS & TRENDS From ProMat 2005)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Systems integrator and software producer Inther (www.inther.nl) has announced the release of their voice-recognition software for PDAs. The software is designed to work for pick-to-light applications, according to Martijn Herder, chief...

Managing performance--more than measurements: training supervisors and middle managers to interpret results and coach improvements is also important.(FOR DEALING WITH THE REAL WORLD)
February 1, 2005... Long ago, a wise and profound person coined the phrase "you can't manage what you don't measure." Although I suspect I heard it even before I studied work measurement at Georgia Tech, I think about this simple principle now more than ever...

Taylored distribution: a series of upgrades at Ann Taylor's distribution center allows the retailer to handle 68% more units for the same cost.(warehousing/distribution)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2005... SINCE 2001, THE MATERIALS handling and related information systems at retailer Ann Taylor's Louisville DC have changed almost as much as the fashions passing through. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "You can build...

RFID: where's the beef? For beef jerky supplier Jack Link's, being a part of Wal-Mart's RFID program is only a start. Moving the technology into manufacturing is where the real payoff lies.(manufacturing)(Radio Freqency Identification Equipment)
February 1, 2005... For many companies, radio frequency identification at the DC appears to have more downside than upside. RFID adds costs, more steps to shipping and a certain degree of change to the handling of shipments. Worse yet, use of RFID is being...

3 success stories in sortation.(equipment/systems)(Sortation Systems are one of the most effective means to automatically separate parcels, boxes, cartons. )
February 1, 2005... SORTATION SYSTEMS ARE ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS to automatically separate parcels, boxes, cartons or individual items according to their destination. What follows are three examples of sortation in action. Lillian Vernon uses a...

The path to better receiving: here are three great ideas for reconfiguring your receiving area to improve handling efficiencies.(materials handling makeover)
February 1, 2005... There's no better way to clog up a warehouse than to have an inefficient receiving area. Just look at the drawing below to see how simple floor staging of pallet loads can offer great flexibility yet limit the speedy movement of inventory to...

It's a wireless world overhead: pendant controls for overhead cranes are giving way to wireless remote controls.(information management)
February 1, 2005... For years, hanging pendant controls were the only game in town for the economical control of overhead handling systems, especially cranes. Still the dominant installed overhead control technology today, pendants are a tried, true and affordable...

How to manage 35 million returns a year: for Penguin Publishing, it's all about smart use of conveyors, pop-up sorters and carousels.(productivity solution)(Editorial)
February 1, 2005... While some companies handle returns casually, that isn't an option at Penguin Publishing's Kirkwood, NY facility. After all, 35 million books passed through its new, semi-automated returns center last year. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

The auto industry revs up: automakers are producing vehicles in greater variety with more efficiency thanks to tighter collaboration with suppliers and broader use of flexible and often automated handling equipment and systems.(A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT)
February 1, 2005... TODAY'S AUTOMOTIVE CONSUMER DEMANDS CHOICES IN BOTH THE TYPE OF VEHICLE and the features it includes. And more North American automakers are ramping up their manufacturing and supply chain operations to deliver that greater variety of styles...

Matrix-2000[TM] MegaPixel CCD reader.(PROFILE)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The new model of the Matrix-2000[TM] offers a SXGA 1,3 MegaPixel sensor with a wide field of view and reads up to 100 codes in a single frame. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Suitable applications: document identification in static reading...

PosiCharge[TM] drives automotive productivity.(PROFILE)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... For years, PosiCharge[TM] has supported the hardest-working Big 3 automotive manufacturing and assembly plants and parts depots by keeping their heavy-duty material handling fleets on the floor and out of the battery room. PosiCharge[TM] is the...

LXE Inc.(PROFILE)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
February 1, 2005... LXE Inc. manufactures rugged mobile computers, advanced auto-ID and RFID technologies, and wireless networking products that have helped thousands of companies worldwide improve their supply-chain performance. LXE's Roots LXE's rugged...

The leader in carton flow.(PROFILE)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
February 1, 2005... Unex, established in 1964, is dedicated to developing and manufacturing products & solutions that improve the order selection process. In the early 90's, Unex introduced Span-Track, its patented, full width roller flow track which literally...

FMC Technologies delivers for auto industry.(PROFILE)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
February 1, 2005... FMC Technologies is the preferred supplier of automated guided vehicles to the automotive industry. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Timely movement of materials allows automotive customers to improve plant performance by maximizing utilization...

Custom shipping solutions.(PROFILE)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
February 1, 2005... Steel King Industries is noted for our superior engineering and expertise in the custom design and manufacture of shipping solutions for various automotive products. Over the years, Steel King has manufactured custom solutions for windows,...

Buckhorn extended-length transport tubs maximize space usage in transporting long, dense parts.(PROFILE)
February 1, 2005... Buckhorn now offers three new Transport Tubs in extended lengths, ideal for odd-shaped items from steel bars to manufactured assemblies. Extended-Length Transport Tubs are perfect to handle dense, heavyweight loads more efficiently with a low...

New plant fully operational.(PROFILE)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Speedrack is pleased to announce that their new Michigan Manufacturing facility is now fully operational. This new 350,000 square foot facility incorporates the latest technology to competitively produce top quality storage products. These...

ORBIS Corporation drives supply chain optimization in the automotive industry.(PROFILE)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
February 1, 2005... ORBIS helps world-class automotive companies move parts and components faster, better, safer and more cost-effectively, with plastic reusable hand-held containers, pallets, top caps, dunnage, divider sheets, bulk containers and storage...

MacrAoir[TM] HVLS fans.(PRODUCT RELEASE)
February 1, 2005... We are the original inventors and manufacturers of big 8'-24' High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans. MacroAir[TM] fans with WhisperFoil[TM] anodized aluminum blades provide the most cost-effective and efficient air movement systems for cooling,...

Counter Balance AGV.(PRODUCT RELEASE)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Transbotics has introduced a newly designed Counter Balance AGV. This vehicle is capable of handling loads with varying sizes and weights. The vehicle is equipped with quad maneuverability, decreasing the amount of floor space needed to...

Hoist has three-axis motion controls.(FOCUSON Hoists)
February 1, 2005... The CSA-approved model DC chain hoist features plug-in electrical connections, integrated three-axis motion controls and a slip clutch to prevent overloads. Standard features include a high safety-factor for the load chain and cycle and load...

Making true vertical lifts.(FOCUSON Hoists)
February 1, 2005... The Hevi-lift wire rope hoist family features a true vertical lift design that centers the hook under the drum. Capacities range from one to 40 tons. Other features include a Weston-type load brake that independently stops and holds loads, and...

Lift 50 ton loads.(FOCUSON Hoists)
February 1, 2005... A new line of standard industrial single- and double-wire rope hoists with capacities from 2 to 50 tons offers a space saving design. Features include two lifting and trolley speeds, and a DC rectified magnet actuated disc motor brake. The...

Chain Block hoist offers range of features.(FOCUSON Hoists)
February 1, 2005... The LHC-B Chain Block is designed and constructed for strength and durability. Features include drop-forged top and bottom hooks, a load chain sprocket made of heat-treated steel alloy, a break mechanism, asbestos-free brake discs, and a...

Three-ton capacity electric chain hoist.(FOCUSON Hoists)
February 1, 2005... The Lodestar electric chain hoist offers up to 3-ton capacity for heavy-duty industrial applications. Features include a lifetime-lubricated gear train with non-oxidizing grease, precision machined and hardened liftwheel. Hardened chain guides...

Six models of air-powered winches.(FOCUSON Hoists)
February 1, 2005... A new series of air winches is available in six models. The Profi Eco lifting winches feature capacities of 1,100 and 1,760 pounds. Intended for heavier-duty operations are the Profi Puller pulling winches, featuring capacities of 3,520 and...

Compact hoist with half-ton capacity.(FOCUSON Hoists)
February 1, 2005... The LX Mini Puller hoist is now available in half-ton capacity. Compact and lightweight, the hoist requires very low pulling force for operation. Additional load chain lengths are available, while standard features include nickel-plated,...

Hoist lifts 10-ton loads to 30 feet.(FOCUSON Hoists)
February 1, 2005... The JET SMH series of hoists includes 28 different models, ranging from 1/2- to 10-ton capacity with 10- to 30-foot lifts. Designed for use in manufacturing and various maintenance and repair operations, the manual chain hoists are load tested...

Easy one-handed operation.(FOCUSON Hoists)
February 1, 2005... The PLH Series professional lever hoist features a 50% wider hardened rachet gear, precision bearings, a disc brake, and high-impact resistant gear case and brake cover. Offering grade 100 alloy chain for more strength with less weight, the PLH...

Portable hoist features variable frequency drives.(FOCUSON Hoists)
February 1, 2005... A portable hoist system with integrated variable frequency drive (VFD) controller provides an easier and safer method for lifting loads. The system has a maximum lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds and can travel up to 110 feet. It also features a...

On-board scale for pallet trucks.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... An on-board pallet truck weighing system is designed for heavy-duty applications that require precise measurements. The battery powered, four-color, six-digit LCD display provides readings to the lift truck operator. The scale is available in...

High-speed void fill system.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... Using kraft paper to create a star-shaped tube, Fillpak TT offers users a fast, economical alternative to airbags and loose fill. The system features production times of 55 inches per second while an adjustable stand offers users easy access....

System separates RFID tags and bar codes.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... The Product Traceability System combines ink jet printing with RFID labeling to identify cases. The RFID tag is not embedded in the bar code label, unlike other systems. Instead, the system allows the bar code to be printed at the most...

Container sidewalls are pre-configured.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... Plastic containers with a range of pre-designed sidewall configurations eliminates the need for costly container customization, significantly shortening order delivery time. All Linpac 45 X 48 inch containers offer 0, 1 or 2 hinged drop doors...

Vacuum lift adaptor eases tilt.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... A vacuum lift tilt adaptor bolts onto existing lifts to minimize tilt strain. The EZ-Tilt Adaptor self-locks in horizontal and vertical positions and can be used with a variety of vacuum attachments. It eliminates the need for latches and pinch...

RFID wizard labeling software.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... Easylabel software with an RFID wizard facilitates the creation and printing of smart labels. The Wizard makes creation of an EAN/UCC-128s label a simple, four-step process. Users are prompted for information, and the system creates the...

Weigh on the fly.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... Available in two conveyor sizes, a checkweigher promotes higher efficiency by weighing product without having to stop production. The in-motion checkweigher accommodates conveyor speeds up to 200 feet per minute, weighing packages up to 200...

Protect carton contents.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... A pneumatic machine stand raises and lowers the NOVUS C air cushion system for enhanced film loading and desired operating height to fill voids in shipping cartons. The unit produces 70 feet of cushion per minute using a variety of lengths to...

Bridging conveyor gaps.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... A 0.5 horsepower motorized pulley drives the Com-Flo compact gap conveyor. Designed to fill a short conveyor space, the unit utilizes a chain/belt system that powers and tracks the conveyor belt. The system is unaffected by loading, tension,...

Pick directly onto carts.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... Offering easy-glide casters with a standard floor lock, two caster cart models, one featuring a low profile, provide a smooth and efficient transport medium through orderpicking operations. Carts can be linked together or used separately to...

Robot builds diverse pallet loads.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... A palletizing robot offers adaptability for a range of industries including food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, pharmaceuticals and paper. It palletizes boxes, bags and drums. The robot features the industry's lightest carbon fiber arm...

Print in a hurry.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... Capable of speeds of 200 feet per minute, the Marsh 8000 printer outputs high-resolution, large characters and bar codes for outer-case coding on shipping containers and corrugated cartons. The system can accommodate eight printheads...

Cabinet protects tools.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... A mobile tool cabinet features foam inserts cut to the shape of tools. This facilitates tool retrieval, indicates which tools are not in their proper location, and reduces damage when the cabinet is moved. Casters with 900-pound capacity are...

Ramp up loss-prevention.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... All-plastic, tamper-resistant hinges are an industry first for reusable plastic containers, according to supplier. Hinges offer longer production life and safer handling than wire hinges. The containers' contents are not accessible without...

RFID on wheels.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... A thermal transfer printer for RFID labels is mounted on an industrial cart, enabling it to go anywhere on the plant or warehouse floor. Only a PC is needed to complete the system. Intended primarily for customers getting started in RFID...

Lightweight void fill.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... S-shaped polystyrene material for protecting product in cases is free-flowing, reducing packaging time. At 5 pounds per square foot, PELASPAN-PAC loose fill is 15% lighter than comparable "packing peanuts," according to the supplier. The...

Software updates RFID readers.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... The RF Command Suite uses Windows-based technology to provide a graphical user interface for configuring, programming and commanding RFID readers. The software configures several operation modes, communication parameters and tag protocol...

Super-grip belt.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... Combining a sideflexing modular belt with a high-friction overlay, the Radius GripTop offers a reduced-slippage solution for steeply inclined conveyor. The belt is suited for boxes, crates, newspaper and food products. GripTop and standard...

Pivot conveyor opens lanes.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... Ideal for applications where long conveyor runs limit employee access to various locations, a pivot conveyor creates new access points. The unit is mounted to a pivot base and is outfitted with interlock switches and a timer to ensure the...

Software links equipment to information systems.(PRODUCTSHOWCASE)
February 1, 2005... An upgrade of warehouse control system (WCS) software both controls materials handling equipment such as conveyors and links them to warehouse management and enterprise resource planning systems. Warehouse Rx WCS 2.0 also reduces implementation...

60 seconds with ... Steve Sensing on how much inventory is enough.(one-on-one interview)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... You have to look at inventory levels across a company's entire supply chain from manufacturing to the distribution center. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Now, the equation to get there is complex. It's driven by the company's business model...