Modern Materials Handling articles from January 2002

Modern Materials Handling archives from January 2002

Control systems on the move. (Breaking News You Should Know).(materials handling control systems sales data)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... The move to replace inventory with information has never been stronger. And although software typically gets the credit for making that substitution possible, materials handling control systems (MHCS) also play a significant role. As a result,...

Do you know where your pallets are? (Breaking News You Should Know).(Ongweoweh Corp. offers web site to track pallets)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... You would if you tracked them on www.gotpallets.com. That Web site lets pallet users manage their own retrieval program, says Ben Richards, vice president of sales for Ongweoweh Corp., the Ithaca, N.Y-based pallet-management firm that owns...

300 warehouse tips. (Breaking News You Should Know).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Who couldn't use a little extra help these days? That must have been in the back of Ken Ackerman's mind when he compiled 300 of his ideas on how to make a warehouse run better. In Warehousing Tips, he offers thoughts on everything from hiring...

Campaign for efficient motors. (Breaking News You Should Know).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... According to the U.S. Department of Energy, organizations that pay greater attention to motor system management can reduce motor energy costs by as much as 18 percent while boosting motor productivity and reliability. Research has shown that...

Leaders in ADC honored. (Breaking News You Should Know).(automatic data capture)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Two major awards in automatic data capture (ADC) were recently given to two leaders - one an end user and the other from within the industry. The awards were presented by Larry Roberts, CEO of the trade association AIM Inc. The Don...

Just full of great ideas. (Editorial).
January 1, 2002... Sometimes an idea that is just okay to some people is great in the eyes of others. Take Dean Kamen's new scooter. Long before he introduced it with extraordinary media hoopla, the Segway was billed as bigger than the Internet. When Kamen...

Conveyor orders sharply lower. (Outlook).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... Through the first three quarters of last year, the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) orders index was 30.9% lower than during the same period of 2000. This follows strong gains in the CEMA index for both 1999 (+20.1%) and 2000...

Overall materials handling equipment shipments fall. (Outlook).(data for first ten months of 2001)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... The U.S. Commerce Department's monthly survey of U.S. manufacturers showed the value of materials handling machinery and equipment shipments was off 4.1% for the first 10 months of 2001. This is a sharp contrast to 16.5% growth in 2000....

Industrial truck orders down almost 40%. (Outlook).(in October 2001)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... The monthly booked orders index compiled by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) showed October 2001 orders to be 39.7% below the level of 12 months earlier. Through the first 10 months of last year, the average orders index ran 38.8% behind...

Modest bounceback expected in MMH orders index. (Outlook).(Modern Materials Handling magazine's tracking of equipment orders)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... The exclusive MMH index of orders (which has been updated to include new government numbers) declined by 8.8% between the second and third quarters of 2001. In addition, the index showed signs of moving lower still over the final quarter of...

Good ergonomics = good economics: Focus on ergonomics and you'll reduce injury costs while boosting productivity said presenters at the National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition. (Practices).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... With the economy struggling, many organizations have begun to look for new ways to ensure that their workforces remain strong and productive during these uncertain times. One untapped source companies can turn to for improved productivity is...

ORBIS buys Cookson's U.S. operations. (Acquisition).(ORBIS Corp. buys Cookson Plastic Molding from Cookson Group of England)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... ORBIS Corp. (www.orbispallets.com) has purchased Cookson Plastic Molding, the Latham, N.Y.-based subsidiary of Britain's Cookson Group. The acquisition will operate as the newly formed ORBIS Plastic Molding division. Cookson manufactures...

Scootin' in the warehouse? (Technology).(new Segway personal transporter could find application in warehouses and factories)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... By now, we've all heard of the Segway, inventor Dean Kamen's environmentally friendly, computerized human transporter. Although Kamen claims it will do to the car what the car did to the horse and buggy, many people have their doubts about the...

FKI Logistex buys the U.K.'s Cleco Group. (Acquisition).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... FKI Logistex of Danville, Ky., has purchased Cleco Group, Ltd. for $32.2 million. Cleco is based in the United Kingdom with operations in the Netherlands and the United States. Cleco manufactures automated and man-up storage and retrieval...

Get ready for NA 2002. (Event).(North American Material Handling and Logistics Show and Conference for 2002)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... If you've been to the North American Material Handling and Logistics Show and Conference in past years and are assuming this year will be more of the same, think again: NA 2002 promises to be different from any of the previous shows. From...

People & Companies.(executive appointments, company agreements and acquisitions)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Appointments/promotions: Len Ebersberger, president, Refrigerated Warehouse Consultants, Inc., joins Radcliffe Systems, Inc.'s board of directors...West Bend Equipment, a div. of Bushman Equipment, Inc., appoints Gary Thomas sales...

E-Business still matters. (Supply Chain).(Dave Nelson of Deere and Co., use of Internet to save expenses)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... The dot-com boom may be over, but the Internet is still affecting the way manufacturers and distributors connect with their customers and suppliers. "Companies that put together a strategic plan using best supply chain practices and the...

Teklynx acquires StrandWare. (Merger).(Teklynx International, StrandWare Inc. join to offer automatic data capture devices)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Two well known software suppliers--Teklynx International (www.teklynx.com) and Strandware (www. strandware.com)--have joined forces to offer an expanded line of automatic data capture (ADC) products. Teklynx develops software for label...

Rogers honored by ITA. (News Trends).(Robert Rogers of Raymond Corp. awarded by Industrial Truck Association)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Industrial Truck Association (ITA) has given its Meritorious Service Award to Robert Rogers, engineering manager at Raymond Corp. until his retirement last year. The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the...

Calendar.
January 1, 2002... MARCH 2002 March 18-21 National Manufacturing Week Show McCormick Place Complex Chicago, Ill. Sponsor: National Association of Manufacturers Call: 800-840-0678 www.manufacturingweek.com Write in 383 ...

The basics of materials handling. (FYI).(Materials Handling training manual from 'Industrial Distribution' and Industrial Distribution Association)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Whether you're new to the industry or in need of a refresher, the Materials Handling training manual will meet your needs. In addition to a history of materials handling, the introductory guide includes sections on many product areas. These...

Proactive inventory management. (FYI).(SeeCommerce offering Web site with inventory management information)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Learn how to identify, fix, and prevent common and costly inventory management problems. A white paper "Inventory Performance Management for the High Velocity Enterprise" is available free at www.seecommerce.com/inventorywp/. It explains how...

Surviving today's logistical environment. (FYI).('The Journal of Business Logistics' service information)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The second issue of the 2001 Journal of Business Logistics is a collection of articles on logistics. Leading off is "Defining supply chain management," by John T. Mentzer of the University of Tennessee and his colleagues. It provides a...

Crossdoc-king: National Retail Systems serves the consolidation needs of large retail customers in its new crossdock facility. (Warehouse of The Month).(company services information)
January 1, 2002... The job of every supply chain manager is to move the goods of his or her company as efficiently as possible through the system. Success is measured in reducing costs, increasing accuracy, and eliminating unneeded steps. Sometimes the...

50 great ideas for materials handling. (Special MMH Report).(various materials handling executives offer tips they use in the industry)
January 1, 2002... All good materials handling designers have a few tricks up their sleeves. These are the solutions that solve sticky problems, create efficiencies, save money, or promote greater throughputs. Sometimes they are simple ideas that no one else...

Keeping it hot: At Hampton Casting, high-density, vertical storage supports Hampton's heated pace, while cranes and manipulators make work more ergonomic, safer. (Manufacturing).(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... Ever since 1974, Hampton Casting has been pouring hot metals at its plant in Virginia. But a long history in Hampton, Va. hardly means that management is set in the ways it runs manufacturing. Or how it supports those efforts with materials...

Energy efficient materials handling: Paying closer attention to motors and how you use them can make a big difference in operating costs. (Equipment Report).
January 1, 2002... There isn't a single shop or warehouse floor today that isn't being scrutinized for every potential cost saving. And one area that deserves particular attention is the energy consumption of materials handling equipment. "The cost of...

Taking Charge of the Supply Chain: If only the electronics industry could have seen the current slowdown coming. If only companies had a better view into inventory levels relative to demand. If only they could have substituted information for inventory.
January 1, 2002... If only the electronics industry could have seen the current slowdown coming. If only companies had a better view into inventory levels relative to demand. If only they could have substituted information for inventory. If, if, if. The...

V3 Systems: Leading the way.(Product Information)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... V3 Systems is the recognized leader in providing Innovative enterprise distribution and warehouse management applications for managing and coordinating supply chain activities and enterprise visibility across global distribution networks....

Optimizing your distribution center to maximize your profitability.(KNAPP Logistics & Automation)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... KNAPP Logistics & Automation is your global expert in customized design, manufacture and installation of intelligent, computerized, automatic picking and conveying systems for split-case picking in high-volume distribution centers. With over...

A system with great impact.(Tech Data's order picking system)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... To be able to fulfill the claim: 'Ordered today before 5:00 pm, delivered tomorrow', Tech Data has centralized their warehouses into a new distribution center (DC) in Belgium. To keep the 16,500 [m.sup.2] of the new DC 'serviceable,' and to...

Get Connected: Plugging the gaps in process flow; Inventory visibility, building networks collaboration between partners.
January 1, 2002... Those are just some of the words and phrases being used these days to describe the intent of the latest developments in automatic data capture (ADC) and related software. Or to put it still another way as Jeff Kaufman, director of networking at...

Access to inventory, 24/7. (New Products).(e-Vista software, release 1.2)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Third-party customers can attain controlled access to inventory in distribution centers 24 hours, seven days a week using e-Vista Release 1.2. This Web-enabled software not only tracks inventory but also generates inbound receipt notices and...

Efficient order picking. (New Products).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... A pick-to-light system, DirectPick, pairs sophisticated software controls and easy-to-read light displays to reduce picking time by half and increase accuracy by 80% compared to manual picking systems. The system is designed to run on a Windows...

Palletizer handles various sized drums. (New Products).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The TCI-LCP palletizer handles 15-, 30-, 35-, or 55-gallon steel, plastic and fiber drums. Various container sizes and types can be accommodated with the flip of a switch. The unit palletizes up to four 55-gallon drums per minute. It features a...

Easier overhead handling. (New Products).(new intelligent overhead handling system)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Trolley, an intelligent overhead handling system, maximizes productivity and safety by minimizing the kind of starting and stopping that can reduce productivity and cause upper extremity injuries. The DC servo-driven system masks the...

Automated truck loader. (New Products).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... A programmable, hands-free automatic truck loading system (ATLS) places palletized and other unit loads in unmodified semi-trailers without the use of truck levelers or customized guides. It is designed for standard shipping docks and trailers....

GET control over drums. (New Products).(drum handling equipment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The model 185R Kontrol-Karrier drum holder with top rim clamp easily lifts, moves, pours, and places drums. The top rim clamp grips the drum rim securely for lifting. Since the drum can be lifted in close proximity to walls or other drums, the...

Mobile plastic storage containers. (New Products).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Seamless, high-density polyethylene storage containers are mounted on a separate dolly unit for mobility. The manufacturer's proprietary vibrational molding process enhances stability. The containers are adjustable in maximum heights of 30 and...

Protect dock workers. (New Products).(fall-protection system)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... A fall-protection system protects workers from falls while they are loading flatbed trucks. The system, which is ideal for steel manufacturers and distributors, can be customized to combine such elements as truck-length, dock-high platforms;...

Open wire shelving and mobile carts. (New Products).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... A new line of durable wire shelving products includes stationary shelving units and mobile carts. The open wire design of the stationary shelving im-proves visibility of stored items, in-creases light and air flow, and will not accumulate dirt...

Radio frequency tags. (New Products).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The "my-d" identification tag is a 13.56 MHz radio-frequency device with a unique ID code and up to 10 Kb of secure, writable memory. A special feature allows the information in the tag to be divided into multiple sectors, including those...

Door design for low ceilings. (New Products).(guiding dock doors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The challenge of guiding dock doors along a low ceiling is met by the XLT track design, which features a double-groove radius and horizontal track. A trolley system located above the door transmits lifting and lowering power, either with a...

First-in, first-out flow rack system. (New Products).(SK3400 pallet flow system)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Fed on one end and unloaded on the other, the SK3400 pallet flow system allows easy and uninterrupted access to inventory. The unit uses gravity power to move pallets down dynamic flow rails into picking position. Because it is a natural...

Containers, pallets for food industry. (New Products).(StackN-Nest containers)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Available in Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved material, Stack-N-Nest containers feature solid or ventilated sides and bottoms. This option allows for maximum air flow, faster cooling and better drainage. The contoured design of these...

Sturdy pallet rack. (New Products).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... This pallet rack includes upright frames and beams that have been constructed from high-strength steel with a high strength-to-weight ratio. All beams have a step for accepting accessories and a unique recessed safety key that resists an upward...

Conveyor for food products. (New Products).(Easy Clean slip-torque conveyor)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Easy Clean slip-torque conveyor has minimal horizontal frame surfaces where contaminants can collect. Both USDA (United States Dept. of Agriculture) and BISSC (Bakery Industry Sanitation Standards Committee) standards are incorporated into...

Hydraulic stacker. (New Products).(HDC-450 hydraulic drum stacker)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Suitable for positioning 55-gallon steel drums horizontally on shelves, the HDC-450 hydraulic drum stacker lifts drums up to 60, 72, 84, or 96 inches in height. A newly designed drum retainer allows users to easily attach the lifter to the...

Large character ink jet printer. (New Products).(DOD-1500 drop-on-demand ink jet printer)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The DOD-1500 drop-on-demand ink jet printer offers a choice of two 16- and 32-valve print heads for coding up to five lines of text. Its head design allows greater tilt angles in order to print a variety of character heights from a single print...

Portable data collection terminal. (New Products).(ScanPal 2)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... ScanPal 2, a high-performance, entry level, batch portable data terminal (PDT) with an integrated bar code scanner, is suitable for a wide range of applications. It can be used for inventory/stock control, parts tracking, shipping/receiving,...

Plant-wide data management. (New Products).(1769-SDN DeviceNet scanner for MicroLogix 1500 and CompactLogix controllers)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The 1769-SDN DeviceNet scanner for the MicroLogix 1500 and CompactLogix controllers is capable of simultaneous operation as both a master and slave device on DeviceNet. The system connects up to 64 nodes with a single wire. It enables...

Extend ERP/MRP to the warehouse. (New Products).(QuikTrac 4.5 screen-integration tool)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... QuikTrac 4.5 is a screen-integration tool that allows users to extend their ERP (enterprise resource planning) or MRP (material resource planning) system out to the warehouse floor without major modifications to the host system's code or...

Desk-Mount computer. (New Products).(cathode ray tube monitors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... A desk-mount version of an industrial CRT is available for industrial floor applications. The monitors are mounted in heavy-duty steel enclosures and offer 17-, 19-, and 21-inch screens with resolutions that range from 1280 by 1024 to 1600 by...

Ink jet printer. (New Products).(single and multi-line Codajet 5000 ink jet printer)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Print on cartons, trays and sacks with the compact, single and multi-line Codajet 5000 ink jet printer. It offers a choice of six print models for one modular unit. Each model allows for a different character height and can be upgraded from...

Bi-color totes boost efficiency. (New Products).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Bi-color totes allow quick identification of stack and nest positions because alternate colors nest while same colors stack. The returnable totes are available in a wide variety of sizes and solid or ventilated styles. Their unique one-piece...

Dealing with change is a matter of principle: Well-defined principles will help companies prevail in these challenging times.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... CHANGE HAPPENS. It always has and it always will; the only variable is its rate and degree. Today, supply chain professionals are facing challenges that have been brought on by several important changes. Some have been building momentum...

Fast, Efficient Fulfillment: ValueVision Fulfillment Center relies on state-of-the-art conveyor system to accurately fill online orders within 24 hours.(260,000 square feet in Bowling Green, KY)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The ValueVision Fulfillment Center in Bowling Green, KY is dedicated to ensuring that the consumer's direct shopping experience for Polo.com and other products is a positive one. The center was designed so that product can move smoothly,...

Protect Electronics with NEW ORBIS[R] container and Pallet System. (Product Release).(ORBIS Corp., subsidiary of Menasha Corp.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... ORBIS[R] Corporation, a subsidiary of Menasha Corporation, recently introduced two attached-lid returnable plastic containers that provide exceptional protection for electronic parts from dust, contaminants and static discharge. The ESOA2416 is...