Modern Materials Handling articles from July 2004

Modern Materials Handling archives from July 2004

OSHA to start warehouse hazard inspections.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... THE U.S. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) Chicago-area office says it will start safety inspections with a special focus on improving ergonomics this year in public warehouses in Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois. ...

How PLCs are changing.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Programmable logic controllers)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The threat to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) from PC-based controls is over, says a report from ARC Advisory Group (www.arcweb.com). "PLCs today contain PC-based technologies to the extent that these technologies contribute to the PLC's...

Fast fact.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Surveys of warehouse space)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... 1% Total projected drop off in demand for warehouse space in the U.S. resulting from inventory reductions due to use of RFID. Source: AMB Property Corp.

Productivity challenges distributors.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Surveys)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE facing wholesale distributors is operational productivity. That's according to a survey by supply chain software supplier Yantra (www.yantra.com). More than three-quarters of respondents said it was moderately to...

Craig Harmon on RFID.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Craig K. Harmon)(Radio frequency identification)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... EPCglobal (www.epcglobalinc.org) may soon have a standard for UHF Gen 2, the next generation RFID tag for supply chain applications. But Craig K. Harmon, CEO of Q.E.D. Systems (www.qed.org), and a veteran of previous standards initiatives,...

Change agents and the future.(My View)(Editorial)
July 1, 2004... Just saw an interesting piece from Bob Parker of AMR Research. In that research group's newsletter "Alert on Manufacturing," Parker describes two quite different types of IT organizations at manufacturing companies. He says there are those that...

Supply chain software on the rise: if record attendance at D/C Expo is any indication, interest in supply chain software and related technology is starting to make a comeback.(News & Trends from D/C Expo)
July 1, 2004... After three years of drooping demand for supply chain software, it seems that companies are actively pursuing the notion that now might be the time to make purchases that have been long delayed. So says Thomas Dulaney, president of C.S....

The power of voice.(News & Trends from D/C Expo)(Voxware Inc.)(Voice-based wireless computer)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... A new voice-based wireless computer from Voxware (609-514-4100, www.voxware.com) enables users to perform virtually any task from sign-on to application selection to work assignments simply by speaking. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Three new RFID solutions for current mandates.(News & Trends from D/C Expo)(Radio frequency identification)(Venture Research International Ltd.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Venture Research Inc. (866-734-3111, www.venture research.com) introduced three new radio frequency identification (RFID) infrastructure products for companies about to implement RFID compliance programs to meet retail and government mandates....

Site flow management focuses on the yard.(News & Trends from D/C Expo)(Greg Braun)(C3 Solutions)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Yard management is evolving into site flow management, according to Greg Braun, vice president, C3 Solutions (514-932-3883, www.c3tools.com), a provider of comprehensive yard, dock and asset management solutions. "This new way of looking...

New mobile asset tracker from RedPrairie.(News & Trends from D/C Expo)(RedPrairie Corp.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Supply chain execution software supplier RedPrairie (www.redprairie.com) has unveiled DLx Mobile Resource Management (MRM), a Web-based solution for tracking and managing mobile assets. RedPrairie's industry strategy leader, Michael Dempsey,...

Sequence verification software eliminates errors.(News & Trends from D/C Expo)(RT Systems Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Suppliers shipping parts just-in-time and just-in-sequence to automotive assembly plants have almost no room for error. Components must be loaded and shipped in the right order for the cars coming down line. Automakers like GM will accept no...

Gillani announces ASP model for ERP.(News & Trends from D/C Expo)(Gillani Inc.)(Application service provider)(Enterprise resource planning)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Gillani Inc., a provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions for small-to-mid-size businesses (972-918-0400, www.gillani.com), announced a new pay-as-you-go application service provider (ASP) model. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Provia leverages RFID data.(News & Trends From D/C Expo)(Radio frequency identification)(Provia Software)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Provia Software (616-285-3311, www.provia.com) introduced a radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled version of Via View, the supply chain provider's event management, visibility and decision support application. The new application...

IWS selects Sonic Software.(News & Trends from D/C Expo)(Integrated Warehousing Solutions)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Integrated Warehousing Solutions (800-682-2910, www.iws-irms.com), a provider of warehouse management systems, has selected Sonic Software's Enterprise Service Bus as its integration tool. Sonic Software (781-999-7000,...

Robocom WMS now compatible with RFID.(News & Trends from D/C Expo)(Robocom Systems Inc.)(Warehouse management system)(Radio frequency identification)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Software maker Robocom Systems (516-795-5100, www.robocom.com) said its "RIMS" warehouse management system (WMS) will now support radio frequency identification (RFID) in warehousing. It will generate Electronic Product Code (EPC) identifiers...

Places to go.(Conferences and conventions)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
July 1, 2004... SEPTEMBER 2004 September 13-15, 2004 Frontline Solutions USA Chicago, IL Sponsor: AIM Global and Advanstar Technology Group Call: 800-477-2446 Web: www.frontlineexpo.com OCTOBER 2004 October 3-6 CLM...

Growth ahead for materials handling equipment: as industrial activity continues to increase, demand for materials handling equipment will follow.
July 1, 2004... MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT SALES HAVE RISEN, although erratically, about 15% over the past year. And as good as that is, indications are that the most rapid growth is yet to come. At this point, total materials handling equipment...

Nucor's new paradigm: in a mini-mill expansion, the steelmaker did away with redundant overhead cranes, slashing costs and space significantly without sacrificing performance.(Manufacturing Spotlight)(Cover Story)
July 1, 2004... The price of steel is very much on the minds of many these days as prices continue to soar. While there are several reasons offered for the recent run up, ultimately it all comes down to the basics of supply and demand. [ILLUSTRATION...

The World's top supply chain execution suppliers: best-of-breed warehouse management system suppliers have been joined by enterprise resource planning companies in the battle to dominate supply chain execution software.(Information Management)
July 1, 2004... It wasn't all that long ago that the world order in the warehouse management system (WMS) sector was nice and orderly. If you needed a robust package, best-of-breed was the way to go. And demand was strong enough to post some nice...

DC moves up to ship out: tight on space, electronics distributor Newark InOne installed a large mezzanine to accommodate a 50% increase in stock keeping units.(Productivity Solution)
July 1, 2004... Electronics distributor Newark InOne takes great pride in same-day shipping of in-stock product to North, Central and South America. Unfortunately, its customers were requesting many components that the company did not keep in stock at its...

Less is more at intertape: the packaging products supplier consolidated three DCs into one, yet elevated inventory accuracy to 99.996% as it tripled throughput without increasing labor.(Warehouse of the Month)
July 1, 2004... Not long ago, packaging products supplier Intertape was clearly at a crossroads. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Business was good and getting better. But it was also changing. Traditionally, the $650 million a year manufacturer sold its tape,...

Picking at the speed of light: a new pick-to-light system speeds operations at DOTS, allowing the clothing retailer to stay up-to-the-minute in fashion.(Productivity Solution)
July 1, 2004... DOTS, the retailer of extreme-value trend merchandise for women, is certainly accustomed to change. The store's offerings change frequently with the latest styles and seasons. But with over 300 stores in 22 states and aggressive plans to expand...

Target: public warehousing; As OSHA begins inspections of public warehouses near Chicago, warehouse and DC managers there and elsewhere have more resources than ever to improve ergonomics.(Equipment Report)
July 1, 2004... Ergonomics in the workplace has sometimes resembled Mark Twain's line about the weather: everyone talks about the importance of ergonomics, but not a lot of companies have done something about it. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That may change...

Beverage distribution mixes it up: deluged by new flavors, new brands, new serving sizes and new packaging, the beverage industry is starting to look at its materials handling options for greater efficiencies.(A Special Supplement)
July 1, 2004... Traditionally, materials handling in the beverage industry has been relatively basic and straightforward. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Bulk storage and floor stacking have been the most efficient ways to handle beverage products from a cube...

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

FKI Logistex.(Profile)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... FKI Logistex has a long history of providing the beverage market with automated material handling systems and equipment. The company's Alvey brand of conveyors and palletizers got its start in the brewing segment of the beverage market more...

Steel King: improving warehouse efficiency.(Profile)(Steel King Industries Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Setting the Standard Since 1970, Steel King has been a leading manufacturer of material handling systems for the beverage and food distribution industries, including pallet rack, pallet flow, carton flow, portable rack, containers and...

Flexible solutions for beverage environments.(Profile)(HK Systems Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... HK Systems is North America's most experienced automated material handling and supply chain software total solutions provider. The company's comprehensive product and service offerings include automated storage and retrieval systems, automated...

Your roadmap for project management success: it starts with the right people and the right integration partners.(A Special Supplement)(Panel Discussion)
July 1, 2004... Hear what Lockheed Martin and Lands' End had to say at a Special Webcast from NA 2004. A successful materials handling project doesn't just happen. In fact, getting to that goal requires that all aspects of a project be managed with a...

Dock lift fits any leveler pit.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(Advance Lifts Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Ensure safe, level loading at docks with a lift that fits many dock leveler pits. Featuring a 5,000-pound load capacity, the Advance 2400 dock lift easily replaces dock leveler ramps. It has a 72 X 86 inch platform, a 10-inch lowered height and...

Flexible door absorbs impacts.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(DL Manufacturing)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Lightweight and flexible, the MxV dock door is built to yield under impact and return to its original form. Its interlocking, foam-filled PVC panels are guided by a polypropylene brush and friction-free track. The Brush Guide Seal System...

High-speed door that folds.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(Rytec Corp.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Offering full visibility, the Fast-Fold door features see-through panels that fold quickly out of the way to allow forklift traffic. The doors open at up to 7 feet per second. The door's rugged track and floating Ryflex roller system provide...

Aluminum door opens 80 inches per second.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(Albany Door Systems)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Using disc-drive technology, the aluminum slats of the RapidRoll 3000 dock door wind quickly without touching each other. This minimizes vibration and friction between the metal slats, allowing quiet operation and eliminating wear and tear. The...

Mesh doors for docks.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(Goff's Enterprises Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... A motorized mesh-curtain door allows airflow through overhead doors while preventing bugs, birds and pests from entering a facility. It opens vertically and is operated by a hard-wired switch, wireless remote control or dual interior/exterior...

Panel provides more airflow.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(Rite-Hite Corp.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The universal GX-4000 ventilation screen panel allows 75% more air into dock areas while keeping out bugs and pests, according to the supplier. Six inches higher than standard screens, the 18-inch screen panel can be retrofitted to most 2-and...

Aluminum dockboard has 7,000-pound capacity.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(Vestil Manufacturing Co.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Lightweight yet sturdy, a formed aluminum dockboard holds up to 7,000 pounds. Constructed of high-tensile strength aluminum diamond treadplate, the dockboard ensures positive traction for a safe walking surface between docks and trucks. Its...

Prevent dock and building damage.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(Dock shelter)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Prevent damage to dock shelters, trailers and buildings caused by off-center trailer impacts. The S-3200 SnapBack dock shelter uses a gravity-biased, flexible frame that yields to misguided trailers to prevent damage. Designed for a variety of...

Durable high-speed door.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(Overhead Door Corp.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The JetRoll 692 is a high-speed durable dock door that fits door openings up to 24 feet high and 34 feet wide. The door opens 10 feet in just 4 seconds. Fully programmable, the door's ComCenter control panel with clear vision display ensures...

Keep moisture out of dock areas.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(Sealing equipment )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The AquaShield dock seal system keeps external moisture out of dock areas. Its wiper pad engages trailers at the door while a translucent fiberglass raked head frame drains water quickly. The seal covers trucks measuring 12 feet, 9 inches to 13...

Sealing dock areas.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(Sealing equipment)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... With the sealing capability of a conventional foam seal, the PS-700 L-shape dock seal forms a three-sided seal around the rear of trucks with varying widths. The side pads yield to incoming trucks to prevent damage to the seal and building. A...

Prevent forklift roll-offs at docks.(Focus on Dock Equipment)(Blue Giant Ltd.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Part of the XDS Extra Dock Safety series, a dock leveler is equipped with a door and dock guard to prevent forklift roll-off and overhead door damage at docks. The raised safety guard, which is mounted 22 inches from the face of the deck plate,...

AC-powered lift trucks.(Product Showcase)(Yale Materials Handling Corp.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Added to a line of electric rider trucks are two AC-powered models: the ERP-DH and ERC-GH. The former is available in 4,000- and 6,000-pound capacities. It provides low noise levels and has a smaller turning radius than other lift trucks of...

Stretch wrapper is fully automatic.(Product Showcase)(Orion Packaging Systems)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The SpectraMAX, a spiral low-profile platform automatic rotary turntable system, provides fully automatic stretch wrapping. It features a maximum load capacity of 5,000 pounds and a turntable speed of 14 rotations a minute. The system's...

Guardrail displays safety information.(Product Showcase)(Herwin Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The Displayguard safety-information system combines a protective steel guardrail with a highly visible computer-directed electronic display. With the device, users can display safety, emergency, general instructions and production and shipping...

Print bar code labels from mobile devices.(Product Showcase)(Teklynx International)(Label Matrix design software)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Turn portable devices into full-function bar code label printing devices using the Pocket Label Matrix. This version of the Label Matrix design software works with Windows CE and Pocket PC terminals through WiFi wireless communications,...

Is data capture in the way? It's worth the time to evaluate if data capture devices are unnecessarily hurting productivity.(For Dealing with the Real World)(Column)
July 1, 2004... YOU MAY RECALL THE ADMONITION TO MATERIALS HANDLING SYSTEMS SUPPLIERS that the human workplace should be designed before the mechanical systems serving it. Well, like mechanical systems, the interface between the computer system and the...