Modern Materials Handling articles from June 2004

Modern Materials Handling archives from June 2004

"I see," said the AGV.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Seegrid Corp.)(Amerden )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... WHEN THE FIRST AUTOMATIC GUIDED VEHICLES (AGV) appeared, they were guided by a wire in the floor. Then came non-wire guidance by laser and intertial systems. And now, according to Seegrid Corp. (www.seegrid.com), the next generation of AGV...

Fast fact.(Breaking News You Need to Know)
June 1, 2004... 47% Actual efficiency level of companies that had rated themselves 71% efficient. Source: Survey by performance management consulting firm Hagen & Co. (www.hagenco.com)

So far, so good.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... At least, that's what Wal-Mart has to say three weeks into the first live test of radio frequency identification (RFID) at a regional distribution center in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Eight suppliers are participating: Gillette, Hewlett...

High expectations for supply chain software.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... HOW QUICKLY DOES YOUR company expect to see a complete payback for supply chain software? According to a recent survey of readers by Modern Materials Handling, 43% expect payback in a year or less. Another 35% expect it to happen in 12-18...

Innovative your distribution.(Breaking News You Need to Know)
June 1, 2004... At the fourth annual Yantra Day (www.yantra.com), distribution experts offered two tips on thriving despite tough customer demands. First, use collaborative fulfillment to enable companies to manage processes across the extended enterprise....

Alright, who gets the blame?(My View)
June 1, 2004... We've all done it. Put the bread away in the refrigerator when we have always put it in the bread box. Or accidentally poured cream into the teapot instead of the teacup. You know, put the wrong thing in the wrong place when there is absolutely...

Software: the new world of best-of-breed warehouse software; The two largest suppliers have much the same vision for what this software will become.(News & Trends)
June 1, 2004... In early May, Manhattan Associates (www.manh.com) held its annual user conference at Disney in Orlando, Fla. That same week, RedPrairie's (www.redprairie.com) users convened across town at Universal. And the number one and two providers of...

Warehouse management: can RFID save WMS?(News & Trends)(Radio frequency identification)(warehouse management software systems)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Radio frequency identification (RFID) will provide a short-term shot in the arm to the market for warehouse management software systems (WMS). But it won't be enough to return the industry to the glory days of the 1990's, when WMS sales...

Packaging: software integrates all packaging information.(News & Trends)(3M)(Integrated Packaging Tool version 4.05)(Packaging Software)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Ever heard of a "packaging ecosystem?" No, it isn't the latest exhibit at your local museum of science. Instead, it refers to a new solution recently launched by 3M (www.3M.com) that manages packaging information via a secure, integrated...

Third-party logistics: Ozburn-Hessey turns down the temperature.(News & Trends)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Ozburn-Hessey Logistics has acquired Illinois-based Lanter Logistics and Lanter Refrigerated Distributing. The acquisition brings the Nashville-based third-party logistics provider (3PL) total square footage to 17 million square feet in 20...

Supply chain survey: how advanced is your supply chain?(News & Trends)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... A recently completed survey gauges the level of progress companies have made in five key stages of supply chain excellence: (1) internal optimization, (2) supply chain optimization, (3) advanced supply chain management, (4) e-commerce and (5)...

Lift trucks: Toytota does some heavy lifting.(News & Trends)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Until now, Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A. (www.toyotaforklift.com) offered lift trucks with capacities only up to 15,500 pounds. But that's no longer the case since a deal with Lowry Industrial Trucks (www.lowrylift.com). Lowry's full...

Data capture: shipments of portable terminals to rise.(News & Trends)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Expect to see even more handheld computers and other portable terminals on the shop floor within the next year. The sales of portable, wireless operator interface (OI) terminals are expected to grow to over $80 million by year-end 2005,...

Places to go.(News & Trends)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
June 1, 2004... JUNE 2004 June 20-23 AMHA National Conference (formerly the ASRS/AGVS Users' Association) Long Island, NY Sponsor: ASRS/AGVS Users' Association Call: 877-557-2538 Web: www.asrs.org June 21-23 2004 Eastern...

Appointments/promotions.(People & Companies)
June 1, 2004... Appointments/promotions: Diamond Phoenix promotes Robert Rienecke to vice president of sales and Greg Chaffee to vice president of the DirectPick systems division... LINPAC hires Lisa Cawley as marketing and customer service manager and...

Alliances/construction.(People & Companies)(AccuCode)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Alliances/construction: Matrics relocates its corporate head-quarters to Rockville, Md.... RedPrairie and GlobeRanger announce an OEM agreement to integrate their RFID solutions... Xterprise Inc. also partners with RedPrairie to resell...

Online automation catalogs.(For Your Information)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Need automation solutions for assembly and manufacturing? Available via an online technical library are two new catalogs about printed circuit board (PCB) handling modules and dynamic assembly systems (DAS). The PCB catalog provides a full...

News about netting.(For Your Information)(Industrial Netting Solutions)(Networks Version 2.0)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Industrial netting solutions are offered on the Networks Version 2.0 interactive CD. Take a tour of in-depth information, detailed schematics and animated demonstrations of all netting products and services designed for fall protection...

Look for renewed capital expenditures: with demand for materials handling equipment already climbing in distribution, the manufacturing sector is poised to do the same.(Outlook)
June 1, 2004... WHILE CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN THE DISTRIBUTION SECTOR has been expanding since last fall, equipment purchases including materials handling will begin to rise significantly in manufacturing later this summer. Once this cycle gets underway, expect...

Just-in-time to the operating room: same-day turnaround and greater than 99.9% accuracy is standard procedure for orders shipped by medical device manufacturer DePuy.(Warehouse of the Month)(Cover Story)
June 1, 2004... Surgeons work wonders today. Need a replacement for a knee, hip or elbow? That's not a problem for modern medicine and the medical device industry. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Behind these surgeries--and far, far from the public eye--are...

Humming along: an integrated wireless parts replenishment and vehicle tracking system makes lean manufacturing of Hummers a reality.(Manufacturing Spotlight)(Hummer H2 plant)
June 1, 2004... When it comes to lean manufacturing, the Hummer H2 plant in Mishawaka, Ind., stands in there with the best of them. There is typically no more than two hours of materials and parts at any point along the assembly line. And in staging areas,...

Big ideas [for small parts storage]: from carousels to mini-load systems, here's a look at the best solutions for coping with the full size headaches of storing small parts.(Equipment Report)
June 1, 2004... DOES SIZE REALLY MATTER? It's an age-old question. When it comes to storing and handling small and large parts it turns out there is a difference that goes beyond the fact that small parts are, well, smaller than big parts. ...

WCS takes control: warehouse control systems, a new layer of software, fill the gap between warehouse management systems and automated materials handling equipment. Here's what you need to know about this software to optimize your operations.(Information Management)(warehouse management system)
June 1, 2004... A warehouse management system (WMS) isn't the only software application running today's warehouses and distribution centers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In complex distribution environments where automated materials handling systems work...

Dear Career Counselor: here are some helpful hints from distribution executives, an engineer and a head hunter on making the right moves at the right time.(Management)
June 1, 2004... Regardless of where you are in your career, it's helpful to stop and conduct a self-assessment from time to time. And typically, the first question you will ask yourself is, "What is the next position I can move to and what will it take to get...

RFID deployment: capturing the value beyond compliance.(A Special Supplement)(Radio frequency identification equipment)(Interview)
June 1, 2004... No technology is generating as much supply chain buzz as radio frequency identification, or RFID. Few people realize that RFID is actually the oldest "new" technology on the block. For years, experts have routinely designated the current...

Driving supply chain transformation.(Profile)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... RedPrairie is a global leader in supply chain technology solutions that help customers transform their businesses. These global, end-to-end logistics solutions optimize operations across customers' extended supply networks, driving out costs,...

Zebra Technologies: RFID smart label printing/encoding pioneer.(Profile)(Radio frequency identification equipment)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Zebra offers proven, ultra-reliable products backed with 25 years of success in developing supply chain printing solutions for business improvement and compliance applications. Aiding in the birth of bar coding, Zebra worked with retail grocery...

Retrofits and upgrades to the rescue: new equipment as well as controls may be the best way to add years of productive life to an old system.(A Special Supplement)
June 1, 2004... MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT is designed to last for years, if not decades. That is true even under the demanding conditions of a factory or distribution center. Business processes, on the other hand, seem to change with every season. New...

TorqLOC cuts cost and reduces replacements.(Profile)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... SEW-Eurodrive's TorqLOC is a compact hollow shaft mounting system that adds versatility to SEW 7-Series hollow shaft reducers. SEW's answer to keyless hollow shaft mounting, the TorqLOC system offers interchangeable bushings for mounting SEW...

Voice & light directed order fulfillment.(Profile)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Order Accuracy: UP Fulfillment Time: DOWN [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Voice: * Accuracy is assured when operators verify the pick by repeating the carton identifier or scanning * Picker told quantity to pick via voice headset...

Look no further.(Profile)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Intelligrated is an American owned and managed, supplier of Integrated Material Handling Systems, Services, and Products. The company was formed by an experienced management team led by Chris Cole (CEO), and Jim McCarthy (COO and President)....

HK Systems modernization services.(Profile)(Brief Article)
June 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...

Global Supply Chain Conference.
June 1, 2004... The 2004 Global Supply Chain Conference will be the most comprehensive event of its kind. Thought leaders and leading practitioners will explore the full spectrum of supply chain management--from setting and executing global supply chain...

Weigh twice as many small packages.(FOCUS on Cubing & Weighing)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Suited for handling small packages, the Dual-Lane Sonic 350 Checkweigher performs in-motion weighing of semi-rigid or flexible and hard-to-handle products weighing from 10 grams to 10 kilograms with accuracies of up to +/- 0.1 gram. It weighs...

Precise, flexible counting.(FOCUS on Cubing & Weighing)(Viper Smart Count)(Viper Monobloc Smart Count)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Two counting scales--Viper Smart Count and Viper Monobloc Smart Count--provide powerful, flexible counting with precision. Suitable for a variety of counting applications, the Viper Smart Count incorporates strain gauge load cell technology...

Display weights in six units.(FOCUS on Cubing & Weighing)(Quick Count scale )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Quick Count scale displays any of six weighing units--grams, ounces, pounds, troy ounces, pennyweights and carats--at the touch of a button. All count and weight information can be transmitted to a printer or computer via an RS232 serial...

Low-profile bench scales.(FOCUS on Cubing & Weighing)(Avery Weigh-Tronix Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Available in seven different models, the 3700LP series of low-profile bench scales has a height of 3.2 inches or less, depending on the model. Weighing capacities range from 10 to 250 pounds with three sizes offered: 10 X 10, 14 X 14 and 18 X...

Overhead crane features weight indicator.(FOCUS on Cubing & Weighing)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The MSI-9300 Porta-Weigh Plus RF digital crane scale provides a rugged weight indicator and data system for overhead crane applications. The system's circuitry is fully shock mounted and waterproof, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor...

Weigh palletized and non-palletized shipments.(FOCUS on Cubing & Weighing)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... A large-capacity dimensioning and weighing system instantly and accurately cubes and weighs palletized, single piece, multi-piece and crated shipments to assess shipping charges. With CubiScan 1000, operators verify shipments and process...

Precisely count parts.(FOCUS on Cubing & Weighing)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Offering precise counting of parts, the DC-100 counting scale is ideal for inventory control, receiving parts verification and parts scanning applications. A bright, two-line dot matrix LCD display shows numeric measurements and text messaging...

Scales for static weighing and batching applications.(FOCUS on Cubing & Weighing)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Three weight indicators certified for legal-for-trade use are available for static weighing and simple batching applications including bench, floor and truck scales. The three systems--AD-4405, 4406 and 4407--have internal and display...

Lift truck on-board check weighing.(FOCUS on Cubing & Weighing)(SkidWeigh)(SP-Series SkidWeigh Plus System )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Designed for on-board check weighing, the SP-Series SkidWeigh Plus System can be installed on any lift truck, loader, lift table and other materials handling vehicle. System lifting capacity readout is unlimited and will not reduce the lift...

Measure parcels on conveyors.(FOCUS on Cubing & Weighing)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Qtrace is a dimensioning system that measures length, width, height and volume of parcels as they travel on a conveyor belt at speeds up to 550 feet per minute. Its uses laser doppler imaging to provide 3D parcel dimension and volume...

Improve carton flow.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Here is a look at some of the products introduced at NA 2004 in Cleveland. A carton flow system integrates the concept of traditional flow rack with the flow properties of full-width roller track to efficiently transport products. Roller...

Returns tilted loads to level positions.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Added to a line of ergonomic tilting carts is the Pump-Up Tilt Cart featuring a pump-up leveling device. This mechanism allows users to return partial or full loads to an upright position by simply pumping a foot pedal a minimal number of...

Void fill solution.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The compact and versatile Fill-Air Elite packaging system fits into single and multiple workstations to create void fill cushions on-demand. Electric and easy-to-use, the system is available in roll widths of 8, 10 and 12 inches and lengths of...

AC-powered electric rider truck.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Added to a line of AC-powered electric rider trucks is the ERC-GH lift truck, available in 4,000- and 6,500-pound capacities. Powering the lift truck is a transistorized AC-powered trac-tion motor with seamless directional change and a...

Rugged, entry-level handheld computer.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Operating with Windows CE.NET, the WORKABOUT PRO is a handheld computer featuring a wide range of expansion, radio and data input options. It is available in two models: the WORKABOUT PRO M has a monochrome touch display, 32 MB Flash and 64 MB...

Highly efficient gear motors.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Designed for use with adjustable speed controls, a line of inverter duty gear motors is rated at 3/8 horsepower, 230 volts, and 60 Hertz with three phases. The gear motor's operating range is 10 to 90 Hertz while its torque is up to 350...

Mobile tool for voice and bar coding applications.(Product Showcase)(Cadence Mobile Logistics)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Cadence Mobile Logistics is a tool incorporating speech-directed operations with bar code scanning and browser information on a wireless Pocket PC. The solution enables users to perform all warehouse operations within the Cadence Warehouse...

Modular carts for assembly lines.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Featuring a modular tube frame, the rugged KT2-TF non-powered cart is designed to deliver small- to medium-sized parts to assembly lines. It can be configured for gravity flow conveying as well as outfitted for kitting and sequencing of...

Full-screen, vehicle-mount computer.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The VX5 vehicle-mount computer features a display that goes all the way to the edge for over 12 inches of viewing. It operates on Windows 2000 Professional and XP Professional and uses a Pentium III processor. LXE Inc. 770-729-6643 www.lxe.com

Storage solutions.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... A range of new storage systems includes steel shelving, shelf bins and pick racks. The steel shelving is constructed of 22-gauge steel and is available with and without bins. A shelf bin system is 36 inches wide by 75 inches tall and holds...

End truck for 5-ton bridge crane applications.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Suitable for 3- to 5-ton bridge crane applications, the C-Series Cleveland Tramrail end truck features highly durable wheels, gears and pinions. Its components are three times harder than similar I-beam crane parts, according to the supplier....

Protect rack from collisions.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... A rack protection device is designed for systems where rack beams are attached close to the floor. Rack Sentry Cutout features a 5-inch opening for installation around typical beams while offering collision protection the length of the...

Lift truck handles long loads.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... With 6,000- and 10,000-pound capacities, the C6000 GT side-loader is designed to lift long loads up to 30 feet high. Its narrow aisle configuration and versatile maneuverability permit operation in confined spaces. Features include hydrostatic...

Mini conveyor sections.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Mini skatewheel conveyor sections are ideal for flow racks for light duty parts handling and returns applications. The EF-6045 mini conveyor sections feature high-strength aluminum alloy rails, durable plastic wheels and stainless steel axles....

Containers to 44 inches high.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... For increased volume, the KitBin XT bulk container features panels and clips that let users join a second layer of walls together to form a two-level container. The clips allow the top half of a sidewall to be folded down for easier access....

Charge batteries quickly.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Available in 24-, 36-, 48- and 72-volt configurations, a line of high-performance lead acid batteries and battery charger are optimized for fast charging. Horizon batteries charge in 1/8 the time of standard battery charges, according to the...

Fork-style automatic guided vehicle.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Featuring counterbalanced and reach lift capabilities, a fork-style automatic guided vehicle has a load capacity of 3,000 pounds. It is equipped with both laser guidance and laser safety bumpers that can dynamically vary in the field of safety...

Weighing module integrates with all load cells.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... For use in a range of applications, a weighing system features a PLC module that integrates the weighing functions in an easy-to-apply platform. Telemecanique Momentum interfaces with all load cells in a facility, making all weighing data...

Software controls material flow.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... A warehouse control system (WCS) software module strategically controls the movement and storage of materials. WCS is an execution support system that directs efficient material flow by integrating the control of multiple materials handling...

High-speed hoist.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... A high-speed hoist features an infinitely variable speed motor mated to a three-stage helical gearbox to move products up to 230 feet a minute. Loads weighing as much as 350 pounds can be easily maneuvered and precisely positioned by using a...

Sensors for positioning storage/retrieval machines.(Product Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... With accuracy and quick response times, the DME 5000 series of reflex/retro-reflective distance measurement sensors are available in short-, mid- and long-range versions. The sensors are ideal for positioning storage/retrieval machines in...

Do you have a grip on capacity planning? It takes attention to detail to ensure that warehouse capacity is expanded appropriately.(For Dealing with the Real World)
June 1, 2004... FINALLY, YOUR BUSINESS IS GROWING. However, current processes and systems in the warehouse seem inadequate to keep pace. More capacity is clearly needed. But the key questions you need to answer are: how much, and when will it really be needed?...