Modern Materials Handling articles from March 2002

Modern Materials Handling archives from March 2002

The challenge of change. (Breaking News You Should Know).(seminar results)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... At a recent Council of Logistics Management (CLM) seminar, all of the 300 attendees raised their hands when organizational change expert Saul Pilnick asked if they were involved in a major corporate change initiative. When he asked if they were...

What's the cost of 9/11 to the supply chain? (Breaking News You Should Know).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... According to David Gloss, a professor of logistics at Michigan State, the answer is somewhere between $50 and $80 billion a year. In a story in Fortune magazine, Class says this is the result of less efficient supply chains, higher...

New model for 3PL relationships. (Breaking News You Should Know).(Nortel Networks sells logistics operations to Kuehne and Nagel)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Most companies that use third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) simply hire them to handle specified functions and responsibilities. Not so for Nortel Networks. In January, the telecommunications and networking company divested its...

Brudi acquired by Bolzoni-Auramo. (Breaking News You Should Know).(from TBM Holdings)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Looking to strengthen its position in the U.S. market, materials handling equipment supplier Bolzoni-Auramo Group (www.bolzoni.it) has purchased from TBM Holdings the Brudi line of palletless handling lift truck attachments. The acquisition...

Standardizing software across the supply chain. (Breaking News You Should Know).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... As more companies focus on supply chain collaboration, pressure to standardize information systems between shippers, their customers and suppliers, and third-party logistics (3PL) service providers is growing, says Dr. C. John Langley, Jr.,...

Finding hidden assets.(in factory management)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
March 1, 2002... We've all been reading lately about hidden liabilities at certain companies. But we haven't heard much about bidden assets. Yes, hidden assets. They are out there, and you may well have some. All it takes is one question to find out. Do...

GDP in Q4/2001 holds its own. (Outlook).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... To the pleasant surprise of economic analysts and policy makers, the preliminary report on the nation's economic activity showed slight growth during the final quarter of last year. In contrast to the 1.3% decline in the nation's Gross Domestic...

Business spending continues to weaken. (Outlook).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The marginal gain in GDP can be attributed entirely to growth in consumer spending and to sharply increased government spending-much of it directly related to homeland security. Consumer spending on durable goods (particularly motor vehicles)...

Consumer confidence on the rebound. (Outlook).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... The Conference Board's consumer confidence index (CCI) fell for five consecutive months before bouncing back with 11.4% growth in December and another 2.9% hike in January. Improvement in consumers' short-term optimism provides support for the...

Economic growth likely to accelerate. (Outlook).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... It now appears that most of the recession is behind us. In addition to the improvement in consumer confidence, the index of leading economic indicators has increased for three months running, and both new orders and manufacturing production...

Do ADC suppliers understand your needs? A newly released study says users and suppliers of ADC equipment and technologies generally agree on what matters, but not always. (Automatic Data Capture).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... We've all heard the story of the husband and wife who did not see things quite the same way. Although both of them attended the same event, you couldn't tell that from their descriptions of what took place or what was most important. Like...

New plastic pallets may counter fire-rating changes. (Safety).(from Rehrig Pacific, Cookson Plastic Molding)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Although both wooden and plastic pallets burn, the latter are considered to be a greater fire threat to warehouses. As a result, the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org) requires facilities that use plastic pallets to meet a more...

People & Companies.(employment briefs)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Appointments/promotions: John G. Jazwiec is CEO of McHugh Software International... Alvey Systems, Inc., an FKI Logistex Co., appoints Ted Clucas to vice president, systems engineering and operations...Landoll Corp. names Dave DeWolfe...

Georgia Duck. (Alliances/Construction).(Crossett joins distributor network)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Georgia Duck announces that Crossett, Johnson's Belt Service and Supply Company joins its expanding Total Conveyor Service Distributor network.

FKI Logistex and Manhattan Associates. (Alliances/Construction).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... FKI Logistex and Manhattan Associates form an alliance to provide seamless integration of warehouse management systems with order processing and warehouse control systems.

Omron Electronics LLC. (Alliances/Construction).(teams with CCS America Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Omron Electronics LLC partners with CCS America Inc.

Hy-Tek Material Handling Inc. (Alliances/Construction).(announces reorganization)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Hy-Tek Material Handling Inc., a regionally based materials handling company, reorganizes its Cincinnati branch to focus on integrated conveyor systems and storage solutions.

Identec Solutions and ICE Automation. (Alliances/Construction).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Identec Solutions and ICE Automation form a partnership to provide expanded service offerings to their customers.

HighJump Software and Keogh Consulting form. (Alliances/Construction).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... HighJump Software and Keogh Consulting form an alliance to provide clients with end-to-end supply chain execution solutions.

Industrial ERP: Poised for growth? (Information Technology).(enterprise resource planning software market data)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... The market for industrial enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions topped $9 billion in 2001, according to a recent study headed by Steve Clouther, vice president, ARC Advisory Group (www.arcweb.com). That's a far cry from the nearly...

Supply chain popular with MBAs. (Supply Chain Management).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... With investment banking on the skids, some enterprising MBA students are looking toward supply chain management as the next area of opportunity. "Our students see the re-engineering of supply chains as an important endeavor," says William...

Calendar. (News Trends).
March 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 Web: www.manufacturing-week.com Write...

RFID sales expected to soar. (Automated Data Capture).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems will grow at a 24-percent annual rate over the next five years, predict analysts at Venture Development Corp. (www.vdc-corp.com). The market research firm expects the RFID market to grow from...

50 years ago. (News Trends).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Handling flat sheets -- from plate glass to sheet steel -- has always been one of the industry's toughest problems. Take a sheet of glass big enough to fit a department store window - you'd think that you'd really have to handle it with kid...

25 years ago. (News Trends).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... An intensified interest in electricity as a power source for industrial trucks -- and many other kinds of mobile equipment -- has resulted in a new kind of equipment-show focus in the United States. From a preview of an electric vehicle...

Auto exchange to promote two XML standards. (News Trends).(Covinst)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The automobile industry exchange Covinst, will adopt two standards - ebXML and Open Application Group's OAGIS standards to the XML documents used in electronic communications between its members. Covinst is an "" community where automaker can...

LeanSigma creates improvement. (FYI).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... It's time for manufacturers to make choices and fix outdated process. A new book, The Perfect Engine: How to Winin the New Demand Economy by Building to Order With Fewer Resources, tells how to create a manufacturing environment that's focused...

Third-party logistics directory. (FYI).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Need to find a qualified warehouses and logistics service company? The 2001-2002 Membership Directory of the International. Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) can help. The directory includes contact information for more than 1,500...

Boost accuracy and efficiency. (FYI).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... If you want to know more about the tools and methods that increase the effectiveness, accuracy and productivity of warehousing operation, then pick up a copy of World-Class Warehousing and Material Handling by Edward H. Frazelle Ph.D.,...

What's on your mind when evaluating ADC? (Information Control).(automatic data capture)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... Have you ever wondered whether others in your field see things the same way you do? I have, and recently I was able to find out what's on everyone's minds when it comes to automatic data capture (ADC). A study of ADC users' current...

Restarting a stalled project in uncertain times. (Common Sense Handling).(warehousing management techniques)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... One of the most frustrating situations you may face as a warehouse manager is when you've submitted a properly designed and authorized project for final approval, only to have it placed on hold. Because the likelihood that this will happen...

Retrofits like a glove: Magid Glove & Safety discovered that old is better than new when it defied conventional wisdom and turned its old factory into a state-of-the-art distribution center. (Warehouse of the Month).
March 1, 2002... Several years ago, Magid Glove & Safety Co. was at a crossroads. Business was growing beyond the space available in the two adjoining buildings that housed its manufacturing and warehouse operations in northwest Chicago. There was also a need...

The world's Top 20 systems suppliers: Our annual listing has a new top gun, a returnee, and a couple of newcomers including one from down under. (Annual Report on the Top 20).(Siemens Dematic tops list)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... Yikes, what a year! It is not exaggerating to say that materials handling system sales in 2001 were a major disappointment, especially when contrasted with the record increases experienced over the past few years. Thankfully, there were enough...

Get ready for NA 2002: Here's an early look at much of what will be on display at next month's North American Material Handling & Logistics Show and Conference. (Show Preview).
March 1, 2002... NA 2002 April 8-11, 2002 Cobo Hall, Detroit Show Hours: Monday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. -3 p.m. WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT Deliver on customer...

Is dynamic planning in your future? There's a clear move underway to merge planning and execution software to facilitate dynamic planning. (Information Technology).(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... The best made plans of mice and operations managers can go awry. A factory gears up for production of an item when the customer suddenly halves the order quantity. Or product from overseas encounters a port delay, jeopardizing a delivery...

Large parts storage and staging: Utilizing space for the efficient storage and staging of large parts can translate into huge savings for your facility. (Equipment Report).
March 1, 2002... Whether it's a pallet load or a refrigerator, storing and staging large parts can be a challenge. Not only do they require significant cubic space, but large parts are often cumbersome to putaway and retrieve. Fortunately, there are several...

Making all the right connections: Teradyne tripled productivity with improved ergonomics and light-directed assembly of large circuit boards. (Manufacturing Spotlight).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... "You've got mail!" the voice from some computers announces. We do indeed. Worldwide we received nearly 16 billion e-mails each day in 2001. By 2005, forecasts IDC, a market research firm, 36 billion will arrive daily. Teradyne...

Electronic data interchange (EDI): What lies ahead. (ADC News and Solutions).
March 1, 2002... Despite a challenge from a low-cost alternative for sending standard formatted supply chain messages between companies, electronic data interchange isn't going away anytime soon. It works and it's here to stay. Electronic data interchange...

Materials handling opportunity: Until recently, materials handling has been an after-thought in the beverage industry. That may he ready to change. (Liquid Handling in Transition).
March 1, 2002... It's not that materials handling is foreign to the beverage industry: no bottling plant or beverage distribution center could operate without pallers, palletizers, stretch wrap, fork lifts, and floor storage. But in the beverage industry,...

ORBIS Corporation now offers 44" x 56" Duro-Cell Can Pallet. (Product Releases).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... ORBIS Corporation now offers the 44" x 56" Duro-Cell Can Pallet, manufactured in high-density polyethylene. Its heavy-duty one-piece structural foam construction provides exceptional performance in the beverage and can industry. This 100%...

Ralphs-Pugh Co. (Product Releases).(helps reduce conveyor noise with steel shaft roller)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Ralphs-Pugh Co. (the Leader) is helping companies save their old conveyor systems yet make them quiet running and low maintenance. The R-P urethane adapted steel shaft roller (pictured) makes the difference. It helped Millbrook Distribution in...

Beverage conveyor roller. (Product Releases).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Interroll Corporation offers an anti-litho Taperhex Gold conveyor roller tar use in beverage packaging applications. Manufactured with an ink-resistant polyethelene tube, the Anti-Litho roller protects printed packages from accumulated ink that...

Foam-in-bag packaging system. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The Instapacker tabletop foam-in-bag system is a simple method for producing foam-in-bag packaging for cushioning, blocking and bracing, and void-fill applications. A touch-key panel allows users to control the amount of foam dispensed into...

Accurate crane control. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Crane controls are rugged, lightweight, and ergonomically designed for harsh environments. They have tough metal housings and provide message security, long battery life, quick response time and safe, accurate control of overhead cranes and...

Fast charger for electric lift trucks. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Trucks can run all day on one battery with just a fast charge during breaks and shift changes. The PosiCharge MVS allows for one battery per vehicle, eliminating battery changing. This increases productivity and reduces costs. AeroVironment...

Voice system improves productivity. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Improve productivity and accuracy in core warehouse functions by up to 20% with a speech-directed picking solution. Featuring speaker-independent technology, the system recognizes any user's voice and does not require individual voice...

RFID tags. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... For radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, UHF tags feature an innovative approach that requires low power and produces powerful read ranges. Each chip is extremely secure and tamperproof, because the unique ID is programmed very early...

Lever hoist. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The mini Bravo lever hoist weighs just 4-1/2 pounds, yet can lift up to 500 pounds. Its compact size makes it easy to transport and store. Tractel Inc., Griphoist Div. Booth 519 800-421-0246 www.tractel.com Write in 445

Exchange data easier. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Communique is middleware that allows any pervasive device or combination of devices to communicate with one or a number of back-end host systems. This means that pervasive device/host systems from different vendors can exchange data. It...

Mezzanine flooring. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Resindek is designed specifically for use as a mezzanine floor wearing surface. A special blend of phenolic resin, wax emulsion, and wood fibers is combined under tremendous heat and pressure to make this durable product. The Johnson Doppler...

Power and free conveyor. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The Trans-Flow 3 by 3 power and free conveyor combines the strength of a power chain conveyor with the versatility of an enclosed track power and free conveyor. The equipment utilizes the pivoting power chain dog of the enclosed track system...

AGVS automatically charge batteries. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... A new automatic guided vehicle (AGV) series offers omni-directional vehicle movement, ease of training and serviceability, flexible and safe operation, and easy system expansion. In addition, a range of components are available, including...

Safer way to move parts. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Transporting containers and pallets is safe and easy with the Ergo Cart. Once the container reaches its destination, the cart can easily be repositioned. The cart can then serve as a workstation, enabling the container to be lifted, tilted or...

Laboratory tests materials handling solutions. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... With more than 11,000 square feet of materials handling equipment and technology, the Tompkins Development Lab is a fully operational solutions testing facility. The Lab is designed to provide customers with a no-risk environment for testing...

Electric towing tractor. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The 80-volt, AC-powered electric HLE towing tractor is virtually non-polluting. Its AC motor is maintenance-free. Features include an integrated drive-axle motor, tight turning radius with options of 92 to 115 inches, inching form hitch,...

Solutions for the automotive industry. (Show Preview).(from FKI Logistex, advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Turnkey systems for manufacturers with a focus on the automotive industry feature a specialized car seat conveyor as well as automated storage and retrieval systems for replacement automotive parts. Also featured will be a gantry robotic...

Transportation solutions. (Show Preview).(from 4 Way Logistics Inc., advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Freight services offered include less-than-truckload and truckload, vans, flats, over-dimensional and heavy haul shipments to and from all points in the United States and Canada. The company simplifies shipping by coordinating all aspects of...

Mezzanine flooring. (Show Preview).(from Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products Inc., advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... ResinFlor mezzanine flooring is offered in three industrial grades for various load demands. Features include a choice of coating for high-gloss finish, longer life, electrostatic dissipation and customized application solutions. Cornerstone...

Storage, conveyance. (Show Preview).(from Interlake Material Handling Inc., advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... A variety of products and services will be featured, including: storage rack, sortation and conveyance products, pick modules, automation and control engineering, project and installation management, service and maintenance. Interlake Material...

Gate makes mezzanine loading safer. (Show Preview).(from International Cordage East Ltd., advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... An automatic mezzanine safety gate automatically senses arrival of forklift trucks and deploys. Forklift operators do not have to get off the machine to operate the gate. The unit meets OSHA regulations for worker safety, and prevents workers...

Clean, anti-fatigue mats. (Show Preview).(from Crown Mats and Matting, advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Comfort King Class 100 anti-fatigue mats feature an anti-microbial agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria. The ultra-clean, static-control mats can be used in applications where it is essential that the product itself does not contaminate...

Woven wire partition. (Show Preview).(from WireCrafters L.L.C., advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Separate, secure and store items with an easy-to-install wire partition system. Twenty standard-sized panels and steel support posts can be used to build, partitions, enclosures or storage areas of any size or configuration. Modular design...

Reduce conveyor power needs. (Show Preview).(from Intelligrated Inc./Versa Conveyor, advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... A motor-driven roller, zero-pressure accumulation conveyor offers reduced power consumption and improves working environments with quiet, safe, clean operation and better ergonomics. The conveyor includes diverging and converging spurs, belt...

Adjustable shelving system. (Show Preview).(from Penco Products Inc., advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... The clipper shelving system integrates smoothly with mezzanine storage systems, providing easy to install, sturdy shelving solutions for a wide range of storage problems. A special clip that holds the shelf tight against the post allows shelf...

Containers offer 4,000-pound capacity. (Show Preview).(from AWP Industries Inc., advertisement)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Folding, corrugated, reusable steel containers provide virtually maintenance-free storage of metal parts, stampings and other components weighing up to 4,000 pounds. The containers are usable for integrated transportation on both truck and...

Crane control system. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The telePilot crane control system uses a Palm Pilot to program the transmitter's synthesized frequency and on-board flash memory configuration via an infrared signal. One telePilot transmitter can be programmed to independently operate up to...

Hoist handles up to 150 tons. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... A custom-engineered hoist offers a capacity ranging from 10 to 150 tons. Features include horizontally split gear cases, heattreated alloy steel gears, and TENV class Ftype motors. Crane Technologies Group Inc. Booth 1615 248-652-8700...

Big fan power in confined spaces. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Designed to address space constraints created by overhead conveyors and sprinkler systems, the 8-, 10-, and 12-foot diameter "wickerbill" fans generate floor-level air movement that previously was available only with much larger fans. The...

Transparent label holders. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The Slip-Strip label-holder system can display bar codes, signs, messages and prices. Label holders come in six standard widths from 3/4 to 3 inches, and in lengths of 36 and 48 inches. The holders can be used full-length or can be cut to the...

Cantilever rack. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... A complete line of structural cantilever rack storage systems is designed and manufactured for specific applications. This rack can also be used to support a roof system to protect product stored outside. Monarch Storage Systems, div. of United...

Device moves almost anything. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The battery-operated Power Pusher unit can push or pull almost anything on casters. The device moves equipment more efficiently, reducing the risk of injury. Compact size and maneuverability make it suitable for confined spaces. A wide range of...

Automated materials handling. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Automated materials handling systems feature pallet conveyance, storage and staging and picking systems. The systems are capable of handling thousands of stock keeping units while maximizing throughput and efficiency. Picking systems increase...

Handle 100-pound loads. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The Articularm fully articulating manipulator can handle a 100-pound load, achieving complete dexterity without the physical effort of lifting, stretching and straining that leads to fatigue and injuries. It has a 72-inch maximum reach and...

Positioning platform. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The V900-HS positioning platform features low-profile air-bag technology, 25 inches of vertical lift, and full up/down cycle speeds of 10 seconds or less. The lift module generates a direct, non-mechanical, one-to-one lifting force. Herkules...

High-speed bar-code reader. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The AccuVision 3800 camera-based barcode reader can read linear and two-dimensional symbols in all directions at conveyor speeds up to 600 feet per minute. It provides more than 15,000 scans per second, reading even labels that are dirty and...

Wheels, rollers, and tires. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Rollers, wheels and tires made from high-quality polyurethane elastomer are resistant to damage caused by wear and tear, oil, ozone exposure and temperature variations. They are also resilient and noise reducing. ACLA USA, Inc. Booth 2432...

Container rotator. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The container rotator/transporter can be quickly and easily moved to any location in the plant. They offer independent control of lift and rotate functions, allowing 180-degree rotation in either direction for maximum access to parts or even...

Workstation cranes. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Workstation cranes are manufactured with a minimal number of pre-engineered modular components that configure into custom operating systems. The floor-mounted or ceiling mounted cranes are suited for assembly work cells and feature smooth...

Safety relay switch. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... The IB IL 24 Safe 1 module in the Inline fieldbus I/O system allows emergency stop switches, protective doors, light curtains and safety devices to be connected over fieldbus technologies. The safety relay module safely switches off the power...

Software for automatic guided vehicles. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Q-CAN software allows for user configurability of automatic guided vehicle systems (AGVS). This product is a combination of AGV controls and a user-friendly PC program that makes AGVs easy to design, lower in cost, quick to install, and easier...

Cross docking software. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... SmartDock cross docking software increases both inventory turnaround time and operational cost savings. With pre-designated loads, the software can efficiently direct all dock movements via radio frequency devices. Dynamic prioritization and...

Compact transporter. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Eliminate body strain caused by manual lifting with the Ergo-Tranz transporter. This compact unit is lightweight and mobile in confined spaces. Features include solid aluminum construction, programmable multilevel lift function, variable lift...

Pallet brakes control speed. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... A line of speed controllers, also called pallet brakes, is available in three capacities: 20 - 200 pounds, 175- 2,000 pounds, and 500 - 4,000 plus pounds. Mounted directly or indirectly, the controllers ensure that product travels at a...

Tabletop conveyors. (Show Preview).(advertisement)
March 1, 2002... Standard tabletop conveyors utilize a pick-and-place unit and include materials that keep equipment costs down. Other tabletop styles available are industrial platform types for automating machining centers, assembly processes and packaging...