Modern Materials Handling articles from May 2003

Modern Materials Handling archives from May 2003

Move 675,000 pounds--piece of cake. (Breaking News You Should Know).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... When it comes to moving large loads, it's usually a matter of a few hundred pounds or even a few thousand in some unusual cases. But that certainly wasn't the case for Boeing Co. It needed to move a 747-400F airframe that weighed 675,000 pounds...

What's lacking in the supply chain. (Breaking News You Should Know).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... It's no surprise that supply chain efficiencies remain a challenge to companies. So what's the trouble? A survey presented at the Accenture/Stanford Global Supply Chain Management Forum has identified a few obstacles. Forty-three percent...

Preparing for 2007 emission standards. (Breaking News You Should Know).(Propane Education and Research Council announces research grant award)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Propane Education and Research Council (www.propanecouncil.org) has awarded a $1.39 million research grant for studying the ability of propane fuel system technologies to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 standards for large...

3PLs stay strong. (Breaking News You Should Know).(Third-party logistics providers)(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
May 1, 2003... Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) were a $65-billion business in 2002, according to Richard Armstrong of Armstrong Associates, a consulting firm based in Stoughton, Wisc. (608-873-8929, www.3plogistics.com). Armstrong shared research at...

Lift truck buying plans. (Breaking News You Should Know).
May 1, 2003... In the next 18 months, 65% of respondents to a Modern Materials Handling survey say they will be buying lift trucks. In fact, a full third of those companies plan to spend more than $100,000. Nearly 500 people responded to the e-mail survey....

Electric or bust. (Editorial).
May 1, 2003... Here's a bombshell for you. The California Air Resources Board (GARB) wants to ban the sale of internal combustion powered lift trucks rated at 8,000 pounds or less on January 1, 2005. That's right. Electric or bust in California. But it...

What's new in Paris: lift trucks, automated storage and pick-to-light held center stage at the European Biennial Logistics Exhibition 2003. (International).
May 1, 2003... This year it was Paris' turn to host the largest materials handling show outside the U.S. And just as expected, people flocked to the European Biennial Logistics Exhibition 2003 at Paris-Villepinte in mid-March. Just over 32,000 visitors came...

Creating a resilient supply chain. (Supply Chain).
May 1, 2003... In this age of international uncertainty supply chain professionals would do well to be prepared for the unexpected. Manmade catastrophes, such as terrorist attacks and anthrax scares, are not the only concerns. Natural disasters--tornadoes,...

FDA moves on bar codes for all medications. (Pharmaceutical).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... In effort to reduce mistakes in dispensing medicines, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov) is proposing new rules that will require bar codes on all medications. The FDA estimates it will cost pharmaceutical companies $50...

New ownership at Vertical Systems. (Acquisition).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Vertical Systems Inc. (www.vsilift.com) was recently acquired by a new company, Vertical Systems International, LLC. The new company will be managed by materials handling veteran Daniel Quinn, and will remain at its present location in Walton,...

Manufacturing software undergoing change. (Software).(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
May 1, 2003... The manufacturing execution system (MES) software market is heading for a great divide. That is one of the conclusions of a recent survey of the MES market by Bill Swanton and Alison Smith, research analysts at AJAR Research, Boston, Mass....

The time for D/C Expo is near. (Event).
May 1, 2003... The 21st annual Distribution/Computer Expo is almost here. From May 20-22, Chicago's Navy Pier will host more than 150 exhibitors at the largest and longest running tradeshow dedicated to technology in the logistics industry. The three-day...

AGV companies form marketing alliance. (Alliance).(AGV Products, Nuovafima; automatic guided vehicles)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... At ProMat 2003, AGV Products (www.agvproducts.com) announced a marketing alliance with Nuovafima, of Modena, Italy. Together, the companies will market the Nuovafima line of laser-guided automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) and the corresponding...

Calendar.
May 1, 2003... MAY 2003 May 6-8 Automated Manufacturing Expo Greenville, SC Sponsor: Association for Manufacturing Excellence Call: 803-779-7123 Web: www.am-expo.com May 20-22 D/C Expo & Seminars Chicago, IL ...

ISM survey shows manufacturing weakness. (Outlook).(Institute of Supply Management)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Institute of Supply Management's (ISM) latest report shows that the manufacturing economy fell at the end of the first quarter following four months of consecutive growth. In fact, this survey of purchasing managers fell in March to 46.2...

Industrial production recovery still slow. (Outlook).(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
May 1, 2003... Output of the nation's factories, mines, and utilities rose by a slight 0.1% in February. While the gain was modest, February is the second consecutive month that industrial output increased following a decline of 0.6% in December of 2002....

Consumer confidence continues to decline. (Outlook).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) continued to decline in March. With a reading of 62.5, the CCI for March was the lowest it has been since October 1993 when it slumped to 60.5. The March decline of 2 points comes on the...

Leading indicators fall after three months of growth. (Outlook).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Conference Board's summary of leading economic indicators (LEI) fell in February for the first time since September 2002. Six of the ten indicators that make up the leading index decreased. The then looming war with Iraq and severe weather...

More than just a makeover: Coty revamps its North Carolina distribution center with beautiful results. (Warehouse of the Month).
May 1, 2003... Coty was at the point where managers realized that more than cosmetic changes were needed in their distribution operations. The company, well known for its Coty and Lancaster fragrances, had increased its volumes by 135% over the past five...

Making peace with small-piece picking. (One-on-One).(Interview)
May 1, 2003... MMH What were some of the factors that prompted you to place greater emphasis on small-piece processing in your upgraded facility design? MN We used to perform a lot of case picks and then send them to customer DCs where they were broken...

The latest in lift truck design: from pallet trucks to the latest in AC powered lift trucks, suppliers are coming up with interesting new twists that improve performance. (Special Report).(Directory)
May 1, 2003... Just when you might think announcements of new lift truck designs might be flagging, that's not the case. In fact, the latest design advances are across many different types of lift trucks, opening the door to higher productivity from...

Warehouse optimization: the next step in supply chain execution. (Special Advertising Section: Warehouse Optimization).(technologies to improve supply chain operation)
May 1, 2003... FOR YEARS, WAREHOUSE MANAGERS were urged to get control of the operations inside the four walls of their warehouses. That meant moving from paper-based manual operations to what was then the next step in warehouse productivity: Real-time,...

Retrofit for manufacturing success: when Rittal installed a new manufacturing line in a vacant warehouse, it discovered an unused AS/RS that is now the heart of the facility. (Manufacturing Spotlight).
May 1, 2003... One man's loss is another man's gain. That's s what happened when Rittal Corp. transformed an empty warehouse in Urbana, Ohio, into a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and distribution center for computer and electronic enclosures. ...

Conveyors--ready to roll: an MMH survey shows conveyors are high on buyers' wish lists--keeping them moving from the display case into materials handling operations. (Equipment Report).(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... What do American Airlines, Avery Dennison, Amazon.com and Nordstorm have in common? All have plans in place for improving their materials handling operations in the short term with new conveyors. And even more important, they are not alone. Not...

Virtual reality: with materials handling systems growing ever more complex, simulation software lets you test fly your new system before it's installed. (Information Management).
May 1, 2003... It's expensive to fly a 747, especially if you're training the pilot and not moving passengers. That's why airline pilots sharpen their skills in a flight simulator, where they don't burn any jet fuel. Complex materials handling systems...

Improving productivity drives changes in automotive manufacturing. (Auto Manufacturing).
May 1, 2003... Todays automakers implement more automated, operator-centric, materials handling solutions on the final assembly fine to improve productivity, flexibility. To stay competitive, the North American automotive manufacturers are continuously...

Buckhorn reusable packaging products deliver value. (Profile).(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
May 1, 2003... Buckhorn, a Myers Industries company (NYSE: MYE), is one of North America's leading providers of reusable plastic packaging products and services--improving material handling performance and reducing operating costs for companies in many...

Efficient parts storage, from nuts and bolts to large, bulky parts. (Profile).(Schaefer Systems' storage solutions)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... To meet the exact demands of the automotive industry, Schaefer Systems offers storage solutions with flexibility strength, efficiency and modularity. Schaefer's R3000 shelving offers the widest range of automotive-specific storage solutions in...

Heavy-duty electric walkie pallet provides easy maneuverability on ramps and shipping platforms, improved ergonomics. (Profile).(from Multiton MIC Corp.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... A new heavy--duty--up to 6000 pound capacity-Type EJE 60 Electric Walkie Pallet Truck that provides excellent operator control on ramps and shipping platforms, is available from Multiton MIC Corporation, Richmond, Va. Designed with operator...

FMC Technologies delivers for auto industry. (Profile).
May 1, 2003... FMC Technologies is the preferred supplier of automated guided vehicles to the automotive industry. Timely movement of materials allows automotive customers to improve plant performance by maximizing utilization/efficiency, minimizing...

Creative Techniques custom parts kitting trays. (Product Showcase).
May 1, 2003... Custom-engineered parts kitting trays from Creative Techniques can save manufacturers money, improve throughput, and optimize overall production cycle time. Available in either injection-molded plastic or structural foam. 248.373.3050 ...

Ralphs-Pugh (the leader). (Product Showcase).
May 1, 2003... Why not buy the last roller you will ever need? Our ABEC-1 precision bearings combined with urethane shaft adapters over a steel through-shaft eliminate noise, shaft wear and frame wear. No more metal to metal contact, no more hex holes worn to...

Save shipping costs with Tier-Rack. (Product Showcase).
May 1, 2003... Tier-Rack has been the #1 manufacturer of pallets stacking frames since 1955. We offer custom designed automotive shipping racks to save your freight and storage costs. Tier-Rack's custom designed automotive racks can fold down to save money on...

Transbotics new fork-style LGV. (Product Showcase).
May 1, 2003... Transbotics is pleased to offer their new form style last guided vehicle, which has both counter-balance and reach-lift capabilities. This vehicle can carry up to 3000 lbs., has a lift height of over eight feet, and extends over five feet;...

Shift from side to side. (Product Focus).
May 1, 2003... Hydraulically adjust the spacing of a truck's forks with a fork positioner that features sideshifting capabilities. Capacities range from 4,500 to 22,000 pounds for lift trucks with carriage widths between 37.4 and 94.5 inches. Fitting any...

High visibility with fork positioners. (Product Focus).
May 1, 2003... Improving visibility, the FK model fork positioner features a compact design, sloped shape of the upper cross member and a wide central window. The fork carriers are actuated by two hydraulic cylinders that slide on a chromed bar. The compact...

Move, stack or palletize drums. (Product Focus).
May 1, 2003... Built for heavy usage, the Auto-Grip model 6145 is a gravity-actuated mechanical drum grip with a 1500-pound lifting capacity. Spring-and-cam actuated rubber-lined jaws can be adjusted to fit 30-, 55- or 85-gallon drums, or any cylindrical...

Enhanced visibility. (Product Focus).
May 1, 2003... The F-series sideshifter is designed with an upper S-shaped hook/fork bar and a wide window, providing operators with maximum visibility while moving and shifting loads. The sideshifter uses a high-pressure cylinder that is compatible with...

Transform lift truck into crane. (Product Focus).
May 1, 2003... Attach the Pivot Boom to a forklift for additional materials handling capabilities. The telescoping boom has a 12-foot reach and features 3,000-, 4,000-, 6,000- and 8,000-pound load capacities. The vertically pivoting boom can reach up to 6...

Fork extensions. (Product Focus).
May 1, 2003... Available in six styles, fork extensions provide extra support necessary for lifting long and large objects with a lift truck. The automatic lock style features a tine lock loop to secure extensions. The full loop, rounded and triangular styles...

Carton clamp with thin arm. (Product Focus).
May 1, 2003... Ideal for handling closely stacked loads, a long reach articulating arm carton clamp features an arm thickness of 2.9 inches. The clamp is available in capacities from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds with arm sizes up to 54 x 48 inches. Allied Systems...

Integrate distribution with business systems. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... An integrated set of distribution and business management systems is designed specifically for distribution. Functionalities include management of inventory order and purchasing, sales forecasting, e-commerce and warehouses. All...

Automate shipping process. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... ShipSoft automates the shipping process to improve efficiency, eliminate manual errors and reduce costs. The software's parcel component automates the small package shipping process for domestic and international shipments by managing the...

Transportation management. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... The EliteSeries transportation management system is shipping software that optimizes the rating, routing, manifesting, tracking and post-shipment analysis for small package and less-than-load shipments. Providing central control and automated...

A suite of options. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Two additions to a supply chain software suite are the Elite Optimizer and Elite Resource Management System (RMS) modules. The Optimizer analyzes real data to optimize putaway travel distance, minimize replenishment frequencies, and suggest...

Rugged, handheld PC. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Operating on Windows CE system, the MX5 handheld computer can withstand intense water spray and multiple drops of more than six feet. Features include a color TFT reflective screen for indoor/outdoor viewing and an ergonomically designed...

Making upgrades easier. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Enhancing the ViaWare warehouse management system (WMS) are four tools that make product implementations, upgrades and ongoing testing an easier, streamlined process. Data Manager simplifies warehouse configuration during implementation and...

Improve supply chain visibility. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Version 6.5 of the Voyager transportation planning and management solution offers expanded event management, private freight exchange and performance management capabilities to improve visibility across the supply chain. Users can program the...

Ergonomic picking system. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Users can easily pick and put pallets without lifting and carrying heavy loads by using an ergonomic picking module. Incorporating picking cabins and loading devices for pallets, the system is equipped with a lifting component and sensors. When...

Order-to-ship. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Andaris, a Web-based application suite, enables warehouses to achieve total visibility from customer orders and demand aggregation to vendor component purchases and fulfillment. This order-to-ship supply chain visibility tool incorporates...

WMS for small DCs. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Suited to small distribution centers and third-party logistics facilities, Foxware LITE is a warehouse management system with full radio frequency capability and Web lookup functions. The system's configuration supports up to five wireless...

Managing events. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... As a supply chain event management tool, LogiView lets users monitor the extended supply chain for events and exceptions involving customer orders, inventory, shipping and transportation requirements. Capabilities include balancing inventory...

Manage inbound and outbound freight. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Manage inbound and outbound freight using FreightMaster TMS, a traffic management software system that provides the visibility to plan and execute day-today transportation activities. The user-friendly system enables companies to decrease...

High-volume parcel shipments. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Designed for high-volume parcel shippers, the DI Server is multi-carrier software that integrates with existing execution and planning software. The system is capable of shipping to and from any destination worldwide as well as coordinating...

Simulation software. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Test how a distribution center will work under different scenarios using AutoMod. The simulation software system creates models that allow users to determine the effects of consolidating distribution centers and decide what type of equipment...

WMS with full functionality. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Capable of managing warehouses, personnel, products and equipment is the WMS-2000 version 9.0. The warehouse management system features a completely Web-based graphical user interface and multiple language capability. Information on inventory...

Web-based supply chain portal. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Expanding the DigitaLogistix suite is DLx Dashboard, a Web-based portal delivering a range of real-time supply chain information, applications, decision support tools and performance data. Users can access multiple DigitaLogistix applications...

WMS with dynamic planning. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... The Warehouse Rx featuring Data Dr. is a warehouse management system coupled with a dynamic planning tool. Warehouse Rx manages resources, warehouse activities, pick-to-light and put-to-light applications, real-time information of warehouse,...

Comprehensive SCE solutions. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Supply Chain Advantage is a comprehensive collection of supply chain execution solutions for warehouse, yard and transportation management, supply chain visibility and event management, collaborative inventory management and mobile data...

Roundtable series live from ProMat 2003; WMS and systems integration: bringing together the two halves of materials handling. (A Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2003... ProMat, the biannual materials handling show, aims a spotlight on what materials handling can do to improve the productivity of your operations. That's why Modern Materials Handling sponsored two roundtable discussions with industry leaders at...

Achieve operational excellence. (Profile).
May 1, 2003... Manhattan Associates, Inc., is the global leader in providing extended supply chain execution (x-SCE[TM]) solutions. The company enables operational excellence through real-time collaboration, execution and optimization. By leveraging...

Vocollect: putting voice technology to work. (Profile).
May 1, 2003... Vocollect is the world leader in voice-directed distribution systems. We have been dedicated to voice solutions since our founding in 1987, and today our Talkman[R] systems are at work in warehouses and distribution centers around the world,...

What a systems integrator can do for you. (A Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2003... Materials handling systems are more complicated than ever. Meeting customer service demands has never been more important. They explained why a systems integrator can help you get the most from your operations. MMH: I think we should start...

Smart, sturdy printer. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... The EasyCoder PM4i bar code printer is a thermal transfer, programmable printer capable of executing user-defined programs and communicating with and controlling scanners and other printers. Ruggedly designed, its all-metal construction...

High-volume fulfillment. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... MOVE 7i is a warehouse management system designed for high-volume, piece-pick operations. It monitors, manages and synchronizes fulfillment processes within individual warehouses and across distribution networks. J2EE compliant and Web-based,...

RFID solution for SCE. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... PkMS, a supply chain execution (SCE) solution coupled with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provides completely automated logistics tracking processes. The integrated solution lets users capture information from the embedded...

Facilitate billing processes. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... A Web-enabled software tool called cBill facilitates real-time rating and consolidation of billable events and electronic invoice preparation. Receiving exported data as un-rated transactions or invoice-ready bills, the system validates the...

Go faster with GoKarts. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Improving picking rates for low-velocity stock keeping units, EASYpick Gokarts enable operators to pick several orders simultaneously during a single pass through a breakpack picking area. The picker scans the totes on a cart and verifies the...

Easily design business processes. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... Design end-to-end business processes without writing, codes by using the Intelligent Script Process Management (iSPM) system. It enables clients to compose and execute a sequence of step-by-step instructions to manage complex business...

Materials management capability. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... iristaWarehouse 8.4 is a warehouse management software system with advanced materials management capabilities to facilitate material movement execution in process-oriented environments. Added functionality includes work order management, line...

Integrate the enterprise and warehouse. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... The VISUAL Enterprise for Distributors system is an end-to-end supply chain solution for order management, inventory and warehouse requirements. It is designed for users who manage varied distribution channels, set up B2C and B2B markets and...

Improve dock and lot operations. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... QuickLINK is an integrated dock and lot management system that maximizes the operational efficiency of warehouse, distribution and product fulfillment centers. Providing a fast, accurate turnaround for inbound and outbound freight, the system...

Enhance distribution operations. (Show Preview).
May 1, 2003... A suite of end-to-end financials, distribution, business intelligence and e-commerce applications is enhanced with the eDistribution module. Features include new inventory, sales order and purchase order capabilities that allow distributors to...

Lift up to 600 pounds. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... A heavy-duty, compact air chain hoist can be used as a workstation or production line hoist. It is offered in a range of lifting capacities to 600 pounds and speeds to 31 feet per minute. The hardened forged steel, latch-type lower hook rotates...

Lighten your load. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Ideal for transporting bulky but lightweight items are the ROPAK L-series 4548 containers. Providing more durability than cardboard and other lightweight containers, the L-series 4548 container is constructed of high-density polyethylene and is...

High-speed printing. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Print readable bar codes, text and graphics with the Mark-O-Print Multiline ink jet coding system. Offered with three different printheads, the system prints in heights of 0.5-, 0.9- and 1.9-inches and at speeds up to 325 feet per minute. As...

Upgraded handheld computer. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The line of Dolphin 7400 and 7450 handheld mobile computers is enhanced with the Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Professional Edition operating system. Features include additional increased memory and an integrated stylus. Available in batch as well...

Conveyor is reconfigurable. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Reconfigurations are simple with the 24 volt DC conveyor that features interchangeable sideframes and modular power distribution. Its standard straight section frame rails are symmetrical and can be inverted for low rail applications. Modular...

Be vigilant about vehicles. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Vigilant vehicle monitoring and fleet management software monitors the use of materials handling equipment. Functions recorded include traction and lift time, temperature levels, low fluids or gas, brush wear and low battery. The software...

In an instant. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Create layout drawings, three-dimensional images and quotations quickly with the InstantPlanner generic space-planning software. Users can create a local product database of selective rack, save all documents in PDF format, and export price...

More controlled tilting. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Added to the Ergo-Cart family is the Lift and Tilt Cart featuring a tilt-speed control cylinder that safely tilts heavy loads up to 3,000 pounds. The cart is equipped with a hydraulic damper to enable a controlled tilt of its load up to 45...

Redesigned hoist. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The CXT hoist in capacities up to 80 tons has redesigned components to increase safety and reliability. An increased drum diameter with the hoisting motor placed inside enables a shorter hoist length. The larger rope drum reduces bending...

Conveyors washed clean. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... With DC drive elements designed to withstand water spray and corrosive elements, the Wash down RollerDrive is ideal for the food processing industry and other sanitary applications. The 24 volt DC brush and brushless RollerDrive is especially...

Palletizer places bottom sheet. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... A device added to a line of bag palletizers automatically places a corrugated sheet on a pallet after it is indexed from the pallet magazine into the loading position. The sheet is lifted from the top of the stack by multiple pneumatic...