Modern Materials Handling articles from May 2004

Modern Materials Handling archives from May 2004

Gaining better control on the shop floor.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... THE PUSH IS ON IN SEVERAL INDUSTRIES to gain better control of work-in-process using automatic data collection (ADC) application software. Industries leading the charge are pharmaceuticals, electronics, food/beverage and automotive, according...

Temperature-controlled warehouse space grows.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Total space for public, private and semi-private temperature-controlled warehouses grew nearly 4% during the past two years. That's according to the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW). Total refrigerated and freezer...

Fast fact.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(logistics services growth)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... 9 Number of consecutive years that growth in third-party logistics services has exceeded U.S. economic growth. Source: Armstrong & Associates (www.3PLogistics.com)

Next generation RFID standards move ahead.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Thirteen manufacturers of radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, tags and readers have submitted a unified protocol definition for the technology's next generation of standards. The submission was made to EPCglobal, which is responsible...

SK Daifuku merges with Daifuku America.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... EFFECTIVE LAST MONTH, Salt Lake City based SK Daifuku became one of three global product groups under the umbrella of Daifuku America Corp. The former brings its manufacturing/warehousing/distribution materials handling expertise as well as...

It's all about the details.(My View)(California Air Resources Board)(Editorial)
May 1, 2004... Just a year ago in this space, I described how the California Air Resources Board (CARB) wanted to end the sale of non-electric trucks (both sales and rentals) in the state by January 1, 2009. At the time, I hoped that CARB would reconsider the...

NA 2004 sees success in Cleveland: it was a week of materials handling equipment buyers with projects and budgets looking for (and finding) solutions to their problems.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... With the economy getting back on its feet and current issues like radio frequency identification (RFID) technology gaining attention, the materials handling industry is abuzz these days. This energy could definitely be felt at NA 2004 in...

Modern honors productivity winners.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(Modern Materials Handling)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... What do BMW, McKesson Pharmaceutical and Corporate Express have in common? Each was honored at Modern Materials Handling magazine's 14th annual Productivity Awards Dinner at NA 2004. They posted major gains in the efficiency of their...

RFID tracks containers.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(TrenStar Inc., Matrics Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... TrenStar Inc. (www.trenstar.com), the O-T-D Corp. (www.otdcorp.com) and Matrics Inc. (www.matrics.com) have partnered to deliver the first standardized, RFID-ready reusable aluminum containers--and the supply chain management of those...

Siemens Dematic introduces new warehouse control system.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Siemens Dematic (www.siemensdematic.us) has introduced a new warehouse control system (WCS) software module. The new WCS is aimed at unit handling systems for product unitized on pallets and flowing through an automated storage and retrieval...

Provia and Viastore align.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(Provia Software, Viastore Systems)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Provia Software (www.provia.com), a provider of supply chain execution software and RFID solutions, and Viastore Systems (www.viastore.com), a provider of automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS) and materials handling controls systems, are...

Containers and bins withstand abuse.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Various new durable containers, bins and dollies were unveiled at NA 2004 by Buckhorn (www.buckhorninc.com) and Akro-Mils (www.akro-mils.com). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The newest addition to Buckhorn's line of durable packaging products...

Strap pallets safely.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(Pallet Weasel)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Pallet-strapping can be a tedious and even dangerous activity. The Pallet Weasel, unveiled by Lambie Entrepreneurial Inc. (www.palletweasel.com) at NA, offers a solution. At one end, either steel or HDPE strapping is inserted and threaded...

Easily reconfigure carton flow rack.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Need a carton flow system that is easy to assemble and reconfigure as your handling needs change? The new RollerRack carton flow system, introduced at NA by Unex Manufacturing Inc. (www.unex.com), is a packaged solution with standard,...

Lifting devices offer tons of support.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The latest addition to a line of patented track crane products from Gorbel Inc. (www.gorbel.com) is the Cleveland Tramrail C-series end truck designed for 3- to 5-ton bridge crane applications. The system's wheels and components are at least...

Packaging foam provides cushioning.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... A myriad of new protective packaging products are available from Sealed Air Corp. (www.sealedair.com). Engineered specifically for the automotive, aerospace and electronics industries, Cellu-Pak PB is a polymer-blend material designed for...

Alliance enables RFID-tracking of containers.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(RedPrairie, TriEnda/Wilbert Plastic Services)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Why lose assets like plastic containers and pallets when you can track and reuse them? A strategic marketing alliance signed by RedPrairie (www.redprairie.com), a provider of supply chain execution software solutions, and TriEnda/Wilbert...

Mobile tool has voice, bar coding features.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(Cadence Mobile Logistics)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... A new solution incorporates speech-directed operations with bar code scanning and browser information on off-the-shelf wireless Pocket PC clients via a standard 802.11b network. Cadence Mobile Logistics (CML) to be deployed later this year...

Case picking system processes mixed product.(News & Trends from NA 2004)(Nedcon-DLS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Nedcon-DLS (www.nedcon.com) now offers an automated, high-speed case picking system designed to handle a wide variety of grocery retail products. The DLS Order Release Module system is capable of processing high volumes of mixed cartons, trays,...

Manufacturing, distribution capacities on the way up: just a year after the start of the economic recovery, demand for additional capacity is about to kick in.(Outlook)
May 1, 2004... CAPACITY OF BOTH MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES is set to rise strongly over the next three years after a lengthy stagnation. The added capacity in distribution centers/warehouses will come in the form of more space that needs to be...

Lenox raises the bar on pick-and-pack: a new distribution facility in Maryland carefully picks and packs thousands of glassware, crystal and giftware items everyday with unprecedented productivity.(Warehouse of the Month)(Cover Story)
May 1, 2004... In a new ivory-colored building designed to match the distinctive ivory gift boxes that hold its fine china, crystal and giftware, Lenox has designed a distribution facility to meet the company's needs now and well into the future. The...

Tower picks up the pace: Tower Automotive's new parts delivery system keeps materials moving and eliminates line slowdowns in vehicle frame production.(Manufacturing Spotlight)
May 1, 2004... Speed, flexibility and safety. Those were goals that Tower Automotive had in mind when designing the materials handling systems for its new automobile frame production facility in Madison, Miss. And that's just what the manufacturer got for its...

The right attachment for the job: the correct lift truck attachment can reduce costs and improve productivity. Here's a look at the most common attachments in the field.(Equipment Report)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2004... Lift trucks and pallets go together like soup and sandwich: you don't think of one without the other. Sometimes, however, the factory-issue fork and mast aren't enough to get the most productivity out of the equipment. That's where...

What's new in lift trucks: from walkies to reach trucks, the latest innovations center on improved usefulness, better ergonomics for operators and reduced emissions.(Special Report)
May 1, 2004... Just when you thought it might have been a quiet year in lift trucks, the reality turns out to be quite different. In fact, 14 suppliers introduced new models or series of trucks in the past 12 months. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A quick...

Listen up for more efficient labor: labor management software is ready to deliver big improvements in warehouse productivity.(Information Management)
May 1, 2004... Mention labor management systems, and most warehouse managers probably think of their warehouse management systems (WMS). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A WMS after all determines the best way to pick orders utilizing all the resources...

D/C Expo 2004: where supply chain technologies abound; Here's a preview of some of the products to be displayed this month in Chicago at the Distribution/Computer Expo.(Show Preview)
May 1, 2004... BAR CODE SCANNER FEATURES BLUETOOTH Added to the 8000 series of mobile bar code scanners is Bluetooth technology. With Bluetooth Access Point, the scanner operates at 2.4 GHz with a data rate of 433 Kbps. The handheld terminal is available...

Automotive answers the "made-to-order" call: automotive supply chains require agile materials handling systems that can respond quickly and efficiently to meet today's build-to-order demands.(Automotive Supplement)
May 1, 2004... Long gone are the days in automotive manufacturing when pioneers such as Henry Ford pumped out tens of thousands of identical Model-T's. Increasingly, today's automakers are building cars to order, with each vehicle featuring thousands of...

PosiCharge[TM] drives automotive productivity.
May 1, 2004... For years, PosiCharge[TM] has supported Big 3 automotive manufacturing and assembly plants by keeping their heavy-duty material handling fleets on the floor and out of the battery room. PosiCharge[TM] is the faster, safer, smarter charger that...

FMC Technologies delivers for auto industry.(Company Profile)
May 1, 2004... 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 and efficiency while...

New half-size bulk box from Buckhorn.(Company Profile)
May 1, 2004... Buckhorn's new, more compact bulk box features a 48"L X 25" W & 26"H foot-print that is approximately half the width of a standard, 48" X 45" Bulk Box. The smaller size was designed to conserve space along assembly lines and other areas where...

FKI Logistex Custom Engineered Systems.(Company Profile)
May 1, 2004... The FKI Logistex[R] Custom Engineered Systems (CES) Group is a leading provider of custom-engineered systems for specialized automotive industry material handling applications. FKI Logistex CES solves complex material handling problems for...

Inventors and manufacturers of High Volume Low Speed fans.(Product Showcase)
May 1, 2004... We are the original inventors and manufacturers of High Volume Low Speed fans with diameters up to 24 feet, and moving up to 230,000 CFM in up to 20,000 square feet of space, our MacroAir [TM] fans with WhisperFoil [TM] anodized aluminum blades...

Delivering mass customization.(Product Showcase)
May 1, 2004... WITRON's solutions deliver mass customization to the automotive industry. 50% of the parts that go to BMW's assembly line in Spartanburg, SC are delivered via a sequencing center 'designed and delivered' by WITRON. Parts are delivered 'just in...

New track & rack units offer easy assembly and best flow on the market!(Product Showcase)
May 1, 2004... UNEX Manufacturing who redefined carton flow with it's full width roller track Span-Track, has just released another innovative product, FLOW CELLS by UNEX. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The patent pending Flow Cells are complete track & rack...

Innovative roll handling automation.(Product Showcase)
May 1, 2004... Transbotics has introduced a newly designed roll handling AGV. This vehicle is capable of handling loads of varying sizes and weights with virtually no product damage. Transbotics offers the following types of roll handling vehicles: fork,...

Keep battery charge connectors locked securely.(FOCUS on Batteries)
May 1, 2004... A latch and release system designed for the EBC320 rapid-charge connector firmly locks together the mated connector halves to prevent detachment during the battery charging cycle. According to the supplier, this locking system provides over a...

Water batteries less often.(FOCUS on Batteries)
May 1, 2004... A line of reduced maintenance motive power batteries extends watering intervals from the standard 1-2 weeks to a 9-10 week period, depending on the application. Deka HydraSaver uses different alloy combinations and separator materials that...

Maintenance-free battery power.(FOCUS on Batteries)
May 1, 2004... Keep battery maintenance to a minimum with the Legacy Platinum System. The technology and valve-regulated construction of this battery system eliminate the watering, corrosion and leakage associated with standard flooded batteries, according to...

Charge automatic guided vehicle batteries.(FOCUS on Batteries)
May 1, 2004... A silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) battery charger is designed specifically for automatic guided vehicles. The AGVB SCR charger's programming produces precise charge curve and charge time necessary for opportunity charging applications. Its...

Convert pallet trucks into battery changers.(FOCUS on Batteries)
May 1, 2004... Pallet trucks are easily converted into portable battery changers by using an automatic transfer carriage. The high-speed, versatile battery changing system mounts quickly to any powered pallet truck. Its centered mounted controls provide...

Batteries designed for narrow-aisle trucks.(FOCUS on Batteries)
May 1, 2004... Delivering maximum power in minimum space, the Suprema high-energy density batteries are suited for vehicles with limited battery compartment space such as narrow-aisle lift trucks. Two models of Suprema are available: 100 amp hours in a...

Managing batteries.(FOCUS on Batteries)
May 1, 2004... Monitor the condition and usage of batteries in electric forklifts with the E-Batt battery management system. E-Batt monitors charge cycles, cool down periods and run times for a fleet of vehicles. It also indicates when to wash, equalize and...

LP gas lift truck works in 80" aisles.(Catalog Mart)
May 1, 2004... Aisle-Master articulated forklift is designed to maximise storage space, by reducing operating aisle widths. The machine can work both indoors and outside like a regular counterbalance truck. The Aisle-Master has 4400lb lift capacity and can...

www.MORSEmmh.com and drum handling catalog.(Catalog Mart)
May 1, 2004... Over 100 drum handling products: Karriers, Rotators, Cradle Trucks, Fork Attachments and Below-Hook models. Extensive descriptions, specifications, new products, plus sources for more information and fast help. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

New: Toyota 7-series electric reach trucks.(Catalog Mart)
May 1, 2004... Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A. introduces its new 3,000-5,000 lb. capacity 7-series electric single reach, double reach and straddle trucks. Designed specifically to increase productivity, these reach trucks feature electronic power steering...

We are the "synthetic mesh" experts.(Catalog Mart)
May 1, 2004... 35 years of combined experience in safety mesh designing and manufacturing. Competative pricing. Fast order delivery. "One hour" custom quotes. Call today! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] International Cordage East 800-596-1066 * Fax:...

Clean air technology.(Catalog Mart)
May 1, 2004... Komatsu Forklift launches the next generation of lift trucks with engines that burn cleaner and increase power output by 10-15%. The new EPA compliant lineup of cushion & pneumatic lift trucks is available in 3,000 lbs. to 15,400 lbs....

Nestable Pallets.(Catalog Mart)
May 1, 2004... Lightweight Nestable Pallets features a corrugated deck and high-density injection-molded platform supports, which eliminate moisture absorption. Perfect for export in certain applications. Nesting capability saves space and lightweight saves...

Hyster company provides full-color brochure on AC-power E45-65Z lift truck series.(Catalog Mart)
May 1, 2004... (Greenville, N.C.)--Building on its reputation for the toughest lift trucks in the industry, Hyster Company now offers a full-color, 8-page brochure featuring the new E45-65Z series of lift trucks powered by AC technology. For more information,...

Buckhorn introduces work centers and transport products.(Catalog Mart)
May 1, 2004... Buckhorn adds wood, steel, and plastic carts, platform trucks, dollies, industrial-grade workbenches and worktables to its line of reusable plastic bulk boxes, pallets, and hand-held containers. Call 1-800-543-4454 for a catalog. ...

Making project partnerships work: there's something to be learned from hits as well as misses.(For Dealing with the Real World)
May 1, 2004... ALL SUCCESSES IN MATERIALS HANDLING SYSTEMS PROJECTS are dependent upon the quality of the partnership between the customer and supplier, and, sometimes, a consultant. Within the past month, I have been party to the beginning of a new...