Modern Materials Handling articles from November 2003

Modern Materials Handling archives from November 2003

Get educated on warehouse software.
November 1, 2003... If you're looking to make your warehouse and distribution center more productive (and who isn't these days), then this month's seminar on software could be just what you're looking for. On November 12, the Logistics Execution Systems...

Cal OSHA to develop ergonomic guidelines.(Breaking News You Should Know first)(California's Occupational Safety and Health Administration plans improved guidelines for safe materials handling)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... In an unprecedented step, California's Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) has approached the trade association Material Handling Industry of America for help in developing guidelines for improving the ergonomics of manual materials...

New partnership to study RFID on pallets.(Breaking News You Should Know first)(radio frequency identification)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Virginia Tech's Center for Unit Load Design has just partnered with Finnish based Rafsec, a developer of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, to research the use of RFID tags on pallets. Over the next few months, Virginia Tech labs...

GM adopts Ethernet/IP network.(Breaking News You Should Know first)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Last month, General Motors announced that it has standardized on Ethernet/IP as the networking protocol for its vehicle manufacturing operations in body, paint, general assembly and metal fabrication. Equipment, device, and information...

As the beat picks up.(Editorial)(Editorial)
November 1, 2003... In September and October, I made what could be called the grand tour of materials handling. During that time, I attended the annual meetings of the Material Handling Industry of America, Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association and...

RFID heaven: frontline and EPC symposium converge: the future of radio frequency identification is here but don't expect it to dominate the supply chain overnight.(Automatic Data Capture)(Electronic Product Code Symposium)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... RFID. All the time. That's what was making all the noise at Frontline's Supply Chain Week. Not only did it seem that most suppliers exhibiting at the event had some angle on radio frequency identification (RFID), but the show was...

Calendar.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
November 1, 2003... NOVEMBER 2003 November 12 Logistics and Supply Chain Execution Seminar Harrisburg, PA Sponsor: LESA of MHIA Web: www.mhia.org/lesaseminars JANUARY 2004 January 6-8 WestPack 2004 Anaheim, CA Sponsor: Canon Communications LLC Call:...

A supply chain diet that works.(Lean Processes)(analyzing the supply chain offers insights into changes that decrease delivery costs and inventory)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... After doing what he could to improve his company's internal operations, Dave Otey, director of supply chain planning and logistics for Mark IV Automotive, is now looking for ways to involve his suppliers in reducing inventory and transportation...

Splude sees shifts in buying habits.(Systems)(trends in materials handling expenditures)(John Splude)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... As capital expenditures for materials handling turns the corner, John Splude, chairman and CEO of HK Systems (www.hksystems.com), says he sees four shifts in what people are buying and how they are approaching these projects. The first is...

Liberty Bell moves to a new home.(Historic Event)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... In the past few decades, Philadelphia's Liberty Bell has been moved four times. The most recent move was October 9th when the bell was transferred from the Liberty Bell Pavilion to a new exhibit hall next door called the Liberty Bell Center....

Planning for less inventory.(Technology)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The increasing complexity of today's supply chains is challenging even the best companies to come up with new strategies on ways to better manage inventory. One of those companies is Mercury Marine, a global supplier of marine engines with...

Wash-down conveyors unveiled.(Equipment)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Targeted to the food, medical and pharmaceutical industries, Dorner Manufacturing Corp. (www.dorner.com) recently unveiled its AquaPruf line of sanitary conveyors. Made of stainless steel, the new conveyors can handle frequent high-pressure...

Intelligrated.(Appointments/promotions)(Gregory Borchers promoted to vice president of concepting and estimating)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Gregory Borchers is promoted to vice president of concepting and estimating at Intelligrated.

Caster Concepts Inc.(Appointments/promotions)(William Dobbins appointed president and CEO)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... William Dobbins is named president and chief executive officer of Caster Concepts Inc.

Savi Technology Inc.(Appointments/promotions)(Chris Stephenson appointed senior vice president of global consulting services and manufacturing; George de Urioste appointed CFO)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Savi Technology Inc. promotes Chris Stephenson to senior vice president of global consulting services and manufacturing and appoints George de Urioste as chief financial officer.

Schneider National Inc.(Appointments/promotions)(Tom Escort appointed president)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Schneider National Inc. names Tom Escort president.

IPL Products Ltd.(Appointments/promotions)(John Hagan appointed as national SmartCrate market manager)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... IPL Products Ltd. appoints John Hagan to the newly created position of national SmartCrate market manager.

C&M Conveyor Inc.(Appointments/promotions)(Kevin Bell appointed northeastern regional manager of C&M Conveyor Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Kevin Bell is named northeastern regional manager at C&M Conveyor Inc.

Transport Systems Inc.(Appointments/promotions)(Chris DePace appointed vice president of sales and marketing)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Chris DePace joins Transport Systems Inc. as vice president of sales and marketing.

Saddle Creek Corp.(Appointments/promotions)(Stephen Cook appointed director of sales and marketing)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Stephen Cook is appointed director of sales and marketing for Saddle Creek Corp.

Provia Software and Menlo Worldwide sign a global reseller agreement.(Alliances/construction)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Provia Software and Menlo Worldwide sign a global reseller agreement for Provia's ViaWare warehouse management system.

HHP and LXE form a strategic sales and marketing alliance.(Alliances/construction)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... HHP and LXE form a strategic sales and marketing alliance to incorporate HHP's Adaptus Imaging technology into LXE's MX6 product line.

Lista International Corp.(Alliances/construction)(Lista International Corp. acquires the Ergomation product line of workbenches and accessories from Aero-Motive Co. )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Lista International Corp. acquires the Ergomation product line of workbenches and accessories from Aero-Motive Co.

ORBIS Corp.(Alliances/construction)(ORBIS Corp. opens a new sales and design office in Bentonville, Ark. )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... ORBIS Corp. opens a new sales and design office in Bentonville, Ark.

Apriso Corp. and Matrics Inc. partner to provide turnkey.(Alliances/construction)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Apriso Corp. and Matrics Inc. partner to provide turnkey radio frequency identification solutions.

Remstar Intl.(Alliances/construction)(Remstar Intl. acquires a high-speed automated case handling system from Litchi and Associates)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Remstar Intl. acquires a high-speed automated case handling system from Litchi & Associates.

Eaton Corp.(Alliances/construction)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Eaton Corp. changes the name of its industrial and commercial controls division to Eaton Electrical.

Rite-Hite Corp. acquires CAEMA Verladesysteme GmbH.(Alliances/construction)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Rite-Hite Corp. acquires CAEMA Verladesysteme GmbH, a Germany-based loading dock equil0ment supplier.

The retail information services division of Avery Dennison forms a joint venture with Accesorios Textiles.(Alliances/construction)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The retail information services division of Avery Dennison forms a joint venture with Accesorios Textiles, a woven-label manufacturer in Guatemala.

Radcliffe Inc.(Alliances/construction)(Radcliffe Inc. acquires ServPlex Corp. )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Radcliffe Inc. acquires ServPlex Corp.

Beacon Systems LLC.(Alliances/construction)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Beacon Systems LLC, a materials handling consulting firm, opens in Tewksbury, Mass.

Taylor Products and Hardy Instruments partner.(Alliances/construction)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Taylor Products and Hardy Instruments partner to deliver packaging process systems.

Toyota's redesigned Web site.(FYI)
November 1, 2003... Toyota Material Handling U.S.A. Inc. (TMHU) has a redesigned Web site, www.toyotaforklift.com, that allows end users to assess their operations and select the most suitable equipment. Enhanced features include in-depth product search options, a...

Motors and drives 101.(FYI)
November 1, 2003... Learn about the basics of your equipment's motors and drives with Motors & Drives: A Practical Technology Guide by Dave Polka, the drives training instructor for ABB Inc. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the engineering...

Fleet analysis.(FYI)
November 1, 2003... The Hyster Fleet Analysis CD-ROM introduces the principles of fleet management and demonstrates the advantages and cost-savings of a well-coordinated strategy. Users can examine the basic operating and maintenance costs associated with...

Materials handling equipment turns the corner: from now into 2005, expect steadily improving demand led by warehouses and distribution centers.(outlook)
November 1, 2003... AFTER MUCH WAITING, the pace of materials handling equipment buying is picking up, and quite nicely at that. By year end, Modern Materials Handling expects equipment purchases to accelerate to an 8 to 10% annual growth rate. By the end of 2004,...

22 new ideas in automated storage.(Equipment Report)(order filling equipment and suppliers)(Directory)
November 1, 2003... A recent survey of automated storage system suppliers shows that the pipeline is full of innovations in both technology and applications. For instance, buffer systems for automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) speed order assembly...

How McKesson pumps up distribution: the drug wholesaler's new Florida distribution center rushes more medications faster to hospitals, pharmacies and retail stores statewide.(Warehouse Of The Month)
November 1, 2003... Speed and accuracy are essential to any distribution operation. But expectations are turned up a notch or two when it comes to pharmaceuticals and related healthcare products. Just ask Doug Pace, general manager at McKesson's new DC in...

Today's manufacturers and distributors have more on their minds than just the orders they are filling.(Special Advertising Section)
November 1, 2003... Today's manufacturers and distributors have more on their minds than just the orders they are filling. They are searching for new solutions to meet today's most challenging business demands: improving production uptime; meeting regulatory...

The power of automation: don't believe the myth that automation is too expensive, complicated, and inflexible. Today's systems are delivering real value, in real time.(Special Advertising Section)
November 1, 2003... The world has changed for manufacturers and distributors. The rule governing that world is simple: the customer drives the value proposition. Jim Tompkins, president of Tompkins Associates, turns to the burger wars to describe what...

Real-time control: it's the cornerstone of an automated system.(Special Advertising Section)
November 1, 2003... Automates in two flavors. One is the physical integration of machines, and devices with your operations. Then there is the logical integration of the controls enterprise application software systems that run a business. Those include...

Adding value through automation: Hood proves automation doesn't have to be expensive.(Hood Dairy)
November 1, 2003... Spending big dollars on an automated storage and retrieval system may not be everyone's idea of how to save the company money. But reducing costs and saving money through automation is exactly why dairy producer HP Hood, Inc., installed an...

Automation made simple: automated palletizing and stretch wrapping reduces labor and increases flexibility at a European printing plant.(News International)
November 1, 2003... Stop the presses! That may be a great line in the movies, but in the real world of newspaper publishing, stopping the presses is a disaster. A newspaper doesn't have the luxury of waiting until tomorrow to ship today's run if the palletizers...

New controls extend the life of an old system: baggage handling has never been better at Chicago's O'Hare.(American Airlines)
November 1, 2003... Anyone who believes that automated materials handling systems are inflexible has never spoken to Phil Gargula, the facilities maintenance manager for American Airlines' baggage handling operations at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. ...

Pioneering the six Sigma DC: McKesson is the first drug wholesaler to adopt the management principles of Six Sigma within its fulfillment operations. Doug Pace, general manager, McKesson, Lakeland, explains the benefits the company has realized.(One-on-One)(Interview)
November 1, 2003... MODERN: For those readers not Familiar with Six Sigma, can you explain what it is and why you chose to bring these principles into your DC operations? PACE: Six Sigma is a methodology pioneered by Motorola and General Electric to improve...

The top 20 ADC suppliers: automatic data capture (ADC) supplier's continue to enjoy relative revenue stability despite the technology storms .(Information Management)
November 1, 2003... In our second annual survey of top automatic data capture (ADC) suppliers, there were no surprises. And given the fortunes of most industrial information technology providers, such news was good news. For the second year in a row, Symbol...

Third-party relationships: third-party solutions.(A Special Advertising Section)
November 1, 2003... SEVENTEEN BILLION DOLLARS. That's how much U.S. companies spent last year on value-added warehousing and distribution services from third-party logistics providers, or 3PLs, according to Richard Armstrong, president of Armstrong & Associates...

APL Logistics.(Profile)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... APL Logistics is a global third-party logistics provider offering a comprehensive range of supply chain management solutions through a network of 250 locations and 4,500 logistics professionals in 53 countries. Our heritage began more than 150...

Swing reach stacker forklift truck provides ultimate material handling solution for narrow aisle loading/retrieval.(Profile)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Unique Swing Reach forklift trucks (EFXac), that are compact and provide excellent maneuverability for storing and retrieving pallet loads in narrow aisle applications, are available from Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp., Richmond, Va. The EFXac...

EGL, Inc. (EGL Eagle Global Logistics).(Profile)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... EGL, Inc. (EGL Eagle Global Logistics) has emerged as a leading global provider of supply chain solutions, demonstrating core competencies in transportation services, logistics management and information technology. Believing that these primary...

Real-time competitive advantage.(Profile)
November 1, 2003... Symbol Enterprise Mobility Solutions help 3PLs reap the powerful, new competitive advantages of real-time information. Whether you need to track vehicles and shipments from dock to dock in real time... or speed multi-stop deliveries by...

Daewoo G25 series.(Product Profiles)
November 1, 2003... Its durable and robust design, coupled with an emphasis on operator comfort and ease of service make Daewoo's G25 series one of the most dependable trucks available on the market. But don't take our word for it. Test one yourself by calling...

Muratec AS/RS equals safety.(Product Profiles)
November 1, 2003... Murata Machinery USA introduces the innovative "Personnel Shuttle." The "Personnel Shuttle" enables safe human intervention for automated equipment. No ladders to climb up, the Personnel Shuttle operates independently of the carriage, personnel...

Lean manufacturing cuts lead times 75%: materials handling automation makes lean manufacturing possible, removing 15 days from lead times for a leather goods manufacturer.(Manufacturing Spotlight)(Valkyrie, Worcester, Mass.)(Company Profile)
November 1, 2003... The "experts" say that U.S. manufacturers can't compete without outsourcing jobs to overseas countries with cheap labor. The "experts" also say that inner city factories are dinosaurs, doomed to extinction. Valkyrie is proving those...

Flexible slider bed conveyor.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... An adjustable horizontal slider bed belt conveyor allows users to easily lengthen or shorten the conveying system. The H-400 conveyor is available in standard lengths starting at seven feet and extending in two-foot increments. Intermediate...

Switch-off drives reduce operating costs.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... The 25-CREZD is a heavy-duly, chain-driven roll-to-roll accumulation conveyor that combines EZLogic control with a new drive system that eliminates many mechanical components. The pallet-handling conveyor is composed of accumulation zones...

Smooth operation with power-and-free chains.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... Available in a range of shapes and configurations, the IWIS power-and-free conveyor chains are designed with light-running transport rollers made from hardened s[eel, plastic or anti-static for a high reduction of drive power. The chains are...

Custom conveyors withstand tough conditions.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... Conveyors can be customized for a wide range of applications in various environments including wet, dry and sub-zero. Available in stainless steel and painted carbon steel, the conveyors are offered with a variety of beltings such as plastic...

Quiet, high-speed operation.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... Operating quietly at up to 300 feet per minute, a zero-pressure accumulation conveyor handles cartons weighing from 0.5 to 200 pounds. InteiliQ is available in widths of 16, 22, 28, 34 and 40 inches between frames. Each roller of the system is...

High throughput induction for four lanes.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... VhswEdge is a servomotor-driven belt conveyor induction system. Ideally suited for systems requiring four or more infeed lanes, vhswEdge combines conveyors that are set up in a configuration to facilitate high-speed induction onto a main...

Easier loading of trailers.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... Designed to automate the loading of trailers, a cantilevered gravity trailer loader features a cantilever base and powered three-stage telescoping boom that retracts to save floor space. The conveyor's wide design provides increased...

Single control for multiple zones.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... The plug-and-play DriveControl zero-pressure accumulation (ZPA) system enables users to control RollerDrive motorized rollers for specific applications. Using sensors, relays and plug-and-play interconnect cabling, one ZPA card can control up...

Skillet conveyor for ergonomic assembly.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... Constructed as large, moving platforms, skillet conveyors are arranged in a positive contact, accumulated manner for assembly processes. The conveyors support vehicles and allow vehicle heights to be adjusted for improved ergonomics. Pallets...

Conveyor electronically senses product.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... A narrow-belt-driven live roller conveyor features CRUZcontrol, a built-in electronic sensing and control logic system to automatically sense products. The NBA-23 zero-pressure accumulation conveyor eliminates all line pressure and is suited...

Handles extra-wide loads.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... The extra-wide 3200 series conveyor platform handles large, awkward loads. With widths extending to six feet, the conveyor features a 1,000-pound load capacity. Belt speeds are 421 feet per minute. Conveyor lengths vary from 4 to 99 feet in...

Precisely positions loads.(Product focus)
November 1, 2003... A timing belt conveyor performs precise functions including precision indexing, high-cycle start/stop, synchronous movement and rapid cycling. The 300 series smart conveyor utilizes V-guided belts and non-slip timing pulleys for self-tracking...

Highly efficient inverter duty gearmotors.(New products)
November 1, 2003... Designed for use with adjustable speed controls, a line of inverter duty gearmotors is rated at 3/8 horsepower, 230 volts, and 60 Hertz with three pleases. The gearmotor's operating range is 10 to 90 Hertz while its torque is up to 350 inch...

Easy-to-install ac drives.(New products)
November 1, 2003... The ACS550 line of drives features a 1 to 550 horsepower range and multiple modes of motor control. The drives have a control panel modeled after a cell phone design to allow easy installation using two soft keys. A Help button and a real-time...

Integrated WMS and TMS.(New products)
November 1, 2003... A suite of fully integrated warehouse and transportation management systems (WMS and TMS) increases execution efficiency and visibility and enables optimization between the two software packages. The suite creates a real-time execution...

Overhead door is durable.(New products)
November 1, 2003... JetRoll 692 series overhead doors fits applications up to 32 feet wide and 24 feet high. The door's SpringAway breakout system allows the door to be easily reset at floor level while an oversized counterbalanced spring offers durability and...

Transmit advanced shipment data over the web.(New products)
November 1, 2003... Catalyst Connect Supplier Link software enables users to support electronic integration with suppliers that cannot use electronic data interchange (EDI) documents to transmit advanced shipping information. By providing advanced shipping...

Scissor lifts handle 800 pounds.(New products)
November 1, 2003... A family of electric-powered scissor lifts features platform widths of only 30 inches and heights of 26 feet, enabling the lifts to be driven through doorways. Providing long duty cycles, the machines operate with an electric drive system that...

Software manages inventory by work zone.(New products)
November 1, 2003... FastPic TXP is transaction software with an easy-to-use interface for improved inventory management. The software, which directly interfaces with the enterprise database, is designed to manage one or multiple work zones where different types of...

Fork widths adjust easily on pallet truck.(New products)
November 1, 2003... A pallet truck features an adjustable fork width design. Fork width can be set from 21 inches to 27 inches. Easy adjustment requires loosening or tightening the front and rear fork bolts. The truck features a 5,500-pound load capacity. Its...

Modular conveyors.(catalog mart)
November 1, 2003... SpanTech, LLC, has introduced WhisperTrax[TM] Modular Flexible Conveyors, a new line of virtually silent, plastic-chain conveyors ideal for transporting packaged items, assembly work, and applications where users have traditionally used a belt...

LP gas lift truck works in 80" aisles.(catalog mart)
November 1, 2003... 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...

Toyota industrial equipment web site.(catalog mart)
November 1, 2003... Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A.'s comprehensive new Web site, www.toyotaforklift.com, provides consumers with tools to assess their operations and determine the best solution for their specific material handling needs. The easy-to-navigate...

Free product testing.(catalog mart)
November 1, 2003... Hytrol offers free product testing on our conveyors. Are you unsure about you products conveyability? Let us test and video your product moving on a Hytrol line. We can videotape it on a variety of conveyors. Best of all, mere is no charge for...

Orion's new CTS-67.(catalog mart)
November 1, 2003... Orion's new CTS-67 is a conveyorized twin station automatic stretch wrapper which provides a staging area for lift truck operators to place unwrapped loads. Once the wrapped load is removed, the waiting load is conveyed on to the turntable. For...

Lift truck attachment.(catalog mart)
November 1, 2003... The Basiloid "Top Handling" method is not only a space saver but it can reduce product damage as well. Your lift trucks have a greater usefulness with the availability of our exclusive folding forks. Will mount on any make or model fork lift...

Simulate for success.(catalog mart)
November 1, 2003... See it work in the virtual world to ensure performance in the real world. Using AutoMod simulation software, experiment with new ways to utilize existing resources and improve processes to optimize material handling facility functionality. ...

Ethernet solutions.(catalog mart)
November 1, 2003... The Factory Line family of DIN-rail mountable Ethernet infrastructure components meets the demands of factory automation. Factory Line consists of a full range of components including distributed unmanaged switches, managed switches, cables,...

Fleetraxx fleet management.(catalog mart)
November 1, 2003... Nissan Forklift's fleet management program, Fleetraxx, provides customers a way to organize and retrieve critical information on all their equipment, allowing them to make informed decisions on their fleet. This secure, web-based application...

Materials don't get from point A to B by magic. But we're working on it.(catalog mart)
November 1, 2003... Making sure your customers get what they want when they need it requires a well-designed solution. Lockheed Martin delivers the total package when it comes to material handling solutions. From design to integration, we combine intelligent...