Modern Materials Handling articles from November 2005

Modern Materials Handling archives from November 2005

RFID standard developed.(EPCglobal)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... There's no question that standards will play a major role in the development and acceptance of RFID in the supply chain. And now EPCglobal (www.epcglobal.com) announces the ratification of its first software standard for using EPC technology....

Packaging equipment sales up.(packaging machinery shipments data)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... United States packaging machinery shipments reached $5.3 billion in 2004, a 9.3% increase from the $4.9 billion in equipment shipped in 2003, according to the "11th Annual Shipments and Outlook" study from the trade association Packaging...

Government can learn from private supply chains.(private businesses in the wake due to disasters)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... A University of Arkansas (www.uark.edu) researcher believes state and federal emergency-management agencies and nongovernmental relief organizations could improve disaster response by learning from successful private sector supply chains. ...

FKI sells White Systems.(FKI Logistex sale of White Systems)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... FKI Logistex (www.fkilogistex.com) announces the sale of White Systems, according to Steve Ackerman, president, FKI Logistex North America. The sale is a management buyout in conjunction with Management Capital, LLC. "As part of the global...

The absence of things.(warehousing and manufacturing )
November 1, 2005... LAST YEAR WE DID OUR FIRST STORY ON lean warehousing. It wasn't easy to find companies that had adapted the principles of lean manufacturing to storage, staging and shipping. Not only weren't there many practitioners, even consultants didn't...

Pack Expo serves up new technologies: the action ranged from RFID printer/applicators to protective foam packaging.(Pack Expo Las Vegas )
November 1, 2005... As expected by many, Pack Expo Las Vegas was a hot bed of new product releases targeted at warehouses and manufacturing facilities. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] And those new introductions were unveiled to a strong crowd. Visitor attendance...

The new world of scanning, according to Intermec.(laser scanning )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... In a lavish ceremony hailing the release of what the company hopes is a revolutionary technology, Intermec (www.intermec.com) introduced at the Frontline Solutions event a line of laser scanning innovations that it asserts will boost industrial...

Gain end-to-end supply chain visibility.(www.nubridges.com)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Addressing the need for enhanced supply chain visibility, NuBridges (www.nubridges.com) is offering a Web portal that keeps all operations in a supply chain on the same page. The e-business solutions provider says its truExchange eBusiness...

Appointments/promotions.(Paragon Technologies Inc appoints Joel L. Hoffner, John Lehr and Leonard S. Yurkovic)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Appointments/promotions: Paragon Technologies Inc. announces that Joel L. Hoffner has been appointed president and CEO of the company. The company's current president and CEO, Leonard S. Yurkovic, will continue to serve as a director of the...

Company Alliances/Construction.(people to know)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Company Alliances/Construction: Zebra adds smart label converting equipment to its supplies plant and qualifies as a supplier of Alien Technology EPC Class I RFID labels Vernon Hills, III... Twinlode Manufacturing, a storage products supplier...

IBM leans out its supply chain.(supply chain )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Recognizing the need to drastically reduce its own cost-per-sale, IBM recently turned to an on-demand supply chain to increase efficiencies--and it worked. Averaging nearly twice the cost-per-sale as some of its more lean competitors, IBM...

Plan for disruptions.
November 1, 2005... Becoming dependent on a single supplier can be a perilous proposition for any company if that supplier becomes crippled. This according to Dr. Yossi Sheffi, director of the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics (www.mit.edu). At the...

RFID tag pricing on decline?(radio frequency identification )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Major providers of RFID tag components are hoping that recent declines in part pricing will help boost the stagnant RFID market and drive larger volume part orders. At least one industry analyst, however, questions if prices have come down...

Infor's ERP for manufacturing gets a WMS.(warehouse management)(Enterprise resource planning)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Infor (www.infor.com), a global provider of ERP solutions for manufacturers and distributors, has integrated warehouse management (WMS) functionality into its SyteLine ERP system. The SyteLine system is a Microsoft .NET-based ERP solution...

Ford takes a new look at its suppliers.(STRATEGY)
November 1, 2005... The Ford Motor Company (www.ford.com) is changing its approach to suppliers. The automaker wants to trim the number of parts and component providers to "key high-impact commodity suppliers for production," according to Paul Wood, manager of...

Doing the impossible--all the time: just because people are getting the job done doesn't mean they don't need more tools to help them.(GREAT IDEAS)
November 1, 2005... Let me tell you about one of the most frustrating situations for a consultant to encounter. A client calls and asks for help in improving operations. The consultant visits and gets an overview of how things work in the facility. And it all...

Make informed decisions: coding selection criteria, case studies offered.(www.videojet.com)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The redesigned and streamlined Web site helps visitors quickly and easily find information about marking and coding solutions for a variety of applications. The Videojet Technologies site dedicates sections to specific end uses, detailing a...

Ask an expert: get your distribution questions answered.(ON LINE)
November 1, 2005... Materials handling managers and other distribution and supply chain executives can now get their distribution questions answered online. By going directly to the "Ask the Leader" section of Distribution on Demand, visitors have access to...

Stack it up: Palletizer supplier updates Web offerings.(ON LINE)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Columbia Machine's Palletizer Division announces the launch of its redesigned Web site. Visitors are now able to view a variety of palletizers designed to fit their specific materials handling demands. Floor level, robotic and high level models...

Get industry analysts' reports: easy access to latest findings.(www.manufacturing-insights.com)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... A new Web site from Manufacturing Insights includes an easy-to-navigate path to key reports and other information available from this industry analyst group. The site offers direct access to recent reports, including "Automating Lean: Creating...

Menlo gets lean: the third-party logistics provider figured lean was too good to leave to manufacturing.(warehousing/distribution)
November 1, 2005... Looks can be deceiving. Take Menlo Worldwide's warehouse in Brownstown Township, Mich. as an example. This 250,000 square foot facility, known as the Great Lakes Lean Logistics Center, is quite orderly. All of the aisles of rack are neat...

More efficient assembly: long lines tend to dominate assembly operations, but may not always be the best layout.(materials handling makeover)
November 1, 2005... Traditionally, most assembly operations are sequenced in a long line. Just ask Henry Ford. And that legacy is right where problems begin. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A long assembly line has several draw-backs, according to Bruce Tompkins,...

Automation greases the skids at JTM: a move to robotic palletizing increased productivity 55% at the lubricant manufacturer.(manufacturing)
November 1, 2005... JTM PRODUCTS could be thought of as a revolutionary company. In this case, however, it's the Second Industrial Revolution of the late 1800s with which JTM is most often associated. Founded in 1890 as the Phoenix Oil Company, JTM was the...

Super warehouses: our annual review shows who leads the way in warehousing space in three categories: private, refrigerated/freezer and third-party logistics providers.(special report)
November 1, 2005... The year 2005 will be remembered by leading warehouse operators as one of strong movement. Mergers and acquisitions dominated third party logistics (3PL) providers, while expansion was seen in the public refrigerated/freezer and privately held...

Get active: while passive RFID tags have yet to deliver an ROI in retail distribution, active tags used in manufacturing and distribution closed loops have been a good investment.(equipment/systems)
November 1, 2005... RFID is a lot like exercise. To get the most out of both, you need to be active. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What does that mean? Thanks to Wal-Mart, consultants, vendors and the business press have focused their resources on supply chain...

Tandy lights up picking: initial productivity gains with a new pick-to-light system leads to expansion at the clothing accessory supplier.(productivity solution)
November 1, 2005... Tandy Brands Accessories, Inc. was looking to amp up its picking operations to heighten throughput to major customers such as Wal-Mart and Target. The clothing accessory supplier, based in Dallas, Texas, decided that a pick-to-light...

Keeping lift trucks stable.(FOCUS ON Lift trucks)
November 1, 2005... The 7-Series cushion tire truck family features the System of Active Stability (SAS), which senses and counteracts instability to help reduce the risk of lift truck tipovers. SAS' automatic fork leveling control keeps forks level with the...

High-performance counterbalanced truck.(FOCUS ON Lift trucks)
November 1, 2005... A four-wheel, sit-down, counterbalanced truck, the FC 4000, has many features that help operators get their jobs done faster and easier. This robust forklift is rugged, proven and operator-friendly, featuring a variety of mast heights, styles...

Reliable, productive lifting.(FOCUS ON Lift trucks)
November 1, 2005... The model 7400 truck features the ACR System--a combination of AC technology and ergonomics that delivers performance and reliability. It provides quicker acceleration and smoother handling. The patented A-frame, steered idler, and inertial...

Straddle pallets easily.(FOCUS ON Lift trucks)
November 1, 2005... The R14AS features a 42-inch inside to inside outrigger dimension, enabling the truck to straddle most pallets. There is no need to lift up and over the load wheels when storing or retrieving loads from under the rack at floor level. The lift...

AC drives efficiencies.(FOCUS ON Lift trucks)
November 1, 2005... Three-phase AC drive is standard for travel, lifting and lowering movements for the ETM 214 electric reach truck. An ergonomic cockpit reduces operator strain while Curve Control offers enhanced safety. Travel speed is automatically reduced to...

Advanced controls drive efficiency.(FOCUS ON Lift trucks)
November 1, 2005... The NS-AE narrow aisle lift truck combines ergonomic comfort for drivers and a 4,000- to 5,000-pound capacity. Specialized drive motors are job matched and application proven for efficiency, performance and reliability. The Hi-Vis masts...

Variety of fuel options available.(FOCUS ON Lift trucks)
November 1, 2005... Available in gas, LPG, dual fuel and diesel models, Platinum Series trucks provide rugged, reliable construction, while offering comfort and control features for operators. Industrial engines offer exceptional power and torque and deliver...

Maneuvering for efficiency.(FOCUS ON Lift trucks)
November 1, 2005... A 100% AC drive system offers powerful handling on the TMX-12. Compact maneuverability allows for a tight turning radius for use in narrow aisles and confined areas. Non-polluting, quiet operation comes standard for the trucks electric power...

Lift loads to 15,000 pounds.(FOCUS ON Lift trucks)
November 1, 2005... The E150 lift truck offers 15,000 pound capacity. A hydraulic pump motor is actuated on demand to help conserve energy. A low battery lift interrupt system protects electric components from low voltage damage. The truck's steering system is...

A comfort to work.(FOCUS ON Lift trucks)
November 1, 2005... The Bendi series III lift truck with 2,500 pound capacity features standard four-wheel steering and a 180-degree articulating front end. An ergonomically designed operator compartment offers an adjustable seat and steering wheel, hand lever...

3PLs in action.(A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT)
November 1, 2005... As third-party logistics (3PL) providers continue to expand their offerings, companies in a wide range of industries are seizing the opportunity to outsource various aspects of distribution. Offerings from basic kit/pick/pack to new...

DS8100A/DX8200A fixed position laser scanners.(PROFILE: ADVERTISEMENT)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The new DS8100A and DX8200A fixed position scanners are ideal for use on conveyors transporting parcels and goods in distribution centers or express couriers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The DS8100A comes with a display and three-button...

Gen II printer.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... A medium-duty RFID label printer with Gen 2 capabilities is now available. The AP 5.4 RFID printer, enables companies to meet stringent labeling requirements in the retail, packaging, distribution and other industrial markets. Equipped with a...

Meet mandates for less cost.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The inexpensive, user-friendly RFID printing package is designed for Wal-Mart suppliers looking to comply with recent mandates. Used in conjunction with the RI10Xi RFID printer-encoder and a choice of various labeling software programs, the...

Hand-held computer for RFID.(PRODUCT SHOWCASE)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The RFID-enabled Workabout Pro is a rugged hand-held computer enhanced with the power to run advanced applications for the enterprise user. It delivers reliable performance in harsh environments, and is able to withstand multiple drops from...

60 seconds with ... Jim Waldron on guiding principles in his career.(one-on-one interview)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... As I tee up my retirement and look back, the word that comes to mind is partnership. In engineering, we have to partner with people in operations and maintenance as well as with equipment supplier. It's the only route to success. ...