Modern Materials Handling articles from September 2003

Modern Materials Handling archives from September 2003

What's ahead for bar code printers.(First: breaking news you should know)(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
September 1, 2003... It isn't often these days that any technology will grow at an 8% annual rate between now and 2007, but that's exactly what will happen with bar code printers, says the research firm VDC (www.vdc-corp.com). Analyst Taylor Smith says "that...

Who's who in third party logistics.(First: breaking news you should know)(Who's Who in Logistics?)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Detailed profiles of more than 140 third party logistics (3PL) providers are featured in the 11th edition of "Who's Who in Logistics?" from Armstrong & Associates (www.3Plogistics.com). The profiles, up to six pages in length, identify company...

Fast take on guided vehicle system costs.(First: breaking news you should know)(2003 Automatic Guided Vehicle System Cost Estimating Guide)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Quick. How much is that automatic guided vehicle (AGV) system going to run you? In all likelihood, you don't have much of an idea. But you can get a ballpark answer, and in short order too. The "2003 Automatic Guided Vehicle System Cost...

New standards for real time locator systems.(First: breaking news you should know)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Sometimes all that separates a new technology from widespread success is a good standard or two. And that may well prove to be case for real time locator systems (RTLS). These systems use radio frequency identification to identify the...

Rethinking the USPS.(Editorial)(Editorial)
September 1, 2003... What's the U.S. Postal Service done for you lately? Hopefully, your answer is--delivered my mail in a timely manner. But even the USPS knows that isn't always the case. Fortunately there's something being done about mail that gets delayed of...

Frontline takes aim at the supply chain: from the show floor to conference sessions, the buzz will be all about what automatic data capture and related technologies are doing to improve supply chain efficiencies.(Automatic Data Capture)( International Supply Chain Week Conference and Expo)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... If you're looking for ways to better manage data across the supply chain, Frontline's International Supply Chain Week Conference and Expo is the place to be September 15-18 at Chicago's McCormick Place North. Advanstar Communications Inc.,...

Reaping the benefits of real-time performance management.(Management)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... For years, companies have talked about the need for real-time information that is truly available at the time an action of activity takes place. But according to Sal Spada, director of discreet automation research for ARC Advisory Group...

Metros on the past, future of materials handling.(Perspective)(Pete Metros )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Since being named president of Rapistan Systems in 1987, Pete Metros has seen quite a bit of change. And now he's going through some of his own. Earlier this summer, Metros passed on the presidency of what is now Siemens Dematic...

Electronic lessons in materials handling.(Online Learning)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Learning about the fundamentals and key developments of materials handling is now easier than ever. The Material Handling Industry of America and Material Handling Institute have created self-paced electronic lessons and other learning...

European Union delays IPPC implementation for pallets.(Pallets)(International Plant Protection Convention )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... European implementation of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), which affects importation of products on wooden pallets, was expected to take place this summer. However, European Union (EU) members have postponed it until next...

Calendar.(News trends)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
September 1, 2003... SEPTEMBER 2003 September 15-18 Frontline's International Supply Chain Week Chicago, IL Sponsor: AIM Web: www.supplychainweek.com September 21-24 CLM Annual Conference 2003 Chicago, IL Sponsor: Council of...

Psion Teklogix.(Appointments/promotions)(Anne Sauve )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Anne Sauve is named director of global marketing communications for Psion Teklogix...

Versa.(Appointments/promotions)(Jim McDonald)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Jim McDonald joins Versa as senior vice president of sales...

International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW).(Appointments/promotions)(Patrick Gouveia, John Randall, Jeff Spence)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW) elects the following officers for 2003-2004: Patrick Gouveia of Atlas Cold Storage as chairman, John Randall of P&O Cold Logistics as vice chairman and Jeff Spence of ICS Logistics...

Clark Material Handling Company.(Appointments/promotions)(Brian Butler, chief executive officer)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Clark Material Handling Company appoints Brian Butler as chief executive officer...

RedPrairie.(Appointments/promotions)(Susan Rider, Jim Hoefflin and Mike Schoenfeld)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... RedPrairie realigns its organization to provide integrated customer services and promotes the following executives: Susan Rider to customer development leader, Jim Hoefflin to product management and strategy leader and Mike Schoenfeld to...

FKI Logistex Alvey Systems.(Appointments/promotions)(Tony DiNello)(Jeff Cortez )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... FKI Logistex Alvey Systems names Tony DiNello as director of Midwest regional operations and Jeff Cortez as operations manager of the Midwest region...

FKI Logistex Real Time Solutions.(Appointments/promotions)(Bill Hubacek )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Bill Hubacek is appointed to vice president of sales and marketing at FKI Logistex Real Time Solutions.

Adapt your supply chain or die?(for your information)(Adapt or Die)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Titled "Adapt or Die," a new book written by Claus Heinrich with Bob Betts explains how companies can achieve greater success by building adaptive supply chain networks that connect supply, planning, manufacturing and distribution operations...

Request for information.(for your information)(Industrial Data & Information Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... A new release of a request-for-information (RFI) product helps retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, third-party logistics providers and warehouse operators quickly search for a new warehouse management system (WMS). The...

Online OSHA training courses.(for your information)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The OSHA training library delivered by Vantage Training Technologies Inc. and StaffingTools.com consists of 25 training titles addressing liability and regulatory issues, including ergonomics and forklift safety. The library features the...

GDP recovery begins again.(outlook)(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
September 1, 2003... Second quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rose to 2.4% after two quarters of 1.4% growth. Spending grew progressively over the quarter so the summer quarter began with July much stronger than April. The forecast anticipates a return to...

Consumer durables and defense boost GDP.(outlook)(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
September 1, 2003... Second quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 2.4% was a bizarre mix of trends. Higher consumer purchases of vehicles, electronics and household durables accounted for all of the growth. But a high level of imported goods actually hurt...

Investment recovers, strong gains ahead.(outlook)(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
September 1, 2003... Equipment investment has rebounded from a war-related dip in the first quarter. The gain was all electronics with industrial equipment spending steady. Investment in industrial equipment will begin rising slowly this quarter. Business software...

Inventories get leaner.(outlook)(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
September 1, 2003... Inventories fell more than $5 billion from the first to the second quarter, pushing the economy-wide inventory/sales ratio down to 1.98 from the 2.01-2.02 level where it had been stuck for more than a year. As the most comprehensive inventory...

First-class handling: at the U.S. Postal Service's Twin Cities Metro Hub, a high-speed sortation system has cut turnaround time for mail from days to a few hours.(Warehouse Of The Month)
September 1, 2003... The least amount of handling is the best customer service we can provide," says Jim Clausen. And as facility manager for the United States Postal Service Twin Cities Metro Hub in Minneapolis, he should know. On a typical day, the hub sorts...

Automation the way to go: from where facility manager Jim Clausen sits at the Twin Cities Metro Hub, the U.S. Postal Service still has room to upgrade its mail handling with automation, especially on the information side of the business.(One-On-One)(Interview)
September 1, 2003... MODERN: Some people fear automation. Others don't. It seems you fall in the latter category. CLAUSEN: I sure do. The APPS [automated parcel processing system] at the Twin Cities Hub is only the latest in a long series for me. I've been...

Room to grow: DaimlerChrysler freed up 80,000 square feet for new production capacity at its Warren, Mich. stamping plant when it added an automated storage and retrieval system.(Manufacturing Spotlight)
September 1, 2003... For years, DaimlerChrysler's stamping plant in Warren, Mich. floor staged all of its work-in-process (WIP) of vehicle hoods, doors, fenders and smaller parts. On a typical day, there were 200,000 stampings in portable racks spread across the...

Grocery distribution: the squeeze is on: facing an ongoing increase in food sales by mass retailers and other outlets, traditional grocers compete with fresh materials handling distribution solutions that increase productivity.(A Special Advertising Section)(Industry Overview)
September 1, 2003... Today's grocery retailers and distributors find themselves in one heck of a food fight. They battle miniscule profit margins (approximately 1.5%), high labor costs, a wide range of constantly changing products (many with limited shelf life),...

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

Heavy-duty electric walkie pallet truck provides easy maneuverability on ramps and shipping platforms, improved ergonomics.(company profile)(Advertisement)
September 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...

Maximize grocery distribution.(company profile)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... HK Systems is North America's leading automated material handling and supply chain software total solutions provider. With a respected reputation for addressing the synchronized flow of material and information throughout a company's network,...

Powering supply chain excellence.(company profile)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Manhattan Associates Inc., as the global leader in providing supply chain execution (SCE) technology solutions. Since 1991, the company has focused on providing a wide range of SCE solutions including its Warehouse Management System (WMS),...

Muratec AS/RS equals safety.(product releases)(Advertisement)
September 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...

Global Storage Systems PalletRunner[TM].(product releases)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Global Storage Systems is proud to present PalletRunner[TM], the next generation in high density storage systems. PalletRunner[TM] stores more pallets than bulk storage, delivers more pallets than traditional pushback, has greater selectivity...

Striking the right e-motion: e-commerce has changed distribution, especially when it comes to response times. Since many customers practically expect their orders to arrive the moment they hit 'send,' e-tailers must look to distribution models that gain speed and efficiencies.(Special Report)(Industry Overview)
September 1, 2003... While it hasn't yet become the shopping Utopia envisioned by many, e-commerce is definitely having an impact on the distribution landscape. To begin, the fast response and accurate shipment mode that became the cornerstone of e-fulfillment...

Print this! Label printers are getting smarter as well as more economical, mobile and accurate as they add RFID to their repertoire.(Equipment Report)(Industry Overview)
September 1, 2003... With all the talk these days about radio frequency identification (RFID), some would think the day of the bar code is over. It's not, and that bodes well for label printers. In fact, future demand is expected to grow as label printers...

The real-time supply chain: while others talked about the concept, Lucent Technologies built a real-time supply chain that connects trading partners around the globe.(Information Management)
September 1, 2003... Throughout the late 1990's, consultants talked about the anticipated benefits of the real-time supply chain. For all the upbeat talk about visibility and connectivity, one big question remained. What exactly would a real-time supply chain...

Easier picking.(Product focus)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Offering high-volume capacities, the Twin Bin horizontal carousel can be configured for 8 to 50 bins, each with two pick faces that doubles the shelf space available for picking at any one time. Four standard bin depths are available: 12.5,...

Multiple operators pick simultaneously.(Product focus)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... The SMARTdepot multi-bay vertical lift module features Cross-bay technology, allowing multiple operators to simultaneously store and retrieve products from any bay and any access opening. SMARTdepot offers up to four bays within a 40-foot...

Lifted up.(Product focus)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... The Shuttle vertical lift module is an enclosed system of vertically arranged trays, computerized controls and an ergonomically designed powered pick-up/deposit unit. Its multiple Dick windows allow users to link multiple floors and work zones...

Modular storage system.(Product focus)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... A modular drawer, shelf and roll-out tray storage system is available in two versions--the standard B251 model and the shallow depth B255 model. A variety of different drawer heights provide storage for a range of items. The drawers and trays...

Grip small items.(Product focus)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... A mini-load automated storage and retrieval system with gripper technology allows direct load handling without using trays or bins as loading units. Storing totes and cartons with minimal gaps enables compact system dimensions. The gripper...

Storage on the move.(Product focus)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Flexible and mobile, a line of modular drawer cabinets allows users to adjust drawer arrangements and transport the entire unit using a forklift. A forklift base consisting of two lifting channels attached to the cabinet frame enables safe...

Modular shelving.(Product focus)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... The R3000 modular shelving system is ideal for high-bay load capacities and multi-level storage applications. Its uprights can be constructed up to 33 feet in continuous length. Endframes are available in 12-, 16-, 18-, 20-, 24-and 32-inch...

Shelves with hopper front bins.(Product focus)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Identify and access small parts quickly using a shelf bin system featuring open hopper front bins with labels. A 36-inch wide shelving unit has a load capacity of 350 pounds per shelf and incorporates bins ranging in size and quantity....

Utility cart stores small items.(Product focus)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Functioning as a flat-top and box-top cart, the ProCart is a utility cart designed to move cartons, loose components and mixed items for a variety of applications. Hinged side gates flip into position and lock in place, converting the cart from...

Saving floor space.(Product focus)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Two automated storage and retrieval systems--the MegaStation vertical carousel and the MegaLift vertical lift module (VLM)--utilize overhead space to save up to 75% floor space. MegaLift VLM trays are available in widths from 32 to 120 inches...

Compact label printer.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Ideal for desktop and light industrial applications, the M-4206 is a compact, modular label printer that can fit into small spaces. Features include print speeds of 6 inches per second print and Flash upgradeable firmware for quick...

Portable computer is lightweight.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... The MX6 is a lightweight, handheld computer with built-in bar code scanner. Several scanning options are available, including advanced long range scanning. An alphanumerical keypad and a 1/4 touch screen VGA ease data entry functions. The...

Create labels automatically.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Easylabel 5 Platinum software creates EAN/UCC-128 bar code labels in four easy steps. It prompts users for the required information and automatically builds the bar code, including codes with multiple application identifiers. Tharo Systems Inc....

Rugged wireless computer.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Falcon 4620 is a rugged wireless lift truck-mounted computer designed to provide real-time data entry while operating in harsh environments. The computer resists damage from dust, moisture, shock and extreme temperatures. Incorporating a...

Data capture terminals.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Available as vehicle-mounted and stationary devices, the LANpoint CE .NET data collection computers are designed for such applications as enterprise resource planning, warehouse management, manufacturing execution and inventory tracking. The...

Lightweight, rugged handheld computer.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Lightweight and ergonomically designed, the 7535 handheld computer operates on Windows CE .NET for superior mobile data collection. It can withstand high levels of shock and vibration as well as multiple drops on concrete from heights of up to...

Read multiple codes with one device.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Quadrus EZ combines the functionality of a vision system with the technology of a laser bar code scanner, enabling the device to read standard linear bar codes as well as RSS/Composite Symbology and two-dimensional matrix codes. The reader can...

Print 1-D and 2-D bar code labels.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Version 6.0 of Barcode 2000 label design and printing software prints one- and two-dimensional bar code labels on most enterprise printers using data from standard applications and databases. Version 6.0 operates on any platform, enabling users...

Warehouse management system.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Coupling radio frequency data communication with bar code technology, a scaleable warehouse management system (WMS) is designed on a three-tiered, Internet-based architecture. Real-time operation of the WMS improves productivity, reduces costs...

Supply Chain execution solutions.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Supply Chain Advantage is a comprehensive suite of adaptable supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, including warehouse management and collaborative inventory management. The system is built on an adaptable architecture that supports quick...

Warehouse and transportation management.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... A scalable warehouse management system (WMS) manages all physical processes of warehouses and distribution centers. The WMS handles increased order volume--as well as small order fulfillment. A transportation management system (TMS) features...

Optimizing real-time operation.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Operating on the Windows CE .NET platform, the CK30 handhold computer provides optimum real-time operation, development tools and connectivity. CE .NET supports mainstream application development tools for easily upgrading applications....

Designing labels.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Version 7.1 of the BarTender label software allows users to design a variety of labels with bar codes, text, symbols and graphics. The software interfaces with many systems that run on Windows or other platforms, including manufacturing,...

High-performance computing.(Show preview)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... VISTA series of computers runs with a Pentium III chip at 1.0 GHz and various platforms including DOS, CE .NET and Windows XP. High-resolution color displays range in size from 8 to 18 inches. Features include internal wide-input power systems...

Lift truck attachment.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 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...

IntelliSort.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Sort products from 6 to 48 inches in length at 200 to 220 cartons per minute with the IntelliSort. This system offers flexible sortation for a wide variety of products, operating at speeds up to 600 feet per minute. Features include...

ULTRA MAXX-Opportunity Charger.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Prestolite Power's newest charger is the ULTRA MAXX-Opportunity Charger, which fills a recharge performance gap between traditional charging and fast charging. The ULTRA MAXX is the size of a traditional charger, consumes a minimal amount of...

Reduce costs 15% to 50% with total supply chain management.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Pallet Management Systems is a leading provider of standard and custom-built shipping pallets and containers for a wide range of industries. The company has also introduced PALLETNET, an industry leading Web-based supply chain management system...

Fleetraxx fleet management.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 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...

Hyster provides detailed full-color brochure on H70-120XM lift truck series.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... (Greenville, N.C.)--Hyster Company presents a full-color, 16-page brochure featuring the H70-120XM lift truck series. Detailed descriptions provide information on how the company fulfills its commitment to reliability, comfort and low cost of...

Protection products.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Manufacturer of patented air-chamber systems that wrap around columns and racks to protect facilities, forklifts, and people from costly damage and injury. Sold under the Column Sentry[R], Rack Sentry[TM], Concrete Wrap[TM] brand names. ...

LEWCO Conveyors announces the arrival of its new 2003 catalog.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... LEWCO Conveyors announces the arrival of its new 2003 catalog, The new LEWCO Conveyor Catalog features our highly configurable pre-engineered product line. The catalog contains all your old favorites plus several new products designed to meet...

Gravity Flow order picking systems.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... NEW brochure compares Static Storage, Automatic Systems, and Gravity Flow Rack. Keneco handles widest range carton sizes, weights; virtually eliminates carton hang-up; speedy lane adjustments. Called "The most cost-effective gravity flow...

QCON-24.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Quiet, Intelligent, Modular, Safe, 24V Brush-less DC Roller Conveyor. Designed to meet your demands of 21st Century's. 3-5 Weeks Delivery Intelligent Package Systems-A division Of M2L Systems 2818 Virgo Lane * Dallas, TX 75229 ...

Interroll develops belting solution for conveyor rollerdrives[R].(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Meeting the demand for faster, heavier and higher-torque materials handling applications, Interroll has doveloped a grooved belt solution for use with a variety of conveyor applications. Designed for use with speeds exceeding 150 FPM and...

Autoquip High Travel product catalog.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Features a broad range of lifting equipment for freight elevation applications. Whether raising materials to an elevated work platform or transferring materials between floors, Autoquip's High Travel solutions feature a variety of hydraulic and...

Yale offers GC-ZG for optimum performance, durability and economy.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Yale's GC-ZG Cushion I.C.E. lift truck is designed with the operator's comfort and productivity in mind. The operators compartment offers ergonomic features, including reduced noise and vibration, and the hydraulic power steering provides...

LP gas lift truck works in 80" aisles.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 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)(Advertisement)
September 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...

Systems cabling 2003 supplement.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... The catalog features the latest addition to the family of front adapters, cables and Varioface modules. Included are Omron cabling solutions, Relay and Fuse modules, SLK I/0, Redundancy modules and Galil Motion Control modules. The catalog...

Hytrol's new 25-CREZD chain roller accumulator.(catalog mart)
September 1, 2003... The 25-CREZD is the most intelligent and efficient heavy duty, chain driven roll-to-roll accumulation conveyor in the industry. This unit is composed of accumulation zones ranging from 30 inches to 120 inches in length, each of which contains a...

Modular conveyors.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 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...

Quality steel storage systems for industry.(catalog mart)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... Tennsco's NEW 44-page industrial Material Handling Catalog offers quality solutions for your most demanding material handling storage and workstation applications. Call 1.866.446.8686 (toll free) to request a copy today! Tennsco P.O....

Who sat on Pareto? The 80/20 rule is changing into something closer to 60/40 in distribution centers.(Great Ideas)
September 1, 2003... In the distribution world, we've all been introduced to Pareto. That wonderful curve created by ranking products in descending activity, and then plotting their cumulative values, has been a mainstay in designing processes and systems. We...