Modern Materials Handling articles from September 2004

Modern Materials Handling archives from September 2004

Sidewinder truck moves in all directions.(Breaking News You Need to Know)
September 1, 2004... Forward and reverse travel is only half the story for the Sidewinder omnidirectional lift truck from Airtrax. This truck also travels side-ways and rotates in a 360 degree arc just as easily as conventional travel directions. This capability...

TMS demand strong through 2008.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Transportation management systems)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Numbers can be deceiving. Last year, sales of transportation management systems (TMS) grew by only 1.6% overall, reports the research group ARC (www.arcweb.com). In fact, the market was much stronger than that. When revenues of the three...

Fast fact.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... 53% of pallet makers say "lumber is hard to get." Survey by: The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association.

RFID to track assets.(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Radiio Frequency Identification)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... While most of the talk is about the use of RFID to track shipments, there's also healthy interest in using the technology to track assets from totes and bins to pallets. In fact, two-thirds of the companies surveyed by Aberdeen Group...

Who's who in 3PLs?(Breaking News You Need to Know)(Armstrong & Associates)(Third-party logistics)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... If you don't know the answer to that, you can probably find it in the 12th edition of Who's Who in Logistics? Armstrong's Guide to Supply Chain Management. It profiles key third-party logistics (3PL) providers, offering financial information,...

The power of outsourcing.(My View)(Editorial)
September 1, 2004... To say the least, outsourcing and its evil twin offshoring have a high profile these days. Alan Greenspan talks about it. It's part of the presidential campaign. There was a move in Colorado to have a ballot question that would...

Frontline aims for smarter supply chains: a wide range of solutions and conferences at the Frontline Solutions event this month will display how automatic identification and mobility tools make supply chains more effective.(Information Management)(FrontLine Solutions Inc.)
September 1, 2004... It's time to pack your bags and head to Chicago. This year's Frontline Solutions Conference and Expo, scheduled for September 13-15, will have the Navy Pier overflowing with automatic identification and mobility technologies for streamlining...

Symbol makes a big splash in RFID.(Acquisition)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Until nearly the dog days of August, Symbol Technologies (www.symbol.com) had maintained a fairly low profile in RFID. But with its acquisition of RFID supplier Matrics for $230 million, Symbol is no longer running below anyone's radar in the...

Powering a better supply chain.(Strategy)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... In the 1990's, the supply chain was driven by improvements in technology. Too many companies believed that most problems inside an organization could be solved with the implementation of new software and systems. Today, that notion is...

Brooks launches real-time software initiative.(Software)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Brooks Automation (www.brooks.com), a leading supplier of manufacturing execution (MES) and automation software for complex manufacturing industries, has launched a real-time enterprise (RTE) software initiative. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Make way for more imagers.(Bar Codes)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... In the automatic data capture arena, it seems handheld bar code imagers could soon be edging out laser scanners. While the sales of handheld laser bar code scanners are forecast to grow at a 6.5% compound annual growth rate through the end...

Software anticipates production problems.(Manufacturing)(Timogen System)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Unexpected glitches in your manufacturing operations can easily keep you from meeting customer demands and hurt the bottom line. But it's now possible to anticipate those problems with new software that provides alerts, analysis and advice. ...

Appointments/promotions.(People to Know)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... FKI Logistex North America appoints Dave Baker to president, manufacturing systems division; John Kelly to president, airport post & parcel division; and John Westendorf to president, warehouse & distribution division; and also promotes Todd...

Alliances/construction.(People to Know)(EPCglobal U.S)(LANSA)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Kennedy Group's radio frequency identification (RFID) group joins EPCglobal U.S.... LANSA partners with Intermec Technologies Corp. to provide RFID integration software.

Places to go.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
September 1, 2004... SEPTEMBER 2004 September 13-15 Frontline Solutions USA Chicago, Ill. Sponsor: AIM Global and Advanstar Technology Group Call: 800-477-2446 Web: www.frontlineexpo.com OCTOBER 2004 October 3-6 CLM Annual...

Equipment price increases to moderate: after a strong surge in the first half, equipment price increases will slow before picking up again in late 2005.(Outlook)
September 1, 2004... EQUIPMENT PRICES THAT SOARED EARLY IN 2004 are not a signal of high inflation. Instead, the sharp price increases of the year's first half are best understood in the context of the broader economy. For several years through last January,...

Snacks to sacks: no problem for Big Lots; The close-out retailer may not know what's arriving next at its Oklahoma DC, but it already knows how it will be handled and what it will cost.(Warehouse of the Month)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2004... When Todd Noethen and Hal Wilson of Big Lots started planning for the close-out retailer's newest DC, the objectives were clear. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Expense is critical in the discount world," says...

Top 20 ADC suppliers: gains in bar codes and mobile computing--not RFID--are driving revenue growth at the world's largest suppliers of automatic data capture.(Information Management)(Radio Frequency Identification)(automatic data capture)
September 1, 2004... No news--or at least no major news--was good news for the automatic data capture (ADC) industry over the last year. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There were few mergers or acquisitions. Most of the legal matters hanging over the industry were...

Slash & profit: an automated storage system has cut costs substantially by reducing newsprint inventory 90% at Transcontinental Printing.(Manufacturing Spotlight)(related article: Transcontinental Printing)(Company Profile)(Editorial)
September 1, 2004... In retrospect, it's somewhat ironic how La Presse managed paper stock for its daily print run. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] On one hand, the paper's reporters covered the day's events for the next morning's edition of Montreal's 200,000...

Solutions for smarter, mobile supply chains: here are some of the data collection and identification solutions that will be on display this month at Frontline Solutions at Chicago's Navy Pier.(Show Preview)
September 1, 2004... FULL-SCREEN, VEHICLE-MOUNT COMPUTER The VX5 vehicle-mount computer features a display that goes to the edge for over 12 inches of viewing. It operates on Windows 2000 Professional and XP Professional and uses a Pentium III processor. With...

Bar code scanners change with the times: both laser and imaging scanners are becoming more versatile yet easier to use and configure as applications and expectations expand.(Equipment Report)
September 1, 2004... Despite grand plans for RFID, bar codes will continue to dominate data capture in the warehouse and plant for years to come. After all, bar codes are low-cost and proven. But that doesn't mean that either the technology or its use is static....

Multiple label areas simplify identification.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... Four flat label areas on each sidewall of the 4A48 container series offer users greater versatility in coding and routing. The containers have a 45 X 48 inch footprint and are available in seven heights: 25, 33, 34, 39, 42, 48 and 50 inches....

RFID tags protected by container design.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... A new bulk container features a recessed design to protect RFID tags from damage during handling and shipping. The Ship Shape container's recess is located on the side of the container near the top within a rugged support rim to protect the tag...

Straight Wall containers in three new sizes.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... A line of injection-molded modular containers with matching pallets and top caps now features 24 X 22 inch containers in 7.5-, 11- and 14.5-inch heights. The Straight Wall System containers stack to cube 48 X 45 inch and 48 X 40 inch pallets....

Bulk bin for high-volume storage.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... Available in a variety of colors, the Poly Bin container is a lightweight polyethylene bin designed for bulk storage. It is stackable and features a small footprint. A molded-in pallet base enables two-way fork entry. The bin withstands...

Bail bars make containers portable, stackable.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... For efficient storage and transportation, a line of nestable containers feature metal bail bars that fold into place to make them stackable and portable. Lightweight yet durable, the containers hold up to 150 pounds. Available in 180 sizes, the...

Hinged-cover containers stack easily.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... The FliPak family of nestable, stackable containers comes in over 20 sizes ranging from 12 X 10 inches to 30 X 22 inches. Features include attached hinged covers with a quick-release label area for easy reading and rapid label changes. The...

Containers to 44 inches high.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... For increased volume, the KitBin XT bulk container features panels and clips that let users join a second layer of walls together to form a two-level container. The clips allow the top half of a sidewall to be folded down for easier access....

Totes and protective packaging.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... TransGuard Returnable Systems feature three different tote solutions that are customizable, returnable and reusable. The Stand Alone Tote, Tote Inserts and Universal Tote are made of molded expanded polypropylene to be lightweight and durable....

Super-sized storage bins.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... Store large, bulky items in Super-Size AkroBins. Five sizes are available: 20 X 12-3/8 X 6, 20 X 12-3/8 X 8, 20 X 12-3/8 X 12, 20 X 18-3/8 X 12 and 29-1/4 X 18-3/8 X 12 inches. Large carry handles provide ergonomic handling of loaded bins while...

Stacking ratio is 5:1.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... For added safety and durability, FlapNest 2717-12 containers feature plastic hinges as well as a reinforced lid and wall collars. The containers are stackable and have a 5:1 nesting ratio for efficient return shipping and storage. An ergonomic...

Nesting pallet containers for high-volume uses.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... Nesting pallet containers designed for storing large volumes of products are available in two sizes. The large unit measures 52 X 42 X 42 inches while the short unit is 52 X 42 X 32 inches. Both containers have four-way fork entry and optional...

Heavy-duty bins offer easy parts access.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... QuickPick bins have two open sides for front and back access to parts. Constructed of polypropylene, the heavy-duty bins can be nested or stacked vertically and crosswise for space efficiency. Optional dividers create two to four sections...

Collapsible containers in five sizes.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... Collapsible containers are designed to cube out a 48 X 45 inch pallet. Five sizes of the all-plastic containers are available. Features include ergonomic handles, the "Secure Fit" snap design for secure product handling, as well as rugged...

Handle sub-assembly and component parts.(Focus on Totes & Containers)
September 1, 2004... Available with or without foam dunnage, a line of reusable corrugated plastic containers is ideal for handling sub-assemblies and component parts. The containers feature a modular design that optimizes cubic density, allowing more parts to be...

Modular fences protect equipment and workers.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... Designed to protect personnel from dangerous equipment, a machine guarding system features all-steel welded wire modular components including doors, panels, posts and door inter-locks. Using a pin and bolt bracket system, the Qwik-Guard II is...

Servomotors feature holding brakes.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... The newest addition to the brushless servo motor (BSM) series includes standard and low inertia models to provide ideal inertial matching for machines. These servomotors use resolvers as the prime feedback device and are also provided with...

Customizable storage units.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... For flexible storage, the drawers-in-shelving (D-I-S) system offers various combinations of drawers and shelves. Up to 15 different drawer heights ranging from 2 to 13 inches can be combined with roll-out shelves in any configuration. Drawers...

Store drums horizontally in racks.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... Store drums horizontally in tight spaces with the MORstak drum handler. The device lifts an upright drum, tilts it to a horizontal position and places it into a drum rack as high as 102 inches. Designed for use with a standard 55-gallon drum,...

Monitor assets in real time.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... DLx MRM is a Web-based system for monitoring and managing mobile assets in real time. The suite supports monitoring and identification of mobile resources and their status using bar codes, RFID and related technologies to provide visibility on...

I/O modules combine durability and functionality.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... A new line of input/output (I/O) modules combines a plug-and-play configuration with a durable, corrosion- and waterproof design. The ArmorPoint line is a series of adapters, I/O modules, power supplies and backplane bus extenders. Their...

Adjustable ergonomic workbench.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... Providing users with an ergonomic work surface, the Align workbench offers adjustable heights ranging from 25.5 to 41.5 inches. Desired heights are reached using a hand crank, motorized lift or slide leg platform. The motorized version can be...

Clean up fork truck hydraulic leaks.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... The Fork Truck Pac provides a portable clean-up solution for hydraulic leaks. It contains pads that will clean up a 3-gallon spill covering more than 10 square feet. Designed to be mounted on the roll cage of fork trucks, the pack features...

Adjustable electric power table.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... Three sizes of medium-duty power tables are available. A low-voltage drive powers the table's height from 28 to 48 inches with the touch of a button. Standard platforms hold up to 330 pounds with the option to hold 500 pounds. Surface sizes are...

Rfid encoder and printer.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... The R4Mplus combines an RFID encoder and a thermal/thermal-transfer printer into one small unit. It encodes information on ultra-high-frequency transponders embedded in smart labels, and simultaneously verifies that the encoding is correct. The...

Accumulator adjusts to production changes.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... The new Flex Flow Accumulator automatically adjusts to the changing pace of production flow, ensuring continuous flow throughout the conveyor circuit. It operates on the concept of an expandable travel path, sensing fluctuations in production...

Quietly move product with conveyor system.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... A series of modular incline/decline conveyors raises and lowers products at a continuous angle over lengths up to 104 feet. All conveyors are available in either stainless steel or epoxy powder-coated paint. The system's plastic chain extends...

Software creates reports and projections.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... A Java-based, fully self-contained supply chain analyzer is available. The Global Supply Chain Process Evaluator covers 17 functional and six process areas. The reports generated from the software will show up to 180 observations by functional...

Charge fork trucks during downtime.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2004... Designed for light-duty fast charging applications without battery modifications, the QuarterHorse Opportunity Charger allows users to opportunity charge fork trucks or pallet jacks. By charging the battery when the vehicle is not in use, users...

Study on forklift/pedestrian accidents.(Catalog Mart)
September 1, 2004... Hyster Company offers a full-color brochure detailing a comprehensive Hyster study on accidents involving lift trucks and pedestrians. The literature addresses accident data and causes, contributing factors, rules for improved working...

www.MORSEmmh.com and drum handling catalog.(Catalog Mart)
September 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] ...

Autoquip In-Plant lifting solutions.(Catalog Mart)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Autoquip Corporation In-Plant catalog offers a broad range of lifting equipment for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution applications. Whether you need to raise, lift or turn products or materials, Autoquip offers a variety of...

MDI exclusive USPS provider.(Catalog Mart)
September 1, 2004... Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI) offers corrugated plastic sheets, totes, boxes, trays, bins and reusable containers specifically designed for materials handling and storage. Success stories include the United States Postal Service...

Toyota: Electric Pallet Truck.(Catalog Mart)
September 1, 2004... Toyota Material Handling introduces its new 4,500 lbs. capacity Electric Pallet Truck. It features a highly maneuverable, innovative compact design with state-of-the-art technology that improves space utilization. For warehouse and retail...

AGVs improve process flow.(Catalog Mart)
September 1, 2004... Increase your material handling efficiency by automating your workflow process. Transbotics designs, supports and manufactures Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems, (AGVS), to boost your industrial bottom line. We provide turnkey solutions to meet...

Taylor Conveyor/Conveyor Mart.(Catalog Mart)
September 1, 2004... Providing cost effective, performance designed, rapid delivery table top conveyor. Sold exclusively through ConveyorMart. Go on-line to request pricing, brochure or CD, or call: 920-233-2724 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Conveyor Mart ...

Learning from others: you don't have to be experienced at project management to be successful.(For Dealing with the Real World)
September 1, 2004... FIRST-TIME PROJECT TEAMS are a little bit like the youngest athletes at the Olympics. It's refreshing to see them show-up the old pros from time to time. When a major project has a shaky startup, it's industry news. We expect people with...