DC Velocity - February 2009

rollouts

Something for everyone: RedPrairie Corp. has included enhanced features for international shippers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers in the newest release of its transportation management system (TMS). Enhancements designed especially for international users include ocean-, rail-, and air-based multimodal transportation support, time-based transit service standards, and enhanced geocoding. These features accommodate users who transport freight by means other than roads, including barge and ferry travel over ocean.

The new release is especially sensitive to a host of complicating factors associated with international logistics, including time zone changes, support for single as well as multiple contract multimodal shipment planning, and extended European mapping and distance calculations. These features will enable intra-European movement optimization and more flexible options for conducting those movements.

The new capabilities for 3PLs include a consignment booking portal, easier and more precise client billing, and contract management. The new release also includes an expanded collaboration portal, which is a component that allows customers, shippers, carriers, vendors, and stores to share information and jointly manage shipments online. (RedPrairie Corp., (877) 733-7724, www.RedPrairie.com)

Drum shtick: The L4F-QC forklift attachment from Liftomatic includes an automatic cam device that locks the attachment to the forklift. This eliminates the need for safety chains as well as the need for the driver to dismount from the truck to secure the attachment to the forklift.

The L4F-QC is fully mechanical, requiring no hydraulic or electric connections. It handles from one to four steel, fiber, and plastic rimmed drums weighing up to 2,000 pounds each ( 8,000 pounds total).

A gravity- and spring-activated cam system automatically locks the attachment to the lift truck’s forks as soon as the L4F-QC is raised off the ground. The cams automatically release when the attachment is set back on firm ground. (Liftomatic Material Handling Inc., (800) 837-6540, www.liftomatic.com)

Model Citizens: Citizen Systems America has taken two of its well-known thermal point-of-sale printers and made them even better by adding label-printing capability. The CT-S4000L and the CT-S2000L share the same features and proven reliability built into the standard versions of these printers, but now they also have the ability to print labels that can be used for a variety of applications.

The smaller CT-S2000L can accommodate four different paper sizes up to 82.5 millimeters and handle label media of up to 3. 15 by 11 inches. Another feature is the printer’s Spill-Shield technology that protects it in harsh environments. Its small footprint and built-in power supply allow it to work in the tightest of situations, while its dual interface (USB + serial, parallel or Ethernet) makes networking a snap.

For printing larger labels, the CT-S4000L can handle paper widths of up to 112 millimeters and label media of up to 4 by 11 inches. Featuring a Direct Memory Access (DMA), this printer can download text and graphics faster for increased productivity. The CT-S4000L is available in either black or white and can be positioned horizontally or vertically as well as wall-mounted when space is at a premium.

Both of these printers have easy drop-in paper or media loading, high print speeds, and optical and black mark sensors that allow them to work with a wide array of labels. (Citizen Systems, www.citizen-systems.com)

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Standard Features

• robust welded frame construction

• painted mild steel or 100% stainless for washdown

• transport products up / down or reversing

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• single drive / shaft mount gear motor (VFD optional)

• smallest footprint in the industry, saves floor space

• stable product support across entire slat belt width

• patented lateral roller guide system, field proven

• simple integration / installation into any system

• shipped pre-assembled, tested, ready to go

Low Maintenance

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