Tag along: Dematic introduces
Laser Trucks+, a solution that combines laser-guided pallet trucks
with a voice-directed system to
increase productivity in case picking applications.
The challenge is that during
order picking, the warehouse staff
is doing many tasks other than
picking: retrieving a new shipping pallet, getting on and off a pallet
truck, and taking the completed pallet to shipping. By eliminating
the non-value added tasks associated with a typical case picking
operation, LaserTrucks+ has the potential to double picking productivity while retaining the flexibility of manual systems.
The LaserTrucks+ solution upgrades pallet trucks to driverless
operations using industrial-grade laser-guidance systems. At the
start of the picking process, the Laser Truck delivers a new pallet
directly to the picker. It then automatically moves with the voice-equipped picker as he or she goes through the order selection
process, verbally confirming picks. When the order is completed,
the Laser Truck transports the completed pallet to shipping, while
the next Laser Truck brings a new pallet to the picker.
Beyond maximizing picking productivity in manual warehouses,
the LaserTrucks+ solution also delivers improved safety, energy
efficiency, and operational transparency. The Dematic Warehouse
Control System integrates Laser Trucks+ with a WMS or ERP. It provides real-time management and complete transparency of the
LaserTrucks+ operation, including management information and
decision support, order prioritization, order status, productivity statistics and reports, and workload analysis and reports. (Dematic
Corp., www.dematic.us)
Head for the clouds: HighJump Software is now offering its warehouse management system (WMS) in a cloud delivery model. The
hosted WMS will have the same features and functionality as the
on-premise HighJump WMS, as well as the ability to build unique
businesses processes using the HighJump adaptability tools. A single monthly subscription fee covers maintenance, upgrades, and
support.
With cloud computing, the WMS vendor hosts the software
application and hardware infrastructure. The customer accesses
the WMS via a Web browser. Cloud-based solutions are becoming
a more common alternative to on-premise software as businesses
seek ways to reduce IT requirements and simplify maintenance
and upgrades. Because all system infrastructure is based in an offsite secure data center, cloud solutions also eliminate up-front capital expense and reduce the risk and time required by on-premise
implementations.
HighJump also offers a cloud-based option for its transportation
management (TMS) and route accounting systems. (HighJump
Software, www.highjump.com)
rollouts
RFID ready: Motorola’s Enterprise Mobility Solutions business unveils
two new radio-frequency identification solutions designed to help
companies gain increased visibility into their business operations.
Motorola’s DS9808-R is a high-performance, hybrid presentation
imager with integrated RFID. It is designed for both hands-free and
hand-held bar-code scanning and RFID reading in a dynamic retail
POS environment. The unit is engineered to capture a comprehensive array of data-capture technologies at high speed, including 1D
or 2D bar codes, PDF417 symbologies, and UHF RFID tags.
The company’s new MC9090-G RFID ER hand-held reader is
designed for extended-range scanning. The unit is engineered to
capture 1D bar codes at distances ranging from four inches to 40
feet, eliminating the need for multiple devices. (Motorola,
www.motorola.com)
Royal treatment: Crown Equipment Corp. introduces the Crown
SP 3500 Four-Point Series Stockpicker. The new lift truck is specifically engineered to handle tough, non-standard loads at heights
exceeding 30 feet, such as in furniture applications where 48-inch
load centers, bulky loads, and high lift heights are common. The
vehicle provides a large stability footprint by handling the load on
four wheels instead of three, evenly distributing the force of the
load from the platform through the mast and power unit, down the
drive unit and caster to the ground.
The Crown SP 3500 Four-Point Series uses heavy-gauge steel in
the skirt, doors, and battery cover. This additional weight, combined with a heavy-duty mast, gives the truck substantial weight
capacity advantages at height and further contributes to stability.
The forklift truck combines Crown AC motor technology with the
Access 1 2 3 Comprehensive System Control. Crown’s AC motor
technology is designed to provide the smooth acceleration, seamless direction reversals, and overall responsiveness that are necessary when maneuvering at heights. Crown’s Access 1 2 3 System
Control monitors key forklift systems and communicates real-time
information.
The new trucks are available in three models: Crown SP 3570F,
Crown SP 3580F Furniture Platform, and Crown SP 3580F Cart
Handling. (Crown Equipment Corp., www.crown.com)
All aboard: Averitt Express now offers intermodal service as part
of its full-load/volume transportation services package. The trucker
provides this intermodal coverage through strategic relationships
with several of the nation’s leading railroads: Union Pacific and
BNSF in the West, Norfolk Southern in the East and Midwest, CSX
in the East and Midwest, and Florida East Coast in the states of
Georgia and Florida.
Averitt’s intermodal coverage includes both container-on-flat-car
(COFC) and trailer-on-flat-car (TOFC) services and extends to all 48
contiguous states. (Averitt, www.averittexpress.com/intermodal)
Green team: UPS has introduced the Eco Responsible Packaging
Program, a service for UPS customers who want to “green” up
their packaging processes. Under the program, UPS will conduct
an assessment of the customer’s shipment packaging based on
environmental standards. After evaluating the customer’s packaging processes in three areas— damage prevention, right-sizing, and
packaging materials—UPS will score the results. Customers who
meet the requirements can display the program’s logo on their
shipment packaging.
The evaluation, conducted by the UPS Package Engineering
Group, assesses the customer’s transport packaging systems and
procedures, as opposed to the product packaging found on retail
shelves. The contract-based service is available to customers who
commit to sustainable packaging solutions. (UPS,
www.ups.com/ecoresponsible)
