DC Velocity - March 2011

NEW LOGISTICS PRODUCTS & SERVICES EDITED BY ERICA MAC DONALD AND SEAN MALONEY

rollouts

Radio days: Interlake Mecalux Inc. introduces the Radio Shuttle semi-automated, high-density pallet storage system. Featuring remote or software operation, this high-density pallet storage system simplifies the loading and unloading of goods by using an electric cart called a Radio Shuttle. The Radio Shuttle system, which is easily customizable, can provide a cost-effective solution to warehouses that need automation.

Designed to be flexible and easy to use, the Radio Shuttle incorporates the latest in storage technologies. The system is suitable for high-density compact storage, cold storage, and buffers for temporary storage or prepared orders. Radio Shuttle carts can be used with existing pallets, forklifts, and popular warehouse system designs. The cart’s compatibility with different pallet sizes allows pallets of different widths to be compacted inside channels.

There are two options for communication with the Radio Shuttle carts: remote control or EasyWMS software. A forklift operator can access pallets one by one with the remote, while more complex operations can be performed using EasyWMS. (Interlake Mecalux Inc., www.interlakemecalux.com)

Suite deal! Vocollect, a provider of voice-centric solutions for mobile workers, introduces its new flagship voice-centric solution set. The product suite helps warehouses and DCs boost productivity and accuracy while reducing total cost of ownership across a broad range of work flows. When customers combine Vocollect’s products with the voice work-flow expertise of its global partners, they solve their operations challenges and gain business results, the company says.

The Next Generation Vocollect Voice Solution Suite consists of two broad new product sets, the Vocollect Voice Software Suite and the Premium Wearable Voice Solution.

The Vocollect Voice Software Suite, which is based on the VoiceArtisan, VoiceLink, VoiceDirect, and VoiceApplication products, provides advanced host interface and voice work-flow logic to a wide range of warehouse management systems (WMS). Customers can voice-enable their WMS-based operations via real-time direct interfaces, middleware, or third-party middleware. The new suite is based on industry standards for application design, development, and testing.

The Premium Wearable Solution, based on the new Talkman A500 and VoiceCatalyst client software, provides high speech recognition performance for industrial environments. Unlike other solutions in the market, the Talkman A500 supports a variety of third-party peripherals. (Vocollect, www.vocollect.com)

FORTNA They help drive our business

When O’Reilly Auto Parts acquired CSK Automotive, the race was on to merge both companies’ distribution operations. So O’Reilly called Fortna to help them shift into overdrive. In just two short years, seven additional facilities were integrated into a distribution network that now serves more than 3,500 stores with up to 120,000 SKUs.

“Given the magnitude of the project and its importance to our customers and investors, we knew Fortna was the partner we wanted. They have the talent, the tools and the commitment to deliver on their promises.”