DC Velocity - August 2011

Enhancements to SpeedyPacker Insight: Sealed Air’s SpeedyPacker Insight foam-in-bag system now includes bar-code-scanning capabilities. The new interface allows customers to utilize their existing unique product identification bar code to automatically initiate a pre-programmed package design and cushion sequence.

By automating this process, Sealed Air says that it has reduced the potential for under packaging, which can lead to damage, as well as over packaging, which results in costly packaging waste. Because packing personnel no longer have to choose which cushions go with which product, the learning curve for new and seasonal labor is dramatically reduced.

To program the system, companies simply input design and sequence information into a spreadsheet, which is then uploaded onto the SpeedyPacker Insight system through a USB drive. A single USB drive can be used to download the information to multiple systems in high-volume operations, eliminating the need to manually program each system through the operator touch screen. Once the spreadsheet is loaded, the system can store unique information for tens of thousands of bar codes, while changes and additions can easily be made in seconds by downloading updated spreadsheets. To make the bar-code programming as effortless as possible for customers, Sealed Air’s representatives can perform a complete packaging audit of customer operations to ensure seamless integration.

The SpeedyPacker Insight system can produce traditional foam-in-bag cushions as well as continuous foam tubes (CFTs) for virtually any application. (Sealed Air Corp., www.instapak.com)

Accellos’ Integration to SAP v. 3.3: Accellos, a developer of supply chain execution software solutions, has released version 3. 3 of its integration to SAP BusinessOne. The new release of Accellos’ SAP integration includes several enhancements and added functionality. Version 3. 3 now processes accounts receivable (AR) reserve invoices and provides new warehouse assignment options for production orders. The company has also improved the system’s return merchandise authorization (RMA) draft order processing, freight charge processing, transfer confirmation batch processing, and user interface. (Accellos, www.accellos.com)

Tire Runout Gauge: With tires representing a growing share of vehicle life-cycle costs for trucking fleets, many companies are looking for ways to mitigate the impact of escalating prices. K-Line Industries introduces the sim-ple-to-use, economical Tire Runout Gauge, which measures both radial and lateral tire runout conditions. The use of this tool can help eliminate irregular tire wear and ride vibration while also lengthening the life of tires, says K-Line.

K-Line’s Tire Runout Gauge uses a roller wheel placed against the tire tread. This combines with a gauge bar, individual low and high spot sliders, and magnified measurement readout to quickly show the amount of runout present. If the runout exceeds the stated limits, a check can be made and repairs completed. ( K-Line Industries, www.klineind.com)

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Aljex Software transportation document storage: Aljex Software, a developer of software for the transportation industry, now offers unlimited server space for digitized documents and images, including bills of lading, proofs of delivery, claims forms, insurance documents, Excel spreadsheets, and photos. These documents and images remain instantly retrievable at the click of a mouse, the company says.

Documents can be scanned directly into the Aljex system or uploaded. These can be native digital files or scanned images of paper documents. Images such as photographs can be uploaded to Aljex as well.

The file can be associated with and accessed from many folders within the system, such as from a shipment folder. The same file can be accessed in the customer folder or any of its subfolders, which include sales, credit, legal, and general. Similarly, a file can be accessed from the carrier folder; carrier subfolders include rate agreements, W- 9 forms, and more. Aljex users can also choose to save an uploaded or scanned file as “public,” accessible by all, or “private,” accessible only within the company or to specific people. There is no limit on how many documents can be saved or for how long. (Aljex Software, www.aljex.com)

Demag overhead bridge crane kits: Demag Cranes and Components has introduced overhead bridge crane kits as a quick and cost-effective solution for installing overhead bridge cranes in the 3-, 5-, and 10-ton capacity range. The kits are plug and play, require no electrical work, and include everything needed for installation with the exception of box girders or steel beams.

Available in either top-running or under-running configurations, the single girder overhead bridge crane kits include a wire rope hoist, end trucks, and a bridge panel. (Demag Cranes and Components, www.demag-us.com) ;