DC Velocity - October 2011

Forklift selector tool: Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA) has introduced the “Order Picking Solutions from Jungheinrich” product selector tool. (MCFA distributes Jungheinrich lift trucks through its dealer network in North America.) This tool is designed to help warehouse professionals select the right forklift equipment for their applications. The tool can be found online at www.jungheinrich-lift.com/orderpicker.

Choosing the right order picker for the job is a crucial component to the success of a distribution center or warehouse. While factors such as order picking method, warehouse layout, and aisle size can all affect a facility’s overall productivity, lift truck equipment also plays a major role.

The Order Picking Solutions tool guides customers through a series of short questions regarding the customer’s specific needs, including capacity, aisle width, picking height, required shifts, and picking type. Based on the answers, the tool recommends a forklift solution for the customer to consider. Customers can then view in-depth information about the chosen lift truck. (Jungheinrich, www.junghein-rich-lift.com/orderpicker)

CombineNet ASAP e-sourcing software upgrades: CombineNet Inc. has added new features to its e-sourcing product, CombineNet ASAP. The improvements in this software-as-a-service product include dashboards for better e-sourcing management and visibility as well as reporting usability enhancements, federated identity management, and a newly revamped online training and support center. These new features make it easier for customers to centralize, manage, and report on e-sourcing conducted in CombineNet ASAP, regardless of spend category, size, or complexity.

CombineNet ASAP’s new dashboard includes a number of options to create actionable views of spend and sourcing activity. Using a drag-and-drop interface design, dashboards can be configured by each user for its specific reporting needs. Dashboards can show spend, savings, event activity, and usage by spend category, sub-category, timeframes, user, currency, and more. Dashboards also offer detailed drill-down reporting and easy download features.

Reporting enhancements have also been made. Both buyers and bidders now have a faster, easier way to navigate through data in CombineNet ASAP for viewing, analysis, and reporting. The new features mimic Microsoft Excel-like filtering functionality. Users can now quickly and efficiently manage and manipulate data with sorting, filtering, freeze panes, and more. (CombineNet Inc., www.combinenet.com)

Viper Vertical Lift Module: The new Viper Vertical Lift Module (VLM) from Sapient Automation provides ergonomic access to items and reduces order picking labor by two-thirds. The module is designed for distribution applications involving small-item storage and retrieval.

The Viper VLM is an enclosed system of vertically arranged trays, an extraction platform, and computerized controls that deliver stored items to an ergonomically positioned worksta-tion. It can hold large, irregularly shaped items as well as totes, containers, and pallets. It can also be fitted with tray partitions and dividers for small items.

The modular vertical design of the Viper VLM takes advantage of typically unused overhead space, freeing up floor space that can be used for other operations. The system’s variable height adjustment feature allows it to be made taller or shorter. It can also be moved at any time to meet changes in the order picking activity. The Viper VLM’s dynamic tray height sensor optimizes the unit’s storage density by automatically directing the storage tray to the least amount of space possible within the unit.

The module also includes features such as the ViperTilt tray delivery system, LaserViper Pick to Light System, and dual tray delivery. Viper Tilt delivers selected trays to the pick window and then ergonomically tilts them so that the worker can easily access stored items. LaserViper is a pick-to-light system that places a red dot on the item to be picked, increasing operator picking speed and accuracy. The system’s turbo dual tray delivery brings the next tray to the work counter the moment the operator is finished picking from the first tray.