DC Velocity - May 2012

Shipment planning software: Third-party logistics specialist Damco says its new Dynamic Flow Control software solution allows supply chain professionals to constantly re-plan shipments without the complexity and manual workload that changing purchase orders normally entails.

The basic idea of Damco Dynamic Flow Control is very much similar to a GPS. It will dynamically recalculate the optimal route to market for a shipment when a change on the demand or supply side occurs—similar to the way a GPS in your car will provide you with an estimated time to destination based on your current speed and latest traffic information.

The shipment planning optimization engine generates plans based on predefined business rules and criteria such as delivery time, cost, carbon usage, transport mode, and carrier mix—all at the purchase order and stock-keep-ing unit (SKU) levels. When changes occur, the software re-plans and automatically ships an order using a proprietary decision-tree methodology. This enables supply chain managers to continuously change delivery dates or switch between transport modes in order to optimize their supply chains, says Damco. (Damco, www.damco.com/dynamic)

Vertical carousel and cart system: The new Mini-Avenger Vertical Carousel and Cart System from Sapient Automation provides automated storage and retrieval on a cart. This allows the storage unit to be wheeled to the point of use in the distribution center.

With its roller ball bearing caster wheels, the system is portable and designed to move through facilities, halls, and doorways. Units can be dedicated to a specific workstation or area, or they can be moved around a warehouse or distribution center for replenishment, kitting, consolidation, buffer, or pick-and-pass applications.

The cart provides high-density, secure storage. Inventory items are stored on carriers or shelves that rotate on an oval track vertically and are delivered to an ergonomically located work counter. When the work counter is folded up, it seals the unit, providing inventory security and protection. The unit can also be set up with password software access.

Every shelf can be configured to meet specific inventory and application requirements. The system also can use many different types of totes, trays, containers, and boxes.

The Mini-Avenger system is available with integrated software and pick-to-light systems. An optional uninterrupted power supply allows for mobile software usage.

The Mini-Avenger system requires zero installation time and is delivered ready to go out of the crate. The unit only needs to be plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet for immediate use. (Sapient Automation, www.GetSapient.com)

rollouts

Fan control and networking system: The new iFan system from Serco allows distribution centers to network and control their high-volume low-speed (HVLS) fans from a central location.

The fans are networked to a 23-inch touch-screen computer, complete with custom graphics representing the facility’s exact fan layout. This screen allows administrators to control fans individually, by zone, and for the entire facility. The system allows HVLS warehouse fans to be monitored and controlled by time settings, temperature settings, or temperature variance.

The iFan system can also display a variety of tailored performance metrics for individual fans, a particular zone, or the entire facility that can be archived and viewed later for trend analysis.

What’s the benefit of a centralized control system for your fans? Only authorized users can make adjustments to the fans, which ensures that the fans are running at their optimal speed at each location. The system also allows you to quickly identify fans that are not running properly and solve the problem or contact a local service provider. Finally, iFan’s Fire Control Panel (FCP) technology initiates instant shutdown of all HVLS fans when a facility’s fire suppression sprinklers are triggered. (Serco, www.sercocompany.com)