NEW LOGISTICS PRODUCTS & SERVICES
EDITED BY SUSAN LACEFIELD rollouts
Auto-ID reader: The VICAMsnap from Vitronic Machine Vision
Ltd. is a hands-free, camera-based auto-ID reader built for both
automated conveyor and manual sorting applications. It provides
visual as well as audio feedback.
VICAMsnap is a compact and lightweight yet robust camera-based solution that can read both one-dimensional (1D) bar
codes and two-dimensional (2D) machine-readable matrix codes.
It is equipped with white illumination that allows it to quickly
read color bar codes as well as damaged or poorly printed bar
codes on color backgrounds.
The unit can be mounted on a conveyor to read codes as they
pass by or be placed above a sorting station for manual operations. For manual operations, the unit projects a
large target onto the work-space, allowing the operator to quickly find the scan
zone and process the items
being scanned.
The Vitronic VICAMsnap
provides a 12- by 10-inch
width of field and 16-inch
depth of field (310mm x 260mm x 300mm) to allow operators
to immediately capture all 1D and 2D bar codes on parcels, flats,
and boxes.
VICAMsnap can provide both visual and audible feedback of
the read operation. Green and red “go/no-go” LED flash indicators provide visual feedback, allowing the operator to process
the item even in noisy industrial environments. The unit can also
be configured to emit audible tones or voice confirmation commands. The audible and visual operator feedback can help companies comply with Section 508 of the Americans with
Disabilities Act, according to the manufacturer.
The system can also capture and archive images, and complete
complex processing routines in real time. (Vitronic Machine
Vision, www.vitronic.de)
Wearable computer: Motorola has introduced the fourth generation of its line of wearable computers for the warehouse. The
WT41N0 mobile computer is a rugged mobile device that can be
worn on the arm, allowing workers to have both hands free to
pick, pack, or put away product. The computer is multimodal,
meaning that it can support both voice-directed and text- or
scan-based activities. For scanning applications, the WT41N0 can
be paired with Motorola’s RS419 1D-cabled ring scanner or
RS507 Bluetooth 2D ring imager.
Motorola’s WT41N0 wearable mobile computer is available
with the company’s “Service from the Start with Comprehensive
Coverage” program, which covers normal wear and tear and
accidental damage to internal and external components. In
addition, the On Site System Support Service provides service
visits from a highly qualified technician whose goal is to complete the repair on the first visit. (Motorola Solutions,
www.motorola.solutions.com)
Lift truck parts service: Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America
Inc. (MCFA), a supplier of forklift trucks in the United States,
Canada, and Mexico, has announced the launch of the
Jungheinrich “Parts Fast or Parts Free Guarantee.” This guarantee promises next-business-day delivery of parts, or they are free,
including freight. MCFA distributes Jungheinrich forklifts and
parts through its dealer network in North America under a manufacturing and distribution agreement with Jungheinrich.
The guarantee extends to all Jungheinrich warehouse product customers who conduct business with one of the more
than 330 authorized Jungheinrich dealer locations throughout
North America. Replacement parts are sourced from five North
American MCFA parts distribution centers, located in
California, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas, in addition to Jungheinrich AG’s parts distribution warehouse in
Germany. To qualify for the guarantee, orders must be placed
through the customer’s authorized dealer by 5 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time and the customer must advise the dealer at the
time of order that the part must be shipped via FedEx or UPS
next-day air service.
All orders within the United States will be delivered within 24
hours or MCFA will cover the cost of the part and the freight. For
orders placed within Mexico and Canada, the guarantee states
that the part will ship within 24 hours, or it’s free, including
freight. (Jungheinrich, http://www.jungheinrich-lift.com)
AS/RS: The Duosys Automated Storage and Retrieval System
(AS/RS) from Daifuku Webb Holding Co. is a mini-load AS/RS
that acts as a sortation system.
According to the manufacturer, Duosys can buffer and
sequence items in less floor space than more traditional sortation
options. The AS/RS’s modular design allows multiple systems to
be stacked on top of each other.
Daifuku Webb says the Duosys AS/RS is more than four times
as fast as similar systems because two cranes can function simultaneously in the same aisle. The cranes operate independently
and will not interfere with the other’s operation when they pass
each other on the way to reaching a rack position. The cranes are
managed by a single off-board controller.
Duosys was designed so that it can continue operating while
maintenance is being performed on individual cranes.
The new AS/RS has several features that help reduce energy
consumption. For one, it’s lightweight. It is also designed so that
when the crane decelerates, the system is able to regenerate
electricity by using a regenerative converter. Customers can also
deactivate one or more cranes when utilization is low. (Daifuku
Webb, www.daifukuamerica.com)
Customizable workstations: Rousseau’s workstations are
designed to be durable and flexible. The units can be customized
by adding accessories such as a multipurpose frame, document
and monitor holders, tiltable shelves, storage cupboards,
dividers, and more. (Rousseau Metal Products, www.motion-savers.com/rousseau)
