WMS/WCS: Reddwerks Corp. has issued the fourth generation
of its warehouse software, Reddwerks 4.0. The solution consists
of a full suite of modules—a warehouse management system
(WMS), a warehouse control system (WCS), and a conveyor control system (CCS).
Deployment of the software starts with a systematic, mathematical, and science-based analysis of a customer’s needs, which
Reddwerks calls “distribution science.” Reddwerks then analyzes
customer order profiles and maps them into “data models,” all
written in the Java programming language, with an eye toward
optimizing warehouse operations. State-of-the-art algorithms in
the software are then applied to increase labor and equipment
utilization. (Reddwerks Corp., www.reddwerks.com)
Lift truck “ruggedizing” package: Hyster Co. has unveiled a
new Environmental Package that “ruggedizes” electric lift trucks
so they can handle applications once restricted to internal com-bustion-powered (IC) trucks.
The Environmental Package comes with three options: an IP54
sealed drive axle and motors with belly pan and side shields, an
outdoor protection and wash-down package, and front mudguards. The first option provides shielding devices on the sealed
drive axle to prevent debris from interfering with operations. The
second features sealed bearings and waterproof cover relays and
connectors to enable the truck to work in all weather. Finally, front
mudguards on the front fenders protect the attachment and load
from tire-slung debris and water. (Hyster Co., www.hyster.com)
Lift truck: Yale Materials Handling Corp. has introduced a new
lift truck, the Yale MO25 center rider model. The new vehicle
accommodates second-level order picking through its fully
adjustable electronic power steering, automatic speed reduction
in cornering, and a suspended
platform with an operator-sensing
floor mat. The electric steering
reduces steer effort by 90 percent.
The MO25 truck’s control handle reduces the arm movement
needed to change directions,
helping to reduce fatigue and
increase productivity while also
allowing the operator to remain
inside the truck for protection. The truck’s electromechanical disc
brakes are top mounted for ease of maintenance or inspection.
(Yale Materials Handling Corp., www.yale.com)
Goods-to-person picking: Opex Corp. has released “Perfect
Pick,” an automated, high-speed goods-to-person picking solution. The solution uses “iBots,” which are intelligent wireless vehicles that have complete access to the inventory in a single aisle.
Unlike traditional shuttle systems that rely on lifts, conveyors,
or transfers, the new solution features iBots that travel around
inside the storage rack at rates of up to 1,000 dual cycles per
hour picking and stocking inventory simultaneously. The devices
deliver totes or trays directly to picking stations located at one or
both ends of the aisle. (Opex Corp., www.opex.com) ;
