ROLLOUTS
Analytics and reporting solution: SnapFulfil, a provider of acloud-based warehouse management system (WMS), recently launched SnapData, an analytics and reporting solution.SnapData is designed to help customers better track their dataand generate more meaningful performance metrics.
Through the SnapData solution, customers can unify data fromvarious sources into one cloud-based central dashboard. Thesolution allows easier access to operational, financial, and supplierkey performance indicators (KPIs), and enables customers to digdeeper into their data through reports such as warehouse heatmaps, operator tracking, and picking performance. The solutionalso offers a “sandbox,” or an isolated testing environment, forcustomers who want to create further tailored in-house reports.
SnapFulfil manages the solution for a fixed monthly fee, meaning customers don’t have to worry about hosting, SQL Enterpriselicensing, or analytics engine administration. SnapData providesaccess to live data from the SnapFulfil solution through a replicadatabase, allowing managers to see and produce reports anywhere at any time.
SnapData is now available for new and existing SnapFulfilcustomers. It is powered by Tableau data visualization software.(SnapFulfil, www.snapfulfil.com/us/solutions/snapdata)
Heat strips for packaging-machine conveyors: Deitz Co. hasannounced that the conveyors for its Pharmafill line of packagingmachines can now be outfitted with optional heat-resistant safety strips for extra protection when set under heat shrink tunnelsfor tamper-evident banding and sleeve labeling. Devised to minimize the potential risk to the conveyor and to the product due toconstant exposure to high temperatures, the heat-resistant safetystrips replace the standard plastic wear strips with solid brass.Brass is able to dissipate heat, prevent bacterial growth, and resistwear over the long term.
Suitable for use with heat tunnels using steam, radiant infra-red, or another heat source, the heat-resistant safety strips are setunder an acetal, raised tabletop chain belt and span the lengthof the heat tunnel in either single or dual tracks. The modularconveyors are available in standard three- and six-foot sectionsplus one-foot increments to fit neatly under heat tunnels ofnearly any length.
The conveyors with heat-resistant safety strips include a variable speed drive, adjustable guide rails, and leveling pads as standard. The sanitary conveyors are manufactured at the company’sNew Jersey headquarters and delivered with a full warranty,ready to plug in and operate. (Deitz Co. Inc., www.deitzco.com)
Mini-label printer: Sato, anauto-ID and labeling solutions provider, has launchedthe CT4-LX smart mini-label printer. Equipped witha 4.3-inch color LCD touchpanel for intuitive operation,the printer is easy to usefor operators of varying skilllevels across a wide range ofgeographies, the manufacturer says.
Not just a passive label printer, the CT4-LX is an interactivesmart printer, according to Sato. For instance, intelligence in theprinter allows users to print labels without a PC by connecting toa number of peripherals, while a label waste prevention featureautomatically senses the first label to reduce waste.
The CT4-LX has a small footprint and is shaped to be suitablefor various environments. It also supports menu display in 31languages and printing in 47 languages. The printer is designedto serve as a common model for customers with workforcesdeployed around the world. (Sato, www.satoamerica.com)
3D-printing analytics tool: To help companies identify theright parts for additive manufacturing, the 3D printing companyDiManEx has launched an analytics tool, Supply Chain Inspector.This tool uses machine learning to analyze a part’s supply chainand technical data and then assess its “printability.” In this way,the solution helps companies pinpoint those parts that are idealcandidates for digital inventory.
DiManEx’s Supply Chain Inspector helps companies gain visibility into their parts’ total supply chain costs, so they can assesshow or if digital manufacturing technologies can help them optimize their supply chains.
Supply Chain Inspector is the analytics engine behind DiManEx’send-to-end 3D printing platform, which also supports the partdesign, conversion, and approval process. Once a part design isapproved, it is added to a virtual library of parts. Users can thenplace orders for the item on demand.
The platform automatically matches each order with theadditive manufacturing partner in DiManEx’s network that bestmatches the part’s material specifications and the user’s needs,the company says. (DiManEx, www.dimanex.com)
Remote assistance training program: The CorrugatingMachinery Division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America(MHIA) has introduced its Remote Assistance Augmented RealityProgram as the latest enhancement to the customer-service support it provides for its corrugating and box-making machinery.
The new program allows plant managers, technicians, andengineers to share machine issues in real time with MHIA technical support staff. The program uses an app that allows membersof the support staff to see and resolve machine issues that theircustomers are having and assist in troubleshooting.
The Remote Assistance Augmented Reality Program was developed in conjunction with Scope AR, a company that developsaugmented reality solutions and products for industrial clientsfocused around field maintenance, manufacturing, and training.(Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, www.mhicorrugating.com)
