NEW LOGISTICS PRODUCTS & SERVICES
EDITED BY SUSAN LACEFIELD rollouts
e-Commerce order fulfillment solutions: Dematic, a supplier
of intralogistics systems for factories, warehouses, and distribution centers, has introduced a suite of new solutions for retailers
and wholesalers that want to optimize their e-commerce order
fulfillment capabilities. Dematic has designed multiple pick, pack,
and ship solutions to accommodate the requirements of e-commerce, such as small order
sizes, seasonal/promotional
peaks in order volume, and
reduced processing times.
Some examples are:
; Batch pick to putwall:
A piece-picking solution
with an order consolidation
module. The solution can
accommodate voice- or light-directed picking and 100-percent
scan verification. It is scalable to accommodate peak demand.
; Zone route: A discrete piece-picking solution for optimizing
productivity, accuracy, and speed. This solution involves automated flow of order containers to pick zones. It has a modular
design, with low- to high-capacity variations.
; Dynamic slotting: A high-density order fulfillment solution
with a small footprint. This solution can provide automated pick
face replenishment and results in significant pick path reduction
and increased processing speeds, the company says.
According to Dematic, many of these solutions are flexible
enough to accommodate such variations as differences in order
volumes and sizes. They also feature a modular design that allows
users to scale the operation as their business grows. (Dematic,
www.dematic.com/ecommerce)
Routing software: Fleetmatics Routist provides an intelligent
routing optimization solution that builds the most cost-effective,
customer-friendly routes for fleets. The software calculates route
plans and then deploys them to drivers in the field.
To start the route planning process, customers can import
work orders from electronic files or have the solution integrate
with their order management software. Fleetmatics Routist operates by taking inputs such as locations, vehicles, time windows,
technician skills, costs, and capacities into consideration when
selecting the best route. It also incorporates historical traffic data
into its algorithm.
The system allows route planners to adjust the plan based on
their own business insight. Route plans can then be delivered
to drivers via the Fleetmatics Reveal Field Application for smartphones and mobile devices, Garmin-integrated devices, or simple
route sheets printed at the office.
Once the routes are live, dispatchers and managers can stay
current on a driver’s progress against route stops in real time on
the Fleetmatics Reveal live map and make real-time adjustments
as needed. When the day is done, actual-vs-plan analysis is
available to compare the stops made by drivers against the work
orders provided, so managers can provide appropriate coaching
around route deviations and the impact of field activity on customer satisfaction. (Fleetmatics, www.fleetmatics.com)
Rugged mobile computer: Janam Technologies LLC has introduced the XG3 rugged mobile computer. Designed for the most
challenging environments, the gun-shaped XG3 is the lightest
industrial-grade mobile computer in its class, weighing less than
22 ounces, according to Janam.
The XG3 can survive multiple six-foot drops to concrete on all
sides across a full spectrum of temperatures and is sealed to IP65
standards for use in wet and dirty environments. It also delivers
a long battery life with a standard 5200mAh hot-swappable lithium-ion battery. Other features include a 3.5-inch color display
with hardened glass, an ARM Cortex-A8 processor, and a choice
of keypads.
The competitively priced XG3 is built for scan-intensive
extended shift use in the harshest environments, according to
Janam. The unit offers the latest in bar-code scanning technology and provides good scanning speed and accuracy. Users can
choose between Honeywell’s Adaptus imaging technology and
Motorola’s SE965 extended-range 1-D laser scan engine. (Janam
Technologies LLC, www.janam.com)
Electric forklift: Vehicles in the new BX series of Nissan Forklifts
by UniCarriers are built around reliability and the ability to provide consistent uptime performance, according to UniCarriers
Americas Corp. (UCA).
The forklifts are available in cushion-tire models with 3,000- to
8,000-pound capacities and pneumatic-tire models with 3,000-
to 5,000-pound capacities.
Powered by a 100-percent AC motor and controller system, the BX series trucks consistently offer high performance
throughout a shift on a single battery charge, according to the
manufacturer. The lift trucks also feature better cooling capacity
and reliability for high uptime operation. Thermal protection
sensors protect the motor and controller systems by reducing
the lift truck’s speed and alerting the operator to potential
overheating. Information is stored in the truck’s service history
to assist technicians during troubleshooting. The new trucks are
also designed with fewer parts than other
forklifts and therefore require less maintenance, according to the company.
The BX series forklifts are equipped with
a high-visibility carriage, an adjustable seat,
and a seat-actuated operator-presence–
sensing system that automatically locks lifting and tilting when the operator exits the
truck. The models feature three factory-set
performance modes to simplify customization, as well as a manual mode that allows
the user to create unique settings.
Optional features available for customization on the BX series
trucks include a sideshifting fork positioner, rear blue spotlight
for pedestrian awareness, strobe light, clamp release switch,
and freezer packages for operation in temperatures as low as
- 31 degrees Fahrenheit. (UniCarriers Americas Corp., www.
UniCarriersAmericas.com)
