NEW LOGISTICS PRODUCTS & SERVICES
EDITED BY SUSAN LACEFIELD rollouts
Mixed-load order fulfillment:
The Alvey robotic mixed-load
order fulfillment solution from the
material handling solution provider Intelligrated uses the latest
advancements in robotic integration, software, controls, and
vision technology to palletize and
depalletize partial and mixed-load
pallets.
Because the solution has adjustable end-of-arm tooling, it is
capable of handling up to four cases simultaneously. This capability increases the equipment’s palletizing speed. The adjustable
tooling also allows the equipment to handle applications with
unique packaging types. The robotic depalletizing solution uses
vision technology to identify products and positions, and can
accommodate different SKUs and patterns.
The solution also includes a stack-and-wrap system. The controls for the robotics and for the stretch wrapping are integrated
on the same platform.
According to Intelligrated, the system is ideal for retail replen-ishment applications. (Intelligrated, www.Intelligrated.com)
Carton singulator: Dematic, a supplier of logistics systems for
the factory, warehouse, and distribution center, has introduced a
new carton singulator that aligns skewed and “side-by-side” cartons for proper orientation prior to sorting. This solution can be
retrofitted into existing convey-and-sort systems or implemented
with new convey-and-sort systems. The singulator improves
carton orientation and alignment, thereby optimizing the performance of the downstream sorter. Using this carton alignment
solution will also improve merge performance and maximize
system uptime.
The Dematic singulator conveyor is modular and compact. It is
only 24 feet in length; this layout allows the module to fit into
most existing systems. Installation of the singulator can occur
during off-shift timeframes so daily operations are not affected.
It can also be installed into existing convey-and-sort systems provided by other suppliers. (Dematic, www.dematic.com)
Freight billing: DDC FPO—a division of The DDC Group that
provides freight business process outsourcing—has launched a
new back-office solution, iCapture for Freight Billing.
iCapture uses intelligent, context-based technology to collect
data such as “cash on delivery,” hazardous material details,
accessorials, and handwritten information. By doing so, it can
eliminate up to 90 percent of the keystrokes used in a manual
freight billing process. The program is 100 percent customizable
and grows smarter with every bill of lading that it processes,
according to DDC FPO.
iCapture for Freight Billing does not require any capital investment or intensive IT setup. (DDC FPO, www.ddcfpo.com)
Print engines: Sato has released two new high-performance
print engines for case/carton, pallet, and individual product identification and print-and-apply applications. According to Sato,
the S84-ex and the S86-ex offer quality imaging, exceptional
throughput, and easy operation, setup, and maintenance.
The new print engines incorporate two-color LCD and LED
displays, which help operators understand print status from a
distance. A simple standalone mode also provides independent
operation via LCD control. Font and printer settings can be
uploaded or downloaded without the use of software tools via
an SD slot or a USB port. Remote printer settings can be handled
via Web browsers.
The S84/86-ex models incorporate built-in communication
ports, including LAN, wireless LAN, and Bluetooth. This allows
the devices to support customers’ current and future communications platforms.
The new models have a number of design features that make
it easier to operate and maintain them. For example, it is easy to
replace print heads, and the locking side covers allow for quick
and easy replacement of platen rollers. In addition, the design of
the sensor cover makes it easy for service engineers or operators
to clean or replace parts.
The new print engines are meant to be used across a variety of
industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, health
and beauty, retail, and logistics.
The S84-ex and S86-ex are available in both four- and six-inch
print widths and in thermal transfer/direct thermal and direct
thermal-only models. The S84-ex also features the option of a
ribbon-saver model. (Sato, www.satoamerica.com)
Transportation network optimization: Third-party logistics
service provider (3PL) Transplace’s new Optimize Prime platform
designs, analyzes, and optimizes transportation distribution
networks in order to eliminate waste and reduce transportation
costs.
Optimize Prime works with the 3PL’s transportation management system (TMS) to optimize mode selection, load consolidation, carrier assignments, continuous moves matching, and
shipment routing. The dynamic system provides a library of optimization routines with unique parameters that can be tailored for
each customer in order to build routes, increase load ratio and
asset utilization, and drive waste out of the system.
The system creates a map of the product’s transportation flows
and locations based on geographical attributes. It then applies
mode-selection optimization to both operational settings and
strategic decision analysis settings. For more complex networks,
the system can input strategic business rules for such factors as
cost, service level, product type, packaging, and appointment
windows.
This new system replaces Transplace’s Scenario Pro Technology
(SPT) system. Optimize Prime provides better, faster outcomes by
considering more scenarios in a shorter time period. (Transplace,
www.transplace.com)
