DC Velocity - February 2014

Fleet routing and scheduling: Paradox Software Consulting, a provider of logistics software and consulting services, has released version 10.0 of its transportation optimization suite. The suite includes tools for routing and scheduling, continuous move planning, fleet sizing, and lane matching. The latest release includes new algorithms and parameters for optimization, an option to use an external distance matrix, enhanced mapping configu-rability, and compatibility with PC-Miler 26 and MapPoint 2013.

Also included in this release is a new product, Lane Match, a tool that generates optimal matches of transportation capacity and freight. This application can be used by carriers, private fleet operators, and brokers to evaluate candidate matches of backhauls and available shipments.

Paradox continues to offer free trial versions of all of its software for a period of 14 days. Also offered is subscription licensing, which allows customers to use Paradox’s products for a specified duration without incurring significant upfront costs for software licensing. (Paradox Software Consulting, www. paradoxsci.com)

Storage and retrieval system: SSI Schaefer’s 3D-Matrix Solution offers an automated system for the storage and picking of individual items (pieces), cases, and whole pallets.

The 3D-Matrix Solution is modular and open
on all sides. According to SSI Schaefer, this
helps the system eliminate the bottlenecks and
restrictions found in classic system solutions,
while also allowing for future
upgrades and extensions.
With the 3D-Matrix Solution,
the movements of the trans-
port media are separated from
one another and carried out
simultaneously. Access to the
stored goods is achieved by
means of shuttles. The request-
ed load units are moved to lift
transfer stations and buffered
there. Individual access of the
lifts to the transfer stations
enables the sequencing of retrieval operations
and load-dependent storage. Almost any num-
ber of picking and shipping stations can be
configured and sequenced individually. Thus,
all retrieval operations are performed separately
and exclusively for the connected workstation.
(SSI Schaefer, www.ssi-schaefer.us)

Crossbelt sorter: Dematic, a supplier of logistics systems for the factory, warehouse, and distribution center, has introduced the FlexSort SC3 Crossbelt Sorter. The sorter is a high-rate, high-accuracy sorting solution for distribution and warehousing operations.

FlexSort SC3 will sort poly bags, pieces, stuffed envelopes, cartons, and totes using discrete belt conveyors mounted on carriers in a recirculating loop configuration.

The FlexSort SC3 sends the items to different destinations according to the business rules established for each application. The sorter also helps to track and control the sorted items through the induction, transport, and off-load process.

According to Dematic, the FlexSort SC3 Crossbelt is ideal for batch pick-and-sort needs. In these cases, the crossbelt sorter is used to sort the batched picked items into individual orders. The sorter can also be used for connecting various processes in an operation, such as linking high-density storage with pick/pack stations and shipping or linking put-away stations with high-density storage. It can also be used for cross-docking operations and as the sort function in a shipping subsystem.

The design of the FlexSort SC3 is based on a common modular platform that is built around standard commercially available “off the shelf” components. This engineering strategy allows for multiple configurations, enabling users to select the motion drive and power/data options that are appropriate for their application. (Dematic, www.dematic.com/FlexSort-SC3)