DC Velocity - July 2013

Warehouse control system: Vargo is now offering a starter kit version of its COFE (Continuous Order Fulfillment Enterprise) warehouse control system designed for smaller warehouse and distribution operations that may process as few as 2,000 orders per day.

The COFE Starter Kit is a fully functional base version of Vargo’s COFE system, which is the first warehouse control system that processes orders within a distribution center using a demand-driven waveless approach. COFE is a modular, customizable program that directs not only material handling machines but also devices, people, and processes. It is typically installed between the warehouse management system (WMS) and the material handling subsystems, to expand the capabilities of the WMS.

The starter kit includes a demand-driven order fulfillment system, COFE View dashboards and visualization, and seats for eight users by functional area (pick, assemble, pack, and ship).

Users have the option to integrate additional modules as needed. For example, modules may be added to integrate pick/put-to-lights, sortation systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, conveyors, additional RF users, and additional user licenses. (Vargo, www.vargosolutions.com)

Pallet box: Cabka-IPS has developed a multi-use, large-format pallet box for applications in the food industry, agriculture, waste management, and industrial production.

Designed to hold 1,400 liters (370 gallons), the pallet box measures 1,300 mm ( 51 inches) by 1,150 mm ( 45 inches) by 1,250 mm ( 49 inches). The unit, which is made of impact-resist-ant, chemical-resistant, and food-safe HDPE plastic, is available with perforated or closed walls. The perforated version weighs 69 kg (152 pounds), while the closed version weighs 72 kg (159 pounds). A lid is optional.

The pallet box can carry loads of up to 7,000 kg ( 15,432

pounds) when stacked. It can withstand dynamic loads of up to 1,000 kg ( 2,205 pounds), which is also the limit for use in a high-bay warehouse.

The box has nonslip rubber on the top edges to ensure safe stacking of up to seven boxes. The boxes can be used at temperatures from - 30°C (- 22°F) to + 50°C ( 122°F) and are easy to clean. They are available with three or five fork entry shoes and can be lifted from all four sides. (Cabka-IPS, www.cabka.com)

rollouts

RFID seals: Cybra Corp. has a new tamper-evident, single-use RFID tagging solution called Lock&EnCode Locking RFID Seals. Cybra developed these seals in response to customer requests for a tamper-evident seal for plastic distribution totes, containers, high-value items such as handmade carpets and rugs, and bundles of perishable goods.

An alternative to conventional padlocks, the new seals are made out of Alien Higgs 3 silicon and are designed for global operation between 860 and 960 MHz. The seals are compliant with EPCglobal Class 1 Gen 2 (version 1. 2.0) and ISO-18000-6C.

Manufactured of high-grade polypropylene, the Cybra Lock&EnCode Locking RFID Seals have a metal locking mechanism with a chromed steel hasp. The seals are available in basic and custom models. Cybra Lock&EnCode basic seals are delivered ready for customer RFID programming. Lock&EnCode Basic Seals accept ASCII and Hex data for flexible RFID user data encoding using EdgeMagic EPC or EdgeMagic Mobile editions.

Customers can also choose Cybra Lock&EnCode Custom Seals, which are delivered with programmed RFID user data already encoded and permalocked to match serial numbers supplied by the customer at the time of order. The custom seals are laser printed with customer logo or name, serial number, and Code 128 bar code. (Cybra Corp., www.cybra.com)