DC Velocity - May 2015

NEW LOGISTICS PRODUCTS & SERVICES

EDITED BY SUSAN LACEFIELD rollouts

Pick-to-light system: Intelligrated has introduced RTS Trak3 cL pick-to-light hardware from its subsidiary company, Knighted. The new pick-to-light system promotes picking and putting accuracy and efficiency in high-velocity, high-SKU omnichannel and e-commerce fulfillment environments, according to Intelligrated.

RTS Trak3 cL pick-to-light systems use bright flashing lights and easy-to-read LED displays to provide clear directions to pick locations and quantity information. The systems can be used for a variety of fulfillment methods, including cluster and batch picking.

Each RTS Trak3 cL is integrated with Knighted fulfillment execution software and can scale to meet increased capacity requirements. Each module can function as a single or dual location, with dedicated high-speed device-level controllers. The modules can be easily configured for multiple fulfillment work flows, according to Intelligrated.

Constructed from a durable aluminum base, the modules can be mounted to any type of shelving or racking. They include a cover plate for a clean look and protection from dirt. (Intelligrated, www.intelligrated.com)

Roll-up door: Roll-up door manufacturer DBCI has launched its new 3000 Series door. The 3000 was developed for moderate-to high-wind loads and is immediately available throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The new 3000 Series door is easy to install, according to DBCI. It features an 80-degree wind lock profile that makes for faster installation into the guides.

The door meets the 108 standard for sectional garage doors and rolling doors created by the Door & Access System Manufacturers Association International. According to DBCI, the door meets most wind load requirements, including those for many coastal regions. (DBCI, www.dbci.com)

Electric forklift: Electric forklift and material handling equipment manufacturer Big Joe has introduced its next “Joey” series vehicle. The new J2 can handle a wide variety of pallets, half pallets, and skids while maintaining the key features of Joey series vehicles: compact size, ease of use, and flexibility. The addition of pallet and skid handling gives the vehicle the ability to facilitate “each,” case, batch, and cluster picking all with one machine.

Unlike the previous version of the Joey, the J1, the J2 version can support direct picking to a skid or pallet. (Big Joe, www. bigjoeforklifts.com)

Material flow analysis software: The consulting and IT firm enVista has released a new version of its proprietary software, Model DC. Facility design engineers from enVista use this material flow analysis tool to analyze a client’s distribution center (DC) operations and identify opportunities for improvement.

The latest version of Model DC allows enVista associates to more efficiently model DCs and better understand order profiles, the velocity of product movement, and on-hand inventory. The enVista team then uses this information to identify which picking and storage equipment would be best for the facility. Model DC features 75 different charts and graphs that can be used in the modeling process. The new release also allows data to be modeled in hours instead of days or weeks. (enVista, www. envistacorp.com)

Conveyor retrofit: Regal Power Transmission Solutions is introducing a new “turnkey” retrofit program that transforms live-roller conveyors into ones using modular plastic belts and chains.

According to Regal, plastic belts and chains offer more sustainable, higher-uptime performance than live-roller conveyors. Plastic belts and chains are also quieter and do not have the pinch points found with live-roller conveyors. Converting to plastic belts and chains reduces product damage, part count, maintenance, downtime, and energy consumption, according to Regal.

Regal can convert a system to a plastic belt and chain system while still making use of the existing conveyor frame. The retrofit combines Regal’s System Plast modular plastic belt and chain, Hub City or Grove Gear drives, and Sealmaster material handling bearings. System Plast can handle a variety of products, from single bottles to cases, people, and even cars.

Regal provides single-source or “à la carte” capabilities for onsite evaluation, consulting, layout design, validation, and installation. (Regal Power Transmission Solutions, www.RegalPTS.com)

Portable fan: Big Ass Fans has introduced a new portable fan, Black Jack, that is big enough to provide serious airflow, but small enough to be moved to where a breeze is needed, indoors or out, according to the company.

The Black Jack’s 6.5-foot (2-meter) frame fits through standard interior doorways and plugs into any 110-volt power supply, drawing less power than a toaster—only 7 amps at top speed. Yet its breeze can be felt up to 120 feet away—more than a third of the length of a football field. At the same time, its gearless direct-drive motor is energy efficient and quiet.

The Black Jack is “wet rated,” so it can be hosed down for easy cleaning. It comes with a 25-foot ( 7.6-meter) power cord, steel frame and cage, locking indoor/outdoor wheels with rubber tread, and a variable speed controller that provides adjustable airflow.