In this issue:
- The Post-Pandemic DC
- Big Picture: Labor management
- Equipment Report: Pallet trends
- Best Practices: Exoskeletons for industrial workers
- Information Management: Palletizing
- Special Section: Materials handling MRO
Modern Materials Handling Magazine Archives
June 2020 Modern Materials Handling
As the economy begins to recover, distribution center operators will be challenged with not just operating efficiently, but safely. Emerging technologies may aid in the effort.
Probably not unless your company developed a course, taught it and certified the graduates. But now, an alternative path exists. A national certification for automation techs does all the hard work for you, and it has three levels that allows techs to develop skills and their career path.
Not only do you want to be safe, but in able to maintain a new workforce, your operational culture will need to understand that automation is not just about the equipment, it’s about enabling a workforce to improve productivity on the way to setting new goals and achieving incentives that keeps them engaged for the long term.
Automation is not all about equipment. People are just as important to the long-term success of a major capital expenditure. This affects everything from the work people do to how they interact with each other.
Pallet manufacturers reveal the top trends affecting the way they make and sell their products right now, and outline the positive impacts these shifts are having on the companies that use their pallets.
You might know the exoskeleton from Iron Man, but this emerging technology may offer relief to persistent, and costly, injuries.
From sequencing to assembly to movement through the supply chain, pallet loads are transforming from bulk deliveries to precise allocations.
A grounding in data analytics and its importance to proper maintenance is especially critical with advanced equipment.
Special packaging is needed to protect in transit lithium-ion batteries that have been known to self-ignite.
Sanitary conveyor system helps Wisconsin cheese packer improve ergonomics and packaging efficiencies.
Hands-free picking slashes training time while integrated software offers analytics for ongoing improvement.
Window and door manufacturer adopts autonomous mobile robots and lean manufacturing model with Industry 4.0 technology.
Modern staff sat down with Matthew West to discuss the West Lift company operations.
Operator comfort is paramount in efforts to retain employees and maintain productivity.
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Latest in Materials Handling
Boscov’s: Speed regained in retail distribution
May 7, 2024
A complete modernization of the sortation and conveyance at Boscov’s DC, along with updated software and a new order processing area, have transformed the ability of the department store chain’s DC to move more cartons in less time, with fewer labor resources, while permitting more frequent replenishment shipment for stores.
Women in Manufacturing Association to offer 4th annual Moms in MFG Conference
May 7, 2024
Event brings together manufacturing professionals with dual responsibilities of career and caregiving
Fox Robotics and KION NA announce strategic partnership
May 7, 2024
Company collaboration scales supply chain for FoxBot ATL, establishes nationwide service and support network for autonomous forklifts
Ergonomics Update: Hearing protection in the warehouse
May 6, 2024
Warehouses and DCs turn their focus to protecting workers’ hearing and dimming the noise within the four walls.
Parcel handling on the move
May 6, 2024
Between the variety of packages and heavy volumes, parcel handling can be daunting. However, it’s manageable—especially with the help of automation.
An inside look at picking technologies
May 6, 2024
From pick-to-light to the most advanced robotics, picking technologies are rapidly changing order fulfillment.
April Services PMI contracts following 15 months of growth, reports ISM
May 6, 2024
The Services PMI, at 49.4 (a reading of 50 or higher signals growth) fell 2.0%. The last time the index contracted was in December 2022, when it came in at 49 and prior to that the last month seeing contraction was in May 2020, when it came in at 45.4.
Where rack meets automation
May 6, 2024
Order profiles are changing, and that means your rack should, too.
Sponsored Content
Comau’s Advanced Solutions Drive The Benefits Of Automation For Diversified Industries May 6, 2024
Over the years, Comau has increasingly focused on implementing key technology enablers that transform conventional robotics into advanced robotics.
Toyota Industries Corporation launches Toyota Automated Logistics Group to house acquired companies
May 6, 2024
Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) has launched Toyota Automated Logistics Group (TALG) to house its existing subsidiary, Toyota L&F, alongside the companies it acquired in 2017 (Bastian Solutions and Vanderlande) and 2022 (viastore).
Modernization at Boscov’s
May 6, 2024
Boscov’s Department Stores DC makes gains from new sortation, controls and software plus racked order processing area.
RoboGeorgia launches to make Georgia a leading robotics and automation hub
May 3, 2024
The member-driven organization brings together industry leaders, educational institutions, and community organizers to position Georgia at the forefront of robotics and automation innovation.
Vehicle-mounted computers: Beyond rugged
May 2, 2024
The traditional vehicle-mounted computer has always had to stand up to harsh operating conditions, now communications flexibility and data insights are also part of these solutions.
New packaging idea for the cold chain
May 2, 2024
In case you missed it, there doesn’t have to be any plastic involved to protect perishables from temperature variation during shipment. Here’s how it’s done.
Remembering John Hill
May 2, 2024
Every so often we’re hit with the news of someone passing that makes us stop in our tracks. It’s often a musician or an actor that bring back good memories of another time. There’s a moment of reflection, maybe a tear is shed, and then the moment is gone.
