Modern Materials Handling Magazine Archives

September 2020 Modern Materials Handling

In this Issue:

  • NorthShore's new application for AMRs
  • Big Picture: Modern celebrates 75 years
  • Equipment Report: Carts, tuggers and casters
  • Information Management: Pick-to-light's evolution
  • Special Issue: Materials Handling MRO
Autonomous mobile robots bring a new level of productivity to the handling of bulky cartons.
Gary Forger, who spent 23 years on the Modern editorial staff, offers us a terrific history of Modern through the years and reflects on the evolving composition of the materials handling equipment, technology and automation markets that the publication continues to invigorate and inspire.
NorthShore Care Supply is using AMRs to automate pick-to-cart processes, while still using the cart.
While you may not think of Modern Materials Handling as a startup, it was exactly that 75 years ago. Here are some of the highlights in the life of the industry and the magazine that has been chronicling what happens inside the four walls for the past 75 years.
Here’s how manufacturers of carts, tuggers and casters are helping companies navigate the complexities of a labor shortage, a global pandemic and the ongoing e-commerce boom.
There’s no time quite like peak, regardless of how long it lasts. Upfront maintenance planning is essential to making it through with as little downtime as possible. And so is ownership of the challenge by your tech teams to keep all equipment—from lift trucks to automated systems—humming when the orders never seem to stop.
Your life at home and the office is highly digital already. Maintenance is rapidly getting to the same point. It starts with training and extends all the way to well-maintained equipment. Don’t miss the turn.
If you’re a fan of fresh veggies in a convenient package, you’re not alone, because it’s a growth food niche. For Appleton, Wisc., based OH SNAP! Pickling Co., product growth has been so strong the company deployed two new high-speed packaging machines to keep pace.
As e-commerce and the resulting need to process many small orders has grown, so have pick-to-light systems. However, the technology has evolved in multiple ways to become easier to deploy for different workflows. Trends include wireless display modules, lights that illuminate an entire compartment and mobile carts with lights.
It’s no small feat to protect sandwiches, snacks and other single-serving food items on their way to a store. But it’s an even better story when the mini plastic containers providing the protection are part of a sustainable, circular supply chain.
The robotics-as-a-service model for automated lift trucks could emerge over time, but for now, leasing remains a popular option.
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Latest in Materials Handling

Kenco to install an AutoStore system at its Jeffersonville, Ind., DC
With systems integration partner KPI Solutions, Kenco’s new automated storage and retrieval system will shorten click-to-delivery times for the 3PL’s eCommerce customers starting this summer

Schneider Electric rolling out WMS and TMS solutions from Manhattan Associates at scale
Manhattan Active Supply Chain, which refers to the combination of Manhattan Active WM and Manhattan Active TM, will be implemented in over 20 distribution centers. Additionally, Schneider Electric plans to deploy Manhattan Active TM across a further 200+ operational sites.

Sponsored Content
Leaders Q & A with Bryan Ferguson: Resurgence of RFID technology
Productivity amplified: RFID's resurgence and it's impact on material handling

Tom Panzarella appointed Chief Technology Officer at Seegrid
As CTO for the provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for materials handling, Panzarella will lead Seegrid’s technology innovation and product development.

Mallard Manufacturing joins the MacLean-Fogg family of companies
Founded in 1960, Mallard Manufacturing provides custom gravity flow storage solutions.

Boscov’s: Speed regained in retail distribution
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
Event brings together manufacturing professionals with dual responsibilities of career and caregiving

Fox Robotics and KION NA announce strategic partnership
Company collaboration scales supply chain for FoxBot ATL, establishes nationwide service and support network for autonomous forklifts

Ergonomics update: Hearing protection in the warehouse
Warehouses and DCs turn their focus to protecting workers’ hearing and dimming the noise within the four walls.

Parcel handling on the move
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
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
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
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
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
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).

Latest Resources

2023 Automation Study: Usage & Implementation of Warehouse/DC Automation Solutions
2023 Automation Study: Usage & Implementation of Warehouse/DC Automation Solutions
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How Your Storage Practices Can Affect Your Pest Control Program
How Your Storage Practices Can Affect Your Pest Control Program
Discover how your storage practices could be affecting your pest control program and how to prevent pest infestations in your business. Join...

Warehousing Outlook 2023
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2023 is here, and so are new warehousing trends.
Extend the Life of Brownfield Warehouses
Extend the Life of Brownfield Warehouses
Today’s robotic and data-driven automation systems can minimize disruptions and improve the life and productivity of warehouse operations.
Power Supply in Overhead Cranes: Energy Chains vs. Festoons
Power Supply in Overhead Cranes: Energy Chains vs. Festoons
Download this white paper to learn more about how both systems compare.