In this Issue:
- SB Logistics steps toward lights-out warehouse
- Reader Survey: Pallet Report
- Information Management: Packaging automation
- Best Practices: Pack stations
- Equipment Report: Cubing and weighing
- Special Supplement: MRO in materials handling
Modern Materials Handling Magazine Archives
September 2021 Modern Materials Handling
In Ichikawa City, Chiba, Japan, SB Logistics has implemented robotic systems for piece-picking and packing, along with automated storage and retrieval, conveyance and sortation. These are big steps toward a fully autonomous warehouse.
Fully autonomous lift trucks are on the scene, and with higher-end price tags than conventional trucks, robotics-as-a-service may shape up as the leading model.
SB Logistics’ facility uses a goods-to-robot automated picking and packing solution to provide same-day and next-day service to the city of Tokyo.
Demand for pallets is running high, as reflected by pallet use trends from our 2021 survey. However, there was a sharp rise in respondents having issues with availability and cost with used wood pallets, and a modest rise in readers using semi- or fully-automated pallet wrapping equipment.
By deploying automated packaging solutions, operations can significantly reduce the labor needed compared to manual pack out. It’s about ensuring high and reliable throughput and reducing the worries of scaling up labor to handle peak seasons, while minimizing dim weight charges with package right-sizing.
Packing stations must meet the demands of labor shortages, faster pacing and more demanding customers. Here’s how they do it.
Cubing and weighing equipment helps companies make better use of their warehouse space, cut shipping costs and reduce errors.
With supply chain pressures mounting, now is a good time to evaluate your MRO parts management operation and determine if it needs some new best practices.
From Alberta to Australia, DHL has moved to autonomous bots for cleaning the floors of its facilities of all sizes and levels of activity. It’s a story of advanced technology and collaboration to maximize floor cleanliness without compromising safety or efficiency.
Our staff sat down with Matt Jones, VP of Sales at Dorner and PMMI Board Member to discuss Pack Expo and the plans to adapt to the changing landscape.
A highly flexible yet strong and stiff paper packaging material reduces packaging costs and shipment damage compared to conventional bubble pack. Bring in the sustainability of paper, and the rate of change just accelerated.
Automated package right-sizing allows shopgoodwill.com to save labor, meet customer needs, reduce materials waste, and build up associate skill sets in its e-commerce fulfillment operations.
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Latest in Materials Handling
ALAN opens nominations for 2024 Humanitarian Logistics Awards
May 10, 2024
The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) has officially opened nominations for its eighth annual Humanitarian Logistics Awards
Kenco to install an AutoStore system at its Jeffersonville, Ind., DC
May 9, 2024
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
May 9, 2024
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
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Productivity amplified: RFID's resurgence and it's impact on material handling
Tom Panzarella appointed Chief Technology Officer at Seegrid
May 8, 2024
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
May 8, 2024
Founded in 1960, Mallard Manufacturing provides custom gravity flow storage solutions.
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, 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.
