Solving the productivity equation

Productivity Solutions Through Material Handling An MHIA International Show and Forum ProMat 99 Educational Forum Guide Sponsored by: Remstar International Inc. Ropak Materials Handling Group

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 12/1/1998

Session #T03 Monday, February 8 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Dave Sly, Engineering Animation, Inc.

Get ready to save time and money on your next project. This step-by-step introductory course reviews the principles which guide layout planning, as well as the tools most industrial engineers and factory planners commonly use. Actual case studies illustrate how you can achieve the concurrent engineering of layout planning and material flow. You've probably never made as productive use of three hours as you will if you attend this unique event.

Justification of Material Handling Projects: A Proven Spreadsheet

Session #S07 Monday, February 8 8:00 to 9:15 am

Mike Kotecki, HK Systems

Navin Enand, IBM

Economic justification of material handling projects sometimes depends on serious number crunching. This session walks you through a real life example, presented by the end user who developed it, used it and benefited from it. Handout software will be invaluable for putting what you learned into practice when you return home.

Simulation of Material Handling Projects: Lessons Learned, and Money Saved

Session #T12 Monday, February 8 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Van Norman, AutoSimulations, Inc.

This tutorial quickly teaches beginners how to eliminate problems before they occur through the simulation of material handling projects. You will examine case studies, see what has worked and what hasn't worked for a wide range of operations and why.

Integrating Bar Code Scanners with Unit Load and Package Conveyors

Session #S16 Monday, February 8

2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

Frank Goodfinger, CiMatrix

Project engineers and system designers this is a definite 'to do' for you! It combines the best of new technology and tried-and-true experience. If you're intent on finding the optimum way to control flow on conveyors, this seminar has the power to 'move you.'

WMS: Design, Justification, Implementation and Operation

(Choose one session)

Session #T13 Monday, February 8

2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Session #T42 Wednesday, February 10

8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

John Hill, Cypress Associates

Discover the role of Warehouse Management Systems in supply chain management and learn more about WMS alternatives. Learning a step-by-step approach to requirements characterization and justification development will assure your success. You'll also hear from some leading WMS CEO's about procurement and implementation. At the end of the session, you can challenge the experts on what's in store for the 21st Century during a lively panel discussion.

Emerging Trends in Automatic Data Capture

Session #S18 Monday, February 8

4:15 to 5:30 p.m.

Mike Hrabina, Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.

A major change in the technology of scanning is just around the corner, and it promises more affordable ways to improve the performance of material flow control. Come enhance your vision and begin developing your own strategy for making the most of the coming possibilities.

Integrated Automation in a Distribution Facility: A Case Study

Session #S19 Monday, February 8

4:15 to 5:30 p.m.

Tom Veldsma, Rapistan Systems

A picture is worth a thousand words. This seminar takes you on a virtual plant trip through a 400,000+ sq. ft. distribution center so you can visualize what's possible in your operation. You'll see and learn from what industry leaders have achieved in the way of streamlined order picking and overall material flow control. There's no better way to influence tomorrow's productivity than to see the possibilities today.

A Guide To Codes and Standards

Session #S26 Tuesday, February 8

8:00 to 9:15 a.m.

Dr. Mike Ogle and Don Durbin, Material Handling Industry

Not complying with local and national codes and standards, such as OSHA and ANSI, will cost you lots of money and can kill a project. Learn who to ask, how to find answers, and what you need to know before you install any mechanical handling and storage system.

Industry Best Practices: Benchmarking Manufacturing and Production Operations

Session #S28 Tuesday, February 9 9:45 to 11:00 a.m.

Jim Barnes, Tompkins Associates

You can't improve it unless you know how to measure it! In this session you will be introduced to accepted material handling performance measures. How should you assess and prioritize opportunities for productivity improvement and cost savings? This is one sure way to find out.

Industry Best Practices: Benchmarking Warehousing Operations

Session #S37 Tuesday, February 9

2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

John Hill, Cypress Associates

The rapid growth in information-related technology for the warehouse is the result of two dramatic changes: (1) the way companies view the distribution pipeline and (2) the importance of 'real-time' supply chain management to gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. This seminar will look at best practices in material handling, automatic data collection and information systems.

State-of-the-Art Automated Material Handling Control Systems

Session #S36 Tuesday, February 9

2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

Dave Tapley, Zollinger Associates, Inc.

In terms of performance, what's the right way to approach the design of a control system? Is it a project management issue or a technical issue? Should it be open? Closed? Or is there something in between? If performance is your objective, you'll want to make attending this seminar a priority.

Automation Retrofits:Technology Drivers and Benefits

Session #T43 Wednesday, February 10

8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Tim Wolf, Rapistan Systems

Wear and tear are influencing factors. But mechanical design advances and computerized controls also dictate the need to upgrade. By reviewing specific examples across a wide variety of equipment, you will learn what is possible as well as what you may consider mandatory for increasing capacity, throughput, reliability, maintainability and even safety.

Third Party Logistics: A First Time Buyer's Guide

Session #S47 Wednesday, February 10

8:00 to 9:15 a.m.

Richard Armstrong, Richard Armstrong & Associates

To avoid making mistakes with a third party logistics strategy, it is wise to look (very carefully) before you leap. This seminar spells out exactly what to look for. You'll benefit from the seminar leader's experience and candor at telling it like it is. The ultimate goal? To do it right, with no regrets.

Integrating Radio Frequency Data Communications (RFDC) with Bar Coding and Warehouse Management Software

Session #T54 Wednesday, February 10

2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Bob Scaringe, LXE

Technology continues to impact the capabilities and reliability of RFDC. This is your chance to tune in as a panel of experienced users provides an in-depth technology update to help you make the right decisions regarding applications in your operation.

Making the Link Between WMS and a Transportation Management System

Session #T51 Wednesday, February 10

2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Jeff Cashman, McHugh Software Intl.

Want to speed up time to market and increase net revenues for your business? This tutorial defines the functional requirements and critical 'touch points' and shows you how to take the final steps toward achieving a 'Logistics Execution System'. Through case studies, you will see first hand how an LES can be successfully implemented in the real world.

Proven Methods for Incorporating Strategic Measures in A Financial Analysis of Investment Alternatives

Session #S56 Wednesday, February 10

2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

Dr. William Sullivan, Industrial & Systems Engr./Virginia Tech

This session presents a host of proven methods for incorporating strategic measures in financial analysis. Examples will illustrate how 'soft benefits' are being addressed by end-users within a classic discounted cash flow analysis. You'll also learn how some new computing tools make it easy to capture the influence of benefits that have been difficult to quantify in the past.

Activity-Based Costing (ABC) and Material Handling Processes

Session #S58 Wednesday, February 10

4:15 to 5:30 p.m.

Dr. William Sullivan/Virgina Tech

This seminar is a practical introduction to the principles and practices of ABC with easy-to-follow examples. Grasping these very important concepts can help you justify your next project.