FYI

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 3/1/2001

Looking for more detail in your RFI?

A recently released request for information (RFI) program for warehouse management systems (WMS) is now available. It is designed to save time and money by identifying key WMS functions early in the software selection process.

Version 3 offers 300 precise questions about functionality, cost, and Web enablement. Delivered as an unlocked Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, it allows you to add questions for company-specific requirements. You can also drop or modify questions that do not pertain to your operations.

When finished, e-mail the final WMS RFI to software vendors. Single copies are $395.
Industrial Data & Information, Inc.
918-464-2222

Lean manufacturing-a viable strategy

A new book, Lean Manufacturing for the Small Shop , discusses the lean manufacturing approach for small-to medium-sized companies.

Lean manufacturing is the ability to apply the right tool, at the right place, at the right time, while remaining flexible and nimble. Gary B. Conner, a consultant with Lean Enterprise Training and author of the 250-pg book, describes the different techniques used. Examples of applications and explanations of step-by-step implementation are also available.

Included is a CD-ROM with training tools to help managers facilitate teams on the shop floor and for college instructors to adapt the material to their course curriculums. The cost is $65 ($60 for SME members).
SME
800-733-4763

Protect your employees

With the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) new ergonomic standard in effect, you might want to start thinking of more ways to protect employees from repetitive motion, cumulative trauma, and lifting injuries.

A full line of ergonomic products is offered in a free, 17-pg "Ergonomic solutions guide." Included are steel and aluminum gantry cranes, a power lift pallet mover, and an electric hydraulic scissor lift table. Products are available to protect employees while assisting in production goals.

In most cases-in addition to descriptions about the product-applications, design features, and specifications are listed.
Vestil Manufacturing Company
800-348-0868