Simple and fast. Those are the words that guided Remstar International's (800-639-5805, www.remstar.com) product introductions at last month's NA 2002.

A touch screen control system for locating and accessing items in vertical carousels and vertical lift modules features ATM simplicity, according to marketing director Ed Romaine. Operators simply enter the part number of the stored item directly into system with a flat screen. An on-board microprocessor identifies the location, activates the system and delivers the required item to the operator at an ergonomic height. A single screen can be used to control a single storage unit or multiple units.

Not only is the system, known as Fast-Pic PL-C (part locator - computer), easy to use, says Romaine, but training requires virtually no time. The end result is improved throughput, productivity and picking accuracy.

A new pick-to-cart workstation for horizontal carousels is suited to companies requiring fast implementation time as well as savings in conveyor costs and complexity levels.

After picking designated items from a bank of horizontal carousels, the operator puts the items into totes on the cart. Light arrays on both the carousel and cart identify the items to pick and where they should be put. After completing a batch, the cart can be wheeled to the next operation.