Modern's 60th Anniversary - The '70s
-- Modern Materials Handling, 5/1/2006
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Computers continued to advance in the 1970s: mainframes gave way to minicomputers, which gave way to microcomputers. Computers did more than just keep track of inventory in the '70s - they also directed picking and controlled equipment. Achieving greater centralized control was a major theme of the decade and was accomplished through advances in programmable controllers, information systems and auto identification. Safety was another unmistakable theme of the '70s. Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 1970, triggering a decade-long preoccupation with OSHA regulations, fines and inspections. | ||
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1970 - Nixon signs Occupational Safety and Health Act Modern publishes an award-winning special issue on reducing hazards in handling systems and follows with article after article on OSHA compliance. | |
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1971 - Inflation and foreign competition threaten U.S. economy Increased productivity is the key, according to Modern's exclusive report on keeping America competitive | |
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1971 to 1974 - High-rise and high-density storage maximize space
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1972 to 1973 - Pallet users unite!
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1975 - Portable hand-held scanners make data collection easy Advances in auto ID also include high speed scanners, higher density bar codes, standardized shipping codes and in-plant printers for customized labels | |
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1976 - Plastics are popular
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1976 to 1978 - Alternatives to hardwood pallets gain popularity
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1979 - Digital displays allow picking without paperwork No more lists or punch cards! Early pick-to-light systems cap off a decade of progress in picking, including widespread use of automated case picking | |
1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s
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