What's New at NA 2008
Sara Pearson Specter, Editor at Large -- Modern Materials Handling, 2/26/2008 12:01:00 PM
When you arrive in Cleveland for NA 2008, you’ll see more than 500 exhibitors. To make what you’re looking for a bit easier to find, exhibits are organized into three Solution Centers that group similar products and services in the same area of the show floor. This arrangement makes it easier for fact-finding and comparisons of productivity options. Modern suggests you check out these “can’t miss” products in each section as you cruise the aisles. Looking for more? Search all NA 2008 Exhibitor Solutions and search Exhibitor Press Releases.The Center for Manufacturing & Assembly Solutions
For manufacturers, this solution center features automated assembly support, intelligent devices, robotics, ergonomic and safety equipment, workstations, lightrail and other assembly assist equipment and systems.
Workstation to verify picked contents
Check the accuracy of products that have been picked into a container against a real-time database with the LP QC Workstation. Station hardware features a PC running Windows XP connected to the network. A large, pole-mounted touchscreen LCD display lets operators interface with the workstation software. To support rapid product scanning, a flatbed bar code scanner is provided. A corded hand-held bar code scanner is also included for scanning the picking container label. All components are housed in a customizable aluminum structure. Lightning Pick Technologies, 800-827-8878, Booth 3300.
Electronic tool crib tracks equipment
To secure tooling, the Smart Tool Crib system lets authorized employees log into the system using their existing ID cards and to select specific tools or equipment from compartments identified on a flat panel monitor. After successful login, the doors open automatically, allowing items to be removed. Closing the door identifies the compartment as empty, and records the identity of the person who accessed it. User access, duration of possession and time of return are all logged. Penco Products, 800-562-1000, Booth 2436.
Modular, flexing chain conveyance. Using the high-strength, high-speed 7956 MatTop side-flexing chain with bearings, the plastic modular MatTop conveying unit reduces maintenance costs, product damage, floor space and energy usage in distribution and manufacturing. The chain eliminates sliding friction, so products move faster in tight conveyor curves while enabling longer conveyor runs with fewer motors. Installation of the chain can reduce maintenance by 85%, increase throughput by 1.5 million cartons—based on a 300 carton per minute line—and decrease energy consumption for improved facility sustainability. Rexnord, 262-376-4800, Booth 2323.
The Center for Fulfillment & Delivery Solutions
This center showcases both traditional and e-commerce fulfillment, order assembly, third-party logistics, warehousing, distribution and transportation activities. Exhibitors here also provide systems and services that support consumer and business direct market strategies.
Cart, voice combine for picking
The paperless, real-time order fulfillment PickCart with voice system merges batch picking with cart- and voice-directed technology for efficient of low- to moderate-volume split case items. The cart’s four shelves hold the shipping cartons or containers for multiple orders. Each cart can accommodate up to 40 orders, depending on the product sizes, and the cart operator wears a voice terminal powered by the supplier’s PickDirector software. Orders are released from the software, directing operators along the most efficient pick path. Dematic, 877-725-7500, Booth 2634.
AGVs for trailer loading
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) automatically load over-the-road trailers without modifications to trailers, docks, and/or buildings. Multiple load sizes and patterns can be handled with three AGV configurations: single-fork, dual-fork and turret-fork. The units can also be used to move product between manufacturing operations within a facility. By integrating the AGVs with the facility’s enterprise resource planning system, real-time information is transferred, allowing managers to improve inventory location and shipping operation forecasts. Loading trailers with AGVs also eliminates injuries associated with forklifts. Egemin Automation, 616-393-0101, Booth 1617.
Save space with drive-in rack
Storing product on continuous space-saver rails running from 3 to 12 positions deep, drive-in rack storage systems allow lift trucks to directly enter the rack structure to place and retrieve pallets. This method requires fewer aisles and increases storage density. Engineered for maximum strength and configuration flexibility, the systems feature rigid columns, rack constancy and rail support stability through top bracing and roll-formed support columns. Slant back frames and column reinforcements protect against lift truck impact damage. To minimize deflections, durable supports secure the rails to the upright frame, and continuous fillet welding permanently bonds channel rail supports to the connection plates. Ridg-U-Rak, 814-725-8751, Booth 2525.
The Center for Information Technology (IT) Solutions
Companies in this solution center offer software or consulting services that support manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and logistics operations. Their solutions run supply chains and generate more efficient customer support.
45-day WMS implementation. The rapidly configured Warehouse Advantage-45 system can be fully implemented in 45 business days. Ideal for small and mid-sized companies, the system includes tracking and visibility of inbound orders, accurate receiving, directed put-away, rapid picking, shipping and replenishment. Implementations are structured by a playbook directing daily activity and providing specific instructions by role and responsibility. A flexible pricing structure includes license and subscription-based options, enabling facilities to purchase only the functionality needed and then add more complex features and modules over time. HighJump Software, a 3M Company, 800-328-3271, Booth 832.
Manage inbound freight. The Routing Portal Web-based solution for coordinating inbound shipments and reverse logistics manages transport delivery requests and coordinates dock scheduling with carriers. Features include validation, location profiles, alerts and automated communications to and from inbound suppliers. Customer or stock returns are managed, with the system supporting both inbound shipment routing requests for consignee-controlled freight, and advanced ship notices on vendor-prepaid inbounds. RedPrairie, 877-733-7724, Booth 1232.
Mobile data collection system reads bar codes. Powered by image-processing technology, the Skan-Free mobile automatic data collection system works without hand-held bar code scanners, clip boards or data-entry terminals. Intended as an alternative to RFID for pallet identification and data collection, the system sensor reads bar codes in any orientation placed anywhere on the face of a pallet load with an optical label reader mounted to the front of a forklift. It finds and decodes linear or 2D bar codes in its field of view, then reads the pallet or rack location ID label. Decoded information is output to an on-board computer or wireless radio for collection and processing. Sky-Trax, 866-927-4927, Booth 632.
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