Casebook 2016: Case-by-case productivity

Struggling to manage more SKUs than you’re used to? E-commerce challenging your system? Need to do more on a smaller budget? You’re not alone. And, we’ve got you covered.

Modern’s annual Casebook continues to provide comprehensive coverage of productivity solutions for materials handling professionals in distribution, warehousing and manufacturing. Covering lift trucks, fixed path, storage/staging, information systems, packaging and dock equipment, Modern takes a peek inside 39 facilities and give a look at how industry professionals are solving problems around every corner.

Modern Materials Handling once again proudly offers the 2016 Casebook, a reference guide designed to inspire innovation and investment. It’s jam-packed with case studies as well as the most comprehensive directories available of materials handling equipment manufacturers and related information management technology vendors.

Whether you are taking on additional SKUs, managing omni-channel and multi-channel distribution, integrating new software and adding equipment or need a new door at your dock or new functionality from your lift trucks, there’s something in the 2016 Casebook for you.

Modern’s readers will learn how savvy operations are solving lift truck management issues by putting upgraded software and robotics to work; implementing new automated packaging solutions; putting new automation and conveyor systems to the task; and taking steps to implement or upgrade information management and software to improve visibility and streamline labor relations.

It’s our hope that the Casebook will continue to inspire the innovation and investment that will keep your warehouse and distribution operation on the road to success for many years to come.

Here’s a look into the issue:

Lift Trucks:
Low-level orderpicker enables picking at 120 inches
New electric fleet and rapid chargers cut energy, maintenance and labor costs
Powered lift a hit at Arkansas hardware outlet
Narrow aisle lift trucks double productivity
Lift truck achieves ‘almost zero’ downtime
Polymer barriers deflect skepticism

Fixed Path:
Automation boosts capacity by 50% while reducing hours worked
Robots help company rethink production
Sorter handles both inbound and outbound flows
AGVs deliver heavy parts just in time
AGVs ferry tons of product and data
Belt curve creates space-efficient solution
Beverage manufacturer dilutes costs with roller upgrade system
Custom lift replaces forklift for transporting goods to 2nd floor
Scalable automation accelerates growth

Storage/Staging:
Danish e-commerce company automates order fulfillment
Distributor chooses intelligent lighting system for new DC
Wine and spirits distributor doubles system capacity in 5 months
Warehouse stacks up the space savings
Fabric structures protect equipment, wallet
Mezzanine makeover increases productivity
Air cleaners control dust in massive warehouse
Mezzanine system retrofit cleans up storage

Information Management
Voice picking causes a logistics chain reaction
Voice-directed fulfillment enables world-class beverage distribution
WMS supports rapid growth for bicycle parts distributor
Voice helps two facilities speak the same language
Voice-directed picking solution provides accountability
Winemaker optimizes global distribution
Manufacturer increases picking accuracy and efficiency with voice

Packaging
Farm saves costs and labor with reusable totes
Palletizer and stretch hood lead to rise in productivity
Semi-automatic stretch wrapper uses unique film
Manufacturer achieves compliance, efficiency
Device helps pickers put pallets in their place

Dock Equipment
High-speed doors slice into costs
Agribusiness deploys reliable vehicle scales
Box van unloader converts trailer floor to conveyor
Moving freight forward with air cargo lifts