CSCMP: Materials handling equipment providers join forces to create high-tech warehouse simulation

To see how state-of-the art materials handling equipment operates in a realistic environment, supply chain management and materials handling professionals typically have to visit a warehouse or distribution center. At this year’s Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Annual Global Conference, which runs September 26-29 at the San Diego Convention Center, attendees will have the unique opportunity to see equipment in action at the Supply Chain of the Future Lab. Materials handling equipment manufacturers CHEP Equipment Pooling Systems, Frazier Industrial, The Raymond Corporation and Vocollect, will collaborate to demonstration their latest equipment and technologies in a real-application simulation.

“These companies are the leaders in their industries, and many have worked together for years,” Joe Ginnetti, director of business development for The Raymond Corporation told Modern. “Bringing them together was a natural intuitive decision. Each company’s solution will mesh with the others intuitively so a warehouse or distribution center will optimize its efficiency and productivity.”

This warehouse simulation will display the optimized dynamics that happen inside the four walls. Conference attendees will see Raymond electric lift trucks interfacing with specific CHEP racking, retrieving and putting away pallets. The Vocollect system is a voice-to-pick system that aids operators in picking correctly and quickly from racking. CHEP will demonstrate its Portfolio+Plus online tool that optimizes pallet pool management and administration. Industry experts will also be on hand to answer questions and offer suggestions to the attendees.

“The lab will demonstrate how each innovation plays an integral part, separately and together, to maximize the efficiency, cost effectiveness and productivity for warehouses and distribution centers, as an integral part of the supply chain,” Ginnetti said.

There are trade shows where this type of assembly of materials handling equipment providers occurs, but according to Ginnetti, this type of collaboration rarely occurs on a scale of this magnitude. The CSCMP Annual Conference this will serve as a springboard for future collaboration when the opportunity arises, he added.

CSCMP’s Annual Global Conference 2010 runs from September 26-29 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif. Click here for more information.