Portable A-frame from SI Systems

SI Systems (Booth 3847) ([url=http://www.sihs.com]http://www.sihs.com[/url]) introduced the SI Mighty Mac, a portable mini A-frame, at ProMat. The new automated picking device features a 16-channel unit that can be rolled up to a conveyor, plugged into a 110-volt outlet without special cabling and dispense up to 2,000 pieces per hour. The A-frame is wireless, allowing for easy software integration with a warehouse management or warehouse control system.

Traditionally, A-frame picking technologies have been used for very fast-moving square, rectangular or round products that can be stacked on top of one another, such as toothpaste, CDs, cosmetics, nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals. Until now, the technology was relatively expensive and was adopted by retailers with a large number of relatively small fast moving stock keeping units, such as a drug store.

“In the past, you had to have 500 to 1,000 fast-moving items and spend $500,000 to justify A-frame picking technology,” Jeff Wetherell, vice president of systems integration, told Modern at a booth visit on Wednesday. “We took that technology and shrunk it down to a portable unit with just 16 channels and at a price point that is about the same cost as a single operator.”

Because the A-frame is portable, it can be easily implemented and work side-by-side with manual pick-to-light, carousel and traditional A-frames. It supports conveyors from 14 inches to 32 inches in height. It features a compact footprint that fits easily into tight spaces and stows easily when not in use.

“If you have 16 fast moving items and an operator picking at 200 pieces per hour, this technology can pay for itself,” Wetherell said.

ProMat 2011 will be held March 21 - 24, 2011 at McCormick Place South in Chicago. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry.

Read all of Modern’s ProMat 2011 coverage