Technologies improve picking accuracy in vertical carousels, VLMs

In a press conference on Monday, Kardex Remstar’s (Booth 3623) Chelsea Tarr, marketing communications coordinator, introduced two new technologies to improve order picking in the company’s Megamat RS vertical carousel and Shuttle vertical lift module (VLM).

For use with both VLMs and vertical carousels, the Logicontrol machine control combines hardware, software and an operator terminal into a simple-to-use touchscreen interface. The system controls the machine as well as enables inventory management with no PC workstation required. Targeted to smaller warehouses and stand-alone applications, Tarr noted that a single Logicontrol can operate up to three storage systems, and manage up to 1,000 different articles, 8,000 storage locations and seven bin sizes.

Adding a QuickPick LED- or laser-light pointer to the Shuttle VLM helps an operator quickly identify the exact part to be picked or location to be replenished, yielding a significant boost in accuracy, said Tarr. The light is located inside the machine above the operator access window. Mounted to a slider that travels horizontally on a guiding system, the light swivels in the depth direction to directly illuminate to the required SKU at any position in the VLM’s tray.

Both systems are offered as optional, add-on features to new equipment, or as retrofits to existing installations, Tarr added.

ProMat 2013 is scheduled to be held January 21-24, 2013 in Chicago’s McCormick Place South. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete ProMat 2013 coverage.