Asset management, voice-directed picking and slotting
Just what is a best practice? It’s how the best companies make the best use of available technologies, equipment and processes to improve operations. This month, we look at how three companies have employed real time locating systems (RTLS) to manage assets, voice recognition technology to improve picking, and slotting to improve warehouse efficiencies. Have you implemented a best practice in your facility? Let me know at Robert.Trebilcock@myfairpoint.net.

This issue sponsored by:

best practices articles of the month

• Real time asset management
  While RFID was touted as a way to track pallets and cartons across the supply chain, the real wins in recent years have come from asset management; using RFID to keep track in real time of valuable assets in a factory, warehouse, a port or yard.
  Continue
  
  
• Voice-directed picking
  To improve picking operations, Dunkin' Donuts leapfrogged bar code scanning, jumping from a paper-based solution to voice-directed picking.
  Continue
  
  
• Slotting
  Doing more with less. That was the catalyst behind a major makeover last year at Wilton Products’ 691,000 square foot distribution center in Romeoville, Illinois.
  Continue
  
  

This issue sponsored by:

forkliftcompare.com forkliftcompare.com is the industry's premier online lift truck database representing over 3,500 lift truck models from over 27 leading Original Equipment Manufacturers. The 'search & compare' database contains more than 175,000 lift truck specifications and provides users with: side-by-side model comparisons, customized product specifications and reports, resale and residual value calculators, fleet tracking, new model introductions, links to OEM's Web sites, and request for quotes - All from one trusted source. COMPARE NOW!

other recommended items

• ISM: Non-manufacturing contracts again, but businesses putting faith in stimulus plan
  The latest non-manufacturing report from the Institute for Supply Management shows a continuing decline, but businesses are hoping President Obama’s economic stimulus plan will provide a much-needed boost.
  Continue
  
  
• Materials handling and manufacturing business: ISM manufacturing report indicates contraction is still occurring
  Despite overall decreases, some notable readings are trending upward.
  Continue
  
  

• Materials handling and packaging: Freedonia Group reports U.S. demand for rigid bulk packaging to approach $7 billion in 2013
  New, independently conducted study by industry research firm outlines this and other trends.
  Continue
  
  
• Manufacturing: Flow-Rite Controls honored as one of the 2009 “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch”
  Award recognizes the company's expanding product line and positive impact on the state during tough economic times.
  Continue
  
  

blogs

• Supply chain management: Can the supply chain end global warming?
  Company Briefings by Bob Trebilcock, Executive Editor, Modern Materials Handling
  In case you’re wondering, the answer is no: By itself, the supply chain can’t end global warming. But if you care about these issues, I probably got your attention.
• Cheap lift trucks are unaffordable today
  Takeaways by Tom Andel, Columnist, Modern Materials Handling
  The "Buy American, hate China" crowd in the lift truck world will be happy to hear the news recently reported by Forkliftaction.com that China’s Wuxi Hu-Lift Equipment Co Ltd. will soon be liquidated.
• See all blogs

This issue sponsored by:

The Logistics Management & Supply Chain Management Review Virtual Conference & Expo is not a Web Seminar; it is a fully interactive virtual event that incorporates online education, learning, live chat, active movement in and out of exhibit booths and sessions, white papers and other collateral resource centers, informative Webcasts and much more... Click here to learn more and register for FREE!