RFID: Sensing and monitoring are the next wave
July 21, 2010
One of the emerging stories in the RFID market is the convergence of technologies around RFID, especially sensing technologies.
RFID: Delivering on the promise of real-time visibility
July 21, 2010
Every year for the past five years or so has been the year RFID was going to take off in the supply chain. Too often, the reality failed to live up to the hype.
That may be about to change, according to a new survey of RFID users from VDC Research Group ([url=http://www.vdcresearch.com]http://www.vdcresearch.com[/url]), the Massachusetts based technology research firm.
Voice technology: State of the industry
July 15, 2010
Order picking with voice technology has undergone many changes since the 1990s. Here’s what experts told Modern about the current state of the industry.
Materials handling business: ISM Non Manufacturing Index is down but continues to show growth
July 6, 2010
Like its companion report, which focuses on the manufacturing sector, the Institute of Supply Management’s (ISM) June report on the non-manufacturing sector showed continued growth albeit at a reduced rate.
Logistics technology: ARC says 2009 was a tough year for WMS sector
July 6, 2010
The damage the global recession inflicted in the Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) marketplace in 2009 was severe to say the least, according to an analysis from ARC Advisory Group.
Materials handling business: ISM Manufacturing Index is down from May but continues to show growth
July 1, 2010
The Institute of Supply Management reported today that while manufacturing activity in June was not as strong as it was in May, the economic recovery is moving forward.
New Application Guidelines for Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors now available from MHIA
June 29, 2010
The recently updated “Application Guidelines for Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors” is now available, thanks to the efforts of the Vertical Reciprocating Conveyer Subcommittee of the Conveyor & Sortation Systems (CSS) Industry Group, both of which are part of the Material Handling Industry of America.
Stanley Vidmar to be featured on “World’s Greatest!”
June 28, 2010
Stanley Vidmar, a manufacturer of premium custom storage solutions, will be featured on the “World’s Greatest!” TV show airing June 28-30 on the ION Network. For more than 40 years, Stanley Vidmar has been manufacturing storage solutions that are used around the world—from getting the U.S. military ready for battle with deployment and weapons storage to storing insects at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History.
Adept Technology announces acquisition of MobileRobots, Inc.
June 14, 2010
Adept Technology, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire privately held MobileRobots Inc., a provider of industry leading autonomous robot and automated guided vehicle (AGV) technologies.
Materials handling business: May retail sales show a slight decline
June 11, 2010
Unlike the previous two months, retail sales growth momentum saw a dip from April to May but saw slight year-over-year increases, according to data released by the United States Department of Commerce and the National Retail Federation.
State of Logistics 2010: Business logistics costs fall 18.2 percent
June 9, 2010
Business logistics costs fell to a record low of 7.7 percent of Gross Domestic Product last year, compared with 9.3 percent of GDP in 2008, according to a new annual benchmark report issued Wednesday.
RedPrairie announces key leadership appointments
June 8, 2010
RedPrairie Corporation announced today the appointment of Joe Juliano to the position of president, Americas and Doug Braun to the position of president, Global Operations.
Materials handling education: The materials handling industry is growing again
June 4, 2010
On the heels of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the materials handling industry is starting to experience growth. In fact, John Nofsinger, CEO of the Material Handling Industry of America recently told Modern, “Going into 2010, I anticipate progressive, continued, gradual growth. I do not expect to see the industry ramping up significantly into double digit growth in 2010, but growth is growth and up is up.”
Materials handling business: ISM Non-Manufacturing Index continues to show growth
June 3, 2010
Consistency appears to be the theme of late when it comes to the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) monthly report on the non-manufacturing sector. The ISM’s index for measuring the sector’s overall health—known as the NMI—was 55.4 percent in May for the third straight month. Like the ISM’s Manufacturing Index, a reading of 50 percent or higher represents growth.
Motors: Taking control of materials handling; flexibility and energy efficiency
June 2, 2010
Some of the best new ideas in automated materials handling are the result of better motors, drives and controls. Here’s what you need to know.
Automated Storage: Developments facilitate lean handling
June 2, 2010
As the downturn continues to force more companies to practice lean handling techniques, the latest developments in automated storage are yielding enhanced returns on investment.
Space Optimization: Mission Impossible?
June 2, 2010
When it comes to the economy, not much has changed. Many supply chain analysts are calling this the new normal, with warehouses and distribution centers (DCs) routinely operating under tight budgets while still expected to satisfy increasing customer demands. With limited capital dollars, the recurring theme has been to make do with what you have; and what you have is existing space that’s only so wide and so high. So, how do you make the most of it?
Materials handling business: ISM manufacturing report shows continued growth
June 1, 2010
Although the numbers are not quite as strong as the previous month, the economic recovery appears to be on solid footing, according the May manufacturing report from the Institute of Supply Management.
State of WMS: Upgrade Time
June 1, 2010
According to our 2010 Software User survey, nearly half of all logistics operations using a WMS are looking to upgrade over the next 12 months. Our technology correspondent explains why and then introduces us to a shipper that’s on the brink of revolutionizing its warehouse operations.