Year in Review: Materials handling system reports from 2012

Modern featured a dozen system reports in 2012. These stories offered readers a look at the business model and system designs that serve as a tangible example of how end users have put the equipment to work to increase productivity in their facility. Covering manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities, solutions this year celebrated automatic guided vehicles, lift trucks, supply chain software, voice technology, conveyor and sortation, automation and more.

January 2012
In the cloud WMS boosts RJW Transport
RJW Transport implemented an on-demand WMS to run its warehouse. The result: Revenue in warehousing operations has doubled.

February 2012
Preferred Freezer Services: Very cool automation
Preferred Freezer Services takes materials handling automation to a new level in a New Jersey warehouse.

March 2012
BSN Sports: In a distribution league of its own
Following a retrofit of its DC, BSN Sports has achieved new levels of productivity and space utilization.

April 2012
Earth Day, every day: How Federated Co-operatives practices sustainable distribution
A Canadian retail co-op has embraced sustainability to reduce its costs and return the savings to its members and customers.

May 2012
The beat goes on at Musikhaus Thomann
Multi-channel retailing has created unprecedented challenges for retailers that want one system to replenish stores, fill online orders and also accommodate in-store pick up.

June 2012
RadioShack makes the little things count with new pick module
A new mezzanine reduced the space required for picking small parts and accessories by two-thirds while improving productivity.

July 2012
Tognum America ships around the world in 1 to 3 days
Tognum America’s service parts DC in Brownstown, Mich., services the company’s diesel engine needs worldwide with a new order fulfillment solution.

August 2012
Lincoln Industries puts a finish on lift trucks
Lincoln Industries’ business is chrome metal parts, but it’s the lift truck program that really shines.

September 2012
Eagle Rock rolls on with motor-driven roller conveyor
Motor-driven roller conveyor is at the heart of a new order fulfillment system at the beverage distributor’s facility. The result is more space for storage and more efficient picking.

October 2012
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky: Production that’s world class
At Toyota’s Kentucky assembly plant, automatic tuggers, carts and AGVs are part of a winning assembly system that competes on a global basis.

November 2012
MSC Industrial Supply delivers on same-day shipping
The distributor of industrial supplies delivers on customer service guarantee with automated approach.

December 2012
Kenco’s conventional thinking
Using narrow aisle racking and turret lift trucks, the 3PL created a solution that reduced space requirements by 28% and improved accuracy.

Year in Review: Top materials handling news in 2012
Big acquisitions, a precarious economy and some new players change the landscape heading into 2013.