Modern Materials Handling Magazine Archives

April 2023 Modern Materials Handling

In this Issue:

  • System Report: Going to town with fulfillment at Parts Town
  • Reader Survey: 2023 Warehouse/DC Equipment Survey
  • Information Mangagement: Voice gains impact with integration
  • Equipment Report: Getting rack right
  • Best Practices: The exoskeleton evolution
A fast-growing leader in critical OEM parts for the food service industry is using goods-to-person robotic picking to meet customer service requirements.
Parts Town’s distribution center was designed from the ground up to speed parts out the door while laying the foundation for growth.
Unleash the Power of Robotics to Overcome Your Labor Challenges. Explore the Latest Automation and Robotic Solutions at ProMat 2023.
After a banner year for materials handling automation indicators last year, our annual equipment outlook survey reveals a more conservative approach to spending on automation, equipment and related software -- however, the indicators didn't decline drastically.
Voice-directed solutions do more than translate pick lists in voice instructions. These solutions are multi-modal, using wearable scanners and Android device screens when appropriate, and have evolved to handle work execution functions and integrate with mobile robots.
Rack systems can be a facility’s most important silent partner. But getting it right requires a plan and some expertise. Don’t be afraid to invest in both.
Today’s devices are more comfortable and user friendly than ever, but they’re still seeking widespread adoption.
These have been challenging times for automakers. But from parts management near the line and parts flow right up to it, some new approaches are in the works. Oh, yes, and electric vehicles are already having an impact.
Modern's staff sat down with Aileen Ryan, President of RAIN Alliance to discuss RAIN Alliance and RFID in the warehouse.
They are about as sustainable as anything can get and have a positive impact on the environment. Better yet, that’s provable with a new tool from the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association.
How a five-position high pallet flow rack system enabled a Wisconsin-based food manufacturer to gain the storage density it needed, cut off-site storage needs and streamline workflows.
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Latest in Materials Handling

Automate & Accelerate: Replacing Pick-to-Light with the Next Generation of Automation
Berkshire Grey and S&H Systems present a webinar showcasing how their Robotic Put Wall systems offer a cost-effective solution to aging pick-to-light systems, delivering significant labor savings, space efficiency, minimal IT impact, and up to 30-40% batch pick efficiency gain, with seamless integration into existing infrastructure and scalable automation.

MHEFI awards record-breaking $231,700 in scholarships to 61 students
This marks the highest amount ever awarded by MHEFI.

ALAN opens nominations for 2024 Humanitarian Logistics Awards
The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) has officially opened nominations for its eighth annual Humanitarian Logistics Awards

Kenco to install an AutoStore system at its Jeffersonville, Ind., DC
With systems integration partner KPI Solutions, Kenco’s new automated storage and retrieval system will shorten click-to-delivery times for the 3PL’s eCommerce customers starting this summer

Schneider Electric rolling out WMS and TMS solutions from Manhattan Associates at scale
Manhattan Active Supply Chain, which refers to the combination of Manhattan Active WM and Manhattan Active TM, will be implemented in over 20 distribution centers. Additionally, Schneider Electric plans to deploy Manhattan Active TM across a further 200+ operational sites.

Sponsored Content
Leaders Q & A with Bryan Ferguson: Resurgence of RFID technology
Productivity amplified: RFID's resurgence and it's impact on material handling

Tom Panzarella appointed Chief Technology Officer at Seegrid
As CTO for the provider of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for materials handling, Panzarella will lead Seegrid’s technology innovation and product development.

Mallard Manufacturing joins the MacLean-Fogg family of companies
Founded in 1960, Mallard Manufacturing provides custom gravity flow storage solutions.

Boscov’s: Speed regained in retail distribution
A complete modernization of the sortation and conveyance at Boscov’s DC, along with updated software and a new order processing area, have transformed the ability of the department store chain’s DC to move more cartons in less time, while permitting more frequent replenishment shipment for stores.

Women in Manufacturing Association to offer 4th annual Moms in MFG Conference
Event brings together manufacturing professionals with dual responsibilities of career and caregiving

Fox Robotics and KION NA announce strategic partnership
Company collaboration scales supply chain for FoxBot ATL, establishes nationwide service and support network for autonomous forklifts

Ergonomics update: Hearing protection in the warehouse
Warehouses and DCs turn their focus to protecting workers’ hearing and dimming the noise within the four walls.

Parcel handling on the move
Between the variety of packages and heavy volumes, parcel handling can be daunting. However, it’s manageable—especially with the help of automation.

An inside look at picking technologies
From pick-to-light to the most advanced robotics, picking technologies are rapidly changing order fulfillment.

April Services PMI contracts following 15 months of growth, reports ISM
The Services PMI, at 49.4 (a reading of 50 or higher signals growth) fell 2.0%. The last time the index contracted was in December 2022, when it came in at 49 and prior to that the last month seeing contraction was in May 2020, when it came in at 45.4.

Latest Resources

2023 Automation Study: Usage & Implementation of Warehouse/DC Automation Solutions
2023 Automation Study: Usage & Implementation of Warehouse/DC Automation Solutions
This research was conducted by Peerless Research Group on behalf of Modern Materials Handling to assess usage and purchase intentions forautomation systems...
How Your Storage Practices Can Affect Your Pest Control Program
How Your Storage Practices Can Affect Your Pest Control Program
Discover how your storage practices could be affecting your pest control program and how to prevent pest infestations in your business. Join...

Warehousing Outlook 2023
Warehousing Outlook 2023
2023 is here, and so are new warehousing trends.
Extend the Life of Brownfield Warehouses
Extend the Life of Brownfield Warehouses
Today’s robotic and data-driven automation systems can minimize disruptions and improve the life and productivity of warehouse operations.
Power Supply in Overhead Cranes: Energy Chains vs. Festoons
Power Supply in Overhead Cranes: Energy Chains vs. Festoons
Download this white paper to learn more about how both systems compare.