February - Modern Materials Handling

predominated (and one that deliversan ROI), was picking solutions.We saw pick-to-light systems and anew wearable multi-function mobilecomputing device that could scanand do voice. But we also saw alot of automated goods-to-personsolutions. These were new microload,mini-load, unit load, carouselstorage, and automated storageand retrieval systems (AS/RS) thatautomatically deliver product fromstorage to a picker. In addition,there were new software solutionsto improve picking.Smart carts must be gettingtraction: For those not familiarwith the technology, smart carts arestripped down automatic guidedvehicles. Not that long ago, JervisB. Webb was the only game in town.Now, it seems like everyone, includingToyota’s lift truck division, is gettinginto the smart cart business.RFID was MIA: Two shows ago itJervis B. Webb displayed itssmart cart technology.seemed like every booth was playingup the RFID angle. This year, RFIDwas an after-thought. And thosebooths that were demonstratingRFID solutions (think AeroScout)were talking about asset management,not tracking cases and palletsthrough the retail supply chain.State of the industryThe materials handling and logisticsindustry has not been immune tothe general economic downturncurrently in progress. But signspoint to the industry approachingthe decelerating decline phase ofthe materials handling and logisticsbusiness cycle, according to showsponsor MHIA, in an overview ofthe 700,000-worker, $156 billionmaterials handling and logisticsindustry.MHIA CEO John Nofsinger said ina press conference that having examinedthe leading economic indicatorsfor materials handling equipmentmanufacturing (MHEM), the associationpredicts continued contractionfor 2009-2010. Specifically:• MHEM new orders grew 2.3%in 2008: New orders are forecastedto decline in the range of 18-20%for 2009, with recovery expected tobegin late in 2010.• MHEM shipments expanded6.9% in 2008: Shipments are forecastedto contract by about 15% inHigh Performance SystemsReduce Your Overhead CostsDiamond Phoenix is a full service systemsintegrator. We design, manufacture andimplement systems that significantly reduce yourcosts of doing business and provide a fast returnon investment. We are your one stop to a moreefficient, fully integrated and profitable facilityusing less real estate and less resources. Eliminate residuals Reduce footprint size Increase storage capacity & density Improve accuracy Increase efficiency & throughput Get a fast return-on-investment Obtain LEAN objectivesEffective Material Handling SolutionsWith A Value Added AdvantageAdd Profit Back To Your Bottom Line1-888-233-6796info@diamondphoenix.comwww.diamondphoenix.com