February - Modern Materials Handling

Raymond’s iWarehouse keeps watchful eye on lift truck fleetRaymond representatives (from left) JoeLafergola, manager of fleet services; DavidFurman, vice president of marketing; and ScottCraver, manager of business and informationsolutions tout the features and benefits ofRaymond’s new fleet optimizer system.The concept of doing more with less isn’tnew, but the tools are. Lift truck makerRaymond Corp. has introduced iWarehouse,an innovative fleet optimization system thatprovides real-time information and enableswarehouse and DC managers to improveperformance of operators and lift trucks.Raymond’s president and chief operatingofficer Jim Malvaso said, “We bring technologyto the marketplace that enhances operationsand delivers a bona fide improvementto our customers.”iWarehouse connects to the lift truckvehicle manager with a single connector andoffers a constant data flow through a wirelessnetwork. Access to real-time information canresult in more production from operatorsand technicians (whose labor accounts for80% of lift truck costs); reduce the potentialfor accidents; diagnose truck issues remotely;benchmark performance to develop bestpractices; optimize fleet capital and maintenanceexpenses; and move product moreefficiently and profitably.The iWarehouse system is available witha variety of modules to meet specific applicationneeds. Malvaso explained, “We’veentered a new age. We view our trucks asmore as than transport vehicles, they’re alsoDematic’s Multishuttle optimizes order assemblyDematic, a provider of automated logisticssolutions, has introduced the Multishuttle,a flexible automated storage and retrievalsystem (AS/RS) staging solution for applicationsthat require dynamic, high rate,product sequencing to support applicationssuch as: order assembly, goods-to-the-personpicking, and pick-face replenishment.“The Multishuttle solution is ideal forsupplying product-to-piece pick order fulfillmentmodules or mixed pallet buildingoperations,” said Ken Ruehrdanz, Dematic’smarket development manager. “It can alsobe applied as a short term buffer storagesystem or as a parts support system for productionoperations.”The key attributes include high ratecapacity, the ability to accommodate loadvehicles that will provide data and informationto the user. Inside every truck is computerwith a tremendous amount of data.Capturing the information in real-time helpsusers to be more productive and ultimatelymore profitable.”“True, we’re in a recessionary environment,but material handling is the heartand soul of the supply chain. The need forour products and services is still there; it’sfundamental to our culture. We understandour contribution is larger than just providingfork lift trucks,” he said.sequencing requirements, and adaptability toexisting building layouts. The system consistsof multiple levels of AS/RS rack structure,carrier vehicles, conveyor and software. Eachlevel of the rack structure includes a carrierthat travels horizontally to access storedloads, typically totes or trays. A shuttle deviceon each carrier accesses the loads in the rack.Since a carrier is captive in each aisle and oneach level, ultra high throughput capacity isachieved. At the end of each aisle, a verticalconveyor brings the load to the input/outputconveyor. Load sequencing occurs as loadsare retrieved in order for fulfillment.“The simplicity of the modular carriervehicles allows high system uptime, systemredundancy, and low power consumption,”said Ruehrdanz.New VLM and mini-load AS/RS fromDiamond PhoenixDiamond Phoenix introduced two new products at ProMat.The vertical lift module (VLM) is a single bay SMARTdepotVLM. The new machine is designed to meet additional customerneeds where a single bay, rather than a multi-bay, is requested.The new unit can handle loads of up to 1,100 pounds per trayand reach heights of up to 50 feet.The new MaxTriever MiniLoad storage/retrieval machine(SRM) is a stacker crane that efficiently handles totes, cartons,boxes and other items and will help organizations realize highcapacity and high speed throughput. The crane operates comfortablyin cold storage, coolers and ambient warehouse temperaturesand uses standardized and proven subsystems for high reliability.Both products are designed to enhance Diamond Phoenix’sportfolio of solutions for manufacturing, distribution and otherorganizations looking to improve efficiency and overhead costswhile maintaining flexibility for peak seasons and slow downs.Kardex AG acquires Kardex SystemsKardex AG commented on its recent agreement to acquire theassets of U.S. competitor Kardex Systems, Inc., whose offeringsinclude mobile shelving and media station storage products.Remstar International—a provider of automated storageand retrieval solutions—is a company of Kardex AG RemstarInternational Group.In explaining the Kardex Inc. acquisition at a ProMat pressconference at one of Remstar’s booths, Jos De Vuyst, CEO ofKardex AG, pointed out that while it was “good to have our nameback,” the move was more than just the buy up of a brand name.De Vuyst said Kardex AG also plans to continue the Kardex Inc.production site in Lewistown, Pa., and leverage its distributornetwork.Mobile shelving and media cart production will continue atthe Lewistown site, and horizontal carousel products assembledat a Remstar site in Westbrook, Maine, will begin being producedat the Lewistown plant. The Westbrook site will continue as asales, marketing and support site.Kardex Systems Inc. posted sales of approximately $21 millionin its 2007 financial year, and has a staff headcount of 100.mmh.com MODERN MATERIALS HANDLING / FEBRUARY 2009 45