Modern Materials Handling Magazine Archives

February 2023 Modern Materials Handling

In this Issue:

  • Radial stays ahead of the automation curve
  • Show Preview: ProMat 2023 primed for return to Chicago
  • Reader Survey: Annual automation survey
  • Best Practices: Labor management
  • Equipment Report: Wireless mobility
In one of its Louisville fulfillment centers, Radial has combined conventional automation for picking with a robotic putwall for order assembly. The goal: demonstrate leadership in automation to improve productivity
ProMat 2023 is back in person, with 35% more floor space, more than 1,000 solution provider exhibits as well as educational sessions and keynote presentations.
Robotic putwalls have replaced manual putwalls to address labor challenges and speed orders through packing.
Our annual reader survey finds that many are looking to implement or improve their systems across numerous areas, and when it comes to decision factors for evaluating systems, total cost of ownership and integration gained in importance, while concern over parts availability declined.
Technology like assistive picking mobile robots, intuitive mobile devices and LMS can help overcome labor management challenges. But it also takes best practices like structured goal setting, in-person communication and employee engagement to be best positioned to maximize labor resources.
Widely used inside the four walls, wireless mobile devices from scanners and printers to tablets are a strong player in facility productivity. Recent advances ensure that they’ll become increasingly valuable to workflows and throughput efficiencies.
Power transmission equipment is not only starting to look different, but operate differently, too. This is a time when sustainability, decentralization and digitalization are all having a far reaching impact.
Well, it’s time to brush the dust off the suitcase and hope the khakis and blazer aren’t too snug, because early reports suggest ProMat 2023 (March 20 to 23) is going to be a whopper.
The alternative is a robots-as-a-service system that replaces capex with a lease and guaranteed performance levels. Might be worth reading on.
By adopting wearable scanners paired with Android tablets and their own mounts, RAM Mounts gained a 15% increase in warehouse efficiency.
Why best practices in battery and charger maintenance are essential to lift truck fleet operations and costs.
Modern sat down with Michael Field, President and CEO of Raymond Corporation to discuss the pallet industry.
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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, with fewer labor resources, 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.

Where rack meets automation
Order profiles are changing, and that means your rack should, too.

Sponsored Content
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Over the years, Comau has increasingly focused on implementing key technology enablers that transform conventional robotics into advanced robotics.

Toyota Industries Corporation launches Toyota Automated Logistics Group to house acquired companies
Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) has launched Toyota Automated Logistics Group (TALG) to house its existing subsidiary, Toyota L&F, alongside the companies it acquired in 2017 (Bastian Solutions and Vanderlande) and 2022 (viastore).

Modernization at Boscov’s
Boscov’s Department Stores DC makes gains from new sortation, controls and software plus racked order processing area.

RoboGeorgia launches to make Georgia a leading robotics and automation hub
The member-driven organization brings together industry leaders, educational institutions, and community organizers to position Georgia at the forefront of robotics and automation innovation.

Latest Resources

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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
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2023 is here, and so are new warehousing trends.
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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.