In this Issue:
- It's time to optimize packaging
- Reader Survey: Annual pallet user survey
- Equipment Report: Sustainable packaging
- Best Practices: Pack stations
- Information Management: Robots edge into packaging
Modern Materials Handling Magazine Archives
October 2022 Modern Materials Handling
With all the emphasis these days on automation, conventional warehousing is often overlooked if not forgotten. In fact, conventional warehousing is alive, well and thriving even at high-volume facilities and in e-commerce.
With Pack Expo 2022 right around the corner, we take a look at the trends driving packaging today.
Our annual Peerless Research Group study highlights the current and projected use of pallets in fulfillment centers plus other trends taking place in the pallet market.
Packaging equipment and systems continue to address sustainability, from the growing popularity of systems that right-size corrugated cartons on demand to autobaggers that use kraft paper stock rather than poly. Companies are also looking to ensure high, sustained throughput and improve the unpacking experience.
With the rapid shifts in consumer buying patterns, pack stations are under pressure to deliver shipping boxes and bags that protect, are right-sized and cost effective. Fortunately, they’re up to the challenge.
Long used for end-of-line packaging of single SKUs, robots are now branching out into packing e-commerce orders, placing items into shipping cartons, or inducting items into autobaggers. While still early days, it’s being done and promises a way to take on volume and variability without adding labor.
Modern staff sat down with Sam Kurten, Engineering intern at Matrix, a ProMach product brand to talk about his career.
Lithium dominance among smaller electric equipment will accelerate larger-scale shift.
That would probably be a yes. Here’s the story of a new, double-sided linerless label printer that promises to do just that.
By implementing an autoboxing solution to create a right-sized package every 7 seconds, provider of parts for European cars
removes constraint, gains efficiencies.
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Latest in Materials Handling
Boscov’s: Speed regained in retail distribution
May 7, 2024
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
May 7, 2024
Event brings together manufacturing professionals with dual responsibilities of career and caregiving
Fox Robotics and KION NA announce strategic partnership
May 7, 2024
Company collaboration scales supply chain for FoxBot ATL, establishes nationwide service and support network for autonomous forklifts
Ergonomics Update: Hearing protection in the warehouse
May 6, 2024
Warehouses and DCs turn their focus to protecting workers’ hearing and dimming the noise within the four walls.
Parcel handling on the move
May 6, 2024
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
May 6, 2024
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
May 6, 2024
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
May 6, 2024
Order profiles are changing, and that means your rack should, too.
Sponsored Content
Comau’s Advanced Solutions Drive The Benefits Of Automation For Diversified Industries May 6, 2024
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
May 6, 2024
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
May 6, 2024
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
May 3, 2024
The member-driven organization brings together industry leaders, educational institutions, and community organizers to position Georgia at the forefront of robotics and automation innovation.
Vehicle-mounted computers: Beyond rugged
May 2, 2024
The traditional vehicle-mounted computer has always had to stand up to harsh operating conditions, now communications flexibility and data insights are also part of these solutions.
New packaging idea for the cold chain
May 2, 2024
In case you missed it, there doesn’t have to be any plastic involved to protect perishables from temperature variation during shipment. Here’s how it’s done.
Remembering John Hill
May 2, 2024
Every so often we’re hit with the news of someone passing that makes us stop in our tracks. It’s often a musician or an actor that bring back good memories of another time. There’s a moment of reflection, maybe a tear is shed, and then the moment is gone.
