Information about automatic data collection and ideas for using data to improve the flow of materials through manufacturing facilities and distribution centers—delivered through news and feature stories, case studies and columns. en-us http://www.mmh.com/community/Data+Management/48539.html?nid=4128 2009 Reed Business Information. Subject to its Terms of Use. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:51:45 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6705194.html?nid=4128 The 265R and 480R automated dimensional weighing systems for parcel and SKU manifesting are quiet, laser-free and ergonomic. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6705193.html?nid=4128 Using non-contact, ISO 15693 compliant passive data carrier technology, the M-M RFID direct metal-mount system allows the tag to be mounted directly on any alloy or metal surface without interference or loss in range. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6704490.html?nid=4128 The 1510 small character continuous ink jet printer includes an intuitive user interface and simplified fluid replacement with a Smart Cartridge microchip-enabled bottle. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6704489.html?nid=4128 Targeted to fast-moving, high-volume warehouses, eWareNavi warehouse management software directs equipment and people simultaneously while providing control, flexibility and visibility of warehouse inventory operation. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6704534.html?nid=4128 Software Advice launched its Manufacturing Software Advice service yesterday, a free online resource that helps manufacturers find the right software for their enterprise. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:44:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6703780.html?nid=4128 The ConveyLinx control system for motor-driven rollers operates multiple zones of linear conveyor without any special tools or software. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6701030.html?nid=4128 Winner with the oldest working bar code device receives mobile handheld computer. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6700700.html?nid=4128 Using the new system, picking productivity increased from 140 lines to nearly 900 lines per man hour. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6700532.html?nid=4128 Through the first half of 2009, orders for new equipment across all product categories tracked by MHIA were down nearly 45% compared to 2008, while demand was down nearly 39%. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6699883.html?nid=4128 For use with cranes, rack feeders, carriage systems and other rail-bound vehicles and materials handling equipment, the Positrax system offers dynamic, laser-based positioning. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:03:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6702457.html?nid=4128 In 2004, clothing supplier Gear for Sports began applying lean principles to its manufacturing and distribution operations to increase productivity, achieve higher labor efficiency, and sustain superior product quality standards. The company began by consolidating five warehouses into one new distribution center. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6702456.html?nid=4128 The School Box maintains approximately 15,000 active and 22,000 total SKUs, with about 60% of its school supply business coming from stores and 40% from catalogs and the Internet. As the company grew, it strained its inventory management system—an 18-year-old system never intended to run a warehouse. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6702455.html?nid=4128 When your car breaks down, you hope for a speedy repair. That requires fast availability of replacement parts. For O'Reilly Auto parts retailer, inventory management technology has enabled the company to rapidly respond to customer needs while reducing its inventory by $60 million. The company had experienced significant growth through acquisitions and wanted to continue that expansion. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6702454.html?nid=4128 When companies upgrade technology, they rarely think about how the equipment will perform year after year in sub-zero temperatures. But when United States Cold Storage deployed 1,000 handheld and lift truck-mounted computers at sites across the country, it wanted to be sure the devices would stand up to some punishment. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6702453.html?nid=4128 In economic hard times, many companies look to outsource. For a company specializing in outsourced packaging services, this can mean rapid growth. For Alta Resources, a provider of outsourced services, an automated shipping and tracking application allowed the company to handle growth and increased profitability by 400%. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6702452.html?nid=4128 With 38 distribution centers serving more than 3,400 auto parts stores, Carquest executives thought a smooth implementation of a new warehouse management system (WMS) would be unlikely. However, a phased introduction of a flexible and intelligent automation system has quickly, easily and considerably increased accuracy. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6702451.html?nid=4128 To improve accuracy, enhance throughput and handle seasonal shifts in demand, one computer hardware distributor completely reengineered its operations, and warehouse and distribution functions. That included switching to very narrow aisles and pick-to-light systems. Overall, the distribution center now has the ability to expand capacity as needed—particularly during seasonal peaks—a... Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6702450.html?nid=4128 Ingram Book Group is the world's largest wholesale distributor of books and audio books, stocking 1.4 million stock-keeping units in four distribution centers. The company was able to switch from RF scanners to voice-directed picking for its warehouse management system, increasing productivity, accuracy and worker satisfaction. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6702449.html?nid=4128 Edson Packaging Machinery Limited replaces traditional mechanical components with off-the-shelf mechatronic modules. Its modular approach requires the kind of innovative electrical solutions it has found in a recent partnership. According to president Rob Hattin, the Hamilton, Ontario, based company has created what he refers to as the "Dell manufacturing model for packaging machinery. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.mmh.com/article/CA6702448.html?nid=4128 The construction environment can be a risky place to store valuable materials, especially when no one is quite certain how much or how many of the high-priced inventory is on site. With a new warehouse management system (WMS), IDC Construction keeps track of materials, reduces its liability, and cuts costs and waste. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST