With more than 800 exhibitors, 110 educational sessions and over 35,000 attendees, ProMat 2015, which took place March 23-26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, was the premier destination for material handling, supply chain and logistics solutions in North America.

Hosted by MHI, Charlotte, N.C., ProMat 2015 was divided into three solution-specific centers—manufacturing and assembly, fulfillment and delivery, and information technology (IT).

Here’s a rundown of the latest solutions, designed to drive productivity, improve efficiency and introduce innovation to your facility.

SPIRAL DOORS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT DOORWAYS

Rytec, Jackson, Wis., introduced high-performance spiral doors, designed to maximize traffic flow and minimize energy loss, while opening at speeds of 60 inches per second.

The spiral door’s high-speed operation minimizes air exchange, resulting in buildings needing less energy to maintain room temperature and comfort. Roll-up aluminum slats feature a durable rubber membrane covering their connecting hinges to contain heating/cooling energy to prevent air infiltration. This tight seal protects against dust pollution, drafts and inclement weather. This same design also provides an effective barrier against unauthorized personnel. The door’s fast speed confines access to traffic that belongs in the building.

Furthermore, the spiral door’s next generation System 4door controller boasts an intelligent processor and variable frequency drive to generate an energy efficient speed curve for smooth motion and soft starting and stopping. Electronics replace high-maintenance mechanical parts for reliable operation, less downtime and greater control.

Rytec Corp.
888-467-9832
www.rytecdoors.com

ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED INDUSTRIAL CARTS

Canada-based SailRail Automated Systems showcased its extensive line of ergonomically designed and integrated industrial carts, turntables, lift tables and tilt tables.

This lineup of equipment offers interface ranges from manual operator control with fork truck loading/unloading to fully automated systems with robotic and AGV delivery.

SailRail Automated Systems Inc.
905-948-1500
www.sailrail.com

SINGLE, MULTIPLE LINE ORDER PROCESSING SYSTEM

The new UltraBatch single and multiple line order processing work station from Integrated Systems Design, Wixom, Mich., is said to increase operator throughput by up to 1/3, increasing accuracy and matching order profiles automatically.

The UltraBatch work station can be integrated and configured to work with manual, semi-manual and fully automated goods-to-person inventory storage systems. In goods-to-person systems, for example, the work station is configured so SKUs/inventory is automatically presented to the operator at an ergonomic height. Simultaneously, totes or shipping containers are automatically staged at thigh height for filling of orders. Totes may be divided to support multiple orders or SKUs if cube allows.

Integrated software presents the description, part number and photo of each item to be picked to assure accuracy. The screen also tells the operator how many items must be picked. The integrated pick-to-light displays tell the operator where to place the picked items and the quantity for each location.

For operations with a high concentration of single line orders, a consolidation process is employed. One 'Put' location is dedicated to single line orders. Each product tote is evaluated for opportunity single line picks when presented for other picks. If required, the system will direct the operator to pick any single line order items from each tote as it is at the station for other picks. When a single line order tote is complete, it is automatically released and routed to a deconsolidation/packing station. In fact, the entire system inducts, releases and introduces new totes and shipping containers automatically. The operator simply pushes a task complete button after each transaction is complete and lets the system do the rest.

Depending on throughput requirements, one UltraBatch work station can have access to tens of thousands of SKUs, thus eliminating tremendous amounts of labor. Plus, it can be implemented into new and existing order picking systems.

Integrated Systems Design, a subsidiary of Andersen Material Handling
248-668-8250
www.isddd.com