MOBILE WORK EXECUTION SOLUTIONS

Lucas Systems, Wexford, Pa., introduced new mobile work execution solutions that optimize hands-on warehouse tasks from receiving through picking, shipping and returns, thus improving distribution center efficiency.

The new solutions incorporate Jennifer voice-directed mobile applications and Lucas work execution software provide work optimization, process configuration and orchestration capabilities. The solutions also feature the Engage Management dashboard, which provides real-time visibility, reporting and process management.

Additional software components entail:

• The Lucas Work Execution Server, which provides flexible, intelligent work optimization and orchestration capabilities. The server software allows distribution centers to modify their picking and other processes without making changes to existing systems.
• Jennifer Mobile, a multi-modal mobile application for voice picking and other warehouse tasks. Jennifer streamlines hands-on processes for warehouse associates using voice direction, industrial-grade speech recognition, barcode scanning and other mobile data capture and display technologies such as smartwatches.
• Engage, a web-based management dashboard that provides real-time management reporting and system configuration tools. Engage gives supervisors and managers real-time visibility into their operations, exceptions, associate productivity and workflow, as well as powerful tools to manage mobile work execution on the warehouse floor.
• Lucas Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) components, which provide standards-based interfaces to leading WMS and LMS packages, other software used in the DC and legacy, ERP and other back-end systems. Lucas EAI simplifies host integration, minimizing implementation time, risk and cost for IT organizations.

Lucas Systems, Inc.
724-940-7000
www.lucasware.com

FORKLIFT MOUNT—DISTRACTED DRIVING SOLUTION

Canada-based Precision Mounting Technologies Ltd. added forklift mounts, a distracted driving solution that limits the functionality of mobile computers while the vehicle is moving.

These forklift mounts are uniquely designed to attach to a variety of positions on the forklift for ease-of use/access to computers and increased mobile workforce productivity. Mounts can be adapted and installed in overhead cage, vertical pillar and/or dash locations on the forklift truck.

Meanwhile, Motion Manager is a microcontroller-based peripheral that incorporates sensor technology. When connected via a USB port to a Microsoft Windows computer, the system is setup to blank the display when the sensed vehicle is in motion above the configured threshold. It helps prevent distracted driving by complying with legislation and corporate safety policies.

Precision Mounting Technologies Ltd.
403-216-5080
www.precisionmounts.com

WHEEL STANDS, PALLET TRUCKS, GPS FEATURES

Yale Materials Handling Corp., Greenville, N.C., launched the new ESC030AD 3-wheel stand for demanding retail, cold storage and food processing environments. With enhanced ergonomic features and a new Clear View mast, this stand allows operators to stack and transport pallets with ease. Equipped with a smart ride floor system, the 3-wheel stand is said to eliminate up to 65% of shock and vibrations transmitted to the operator from irregular floor surfaces. The system does not require adjustments for operator weight, and functions in environments with extreme temperatures and conditions like washdown and food processing. Additionally, the trucks’ new side-stance control handle with proportional functionality enables precise load positioning. The Clear View mast is said to deliver 20-40% greater visibility, and the smaller 13- and 16-inch battery compartment permits improved maneuverability in tight spaces.

Yale’s MPB045VG walkie pallet truck now features what is said to be the first commercially available Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-recognized lithium-ion battery pack in the forklift industry. With an extended run time, excellent charging capabilities and small footprint, the new lithium-ion battery offers an efficient power alternative for retail, beverage and food delivery applications. Designed to last up to five times longer than traditional lead acid batteries, this battery drastically reduces downtime and expensive battery replacements, can be repeatedly charged to 100% capacity without an equalization charge and is intended for charging with no negative memory effects.

Yale also announced that it will be adding a GPS feature to its Yale Vision wireless asset management system. The GPS enhancement adds a heightened layer of monitoring to track lift truck fleet movement and impact locations, providing actionable real-time data to help optimize materials handling operations. This new feature tracks the operation and location of a customer’s lift trucks, allowing warehouse and distribution managers to monitor operations as they happen and make changes or take action as needed. The GPS data extracted from lift truck routes can also provide insights about high-risk collision areas and route efficiency to influence informed decisions about facility layout and high traffic areas. 

Yale Materials Handling Corp.
252-830-0261
www.yale.com

 

SHUTTLE-BASED AS/R SOLUTION FOR FREEZER WAREHOUSES
Retrotech Inc., Rochester, N.Y., introduced the newest line of its PTS, a shuttle-based automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) specifically designed for the severe environments found in freezer warehouses.

The newest Retrotech PTS is engineered and tested exclusively for customers looking to address the growing demand for order fulfillment at case and less-than-case quantities in frozen goods distribution centers.  

Retrotech, Inc.
866-915-2777
www.retrotech.com

DOCK SHELTER DOORS

Rite-Hite, Milwaukee, Wis., released the Eclipse dock shelter system designed to provide the tightest seal possible at docks that serve lift-gate trailers or require trailer doors to be opened inside the building for maximum supply chain integrity and security. This shelter, together with the PitMaster sealing system, provides a tight, consistent seal on all four sides of the dock opening. Special design features ensure tight sealing against trailer sides, across the full width of the trailer top and at the corners, without interfering with trailer doors being opened and closed after the trailer has been parked at the dock.

The Eclipse NH also features an exclusive double-seal technology along the sides of the trailer, which produces a tighter, more consistent seal along trailer sides than ordinary shelters. Side curtains are built with high-strength Durathon fabric, which features a friction-resistant surface. Along the top of the trailer, an exclusive weighted head curtain applies more than 100 pounds of pressure across the full width of the trailer top. This gravity-based system keeps the curtain in constant contact with the trailer during loading and unloading, and automatically adjusts to all trailer heights, with no manual activation required. Below and around the dock leveler, Rite-Hite’s exclusive PitMaster under-leveler sealing system provides a barrier against environmental infiltration on the exterior of the dock. Meanwhile, lip corner seals, filler pads and other components block gaps on the inside of the dock.

The FasTrax series of XL doors can now be found in a super-sized version—in sizes up to 24 feet by 24 feet. The roll-up design of FasTrax XL doors allows them to operate at speeds up to 52 inches per second, minimizing air intrusion, maximizing productivity and decreasing the likelihood of forklift/door collisions. If bumped or impacted, a FasTrax door will automatically return itself back onto the door track thanks to TRUE Auto Re-feed technology. And, Soft-Edge technology immediately stops the door when tripped by a pedestrian, forklift or other object. Designed to withstand harsh weather and high-wind speeds, the FasTrax XL can handle up to 35 pounds per square foot, is made from DuraMax 100 mil polypropylene and is powered by a 2-horsepower drive system that includes a mount control interface and NEMA 4X control box.

Rite-Hite also made the loading dock a safer and more secure place with the Dok-Lok SHR-5000 and the Dok-Commander control system. Designed to secure intermodal chassis and trailers with rear-impact guard (RIG) obstructions, the Dok-Lok SHR-5000 features patented “shadow hook” technology. When activated, the hook provides what is said to be themost substantial wrap in the industry, creating a 2-point entrapment on the RIG.If the hook comes in contact with a RIG obstruction, the shadow hook pivots to secure the trailer in place. Meanwhile, the Dok-Commander links with the facility’s security system and alerts building security if an engaged restraint is tampered with. The system also comes with an interlock feature to ensure equipment is engaged in the proper sequence of operation. A Supply Chain Integrity Sequence disables the use of a hydraulic leveler or overhead door until the vehicle restraint achieves a safe engagement. A Door Protection Sequence requires the overhead door to be opened prior to leveler operation, and is stored safely before the restraint releases a trailer.

Rite-Hite Corp.
800-456-0600
www.ritehite.com

SORTERS, SPIRAL LIFT CONVEYOR

Interroll, Wilmington, N.C., presented its latest lineup of Crossbelt Sorters, designed to operate on a mostly mechanical basis, keeping electronic components to a minimum. The main drives work with up to 90% efficiency. The simple, modular design makes initial installation and relocation or reconfiguration of an existing system easy with minimal downtime and labor requirements. Able to safely handle a wide range of items—from eggs to heavier goods—customers can choose from a horizontal configuration (circular layout) or vertical configuration (linear layout). Operational advantages include compact design to help save space, low energy consumption, high- and low-speed operations for maximum flexibility and the ability to handle the widest range of parcel types and sizes.

Interroll also unveiled the prototype of its new spiral lift concept, the new, soon-to-be-launched spiral lift conveyor, designed for continuous vertical movement of product. The Spiral Lift will be developed to serve numerous applications, such as industrial and manufacturing operations, warehouses and food processing plants. Benefits include capable of handling heavy workloads, requires only a single drive, energy efficient and is said to be quieter than other systems.

Interroll Corp.
910-799-1100
www.interroll.com

WAREHOUSE EXECUTIVE SYSTEM

Intelligrated, Mason, Ohio, demonstrated its warehouse execution systems, an innovative platform that acts as the operational brain, adjusting workflow through constant analysis of orders, inventory, labor, processes and equipment information to provide accuracy and speed for e-commerce and omni-channel fulfillment. This WES platform combines warehouse management, warehouse control and order fulfillment software functionalities to remove the silos of traditional warehouse systems and streamline order planning and fulfillment execution. It offers gate-to-gate visibility with real-time order statuses. And, this single-source solution reduces software integration points, improving solution stability, lowering implementation costs and simplifying maintenance and support. The modular design features pre-built apps and easy integration with Intelligrated labor management and business intelligence software to enhance labor efficiency and operational productivity.

Intelligrated also showcasedIntelliSort sortation solutions, developed to deliver fast, accurate handling of the widest range of product and packaging types. These cross-belt sorters handle high-capacity applications with high-friction, fragile items and offer patent-pending “Dynamic Discharge Compensation” for improved sortation accuracy. The company’s sliding shoe sorters offer what is said to be the highest throughput rates in the industry, with efficient, gentle handling of polybags, totes and cartons, backed by proactive sorter maintenance software to ensure maximum uptime.

Ideal for high-volume, high-turn inventory storage applications, Intelligrated’s AS/RS provide quick access to a variety of totes and carton sizes in a reduced footprint.

And, the company’s one-level shuttle (OLS) system reduces storage labor requirements and supports a variety of fulfillment workflows, including goods-to-operator, full and break-pack picking, product sequencing and buffering, order consolidation and route-based sequencing.

Intelligrated
866-936-7300
www.intelligrated.com

VARIABLE POWER TECHNOLOGY FOR LIFT TRUCKS

Hyster Co., Greenville, N.C., showcased its robust range of engines featuring Hyster Variable Power Technology, an advanced feature that provides adjustable performance modes, so customers can maximize productivity or fuel economy to fit their specific application requirements.

Hyster Variable Power Technology offers the ability to achieve a balance of enhanced performance and superior fuel economy during peak business periods when moving more loads is integral to the success of the operation.

Hyster Co.
800-497-8371
www.hyster.com