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February 2003

Direct reports: The FKI Logistex Automation Division has unveiled its real-time Wireless Information Module (WIM), a wireless application that provides instantaneous data reporting to handheld Pocket PCs by communicating directly with the main system controller.

Using wireless Ethernet technology, the FKI Logistex WIM captures system statistics and maintenance data in real time and transmits them to the target Pocket PC anywhere within a facility, offering operators a snapshot of current system performance. The handheld unit’s simple Windows-format graphical user interface allows for swift interpretation of statistics and maintenance alerts, including diverts, “no-reads,” alarms and exception notifications. Users can scroll quickly and easily through each page by tapping the Pocket PC touchscreen.

The FKI Logistex WIM is designed for busy DC managers, who can benefit from remote access to critical data previously only available on fixed screens at monitoring stations scattered throughout the facility. By monitoring and reporting data such as individual conveyor lane information and sorter status, as well as current and historical carton cycle rates down to individual I/O points, the module offers a granular level of control and provides early warning of anomalies throughout the system. (FKI Logistex Automation Division, (513) 874-0788, www.fkilogistex.com/automation)

Its internal combustion engine, new to the U.S. market for trucks in this class, gives users the versatility to operate indoors and out. Coupled with hydrostatic drive and cushion tires, the vehicle can perform yard handling tasks over semi-rough terrain as easily as it handles pallet-load storage.

The truck features capacities to 4,400 pounds, lift heights to 30 feet and the ability to operate in aisles as narrow as 78 inches. Its narrow-aisle configuration can result in aisle savings of 50 percent with consequent increases in storage capacity of 30 percent compared to vehicles designed to operate in aisles that are 12 to 14 feet wide.

The Aisle-Master 44S can negotiate dock board and ramp angles to operate in truck trailers and railcars. This capability allows warehouse operators to load transport vehicles as well as work in rackstorage environments, eliminating staging and double handling.

The articulated design permits the mast, forks and front wheels to turn through 180 degrees so that loads can be placed in pallet openings on either side of the aisle without having to change the truck’s orientation. (Aisle-Master Ltd., (877) 280-4910, www.aisle-master.com)

Going with the flow: Creative Storage Systems introduces its UniversALL Flow dynamic storage system, designed to reduce the need for wooden pallets. The system allows customers to load items on corrugated or plastic slipsheets with loads of up to 2,500 pounds for use in first-in first-out or push-back systems.

The system combines a speed-controlled wide roller flow bed with an exit zone that lowers support rollers when platens contact the strike plate. That allows forks or platens to slide below the slipsheets. Wheels support the load in the exit position. Support rollers then rise into place as the load leaves the exit zone, advancing following loads to the stop position.

The system, which is able to flow most wooden and plastic pallets in the same lane, provides first-in first-out storage of like SKUs. Alternatively, the push-back system provides first-in last-out storage of like SKUs in the same lane.

The company says implementing the system requires little downtime—it can be installed incrementally or all at once throughout a distribution center. (Creative Storage Systems, (770) 514 - 0711, www.creativestorage.com)

Enhancements to the integration framework include a real-time, graphical network monitor, which allows users to see any transactional problems that exist across the network, with the ability to drill down to detect and repair the underlying problem, and embedded event management, a function that notifies appropriate personnel if a transactional problem occurs so that they can take corrective action. These alerts can be communicated via multiple media, such as email, pagers and cell phones. (RedPrairie Corp., (888) 624- 8448, www.RedPrairie.com)

You're skewed: You’re skewed: The Axiom 400, a high-performance bar-code scanner designed for a range of material handling applications, reads all common industrial bar codes and incorporates the company’s data reconstruction technology for help with damaged, poorly printed or skewed codes. The scanner, which is available from Accu-Sort Systems, comes with userconfigurable software and standard Ethernet connectivity. The unit is equipped with four laser diodes, providing a read range of 80 inches and a scan rate of 1,400 scans per second. The scanner is designed for highspeed applications of up to 600 feet per minute and minimum object spacing of two inches. (Accu-Sort Systems Inc., (800) BAR-CODE, www.accusort.com)

Free flow, not free fall: Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc. has added a new safety gate to its product line. The Pallet Flow Pick Module Swing Gate is designed for high bay rack picking modules integrated with flow rails. Pallet Flow Pick Module Swing Gates are suitable for picking bays with multiple deep pallets in which pallet flow prohibits the use of dual gate safety devices. The gates open automatically when the pallet is pushed into position on the pallet flow rails and close automatically when the pallet flows into the picking position.

The safety gates fit into all manufacturers’ racks and can be designed for new construction projects or retrofitted into existing systems, according to the company. “We saw a great need for safety devices in high bay rack picking bays,” says Aaron Conway, vice president of Mezzanine Safeti-Gates. “In many distribution centers, the flow system allows multiple pallets to be stored deep in the rack bays. These bays are being decked over and employees are walking out onto these areas when pallets get hung up or stalled. Typically, these areas are open and offer no protection to employees, and customers have indicated that falls from these areas have resulted in serious injuries and some fatalities.”

Assembly of the Pallet Flow Pick Module Swing Gate is easy, and the rugged construction ensures low maintenance. Hinge brackets attach to the existing rack, and the gates attach to the brackets. Strong torsion springs allow the gates to open and close automatically. Preengineered units have few moving parts, and meet or exceed OSHA and BOCA requirements. Standard gates are 42 inches in height and are available in various widths. Pallet Flow Pick Module Gates can also be custom-made to accommodate various heights and widths. (Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc., (978) 768-7593, www.MezzanineSafetyGates.com)

One word-Plastics: Alvey Systems, an FK I Logistex member, has introduced the Pallet Mat Conveyor, a new style of pallet conveyor using a molded plastic conveying surface for load transportation as opposed to traditional rollers or chains.

Alvey’s new Pallet Mat Conveyor, which can be used in tandem with palletizers like Alvey’s 780 Series, features continuous slider pans that fully support the conveyor belt, enabling it to convey unstable or fragile unit loads such as loads of empty aluminum cans. This continuous surface also helps eliminate damage that can occur to plastic pallets that operate on multi-stand chain conveyors.

At standard lengths of five and 10 feet, the Pallet Mat Conveyor has as its standard drive a shaftmounted reducer/motor with a square shaft and metal tooth sprockets. With a weight capacity of up to 3,000 pounds, the conveyor operates at standard speeds of between 30 and 90 feet per minute. (Alvey Systems, (314) 993-4700, www.alvey.com)

Easy pickings: Easy pickings: Unex Manufacturing has introduced an Add-On Pick Tray option for its Span-Track low-profile racks. The option converts an existing rack into a split case picking system, accommodating users who want to change over from full case picking to loose pick applications without buying additional pallet racks or reworking components. The tray, which can be added to any pallet rack with carton flow, is made with galvanized steel and can hold boxes of up to 50 pounds per foot.

Measuring 15 inches deep, the tray integrates easily with pick-to-light systems, according to the manufacturer. (Unex Manufacturing, (800) 334 -8639, www.unex.com)

Easy to use and install, Dri-It comes complete with a peelable adhesive backing to affix to interior walls of storage units. For best results, Dri-It should be applied as high as possible along the wall, since moisture rises. Dri-It can also be placed on top of stored items or along the floor. (Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging, (800) 989-3374,
www.s-cpp.com)

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