Click here to go back to the top of the article

Splicing, transfer point solutions

Flexco showcased its portfolio of splicing and transfer point solutions, including the Segmented Transfer Plates (as seen here), which help prevent product and foreign object debris from jamming in the transfer.

Flexco, Downers Grove, Ill., showcased its portfolio of splicing and transfer point solutions.

For example, its Segmented Transfer Plates is designed to accommodate both large and small gaps between transfers, and helps prevent product and foreign object debris from jamming in the transfer.

The air-cooled Novitool Aero Splice Press now features state-of-the-art technology and the exclusive Aero Recipe Management Tool, making it easier to operate and producing endless splices in a fraction of the time of water-cooled presses.

Also on display were the Clipper Wire Hook System and Alligator Ready Set Staple System. Said to be the most common splicing solution for the package handling systems, the abrasion-resistant, high-tensile hooks and the quick installation methods make them ideal for more demanding applications.

Heavy-duty stackable pallets with lip

Flexcon Container introduced the new heavy duty 45x48-inch stackable pallet with lip, ideal for in-house, closed loop and export applications.

Flexcon Container, Berkeley Heights, N.J., introduced the new heavy duty 45x48-inch stackable pallet with lip, ideal for in-house, closed loop and export applications.

This pallet is said to be 35% stronger than the company’s last version.

Its durable 1-piece construction achieves 3,000 pounds of dynamic capacity, and 20,000 pounds of static capacity.

This pallet is high-pressure molded for increased durability and strength, and an improved deck substantially reduces deflection under load.

Features include:

• 4-way forklift entry.
• 1-inch discontinuous lip.
• 6-runner (Cruciform) bottom.
• 100% recyclable.
• 468 per trailer.

Plus, these pallets can be sanitized with water or steam, making them safe and sanitary for storage and shipping.

Automated pallet, parcel dimensioning

FreightSnap displayed its automated pallet and parcel dimensioning solutions designed for warehouse, cross-dock and distribution center environments.

FreightSnap, Lenexa, Kan., displayed its automated pallet and parcel dimensioning solutions designed for warehouse, cross-dock and distribution center environments.

Capable of measuring cubic and irregular-shaped objects in just a few seconds, FreightSnap’s solutions help LTL carriers, shippers, freight-forwarders and 3PLs optimize their measuring and weighing processes.

These measuring products can be combined with scales to capture weight, and can be integrated with back-office TMS, WMS and ERP systems. In addition, FreightSnap offers a web-based portal, where companies can view and share measurements and photos of every shipment they dimension.

Picking, moving, sortation robot

The P800 picking robot from Geek+ is equipped with advanced SLAM laser navigation technology, so that it can follow floor markings or navigate point-to-point.

Geek+ (Beijing Geekplus Technology), China, demonstrated its line of picking, moving and sortation robots.

The P800 picking robot, for instance, is equipped with cutting-edge advanced SLAM laser navigation technology, so that it can follow floor markings or navigate point-to-point. The P800 maintains a maximum load of 1,000 kg and can operate in temperatures from -22°F to 122°F, making it ideal for handling refrigerated goods. Picking robots lift and carry portable shelves to packing stations.

Business analytical tools streamline supply chain workflows

HighJump’s new business analytics tool, HighJump Visual Insights, combined with HighJump’s Automation Aware warehouse management system, creates a single, comprehensive solution that streamlines supply chain workflows.

HighJump, Minneapolis, showcased its latest innovations, designed to enable supply chain professionals to revolutionize their workflows by tapping into the automated and connected supply chain of the future.

HighJump’s new business analytics tool, HighJump Visual Insights, combined with HighJump’s Automation Aware warehouse management system (WMS) creates a single, comprehensive solution that streamlines supply chain workflows.

Leveraging the power of the HighJump One Platform and the cloud, HighJump will roll out a series of new capabilities benefiting its full suite of solutions.

• HighJump Automation Aware warehouse management system (WMS). In partnership with Inconso, a Germany-based sister company within Körber Logistics Systems, Germany, the abilities of HighJump’s WMS solutions will be extended with automation control through the Inconso warehouse control system (WCS).
• HighJump Image inMotion. The application, which enables any smartphone or tablet to be a RF scanner, will drive efficient, digital workflows in the warehouse and yard by capturing signatures at end of line and printing outbound documents from the device of the employee’s choice.
• HighJump Visual Insights. Building on HighJump’s actionable analytics capabilities, this new solution moves beyond graphs and charts, connecting data to the real-world for the first time. By overlaying information on visuals of the facility, employees can instantly see where, when and how to execute to improve processes.
• HighJump inAction Social Connector. HighJump will enable consumers to interact on Facebook messenger to check the status of their orders. The technology will automate customer service and empower companies to quickly scale their businesses by localizing responses to fit today’s global market.

Automation & software solutions

Honeywell Intelligrated featured the latest automation and software solutions to power the Connected Distribution Center, which helps companies make the digital transformation necessary to increase reliability, improve utilization and maximize productivity.

Honeywell Intelligrated, Cincinnati, featured the latest automation and software solutions to power the Connected Distribution Center, which helps companies make the digital transformation necessary to increase reliability, improve utilization and maximize productivity.

Honeywell Intelligrated’s integrated booth demonstration showed a goods-to-operator (GTO) fulfillment workflow, combining a shuttle-driven automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS), vertical lift conveyor, light-directed picking and put walls.

Additional booth features included:

• Momentum warehouse execution system (WES). An enterprise software platform that provides distribution centers a single, centralized system to manage operations, such as automated order picking, routing of products, inventory and labor. The software is scalable and configurable to allow customers to select from an ever-expanding list of robust modules. 
• Labor management software (LMS). Incentivize employee performance with tools to improve engagement and reduce labor costs.
• TechSight connected maintenance solution. Leverages the power of augmented reality and smart glasses to improve live technical support, troubleshooting and diagnosis.
• Sortation solutions. Handle a variety of products and packaging types with push-tray, bomb-bay, tilt-tray, cross-belt and dual-tray loop sortation technologies.

Industrial fans

Hunter Industrial Fans, the industrial division of the Hunter Fan Co., showcased its Titan fan, with blades that span 14-24 feet.

Hunter Industrial Fans, the Nashville, Tenn.-based industrial division of the Hunter Fan Co., showcased its Titan 18-foot fan, purpose-built direct drive motor and blade section and the ECO fan.

The Titan high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fan blades span 14-24 feet.

The ECO fan is said to be among the most lightweight and economical industrial fans on the market.

Both the ECO and the Titan offer a full range of control options, including standard 1:1 analog control and touchscreen controls with network capability and the flexibility to manage up to 30 fans.

Material handling solutions

Hytrol, Jonesboro, Ark., showcased a team of material handling solutions, including:

Connex is a plastic chain conveyor for the packaging and food production industries. The loop includes the company’s new patented ProSort SS sweep sorter and spirals.

Narrow Belt Accumulator is a patent-pending, all-electric narrow belt accumulator that provides lower acquisition vs. pneumatic systems. 

Attendees also toured the renovated Hytrol Technology Center, a unique augmented reality experience that allows multiple show-goers to share the virtual world. Attendees collaboratively explored an immersive room-sized space—no headsets required. This experience was developed jointly with the Emerging Analytics Center at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, Ark.

Spiral lift solution

Interroll presented its new Spiral Lift, a safe, quiet and efficient material handling solution with a customizable 45-degree increment design for added flexibility.

Interroll, Wilmongton, N.C., presented its new Spiral Lift, a safe, quiet and efficient material handling solution with a customizable 45-degree increment design that provides facility managers with maximum flexibility for each project.

In addition, the Spiral Lift features a small footprint that enables superior space utilization and contains overlapping slats, which prevent jams from occurring, ensuring added operator safety. The new lift also includes a ball bearing and self-tensioning chain drive, which results in significant energy savings and low maintenance requirements, respectively. When service is needed, it is easy to access the chain mechanism, reducing downtime to a minimum.

Custom solutions for racking manufacturers

ITC Manufacturing showcased fully custom solutions for racking manufacturers and end-users to ensure a streamlined warehousing process.

ITC Manufacturing, Phoenix, Ariz., showcased fully custom solutions for racking manufacturers and end-users to ensure a streamlined warehousing process.

Strategic alliance drives supply chain efficiencies

JDA Software, Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Ernst & Young LLP (EY), London, formed a global strategic alliance to drive supply chain efficiencies, assess current and future supply chain needs and determine an approach to reinventing the supply chain for clients.

JDA Software also to released findings from its 2018 Intelligent Manufacturing Survey, where findings suggest manufacturers are embracing a new retail-like role and are willing to cater to both consumer needs and the competitive direct-to-consumer space.

Vehicle-mount computer

JLT Mobile Computers’ new JLT6012 logistics computer is a rugged vehicle-mount computer with an innovative platform design.

JLT Mobile Computers, Tempe, Ariz., launched the JLT6012 logistics computer, a new generation of rugged vehicle-mount computers with innovative platform design. The new terminal constitutes a platform for building innovative mobile IT solutions, including hardware, software and services for the needs of tomorrow. Featuring a compact design, modern Windows, Android or Linux operating systems and the user-friendly JLT PowerTouch PCT technology, the JLT6012 computer provides familiarity to all generations of users without compromising the ruggedness required to run uninterrupted for many years of tough handling in the most challenging environments. Further, it provides features that make users’ workdays easier, such as quick and easy login and identification with RFID tags, high brightness displays with adjustable auto-dimming for both indoor and outdoor usage and easily accessed programmable function buttons. The JLT6012 also provides a wide range 9-72 VDC isolated power supply with UPS functionality, making it suitable for installation in most types of vehicles, including electrical, gas and diesel-powered trucks. The new JLT6012 computer boasts programmable I/O port, RFID and NFC technology and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) such as gyro and accelerometer.

JLT also introduced the new JLT Technology Services suite, which includes site surveys, installation and deployment services, hardware and wireless as a service (HaaS/WaaS) and project management. Before beginning a deployment, JLT can evaluate the project, test compatibility with existing devices and create a deployment plan to avoid common pitfalls. The JLT Technology Services suite also offers setup of wireless networks as well as 24/7 performance monitoring of any wireless systems.

Remote support platform monitors status of customer's installed systems

Kardex Remstar launched a new cloud-based Remote Support platform, designed to continuously monitor the status of a customer’s installed systems and remotely maintain them when necessary.

Kardex Remstar, Westbrook, Maine, launched a new cloud-based Remote Support platform, designed to continuously monitor the status of a customer’s installed systems and remotely maintain them when necessary. There are two features included in the new Remote Support platform. First, Remote Assistance, which manages remote diagnostics, allowing for simple maintenance requests to be performed remotely instead of on-site, thus reducing downtime. Secondly, Remote Analytics, which gives users access to machine data anywhere via a web browser.

Also on display were the new LR 35 Vertical Buffer Module (VBM), a bin handling solution for any company involved in handling single-part or small-volume orders. The unit consists of a shelf system with automatic bin handling, picking stations and its own logistics software. Furthermore, the LR 35 operates on the “goods-to-person” principle, bringing totes of small items directly to the operator with minimal wait time.

The Shuttle XP Vertical Lift Module (VLM), also on display, is the foundation of smart order picking solutions. Power Pick Global inventory management software enables smart storage strategies such as batch picking, and integrates user-friendly features such as pick-to-light and put-to-light. The Shuttle XP can now be equipped with a new light technology called Access Ready, which helps operators visualize when the tray is in the access opening and ready for picking or putting.

Kardex Remstar, LLC
800-639-5805
www.kardexremstar.com