Cross-docking made easy

Cross-docking equipment helps companies meet customers' demands for quick and accurate product delivery.

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 10/1/1998

Cross-docking--the movement of goods from the receiving dock directly to the loading dock, without being stored in a warehouse or distribution center--allows companies to expedite the flow of products to their customers. To make sure this process runs smoothly, it's important that shippers choose the right equipment.

Shippers today can choose from a wide array of equipment, ranging from automatic-identification technology to carousels to dock levelers. The following is just a sample of what's currently available.

Creform Logis-Tech Corp. offers the new Automated Guided Cart (AGC). Users can design the cart to meet their specific application needs. The AGC is constructed from modular Creform pipe and joint components and its "plug and play" installation in an existing floor plan requires no modifications to facilities and will not disrupt production.

The Creform AGC--which is available with drive units rated for 500- or 800-pound load capacities--can be configured as a tractor-type unit capable of pulling a train of carts or as a part-carrying cart. In addition, the AGC can be designed as a point-of-use rack, transferring numerous parts or kits to a single assembly station or to multiple work locations.

A variety of safety features, including flashing lights, a bumper unit with a collision switch, an infrared obstacle sensor, and more can be added to each cart. A mechanical lever allows personnel to override automatic operation and manually position carts.

For its guidance system, the AGC uses magnetic induction--a sensor in the drive unit that steers the cart along a predetermined route established by magnetic self-adhesive tape placed on the floor. Pieces of tape, set in specific patterns perpendicular to the guide tape, signal the AGC to slow down, stop, and to fork left or right. If a change in routing is required, the existing tape pattern can be removed and a new route easily set in place.

The drive unit mounts on the bottom of the cart. A 12-volt, deep cycle battery provides the power source.