Modern’s 2014 Casebook

The results of our recently concluded 2013 Warehouse and Distribution Center (DC) Operations Survey continue to validate our reports that
despite the recent upturn in materials handling equipment orders, there indeed seems to be mixed signals in terms of spending within the
nation’s four walls.

There’s that group that remains hesitant, staying cautious and doing the best they can with the equipment and systems that have taken their operations through the recession. And then there are the mavericks, those warehouse and distribution centers that have placed materials handling innovation at the top of their list as a result of insightful long-term planning—or out of the realization that their company’s future now rests on the productivity metrics inside their four walls.

It’s for those savvy materials handling professionals—as well as those who are now putting their upgrade plans together—that Modern Materials Handling proudly offers the 2014 Casebook, a reference guide designed to inspire innovation and investment. It’s jam-packed with case studies as well as the most comprehensive directories available of materials handling equipment manufacturers and related information management technology vendors.

The 2014 Casebook features 35 case studies that put the spotlight on successful innovation projects. Modern readers will learn how savvy operations are solving lift truck management issues by putting upgraded software and robotics to work; implementing new automated packaging solutions; putting new automation and conveyor systems to the task; and taking steps to implement or upgrade information management and software to improve visibility and streamline labor relations.

The editorial team at Modern is well aware of the challenging fiscal environment in which materials handling professionals have been operating over the past several years; however, we also understand the costs of not following through on overdue improvement projects that are designed to boost productivity in the long run.

It’s our hope that the 2014 Casebook and Buyers’ Guide will continue to inspire the innovation and investment that will keep your warehouse and distribution operation on the road to success for many years to come.

Lift Trucks
• Fleet maintenance program enhances predictability of uptime and costs

• Recycler conquers rough terrain with industrial lift truck

• One-person electric scooters help large facilities pick up the pace

• Safety equipment manufacturer protects customers and employees

• Nimble lift trucks in the warehouse and on the road

• Single-point battery watering keeps equipment clean

Fixed Path
• Car seat maker finds comfort with automation

• AGVs play with manufacturing

• Sorter rebuild keeps DC on track to meet peak season demand

• Manufacturer deploys robotic industrial trucks

• Automated facility delivers sustainable growth

• Custom vertical reciprocating conveyor lifts 50-foot-long materials

• Custom manufacturer uses carts to safely move product through production

• Drum motor withstands harsh environments

• AGVs keep product moving around the clock

Packaging
• Load transfer station prevents product damage wasted labor

• Weather-ready labels improve accuracy and efficiency

• Robotic palletizer’s safety features enable non-stop production

• Food producer cuts knives out of the packaging process

• Office Depot reduces packaging with reusable containers

• Sustainable packaging protects sensitive products in transit

Storage/Staging
• Mezzanine elevates storage density and productivity

• Curtain walls perform under pressure

• LED lighting eliminates maintenance headaches

• Europe’s biggest fruit producer implements the FIFO method

• Beverage distributor’s automated system builds mixed pallets

• Vertical storage systems provide unexpected benefits

• Fabric distributor solves storage crisis

• Sliding curtain improves employee comfort, productivity

• Pick modules boost retailer’s shipping capacity

Information Management
• Light-directed put stations optimize split case fulfillment

• Distributor leverages voice for multiple workflows

• Brewery uses asset-tracking software to monitor kegs

Dock Equipment
• Low-speed fans accelerate production