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Witron's newly developed Goods-To-Person solution (GTP) integrated into their OPM concept, makes it possible to pick and consolidate food items in an ergonomic, cost-efficient, and store-friendly manner directly onto pallets & roll containers.
Picking and consolidating items across all product ranges in the logistics centers of food retailers that cannot be automated is not an easy task, both in terms of process technology and ergonomics. In most cases, these products are picked separately in different areas using conventional picking methods. With the OPM / COM solution, WITRON has already succeeded in stacking the very largest part from the dry, fresh, and frozen goods range fully automatically, error-free, and store-friendly onto pallets or roll containers. With the full integration of the newly developed Goods-To-Person solution (GTP) into the overall OPM concept, it is now possible to pick and consolidate these items in an ergonomic, cost-efficient, and store-friendly manner directly onto the pallets / roll containers that were already pre-picked in the OPM.
High store service and important recruiting criterion
Particularly in the fresh and frozen food area, but also in the dry goods range, customers like to use this solution because of the selected number of items that cannot be handled fully automatically - and not only with a focus on high customer and store service. With an increasing shortage of skilled workers in the logistics environment in particular, trendsetting workstations are another important recruiting criterion for presenting oneself as an attractive employer and thus generating sustainable competitive advantages - economically, ecologically, and socially.
Intelligent workstation for products, which are difficult to automate
To date, more than 95 percent of the complete product range in food retailing can be efficiently stored and picked with WITRON’s fully automated OPM / COM solution. The only exceptions here are a small number of products such as very heavy items, items with oversize, or items that are not suitable due to their characteristics.
Previously, when such “ugly” items were included in a supermarket’s store order, they were picked manually in a conventional warehouse area, usually with the help of pick mobiles. For this purpose, all cases that could be picked by the OPM system were first placed fully automatically onto a pallet / roll container. The load carrier was then transported via a conveyor system to the conventional warehouse area, where an operator consolidated the outstanding items onto the load carrier. The result was mostly long driving distances to often pick only a small number of items in a complex manner.
Picking and consolidation of these “difficult” items now takes place - completely system-controlled and fully integrated into the OPM material flow process - at a semi-automated stationary GTP workstation. Depending on customer demands and configuration, cases can be picked either from an OPM tray or a storage pallet onto store pallets / roll containers. The solution can be used in temperature-controlled areas as well as in dry assortments and generates many benefits throughout the logistics process.
Economical, ecological, social
Based on an intelligent stacking algorithm, the cases are provided either on storage pallets or OPM trays system-controlled via a conveyor system at the GTP workstation. Order-related requirements, such as consolidation by product group, can thus be met more easily.
Picking errors are largely eliminated by using the latest visualization tools and by sequencing the provision of storage and dispatch units. The system specifies the picks to be made in the correct sequence.
Depending on the GTP type, the walking distances for employees at the GTP workstation are completely eliminated or reduced to a minimum. Unergonomic lifting and carrying are also reduced.
If cases are provided on trays in temperature-controlled areas (fresh / frozen), the GTP workstation can even be situated in a warmer working environment, as the cold chain is not interrupted due to the short provision time.
The CO2 footprint is improved because a wide range of product parameters (size, weight, handling, stability) can be combined when building a customer pallet / roll container, which also significantly reduces the number of load carriers that are not optimally filled during transportation.
Furthermore, the solution ensures space savings in the warehouse, since products outside the “standard parameters” that cannot be processed automatically, do not have to be permanently staged in separate pick aisles or logistics areas, but remain in the high bay warehouse / tray warehouse until they are needed.
Time-consuming forklift tours with long driving distances and relatively few pick processes are eliminated.
Full integration into a flexible overall process
In terms of its basic principle, the GTP workstation is always structured in the same way. Both the dispatch units (full pallet, display pallet, roll container) as well as the stored items required for picking / consolidation are served ergonomically and in the correct sequence utilizing a conveyor system. The provision of stored items can, however, be managed flexibly according to customer requirements - depending on the number of products or throughput on pallets or trays.
For example, the static provision of individual fast movers on pallets allows a reduction in the replenishment quantity and thus the traffic on the conveyor system, which results in an investment saving.
Slow movers, on the other hand, are supplied through trays. This enables a highly dynamic supply of the respective item at the workstation.
A light pointer / graphical visualization tool shows the operator where to exactly place the storage unit on the dispatch unit. The result is an optimal stacking pattern - exactly created according to the individual requirements of the respective customer order.
Due to the resulting 1:1 order picking, error-free, store-friendly (or product group-friendly) picking / consolidation is guaranteed.
A pick container provides optimal stacking stability for the order pallet.
Richland Hills, Texas, September 12, 2024. AML, a U.S-based manufacturer of barcode data collection products, announces the launch of its latest Android® product, the StrikerX mobile computer.
“As more and more companies are moving away from legacy TELNET based applications, and towards APK and web-based applications, the power required to efficiently access and process graphical apps increases exponentially,” AML President Mike Kearby said. “StrikerX can handle the most demanding tasks with power to spare. Add in the fact that StrikerX is equipped with a Wi-Fi® 6E radio, and it becomes the clear choice for those looking for mobile computers they can keep deployed for years to come.”
StrikerX comes with a host of built-in software utilities for rapid deployment and maximum operator efficiency. The mobile device can be configured with an array of options including different barcode scanners, keypads, with or without a handle, and an optional camera. StrikerX can also be paired with a variety of charging accessories.
For more information on AML's new mobile computer, StrikerX, contact an AML representative at 800-648-4452 or visit our website at:
About AML. AML is a manufacturer of barcode-centric data collection products. For more than 40 years, AML has been providing American-Made data collection products to a variety of companies and industries, with an emphasis on value and performance.
For more information, contact Natalie Smith, Marketing Manager. nsmith@amltd.com
Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co., a 117-year-old industry leader in heavy-duty industrial casters, proudly announces the enhancement of its legacy Super Endurance Caster (SEC) series, now rebranded as the Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster (ZFSEC) series. In addition, Hamilton is introducing the all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Caster (ZFSEC2) series, both of which feature a new heavy-duty 'V-Style' seal designed to elevate performance in the most demanding environments.
The Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster (ZFSEC) series replaces Hamilton’s legacy SEC series, setting a new benchmark for kingpinless caster design in extra heavy-duty applications. Central to this upgrade is the heavy-duty 'V-Style' seal, which offers protection against dirt, debris, and moisture. This advanced sealing technology ensures consistent performance and extends the life of the caster, making it the ideal choice for environments where reliability is critical.
"With the introduction of the V-Style seal, the ZFSEC series is engineered to withstand the harshest conditions while providing zero-fix, 100% maintenance-free operation," said Mark Lippert, president of Hamilton Caster. "This enhancement allows our customers to minimize maintenance costs and downtime, further solidifying Hamilton’s reputation for durability and dependability."
The ZFSEC series retains the robust construction that Hamilton is known for, including a swivel top plate and inner raceway made from forged steel, providing superior strength for shock conditions. Sealed precision ball bearings are also now standard in all wheels, contributing to the maintenance-free performance of the series. Notably, the zerk fittings have been eliminated, as the new design makes them unnecessary.
Complementing the ZFSEC series, Hamilton introduces the all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Wheel Caster (ZFSEC2) series. This dual wheel series is engineered for extra heavy-duty applications where stability, durability, and maintenance-free operation are paramount. Like its counterpart, the ZFSEC2 series leverages the new 'V-Style' seal, ensuring that each caster is fully protected against contaminants that could compromise performance.
Combined with sealed precision ball wheel bearings, this caster series ensures zero-fix, 100% maintenance-free performance. The dual-wheel configuration enhances stability and allows for a lower overall height, offering a perfect blend of strength and maneuverability.
Casters in both series are finished in a durable HAA polyester platinum powder coat and are available in a wide variety of wheel types, allowing for customization based on application needs. For complete wheel specs and product details check out the Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster Landing Page and all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Caster Landing Page.
ACTON, Massachusetts – September 3, 2024 – New Horizon Soft, LLC (https://www.newhorizon.ai), a global leader in AI-powered supply chain planning software, announced today the release of a new version of its Buyers Workbench procurement planning software. The latest version includes the ability to optimally schedule inbound deliveries, taking into account distribution center (DC) receiving capacity, thus minimizing receiving bottlenecks and lowering inbound logistics costs. A research paper describing the innovative methodology and its deployment at an iconic $10B+ U.S. quick-service restaurant chain was recently published in the peer-reviewed academic journal, the International Journal of Operations Research and Information Systems.
Supply chain organizations typically plan purchase orders without regard to DC receiving capacity. This leads to bottlenecks on some days and underutilized staff on others. New Horizon’s methodology, called Master Purchasing Receipt Scheduling (MPRS), uses a novel algorithm to automatically and optimally schedule deliveries. The algorithm plans deliveries at the time of purchase order creation and results in a steady volume of deliveries and lower planning and logistics costs. While first deployed at a restaurant chain, the methodology is applicable to any manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or foodservice company operating high-velocity DCs.
“With the increasing prevalence of high-velocity DCs, scheduling inbound deliveries can no longer be an afterthought,” said Chao-Ming Ying, Co-founder and CTO of New Horizon. “We developed the new MPRS functionality to address what had been a blind spot in many supply chains. Our customers are now taking advantage of this capability to streamline inbound logistics, increase receiving capacity utilization, and lower distribution costs.”
Supporting Resources
• Research article with case study published in the International Journal of Operations Research and Information Systems
• PDF version of article on New Horizon’s website
• New Horizon blog providing overview of restaurant chain deployment
• New Horizon Buyers Workbench web page
About New Horizon Soft, LLC
New Horizon’s supply chain planning software harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to enable manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to improve forecast accuracy and service levels while minimizing inventory and costs. We help planners make better decisions with cloud-based applications that are easier to use, easier to configure, easier to implement, and lower cost to operate. New Horizon is headquartered outside of Boston and has customers in North America, Europe, and Asia.
New Horizon — The AI Planning Suite™. Learn more at https://www.newhorizon.ai or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Relations
Mike Liebson
New Horizon Soft, LLC
marketing@newhorizon.ai
+1 857-242-0783
Pennsylvania, United States – August 2024 – Thinkink Packaging, a leader in innovative packaging solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its new line of Custom Frozen Food Boxes. Designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable and durable packaging in the frozen food industry, these new boxes offer a perfect blend of functionality, quality, and eco-friendliness.
The frozen food market is rapidly expanding, with consumers increasingly seeking convenient, ready-to-eat meals that maintain freshness and quality. Thinkink Packaging’s Custom Frozen Food Boxes are specially engineered to meet these needs, offering superior insulation to preserve product integrity from production to the consumer's freezer.
Our boxes are designed with high-quality materials that provide excellent insulation, ensuring that frozen foods remain at the correct temperature throughout the supply chain. Committed to reducing environmental impact, our frozen food boxes are made from recyclable and biodegradable materials, aligning with the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Businesses can personalize their packaging to reflect their brand identity, with a range of sizes, styles, and printing options available. Built to withstand the rigors of transport and handling, our boxes provide robust protection against moisture, ensuring products arrive in perfect condition.
“The launch of our Custom Frozen Food Boxes is a significant step forward for Thinkink Packaging as we continue to expand our product offerings to meet the evolving needs of the market,” said Asim Munir, CEO of Thinkink Packaging. “We understand the importance of packaging in maintaining the quality and safety of frozen foods, and our new boxes are designed to provide optimal protection while also supporting sustainability goals.”
About Thinkink Packaging
Thinkink Packaging, based in Pennsylvania, is a premier provider of custom packaging solutions for a wide range of industries, including food, retail, and e-commerce. With a focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability, Thinkink Packaging has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their packaging strategies.
For more information about Thinkink Packaging's Custom Frozen Food Boxes or to place an order, please contact us at +1-570-468-1167 or email support@thinkinkpackaging.com.
Thinkink Packaging – Your Partner in Packaging Innovation.
ADDISON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Unlimited Service Group, a group of local foodservice equipment repair providers, today announced the launch of USG Connect, an innovative new repair and maintenance management platform designed to streamline and simplify the repair and maintenance of commercial kitchen equipment.
USG Connect provides commercial kitchens with a one-stop solution for hassle-free and scalable equipment service. The exclusive platform offers a user-friendly digital experience that allows restaurants, hospitals, hotels and more, to consolidate and manage their service requests into a single maintenance management system. No matter the size of the organization, USG Connect brings the power of 35+ trusted local service brands with more than 125 locations into a consistent service experience for our customers, ensuring seamless and effective management of all foodservice equipment service requests in one, easy-to-use online platform.
The platform empowers operators to effortlessly schedule and monitor foodservice equipment repairs and maintenance. Users can submit work orders for multiple locations at any time, free of charge, through USG Connect. The tool offers 24/7/365 access to detailed, real-time updates, allowing operators to stay informed about the status of their service requests. With robust, strategic insights, customers can understand exactly what is happening with their foodservice equipment, enabling smarter decisions that save time and money.
“Our team is excited to launch USG Connect, our latest innovation. We believe service is best done in your hometown and USG Connect allows restaurant owners and other commercial kitchen operators to manage their service needs across all our unique local brands,” said Kristen Nowak, President of Field Service of Unlimited Service Group. “Our goal with USG Connect is to transform the way commercial kitchens manage their equipment installations, repairs and maintenance. It’s more than just a service platform, it’s a commitment to operational excellence.”
USG Connect is powered by Unlimited Service Group, a community of over 35 local service companies with over 1,600 manufacturer-trained technicians across North America. For more information about USG Connect or to see if your company qualifies for the platform, visit www.unlimitedservice.com/usg-connect.
About Unlimited Service Group
Unlimited Service Group is a community of over 35 commercial foodservice equipment installation, repair and maintenance providers that believes service is done best in your hometown by local technicians and team members providing expert service with differentiated parts access and local stock. Unlimited Service Group looks to support its team members, customers and manufacturers by bringing the leading hometown brands into the group to facilitate best practice sharing, and to unite the group in areas that create real value for all. Wherever there is a problem with commercial foodservice or HVAC equipment, Unlimited Service Group is there to help.
For more information, visit https://www.unlimitedservice.com/.
Contacts
Adam Gasper
adam.gasper@finnpartners.com
(989) 928-4462