The warehouse logistics specialists from Knapp claim that their fully-automatic picking system is the most reliable solution available for the order processing of fast and medium-moving products.

As is pointed out, the slim construction width of the new SDA ejector results in a considerably smaller space requirement for the same number of products as well as a more convenient construction without involving, for example, double-level autopickers.

Thanks to the newly patented UPD ejector, irregular-shaped articles such as bags, pots and bottles can also be integrated into the autopicker line. With the dividers on the new autopicker, reliable lot and single item tracking is said to be guaranteed.

As the manufacturers go on to explain, the end of one lot and the start of a new one can be detected with an integrated sensor in the ejector, which senses a cardboard separation marker located in the product column.

The system registers how many products were picked from the old lot and how many from the new one. For each delivery, operators therefore know how many products from each lot are in an order.

KNAPP Logistik Automation GmbH Internet: www.knapp.com  Hall 27, Stand D24
 

S&P Computersysteme point out that mobile workplaces with radio data transmission terminals yield high productivity among warehouse workers. However, if something unexpected occurs during the order picking process or if coordination with executives is required, time is often lost unnecessarily. This is the point where an extension of the messaging module of the SuPCIS-L8 intralogistics software is said to come into its own.

The module now allows not only interaction between the warehouse management system (WMS) and its users, but also a targeted exchange of information between the control room and the workers on the warehouse floor. Both individually directed and broadcast messages can be sent. As is pointed out, it is above all the mobile workplaces that are important here.

Users and workplaces can be registered for specific classes of news, which are then displayed on the corresponding device. Reportedly, the alarm system also becomes significantly more flexible. This can be utilized by warehouse workers to request specific assistance from the control center, for example.

Conversely, the controllers can pass on important information quickly and simply to the employees. In addition, the WMS itself can alarm affected workplaces and persons without delay if certain events occur. The German developers stress that malfunction periods and flexible time bands that are unproductive can be markedly reduced as a result. 

S&P Computersysteme GmbH Systemhaus für Logistik Internet: www.sup-logistik.de  Hall 27, Stand B42

Macbat in Sweden, which provides battery maintenance equipment for battery and forklift service firms, in particular, will be introducing their Midi 1.0 as an improvement of their BRC-100 system. As is explained, the company uses electrochemical sulphate reversion technology to remove sulphate from the plates of lead-acid batteries, thereby improving its long-term performance and capacity.

If used toward the end of a battery's life-cycle, the process can reportedly extend the life of many batteries for two or more years or around 40 percent. If used annually or biannually throughout the life of the battery, the process is claimed to double the service life. The new solution adds a PC-controlled algorithm to enhance automation and optimization. According to the exhibitors, the operator merely has to connect the machine, select the appropriate program, and then press start.

No further observation is necessary. Highlighted benefits include a quicker reconditioning service, greater capacity improvement, and greater quality control. The manufacturers also point to the completion charge after servicing, the portability of the new model, and the user-friendly touchscreen.

Macbat AB Internet: www.macbat.com  Hall 26, Stand C01

Nissan Forklift will be unveiling its new GX series for heavy loads powered by IC (internal combustion) engines, namely the company's TB45 LPG and TD42 diesel engines. The truck will be available in capacities ranging from 3.5 to 5.0 metric tons, all with a 600 mm load center. The truck has been specially designed for heavy-duty operations in areas such as harbor transport, construction, recycling, and the bottling industry.

The series offers optional Fingertip electro-hydraulic control levers, which reportedly simplify travel direction, horn and lift operations. The controls are ergonomically integrated in the right-hand armrest. The safety package is built around the company's proven RRS Risk Reduction System with a number of different measures to ensure operator safety.

In addition, maintenance costs are apparently reduced thanks to the on-board Built-In Test Equipment (BITE). The engines have been designed to provide optimum fuel consumption even in high-performance applications. The ECCS LPG engine has a three-way catalyst with closed loop as standard, and emission levels are minimized through compliance with the latest European Stage 3A emission requirements. 

Nissan Forklift Europe B.V.Internet: www.nissan-nfe.com  Hall 26, Stand H16

Linde Material Handling claim that their new 5- to 8-ton diesel and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) trucks in the 39x series are set to become a benchmark in their class. This claim is reportedly supported by the many design improvements that they feature, which make the trucks even roomier and more comfortable as well as increasing the view through the mast by one third. In addition, powerful engines are said to ensure that the emission values are far below current emission guidelines.

An additional model with a lifting capacity of 8 metric tons and a load center of 1,100 mm addresses customer demands for trucks to carry increasingly heavy loads. According to the company, the maintenance intervals for changing the engine oil and hydraulic oil have also doubled.

With the models H50 to H80, the manufacturers maintain that they brought the entire combustion-engine product range in the lifting capacity category from 1.4 to 18 tons up-to-date with cutting-edge technology.

Linde Material Handling GmbH Internet: www.linde-mh.de  FG (open-air site), Stand L01

Bito-Lagertechnik Bittmann will be showing new products from all its product sectors. The range of new developments includes the modular and flexible shelving system Bito-Ergo, which helps to minimize walking distances at assembly workstations and ensures ergonomically optimized picking of supply materials in line with the Kaizen philosophy and Lean Manufacturing.

The main structure is made of tubed uprights and is available with an epoxy-coated finish in two color options or as ESD version. The modular system comprises tubed posts, connector elements and a broad range of accessories such as roller tracks and dividers, shelving feet and castors for the mobile version. All these optional elements allow the use of the system as supply shelving, shelf trolleys, live storage shelving, or for other customer-specific applications in many industrial and commercial environments.

As is pointed out, the shelving can be configured and assembled by the customer. The company's service options also apply for this system and comprise comprehensive advice, planning and on-site assembly at the customer's premises. 

BITO-Lagertechnik Bittmann GmbH Internet: www.bito.com  Hall 13, Stand A18

As the exhibitors from Führ report, light-emitting diodes will soon revolutionize the commercial vehicle market. Functional safety of up to 100,000 hours as well as a consumption amounting to only one-tenth of the energy of regular bulbs are said to be merits that back up this prognosis. Moreover, the company continues, working lights equipped with this technology also offer other advantages.

Light diodes have an extreme longevity and are therefore practically maintenance-free. They are also very flexible in use and are resistant against shock, dust, dampness and cold, which are seen as cost-effective benefits not just for vehicles in the upper price range.

The manufacturers will be presenting working lights of this new generation. The LED-based products are from OEM approved partners.

J. Führ GmbH Internet: www.j.fuehr.com  Hall 25, Stand F32

The new ULR series of attachment points from Actek has load capacities from 400 to 8,000 kg and comes with ball bearings. According to HTS, which distributes the products, they are ideal for use in tool construction and for pieces that have to be turned around.

Like every hoist ring from the manufacturers, the units are magnetically inspected for cracks and have reportedly passed a 200-percent load test. On the homepage of the exhibitors, the four-fold security and the simple assembly are also highlighted.

HTS Hydraulische Transportsysteme GmbH Internet: www.hts-direkt.de  
Hall 26, Stand C28 

The new Sky-Trax System (STS) on show from Götting allows warehouse managers to optimize fleet operations through real-time monitoring and reporting of vehicle statistics. These include distance traveled, operational hours, peak and average speed, number of loads carried, number of entries into controlled zones, and proximity to dangerous zones.

According to the company, the application increases safety and efficiency, lowers operating costs and boosts inventory throughput. It consists of four major components, namely OPM Optical Position Markers located overhead, OPS (Optical Position Sensor) location sensors (cameras) located on each vehicle, the STS Application Server, and the software.

There is a Power-Com power unit on the side of each vehicle that provides power to the OPS and wi-fi interface. Sensors for measuring the height of the mast in forklift trucks or for monitoring loading and unloading processes can also be added. An additional camera is capable of reading the 2D barcodes attached to the goods, which allows reliable tracing.

All data recorded on the vehicles are transmitted to the server via WLAN, where they are stored in a database for further processing.

Götting KG Internet: www.goetting.de Hall 27, Stand F54 

The Cassette system from Easypack uses hundred-percent biologically degradable film made of purely vegetable starch. The manufacturers specialize in cushion packaging systems to provide protection and void fill for goods in transit. As they explain, the system being highlighted creates tubular air cushions on demand, whose length are determined during fabrication.

Large bags mean less consumption of material and lower costs, whereas smaller bags fit easily in smaller cavities. The machine allows the desired filling to be produced for every kind of void. Each bag is automatically filled with the built-in blower, sealed, and then perforated for easy tear-off. High-quality weld seams provide the necessary impermeability to eliminate air loss during transport.

Apart from filling material and protective packaging, the product series from the German exhibitors embraces the Easypack Paper System, their Spiral paper tubing, their shredder for cardboard boxes, and the Large Bag Cassette system with biologically based film.

Easypack Maschinen GmbH Internet: www.easypack.net  Halle 12, Stand F30

- Deutsche Messe Hannover -