Food Logistics serves the entire food supply chain industry with targeted content for manufacturers, retailers, and distributors.
Issue link: https://foodlogistics.epubxp.com/i/84048
INNOVATION THAT DELIVERS Learn how CooLift INCREASE IN DRIVER PRODUCTIVITY can help deliver: s ! s ! REDUCTION IN YOUR FLEET OPERATING COSTS LESS CARBON FOOTPRINT s !N INTEGRATED WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION SOLUTION s ! REDUCTION IN WORKER COMP RELATED INJURIES 7ITH OVER #OO,IFT 3YSTEMS IMPLEMENTED IN THE 53 FIND OUT WHY MORE COMPANIES ARE TURNING TO -AGLINE TO IMPROVE THEIR SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE >}lini]Ê nV°ÊUÊ-Ì>n`iÃh]Ê Ê{nÈxnÊUÊ£-nää-ÈÓ{-x{ÈÎÊ www.magliner.com ket has plans to implement Swisslog's AS/RS equipment at their distribution center. "This investment is consistent with our continuing strategy of improving systems and efficiencies that will ultimately reinforce the premier service our customers have grown to know and expect from us," states Publix vice president of distribution, Richard Schuler, in a press release. Publix plans to create an automated frozen food storage and distribution center in order to boost customer service and warehouse efficiency. For Retrotech's part, their equipment lineup includes their ACTIV High Density Storage System, which sorts units in an exact loading sequence. "Due to its high-density characteristics, it uses up to 40 percent less space to store the same amount of product as a non-automated system," says Hartman. "Fast movers are more accessible and slow movers are positioned out of the way, so loads can be staged and sequenced for trailer loading. The ACTIV System is expandable to support future busi- ness goals and it integrates seamlessly with other material handling systems." The ACTIV System assists food and bever- age managers with proper inventory control www.foodlogistics.com in addition to lowering overall handling costs. Developing trends With growing concerns related to food quality and safety along with efforts to reduce spoiled product, industry experts expect to see an ongoing movement towards AS/RS in the U.S. Furthermore, the challenges with staffing a refrigerated warehouse are also pushing warehouse operators to become more semi-automated or fully automated. According to Bryan Duncan, executive account manager in the automated systems division of Schaefer Systems International, another trend developing in the U.S. is the increasing popularity of rack support AS/RS buildings. "It's been around for a while, but it's becoming more accepted and more main- stream," he says. ◆ SSI Schaefer offers high performance solutions with standardized automated processes from receiving to shipping. FOOD LOGISTICS • SEPTEMBER 2012 29