Beverage World - October 15, 2007 - (Page 11B)

4. FIND THE TECHNOLOGY SWEET SPOT The right means for handling small quantities is nearly always situation-specific. Handling a few hundred SKUs differs from handling a thousand or tens of thousands. Therefore, there is a need for wide-ranging technology evaluation before short lists are built. No one solution fits all, and it is common for multiple technologies to work in a single distribution center to address the needs of different product segments. THE FUTURE FOR EACH C AT E G O RY TECHNOLOGY EXAMPLES Shelving Flow-Rack Man-up Selector Pick-to-Cart C O N S I D E R AT I O N S Person-To-Goods • Requires least initial investment • Requires most labor to operate • Accommodates storage and picking • Ideal for low/medium throughput items • Supported by pick-to-list, RF, pick-to-light or voice technology The trends and market pressures that trigger the need for each-pick solutions will continue to grow – including customers that demand more customized products and individualized orders, as well as distribution or regulatory needs to track all stages of shipments large or small. And, as these – and many more – needs grow, they will inevitably evolve. The good news is that automated technologies are increasingly standardized, modular and scalable. When a program needs to be scaled up, HK Systems can easily work with you to expand and enhance your order fulfillment and distribution activities to create new operational systems. The same five steps that make your initial system work, from business objectives through analysis and technology selection to installation, will continue to help you grow the ways that systems and technologies can assist you. What sets HK Systems apart? HK Systems brings four critical strengths to your system solutions: • Extensive experience in system analysis, planning and integration. • Computerized simulations and animation to work out the best models and modes – and evaluate your systems in action, long before actual installation begins. • Extensive experience in retrofitting existing facilities and systems without impacting the day-to-day operation. • A unique design/build approach that takes a solution from concept development to implementation. With this approach, you enjoy the benefits of working directly with the individual responsible for the comprehensive design of your solution. HK delivers success — because we create, install, service and remain accountable long term for successful systems. Goods-To-Person Carousel Mini-Load AS/RS Vertical Lift Module Case Sequencer • Moderate initial investment • Improves labor efficiency • Provides dense storage • Ideal for large number of slow moving SKUs Automated Picking/ Dispensing A-Frame Sorter Robotic Picker • Requires highest initial investment • Requires least labor to operate • Requires complimentary storage & replenishment technologies/options • Ideal for select heavily accessed SKUs 5 . D E V E L O P A N I N T E G R AT E D C O N C E P T O F O P E R AT I O N Integrating various technologies into a cohesive system can be a challenge of its own. Conveying systems are typically used to tie the various subsystems together and that’s where bottlenecks begin to emerge. Here, computerized simulation helps predict bottlenecks and validate synchronization control techniques to address them. Evaluating the overall flow of information is another key aspect to be addressed at this time. REALIZE MAXIMUM EXPERIENCE AND MINIMAL RISK WITH HK Systems is the most experienced automated material handling equipment and software total solutions provider. Our products, engineered and manufactured in the USA, synchronize material flow in a multitude of environments, delivering high efficiencies, speed and reliability. Our flexible solutions improve operational performance with Visit www.hksystems.com/picking to download our Picking Technology Whitepaper which includes an in-depth comparison of current technologies. SOLUTIONS DELIVERED BY HK SYSTEMS superior integration services, quality material handling equipment, software applications and premier support services. Discover How. Call 1-800-HKSYSTEMS or visit www.hksystems.com today for more information. Discover How. HKSYSTEMS.COM H K P L A N E T. N E T http://www.hksystems.com/picking http://www.hksystems.com http://www.hksystems.com http://www.hksystems.com http://www.hkplanet.net

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Beverage World - October 15, 2007

Beverage World - October 15, 2007 Table of Contents Global Recycling Trends Editor’s Note CCE’s Recycling Initiative New Beverages: VeeV New Beverage Roundup Market Metrics: Green-Minded Consumers Cover Story: Earth’s Brewer Adina World Beat Beverages • Fetzer Vineyards Kim Jeffery, Nestlé Waters North America Sambazon Icelandic Water Holdings John Compton, PepsiCo North America Dennis Puffer, Coors Brewing Co. ITO EN Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. • Cuca Fresca Exports Jeff Seabright, The Coca-Cola Company Mendocino Wine Co. Doug Muhleman, Anheuser-Busch Seth Goldman, Honest Tea Supply Chain: Waste Management Production: Environmental Operations Operations Observations Packaging: Lightweight Bottles Trendspotting R&D: Eco Beverages • Ask the Expert Sales & Marketing: Green POS Materials Distribution: Green Fleets Distribution: Fleet of the Month: Manhattan Beer Distributors FleetBeat The Beverage World Top 100 Classifieds Ad Index

Beverage World - October 15, 2007

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