http://www.mhia.org/rss/casestudies MHIA.org Case Studies en-us Copyright Material Handling Industry® 2007 10 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:25:23 GMT Case Study “At the heart of the success of the plant is the organized maintenance program”. Very often, usual hoist wear and tear produces ordinary breakdowns that derail a process or plant for more time than is actually necessary. Regular inspection and maintenance can have a dramatic effect on the efficiency ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/hmi/casestudies/7917/well-planned-hoist-maintenance-program-reduces-downtime-significantly Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:41:19 GMT Case Study Continental Air wanted to keep the height of their building as low as possible to control costs. Therefore, by using the multiple runway carne design we were able to use a smaller bridge beam on the crane and still meet Continental’s capacity requirements; thus maintaining Continental’s building requirements. http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/mma/casestudies/3451/continental-air-uses-total-floor-space-with-louden-multiple-runway-crane Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:40:12 GMT Case Study With a working force of only 5 warehouse people, Coutinho, Caro & Company Incorporated handles 10,000 tons of steel per month at its Compton, California warehouse. As many as 65 delivery trucks a day are turned around at a rate of 15 to 20 minutes per load. The industry averages from 1 to 3 hours per ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/mma/casestudies/3450/steel-service-center-uses-stacker-crane-to-improve-shipping-performance Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:37:06 GMT Case Study Operating only one shift, the batch room fills enough buckets to supply the furnaces for 24 hours. Some buckets go directly to the furnaces, where they automatically discharge their load into the furnaces. Others are stored on the six full-bucket storage lines in front of the furnace fill lines. http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/mma/casestudies/7988/batch-handling-monorail-system-improves-productivity Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:34:45 GMT Case Study This manufacturer wanted to improve productivity. We created a system that allows one operator to safely run a parts washing system. The system allows the operator to cover the loading area, wash tank, and unloading area, while being clear of any splash areas. http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/mma/casestudies/7990/replaced-hand-washing-with-crane-system-and-improved-safety Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:28:49 GMT Case Study This tire manufacturer wanted to improve productivity. We created an automatic monorail system that increased productivity and reduced costly mixing errors. The system was originally handled by individual monorail systems with an operator required for each system. By automating the system they required ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/mma/casestudies/7989/time-is-money--and-this-system-doesn-t-need-a-break Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:25:11 GMT Case Study With workforce management, DSC increased labor utilization by 20%, achieved 100% of performance standards in 6-8 weeks and saw a significant payroll savings. Their WFM solution consisted of engineered best practices and standards, change management consulting, and advanced labor management software for ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/scestg/casestudies/7976/dsc-logistics-improves-labor-utilization-and-customer-service-through-workforce-management Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:01:32 GMT Case Study Briggs & Stratton’s major challenge was moving a complex packaging and distribution operation that ships over 22 million parts annually while continuing to fulfill replacement parts orders. The implementation of a dynamic pick-face slotting application that integrated with their workforce management ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/scestg/casestudies/7975/briggs---stratton-expedites-move-to-new-facility-and-improves-throughput-10-percent-through-use-of-slotting-application Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:36:30 GMT Case Study Utilizing the latest material handling techniques including a WMS, this nationwide telecommunications provider implemented a new 380,000 sq ft national distribution center to replace 10 regional centers. From mini-loads to manual picking cranes with multi-order put-to-light features to a multi-aisle ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/as-rs/casestudies/3333/telecommunications-provider-consolidates-regional-distribution-centers Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:36:12 GMT Case Study A semi-automatic picking solution was provided to this government distribution center, which included 16-cranes, an infeed and outfeed conveyor system and modifications to an existing in-floor tow line system. This system resulted in a reduction in training time for operators and a 20-30% increase. http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/as-rs/casestudies/3332/government-dc-utilizes-cranes-in-consolidation-of-distribution-centers Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:34:37 GMT Case Study An existing 18-aisle bulk storage high bay area with 11-year old manual equipment resulted in higher costs, slower response times and an increasing demand for off-site storage at peak times for this general merchandising retailer. Implementation of a fully integrated automated material handling system ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/as-rs/casestudies/3331/redesign-of-warehouse-results-in-15--increased-storage-for-general-merchandising-retailer Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:33:55 GMT Case Study Learn how the implementation of a new AS/RS system in their distribution center has assisted this industrial component supplier in achieving a less-than-one-day order fulfillment cycle as well as a 50% capacity expansion, a 50% reduction in picking and packing labor and 100% reduction in pallet handling ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/as-rs/casestudies/3327/dc-achieves-50--capacity-expansion-with-new-as-rs-installation Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:12:35 GMT Case Study One of the world’s leading Retail Perfume Distribution Centers, located in New Jersey, needed a new approach to their overall process once they decided to consolidate all distribution into their existing facility. Through their brands the company designs, produces and distributes high-quality personal ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/ofc/casestudies/7949/leading-retail-distribution-center-gets-re-vamped-with-three-vlms Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:01:39 GMT Case Study As part of an effort to manage the company’s growth and improve efficiency, an international intimate apparel company implemented a new state-of-the-art material handling system for its distribution center. http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/ofc/casestudies/7948/store-order-fulfillment-system-helps-intimate-apparel-company-manage-growth Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:26:49 GMT Case Study Kaplan Early Learning customers range in size from large schools with sophisticated DCs to smaller schools, daycare facilities and individual parents. To meet a variety of customer needs, they required a flexible system that would allow them to automate processes, gain efficiencies and improve accuracy. http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/ofc/casestudies/7947/kaplan-early-learning-improves-customer-service-and-inventory-accuracy-with-best-of-breed-warehouse-management-system Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:55:13 GMT Case Study Requirements were “high” for this food retailer…high-density storage and a high degree of system responsiveness were imperative. See how this food retailer was able to realize increased storage and “high”er productivity, while also enjoying the potential for expansion! http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/as-rs/casestudies/3330/food-retailer-uses-as-rs-for-reserve-pallet-storage-and-pick-place-replenishment Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:45:03 GMT Case Study A large automotive assembly plant reduced fork truck traffic while still maintaining a line speed of 81 completed automobile jobs per hour by installing a fleet of 45 automatic guided vehicles (AGVs). The vehicles transport racks of engines, shocks, struts safely from receiving dock conveyors. The guided ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/agvs/casestudies/7923/automation-steers-safe-delivery-of-automotive-components Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:36:47 GMT Case Study At a chemical manufacturer, an automated guided vehicle system (AGVS) ws installed to transport aluminum pin carts containing acetate fiber rolls. The system, seamlessly integrated with existing plant equipment, transported the raw materials to production lines. The integration included conveyors and ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/agvs/casestudies/7922/raw-material-transported-safely-with-automatic-guided-vehicle Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:26:12 GMT Case Study An automatic guided vehicle system (AGVS) was successfully implemented at a major pharmaceutical company to automate movement of finished product pallets. The guided vehicle picks up the finished goods pallet and delivers it to an available flow rack. Forklift operators then take the finished goods pallets ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/agvs/casestudies/7921/automatic-guided-vehicle-system-improves-production-efficiency Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:17:37 GMT Case Study Through the use of two conveyor roller deck type automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), a large manufacturer of microwaveable convenience foods has improved plant productivity while reducing operating costs. In this unique application, the AGV system interfaces with the plant production system to receive ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/agvs/casestudies/7920/guided-vehicle-system-automates-food-processing-application Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:26:46 GMT Case Study An automatic guided vehicle system (AGVS) was installed to automatically load trailers in a juice beverage plant. Pallets are picked up directly from conveyors at the exit of the palletizing lines and then delivered into standard, over-the-road trailers. The system needs no special dock equipment and ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/agvs/casestudies/7919/load-trailers-automatically-with-guided-vehicle-system Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:19:09 GMT Case Study Flexibility and reliability were critical components in building one of Europe’s most modern corrugated board production plants. The use of automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) provided a highly flexible and reliable platform for storing and delivering reels of paper. The vehicles can reach up to 24 ft. ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/agvs/casestudies/7918/warehouse-operations-streamlined-with-use-of-automatic-guided-vehicles Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:54:47 GMT Case Study The project required a 40 ton capacity double girder top running crane with two (2) 20 ton capacity hoists equipped with magnets for use in a CMAA Class D Service steel plate handling application. This heavy-duty application also called for a high hoisting speed, high trolley travel sped and a high bridge ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/hmi/casestudies/7916/r-m-s-spacemaster-reg--sx-electric-wire-rope-hoists-and-components-in-a-magnet-crane-application Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:46:38 GMT Case Study The project required eight (8) electric chain hoists to move video projectors to various preset levels during worship services in a Houston, Texas church. The key requirements for the equipment were – the ability to have pre-programmed cues, the repeat accuracy of the hoist hook positions, the ability ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/hmi/casestudies/7915/r-m-s-stagemaker-reg--concert-hoist-with-raynok-motion-control-system Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:30:38 GMT Case Study A seven vehicle automatic guided vehicle (AGV) system was installed to streamline operations in the packaging area of a production plant that produces plastic resin. Until recently, workers driving fork lifts moved boxes from the finishing line to the truck to the warehouse. Now, the AGVs transport ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/agvs/casestudies/7914/automatic-guided-vehicles-link-production-and-shipping Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:31:32 GMT Case Study A global petrochemical manufacturer was looking at expanding production by adding additional Super Sack machines with 1 & 2 ton capacity motorized trolley electric chain hoists. The hoists required a special headroom dimension of 14.25” or less. http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/hmi/casestudies/7913/r-m-s-loadmate-reg--electric-chain-hoist-in-a-special-low-headroom-application Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:23:45 GMT Case Study The project required a crane equipped for outdoor use that featured a “Restricted Area Protection” option to prevent the trolley from traveling into the area over the crane operator’s pulpit located on the crane bay floor. The Features/Benefits Provided: Restricted Area Protection • Location under ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/hmi/casestudies/7912/r-m-s-qx-modular-crane-package-in-a-special--iron---metal-works--application Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:00:41 GMT Case Study Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) transport engine components from flow racks to intake conveyor positions safely and reliably in an engine manufacturing plant. The AGVs use laser navigation, traveling several miles each day in this 24/7 operation, stopping only for battery exchanges. Seamless coordination ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/agvs/casestudies/7911/engine-components-delivered-safely-with-laser-guided-vehicle-system Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:44:33 GMT Case Study A low profile design allows automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) to drive under conveyor stands for product pickup and delivery at a refrigerator manufacturer. The AGV lifts the load of four refrigerators, enters the drop conveyor stand and lowers the deck. The refrigerators are then deposited on the transfer ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/agvs/casestudies/7910/low-profile-guided-vehicle-system-maximizes-production-efficiency Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:42:08 GMT Case Study An 11-story, 1,000+ bed hospital installed an automatic guided vehicle system (AGVS) to pickup and deliver materials (meal trays, surgical supplies, pharmaceuticals, etc.) to approximately 500 different points throughout the facility. Each of the 43 vehicles can lift and transport loads weighing as much ... http://www.mhia.org/industrygroups/agvs/casestudies/7909/automatic-guided-vehicles-just-what-the-doctor-ordered-