Monday March 28, 2022

1st EDITION Atlanta • FREE

Trucks Built to Do the Work You Do

Innovative Drive Solutions

Article Courtesy of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.

Article Courtesy of NORD DRIVESYSTEMS

Delivering products in today’s market takes on many different forms. Whether you are challenged with efficiency in middle- or final-mile routes, Isuzu has trucks in Classes 3 to 7 that will provide the efficiency, durability, and low cost of ownership that you are looking for in your fleet. Two of those trucks are on display in Booth #C6076! Isuzu trucks have been the No. 1 selling low cab for-

NORD DRIVESYSTEMS designs and manufactures gear boxes, electric motors, and control products engineered for adaptability. A recognized market leader, our innovative solutions are powering applications in nearly every industry throughout the world. NORD’s extensive product portfolio is continuously evolving to meet the needs of today’s fast-changing markets,

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Safety: It Runs in the Family Article Courtesy of Ideal Warehouse Innovations Ideal Warehouse Innovations is in the protection business. With a product family that includes more than 1,100 SKUs, we provide products that prevent accidents, protect valuables, and save lives. The modern, busy warehouse can be a dangerous place, it is our job to make it less so. Our products promote safety at height, loading dock safety, environmental safety, forklift safety, and more. Ideal Warehouse Innovations dock bumpers, trailer stands, dock continued on page 57

MONAT Global Partners With Alpine Supply Chain Solutions to Modernize its Distribution Operations to Support its Rapid and Ongoing Growth

Manufacturing Labor Shortage: The Crisis Continues By Joe Campbell, Senior Manager of Applications Development, Universal Robots After wreaking havoc on our families, the economy, and the overall social fabric of countries around the world, COVID is abating — or at least we are learning to live with a pandemic hanging over our collective heads. According to an article in Deloitte Insights, the North American economies are recovering, and demand is ahead of preCOVID levels. All good — but continued on page 39

Exotec: Addressing Labor Shortage With Robotics

Global healthy-aging haircare, skincare, and wellness innovator commences operations at its new 150,000-squarefoot state-of-the-art facility in Doral, Florida.

Romain Moulin is the CEO of Exotec, a company he co-founded with Renaud Heitz in 2015. As a former robotics architect and technical engineer at GE and BA Système, Moulin spent over 10 years immersed in deep technology systems before he shifted his attention to solving the challenge of retail warehouse automation. He spoke with Material Handling Industry News about the company and

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AutoStore — Top Trends for 2022 Driving the Pursuit of Automation Recent world events are driving companies to implement technology and solutions adaptable to future trends. “If there is one thing we’ve witnessed over the past two years, it is that the retail landscape — particularly in regard to ecommerce — has evolved to demand precision and speed,” explains Carlos Fernández, chief product officer at AutoScontinued on page 24

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RWM Signature Premium Wheels — Booth #C5585 Article Courtesy of RWM Casters The Signature Premium™ Wheel is one of our most popular products. It is a considerable upgrade from the use of thermoplastic rubber wheels. Designed to deliver superior strength-to-weight ratios, this lightweight wheel is ready to do the heavy lifting that keeps your business rolling forward. The nylon core and rubber tread are

An independent publication not affiliated with any other organization Gary Cox Steve Cox Publishers John McQuaig Deb McQueen Andrew Oseman Senior Associate Publishers

designed to deliver maximum shock absorption and sound dampening. The elastomeric high-tensile, nonmarking rubber wheels will protect your floor from damage and marking as they roll along. Each wheel is designed to keep sound to a minimum. When you want quality and dependability, coupled with performance and longevity, the Signature Premium™ Wheels are a silent partner that will keep your busi-

Matt Crown Damaris Mungaray John Pechota Sam Sepulveda Grant Wadsworth Associate Publishers Carl F. Shifflette III Art Director Clinton Ellis Graphic Artist

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Matt Planer Brianna Ward Digital Marketing

Introducing KPI — ‘The Relentless Pursuit of the Right Solution’ Article Courtesy of KPI KPI partners with clients to design and implement a full range of customized warehouse solutions that elevate distribution performance, provide competitive advantage, and enable growth. Our datadriven, technology-agnostic approach to engineered solutions transforms operations to boost fulfillment speed, reduce reliance on labor, and improve agility to

quickly respond to market disruptions and ever-increasing customer expectations. KPI enables order fulfillment at the speed of e-commerce. Our services include: • Distribution network consulting and analysis. • Operations evaluation. • Simulation and modeling. • Facility layout and slotting. • Materials handling system evaluation,

Joshua Espinal Mia Herrera Samuel Rickert Editors Ashley Davis Content Coordinator

design and implementation. • Warehouse Execution Software (WES). • Lifetime maintenance services. Powered by intelligent software and innovative designs, our scalable solutions may include traditional conveyance and sortation or the newest robotic technolocontinued on page 57

Monique Carter Tiffany Webster Administration Material Handling Industry News is published by Source Group LLC ©2022. All rights reserved. Business License #45-4600703 Advertising Inquiries: 520-722-2000

635 N. Craycroft Rd. Tucson, AZ 85711 phone: (520) 722-2000 • www.sourceg.net

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PATLITE Wireless Data Acquisition System

Automate Your Fulfillment for Today’s Consumer

The WD Series is a retrofit solution for select PATLITE Signal Towers, enabling wireless data acquisition and real-time monitoring. Installation can be done simply by attaching a transmitter on a compatible PATLITE signal tower, which sends information to the receiver. The WD system enables seamless acquisition and real-time monitoring of machine data so that operators can respond immediately to any issues or alerts before they impact the overall production flow. In addition to real-time status acquisition, the WD system can also collect equipment metrics with the use of compatible software. Collected data can be analyzed to identify trends and improve operational efficiency. Users can conveniently acquire equipment information from remote locations, so that analysis can be done by any operator or manager outside of the workplace.

Whether you’re a startup, an established brand, or a third-party logistics provider (3PL) filling orders for brands, warehouse automation offers the ability to deliver a premium experience, build customer loyalty, and sustain growth. The popularity of subscription plans is growing, as are the number of providers offering consumers e-grocery, cosmetics, meal kits, apparel, CPG, pet products, health and fitness, personal care, and other products. Delivering a truly unique brand experience is essential and adds complexity to the order fulfillment process. Several subscription box brands have benefitted by implementing pickto-light light-directed picking, which accelerates pick rate productivity by an average of 40%, achieving 99.9% order accuracy often within the first few months of launching the solution. 3PLs, for example, may fulfill orders for multiple subscription services from the same facility. Adaptable pickto-light technology lets 3PLs service multiple subscription box customers with one picking system. Matthews’ Lightning Pick software dynamically reconfigures locations for easy switching between different customer lines in the same rack or shelving. Many 3PL, e-grocery, ready-made food suppliers, and other fulfillment operations leverage Matthews’ pick-tolight systems to quickly pick and pack fresh, refrigerated, and frozen products. The flexibility and reliability of the methodology has proven so successful that several are rolling out light-directed

Case Study 1 At a packaging facility, production bottlenecks caused by machine downtime and uneven production flow were constant obstacles within their daily operations. For many years, they were manually creating daily machine reports, which was tedious and inaccurate. After setting up the WD system at their facility, they have been able to monitor their production line in real time, while

quickly identifying bottlenecks and addressing them. They are also now able to determine the severity of machine issues for more effective predictive maintenance. And because the WD system collects operational data, they no longer need to manually gather machine reports, which has saved them time and labor costs. Case Study 2 A food manufacturing company operates several facilities in different locations around the world, but has no system in place to remotely monitor each of their machines at their various locations. Their goal is to maximize efficiency throughout their manufacturing facilities so that they can improve company-wide productivity. continued on page 39

MFG Tray Lightens the Load on the Manufacturing Floor With New ULTRA LITE Totes and Containers Back in 2012, a group of German scientists accidently created what was then the world’s lightest material, acrographite. Well, engineers at Molded Fiber Glass Tray in the U.S. don’t do much by accident. But when customer demand indicated the need for a substantially lighter container that could still stand up to industrial use, MFG Tray’s engineers do admit to a bit of trial and error. The result of their efforts, MFG Tray’s new line of ULTRA LITE products, could be the ideal solution for manufacturers who use industrial containers. According to MFG Tray’s engineers, customers cited two challenges that set the project in motion: lighter, more ergonomic loads on the shop floor to save worker’s backs and reduced weight per container to potentially lower shipping costs and weight. “Our engineers’ goal was ambitious — remove 40% of the weight in MFG Tray’s highly durable and long-lasting composite fiberglass products,” said Burt Hovis, MFG Tray material handling prod-

technologies across multiple distribution centers in their network. Warehouse execution systems (WES) connect discrete warehouse operations and balance the flow of work to eliminate bottlenecks, improve accuracy, and allow employees to collect realtime data on order status. Top-tier WES products, like Matthews’ NEXUS, offer multiple modules that are ideal for automating and optimizing many key tasks throughout the subscription box fulfillment process: • Batch picking is an effective method of maximizing the productivity of each employee’s pass through the distribution center, by enabling them to pick multiple orders at once. • Put-to-light can be used for sorting batches of small- to medium-sized orders into individual customer orders. This technology is relatively inexpensive and more put walls can be easily continued on page 39

Safety In Sync on All Levels Article Courtesy of Troax, Inc.

uct line manager. “With ULTRA LITE, we got it right and still retained the trusted strength and durability of our well-known MFG Tray brand.” And while ULTRA LITE, unlike the German scientists’ acrographite, is not lighter than air, it does possess qualities that are quite valuable to manufacturers around the world. Consider that ULTRA LITE will be stronger than standard thermoplastic; it can withstand temperatures from -60 F to 250 F; is impervious to cutting oils, detergents, mild acids, and alkaline solutions; and will provide years of heavy-duty service. It seems that claim of being the ideal continued on page 57

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Troax is the world leader in machine guard safety fence solutions. We manufacture quality mesh wall systems used in automated warehousing, manufacturing, and material handling environments where safety and property protection are required. Our global presence has us in 45 countries, which means we can offer supply and support wherever your opportunities take you. We boast production in six state-ofthe-art facilities worldwide, including one in Chicago. All of our products meet — and in most cases, exceed — the latest safety guidelines, industry standards, and machinery directives. From concept to design, fabrication to delivery, Troax makes the ideal partner. If your objective is to protect people, property, and processes, then Troax would love to connect. As the level of automation in warehouses continues to expand, so does the level of safety required. Making sure all

levels are in sync and safe, that’s where Troax can help. So, if you “Think Safety, Sync Safety.” To do that, we’d be honored if you “Think Troax.” Get in sync with the future in Atlanta, March 28-31. Join us in Booth #B8619. Register now at www.modexshow.com. Also, feel free to visit our website www. troax.com, or give us a call at 615-7307581.

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ChargeItSpot Releases Centralized Mobile Device Management Solution Called ARC™ to Secure, Charge, and Track Enterprise Devices in Retail Stores PHILADELPHIA — ChargeItSpot, the leading provider of cellphone charging stations for retailers, hospitals, stadiums, and other public venues, has launched ARC™ — a centralized mobile device management kiosk that helps businesses reclaim control of enterprise devices. From retail to warehousing to logistics, an increasing number of industries rely on hand-held mobile devices to optimize their efficiency and boost productivity. However, solutions to effectively manage these devices have remained shockingly scant.

NORD DRIVESYSTEMS (continued from page 1)

but NORD does far more than manufacture the world’s finest drive components. Our modular design delivers versatility with more than 20 million standard configurations that can be delivered quickly. This concept also gives customers complete freedom to specify a drive solution that’s perfect for their application without the need for costly custom components. NORD also offers: • Fast, reliable service, and 24/7/365 emergency service. • Unmatched product versatility. • Shortest lead times in the industry. • Direct access to our engineering team. • Online tools to configure, price, quote, and track your orders. • Easy online spare parts ordering. IE5+ Synchronous Motors NORD’s IE5+ motors offer 0.47 to 1.5 horsepower and 14.2 to 42.5 pounds inch (lb-in) of torque in a single motor frame with several industry-standard mounting options. Designed for compatibility with NORD’s modular gear units, this motor allows the number of variants to be reduced significantly, making systems easier to maintain and saving total cost of ownership costs. DuoDrive The latest generation of IE5+ PMSM motors integrated into a single-frame, singlestage helical gear unit housing. DuoDrive features a power range of 0.5 to 2 horsepower, output speeds of up to 1,000 rpm, max output torque of 700 lb-in, and speed ratios from 3.24 to 16.2:1. Ideal for washdown environments, these innovative gear units are compact, quiet, and highly efficient. NORDAC ON/ON+ VFDs Developed to meet the special require-

With some businesses stocking hundreds of devices — but no systematic way to manage them — new problems have emerged: lost or stolen devices, wasted employee and manager time, suboptimal device functionality, and needless overstock. ChargeItSpot uncovered the severity of these problems through interviews with those who face them every day. “Multiple people would use any given device, which resulted in devices not being charged completely, leading to down time, swaps, lost and broken devices with no one being noments of horizontal conveyor technology, as well as for interaction with NORD’s new IE5+ synchronous motors (NORDAC ON+). These VFDs are characterized by an integrated Ethernet interface, full plugand-play capabilities, and a very compact design. NORDAC PRO SK 500P VFDs The NORDAC PRO line consists of five frame sizes that offer power up to 30 horsepower. The basic variant offers an integrated brake chopper, PLC functionality, four parameter sets, POSICON positioning control, and a CANopen interface. The advanced versions include additional inputs/outputs and options such as a plugin control module, extension modules, and an integrated multiprotocol Ethernet interface that easily connects to Ethernet-based control systems. PROFIsafe While all NORD variable frequency drives have integrated Safe Torque Off and Safe Stop 1 functions, PROFIsafe includes even more safety features such as Safely Limited Speed, Safe Speed Range, and SSM Safe Speed Monitor to provide safe stop functions that protect operators and prevent damage to the drives and materials. Condition Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance Optimize operational safety and efficiency with NORD’s condition monitoring solutions. This integrated VFD analog/digital sensor functionality captures real or nearreal time system status data and analyzes it to detect issues preventing costly downtime. It also allows for proactive maintenance, reduces overall service and material costs, and increases system availability. To learn more about NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, be sure to visit our MODEX Booth #B7222 or go to www.nord.com.

tified, and scanners getting unpaired,” said Christopher Sterling, fulfillment center manager at Comoto Holdings, an ARC™ client. “A team lead spends a good portion of their day messing with these devices as opposed to doing anything else more productive,” said Sterling. Evidence from ARC™ clients suggests that inefficient mobile device management results in 20% annual device shrink; wasted payroll hours spent checking devices in and out (over 1,000 payroll hours per year, per location); reduced productivity due to nonfunctioning or uncharged devices; difficulty identifying, reporting, and replacement of damaged devices; and significant device overstocking to serve as “backups.” ChargeItSpot created ARC™ to solve all of these issues. “We wanted to develop an intuitive self-service mobile device management solution that would allow employees to easily check out devices without any manager oversight,” said Doug Baldasare, founder and CEO of ChargeItSpot.

The ARC™ mobile device management system consists of a self-service touch-screen kiosk with expandable modular locker banks and a reporting and management platform. ARC™ is designed to release the device — be it a smartphone, tablet, or hand-held computer — with the most charge, alert managers when a device has not been returned, and allow team members to indicate device damage at the end of their shift. “ARC™ also collects data along the way — boosting accountability, reducing shrink, and getting faulty devices out of circulation for repair,” said Michael Weinberg, senior director of product and business analytics at ChargeItSpot. In a case study conducted at Comoto Holdings, ARC™’s effects were felt in only a matter of weeks. Manager time spent on routine device oversight dropped by 97%, employee time spent checking devices in/ out was reduced by 82%, time spent swapping out faulty or dying devices fell by 67%, and device shrink was eliminated.

AUTOSTORE

Q: What is the advantage of starting small?

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tore. So we asked Fernández about some of the top trends impacting the changing consumer landscape. Q: How will Green Consumerism impact the Green Agenda? A: As a result of COP26, many businesses are looking to accelerate their sustainability efforts to meet green targets. We can expect organizations from apparel, grocery, to construction, assessing ways to improve to attain these targets. We will also see a strong uptake, particularly within material handling solutions, as this continues to be a common automation area, offering subsequently greener solutions. Investing in robust supply chain automation systems that are low maintenance, low power, and adaptable will lead to greener operations, as well as more productive and cost-effective teams. Q: What is the future of distribution centers? A: With sustainability proving to be a top agenda item, commerce is showcasing the efficiency of last-mile delivery. We’re noticing more and more brands using a localized courier service, and urban fulfillment, to sustain fast deliveries. Retailers with one large regional distribution center are being dissipated into multiple smaller, more local hubs — otherwise known as urban or micro-fulfillment. This is reducing the distance to customers, wait times, and fuel usage. This lack of dependence on one central location is creating the emergence of co-location. Where retail stores function as ordinary brick-and-mortar store front and a small and ultra-high-density distribution center in back — supplying the shop, click and collect, and the same-day delivery service that is impacting the market.

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A: Startups, SMEs, and even big retailers are deploying automation technology within their operations, taking advantage of the ability to trial before mass rollout and scale-up models when a business grows. Investing in a flexible product allows for expansion alongside business performance. Companies must be agile enough to adopt automation at speed as more business models, such as Q-commerce and fulfillment-as-a-service, are proving more popular. For example, if the business is apparel-based and sees a demand surge, an ultrahigh-density system can store more product and expand effortlessly, while picking quickly and efficiently. We can expect to see more businesses taking advantage of this technology soon with automation being of increasing interest for companies. Q: How are algorithms driving innovation? A: Piece-picking systems are evolving. Algorithms are catalyzing solutions in automated storage and retrieval systems. This, in turn, relieves stress on complex omnichannels by creating centralized solutions — especially where significant logistics processes are taking place. This includes retail replenishment combined with piece picking for e-commerce, and reverse logistics operating alongside them. These systems are helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint and warehouse space, as they do not require their own power generation. Q: How can readers learn more about AutoStore? A: You can stop by Booth #B7202 at MODEX or visit our website, www.autostoresystem.com.

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UNIVERSAL ROBOTS (continued from page 1)

what about manufacturing labor? When COVID exploded in March 2020, we were struggling to find workers, skilled or entry level, for manufacturing jobs in all industries. And where are we today? Deeper in the hole! In March 2020, finding and retaining a quality workforce was the No. 1 problem reported in a survey by the National Association of Manufacturers. Flash forward to January 2022 and that issue has dropped to No. 3, exceeded only by supply chain challenges and increasing raw material costs. But labor remains a significant challenge, with 85% of the survey respondents reporting open positions that they are unable to fill. In January 2020, the Bureau of Labor & Statistics reported 480,000 open jobs in the manufacturing sector. By November 2021, that number had increased to 858,000 open manufacturing jobs. Many attribute this to the “Great Resignation,” which certainly has had some impact. But that’s not the whole story. Consider these drivers:

PATLITE (continued from page 19)

The WD system allows any employee to monitor all of their production lines in all locations remotely and in real time. After analyzing the operational data that the WD system collects, the company found a trend in equipment failure across all of their locations, and were able to identify the cause of the error, as well as a solution to prevent it. At the same time, workers have been able to better understand how their efforts affect the bigger picture, which led to improved job efficiency and an increase in overall productivity for the company. For more information, visit www.patlite. com, email [email protected], call 888-

ISUZU (continued from page 1)

ward truck in America since 1986, and with good reason. The numerous benefits of the low cab forward design, coupled with Isuzu trucks’ legendary durability, have given owners the uptime needed to increase the efficiency and profitability of their fleets. The popular N-Series offers Class 3 to 5 models with GVWRs from 12,000 to 19,500 pounds that can accommodate bodies from 10 to 24 feet in length. This gives you options to customize a truck to your cargo’s needs. And even better, Isuzu offers a diesel powertrain for Class 4 and 5 models, or a gas powertrain for Class 3 and 4 models. To keep your drivers safer on the road, you can also equip N-Series diesel models with our new Advanced Driver Assist System that incorporates lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. For larger payloads, Isuzu offers Class 6 and 7 F-Series models with

Shrinking Manufacturing Workforce In 2019, Deloitte found 27% of the manufacturing workforce was 55 years or older, and the Boomer generation continues to retire at the rate of approximately 10,000 per day. Unfortunately, Millennials, Gen Xers, and Gen Zers show very limited interest in working in manufacturing. In short, Boomers are leaving manufacturing faster than younger generations are entering. And this is complicated further by the skills gap. In a 2021 analysis, Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute reported 36% of new entrants to the job market (or their parents) had no interest in industry, and 38% had misaligned expectations. This is on top of a lack of STEM education and effective job training programs. COVID’s Impact COVID has encouraged the Boomer manufacturing workforce to retire at an even faster rate. A Pew Research Center analysis showed that unlike the recession of 2002 and the Great Recession, retirements accelerated after the COVID recession. An addi-

39 tional 1.7 million Boomers retired in 2020 compared to 2019, and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reported that number continued to climb in 2021 to a total of 3 million additional Boomer retirements. Unemployment? In February 2020, the BLS reported U.S. unemployment at 3.5%, which quickly ballooned to 14.7% by April 2020. By December 2021, unemployment had collapsed back to 3.9%, and is projected to drop further. A January 2022 column in Forbes projects 3% unemployment by 2023, the lowest in 70 years. It is worth noting that many economists consider 4% to be full employment. A key issue is the Labor Force Participation rate, which remains stuck at 61.9% versus 63.3% pre-pandemic. A 1.4% differential may seem minor, but it equates to a drop in the workforce of approximately 1.4 million workers. Long Term The demographics of the manufacturing labor situation are not pretty, and the challenges will continue. An article in Deloitte

214-2580, or visit them at Booth #C7098.

MATTHEWS

ABOUT PATLITE Dedicated to providing safety, security, and comfort to workplaces and facilities throughout the world, PATLITE has been a leading manufacturer of visual and audible signaling devices for over 75 years. PATLITE products are the result of innovative and durable design, backed by years of industry experience and a strong commitment for quality. As the industry’s signaling needs shift from simple lights and buzzers to smart, network-capable devices, PATLITE provides an array of products ranging from wireless data-acquisition systems, programmable signal towers, IO-Link, and PoE-enabled devices.

added, depending on fluctuations in order volume. • Cartonization engines are vital for fitting order contents into subscription boxes. The engines provide the maximum real estate of a box and plan for how much product can fit by pairing specific dunnage requirements and dimensions with individual SKUs. • Customization is also a key trend for subscription box providers to create an individualized customer experience. Automated order finishing systems streamline processes for adding marketing materials, recipe cards, and coupons into the subscription box — for example, to communicate with customers and im-

GVWRs between 25,950 and 33,000 pounds that can accommodate bodies from 14 to 30 feet in length. The F-Series models are powered by the powerful and efficient Cummins B6.7 six-cylinder diesel engine and is mated to an Allison 2000 series transmission. This powertrain combination is popular with drivers for its acceleration, efficiency, and durability. FSeries models can also be equipped with a 50- or 100-gallon fuel tank, low-profile tires, and air suspension. As you can see, Isuzu offers an array of work trucks and options that can boost your fleet’s productivity, efficiency, and safety in final- and middle-mile routes. We have long been a favorite among 3PLs and larger fleets for the versatility, maneuverability, durability, and low cost of ownership that comes with every Isuzu truck. From point A to points B, C, and beyond, Isuzu trucks have you covered for your final- and middle-mile deliveries. Isuzu builds trucks to do the work you do. Come visit us in Booth #C6076 to find out how Isuzu can help your business!

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CHARGEITSPOT (continued from page 24)

“These results are exactly what we were hoping to see. The accountability that ARC™ delivers finally gives us the confidence to invest in higher performance devices, and that investment is going to unlock even more productivity gains for our team,” said Sterling. ChargeItSpot was equally excited by the outcome and sees these results as a strong testament to ARC’s efficacy. “It’s incredible to see the impact that ARC™ is already having,” said Baldasare. “We’re helping solve a painful, long-standing problem for our partners at a time when minimizing friction in retail and warehouse environments is of the utmost importance. We’re proud to bring this mobile device management solution to market.” ChargeItSpot is an exhibitor at MODEX 2022, where they will showcase ARC™ technology solutions in Booth #B2205. About ChargeItSpot Founded in 2011, ChargeItSpot® has

Insights projects a gap of 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs by 2030 due to a combination of skills gap and the stagnant workforce. What to do? Increasing interest in STEM topics in schools is a sound initiative to introduce students to the core technologies, and to build awareness of career opportunities. Job training programs, including two-year manufacturing technology programs, will also shrink the skills gap and expand the manufacturing workforce. But these are long-term efforts, taking years to put in place and generate significant results. So, what options do manufacturers have for the short term and into 2030? Consider collaborative robots as your primary automation building block and start to automate your manufacturing operations. Why Cobots? 1. Low installation cost enables even the smallest shop to automate. Unlike traditional automation, collaborative solutions continued on page 57

prove their experience. Print-and-apply lines rapidly apply printed labels to boxes and verify their shipping weights and label information. It’s important to incorporate robust, flexible warehouse execution software and automation that will facilitate growth, improve fulfillment speed and accuracy, and consistently deliver exceptional order fulfillment. For more information, be sure to visit Matthews’ Booth #B5019. Read more of Matthews’ “Automation Insights” at www.matthewsautomation. com/blog. You can also contact the company by phone at 262-250-2143 or by email at [email protected] to talk about your unique application requirements. revolutionized the world of mobile device management, charging, and security. Their intelligent, locker-based kiosk solutions are thoughtfully designed to empower businesses and consumers alike. The ChargeItSpot® kiosk elevates the in-store mobile experience by providing free and secure phone charging for consumers. In return, businesses and venues drive engagement, increase dwell time/purchase amount, and capture valuable marketing data. In 2022, ChargeItSpot® launched ARC™, a centralized device management kiosk for securing, charging, and monitoring employee devices in warehouses and retail stores. ARC™ not only minimizes device theft/loss and saves employee and manager time, but also boosts operational efficiency by ensuring only optimally functioning hand-held devices are in circulation. ChargeItSpot is constantly innovating and dedicated to empowering people to focus on what matters most. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia. To learn more, visit www.chargeitspot.com and www.arc-kiosk.com.

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BEUMER Group: Codept Startup Continues To Grow Consistently Things Continue to Move Forward With just a single connection, Codept’s logistics platform enables the management of the entire order life cycle from order fulfillment, through the last mile to returns. From the outset, the young company has been supported by the Berlin-based company builder Beam, a spin-off of BEUMER Group. For Codept, 2021 was extremely successful and a year of growth: for the team, the turnover, and the transactions via the platform. Codept is a cloud-based logistics platform for e-commerce that offers flexible warehousing and fulfillment options throughout Europe. Merchants gain easy access to a wide range of different logis-

ALPINE (continued from page 1)

NAPLES, Fla. — Alpine Supply Chain Solutions today announced that global healthy-aging haircare, skincare, and wellness innovator MONAT Global Corp (MONAT), has commenced operations at its new 150,000-square-foot state-of-theart facility in Doral, Florida. The event marks the first milestone in MONAT’s effort to modernize its distribution operations to support its rapid and ongoing growth. “When we made the decision to expand our distribution capabilities, we knew we needed to partner with experts that could see far beyond our immediate needs,” said Matt Warner, MONAT senior vice president and chief operations officer. “We were looking for the most efficient method to achieve our year-overyear growth plans and leverage the skilled labor on-site without the need to increase our employee base. Stripping out manual processes was key. Alpine and Conveyor Solutions, Inc. (CSI), understood our customized needs, and served as the creative architects behind a solution packed with clever storage solutions and automated technology allowing us to distribute more product efficiently.” The facility’s final design, completed by Alpine and CSI, includes the use of threeand-four deep pushback racking for increased storage. It also incorporates: • An auto carton erector that eliminates the need for resources to form and tape cartons. • A pick-to-light system that will increase picking productivity from 80 lines/hour to 120/hour. • In-line scales to ensure the right products and quantities are picked for every order. • An auto print and apply manifesting station that will greatly increase order processing speed and accuracy. “We are so excited to be a small part of the important work MONAT is doing. Between creating sustainable products and

tics providers from just one IT interface. Using Codept, the data transfer between e-commerce and fulfillment service providers is simplified. Supported by BEUMER Group, the startup was able to record enormous growth with its platform last year. “We doubled our team and were able to increase the number of transactions more than tenfold,” says Founder, Felix Ostwald, happily. In 2019, he founded the company with his partner, Jonas Grunwald, and both have been running the business together ever since. The young company increased its turnover by over 400%. Codept is also developing from a platform provider to a technology partner for ecommerce companies; logistics companies; empowering the financial well-being of 1 million families around the globe each year, it is truly amazing,” said Michael Wohlwend, managing principal for Alpine. “Labor always has and always will be a challenge in distribution environments and we are thrilled about MONAT’s willingness to try innovative technologies to take their productivity to the next level.” As the MONAT team settles into its new operation, they are preparing for phase two of their distribution plans, which will enable them to support their growing international business. Overall, the company expects to see a healthy ROI on their supply chain investment within 18 months. About Alpine Supply Chain Solutions — Booth #B7953 Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, based in Naples, Florida, is a supply chain consulting company driven to ensure their clients get the most value from their investments. Their approach to every project starts with the data and ends with a cost justifiable solution. With deep roots in industrial engineering, Alpine’s approach is unique. For more information, please visit www. alpinesuppychain.com. About MONAT Global MONAT Global Corp is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alcora Corporation, whose holdings include Project Beauty, an online retail beauty company; and B&R Products, Inc., their research, development, and manufacturing laboratory subsidiary. All three companies are headquartered in and around Miami, Florida. MONAT was founded in 2014 to enter the multibillion-dollar haircare market and provides groundbreaking opportunities through a novel social marketing approach to direct sales. In 2019, the company expanded into the skincare market. The company offers a unique and exciting business model and one of the most generous compensation plans in the U.S., Canadian, U.K., Irish, Polish, Spanish, Australian, and Lithuanian markets. Learn more at www.monatglobal.com.

shop and ERP systems; as well as warehouse management systems. The startup is benefitting in particular from the continuing boom in e-commerce. “In 2021, we were able to acquire well-known customers, such as Europe’s leading shipping platform, Sendcloud, the craftsmen’s online shop, Contorion, and the logistics company, FIEGE,” says Jonas Grunwald. “Our business model works. In 2022, we want to expand further.” Codept offers retailers easy access to a network of over 250 logistics service providers via just one IT interface. The platform enables both retailers and logistics partners to keep track of all their logistics processes at all times and thus, design them in an efficient and scalable way. With its standardized API, Codept takes over the technical connection of the logistics service providers and reduces the IT effort for the customer by up to 80%. “With this unique connection, we can streamline our customers’ logistics processes. Costs and lead times can be optimized,

EXOTEC (continued from page 1)

its Skypod system. Q: How did Exotec get started in warehouse robotics?

and retailers have immediate access to connected logistics partners,” Ostwald explains. “With Codept, we bridge the gap between shop system, ERP, and WMS for the best possible data exchange.” About BEUMER Group BEUMER Group is an international leader in the manufacture of intralogistics systems for conveying, loading, palletizing, packaging, sortation, and distribution. With 4,500 employees worldwide, BEUMER Group has annual sales of about 950 million euros. BEUMER Group and its group companies and sales agencies provide their customers with high-quality system solutions and an extensive customer support network around the globe and across a wide range of industries, including bulk materials and piece goods, food/non-food, construction, mail order, post, and airport baggage handling. For more information, visit www.beumer.com and drop by MODEX Booth #B5214. ture of the Skypod System allows it to deploy in a matter of months — not years. Q: How is Exotec helping its customers navigate current labor shortages?

A: Exotec’s story begins in 2014 on a bus taking future co-founders, Renaud Heitz and I, to work at General Electric Medical. News had just broken: Amazon acquired revolutionary KIVA robotics, effectively keeping the technology to themselves. The news stuck with us and we decided we could design a robotic order preparation system using a fleet of robots able to move in three dimensions. The Skypod was born. Just eight years later, Exotec has become a global leader in robotics that helps over 30 industry-leading brands — including Gap, Decathlon, and Uniqlo — improve their warehouse efficiency and economics and to navigate an array of supply chain challenges.

A: Demand for warehouse labor is cyclical. Every year, brands hire additional warehouse workers to accommodate the busiest shopping season of the year, only to let them go once the peak season is over. However, the ongoing labor shortage, coupled with shifting market dynamics and persistent supply chain disruptions, have created significant hiring challenges that call for a different approach. Fortunately, the Exotec system offers an alternative path to increasing operational efficiency while also improving working conditions for human operators. Oftentimes, Exotec customers will rent additional robots to supplement their operations during the peak season, efficiently scaling their operation up and down depending on seasonal demands.

Q: What is the Skypod system and what benefits does it offer?

Q: Do you see labor shortages going away in the near future?

A: The Skypod system is a retail orderpicking solution. It utilizes robots that can carry up to 66 pounds and reach a height of 36 feet to enable high-density inventory storage. The robots move at 9 mph, increasing warehouse throughput by up to five times with two-minute response times for all SKUs. Exotec systems are fully modular allowing customers to easily expand their systems without interrupting production by simply adding robots, stations, or racks.

A: Workforce challenges are not going anywhere. Fewer young people choose to join the field, as the work tends to be highly manual and often located far from the urban centers where most young people live. Add to that the constant pressure to compete with giants, like Amazon, that leverage their scale to outbid most warehouses for talent with monetary benefits and brand-name recognition. By strategically applying robotics and automation, businesses can create the right balance between humans and robots to increase operator satisfaction, reduce churn, and sustain long-term productivity.

Q: How long does it take to implement the Skypod systems? A: Deploying warehouse robotics doesn’t need to be a long, complicated, or taxing process. Exotec offers a clear alternative: elegant collaboration between human and robot workers that delivers sustainable warehouse productivity. The modular na-

Q: How can our readers find out more about you? A: Learn more about the Skypod System at Booth #C6291 or connect with the Exotec team at [email protected].

Top 5 Ideas for a Successful Trade Show When it comes to the benefits of trade shows, the market has spoken. Every year, exhibitors spend more than $20 billion just in the United States on trade show displays. On top of that, trade shows are actually the second-largest source of all revenue for business-to-business operations in the United States! Trade shows are an incredibly fruitful avenue towards revenue. But you have to know how to make the most out of them. Follow these top 5 list ideas for making your next trade show a big success!

1. Make Your Trade Show Booth Stand Out

There is a sales funnel dynamic that occurs at trade shows. The very first contact you have with most customers will be when they glance at your display table. That is the crucial moment when they will either decide to engage further with you or else pass you by for a competitor. As a result, it is essential that you attract as many people to your trade show exhibit as possible. Of course, that doesn't just mean being as noticeable as p possible. If you want people to engage with you as a respectable business, you will need to go to attract attention and present your business in a respectable way. A well-coordinated color scheme between your display objects and your tablecloth is a good way to show that you put care into your work.

2. Have Visual Aids

A lot of people respond much more to visual appeals than to anything else. A great way to grab and keep people's attention is to have some kind of a video or slideshow running at your display. This way, they can learn a little bit about your business before having to make the decision to actually speak with you or not.

3. Promote Your Trade Show Displays Before the Event

Virtual trade shows are the one way that you can engage with prospective customers before the event. Use social media in advance of a trade show to tell people a little bit about your upcoming trade show attendance and let them know what they can expect from you when they see you there. You want people who search for "trade shows near me" to find information about your business when they find the upcoming trade show.

4. Bring Giveaways

Trade show attendees often see dozens of displays. If you want people to remember you, it helps to give them a memento of some kind that they can review after the show ends. These might include business cards, pens, or anything else that you can put your name or logo on.

5. Offer a Prize

Trade show exhibits that offer prizes are always a big hit. Have everyone sign their name on a sheet or leave a business card with you. Then at the end of the event, pick one of them at random to give away a piece of merchandise to.

Enjoy a Successful Trade Show With These Top 5 List Ideas

We hope that you were able to learn something helpful from these top 5 list ideas for your next trade show. If you are going to go to a trade show at all, then it pays off to prepare and make sure you do it the right way!

To learn more about how to improve your trade show performances and marketing, you can reach out and get in touch with us at any time!

1st Edition • Monday, March 28, 2022

KPI (continued from page 6)

gies including AS/RS, AMRs, and AGVs. We are a certified distributor of leading providers including AutoStore, Geek+, and OTTO. Ongoing maintenance services ensure your systems will perform at maximum efficiency with assured uptime. As an extension of our clients’ engineering and logistics teams, we leverage the optimal mix of technology — both

UNIVERSAL ROBOTS (continued from page 39)

have successfully stripped costs out of every phase of a typical project. It is common now to see complete systems in machine tending, welding, and palletizing deployed for less than $100,000 — and often less than $85,000. 2. Cobots enable incremental automation. Unlike the traditional all-or-nothing approach, the ability to safely deploy cobots side by side with skilled operators allows a single station, machine, or process to be automated. Automate one cell, generate ROI, and then proceed to incrementally automate more operations. 3. Cobots are quick to deploy (see No. 1 above) and quick to re-deploy, making them perfect for high-mix/low-volume operations. 4. Best-in-class cobots are easy to program, and do not require dedicated teams of engineers and programmers. Now, Where to Start? 1. Fill the gaps. If you are struggling to hire welders, machine operators, pack line workers or other roles, invest in cobots to fill the voids left by the manufacturing la-

IDEAL WAREHOUSE

digital and physical — within distribution facilities and across the supply chain network. Industry 4.0 thinking is engrained in our design philosophy as we unite innovative operations with best-of-breed technologies that continuously adapt to evolving market challenges and scale as needed for fluctuations in order volume. Kommand Performance Intelligent Software (KPI-S), our industry-leading Warehouse Execution Software (WES), bor crisis. The installation of an $85,000 cobot tending a machine tool addresses both the labor shortage and the low machine utilization — a double improvement to the bottom line. 2. Automate DDD applications — “dull, dirty, dangerous.” These positions are the most difficult to hire and automating them will improve job satisfaction and worker morale. 3. Make manufacturing attractive. See No. 2 above and recognize that the hesitancy of younger generations to enter manufacturing careers is directly proportional to their view of DDD jobs. Cobot automation can change the overall image of your manufacturing floor and make it easier to recruit qualified candidates. 4. Automate the simple, repetitive, dull tasks. Move skilled workers into highervalue assignments. 5. Leverage cobot flexibility. Look for areas where automating high-mix/low-volume processes can increase capacity and reduce costs. To learn more about Universal Robots, be sure to stop by Booth #B2805 or visit www.universal-robots.com.

Our Name Is Our Mission As a three-word mission statement, Ideal Warehouse Innovations says a lot. We champion an ideal working environment where safety is a strategy, not an afterthought. And we do that, both with products that are triedand-true and category-expanding product innovations — products that set new standards for safety.

other. Our “No Boots on the Ground™” initiative includes two inspired products that make it possible to prevent trailer collapse, without putting workers in harm’s way out on the tarmac. Our Shuntable Trailer Stand is deployed by the yard jockey using the shunt truck. It’s a time saver and a game changer. And our coming-soon Ground Mounted Trailer Support (GMTS) represents the future of dock safety automation. The GMTS sits permanently in the dock position in a retracted state. When a trailer is in position, with just the push of a button, the GMTS rises to support the trailer from beneath.

No Boots on the Ground™ One example of the R&D that drives our business is our new “No Boots on the Ground™” approach to dock safety. The dock approach is a busy, risky area. Big rigs come and go, trailers are reversed into dock positions, and the slightest distraction can leave a worker on the tarmac in peril. The best protection is to not have a worker there. However, safety-first workplaces also require that docked trailers be supported by a trailer stand, to prevent trailer collapse or trailer tip-over. This has typically required a worker to manually position a trailer stand under the docked trailer’s nose. So by preventing one type of hazard, you create an-

Leaders in Workplace and Warehouse Safety and Service Founded in 1982, Ideal Warehouse Innovations has grown to serve the North American market — and beyond — with great products and great service. Our cross-continent network of warehouses means we have most of our products in stock, nearby, and readyto-ship. And while we have thousands of safety solutions in stock, we are never more than a customer problem away from beginning work on the next Ideal Warehouse Innovations innovation. Come test drive our solutions at MODEX Booth #B6419.

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lighting systems, environmental door systems, guardrails, bollards, and more save the day in countless ways.

57 enables peak warehouse operations and optimizes fulfillment by dynamically orchestrating material handling systems assets with orders, labor, and inventory. Through its proprietary intelligence and data-driven algorithms, KPI-S enables control, builds agility, and maximizes efficiency for fast, accurate order fulfillment and optimized warehouse management. We have built successful automation solutions for leading companies in

MFG TRAY (continued from page 19)

solution for industrial containers has a quite a bit of merit. So, what about the bit of trial and error MFG Tray’s engineers admitted to? Just how did they come up with this almost-perfect container solution? Well, it seems that’s somewhat of a secret. “Creating a container solution like this certainly is not an exact science,” explained Hovis. “But amid our more than 65 years of production, our engineers have developed a number of highly proprietary blends of fiberglass-reinforced composite. At the MFG Research Center, they test extensively until they get just the right blend.” According to Hovis, once the company’s engineers felt that they had the fiberglass composite blend right, they then put ULTRA LITE through the paces to see how it performed under regular use in the harshest manufacturing environments. “You’d be surprised at what we put ULTRA LITE totes and containers through to be ready for market,” said Hovis. “We had to be sure that they stack securely. That they won’t crush under heavy

RWM CASTERS (continued from page 6)

ness moving along. Signature Features for a Signature Wheel The round tread of the Signature Premium™ Wheel is designed to facilitate smooth, efficient rolling. The tread is specifically designed to provide superior cut, tear, and corrosion resistance. It will not chunk out no matter how often it rolls across the floor. Coupled with the durable nylon core, you will enjoy more than six times the strength that polypropylene wheels deliver. Suitable for a Wide Range of Applications Signature Premium™ Wheels are ideal for use in a wide range of applications and operations. They are well suited for use with platform carts, material handling carts, rolling racks, trolleys, drywall carts, and assembly line dollies. They will deliver reliable performance within warehouses, factories, food service facilities, grocery stores, offices, and more! Sizing Things Up The Signature Premium™ Wheel is available with a wheel width of 1.25 or 2

a variety of industries including retail, e-commerce, food and beverage, grocery, medical/pharmaceutical, third-party logistics, wholesale distribution, and manufacturing. Visit www.kpisolutions.com and come see us at Booth #C7678 to learn more about our success stories that enable higher performance and improved productivity, delivering quantifiable results with reliable ROI. loading. ULTRA LITE products can’t rust, corrode, or rot under any conditions. And they even must withstand irradiation procedures. Let’s just say our testing machines won more than once.” Given the testing that MFG Tray’s new line of ULTRA LITE products endured, what isn’t surprising is the benefits the product offers manufacturers. Like the company’s MFG Tray brand products, ULTRA LITE totes and containers are ideal for machine integration and robotic applications. That’s due to their consistent structural dimensions. Plus, ULTRA LITE products are smooth inside and out with no sharp corners. And, with their strength and durability, ULTRA LITE totes and containers will deliver a high return on the initial investment, lasting many years. Lighter. Stronger. Better. It’s no accident that MFG Tray’s new line of ULTRA LITE products are set to lighten the load on manufacturing floors around the world. For more information on MFG Tray’s ULTRA LITE products, be sure to stop by MODEX Booth #B2822 and visit www. mfgtray.com. inches; wheel diameters of 3.5, 4, 6, or 8 inches; and an axle diameter of 1/2 or 3/8 inch. Depending on the configuration, you can expect a capacity of between 225 and 700 pounds. The wheels can be configured with either a roller bearing or a ball bearing. Bearing choice is critical, and you will want to be sure to choose the best bearing for your operational environment. When all features and options are selected, the customized wheel design makes it suitable for use in a wide range of temperatures, from -40 F to 200 F. Reinventing the Wheel by Making it Better — Visit RWM at Booth #C5585 At RWM, our expert engineers and master design teams are always thinking of new ways to incorporate the latest technologies and materials into our wheel designs. While the function of a wheel remains constant, improving how it functions is what our teams excel at. The Signature Premium™ Wheel is one of many wheels our teams produce that are designed to enhance the efficiency of your operations. When you want premium performance at an affordable price, you can always depend on RWM Casters to deliver superior results!