- All the news that's fit to … convey. The New York Times has contracted with HK Systems to provide it with a bulk handling system as well as a software management solution for the insertion area at its College Point facility in Queens. The handling system will convey bundles of newspapers from 11 tie-lines to six palletizing stations. The solution includes conveyors, controls, and overall systems integration. In addition, HK Systems will supply its Material Tracking & Control software to ensure inventory accountability and control of free-standing inserts and packages.
- Hub three. Hub One Logistics, a consolidator and re-distributor of food and restaurant products, will be implementing the Productivity Improvement Program from logistics consulting company Tom Zosel Associates. The program will initially be rolled out in three of Hub One's facilities to enhance performance in key areas and streamline operations.
- Listen up. Sologlobe, a Canadian provider of supply chain execution systems, has announced that its flagship product, Solochain, will now feature voice-driven applications from Voxware. Sologlobe will also offer the Voxware applications to its customers who do not need all of the warehouse management capabilities provided by Solochain.
- Making new connections. Cortina, a company that makes electronic network components for analog and digital communications, is partnering with Avnet Electronics Marketing to handle its distribution. An operating arm of electronics company Avnet, Avnet Electronics Marketing provides thirdparty distribution services to original equipment manufacturers in the electronics sector. This past September, Cortina purchased Intel's line of optical network components—a move that expanded its product line and made the new distribution arrangement necessary.
- A perfect salute-tion. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is purchasing high-performance RFID printer/encoders from Zebra Technologies. The DLA will use the systems to create smart labels that will be used throughout the Defense Distribution Center's worldwide distribution network. The RFID solution is being implemented by ODIN technologies.
- All my trials. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has asked DHL to improve the handling and distribution of materials used in its clinical trials. Under the multi-year program, DHL will work to increase the efficiency of its client's materials distribution by uniting the flow of information and physical goods through automation, visibility, and improved collaboration.
- 'Tis the season for upgrading. Four Seasons, a division of Standard Motor Products that supplies aftermarket automotive control parts, is upgrading the warehouse labor management software at its distribution centers. Four Seasons is moving to the latest version of the ProTrack software from Tom Zosel Associates (TZA). The TZA labor management tool has enabled the company to maximize the productivity of its workforce and realize considerable savings.
- Road worthy. Old Dominion Freight Line has deployed mobile application software from Odyssey Software to enhance its freight delivery services. This will allow Old Dominion's delivery application to operate on Windows Mobile devices, which will let the carrier provide real-time support and seamless data connectivity to the mobile devices of its truck drivers in the field.
- There's no business like shoe business. Internet shoe and apparel retailer Zappos.com has opened a new DC in Shepherdsville, Ky., that features an end-to-end integrated material handling solution from FKI Logistex. FKI supplied a sliding shoe sorter, pop-up sorters, sawtooth merges, conveyors, print and apply modules, and software for the project. The systems automate receiving, presorting, put-away, picking, packing, and shipping.
- Shared intelligence. Savi Technology, a company that specializes in active RFID-based supply chain solutions, has signed agreements to license its technology to seven companies. These first companies to gain access to Savi's intellectual RFID property are Apogee Total Solutions, Convergence Systems Ltd., Evigia Systems, Graphic Industries, Hi-G-Tek, Identec Solutions, and Impreva Labs.
- Good call. Kyocera Wireless Corp. has awarded BAX Global a contract for warehouse management services at BAX's Yuen Long Logistics Centre in Hong Kong. Kyocera has been a long-term customer of BAX for airfreight services. The new Hong Kong facility will streamline shipments of phones produced in mainland China directly to Kyocera customers, bypassing the need for U.S. warehousing and distribution.
- Powerful new tools. Universal Power Group (UPG) is implementing RedPrairie solutions at three of its distribution facilities in Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Las Vegas. The warehouse management, visibility, and scorecard software will help UPG provide network visibility for its customers, as well as tracking and controlling the company's batteries and power equipment inventory.
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Wreaths Across America