Seeq wins Control Engineering 2020 Engineers’ Choice Award in Data Analytics Category
Magazine readers select the best new products, and Seeq takes top honors in the Advanced Analytics for Process Manufacturing Data category Seeq Corporation has announced it is the winner of the Advanced Analytics for Process Manufacturing Data category award for Control Engineering 2020 Engineers’ Choice Awards program. Control Engineering’s Engineer’s Choice is the premier award program for new products in manufacturing and non-manufacturing industries. Their annual reader-choice award program gives Control Engineering’s audience the opportunity to select the top new products in their fields. Seeq won in the category of Data Analytics for its Advanced Analytics for Process Manufacturing Data. Seeq is an advanced analytics solution for engineers and scientists in process manufacturing organizations to rapidly wrangle, investigate, and share insights on manufacturing data. Recent releases of Seeq reflect both the growing use of Seeq for publishing analytics-based views to other employees, and the increased complexity of the use cases where engineers use Seeq. For publishing insights, Seeq has expanded “scorecards,” a feature for the display of calculated tables in Seeq Workbench and Organizer. Scorecards are used for tabulated metrics, measurements, and other summary data, and may be presented in tables with conditional formatting support and user-defined columns—for example, roll-ups by batch or plant. “We are pleased that Seeq was recognized by Control Engineering,” says Michael Risse, Chief Marketing Officer for Seeq. “We are helping process manufacturers accelerate their digital transformation efforts. It is an honor to join the other vendors of the best products in this space as part of the Product of the Year program.” Seeq supports all leading data historians, making it the most widely accessible and extensively used advanced analytics solution in process manufacturing companies. Supported historians include the OSIsoft PI System, GE Proficy, AspenTech InfoPlus (IP) 21, Emerson DeltaV Continuous Historian and Ovation DCS Historian, Honeywell Uniformance PHD Historian, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Historian, Inductive Automation’s Ignition Historian, DataParc Historian, Aveva’s Wonderware Historian, Citec SCADA, and eDNA Historian, with others in development.
MHS launches new large parcel singulator
Activated roller belt solution transforms bulk flow into single-file stream to feed automated sortation systems MHS, a single-source provider of material handling automation and software solutions, announces a new singulation solution for high-throughput parcel operations. The new Activated Roller Belt (ARB) Large Parcel Singulator is designed to keep automated sortation systems running smoothly, transforming a bulk flow of packages into a single-file stream, critical for high-throughput operations. The ARB Singulator uses a series of roller belts that operate at progressively increasing speeds, capable of handling up to 12,000 parcels per hour, with over 99% singulation accuracy. MHS uses computer vision to measure incoming flow, modulate conveying speeds and cull side-by-side packages. The system is designed to ensure maximum singulation performance for all packaging types – even items in flexible packaging like bags. An integral recirculation line reintroduces packages that are separated at the side-by-side eliminator and buffers peak package flow to keep downstream systems performing at peak efficiency. “Automated sortation systems allow parcel distribution centers to handle the unprecedented package volumes of the e-commerce era more efficiently than ever – but only with a properly spaced stream of product,” says Dean Terrell, senior vice president, development, Material Handling Systems, Inc. “The new ARB Singulator eliminates the need for large, expensive controlled merge systems with an alternative that offers peak performance in a reduced footprint and a reduced cost.”
DMW&H expands Executive Team with two key hires
DMW&H welcomes Mark Breznak as COO and Francis Said as Vice President of Integration and Engineering to the team DMW&H, a full-service material handling solutions provider, has announced the addition of Mark Breznak in the key position of COO and Francis Said in the position of Vice President of Integration and Engineering. These two positions expand the company’s leadership team to keep pace with their accelerated growth. Mark Breznak has over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing and service industries and has expertise in process improvement, team building, ERP, Software, and Controls. He has repeatedly proven his ability to create tangible results in fluid and fast-paced business environments. As COO of DMW&H, Mark will provide the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure DMW&H has the proper operational controls, people, systems, and administrative/reporting procedures in place to strengthen DMW&H’s infrastructure to handle current and future growth. Mark has a BS in Computer Science and an MBA in Finance. Joe Colletti, President & CEO of DMW&H, says “I am excited to have Mark join our executive team as COO. Mark has a proven track record of running companies, leading engineering teams, and improving processes to create solid infrastructures for long-term growth. He’s joining an already successful team at the perfect time to keep up with our company’s growth.” Francis Said joins DMW&H from Swisslog where he most recently served as Senior Director of Integration Management. With almost 30 years of experience in software, controls, and integration within the material handling industry, Francis’ experience will help shape those areas of DMW&H’s business for their next phase of growth. His role of Vice President of Integration and Engineering at DMW&H will ensure the quality and consistency of engineered systems, devices, drawings, and standards. “Francis’s extensive knowledge of the material handling industry matched with his expertise in leadership and software/controls integration will be key elements to DMW&H’s continued success,” says Joe Colletti.
3M cuts 1,500 jobs and heads in new direction
St. Paul, Minnesota based manufacturing conglomerate 3M reported its 2019 fourth quarter and full-year financial results on Tuesday and announced a new operating model and operating structure that includes cutting approximately 1,500 jobs. The company said that following the implementation of a new ERP system and the April 2019 move from five to four business groups — Safety & Industrial, Transportation & Electronics, Health Care and Consumer — its new model is based around each segment having full responsibility for all facets of strategy, portfolio optimization and resource prioritization across their entire global operations. The new model was implemented January 1st. 3M noted that under the prior model, area and country teams — which comprised 3M’s International Operations organization — were responsible for setting priorities in their regions. Now, all 3M employees report to the business groups and functions they are part of, and 3M no longer has an International Operations organization. All of 3M’s international employees now report into the business groups and functions they are part of, and 3M no longer has an International Operations organization. The company said benefits of the new operating model include more accountability to its business groups; stronger customer insight; empowering employees to make decisions faster; organizational streamlining, and leveraging strengths across markets. To support the realignment, 3M: Is consolidating manufacturing, supply chain and customer operations in to a new Enterprise Operations organization focused on optimizing the customer experience; Has formed a new global Corporate Affairs organization focused on advancing and protecting the company’s brand and reputation; Realigned all existing corporate functions to drive more effective operations As a result of those actions, 3M has initiated restructuring that will reduce approximately 1,500 positions across all business groups, functions and geographies. 3M took a pre-tax restructuring charge of $134 million in the Q4 2019 and expects annual pre-tax savings of $110 to $120 million, with 2020 savings of $40 to $50 million. “3M continues to transform how it operates and build a more customer-driven and streamlined organization for the future,” said Mike Roman, 3M chairman and chief executive officer. “The latest phase of our transformation journey is designed to improve growth and operational efficiency, and will enable us to create even more value for our customers and shareholders. This is a defining moment in how we run our company, and positions 3M for success in the years ahead.” With the restructuring announcement, 3M also said that international operations executive vice president Julie Bushman has announced she will retire effective April 1st.
Westfalia Technologies to highlight complete Automated Warehouse Solution at MODEX
Westfalia Technologies, Inc., a provider of logistics solutions for manufacturers and distributors since 1992, will be at MODEX 2020 showcasing its complete warehouse automation solution. The solution is comprised of a high-density automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) and layer picking solution, all controlled by Westfalia’s Savanna.NET® Warehouse Execution System (WES). At booth #7807 (take an immediate right through the entrance doors), Westfalia will be showcasing its automation solutions and discussing the associated benefits, which include: Maximized storage capacity. The high-density AS/RS enables companies to increase the storage capacity of their existing facilities by up to 50 percent. Increased flexibility. The system’s flexible rack structures can accommodate multiple storage lane depths to handle varying SKU inventory level. Streamlined order fulfillment. The combination of the AS/RS and layer pick system allows companies to seamlessly convey pallets from palletizing to storage and to truck-staging lanes, thereby streamlining the entire order fulfillment process. Improved efficiency. Savanna.NET® improves efficiency and reduces order fulfillment errors by directing all warehouse activities and providing real-time inventory visibility and tracking. Dan Labell, president, Westfalia Technologies, said, “With the increasing demands from customers, warehouses are now seen as vital components in the supply chain. In today’s market, most companies are seeking state-of-the-art automated warehouse storage solutions. Whether expanding an existing location, opening a new facility, adding more SKUs or products or offering new sales channels, Westfalia is your complete resource for planning, designing, manufacturing and installing material handling systems – without affecting your customers.” On Wednesday, March 11, Labell will co-present “How to calculate AS/RS ROI: Key metrics that often get overlooked.” Labell is set to join TGW Systems Inc. and Swisslog at 10:30 a.m. in Theater E (back right corner of conference hall). The seminar will look at how to include direct and indirect expenses, along with using sensitivity analysis to understand how different factors can affect the results of the ROI. Real examples and case studies will be used to tackle the topic of building an accurate ROI model by addressing defining what aspects to include in your ROI; comparing conventional fulfillment systems with implementation of an AS/RS solution; and including direct and indirect expenses to achieve an accurate ROI model to help justify investments in automation.
Cimcorp appoints new General Manager in Madrid office
The logistics automation specialist has formed a new subsidiary—Cimcorp Iberia, S.L.—to meet growing interest in its robotic solutions in the Spanish market Cimcorp, a manufacturer and integrator of turnkey robotic order fulfillment and tire-handling solutions, announces it has formed a new subsidiary—Cimcorp Iberia, S.L.—based in Madrid to better serve the Spanish market. In establishing the new Madrid office, Cimcorp has also appointed Jarkko Hakkarainen as General Manager of Cimcorp Iberia. “Our decision to expand our presence into Spain was a logical step at this point and supports our growth strategy,” commented Tero Peltomäki, Executive Vice President, Operations and Technology, Cimcorp. “We have a well-established customer base in Spain and our material handling systems are in high demand there.” In spring 2019, Cimcorp secured an order worth over 120 million euros to automate the distribution of fresh food at four new distribution centers for the Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona. “With this being Cimcorp’s largest ever order in the intralogistics market,” explained Peltomäki, “this is the right time to establish a base in Spain, to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of Mercadona and other customers, and that we allocate our resources in the best possible way.” Notably, Cimcorp has previously supplied automation to Mercadona and another Spanish supermarket chain, Eroski, as well as several tire-manufacturing customers in Spain, including Michelin. Peltomäki added, “A local presence in Spain will enable Cimcorp to strengthen relationships with our existing customers, as well as to create new partnerships. The central location of our Madrid office and its excellent transport connections to all our customer sites will mean smooth project management and timely response to requests for customer support.” On the appointment of Hakkarainen as General Manager of Cimcorp Iberia, Peltomäki commented, “Jarkko Hakkarainen has over 20 years of extensive experience in international business. In addition to responsibility for project implementation, he has worked successfully in new technology development, sales and services, and is praised for his leadership skills. Hakkarainen is target-oriented, committed to Cimcorp’s growth strategy—and has a strong track record of business results. He is also fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese, so I cannot imagine a better person to lead Cimcorp Iberia.” Hakkarainen, who will start at Cimcorp Iberia in the beginning of May, said, “I believe that open communication with all stakeholders—customers, partners and employees—is the key to success. We work with international business leaders and our employees are highly educated experts, so it is in our interest to listen and to learn, so that we can thrive together.” “I understand that cooperation with local companies in Spain has been excellent in previous projects,” continued Hakkarainen. “But we believe that we can enhance even these high levels of customer satisfaction through a team of native, Spanish-speaking Cimcorp Iberia engineers who are experts in our automation solutions. In addition to the performance of Cimcorp’s picking systems, it will be the combination of outstanding project management during installation and superb customer support after implementation that will be the basis for clients placing their trust in Cimcorp Iberia, S.L. in the future.”
Twinlode CEO announces retirement
After more than 40 years in material handling, Eastman looks forward to new chapter Lawrence ‘Skip’ Eastman, CEO of Twinlode Corporation and a revered leader in the material handling industry, announced his retirement, effective at the end of the month. Eastman has enjoyed a long and successful career that started in 1976 and has continued throughout more than 40 years of change and evolution in supply chain and warehouse management. With his retirement, he looks forward to remaining on the board of directors at Twinlode and focusing on his nonprofit, Point to Life Ministries International; a local, national and international origination designed to help people find direction in their life by providing basic needs and helping to guide them to independence. “What a pleasure it has been to be a part of an industry that is an integral piece of people’s everyday lives,” said Skip Eastman, CEO of Twinlode Corporation. “I have seen a lot of change and advancements take place and have enjoyed every one of the relationships I have built being part of groups such as MHI and RMI as well as the people that truly make this industry a great place to be. While I will really miss being a part of this tremendous industry on the day-to-day, I am truly looking forward to the next chapter of my life with excitement.” “Skip’s career embodies a rare mix of leadership, technical skill and salesmanship; all capped off with a level of honesty and integrity which has gained him the respect of all who have worked with him,” said Steve Rogers, executive vice president of Hannibal Industries. “In this business, we have the privilege of meeting a wide cast of characters and many we come to have great respect for, but few we can call a friend. I consider Skip a friend and all of us at Hannibal wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.” “I have known Skip Eastman for thirty-seven years in a variety of roles, as a customer, then an employee at several levels, and then as a customer again. Skip has been creative and optimistic in every role that I have known him, with the highest degree of personal integrity,” said Jay Anderson, president of Steel King. “Skip initiated many relationships in the material handling industry that will last for many years beyond his well-deserved retirement.” Eastman began his career in the 1970s and has been involved the material handling industry overseeing traditional rack projects as well as witnessing the beginnings of warehouse automation develop into what it is today. His work proudly includes warehouse planning and execution globally for some of the largest brands in the world.
Seeq Corporation expands Series B funding with $24 Million to fuel advanced Analytics Growth Strategy
Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures joins Altira Group, Chevron Technology Ventures, and existing investors to expand Seeq’s international and cloud-based businesses Seeq Corporation, a provider in manufacturing and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) advanced analytics software, announced that is has secured a $24 million expansion of its Series B funding. This expansion round is led by Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures (SAEV), the corporate venture subsidiary of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals company, Saudi Aramco. It includes renewed participation by Altira Group, Chevron Technology Ventures, Second Avenue Partners, and other existing investors. Seeq enables engineers and scientists in process manufacturing organizations to rapidly analyze, predict, collaborate, and share insights to improve production outcomes. Customers include companies in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, energy, mining, food and beverage, and other process industries. The funding will accelerate Seeq’s expansion of development, sales, and marketing resources, and will also increase its presence in international markets. “Seeq is providing an important improvement in software for customers in process industries to accelerate insights, action, and impact on their production and business outcomes,” comments James Sledzik, Venture Executive at SAEV. “We are pleased to be leading the effort enabling Seeq’s continued growth.” Upon final closing, Seeq expects the Series B expansion to reach approximately $30 million, which is in addition to Series B funding led by Altira Group. “With the backing of SAEV and our existing investors, Seeq is positioned to continue its rapid growth by addressing market demand for advanced analytics innovation,” says Steve Sliwa, CEO and co-founder of Seeq Corporation. “Through our direct sales personnel and more than 50 channel partners, our customer base has expanded to more than 40 countries with deployments as large at 5,000 users within one company.” This announcement follows a momentous 2019 for Seeq. Last month, the company announced it had achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Industrial Software Competency status and that its advanced analytics solution was available in the AWS Marketplace. These achievements will enable Seeq customers to rapidly investigate and share insights from process manufacturing data stored either on premise or in the AWS cloud. Seeq had previously made its advanced analytics software available as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application on Microsoft Azure and in the Azure Marketplace. Cloud-based Seeq deployments enable engineers at companies like Royal Dutch Shell PLC to access faster insights and reporting on real-time data. Other companies using Seeq include pharmaceutical industry leaders such as Merck and Roche, as well as chemical industry leaders like Lonza and Covestro. In addition to cloud support, Seeq partners with an extensive set of process automation vendors for on premise deployments by connecting to and working with systems sold by OSIsoft, Siemens, GE, Honeywell, Emerson Automation Solutions, Inductive Automation, AVEVA, AspenTech, Schneider Electric, and others. Highlighting the company’s momentum, in August 2019 Seeq ranked #369 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, and in November 2019 ranked #43 on the Entrepreneur 360 list.
Food Logistics names Raymond a top software and technology provider
The Raymond Corporation was named to Food Logistics’ 2019 FL100+ list, highlighting Top Software and Technology Providers. Raymond makes this year’s list for its expanded iWAREHOUSE® intelligent solutions platform system that helps the food and beverage industry address a number of challenges including the skills and labor gap and increasing consumer demands for obtaining products faster. In response to the industry’s skills and labor gap, Raymond expanded its capabilities of the iWAREHOUSE fleet management and warehouse optimization system to encompass the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 platform, helping customers manage warehouse and staffing needs. The iWAREHOUSE solutions have integrated offerings in telematics, automated vehicles, labor management, location tracking, virtual reality education and energy solutions. “Telematics data is crucial for any warehouse, plant or facility because it can be used to enhance productivity and identify pain points within the workforce or operation,” said John Rosenberger, director of iWAREHOUSE GATEWAY™ and Global Telematics at The Raymond Corporation. “With electronic checklists, load sensing, task selection and battery monitoring, the iWAREHOUSE platform has an extensive list of items that can assist operators in their daily tasks, eliminating unnecessary downtime.” The iWAREHOUSE platform can be used with existing mixed fleets and vehicles, no matter the brand, to provide a comprehensive view of customers’ warehouse equipment. Additionally, iWAREHOUSE is scalable, helping warehouses meet their basic needs for telematics and current technological innovations, such as virtual reality (VR) and IoT, can help engage current and potential talent. The annual FL100+ Top Software and Technology Providers resource guide showcases suppliers whose products and services are critical for global food and beverage supply chain success. These solutions and services provide companies the opportunity to improve productivity and gain efficiencies within their enterprise.
MHS acquires eMotion Controls Company
MHS (Material Handling Systems Inc.), a global provider of material handling automation and software solutions, today announced that it has acquired eMotion Controls Company, a controls system integration and software company. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, eMotion partners with its customers to provide material handling systems integration, hardware design, software and robotic solutions across its customer base. eMotion works across multiple end-markets, including parcel sortation and fulfillment & distribution. eMotion and MHS have partnered on multiple projects over the past 15 years and eMotion will help further accelerate MHS’s Lifecycle Performance Services growth plan. “It’s no secret that e-commerce is booming and hasn’t even begun to approach its peak,” said Scott McReynolds, Chief Executive Officer for MHS. “Increasingly, logistics providers and retailers with major shipping operations are looking for end-to-end solutions that not only set them up for success but support their business on an ongoing basis – which is exactly what Lifecycle Performance Services does. eMotion Controls is an outstanding addition to our LPS division, made up of a wonderful bunch of people who we look forward to working well with into the future.” “MHS has been an invaluable partner to eMotion for the past 15 years, and it gives us a great deal of comfort to work with a leadership team that shares our integrity and core values,” said eMotion President and Founder Cory Deeds. “Our newly-expanded relationship gives us a platform to extend our proven solutions to a larger customer base while continuing to deliver the reliable service we’ve long been known for. We’re thrilled to be joining the MHS team.” PricewaterhouseCoopers acted as an Accounting and Tax Advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to MHS. Financial terms for the transaction were not disclosed.
Cisco-Eagle names Jaco Houston Director of Sales
Cisco-Eagle an automated handling systems provider has named Matt Jaco Houston Director of Sales. Jaco was previously an account executive. In that role, he helped a variety of companies implement successful material handling, storage, automation, order fulfillment and related projects. Jaco holds a Logistics and Supply Chain Management MBA from Texas A&M. In his new role, Jaco will focus on managing the Houston operations, including sales, service and engineering operations.
Alpine Supply Chain Solutions optimizes e-Commerce for AMS Fulfillment
Space, equipment, and labor improvements result in throughput gains Alpine Supply Chain Solutions, a supply chain consulting firm, announced the successful completion of a distribution optimization project for AMS Fulfillment, a third-party logistics service provider specializing in e-commerce and business-to-business fulfillment. AMS was growing exponentially and wanted to improve the use of their space, equipment and labor to increase throughput and make room for new items that required additional pick locations at their Valencia, California facility. Alpine conducted a Best Practices Assessment, Storage Type Analysis, Facility Layout and Slotting Optimization that increased Units Per Hour by 150%. Based in Valencia, CA, AMS provides distribution processing, order management techniques, flexible shipping, and pick-pack-ship fulfillment services. To compete with larger suppliers, AMS was looking to decrease replenishment costs while simultaneously increasing Units Per Hour, Lines Per Hour, and overall slotting optimization. Based on the best practices assessment and storage type analysis, Alpine recommended new facility layout options, equipment and slotting solutions to maximize space and productivity. Alpine and AMS worked with Conveyor Solutions and Ziglift Material Handling for equipment installations and alterations. “Working with Alpine to accomplish this huge project was very satisfactory. Our target goal was to increase productivity and become more efficient to meet the growing demands of our e-commerce customers,” said Marco Pelaez, Vice President of Operations for AMS Fulfillment. Pelaez continued, “Alpine worked side by side with our team and helped us make incredible gains in productivity. Before Alpine, our daily output was 170 units per hour, and Alpine helped us increase that to 260. The Alpine team was very helpful and knowledgeable and knew exactly what we were trying to accomplish, and at the same time they were extremely patient with all the changes that AMS asked for throughout the project.” “Partnering with AMS, Ziglift, and Conveyor Solutions was the perfect prescription for success,” said Michael Wohlwend, Managing Principal for Alpine Supply Chain Solutions. “We took a data approach to address AMS Fulfillment’s customer requirements to pinpoint areas for improvement and truly maximize their space, equipment and labor prior to their busy holiday shipping season.” Future plans for AMS include opening additional distribution centers across the country in strategic areas to reach consumers within a one to two-day service anywhere in the country.
White House proposes regulatory principles to govern AI use
The White House on Tuesday proposed regulatory principles to govern the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) aimed at limiting authorities’ “overreach”, and said it wants European officials to likewise avoid aggressive approaches. In a fact sheet, the White House said federal agencies should “conduct risk assessment and cost-benefit analyses prior to any regulatory action on AI, with a focus on establishing flexible frameworks rather than one-size-fits-all regulation.” The comments come at a time when companies are racing to integrate AI and deep machine learning into their businesses to remain competitive. However, the technology raises ethical concerns about control, privacy, cyber security and the future of work, companies and experts have said. The Trump administration said agencies should “promote trustworthy AI” and “must consider fairness, non-discrimination, openness, transparency, safety, and security.” As an example, the White House cited the Food and Drug Administration which is currently considering how to regulate the use of AI and machine learning technologies by medical device manufacturers. The White House said, “Europe and our allies should avoid heavy handed innovation-killing models.” It added, “the best way to counter authoritarian uses of AI is to make sure America and our international partners remain the global hubs of innovation.” Last year, the European Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence issued a set of ethical guidelines and European Union leaders are considering regulatory action. Threat Some U.S. states have raised concerns about AI applications. California’s legislature in September passed a three-year ban on state and local law enforcement using body cameras with facial-recognition software, the latest curb on technology that some say poses a threat to civil liberties. Some U.S. cities have also voted to bar facial-recognition technology by law enforcement. The White House’s Michael Kratsios, chief technology officer of the United States, who will talk about the administration’s AI strategy at the CES trade show in Las Vegas later this week, in a statement said Tuesday’s “principles set the nation on a path of continued AI innovation and discovery.” In February, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order for federal government agencies to dedicate more resources and investment to AI-related research, promotion and training. A 2018 study from consultancy PwC said 30% of jobs around the world are at risk of automation by the mid-2030s, including 44% of workers with low education. The study also found automation could boost global gross domestic product by $15 trillion by 2030. The White House held a meeting on AI in 2018 with over 30 major companies from a variety of industries, including Ford Motor Co, Boeing Co, Amazon.com Inc and Microsoft Corp, vowing not to stand in the way of the technology’s development.
DMW&H expands executive team with two key hires
DMW&H welcomes Mark Breznak as COO and Francis Said as Vice President of Integration and Engineering DMW&H, a full-service material handling solutions provider, announced today the addition of Mark Breznak in the key position of COO and Francis Said in the position of Vice President of Integration and Engineering. These two positions expand the company’s leadership team to keep pace with their accelerated growth. Mark Breznak has over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing and service industries and has expertise in process improvement, team building, ERP, Software, and Controls. He has repeatedly proven his ability to create tangible results in fluid and fast-paced business environments. As COO of DMW&H, Mark will provide the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure DMW&H has the proper operational controls, people, systems, and administrative/reporting procedures in place to strengthen DMW&H’s infrastructure to handle current and future growth. Mark has a BS in Computer Science and an MBA in Finance. Joe Colletti, President & CEO of DMW&H, says “I am excited to have Mark join our executive team as COO. Mark has a proven track record of running companies, leading engineering teams, and improving processes to create solid infrastructures for long-term growth. He’s joining an already successful team at the perfect time to keep up with our company’s growth.” Francis Said joins DMW&H from Swisslog where he most recently served as Senior Director of Integration Management. With almost 30 years of experience in software, controls, and integration within the material handling industry, Francis’ experience will help shape those areas of DMW&H’s business for their next phase of growth. His role of Vice President of Integration and Engineering at DMW&H will ensure the quality and consistency of engineered systems, devices, drawings, and standards. “Francis’s extensive knowledge of the material handling industry matched with his expertise in leadership and software/controls integration will be key elements to DMW&H’s continued success,” says Joe Colletti.
BeBop Sensors brings first VR Haptic Glove to CES
Forte Data VR Glove lets you “Touch” & “Feel” textures and surfaces and move digital objects as they exist in real life BeBop Sensors the provider in smart fabric sensor technology with over four million state-of-the-art wearable smart fabric sensors shipped, will announce at CES 2020 the Forte Data Glove, the first VR haptic glove integrated and exclusively designed for Oculus Quest, Oculus Link, Oculus Rift S, Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality, HTC Vive Cosmos, HTC Vive Pro, HTC Focus Plus, and Varjo VR headset technology. The Forte Data Glove is the first haptic glove for the HTC Cosmos and first haptic glove for the Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality Headsets, including HP, Lenovo, Acer, Dell, and Samsung, through integration with the HP Reverb. In addition, the Forte Data Glove is the first haptic VR glove to fully support Oculus Quest Link, which allows Oculus Quest to leverage the graphics capabilities and processing power of a VR computer for higher end VR interactions. VR Enterprise Training, Maintenance, and Gaming Anywhere/Anytime The first affordable all-day wireless VR/AR data glove, the BeBop Sensors Forte Data Glove provides a complete VR headset/data glove solution that fits in a small bag for easy portability with almost no set-up for on-the-go VR enterprise training, maintenance, and gaming anywhere/anytime. The Forte Data Glove ushers in the next generation of VR by allowing people to do real practical things in the virtual world with natural hand interactions — just as they do in the real world. The gloves provide missing touch feedback and make users feel like the virtual world is tangible for more realistic and safer training for business and enhanced VR gaming experiences. BeBop Sensors Forte Data Gloves new features: Hand tracking ties natively into each system’s translation system. Top-of-the-line finger tracking supplied by Bebop Sensors’ fabric sensors. Unparalleled haptic feelings for hitting buttons, turning knobs, opening doors, etc. for touch sensations in VR/AR. All versions are available for purchase right away and price competitively. Comfortable, universal open palm design design fits most people. Cleanable, hygienic and breathable with waterproof sensors. Powerful haptics for an intuitive feel of different textures and surfaces. Long battery life for all day use. Fast sensor speeds at 160Hz with instantaneous response. 9 degree IMU (Inertial Measurement Units) provide extremely low drift and reliable pre-blended accelerometer and gyro sensor data. 6 haptic actuators are located on 4 fingertips, the thumb, and the palm. Up to 16 unique haptic sound files can be resident on the glove with new files rapidly uploaded over Bluetooth or USB.
Opto 22’s groov EPIC Firmware 1.5.0 adds new Visualization Features and External Mass Storage Support
New groov View gadgets and functions come to groov EPIC along with external HDMI touchscreen management and USB file access As the groov EPIC® platform passes the year-and-a-half mark in its maturity, appropriately enough, Opto 22 releases version 1.5.0 of its firmware. This release broadens the palette of visualization and storage options for groov EPIC to suit an even wider variety of applications and hardware. The embedded groov View server is updated to version 4.2, with functions to create even more dynamic web and mobile HMIs, dashboards, and Andon boards. New shape gadgets allow users to create custom SVG images and animations directly in groov View, and to dynamically change their color and size (height and/or width) based on process variables or on any other data source connected to groov EPIC. This version also introduces tag-driven conditional formatting for other gadgets, allowing users to make elements visible or invisible, as well as change text color and formatting. These options could be used, for example, to enhance overhead displays for a bottling line by changing the color of text and numerical readouts to reflect line status or quality metrics stored locally in PAC Control™, CODESYS®, Node-RED, or Ignition®. For batch and continuous control applications, users could enhance situational awareness in operator interfaces by creating custom level and range indicators that change height and color in response to level, temperature, pressure, or alarm readings. With groov EPIC 1.5.0, OEMs can also choose from a broader range of external HDMI monitors and touchscreens, including models from DELL, Hope Industrial, SuperLogics and AIS. This makes it even easier to eliminate Windows PCs and OITs for local viewing and operator interfacing, significantly reducing material and maintenance costs and total cost of ownership. groov EPIC 1.5.0 supports both resistive and capacitive models via its built-in HDMI port, and makes it possible to calibrate and configure them through groov Manage. For engineers leveraging groov EPIC to implement distributed database, communication, and file servers, 1.5.0 now adds support for USB mass storage devices. This feature makes it possible to expand edge device servers beyond groov EPIC’s 6GB of SSD user space, further reducing the need for high-maintenance, general-purpose PCs in critical applications. This update also adds USB file access for PAC Control, CODESYS, Node-RED, and groov Manage, allowing engineers to programmatically manage files, like uploading recipe configurations from a thumb drive to a control application running on groov EPIC, or creating a rolling buffer that automatically archives old data logs to attached storage. groov EPIC has two USB ports that can support multiple drives, hubs, or serial adapters, as well as a single Netis USB WiFi adapter. Other enhancements in this upgrade include: Support for the new CAN bus integration module, GRV-CCANI-2. Upgrade to Node-RED 0.2, including editor, search, and core node enhancements, as well as under-the-hood changes for better debugging and more predictable flow logic. Version 1.5.0 is a free upgrade for all groov EPIC users. Current customers can log into manage.groov.com and simply download the file and update their EPICs. Complete upgrade instructions are available in the groov EPIC User’s Guide. For new customers, all groov EPICs now ship with this latest firmware version.
Dematic partners with Dot Foods on fully automated warehouse
Innovative technology to power future strategy for frozen food products Dematic has announced it will partner with Dot Foods, the largest food industry redistributor in North America, on Dot Food’s first fully-automated warehouse. The new 117,000 square-foot facility will be a key strategic asset for Dot Food’s frozen food distribution, providing new efficiencies and a path for future growth. “We’re taking our toughest picking job in our harshest work environment and transferring that to robots,” explained Joe Tracy, Dot Foods CEO. “This is a way to address our business growth and handle the volume we know will need to move through our Mt. Sterling warehouse in the years to come. We do unique things in our business that require human touches — that will not change. The combination of people and technology will be central to our future growth and allow us to provide exceptional service to our customers.” The facility operation will be directed by Dematic technology and feature an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) to manage inventory of full pallets, along with robotics to pick strategic layers of product for Dot Food customers. Bernard Biolchini, CEO, Dematic Americas stated, “Dematic was pleased to partner with Dot Foods to design a solution that increases their ability to deliver a superior level of service to customers by increasing efficiency, capacity and output. The new fully automated warehouse, powered by Dematic iQ software, will provide Dot Foods the flexibility to build and configure orders faster and more accurately, increasing order fulfillment capabilities for today’s dynamic demand.” Construction will begin in the new year with the facility becoming operational in 2021.
The Ferretto Group to supply the first automatic storage system in the paper and packaging sector in Russia
The first automated storage system for the paper and packaging sector in Russia will bear the name of the Ferretto Group. The Italian company has in fact signed an agreement for the construction of a material storage and handling plant for NKBK, a top Russian player in the paper market based in Naberezhnye Chelny, Republic of Tatarstan. Construction work on the storage system, which will have a capacity of 16,000 pallets, is scheduled to start in April 2020. Riccardo Ferretto, Chairman of the Ferretto Group, comments: “This is a significant job in the Russian market, a project that is of great interest to us, also considering that we are already engaged in the creation of a self-supporting automatic pallet storage system at a controlled temperature of -20°C for a large Moscow-based company operating in the food industry. Going back to the paper project, together with the client and SIKO, our partner in Russia, we have carried out the studies and analysis needed to develop a design which enables us to meet the client’s needs and is the result of our extensive experience and innovative solutions. With this project, we continue and reinforce the internationalization that increasingly characterizes the Ferretto Group activities”. Specifically, the new automated storage system will be housed in a 34 m high building next to the production facilities and will occupy an area of 3,000 square meters. The system will be equipped with stacker cranes for picking and storing pallets, while the handling operations at the head positions will be carried out by the shuttles included in the Fast Ring monorail transport system. The solution designed by the Ferretto Group will enable NKBK to automate warehouse operations, solving all space problems and optimizing the production and shipment process. The automatic storage system will be completed by the end of 2021.
Fat Brain Toys thrives in competitive retail market with propane forklifts
NEBRASKA-BASED TOY STORE EXPEDITES SHIPPING WITH PROPANE EQUIPMENT Keeping pace in today’s retail world is no small undertaking. A company’s reputation and customer satisfaction depend on its ability to move and ship materials at a rapid pace. Fat Brain Toys, a family-owned and operated business in Omaha, Nebraska, can attest to the challenge. Fat Brain Toys takes pride in designing and curating world-class toys and games, and in having the largest selection of American-made toys found anywhere. It stocks nearly 7,500 games, toys, and gifts — including the classics like LEGO Bricks, Lincoln Logs, puzzles, and heirloom toys — in its two Nebraska-based warehouses, which equal approximately 140,000 square feet in total. The company began as a small, in-home business in 2002 but has since grown substantially, now operating an online store, two warehouses, and two retail stores — located in Omaha and Kansas City, Kansas. To maintain a high level of productivity and move products at an efficient pace, the company relies on propane-powered material handling equipment. COMPANY FACES COMPETITIVE MARKET, SHOPPER EXPECTATIONS As Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other large retailers continue to reduce shipment and delivery timelines, customers are pushing even the independently-owned online retailers to keep pace. According to PwC’s 2018 Global Consumer Insights Survey, 88 percent of consumers worldwide are willing to pay more for same-day delivery. The survey also revealed that, when asked what factors, other than price, sway customers to buy from a particular retailer, nearly a quarter of respondents named fast, reliable delivery. Fat Brain Toys takes the growing demand for speedy delivery to heart, and therefore guarantees same-day shipping for customers who purchase three items or more. Most in-stock orders are shipped within 24 hours — if not faster. A fourth-quarter dominant company, Fat Brain Toys earns half of its annual revenue in six weeks of the year. The company ships approximately 500 packages on a normal day, but during the busy season, it can ship up to 12,000 packages per day. To keep up with this aggressive shipping strategy — during busy seasonal sales and year-round — the company needs a good, consistent level of production. More importantly, the company needs reliable, efficient material handling equipment in order to ship products as quickly as possible and meet its distribution demands. propane is the only forklift fuel that can meet the company’s stringent demands. PROPANE IS THE ONLY FORKLIFT FUEL THAT CAN MEET THE COMPANY’S STRINGENT DEMANDS Propane’s uninterrupted operational capacity, clean reputation, reliability, and ease of use, maintenance, and refueling are all reasons Fat Brain Toys trusts propane to get the job done. “We’ve honestly never considered another forklift fuel and do not think battery-powered forklifts would meet our needs as well,” said Bernie Lorkovic, distribution center manager at Fat Brain Toys. “We like propane and chose it because of its ease and simplicity.” The company relies on two propane forklifts — one at each warehouse location— to unload trailers and move products throughout the warehouses. Propane offers superior performance benefits compared with other fuels. For starters, propane provides employees with 100 percent power throughout operation and propane forklifts don’t lose power throughout the workday, unlike electric forklifts. According to data from the Propane Education & Research Council, propane forklifts push heavy loads at full capacity more consistently than their electric counterparts, too. Propane forklifts also maintain more consistent travel speeds and acceleration throughout a shift compared to battery-powered forklifts — allowing employees to be more productive in a warehouse where time is money. And because a fast, easy cylinder change gets them back into business quickly, propane forklifts offer minimal downtime, too, which is mission critical during fourth quarter, busy-season workdays. By operating on propane, the company skips the mess of forklift batteries and avoids the hassle of dealing with downtime for charging batteries or battery mismanagement. “We have always felt that it’s much easier to switch out a tank than charge a battery,” Lorkovic said. “With propane, we can switch out a cylinder in a couple of minutes, without having to worry about handling or maintaining messy, leaky batteries.” With such a large influx of seasonal employees, simplicity is critical. The company has found that propane forklifts are easy to train employees to operate at a high level quickly. PROPANE ENABLES COMPANIES TO COMPETE- AND THRIVE- IN TODAY’S RETAIL MARKET Since 2002, Fat Brain Toys has gone from a basement-start up to a significant player in the international educational and specialty toy industry, with annual sales exceeding $40 million worldwide, and the company’s propane forklifts have played an instrumental role in that growth. Fat Brain Toys’ propane-powered forklifts enable the company to consistently keep up with its aggressive shipping needs year-round and overdeliver for customers with every opportunity, which is a key component in the company’s mission statement. Research has shown that consistent execution of expedited delivery can have a significant impact on customer experience and brand loyalty. By enabling the company to consistently maintain its shipping and distribution demands, Fat Brain Toys’ propane-powered equipment also helps the company to keep pace in today’s market, compete with other large retail companies, and continue to grow. Click here for the PDF.
Tecsys expands global headcount due to dynamic growth
Tecsys Inc., an supply chain management software company, announced that it is beginning an aggressive recruitment effort aimed at increasing the employee headcount by over 25% within the next year. This announcement comes on the heels of Tecsys’ strong fiscal performance and growing market demand for its advanced supply chain software across distribution, 3PL, healthcare and retail industries. As a global company on an unprecedented growth path, open positions will span every department and geography, and consist of both technical and non-technical roles. Opportunity for career development abounds, as Tecsys is well-recognized for its culture of collaboration and employee tenure. Tecsys’ sustained position as a visionary in the industry has allowed the company to hire and retain top talent around the world. “I have not seen such a remarkable level of growth in the 15 years I’ve been with Tecsys,” says Patricia Barry, vice president of human resources. “It is both a challenge and pleasure from a human resources standpoint. While we welcome the challenge of onboarding so much new talent, we delight in being able to add new benefits to our very comprehensive package like telemedicine, critical illness and healthy lifestyle reimbursements.” New employees will be joining a company that holds a dominant position in the supply chain execution space and enjoys a global reputation for customer excellence. The software firm is known equally for its commitment to community service and integrity in business. The company’s president and CEO is a 2019 recipient of EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year, celebrated for both his seasoned leadership and his dedication to community. To support the recruitment effort, the human resources department is currently seeking talent attraction experts to help build the company’s talent pipeline strategy and attract top tier talent to Tecsys.