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Retrotech completes Cargill automation project

By: 
Rob Ewanow
Business Development Manager

Victor, N.Y. and Schuyler, Neb. - Retrotech, Inc, a specialist in the modernization and optimization of automated material handling equipment, recently completed the integration of a new automated box handling and shipping system for Cargill Meat Solutions’ Schuyler, Neb., beef processing plant, replacing a manually operated system.

The new system, which went live as scheduled over two consecutive weekends, was made possible due to a unique partnership between the two firms. This partnership has evolved over the last decade as the two firms have collaborated on multiple projects for Cargill, including the company’s Friona, Texas; Dodge City, Kansas, and Plainview, Texas facilities. Read more »

Are green supply chains really happening?

By: 
SupplyChainBrain

Progress is occurring on a number of fronts, says Paul Nuzum, a member of the supply-chain faculty of Denver University. He says the push for green supply chains can result in both lower costs and a better corporate image in the eyes of the consumer.

Going green is more than a case of sprucing up one’s corporate image. Businesses today are realizing that environmental responsibility save dollars, says Nuzum. He has conducted a number of in-depth interviews about companies’ efforts to create green supply chains.

They are addressing the issue on numerous fronts. The use of optimization engines for transportation can lead to a 15-percent reduction in miles. Better load planning can result in fitting 15-20 percent more product on a truck. Read more »

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Six steps to a successful automation project

By: 
Dave Laluk
Systems Consultant

Retrotech guides succesful automation projects

1) Make sure you list all items that will be moving within the plant. Everything from packaging, raw materials, finished goods, and people must be considered. Define everything that you want to move automatically. Even the smallest of items, as they can cause problems if they don't get to where they need to be when they need to be there.

2) Define the volumes of each item that will be flowing through the factory. This is a critical issue when it comes to designing automated material handling systems. Timing is everything. One needs to consider average and peak flows as you design paths for items to travel along whether it's by conveyor, AGV or forklift.

3) Define the desired the number of inventory positions for each item going into storage / retrieval. This will be used to determine the size of the building required to store all that stuff. Remember, Inventory is the enemy in Lean operations. A high level of inventory will mask a multitude of errors but it is an expensive cover up. Read more »

What's Different

By: 
Retrotech

One of the questions we here alot from potential or brand new clients is "What's so different about Retrotech, how will you assure us that all potential benefits have been explored, and the business results on which this investment is based will be achieved? 

At Retrotech we employ a multi-step process developed by the International Council on System Engineering (INCOSE - http://www.incose.org/practice/fellowsconsensus.aspx) with the acronym SIMILAR . This process was developed to guide the execution of complex, multi-discipline projects specifically by focusing on a thorough examination of the problem and potential solutions before committing to construction. Read more »

AS/RS Industry Group Releases Fall 2010 Quarterly Report

By: 
Material Handling Industry of America

The Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) Industry Group of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) has released it's Fall 2010 Quarterly Report titled AS/RS: A Key Link in the Cold Chain. The report asserts that quality control can be maintained closer to the point of consumption than ever before with today's AS/RS solutions.

An AS/RS, whether a vertical or horizontal carousel system or a fixed-aisle crane-based system, plays a key role in ensuring the quality and safety of consumer products. It does that by controlling the storage environment and maintaining a reliable data trail to document quality and ensure safety.

Although these systems are applied in many industries, two in particular call for critical strengths when it comes to environmental control in the cold chain: Pharmaceutical/medical supplies and food/grocery. Recent news stories about supply chain contamination and product recalls explain why. Read more »

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Strategic selling for internal automation projects

By: 
Rob Ewanow
Business Development Manager

Peter Hartman, president of Retrotech, explores the costs and benefits of warehouse automation, what it does for customer satisfaction, and how it “maps” to your strategic intent and competitiveness.

  Read more »

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