NA 2002 Show Preview
Advantage Yours
Plenty of opportunities to improve your operations await you at NA 2002. Be sure to take advantage of them.
A slow economy is a great time to enhance or fine-tune your material handling processes. And what better place to find just what you need than at the Material Handling & Logistics Show & Conference, NA 2002, going on from April 8 through 11, at Cobo Hall in Detroit. If you plan to buy, you won’t be alone. A recent survey of pre-registered attendees showed that about 80 percent have plans to buy.
To help you plan the most efficient use of your time, here’s a look at what you can expect to find. First, 400 exhibitors will cover 180,000 square feet with solutions, ideas, equipment and systems for your material handling needs.
The show floor itself will be divided into four solution-specific sections: equipment, components and manufacturing; fulfillment and delivery; information technology; e-fulfillment and delivery.
Also on the show floor, you will have distinct opportunities to learn in specially designed theaters, known as Knowledge Portals. Inside, there will be half-hour, focused seminars running throughout each day. These seminars are free to all attendees.
The focus of these seminars is on the latest material handling innovations and applications as well as industry issues such as ergonomics and safety. Here’s a brief list of what will be available:
• Improving Operational Flow with High-Rate Sortation;
• Fire Code Changes to Storage on Plastic Pallets;
• The Benefits of Returnable Packaging in Manufacturing
Applications;
• Application Guidelines for Ergonomic Assist Systems and Equipment;
• Previewing the Newest Technology Developments;
• Successful Implementation of Self-Guided Vehicle System at DaimlerChrysler Stamping Plant;
• Improving Distribution & Logistics in Today’s e-Economy;
• Automatic Guided Vehicle Applications — What Works and Why.
In addition, the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) is welcoming sister trade associations to hold their related events. Two of these events will be on Tuesday, April 9. The Council of Logistics Management Eastern Michigan Roundtable will host its Annual Automotive Roundtable. There will be a keynote speaker from Ford and a panel discussion on material handling and logistics issues. And APICS will host a workshop for its members.
On Wednesday, April 10, the Material Handling Equipment Dealers Association will host a sales training workshop that will feature industry-specific speakers and plenty of opportunities to network.
More learnin’
All attendees are invited to the opening executive forum “Achieving 6 Sigma Logistics” on Monday. Steve Banker, director of Supply Chain Solutions for ARC, will speak on achieving 6 sigma logistics. He will discuss ways to apply 6 sigma methodology to measure, analyze, improve and control your operations.
Then three executives from manufacturing will speak. They will discuss their successes on integrating material handling systems with their supply chain
applications. The Forum will then offer a question-and-answer session with a panel of the speakers.
These speakers include Frank M. Taylor, vice president, material planning and logistics, Ford Motor Co., who will speak on “Using Lean and 6 Sigma Methodologies To Drive Supply Chain Improvements.”
Peter Ham, founder and president of PH Consulting, will discuss Webvan’s material handling experience. And Peter Pande, president, Pivotal Resources Inc., will talk about “Using 6 Sigma To Improve the Supply Chain.”
Before Monday, however, there are plenty of opportunities to learn through one- and two-day educational conference workshops. Beginning Saturday, April 6, these sessions offer you an opportunity to explore new ideas and solutions. Here’s a closer look at a few of these workshops.
• A Lean Logistics Supply Chain. On Sunday, April 7, you can explore an operating supply chain enterprise from an integrated macro perspective that will include suppliers, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, transportation and customers. According to the instructor, Roy Piciacchia of Lockwood Greene, there will be opportunities for hands-on exploration where you will use a working model to run a business and practice continuous improvement. This workshop and model, developed by Lockwood Green engineers, has trained thousands of individuals in material handling.
• Introduction to the Economic Justification of Material Handling Investments. This session will also be offered on April 7. Here’s the course for those who need to learn how best to justify material handling investments with executives. It will provide you with the basic tools, including a 7-step approach for justifying material handling systems. You won’t need a background or formal training in economic evaluation as it’s an introductory course. The goal of the course is to teach everyone in the supply chain —from manufacturing to distribution to end-users — to apply the same criteria and use the same tools. If you are involved in planning or approving proposed material handling equipment, this course is a must. It will be taught by Dr. John Usher, professor of industrial engineering at the University of Louisville.
• The Fundamentals of Supply Chain Information Systems. Information is crucial to the supply chain. But the process of implementing the software and hardware to obtain this information usually means overcoming many obstacles. This workshop will give you a basic understanding of supply chain applications software and teach you to plan for rapid deployment. Case studies will help illustrate which applications are needed and the level of integration necessary with an organization and among trading partners. Key integration technologies will be covered, along with a systematic, step-by-step approach for systems planning and integration. The instructor will be Lee Hales, president of Richard Muther & Associates.
And, of course, don’t forget to check out all the new equipment and devices that will be on display. For a quick preview, check out Material Handling Management’s new tabloid, MHM Product Tab in April.
Show Hours
Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
NA 2002 Exhibitor List
Need to find an exhibitor? Visit www.mhia.org; click on NA 2002. Companies may move in or out at the last minute.
