By Thomas R. Cutler Automated conveying systems in distribution and warehouse environments need to pivot. Dropping in a conveyor system without a warehouse control system (WCS) makes no sense. Bill Maple, director of software solutions for conveyor company Hytrol , shared new approaches connecting business systems to warehouse automation. Working closely with a network of integration partners this approach is obvious for new implementations.That said with a strong economy, Maple noted that existing systems are being reconfigured to operate differently, or legacy systems are requiring technology or automation upgrades. Pivot is Hytrol’s WCS and is uniquely positioned as an affordable solution that directs the real-time activities within warehouses and distribution centers. It performs the role of a “traffic cop” by managing the communication between the individual nodes of material handling equipment such as computers, conveyors, sorters, and printers. Some integration partners have offered other WCS software solutions previously or have ongoing relationships with other WCS vendors. Some integration partners even have their own internally develop WCS application. Some Integration Partners have no experience with WCS applications. Hytrol works with the experience and expertise of each integration partner to ensure the customer is best served. Hytrol integration partners discuss pivot applications with the business development team and integrator services team when providing a turn-key solution involving automated sortation, scanning, controls, and installation. For 20 years the Pivot WCS solution has been installed in many operations because customers commonly request that the product complement existing information systems without duplicating functions managed by other systems. This keeps the cost low and reduces risk by decreasing the implementation complexity. Pivot gathers order information from the customers’ system (WMS) and provides instructions to the conveyor control system (CCS) regarding how to route products as it moves on the automated material handling system. The WCS […]