Cliff Holste, Materials Handling Editor

The News: HK Systems recently released a new tool for calculating the approximate amount of energy consumed for a variety of material handling equipment and systems providing a more complete understanding of expected annual operating costs.

SCDigest Says:

The calculator also highlights the fact that real trade-offs may have to be made: the best operational design may not be the most energy efficient. What Do You Say? Click Here to Send Us Your Comments

Why It's Worth Noting: In support of the lean, green supply chain initiative, this tool provides a relativity quick and easy way for users to compare different facility and MHS designs based on their power requirements, which previously has often not been factored into the decision making process.

The calculator also highlights the fact that real trade-offs may have to be made: the best operational design may not be the most energy efficient.

The Story: As the push towards more lean, green Supply Chains continues, the new Energy Consumption Calculator, available from the HK Systems web site, will make it much easier for companies to make material handling system decisions based on the amount of expected annual power consumed.  This Excel spreadsheet tool allows the user to determine what equipment will be tested, based on an extensive menu of manual and automated equipment types, inputting specific parameters like size, horsepower, quantity, work period utilization, etc.  In the “Instruction” tab there is a step by step process that walks the user through all of the steps necessary to properly utilize the tool.

The calculator computes the estimated energy required in kWh as well as dollars, for up to two different scenarios for comparison purposes.  There are also options for various facility lighting, HVAC, compressed air, and refrigeration requirements.  The output includes several summary reports, graphs and charts.

Many times what appears to be the best MH system design is not the most efficient.  SCDigest believes that the wide spread use of the kind of information provided with this tool will encourage facility and material handling system designers and providers to become ever more diligent in the development and application of more energy efficient facilities, equipment, and systems.  In the process lowering operating and maintenance cost, reducing equipment noise levels, providing smaller system footprints with more flexible/adaptable systems.

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