Connecting via Ethernet delivers greater design freedom and operational flexibility while reducing costs

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill.--While motor driven roller (MDR) has been around for a few years, it took Wynright Corporation, a leading independent, U.S.-based provider of intelligent material handling systems, to leverage the technology in a way that exponentially increases design freedom and operational flexibility while reducing installation and operating costs.

"Organizations today are trying to maximize the efficiency of their operations, which means re-using the same conveyors for different configurations of cartons"

Wynright's Autoroll+™ MDR connects all MDR conveyors in a specific area of a warehouse or distribution center through an Ethernet network instead of hard wiring each zone back to a programmable logic controller (PLC). Using Ethernet connections offers several advantages, including simplified installation, more flexibility and control over the entire conveyor, as well as providing valuable insight and greater visibility into the "health" of each individual MDR for preventative maintenance personnel.

"If there is a problem with a traditional MDR conveyor, discovering the source is a matter of trial and error," said Kevin Ambrose, CEO of Wynright Corporation. "You have to guess whether it's the control card, the rollers or something else until you discover what is wrong. By connecting all the cards together via Ethernet with Autoroll+, an operator can plug a laptop into the system and instantly see precisely what is wrong and what needs to be corrected. It reduces mean time to recovery, and also reduces costs since you're not replacing components that are still in good working order."

Another advantage Autoroll+ brings over standard MDR conveyors is greater flexibility during operations. For example, the speed and/or acceleration of every segment of the conveyor can be changed at the same time by sending a simple command from a laptop or PC touch screen rather than having to remove each individual card and manually set it with a screwdriver. This method not only saves time, it ensures that all units in the conveyor are matched exactly.

"Organizations today are trying to maximize the efficiency of their operations, which means re-using the same conveyors for different configurations of cartons," Ambrose explained. "A speed that's optimal for the throughput of a short carton might cause a top-heavy carton to tip over. By being able to make changes quickly via an Ethernet connection, a warehouse or distribution center can improve its efficiency and maximize its use of resources while taking a more intelligent approach to material handling."

The use of Ethernet to connect the control cards saves money on installation since the organization only has to run one network cable rather than hard wiring each control card individually back to the PLC. This factor also makes it easier to change the configuration of the MDR conveyor since an area can be easily unplugged from the Ethernet connection, moved and then plugged back into the network.

"Autoroll+ improves upon the basic MDR concept in every way today," said Ambrose. "Since it uses networking technology, it also future-proofs the warehouse or distribution center. With the Ethernet connection, new capabilities can be easily added by updating the firmware on the control cards from our support center in Oak Lawn. It's a smart investment for today and tomorrow."

About Wynright

Wynright Corporation is the nation's leading independent, U.S.-based provider of intelligent material handling systems. With more than 200 engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates and installs the full spectrum of intralogistics solutions, offering both Wynright-branded and third-party equipment to meet customer needs. These include leading-edge conveyor and sortation systems, voice and light directed order fulfillment equipment, a suite of warehouse controls & execution software, robotics, mezzanines, and structures, all backed by critical round-the-clock service and support.

Since its founding in 1972, Wynright has been a trusted partner to some of the world's largest and fastest-growing companies, showing them how to use their space more efficiently to deliver improved productivity, today and tomorrow. For more information on our services, technology and product portfolio, please visit www.wynright.com.