Improving Crossdocking

The improvement was accomplished by using a rugged, wireless computer terminal with a bar-code connection from Kinetic Computer Corp., a fast-growing hardware manufacturer that does final assembly and testing in Billerica, Mass.

Kinetic, founded in 1992, was based on its experience in ruggedized hardware for customers such as NASA. While the company's early products were known for their high reliability, high cost, and low volume, they are now available to the commercial marketplace. Kinetic's PC/Rover terminal can be placed at the docking station and within vehicles.

"Kinetic offers excellent warranties and superior customer service," says Green. "Yet, when we chose Kinetic, the two primary considerations were lower cost of the units -- from both the installation and maintenance perspectives -- and the units' durability."

Kinetic also built a prototype that fit American Freightways' bill. The prototype met all the company's requirements and, although closest to its legacy system, was clearly superior, outperforming units offered by competitors. American Freightways was able to use its proprietary software application at the crossdocking station, but the hardware changed radically.