At the NA Show, Cleveland, Bley ITS has presented the advanced version 7.0 of the software taraVRbuilder for three-dimensional presentation and true-to-detail analysis of logistics processes from the german-based developer tarakos. The countless improvements in the system, which enables the life-like visualization of intra-logistics processes, include a library for suspension tracks, the extension of the standard library of horizontal carousels, as well as new 3D-designs for reach stackers, low-loaders and gantry cranes for container transportation.

taraVRbuilder 7.0 enables planners, consultants and operators of intra-logistics facilities to define, visualize and analyze their scenarios by means of an easy-to-use, Windows-based tool. By using taraVRbuilder, they can memorize maps of production halls and sites in all common CAD formats. The static and mobile components are chosen from numerous provided libraries ? and then accordingly modified and placed. Finally, all conveyance and distribution strategies can be defined and combined, so that it is possible to map all the processes from production to distribution realistically. Within a short time, staff with no previous expertise can successfully use VR methods to plan, analyze and optimize logistics processes. The comprehensive extension of the applicable control strategies in version 7.0 offers an even more life-like presentation of real workflows. Different goods in transit can be allocated to specific exits or stations - on an alternating, sorted or freely defined percentage basis. Models of people (avatars), robots, roundtables or pushable trucks can be rapidly used to present complex strategies. Different regulations of rights of way, material flow and working orders generate a clearly arranged presentation of the most complicated assignments of tasks.

The provided libraries include the required models of racking systems, circulating racks, transfer vehicles, many types of conveyors, floor conveyor vehicles or virtual staff. In addition to work equipment ? like scanners, order dispatchers or load-carriers ? many other components such as RFID aerials, stacker lift- and transfer carriages, or duct and piping systems are contained, too. The size of the libraries has been substantially extended. Many of the already existing models have been equipped with new, extra attributes. Along with forklifts and VNA trucks, a reach stacker to carry goods in front of it has been created. Also available are low-loaders, gantry cranes, new designs of paternoster, circulating racks and specialized schedule tools for several types of band-conveyors. The standard goods library has been extended with auto bodies and shirts as special goods for the electronic suspension tracks. There is a new additional library for these in the Version 7.0 of taraVRbuilder. Components like load-carrying equipment or undercarriages are adaptable or can be taken from other models into the 3D-tracking system. Another extra library, specifically for recycling logistics, offers static parameter-associated models for vehicles, containers and road segments of recycling logistics.

Both the basic system and the libraries can be easily customized to specific customer requirements. Additional consulting and training by tarakos ensure quick integration in the daily workflow. Prospective customers can find a trial version of taraVRbuilder (partly with limited features), as well as typical projects and applications on www.tarakos.com.

Thu May 15 08:09:00 CDT 2008