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Month: January 2019

Paragon Logistics Software Transforms Ops for Biomass Supplier

Posted on by Paul Hamblin

AMP Clean Energy, formerly Forest Fuels, a UK biomass wood fuel supplier, has selected Paragon’s route optimization software and fleXipod ePOD system. The company has adopted the integrated logistics solution to tackle the challenges created by rapid business growth, extended peak periods and changing customer expectations.

In the last two years the company has expanded its specialist fleet of commercial vehicles from 14 to more than 40 to meet the growing demand for wood pellet and wood chip fuel. The fuels business now delivers to around 4,000 customers using a range of blower, tipped, walking floor and palletized options, enabling it to offer the most suitable delivery choice for each customer’s needs.

“We serve customers in sectors as diverse as education, healthcare, hospitality and agriculture,” continues Vick. “With 900 deliveries a week in the peak season, it is vitally important to the efficiency of our operation that the right vehicle is used for each delivery. Our planning team has to factor in a number of parameters to ensure deliveries are achievable, but also to ensure that they happen on time, every time.”

The Paragon software was selected based on its proven ability to reduce planning time for complex transport operations and achieve measurable efficiency improvements. The seamless integration of the route optimisation software with the fleXipod ePOD system was also identified as a unique capability that could improve real-time visibility and customer engagement, so was key to the final decision.

A team of planners will use the Paragon route optimisation software to create weekly plans, with daily routes and schedules refined and finalised the day before, helping AMP Clean Energy to always deliver on their service promise. As well as dramatically streamlining the planning process, the company will be able to use the strategic capabilities of Paragon’s software to identify areas of operational improvement, such as a potential annual fuel saving of 10 to 14 per cent.

Going forward AMP Clean Energy will be able to provide automated SMS updates to confirm the date of delivery and provide a two to three hour time window on the day. Meanwhile, fleXipod will allow the company to further enhance customer communications as well as streamline back office systems by initiating the invoicing process immediately proof of delivery is received.

William Salter, Managing Director of Paragon Software Systems comments: “The biomass fuel sector is a relatively young industry. Leading companies such as AMP Clean Energy are having to handle rapid levels of growth, while continuing to meet customer needs in an efficient and sustainable way. Our logistics software, combined with the expertise of our support team, helps customers to create efficient transport operations that underpin the ability to deliver on their customer promise.”

Paragon Logistics Software Transforms Ops for Biomass Supplier

Posted on by Paul Hamblin

AMP Clean Energy, formerly Forest Fuels, a UK biomass wood fuel supplier, has selected Paragon’s route optimization software and fleXipod ePOD system. The company has adopted the integrated logistics solution to tackle the challenges created by rapid business growth, extended peak periods and changing customer expectations.

In the last two years the company has expanded its specialist fleet of commercial vehicles from 14 to more than 40 to meet the growing demand for wood pellet and wood chip fuel. The fuels business now delivers to around 4,000 customers using a range of blower, tipped, walking floor and palletized options, enabling it to offer the most suitable delivery choice for each customer’s needs.

“We serve customers in sectors as diverse as education, healthcare, hospitality and agriculture,” continues Vick. “With 900 deliveries a week in the peak season, it is vitally important to the efficiency of our operation that the right vehicle is used for each delivery. Our planning team has to factor in a number of parameters to ensure deliveries are achievable, but also to ensure that they happen on time, every time.”

The Paragon software was selected based on its proven ability to reduce planning time for complex transport operations and achieve measurable efficiency improvements. The seamless integration of the route optimisation software with the fleXipod ePOD system was also identified as a unique capability that could improve real-time visibility and customer engagement, so was key to the final decision.

A team of planners will use the Paragon route optimisation software to create weekly plans, with daily routes and schedules refined and finalised the day before, helping AMP Clean Energy to always deliver on their service promise. As well as dramatically streamlining the planning process, the company will be able to use the strategic capabilities of Paragon’s software to identify areas of operational improvement, such as a potential annual fuel saving of 10 to 14 per cent.

Going forward AMP Clean Energy will be able to provide automated SMS updates to confirm the date of delivery and provide a two to three hour time window on the day. Meanwhile, fleXipod will allow the company to further enhance customer communications as well as streamline back office systems by initiating the invoicing process immediately proof of delivery is received.

William Salter, Managing Director of Paragon Software Systems comments: “The biomass fuel sector is a relatively young industry. Leading companies such as AMP Clean Energy are having to handle rapid levels of growth, while continuing to meet customer needs in an efficient and sustainable way. Our logistics software, combined with the expertise of our support team, helps customers to create efficient transport operations that underpin the ability to deliver on their customer promise.”

BITO’s EQ Container Fleet Returns Client Investment in One Year

Posted on by David Priestman

BITO Storage Systems has provided Parker Hannifin’s Engine Mobile Filtration Division with a fleet of its EQ Collapsible containers to replace cardboard boxes in a continuous cycle between itself and a supplier. In addition to offering improved product protection, the cost-saving fleet of BITO containers will pay for itself within one year. This results from eliminating the need to pay for cardboard disposal using a compactor – a time wasting process that previously occupied a member of staff.

Parker Hannifin’s Engine Mobile Filtration Division EMEA designs and manufactures engine filtration solutions for leading global OEMs, predominantly in the heavy-duty transportation market.

The end caps for the top and bottom of its fuel filter water separators are supplied to Parker Hannifin’s plant in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire by a company in the West Midlands. They were using cardboard boxes that, when emptied of the caps, required disposal. This incurred cost and soaked up time and manpower.

Seeking to reduce supply chain costs, Parker Hannifin sought an alternative to the cardboard packaging in which the filter end caps were supplied. The company turned to BITO Storage Systems, which had supplied plastic containers for other jobs within the company.

After trialling BITO’s EQ collapsible container for a month, Parker Hannifin deemed it to be the ideal replacement for the cardboard boxes, leading to BITO supplying 1515 containers. This enabled a fleet of EQs to be in constant circulation: with 500 containers being filled by the supplier; 500 in transit to Dewsbury; and 500 being emptied at Dewsbury before being collapsed, ready to be returned to the supplier in the West Midlands. The remaining 15 containers are held as spares.

When arriving at Parker Hannifin, the containers full of filter end caps are stacked within racking. When required, containers are taken from the racking, the shrinkwrap is removed, and they are placed on dollies to be wheeled into the assembly area. Here three full containers of end caps will sit on inclined shelving next to where operators build a filter. When the container is empty, it is collapsed and stacked ready to return to the supplier.

BITO’s EQ folding boxes are made of high quality plastic and feature an ingenious yet simple seesaw locking/unlocking mechanism developed in cooperation with leading ergonomists. The 600 x 400 mm footprint and a height of 285 mm gives a very useable volume of 58 litres.

Other EQ characteristics that appealed to Parker Hannifin included a 20 kg load capacity, which comfortably accommodates the weight of its products. The containers are stackable up to six high but can also collapse to an impressive space saving 75% of volume for the return part of the cycle. Throughout the cycle the containers provide improved protection of the product and stamped with company’s name on their side they are easily identifiable. In addition, the EQ’s internal label holder keeps label secure within the internal wallet. Parker Hannifin experienced problems in past with labels stuck on the outside of cardboard boxes peeling off.

 

BITO’s EQ Container Fleet Returns Client Investment in One Year

Posted on by David Priestman

BITO Storage Systems has provided Parker Hannifin’s Engine Mobile Filtration Division with a fleet of its EQ Collapsible containers to replace cardboard boxes in a continuous cycle between itself and a supplier. In addition to offering improved product protection, the cost-saving fleet of BITO containers will pay for itself within one year. This results from eliminating the need to pay for cardboard disposal using a compactor – a time wasting process that previously occupied a member of staff.

Parker Hannifin’s Engine Mobile Filtration Division EMEA designs and manufactures engine filtration solutions for leading global OEMs, predominantly in the heavy-duty transportation market.

The end caps for the top and bottom of its fuel filter water separators are supplied to Parker Hannifin’s plant in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire by a company in the West Midlands. They were using cardboard boxes that, when emptied of the caps, required disposal. This incurred cost and soaked up time and manpower.

Seeking to reduce supply chain costs, Parker Hannifin sought an alternative to the cardboard packaging in which the filter end caps were supplied. The company turned to BITO Storage Systems, which had supplied plastic containers for other jobs within the company.

After trialling BITO’s EQ collapsible container for a month, Parker Hannifin deemed it to be the ideal replacement for the cardboard boxes, leading to BITO supplying 1515 containers. This enabled a fleet of EQs to be in constant circulation: with 500 containers being filled by the supplier; 500 in transit to Dewsbury; and 500 being emptied at Dewsbury before being collapsed, ready to be returned to the supplier in the West Midlands. The remaining 15 containers are held as spares.

When arriving at Parker Hannifin, the containers full of filter end caps are stacked within racking. When required, containers are taken from the racking, the shrinkwrap is removed, and they are placed on dollies to be wheeled into the assembly area. Here three full containers of end caps will sit on inclined shelving next to where operators build a filter. When the container is empty, it is collapsed and stacked ready to return to the supplier.

BITO’s EQ folding boxes are made of high quality plastic and feature an ingenious yet simple seesaw locking/unlocking mechanism developed in cooperation with leading ergonomists. The 600 x 400 mm footprint and a height of 285 mm gives a very useable volume of 58 litres.

Other EQ characteristics that appealed to Parker Hannifin included a 20 kg load capacity, which comfortably accommodates the weight of its products. The containers are stackable up to six high but can also collapse to an impressive space saving 75% of volume for the return part of the cycle. Throughout the cycle the containers provide improved protection of the product and stamped with company’s name on their side they are easily identifiable. In addition, the EQ’s internal label holder keeps label secure within the internal wallet. Parker Hannifin experienced problems in past with labels stuck on the outside of cardboard boxes peeling off.

 

BITO’s EQ Container Fleet Returns Client Investment in One Year

Posted on by David Priestman

BITO Storage Systems has provided Parker Hannifin’s Engine Mobile Filtration Division with a fleet of its EQ Collapsible containers to replace cardboard boxes in a continuous cycle between itself and a supplier. In addition to offering improved product protection, the cost-saving fleet of BITO containers will pay for itself within one year. This results from eliminating the need to pay for cardboard disposal using a compactor – a time wasting process that previously occupied a member of staff.

Parker Hannifin’s Engine Mobile Filtration Division EMEA designs and manufactures engine filtration solutions for leading global OEMs, predominantly in the heavy-duty transportation market.

The end caps for the top and bottom of its fuel filter water separators are supplied to Parker Hannifin’s plant in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire by a company in the West Midlands. They were using cardboard boxes that, when emptied of the caps, required disposal. This incurred cost and soaked up time and manpower.

Seeking to reduce supply chain costs, Parker Hannifin sought an alternative to the cardboard packaging in which the filter end caps were supplied. The company turned to BITO Storage Systems, which had supplied plastic containers for other jobs within the company.

After trialling BITO’s EQ collapsible container for a month, Parker Hannifin deemed it to be the ideal replacement for the cardboard boxes, leading to BITO supplying 1515 containers. This enabled a fleet of EQs to be in constant circulation: with 500 containers being filled by the supplier; 500 in transit to Dewsbury; and 500 being emptied at Dewsbury before being collapsed, ready to be returned to the supplier in the West Midlands. The remaining 15 containers are held as spares.

When arriving at Parker Hannifin, the containers full of filter end caps are stacked within racking. When required, containers are taken from the racking, the shrinkwrap is removed, and they are placed on dollies to be wheeled into the assembly area. Here three full containers of end caps will sit on inclined shelving next to where operators build a filter. When the container is empty, it is collapsed and stacked ready to return to the supplier.

BITO’s EQ folding boxes are made of high quality plastic and feature an ingenious yet simple seesaw locking/unlocking mechanism developed in cooperation with leading ergonomists. The 600 x 400 mm footprint and a height of 285 mm gives a very useable volume of 58 litres.

Other EQ characteristics that appealed to Parker Hannifin included a 20 kg load capacity, which comfortably accommodates the weight of its products. The containers are stackable up to six high but can also collapse to an impressive space saving 75% of volume for the return part of the cycle. Throughout the cycle the containers provide improved protection of the product and stamped with company’s name on their side they are easily identifiable. In addition, the EQ’s internal label holder keeps label secure within the internal wallet. Parker Hannifin experienced problems in past with labels stuck on the outside of cardboard boxes peeling off.

 

Case Study: Materials Handling to Maximize Heavy-Duty Application

Posted on by David Priestman

One of the most crucial ingredients in the materials handling industry is the safe transportation of packaged goods from origin to destination. Logistics operators in a wide variety of industries need to be confident that their products arrive in the best condition possible to minimise delays and ensure customer satisfaction.

To facilitate the safe transportation of packaged goods, Abzac Romania produces cardboard accessories suitable for a wide range of applications. Founded in 1928, Abzac Romania uses its decades of expertise and conducts continuous research to develop specific solutions to each of the industries the company caters for, adjusting its products to the application required.

One of the main staples of Abzac Romania’s product offering is the cardboard bracket, which protects and strengthens packages through conferred resistance around their edges. The simple design and robustness of the cardboard brackets allow them to be utilised in a variety of industries, including wood, food, pharmaceutical and aviation.

The company also produces innovative cardboard tubes, which can be used in the paper, plastic, textiles, labels and adhesives or construction industries. They are designed to meet their customers’ individual needs, whether that be crush resistant, dynamic loading and vibration, radial compression, rigid or malleable materials.

All of the solutions Abzac Romania produces begin as large cardboard coils, delivered to their warehouse in Ploiesti, Romania. The company handles between 20-25 cardboard coils per day, working in two shifts between 07:00 and 24:00. To maintain its high productivity, Abzac Romania required a materials handling solution that could maximise its heavy duty application. Operator and equipment efficiency was also a key concern, as well as keeping downtime of the materials handling equipment at a minimum.

Customisation improves handling efficiency

To find a solution perfectly suited to their needs, Abzac Romania consulted Vectra Eurolift Service. Vectra Eurolift Service has been the exclusive dealer of Yale® solutions in Romania since 2015 and is the sole service provider of Yale products in the region.

Vectra Eurolift Service recommended the four wheel Yale ERP35VL electric counterbalance truck, fitted with a 360 degree rotating clamp that ensures excellent pallet visibility. The customised solution allows Abzac Romania to transfer the cardboard coils directly from the trailer to the production area without the need to switch materials handling equipment.

Abzac Romania required a reliable solution to handle the bulky cardboard coils to ensure its objectives are met at the end of each day. The ERP35VL is designed for intense applications and has a lifting capacity of 3500 kg at heights of up to 4610 m, making it a fitting solution to the specific needs of Abzac Romania.

To further maximise the productivity during the two-shift operation, the truck features four performance modes, allowing the operator to adjust to the precise business application. It also includes a setting that can deliver low energy consumption during a shift, allowing the operators to maximise efficiency at little cost to Abzac Romania.

Operator confidence and comfort

The ERP35VL is fitted with the YaleStop™ feature to ensure operator confidence when lifting or loading goods. This allows operators to load and unload the cardboard coils knowing the park brake is automatically engaged, particularly useful when working on gradients.

Operators at Abzac Romania often complete long shifts. Designed to offer low levels of vibration, the ERP35VL helps to reduce potential back strain and fatigue in the operator during their shift.

Logistics expertise goes a long way

Working closely with the client to understand their business is a key factor in ensuring both customer satisfaction, and perfecting the right solution. Vectra Eurolift Services was able to use its wealth of experience in the materials handling industry to advise Abzac on the solution and customisation that best fit the company’s needs.

“The main reasons why Abzac Romania chose Yale equipment were for Vectra Eurolift Service’s experience in this field, good communication, and accurate understanding of the application,” said Delia Dumitru, Plant Manager of Abzac Romania.

Case Study: Materials Handling to Maximize Heavy-Duty Application

Posted on by David Priestman

One of the most crucial ingredients in the materials handling industry is the safe transportation of packaged goods from origin to destination. Logistics operators in a wide variety of industries need to be confident that their products arrive in the best condition possible to minimise delays and ensure customer satisfaction.

To facilitate the safe transportation of packaged goods, Abzac Romania produces cardboard accessories suitable for a wide range of applications. Founded in 1928, Abzac Romania uses its decades of expertise and conducts continuous research to develop specific solutions to each of the industries the company caters for, adjusting its products to the application required.

One of the main staples of Abzac Romania’s product offering is the cardboard bracket, which protects and strengthens packages through conferred resistance around their edges. The simple design and robustness of the cardboard brackets allow them to be utilised in a variety of industries, including wood, food, pharmaceutical and aviation.

The company also produces innovative cardboard tubes, which can be used in the paper, plastic, textiles, labels and adhesives or construction industries. They are designed to meet their customers’ individual needs, whether that be crush resistant, dynamic loading and vibration, radial compression, rigid or malleable materials.

All of the solutions Abzac Romania produces begin as large cardboard coils, delivered to their warehouse in Ploiesti, Romania. The company handles between 20-25 cardboard coils per day, working in two shifts between 07:00 and 24:00. To maintain its high productivity, Abzac Romania required a materials handling solution that could maximise its heavy duty application. Operator and equipment efficiency was also a key concern, as well as keeping downtime of the materials handling equipment at a minimum.

Customisation improves handling efficiency

To find a solution perfectly suited to their needs, Abzac Romania consulted Vectra Eurolift Service. Vectra Eurolift Service has been the exclusive dealer of Yale® solutions in Romania since 2015 and is the sole service provider of Yale products in the region.

Vectra Eurolift Service recommended the four wheel Yale ERP35VL electric counterbalance truck, fitted with a 360 degree rotating clamp that ensures excellent pallet visibility. The customised solution allows Abzac Romania to transfer the cardboard coils directly from the trailer to the production area without the need to switch materials handling equipment.

Abzac Romania required a reliable solution to handle the bulky cardboard coils to ensure its objectives are met at the end of each day. The ERP35VL is designed for intense applications and has a lifting capacity of 3500 kg at heights of up to 4610 m, making it a fitting solution to the specific needs of Abzac Romania.

To further maximise the productivity during the two-shift operation, the truck features four performance modes, allowing the operator to adjust to the precise business application. It also includes a setting that can deliver low energy consumption during a shift, allowing the operators to maximise efficiency at little cost to Abzac Romania.

Operator confidence and comfort

The ERP35VL is fitted with the YaleStop™ feature to ensure operator confidence when lifting or loading goods. This allows operators to load and unload the cardboard coils knowing the park brake is automatically engaged, particularly useful when working on gradients.

Operators at Abzac Romania often complete long shifts. Designed to offer low levels of vibration, the ERP35VL helps to reduce potential back strain and fatigue in the operator during their shift.

Logistics expertise goes a long way

Working closely with the client to understand their business is a key factor in ensuring both customer satisfaction, and perfecting the right solution. Vectra Eurolift Services was able to use its wealth of experience in the materials handling industry to advise Abzac on the solution and customisation that best fit the company’s needs.

“The main reasons why Abzac Romania chose Yale equipment were for Vectra Eurolift Service’s experience in this field, good communication, and accurate understanding of the application,” said Delia Dumitru, Plant Manager of Abzac Romania.

Case Study: Materials Handling to Maximize Heavy-Duty Application

Posted on by David Priestman

One of the most crucial ingredients in the materials handling industry is the safe transportation of packaged goods from origin to destination. Logistics operators in a wide variety of industries need to be confident that their products arrive in the best condition possible to minimise delays and ensure customer satisfaction.

To facilitate the safe transportation of packaged goods, Abzac Romania produces cardboard accessories suitable for a wide range of applications. Founded in 1928, Abzac Romania uses its decades of expertise and conducts continuous research to develop specific solutions to each of the industries the company caters for, adjusting its products to the application required.

One of the main staples of Abzac Romania’s product offering is the cardboard bracket, which protects and strengthens packages through conferred resistance around their edges. The simple design and robustness of the cardboard brackets allow them to be utilised in a variety of industries, including wood, food, pharmaceutical and aviation.

The company also produces innovative cardboard tubes, which can be used in the paper, plastic, textiles, labels and adhesives or construction industries. They are designed to meet their customers’ individual needs, whether that be crush resistant, dynamic loading and vibration, radial compression, rigid or malleable materials.

All of the solutions Abzac Romania produces begin as large cardboard coils, delivered to their warehouse in Ploiesti, Romania. The company handles between 20-25 cardboard coils per day, working in two shifts between 07:00 and 24:00. To maintain its high productivity, Abzac Romania required a materials handling solution that could maximise its heavy duty application. Operator and equipment efficiency was also a key concern, as well as keeping downtime of the materials handling equipment at a minimum.

Customisation improves handling efficiency

To find a solution perfectly suited to their needs, Abzac Romania consulted Vectra Eurolift Service. Vectra Eurolift Service has been the exclusive dealer of Yale® solutions in Romania since 2015 and is the sole service provider of Yale products in the region.

Vectra Eurolift Service recommended the four wheel Yale ERP35VL electric counterbalance truck, fitted with a 360 degree rotating clamp that ensures excellent pallet visibility. The customised solution allows Abzac Romania to transfer the cardboard coils directly from the trailer to the production area without the need to switch materials handling equipment.

Abzac Romania required a reliable solution to handle the bulky cardboard coils to ensure its objectives are met at the end of each day. The ERP35VL is designed for intense applications and has a lifting capacity of 3500 kg at heights of up to 4610 m, making it a fitting solution to the specific needs of Abzac Romania.

To further maximise the productivity during the two-shift operation, the truck features four performance modes, allowing the operator to adjust to the precise business application. It also includes a setting that can deliver low energy consumption during a shift, allowing the operators to maximise efficiency at little cost to Abzac Romania.

Operator confidence and comfort

The ERP35VL is fitted with the YaleStop™ feature to ensure operator confidence when lifting or loading goods. This allows operators to load and unload the cardboard coils knowing the park brake is automatically engaged, particularly useful when working on gradients.

Operators at Abzac Romania often complete long shifts. Designed to offer low levels of vibration, the ERP35VL helps to reduce potential back strain and fatigue in the operator during their shift.

Logistics expertise goes a long way

Working closely with the client to understand their business is a key factor in ensuring both customer satisfaction, and perfecting the right solution. Vectra Eurolift Services was able to use its wealth of experience in the materials handling industry to advise Abzac on the solution and customisation that best fit the company’s needs.

“The main reasons why Abzac Romania chose Yale equipment were for Vectra Eurolift Service’s experience in this field, good communication, and accurate understanding of the application,” said Delia Dumitru, Plant Manager of Abzac Romania.

Parcel Network Eurodis Replaces DHL with Geis in Poland

Posted on by David Priestman

Eurodis, an international transport network for parcels and pallets serving 36 European countries, has replaced DHL with Geis as the new partner for deliveries in Poland and transports from Poland to the other members of the network throughout Europe. “The change enhances the delivery options for our customers and increases the number of shipments in our network,” said MD Christian Knoblich. “Geis fully meets our high standards in quality and performance and perfectly covers our service requirements as it delivers B2B as well as B2C shipments, and is able to handle hazardous goods, do pick-ups, deal with returns and cash on delivery.”

In Poland the Geis Group operates a nationwide parcel and pallet distribution network and also provides warehouse logistics, FTL/LTL and air/sea services. At 36 sites with 83,000 square meters of logistics and handling area Geis employs about 1,000 workers. They are generating an annual turnover of 60 million Euros. “We are very glad to become a Eurodis partner, as this confirms our high quality and competitive footprint in Poland and provides us access to a European network with strong local members to handle our export parcel shipments”, says Daniel Knaisl, Managing Director at Geis Poland.

 

Parcel Network Eurodis Replaces DHL with Geis in Poland

Posted on by David Priestman

Eurodis, an international transport network for parcels and pallets serving 36 European countries, has replaced DHL with Geis as the new partner for deliveries in Poland and transports from Poland to the other members of the network throughout Europe. “The change enhances the delivery options for our customers and increases the number of shipments in our network,” said MD Christian Knoblich. “Geis fully meets our high standards in quality and performance and perfectly covers our service requirements as it delivers B2B as well as B2C shipments, and is able to handle hazardous goods, do pick-ups, deal with returns and cash on delivery.”

In Poland the Geis Group operates a nationwide parcel and pallet distribution network and also provides warehouse logistics, FTL/LTL and air/sea services. At 36 sites with 83,000 square meters of logistics and handling area Geis employs about 1,000 workers. They are generating an annual turnover of 60 million Euros. “We are very glad to become a Eurodis partner, as this confirms our high quality and competitive footprint in Poland and provides us access to a European network with strong local members to handle our export parcel shipments”, says Daniel Knaisl, Managing Director at Geis Poland.

 

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