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Day: 8 May 2019

Iptor Announces Version 11 as Product Transformation Continues

Posted on by David Priestman

Supply chain software provider Iptor has launched Version 11 of its flagship ERP solutions DC1 and IP1 as leading platforms for distribution and publishing businesses.

With connectivity, usability and mobility at its core and AI capabilities throughout, Version 11 removes the need for compromise between a true cloud solution with limited functional depth or a functionally rich ‘traditional’ solution with little cloud enablement.

Building on the success of Version 10, Iptor’s leading ERP solution redefines usability with visual flows and “Iptor Cockpit” replacing traditional menus and enabling easier system navigation. Moreover, Iptor’s open API framework, aperīo, now facilitates even better connectivity by enabling flexibility for modifications outside of the product core via “aperīo views” – allowing bi-directional integration of external services in the core user interface. This provides an easy, fast option to add specific modifications for customers without impacting their ability to upgrade.

Version 11 also provides easy migration paths to the cloud through its in-built connectivity and AI capabilities. These include embedded connectors to IBM Watson Supply Chain Insight and the Iptor AI bot “Sara”, offering a plug and play artificial intelligence injection and a best in class cloud service provided in partnership with IBM.
With core vertical enhancements, including out of the box functionality, Version 11 is especially suitable for companies in the Pharma, Technical Wholesale and Publishing sectors. It also features new mobile web applications, enhancing the mobility suite for Mobile Warehouse, Mobile Service and Mobile CRM.

Jayne Archbold, Iptor Chief Executive Officer, comments, “Iptor DC1 version 11 provides a step-change in cloud and AI capabilities combining a true cloud experience with all the rich functionality our customers need. It also delivers a leap forward in the user experience and by allowing modifications outside of the core product it removes the headache of upgrading at the risk of losing essential functionality.”

Iptor Announces Version 11 as Product Transformation Continues

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Supply chain software provider Iptor has launched Version 11 of its flagship ERP solutions DC1 and IP1 as leading platforms for distribution and publishing businesses.

With connectivity, usability and mobility at its core and AI capabilities throughout, Version 11 removes the need for compromise between a true cloud solution with limited functional depth or a functionally rich ‘traditional’ solution with little cloud enablement.

Building on the success of Version 10, Iptor’s leading ERP solution redefines usability with visual flows and “Iptor Cockpit” replacing traditional menus and enabling easier system navigation. Moreover, Iptor’s open API framework, aperīo, now facilitates even better connectivity by enabling flexibility for modifications outside of the product core via “aperīo views” – allowing bi-directional integration of external services in the core user interface. This provides an easy, fast option to add specific modifications for customers without impacting their ability to upgrade.

Version 11 also provides easy migration paths to the cloud through its in-built connectivity and AI capabilities. These include embedded connectors to IBM Watson Supply Chain Insight and the Iptor AI bot “Sara”, offering a plug and play artificial intelligence injection and a best in class cloud service provided in partnership with IBM.
With core vertical enhancements, including out of the box functionality, Version 11 is especially suitable for companies in the Pharma, Technical Wholesale and Publishing sectors. It also features new mobile web applications, enhancing the mobility suite for Mobile Warehouse, Mobile Service and Mobile CRM.

Jayne Archbold, Iptor Chief Executive Officer, comments, “Iptor DC1 version 11 provides a step-change in cloud and AI capabilities combining a true cloud experience with all the rich functionality our customers need. It also delivers a leap forward in the user experience and by allowing modifications outside of the core product it removes the headache of upgrading at the risk of losing essential functionality.”

Failure to Use Procurement Specialists “Costs Millions”, Says Research

Posted on by David Priestman

Businesses failing to use procurement specialists to ensure they get best value from Third-Party Logistics suppliers (3PLs) are potentially losing millions, according to the latest research from UK supply chain and logistics consultancy SCALA.

SCALA surveyed a selection of the UK’s best-known businesses and 3PLs (whose revenue runs into the billions and whose number of clients run into the thousands) with regards to how 3PLs are selected, contracts negotiated, and the success of logistics partnerships maintained.

At each stage, the findings revealed that procurement specialists were being sidelined by logistics teams to the detriment of the effective running of their business.

At selection stage, 32% of companies admitted that procurement teams weren’t the main driver or didn’t play a significant role in the process.

A shocking 94% of companies also admitted that procurement teams never, or only occasionally, played a role in contract maintenance.

John Perry, managing director at SCALA, commented: “The findings of our research are made even more concerning by the fact that so few companies are satisfied with the performance of 3PL relationships.

“For example, only 9% of companies are very confident that they got the best deal when negotiating their contract with a 3PL. Also, less than a third (29%) believed that contracts remained appropriate or effective throughout a typical 5-year term.

“Despite these factors, too many companies are still failing to give specialist procurement teams a proper role within the process.”

SCALA’s research went on to show the positive impact good procurement has when used effectively. Companies reported that using procurement throughout the selection and negotiation process delivered cost reductions, improved KPIs, better contractual terms and a clear method for monitoring and maintaining ongoing performance of the 3PL.

Similarly, during the running of the agreement, effective procurement was found to have led to improved performance, better relationships and the avoidance of conflict between companies and their 3PL partners.

John continues: “Leadership teams could potentially save millions in lost efficiencies and unnecessary costs by ensuring the effective integration of procurement teams with logistics.

“The inconvenient truth is that both departments often view each other with (at best) confusion or (at worst) outright hostility. It is rare for one to have a detailed knowledge and appreciation of the other’s work, and yet, this is what delivers the best outcomes.

“It’s key to get both teams talking the other’s language. Alternatively, use a combined procurement and logistics consultant that can ensure maximum efficiency is created and maintained.”

Perhaps the best argument for better procurement is the response of the 3PLs themselves. Those expressing concerns about the enhanced use of procurement teams talked about more exacting KPIs (40%) or the penalisation of performance failures (30%). However, they also admitted that effective procurement did deliver improved performance and dispute resolution for both parties’ mutual benefit.

Participating companies that offered up their views in SCALA’s research cover a wide-range of sectors but predominantly operate in the grocery, FMCG, electrical appliance and homewares sectors. The 3PLs range from regional providers to the very largest in the UK, with the majority having in excess of 100 clients.

Failure to Use Procurement Specialists “Costs Millions”, Says Research

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Businesses failing to use procurement specialists to ensure they get best value from Third-Party Logistics suppliers (3PLs) are potentially losing millions, according to the latest research from UK supply chain and logistics consultancy SCALA.

SCALA surveyed a selection of the UK’s best-known businesses and 3PLs (whose revenue runs into the billions and whose number of clients run into the thousands) with regards to how 3PLs are selected, contracts negotiated, and the success of logistics partnerships maintained.

At each stage, the findings revealed that procurement specialists were being sidelined by logistics teams to the detriment of the effective running of their business.

At selection stage, 32% of companies admitted that procurement teams weren’t the main driver or didn’t play a significant role in the process.

A shocking 94% of companies also admitted that procurement teams never, or only occasionally, played a role in contract maintenance.

John Perry, managing director at SCALA, commented: “The findings of our research are made even more concerning by the fact that so few companies are satisfied with the performance of 3PL relationships.

“For example, only 9% of companies are very confident that they got the best deal when negotiating their contract with a 3PL. Also, less than a third (29%) believed that contracts remained appropriate or effective throughout a typical 5-year term.

“Despite these factors, too many companies are still failing to give specialist procurement teams a proper role within the process.”

SCALA’s research went on to show the positive impact good procurement has when used effectively. Companies reported that using procurement throughout the selection and negotiation process delivered cost reductions, improved KPIs, better contractual terms and a clear method for monitoring and maintaining ongoing performance of the 3PL.

Similarly, during the running of the agreement, effective procurement was found to have led to improved performance, better relationships and the avoidance of conflict between companies and their 3PL partners.

John continues: “Leadership teams could potentially save millions in lost efficiencies and unnecessary costs by ensuring the effective integration of procurement teams with logistics.

“The inconvenient truth is that both departments often view each other with (at best) confusion or (at worst) outright hostility. It is rare for one to have a detailed knowledge and appreciation of the other’s work, and yet, this is what delivers the best outcomes.

“It’s key to get both teams talking the other’s language. Alternatively, use a combined procurement and logistics consultant that can ensure maximum efficiency is created and maintained.”

Perhaps the best argument for better procurement is the response of the 3PLs themselves. Those expressing concerns about the enhanced use of procurement teams talked about more exacting KPIs (40%) or the penalisation of performance failures (30%). However, they also admitted that effective procurement did deliver improved performance and dispute resolution for both parties’ mutual benefit.

Participating companies that offered up their views in SCALA’s research cover a wide-range of sectors but predominantly operate in the grocery, FMCG, electrical appliance and homewares sectors. The 3PLs range from regional providers to the very largest in the UK, with the majority having in excess of 100 clients.

IMHX 2019 Passes 400 Exhibitor Milestone

Posted on by David Priestman

IMHX 2019 organizers say the September showcase is set to feature a record number of exhibitors, including many organisations who are attending for the very first time, when it opens for business at the NEC, Birmingham, in September.

IMHX 2019 show director, Rob Fisher, commented: “Exhibitors are the key to any successful trade fair: leading innovators attract visitors and the quality and sheer number of companies exhibiting at IMHX 2019 will inspire the logistics and supply chain community at the NEC in September.”

Dematic, Swisslog, Knapp, Vanderlande, Toyota, Crown, Doosan, Briggs and Hyster-Yale are among the companies that will deliver live and dynamic demonstrations of many of the cutting edge developments that are shaping the modern logistics industry. While companies appearing at IMHX for the first time at this year’s event include: ABB Robotics, loading bay specialists Campisa; forklift truck suppliers BYD and SHS Handling Solutions and intralogistics automation solutions providers, SITMA, VanRiet, WRH Global, 6 River Systems, Rax Solutions and Geek+.

Visitors will also have access to four days of exciting educational content, completely free of charge. The compelling conference programme at IMHX 2019 will feature a roster of inspiring thought leaders from organisations that are changing the face of logistics. The seminar programme will also offer practical knowledge, strategic insights driven by real-life case studies, and further essential professional career development. The full list of speakers will be announced shortly.

Registration is now open to attend IMHX 2019 on 24 – 27 September 2019. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register. To secure your free visitor pass that allows access to all areas of the show on any of the opening dates, visit www.imhx.net

IMHX 2019 Passes 400 Exhibitor Milestone

Posted on by Keith McKinley

IMHX 2019 organizers say the September showcase is set to feature a record number of exhibitors, including many organisations who are attending for the very first time, when it opens for business at the NEC, Birmingham, in September.

IMHX 2019 show director, Rob Fisher, commented: “Exhibitors are the key to any successful trade fair: leading innovators attract visitors and the quality and sheer number of companies exhibiting at IMHX 2019 will inspire the logistics and supply chain community at the NEC in September.”

Dematic, Swisslog, Knapp, Vanderlande, Toyota, Crown, Doosan, Briggs and Hyster-Yale are among the companies that will deliver live and dynamic demonstrations of many of the cutting edge developments that are shaping the modern logistics industry. While companies appearing at IMHX for the first time at this year’s event include: ABB Robotics, loading bay specialists Campisa; forklift truck suppliers BYD and SHS Handling Solutions and intralogistics automation solutions providers, SITMA, VanRiet, WRH Global, 6 River Systems, Rax Solutions and Geek+.

Visitors will also have access to four days of exciting educational content, completely free of charge. The compelling conference programme at IMHX 2019 will feature a roster of inspiring thought leaders from organisations that are changing the face of logistics. The seminar programme will also offer practical knowledge, strategic insights driven by real-life case studies, and further essential professional career development. The full list of speakers will be announced shortly.

Registration is now open to attend IMHX 2019 on 24 – 27 September 2019. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register. To secure your free visitor pass that allows access to all areas of the show on any of the opening dates, visit www.imhx.net

Case Study: Hubtex Sideloaders Optimize Space and Storage

Posted on by David Priestman

Effective materials handling and warehouse management is crucial to the success of a company, which is why Gaugler & Lutz oHG is banking on an intelligent storage system at its new logistics centre in Aalen-Ebnat (Nord) in Germany. The leading supplier of core materials and products for lightweight manufacturing has installed a 12-metre-high cantilever racking system spanning 2,200 square metres, creating enough storage space for roughly 2,500 pallets. The pallets are transported around the warehouse by two MQ 30 electric multidirectional sideloaders supplied by Hubtex Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG. The sideloaders transport goods across the new mobile racking facility with the aid an inductive guidance system. The forklifts precisely place the pallets in the designated location using the semi-automated positioning system, while making ideal use of the storage space available. As such, Gaugler & Lutz is able to benefit from maximum storage capacities thanks to optimized logistics processes.

Gaugler & Lutz oHG specialises in lightweight and sandwich-structure construction, along with the production and sale of sport, rehabilitation and leisure products. Based in Aalen-Ebnat, the family-run company supplies construction components for wind turbines, road and rail transport, and shipbuilding. At its industrial joinery facility in Aalen-Ebnat, Gaugler & Lutz processes balsa wood and foam materials, primarily of the rigid variety. These materials are used, for example, to strengthen wind turbine rotor blades. The processed materials had previously been stored in three warehouses in Ebnat-Süd. Due to the growing demand for lightweight materials, the company decided to build a cutting-edge facility with areas dedicated to production, logistics and administration. In order to completely replace the existing warehouses, the company needed a solution that made optimal use of the available space, with the objective of storing a maximum number of goods in the smallest space possible. Gaugler & Lutz therefore built a cantilever mobile racking system spanning 2,200 square meters, and thus created continuous racking for storing pallets.

Optimizing space for pallet storage
“We store and remove up to 120 pallets of raw materials on a daily basis,” explains Dr. Rüdiger Wittenbeck, project manager for process optimisation at Gaugler & Lutz. The various material formats and varying pallet sizes made it difficult to precisely store materials while making optimum use of the available space. Before the new logistics centre was built, goods were stored in standard shelving units or simply stacked on top of each other. Frontloaders transported the pallets to their destinations. “We were therefore unable to make optimum use of our storage space. Due to the rising demand for our products, we always needed more room,” explains Vanessa Iliadis, who is responsible for logistics processing at Gaugler & Lutz. “After implementing our semi-automated warehouse logistics system at the new site, transportation and storage are now much more effective.” In search of a partner that could supply the right vehicle for transporting the pallets in the mobile racking system, the specialist in pre-assembled construction components turned to Hubtex. The manufacturer of special-purpose vehicles for transporting bulky goods convinced Gaugler & Lutz to put its faith in Hubtex by presenting a tailored interface concept that ideally incorporates vehicle and handling technology in the complex facility. Hubtex also ensured optimal alignment between vehicle and warehouse management system.

Optimized routes through inductive guidance
The racking system comprises 12 cantilever transfer trolleys, each with three to five continuous storage levels installed one above the other, along with two fixed rows of racking connected to the sides of the building. Since the pallets and the materials stored on them do not come in standard formats, the length, width and height of the goods are measured using a light-based device. The materials are then weighed. The dimensions and overall weight of each carrier determines where the goods are stored. After being measured, a roller conveyor system transports the pallets into the warehouse, where forklift driver Denis Velichko picks them up on the Hubtex MQ 30 and scans the affixed bar code. “The ideal storage location is clearly determined by the dimensions and weight of the load and is communicated to our forklift driver through our process technology,” explains Vanessa Iliadis. The designated aisle in the mobile racking system then opens up automatically. The driver lines up the vehicle in front of the aisle on the inductive wire and then sets the electric multidirectional sideloader in motion. The vehicle then positions itself at the right location in front of the racking. The racks must be positioned very precisely to enable clearance of just a few millimetres for the route guidance system and prevent contact with racks or goods.

Rack fire suppression system: Precision required to protect 4,000 sprinklers
The lifting mast automatically stops once it has reached the required rack height. Freely configurable with 99 positions, lifting heights are preselected using the Hubtex Load Manager. Once the driver has confirmed the end position, the pallet is then stored in the designated space with exceptional precision. However, the forks can be raised no more than just 10 cm below the sprinklers installed on the bottom of every rack. “Our rack fire suppression system comprises approximately 4,000 sprinklers,” says Dr. Rüdiger Wittenbeck. “Positioning the pallets precisely without damaging the sprinklers was an additional requirement for forklift operation.” The automatic fire suppression system is required by law due to the unpacked foam plastics and helps prevent fire from developing. In addition, the multidirectional sideloaders feature personal protective systems. Laser scanners on the vehicle continuously monitor the aisles between the racks, detecting people or objects that are in dangerous proximity to the forklift. The system automatically reduces the vehicle’s speed before bringing it to a halt.

Protecting goods through modern warehouse logistics
The electric multidirectional sideloaders are guided along their paths, ensuring precise positioning of the vehicles. The inductive guidance system in the mobile racking facility guarantees maximum safety, more or less ensuring that racks and goods are never damaged. Optimised routes within the warehouses help save time when storing and retrieving goods. The use of Hubtex forklifts enables goods to be stored in the smallest possible amount of space, as the space between each row of racks can be kept to a minimum. “Thanks to our mobile racking system and the MQ 30 multidirectional sideloaders, we have halved the amount of storage space required,” stresses Dr. Wittenbeck. “Everybody who took part in this complex project was closely involved and worked together extremely well, which is why we were able to get the warehouse management system, vehicle, sensors and rack system in perfect sync with one another.” The outcome: exact positioning of storage location coordinates and delicate handling to protect goods from damage. In addition, the Hubtex Load Manager supports safe storage by preventing the forks from piercing the racking. Gaugler & Lutz will keep faith in the Fulda-based forklift manufacturer moving forward, with plans for the Hubtex electric multidirectional sideloaders to be equipped with vacuum suction equipment. Order-picking with the “Vacumat” will enable fragile materials to be protected from damage during handling, while also making life easier for employees when transporting bulky and heavy goods.

Case Study: Hubtex Sideloaders Optimize Space and Storage

Posted on by David Priestman

Effective materials handling and warehouse management is crucial to the success of a company, which is why Gaugler & Lutz oHG is banking on an intelligent storage system at its new logistics centre in Aalen-Ebnat (Nord) in Germany. The leading supplier of core materials and products for lightweight manufacturing has installed a 12-metre-high cantilever racking system spanning 2,200 square metres, creating enough storage space for roughly 2,500 pallets. The pallets are transported around the warehouse by two MQ 30 electric multidirectional sideloaders supplied by Hubtex Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG. The sideloaders transport goods across the new mobile racking facility with the aid an inductive guidance system. The forklifts precisely place the pallets in the designated location using the semi-automated positioning system, while making ideal use of the storage space available. As such, Gaugler & Lutz is able to benefit from maximum storage capacities thanks to optimized logistics processes.

Gaugler & Lutz oHG specialises in lightweight and sandwich-structure construction, along with the production and sale of sport, rehabilitation and leisure products. Based in Aalen-Ebnat, the family-run company supplies construction components for wind turbines, road and rail transport, and shipbuilding. At its industrial joinery facility in Aalen-Ebnat, Gaugler & Lutz processes balsa wood and foam materials, primarily of the rigid variety. These materials are used, for example, to strengthen wind turbine rotor blades. The processed materials had previously been stored in three warehouses in Ebnat-Süd. Due to the growing demand for lightweight materials, the company decided to build a cutting-edge facility with areas dedicated to production, logistics and administration. In order to completely replace the existing warehouses, the company needed a solution that made optimal use of the available space, with the objective of storing a maximum number of goods in the smallest space possible. Gaugler & Lutz therefore built a cantilever mobile racking system spanning 2,200 square meters, and thus created continuous racking for storing pallets.

Optimizing space for pallet storage
“We store and remove up to 120 pallets of raw materials on a daily basis,” explains Dr. Rüdiger Wittenbeck, project manager for process optimisation at Gaugler & Lutz. The various material formats and varying pallet sizes made it difficult to precisely store materials while making optimum use of the available space. Before the new logistics centre was built, goods were stored in standard shelving units or simply stacked on top of each other. Frontloaders transported the pallets to their destinations. “We were therefore unable to make optimum use of our storage space. Due to the rising demand for our products, we always needed more room,” explains Vanessa Iliadis, who is responsible for logistics processing at Gaugler & Lutz. “After implementing our semi-automated warehouse logistics system at the new site, transportation and storage are now much more effective.” In search of a partner that could supply the right vehicle for transporting the pallets in the mobile racking system, the specialist in pre-assembled construction components turned to Hubtex. The manufacturer of special-purpose vehicles for transporting bulky goods convinced Gaugler & Lutz to put its faith in Hubtex by presenting a tailored interface concept that ideally incorporates vehicle and handling technology in the complex facility. Hubtex also ensured optimal alignment between vehicle and warehouse management system.

Optimized routes through inductive guidance
The racking system comprises 12 cantilever transfer trolleys, each with three to five continuous storage levels installed one above the other, along with two fixed rows of racking connected to the sides of the building. Since the pallets and the materials stored on them do not come in standard formats, the length, width and height of the goods are measured using a light-based device. The materials are then weighed. The dimensions and overall weight of each carrier determines where the goods are stored. After being measured, a roller conveyor system transports the pallets into the warehouse, where forklift driver Denis Velichko picks them up on the Hubtex MQ 30 and scans the affixed bar code. “The ideal storage location is clearly determined by the dimensions and weight of the load and is communicated to our forklift driver through our process technology,” explains Vanessa Iliadis. The designated aisle in the mobile racking system then opens up automatically. The driver lines up the vehicle in front of the aisle on the inductive wire and then sets the electric multidirectional sideloader in motion. The vehicle then positions itself at the right location in front of the racking. The racks must be positioned very precisely to enable clearance of just a few millimetres for the route guidance system and prevent contact with racks or goods.

Rack fire suppression system: Precision required to protect 4,000 sprinklers
The lifting mast automatically stops once it has reached the required rack height. Freely configurable with 99 positions, lifting heights are preselected using the Hubtex Load Manager. Once the driver has confirmed the end position, the pallet is then stored in the designated space with exceptional precision. However, the forks can be raised no more than just 10 cm below the sprinklers installed on the bottom of every rack. “Our rack fire suppression system comprises approximately 4,000 sprinklers,” says Dr. Rüdiger Wittenbeck. “Positioning the pallets precisely without damaging the sprinklers was an additional requirement for forklift operation.” The automatic fire suppression system is required by law due to the unpacked foam plastics and helps prevent fire from developing. In addition, the multidirectional sideloaders feature personal protective systems. Laser scanners on the vehicle continuously monitor the aisles between the racks, detecting people or objects that are in dangerous proximity to the forklift. The system automatically reduces the vehicle’s speed before bringing it to a halt.

Protecting goods through modern warehouse logistics
The electric multidirectional sideloaders are guided along their paths, ensuring precise positioning of the vehicles. The inductive guidance system in the mobile racking facility guarantees maximum safety, more or less ensuring that racks and goods are never damaged. Optimised routes within the warehouses help save time when storing and retrieving goods. The use of Hubtex forklifts enables goods to be stored in the smallest possible amount of space, as the space between each row of racks can be kept to a minimum. “Thanks to our mobile racking system and the MQ 30 multidirectional sideloaders, we have halved the amount of storage space required,” stresses Dr. Wittenbeck. “Everybody who took part in this complex project was closely involved and worked together extremely well, which is why we were able to get the warehouse management system, vehicle, sensors and rack system in perfect sync with one another.” The outcome: exact positioning of storage location coordinates and delicate handling to protect goods from damage. In addition, the Hubtex Load Manager supports safe storage by preventing the forks from piercing the racking. Gaugler & Lutz will keep faith in the Fulda-based forklift manufacturer moving forward, with plans for the Hubtex electric multidirectional sideloaders to be equipped with vacuum suction equipment. Order-picking with the “Vacumat” will enable fragile materials to be protected from damage during handling, while also making life easier for employees when transporting bulky and heavy goods.

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