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Month: August 2019

RFID Read/Writing Shrinks with Smallest Industrial Device

Posted on by David Priestman

SICK has launched the smallest industrial UHF RFID read/write device of its kind, the RFU610, creating new opportunities to integrate RFID track and trace capability in automated machines and mobile vehicles in warehousing, materials handling, and logistics environments.

Almost half the size of SICK’s next-level, mid-range RFU620 reader, the RFU610 needs an installation space of just 80 x 92 x 38 mm and achieves an impressive scanning range of ≤ 0.5metres. The SICK RFU610 is ideal for auto-ident applications such as tracking of smaller parts, sub-assemblies and electronic components, materials handling in e-Kanban processes, identifying pallets on a roller conveyor, or monitoring consignment transfers onto smaller Automated Guided Vehicles and Carts.

The innovative design of the SICK RFU610 combines antenna, intelligent control and connectivity into a single, rugged, IP67 aluminium housing. Compact and economic integration into tight spaces is therefore assured because there is no need for a separate connection box, and cabling is minimised.

The RFU610’s in-built antenna monitors a focused reading zone that avoids misreading of unwanted tags in the vicinity, while still reliably mastering bulk tag identification, a significant advantage when handling small components at short ranges.

Says John Charlesworth, SICK UK Auto-Ident Product Specialist: “The current global trend towards using UHF is set to ensure the scalability of RFID equipment across supply chains in future. The SICK RFU610 offers a much-needed solution to upgrading older RFID technologies, such as LF and HF which have typically been deployed previously at shorter ranges.

“The ultra-compact SICK RFU 610 adds to SICK’s family of UHF read/write devices and completes a fully-scalable SICK UHF scanning capability right up to 10 metres. It therefore lays the foundations for seamless track and trace transparency across entire production and logistics workflows as part of Industry 4.0.”

The SICK RFU610 offers highly-versatile connectivity, offering both separate cable connections for power and Ethernet, as well as a single-cable Power- over-Ethernet connection. Compatible with Ethernet/IP and PROFINET protocols, the RFU610 can be integrated into most mainstream PLCs. It also offers the opportunity for direct communication with enterprise IT systems and the Cloud.

The RFU610 has a port to allow the direct connection of a trigger sensor, if required, to initiate the RFID device to read or write to the detected transponder. Rapid installation and commissioning are assured using a web server and SICK’s easy-to-use SOPAS software tool.

The RFU610’s on-board LED-indicator can be set up to confirm good reads in real time on the device, or to indicate, for example, the presence of the wrong part during an assembly process. Maintenance and diagnostic functions, as well as rapid parameter cloning are enabled via microSD card or USB interface.

Legal Cannabis Oil for HGV Drivers?

Posted on by Paul Hamblin

Consumer interest in cannabidiol “CBD” is growing fast and there are a wide range of products available online, in health food shops, supermarkets and even at service stations. Praised for its health and wellbeing properties, it is estimated that there are 1.3m users of CBD within the UK. CBD is commonly recognised as a natural go-to for pain relief, sleep disorders and anxiety.

The popularity of CBD has risen rapidly, in part driven by the ‘recommended by a friend’ effect. However, not all CBD products are legal and this puts some lorry drivers at risk of failing a drugs test.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is illegal within the UK and is a schedule 1 controlled drug under the MDR 2001 and can be found present in some CBD oils.

Bud & Tender, a leading UK cannabis supplement company, is urging drivers to check that the CBD oil they consume contains 0mg of THC and that this can be substantiated by independent lab reports. The London Evening Standard recently highlighted Bud & Tender Filter Pure CBD Cannabis Oil as being one of the best CBD Oils in the UK because of taste, effectiveness and trust due to independent lab reports being available on the company’s website proving THC was non-detectable.

Charles Clowes Co-Founder of Bud & Tender told us that, ‘’only the other week at an event the team informed an HGV driver who was suffering from back pain that the CBD oil he was using contained 20mg of THC and that he was at risk of failing a drugs test. Greater awareness is needed, because if one HGV driver is using CBD oil that contains THC there will be others.’’

DHL Supply Chain Invests in its UK Fleet

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DHL Supply Chain has announced a significant fleet investment in the UK. The investment, worth £90 million, will put over 1,000 new vehicles into service in the UK during 2019. The investment includes tractor units, as well as specialised rigids and multi temperature-controlled vehicles. All vehicles will be equipped with the latest safety features, including cameras, Microlise telematics and the latest engine technology.

Ian Clough, Managing Director, Network Logistics and Transport, UK & Ireland, DHL Supply Chain said: “Not only are we investing in our infrastructure to support our growth, but to signal our confidence in the contract logistics market in the UK. These vehicles are equipped with the latest technology to ensure they have the best possible efficiency and safety features, allowing us to deliver best in class solutions for our customers.”

The new fleet will serve a range of DHL’s customers, and will enhance the performance and support the growth of a number of the networks. According to research conducted on behalf of DHL among transport decision makers, ground transportation is moving away from its traditional role as a commodity towards becoming a business differentiator; 71% believe it is a strategic component of their business, and 75% agree that investment in this area will directly support growth. As a result, third party logistics providers are expected to offer an increased range of value-added services to customers, something this new fleet will help support.

The investment in new technology reflects DHL’s commitment to ensuring that its fleet is best in class and offers the highest possible levels of service to its supply chain customers. As part of DHL’s ongoing efforts to improve its sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of its operations, a number of the vehicles will run on liquefied natural gas.

New Vehicles for handling Long Goods

Posted on by David Priestman

As the leading manufacturer of customised industrial forklifts, sideloaders and special-purpose equipment for the transport of long, heavy and bulky goods, Hubtex will present its wide range of solutions at IMHX 2019. A particular focus will be on the industry’s largest modular development platform for electric multidirectional sideloaders, which Hubtex has revised in developing the PhoeniX vehicle series. It will gradually replace vehicles based on the established ESTL platform.

At IMHX, Hubtex will present the first two new vehicles from the PhoeniX series for a load-carrying capacity range of 3 to 5 tonnes. Hubtex plans for the PhoeniX range to gradually replace all electric multidirectional sideloaders with pendulum frames. The series limits between 48 V and 80 V will be seamless.

The electric multidirectional sideloaders from the PhoeniX series offer optimum manoeuvrability, a highly ergonomic driver cabin and improved all-round visibility. Even in their basic configuration, the vehicles are designed for semi automation. Their intelligent features include a new generation of vehicle control, pre-engineered cable runs, positions for sensors, and other features which ensure the vehicles are ready to meet the challenges posed by Industry 4.0. Additional assistance systems can also be integrated as required, for example laser-supported navigation, which will be available for the first time in this vehicles series. This new assistance system ensures the vehicles can be positioned with millimetre precision.

Another highlight at Hubtex’s exhibition booth will be information on the launch of the new FluX 70. This electric multidirectional counterbalance forklift is capable of safely transporting long and heavy loads weighing up to 7 tonnes – even over rough terrain and in narrow aisleways. The new vehicle is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and combines the advantages of an electric multidirectional forklift with those of a heavy-duty forklift with a combustion engine. The FluX 70 (7 tonnes) follows on from the existing FluX models with load-carrying capacities of 3 tonnes (FluX 30) and 4 tonnes (FluX 40). In addition, with the release of the FluX 20 this year, Hubtex will be expanding its product portfolio to include a new 2 tonne version.

Chemical Supply Chain Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

With potentially explosive atmospheres present throughout the chemical supply chain, Mark Nailer, Industry Manager for Hyster Europe, discusses the 360-degree Hyster® solutions that support compliant and efficient handling.

“It can only take one spark or hot surface to cause an ignition in the potentially explosive atmospheres found across the chemical supply chain,” says Mark. “Heat and spark control are therefore primary considerations for businesses involved in the production, storage and transport of flammable chemicals.”

The production and delivery of raw materials to a manufacturer is the first stage of the chemical supply chain. These potentially flammable raw materials are likely to be delivered, pumped and stored in large tanks. Drums and IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) may be found indoors or outdoors, in areas where Hyster® ICE diesel or electric forklifts will commonly be working, or passing through.

This may be a Zone 2* hazardous area, classified by ATEX** as where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is possible, but not likely to occur in normal operation. To prevent the risk of ignition, it is vital that only explosion protected and rated lift trucks enter this area.

Hyster Europe works with specialist partners, such as Pyroban, who conduct explosion protection conversions to help materials handling equipment comply with local legislation. In Zone 2 applications, the Pyroban conversion of a Hyster® truck combines gas detection with various explosion protection methods such as restricted breathing enclosures and surface temperature cooling.

“It’s important for drivers to be aware of the presence of a flammable atmosphere in a Zone 2 area, so Hyster® trucks operating in Zone 2 areas can be converted with ‘active’ gas detection systems,” explains Mark. “This means if certain levels of gas or vapour in air are detected, the driver receives an audible and visual warning, and if that level elevates further, full equipment shutdown may occur.”

Supply Chain Analytics Solutions in China

Posted on by David Priestman

LLamasoft, a leading provider of enterprise supply chain design and decision-making solutions, is announcing a strategic partnership with JD Logistics, the logistics arm of JD.com, China’s largest retailer. Through the partnership, JD Logistics will exclusively deliver and integrate LLamasoft’s solutions as part of its existing service and technology offerings to select manufacturers, retailers and logistics providers in China using the JD Logistics network. The solutions provided will include supply chain design optimization, planning, operations and management. LLamasoft will continue to support existing clients and is broadening its go-to-market coverage with a segmented model that includes this partnership with JD Logistics and continued investments in its own organization in China.

“China is one of the largest markets for supply chain solutions in the world, and with this strategic partnership with JD Logistics we are going to be able to accelerate our ability to create value for an expanded client base,” said Razat Gaurav, CEO of LLamasoft. “Clients will benefit from the combination of China’s largest B2C logistics network with LLamasoft’s preeminent supply chain design and analytics solutions to enable organizations to transform their supply chain operations.”

“The strategic partnership with LLamasoft will provide clients and merchants with a one-stop supply chain optimization solution,” said Haifeng Yang, Head of Value Supply Chain at JD Logistics. “Leveraging our respective capabilities, as well as our over a decade of experience in operating an in-house nationwide logistics network in China, will further differentiate JD as a leader in providing and integrating advanced supply chain capabilities.”

This announcement was made following LLamasoft’s LLamaCon event in Shanghai on Friday, August 9 which drew more than 500 supply chain professionals from nearly 300 companies. LLamaCon China 2019 offered thought leadership and industry best practices during sessions from LLamasoft clients including Callum Crawford, Asia Pacific Supply Chain Designer at AB-InBev; Yi Ding, Vice General Manager of Manufacturing Systems at Mindray Medical; and Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Toby Brzoznowski of LLamasoft.

“It has been remarkable to see the tremendous growth of LLamaCon China over the last few years and it highlights the significant focus and investment being made in supply chain analytics and decisioning technology all around the world,” said Toby Brzoznowski, Chief Strategy Officer of LLamasoft. “Throughout the event, it was exciting to hear how organizations are leveraging LLamasoft technology to navigate the challenges of rapidly changing market conditions and to drive tangible value in the form of cost savings, improved service and reduced risk.”

Counting Line Contract Awarded

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Gebhardt Intralogistics Group has been awarded a contract by Dansk Retursystem A/S for an internal logistics system for process decoupling and company modernization. Rising production figures at the newly created company location in Taastrup, Denmark made this necessary.

Dansk Retursystem is owned by several breweries and is a private and non-profit company. Its core business is the exclusive right in Denmark to collect and sort empty one-way beverage packaging before sending them to be recycled. According to Dansk Retursystem, more than 1.4 billion beverage containers were returned in Denmark in 2018, equivalent to around 3.8 million units per day. Dansk Retursystem’s business model is based on a closed loop that must guarantee the entire process chain at the highest level.

In order to meet these growing demands and the larger volume of beverage packaging in its various production materials, but also to protect the environment and resources at the same time, the Danish company was looking for a conveyor and storage technology manufacturer which would enable new and more automated processes.

Gebhardt Intralogistics Group, headquartered at Sinsheim together with the newly founded branch Gebhardt Nordic ApS in Hobro (Denmark), has been awarded the contract which has been subject to EU public tender procurement. The conveyor technology manufacturer was able to score points with the quality of its products and the project implementation concept.

“We are delighted to have an experienced partner for our new plant. Internal logistics systems are the core competence of Gebhardt, and we are looking forward to bringing their quality equipment and technology to our plant,” says Dansk Retursystem CEO Lars Krejberg Petersen.

Agility Reports Earnings Increase

Posted on by David Priestman

Agility, a leading global logistics provider, today reported second-quarter earnings of 12.99 fils per share on net profit of KD 21.6 million, an increase of 8.1% over the same period in 2018. Q2 EBITDA grew 31.2% to KD 48.6 million, and revenue increased 3.2% to KD 396.3 million.

First-half earnings of 25.18 fils per share and net profit of KD 41.9 million were up 7.7%. First-half EBITDA was KD 95 million, an increase of 27%. Revenue for the first half was KD 775 million, an increase of 2.5%. Tarek Sultan, Agility Vice Chairman and CEO, said: “We had a good Q2 despite the tough environment we operate in. GIL reported very good results and continues to implement its strategy to drive operational efficiency. Agility’s Infrastructure companies performed well, and key initiatives in each business unit are moving ahead according to plan.”

Agility Global Integrated Logistics achieved EBITDA growth of 7% (excluding IFRS 16 impact) despite higher operating expenses related to new facilities and higher staff costs for operations and commercial requirements. GIL’s Q2 reported EBITDA was KD 15.9 million, or KD 10 million excluding IFRS 16 vs. KD 9.3 million in Q2 2018.

GIL Q2 gross revenue fell 2.6% to KD 281.9 million, mainly due to currency fluctuations. On a constant-currency basis, GIL revenue grew 1%. Net revenue increased 4% to KD 69.4 million, mainly as a result of better Ocean Freight and Contract Logistics performance. The global Air Freight market continued to be under pressure. GIL Air Freight net revenue decreased 1.8% as the result of lower job volume and tonnage, although the decrease was offset in part by higher yields. Q2 2019 tonnage fell 8% vs. Q2 2018. The decrease was the result of weak market conditions and lower demand across industries and geographies, along with a return to more normal volumes following a spike in high-volume shipments a year earlier. The Air Freight market was affected by volume declines and shifts that have resulted from US-China tariffs and import restrictions.

Strong Ocean Freight performance was driven primarily by yield improvement, despite a 2% drop in TEUs. Ocean Freight performance was strongest in the Americas and Asia Pacific. Contract Logistics growth continued in Q2 with gross revenue of KD 32.8 million, a 1% increase from the same period in 2018. The Middle East-Africa region, notably the Kuwait and Egypt markets, was the key driver of growth and improved margins.

Net revenue margins for GIL improved to 24.6% in Q2, up from 23% a year earlier. During the first half of 2019, GIL EBITDA improved 69.5% on a reported basis, taking into account the impact of IFRS 16 (it remained at the same level after excluding the IFRS 16 impact). Revenue decreased 1.9% on a reported basis (or increased 2.1% on a constant-currency basis). GIL net revenue improved 3.1% in the first half.

GIL is focusing on accelerating the roll-out of its global operating platform, as part of a broader digital transformation strategy that is intended to drive improved customer experience, more effective supplier management, enhanced business efficiency and productivity, and better data for decision-making.

Smart, Autonomous Mobile Robots

Posted on by David Priestman

Montapacking, one of the fastest growing e-commerce companies in the Netherlands, chose to automate their logistic processes with the Lowpad.

Montapacking provides logistics for more than 600 web shops. The company is highly technology driven and was looking for an innovative solution to improve logistic processes in their warehouses. In their search they got to know the Lowpad, a product developed by Eurotec.

The Lowpad is a smart autonomous mobile robot which can be operated without requiring adjustments to the infrastructure of a warehouse. Safety is guaranteed by certified safety sensors. Lowpads are controlled through overhead software, which can be integrated seamlessly into the client’s existing system.

Compared to other autonomous mobile robots, the Lowpad system offer Montapacking the best solution to optimize their logistic processes. Edwin van der Ham, Founder Montapacking: “The Lowpad is one of a kind, because of its ultra-low height, scalability and goods to person technology. The Lowpad will fulfill a key role in our logistic processes in all our warehouses and give us the ability for hybrid order picking, a situation where order pickers and Lowpads operates in the same environment. We have high expectations about the Lowpad and looks forward to experience a major contribution of the Lowpad in our warehouse efficiency.”

The first Lowpads are recently implemented at one of Montapacking’s warehouses in Gorinchem. Eurotec looks forward to provide all the other warehouses of Montapacking in the near future with hundreds of the Lowpads.

Smart Door Controls

Posted on by David Priestman

Manufacturing downtime costs British manufacturers more than £180 billion a year due to lost productivity. In response to this, smart technology is increasingly being implemented throughout all aspects of supply chain operations, particularly the servicing process, to provide greater operational efficiency, safety and quality. Tom Langley, Projects Director for Hörmann UK, claims to have the latest technologies available to the industry to support warehouse operators in making the servicing process easier and quicker.

“Our new SmartControl technology has been developed following feedback from clients on how we as a business can further support their logistics operations. Compatible with all Hörmann UK high-speed doors manufactured since 2015, the system aims to minimise downtime and increase productivity for supply chain operators.”

SmartControl is an online portal that imbeds servicing into the daily operation of the high speed door, providing technical door analysis that can be remotely accessed throughout the warehouse at all times. Clients can view important door information such as error messages, updates on door cycles or an in-depth overview of the high speed door’s overall performance. This enables warehouse operators to oversee the maintenance of the product at all times, as any potential faults or wear of parts can be viewed instantly.

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