“Positive Outlook Across 3PL Sector”, says IMHX survey

A poll of third party logistics (3PL) companies visiting IMHX 2019 this month, 24 -27 September, NEC Birmingham, claims an extremely positive outlook across the sector: 91 per cent of those quizzed expect their organization to grow over the next two years, with 34 per cent anticipating ‘significant’ growth over this time, while 76 per cent believe that their company is likely to experience growth in the next 12 months alone.

The survey, undertaken by Sapio Research on behalf of IMHX 2019, also revealed that 44 per cent of respondents are planning some form of warehouse infrastructure expansion within the next year.

In addition, nearly half (47 per cent) are looking to implement automated warehouse technology within the next 12 months, while 50 per cent stated that they intend to upgrade their forklift truck fleets and/or invest in new fleet management solutions during the same period.

IMHX 2019 event director, Rob Fisher, states: “Sapio Research’s survey of logistics company executives reveals an industry that is both confident and optimistic about the future. It also highlights that logistics companies are seeking to invest in new technology that will help them to meet the challenges of operating efficiently and profitably in the modern business environment.”

IMHX is the UK’s largest and longest-running logistics and supply chain technology event, expecting to welcome 16,000+ attendees later this month at the NEC Birmingham from 24 – 27 September. As well as 450 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest logistics technology, visitors will also benefit from four days of free-to-attend professional seminars.

Hermes Invests £16m to Boost Rugby Capacity by 40%

Hermes says it has significantly boosted its capacity for the upcoming peak season after completing the construction of a third sortation tier at its fully-automated Midlands Super Hub in Rugby. The £16m project enhances existing output by 40% with the capability to process 1.35 million parcels each day.

Located at the Rugby Gateway, the 270,000 square foot Midlands Super Hub officially opened in August 2017 featuring two original sortation tiers. The £31m development, the most substantial investment in Hermes’ history to date, remains the biggest of its kind in Europe.

The installation of the high specification sortation tier – manufactured by Beumer – has taken place over the past 12 months, overseen by the company’s in house engineering team who ensured that the hub has remained fully operational. The new tier can sort 22,973 items per hour which increases the hub’s hourly total to 68,919 items per hour. It measures over 1.1kms in length, incorporates 480 tonnes of steelwork, features 1,942 trays, and is powered by 41kms of electrical wiring. Scales measure the dimension and check the weight of every parcel whilst also checking for any damages.

 

Hermes Invests £16m to Boost Rugby Capacity by 40%

Hermes says it has significantly boosted its capacity for the upcoming peak season after completing the construction of a third sortation tier at its fully-automated Midlands Super Hub in Rugby. The £16m project enhances existing output by 40% with the capability to process 1.35 million parcels each day.

Located at the Rugby Gateway, the 270,000 square foot Midlands Super Hub officially opened in August 2017 featuring two original sortation tiers. The £31m development, the most substantial investment in Hermes’ history to date, remains the biggest of its kind in Europe.

The installation of the high specification sortation tier – manufactured by Beumer – has taken place over the past 12 months, overseen by the company’s in house engineering team who ensured that the hub has remained fully operational. The new tier can sort 22,973 items per hour which increases the hub’s hourly total to 68,919 items per hour. It measures over 1.1kms in length, incorporates 480 tonnes of steelwork, features 1,942 trays, and is powered by 41kms of electrical wiring. Scales measure the dimension and check the weight of every parcel whilst also checking for any damages.

 

Invest in Software to Beat Productivity Crisis, UK Firms Told

A UK software development expert is warning that businesses aren’t investing enough in systems, in turn contributing to the country’s productivity crisis.

The average British worker produces more than 16% less than most of the G7, the group of seven leading economies. Experts claim that some of this weak productivity can be put down to poor workflow and inefficient systems.

Sharon Xuereb, Business Development Manager from Progrex said: “The reasons for poor productivity in the UK are complex, from a shortage of skilled workers, to firms not exporting enough. However poor management and poor workflow processes play their part. It’s estimated that having poor workflow in the business can cost up to 30% of turnover a year, and has a significant impact on the productivity and growth of companies.”

She added: “In the UK in particular we’ve seen companies under investing in their own workflow systems, often relying on excel spreadsheets and email-based systems, that have organically grown with the business. As companies scale up however these systems just aren’t fit for purpose and have a major impact on the bottom line.

“We’ve developed bespoke systems for clients which have effectively cut the time to process jobs by half or more. For example, for a manufacturing client we developed a customer claim system which cut the time dealing with enquires form 20 minutes per enquiry to five. It really shows the impact that the right systems have, making businesses more efficient with their time, which then has a significant impact on productivity and growth.”

Invest in Software to Beat Productivity Crisis, UK Firms Told

A UK software development expert is warning that businesses aren’t investing enough in systems, in turn contributing to the country’s productivity crisis.

The average British worker produces more than 16% less than most of the G7, the group of seven leading economies. Experts claim that some of this weak productivity can be put down to poor workflow and inefficient systems.

Sharon Xuereb, Business Development Manager from Progrex said: “The reasons for poor productivity in the UK are complex, from a shortage of skilled workers, to firms not exporting enough. However poor management and poor workflow processes play their part. It’s estimated that having poor workflow in the business can cost up to 30% of turnover a year, and has a significant impact on the productivity and growth of companies.”

She added: “In the UK in particular we’ve seen companies under investing in their own workflow systems, often relying on excel spreadsheets and email-based systems, that have organically grown with the business. As companies scale up however these systems just aren’t fit for purpose and have a major impact on the bottom line.

“We’ve developed bespoke systems for clients which have effectively cut the time to process jobs by half or more. For example, for a manufacturing client we developed a customer claim system which cut the time dealing with enquires form 20 minutes per enquiry to five. It really shows the impact that the right systems have, making businesses more efficient with their time, which then has a significant impact on productivity and growth.”

DKV Names New Sales Manager Ireland

Mobility provider DKV has welcomed Charlie O’Reilly as Sales Manager Ireland. DKV is a European leader in cash-free services en route for commercial goods and passenger transport, toll and further mobility services.

O’Reilly will be responsible for all customers in both the Republic of Ireland and the North. With extensive account management experience, he was most recently Business Manager at Northgate Vehicle Hire. Prior to that, he had several management roles within the IT Industry.

DKV Names New Sales Manager Ireland

Mobility provider DKV has welcomed Charlie O’Reilly as Sales Manager Ireland. DKV is a European leader in cash-free services en route for commercial goods and passenger transport, toll and further mobility services.

O’Reilly will be responsible for all customers in both the Republic of Ireland and the North. With extensive account management experience, he was most recently Business Manager at Northgate Vehicle Hire. Prior to that, he had several management roles within the IT Industry.

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