September 2019

Semi-rugged Mobile Computing to new Levels

Posted on 11 September, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Panasonic aims to set a new standard for semi-rugged mobile computing with the launch of its TOUGHBOOK 55 notebook. For the first time, users will be able to customise their device for different tasks while in the field. The semi-rugged notebook, in a slim and lightweight design, may improve workforce flexibility and productivity, as well as delivering maximum return on investment for businesses.

The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 55 clamshell notebook allows users to boost graphics capabilities, add a smartcard reader, additional storage or a DVD or Blu-Ray drive with a simple switch, fit and click of the new functionality into the TOUGHBOOK Universal Bay. In addition, a front expansion slot can be used to quickly integrate a fingerprint reader, RFID or regular smart card reader or for the addition of a second battery.

“This device is a game-changer. It takes semi-rugged mobile computing to new levels of flexibility, productivity and sustainability,” said Jan Kaempfer, General Manager of Marketing for Panasonic Computer Product Solutions. “Users can customise their device on the move to suit the needs of their job role at the time. Buyers can invest in the device knowing that it has the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of the business and the workforce over the long-term. Lastly, it cuts the carbon footprint of the device because it enables the repair and replacement of independent parts rather than discarding the device when one part fails or sending the whole device back for repair.”

An evolution of the successful TOUGHBOOK 54, the new TOUGHBOOK 55 is more flexible, faster, tougher, secure, and long lasting than its predecessor but can be still be used with accessories from the previous device, including vehicle docks and desktop port replicators.

German Digital Freight Forwarder Launches in Poland

Posted on 11 September, 2019 by David Priestman

German digital freight forwarder InstaFreight has launched on the Polish market, with 10 employees in Legnica offering a 24-hour service. In addition to growth targets in Germany and Poland, the Berlin-based company plans to enter Italy, Spain and the Benelux region in the near future.

InstaFreight decided to locate in Lower Silesia due to its excellent geographical location for the transport business. Legnica is close to the German-Polish and Czech-Polish borders and connected to Germany via major motorways. Additionally, well-known companies, among others from the automotive industry and the e-commerce business, also opted for this region in Western Poland.

“We are still closer to Berlin than we are to Warsaw, but besides working hand-in-hand with our head office, we naturally have the needs of our Central and Eastern European customers in mind,” stresses Krzysztof Dwornik, General Manager of InstaFreight Poland, an experienced professional within the European logistics market. “With this approach, we have already supported several thousand loads and have been able to onboard more than 1,000 new carriers to the platform with their cargo space for planning our transports.”

“In our view, Poland is an ideal starting point for the first foreign office in our young history because of its great importance in the European logistics market,” explains Maximilian Schaefer, Co-Founder and Managing Director of InstaFreight, the location decision. Just a few weeks ago the German Eastern Business Association announced that German-Polish trade had grown by five percent in the first half of 2019. Significantly, Poland has overtaken Great Britain in the list of Germany’s most important foreign trade partners. “Growth in this business would be inconceivable without Poland and its important bridging function in Europe,” continued Schaefer.

German Digital Freight Forwarder Launches in Poland

Posted on 11 September, 201931 July, 2025 by David Priestman

World’s Largest AutoStore Warehouse Takes Element Logic Black Line

Posted on 11 September, 201925 July, 2025 by David Priestman

The world’s largest AutoStore warehouse, Boozt, is the first to adopt the new Black Line robots empowered by Element Logic.

At Boozt’s state of the art warehouse in Ängelholm, Sweden, the new Black Line robots from AutoStore are now up and running on the grid, as the first site of scale in the world.

“Black Line has many advantages, such as speed, reliability and smart battery solutions. At the end of the day it’s all about cost per transaction. We are excited to take our dedication to automation and development to the next level in cooperation with Element Logic and AutoStore,” says COO at Boozt, Niels Hemmingsen.

Boozt is a fast-growing online fashion business. In 2011 Boozt and COO Niels Hemmingsen had a 2000 sqm manual warehouse. Today they have the largest AutoStore facility in the world and are adopting the newest technology. The group generated net sales amounting to SEK 2.8 billion in 2018. When the current warehouse is fully utilized, it will house 500,000 bins and 500 robots.

“Boozt has constantly pushed us to raise the bar for what is possible. The limitations we saw two years ago don’t apply anymore. Element Logic, as well as the technology, are constantly improving,” says Chief Sales Officer at Element Logic, Håvard Hallås.

Element Logic’s focus is on delivering profitable warehouse solutions for it’s customers. Boozt has had 99.7% uptime and consistent fast picking – also during expansion phases. And 9 in 10 Boozt deliveries reach the customer within one day of their order. The technology from AutoStore has generated both speed-to-market and productivity gains.

“Blackline has the potential to yield even more efficiency. It is better suited for around the clock-operations with new technology, especially the new battery solutions. This will truly come to fruition at high seasonal peaks, such as Black Friday and holiday season,” Hallås says.

World’s Largest AutoStore Warehouse Takes Element Logic Black Line

Posted on 11 September, 2019 by David Priestman

The world’s largest AutoStore warehouse, Boozt, is the first to adopt the new Black Line robots empowered by Element Logic.

At Boozt’s state of the art warehouse in Ängelholm, Sweden, the new Black Line robots from AutoStore are now up and running on the grid, as the first site of scale in the world.

Synergy at IMHX

Posted on 11 September, 2019 by Keith McKinley

Sitma Machinery, specializing in the design and construction of packaging machines and complete lines, has partnered with Bizerba, a leading company in the weighing sector, to present the new e- Wrap 2.0: an exemplary case of collaboration for the integration of complementary technologies. The machine will be shown to the public during IMHX, in Birmingham, from 24 to 27 September.

The two companies believe there are good synergies between their products. Sitma has made the logistics sector one of its ‘pillars’, having installed complete systems and lines at important logistics hubs. Both companies are characterized by versatility, for example in supplying machines that allow customers to use different types of materials, such as plastic film, bio-film and paper, all with minimal modifications. Versatility is an important driver in a world that increasingly looks at environmental sustainability and the use of green materials.

The e-Wrap 2.0 is the solution around which the technological partnership between the two companies has developed. Logistics is a growing sector but still relies on many manual processes. It boasts a high level of evolution, accompanied by frequent requests for automation. The e-Wrap 2.0 fits perfectly within this context, as it combines multiple activities with a single compact and modular system.

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

Posted on 10 September, 201931 July, 2025 by David Priestman

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%

Posted on 10 September, 2019 by David Priestman

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%

Posted on 10 September, 201931 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Invest in Software to Beat Productivity Crisis, UK Firms Told

Posted on 10 September, 2019 by Keith McKinley

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.”

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