Month: February 2020

UK 3PL specialist Hallmark Consumer Services says it is enjoying 40% efficiency increases on some of its fulfilment lines after implementing a best-of-breed warehouse management system (WMS).

SnapFulfil WMS is being used across the three levels of Hallmark’s 40,000 sq.ft in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, but with 80+ clients and space at a premium needed it to be up and running within a month and working in tandem with the existing OrderActive system.

New and extra functionality software was also required immediately to get products sorted and away a lot quicker and onto different types of pallets in all the correct areas of the warehouse.

Hallmark Consumer Services now benefit from bespoke location formats and walk routes, incorporating their new mezzanine level, while SnapFulfil Pack Station functionality caters for all labelling and streamlines the whole process and makes it more efficient and cost effective.

Coupled with Metapack capabilities, it provides carrier rate shipping to ensure the best value carrier is always used, plus with the many different sized products handled, Snapfulfil volumetric functionality drives pallets to the correct locations to maximise loading occupancy – a process which is continually being honed to optimise slot usage.

Hallmark Consumer Services managing director, Phil Hall, explains: ”We have an entry point system in place, but in taking the business to the next level recently – and coinciding with the new mezzanine floor – realised a much more advanced WMS was required with cloud benefits and architecturally robust, so that the hosted solution performs consistently and reliably in real time.

“We required a lot more set up and configurability options as well – but without being cost prohibitive – and apart from the software being forward thinking and progressive, were looking for a support team we could work in tandem with and on a much more proactive and flexible basis.

“SnapFulfil has delivered in every aspect and aside from these much welcome operational improvements, the transition has been fairly seamless and the support service excellent. We had a dedicated in-house team testing the operating procedures with their project management team, through peak demand periods, and they all remarked how easy the new system was to pick up.

“Minimal training was required on the hand held devices and the shift from onerous manual and paper based procedures to digital automation has been a god send – particularly for goods in – where we’ve been able to tangibly improve labour efficiencies straight away.”

Looking to the future, Hallmark Consumer Services is busy working with the SnapFulfil continuous improvement team on advanced inventory management auditing and making their stock integrity even better.
Multi-tier functionality is also improving the staging areas for pallet drop off across a host of different operators.

With SnapFulfil now starting to be firmly embedded with their clients, the old system is beginning to be phased out and the aim is to use its multi-site capabilities to facilitate additional warehouses.

Worldwide technology leader in the media and entertainment sector Technicolor, has signed a deal with imio Software Solutions to support the delivery of a semi-automated pack and despatch solution.

imio-PACK, described as a flexible and smart warehouse packing software platform, will enable the adoption of semi-automated ecommerce fulfilment at Technicolor’s warehouse in Rugby to support staff shortages.

Due to recent growth in its distribution business, Technicolor has chosen to introduce imio-PACK as it prepares for a significant increase in its order volumes in 2020. As part of the project, Technicolor expects that order productivity levels will treble.

In order to deliver during peak periods and answer labour shortages within the sector, a combination of automation and intelligent software will be implemented. In collaboration with Automated Packaging Systems (APS), the project will see the delivery of five Autobag PS125 machines, semi-automating the process of packing, label printing and application, concluding with order sealing.

imio-PACK’s simple user interface (UI) manages packing and labelling processes, delivering efficiencies for ecommerce order fulfilment. Launched to market at the beginning of 2019, imio-PACK offers an integrated solution for automated, semi-automated and manual packing fulfilment processes.

Marcus Uprichard Sales and Marketing Director at imio says: “imio-PACK will create a streamlined packing process, improving packing rates, reducing errors and staff training times – perfect for businesses looking to maximise existing staff productivity during peak times.”

Once implemented Technicolor will be capable of fulfilling all UK ecommerce orders during peak periods at five work stations, using one operative per station, per shift.

 

NORD has now made available its new class-leading Universal Motor, with 20 models in the range extending from 0.12 to 45kW power.

The Nord Universal Motor is certified to CE, UL, CSA, CCC, ISI and EAC and meets appropriate minimum efficiency levels to ensure suitability for markets that include Europe, US, Canada, Russia, China, India and others. The motor is also certified to Bureau Veritas for marine and offshore applications. The 3-phase Nord Universal Motor can be used with four standard voltage supplies noted on the motor nameplate: 380V 50Hz, 400V 50Hz, 415V 50Hz, and 460V 60Hz, additionally however it can also be used at 440V 60Hz and 480V 60Hz.

Available in 4-pole configuration, the robust motors suit IEC frame sizes from 63 to 225, they are available in B3 foot, B5 flange or B14 face mounting and to suit the US market it can be supplied as NEMA C-face and NEMA foot mount. The motor can also be directly mounted to NORD gearboxes providing a compact and more efficient drive solution.

As standard the motor is protected to IP55 is Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled TEFC and Class F Insulation.

Other options available for the Nord Universal Motor include quick connectors, single or double protection canopies, space heater, spring applied brake and forced ventilation. If required, the motor enclosures can also be provided in IP66 rating, which means they are dust tight and protected against heavy seas or powerful jets of water.