27 May, 2020

RFID Case Study: Can a Supply Chain be Digitised?

Posted on 27 May, 202029 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Can a supply chain be digitised? Experts from German RFID specialist Kathrein Solutions say yes:

The global market is setting new standards for a more intelligent supply chain. A Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer wanted to lead the way regarding digitisation and introduced RFID[1] as the basic infrastructure technology in its manufacturing plant. The aim was to define the factory of the future and to implement its products in the digitised factory. In order to realise this vision, it was also important to integrate the suppliers from the very beginning. The use of RFID technology in the competition for future orders was a decisive criterion for automotive suppliers. Reliability was to be created through a more intelligent supply chain with new tools and valid real-time insights. The supply chain consequently improves the way of collaborating and achieves an unprecedented level of transparency.

Initial situation: Supply chain management before

Logistical challenges were normally solved using barcode-based systems. However, the aim was to make companies in the automotive field also replace the old barcode structure with specially modified RFID tags. These radio-readable information carriers were used to automate localisation and identification along the entire supply and marketing chain. The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) described and defined this years ago by “RFID for Tracking Parts and Components in the Automotive Industry.” Up to 65 percent of the value of goods or services in a company comes from working with suppliers. This is what the “Cross-Industry Report of Standard Benchmarks” by CAPS Research states. Functioning, intelligent supply chains are, therefore, a decisive factor for a successful digital transformation of a company. What matters is speed, a complete overview of complex processes, and, of course, a maximum focus on the customer.

Solution: RFID hardware components

The car manufacturer relies on the use of certified RFID hardware components from Kathrein Solutions, as well as on a well-established software solution for a simple and reliable supplier connection. All relevant positions in the supply chain of the “RFID end-to-end process” were equipped with certified RFID hardware. In some cases, the hardware was specially adapted. Simple assembly and effective maintenance of the components were required and were implemented accordingly. Process security, reliability, and cost-effectiveness were the focus throughout the entire conception. All acquisition components were linked to one another using standard software to enable a simple and stable data connection. The centrepiece of the concept is the “intelligent load carrier.” All these load carriers already carry an RFID tag and a unique identification number when sent. Both processes, sorting at the crossdock as well as the transport, are carried out with RFID support. Automatic identification in the supply chain takes place wherever it is technically feasible and process-relevant. This also applies to the section incoming and outgoing goods. Storage and retrieval, loading of the route cars, and supply at the assembly line are largely automated and documented. Even the empties at the assembly line are automatically recorded on the shelves using special KanBan antennas in order to enable automatic material retrieval.

Result: A Supply Chain can be digitised!

Here, IoT digitalisation has been implemented efficiently and practically into the supply chain. Standardised RFID technology was adapted to specific requirements in a cooperative partnership with Kathrein Solutions. For example, the automated KanBan shelf was implemented successfully and cost-effectively into the system landscape. Here, an automotive manufacturer has created the perfect base for digitised manufacturing in the future and has once again proven that innovation means progress. The aforementioned aim of defining an automotive manufacturing plant of the future was achieved. Unobstructed, predictable cycles and the reduction of waiting times have been successfully and significantly improved throughout the logistics process.

[1] Radio-frequency identification

Industry View: Retailers Propel Use of Robotics to Survive Post-Corona

Posted on 27 May, 202025 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Automated warehouse experts Element Logic reports increased demand for robotic warehouse solutions after the outbreak of the pandemic. While many are in crisis, time is being used to strategically plan for the future. And the future is robotic.

“Covid-19 is an eye-opener for so many businesses who simply weren’t prepared for large scale disruptions like a pandemic,” says UK Managing Director Jeremy Clouston-Jones.

While many retailers are in crisis as physical shops close or face massively reduced visits, managers take the time to see what they could have done differently – and what their next moves should be.

Element Logic is experiencing an influx of requests from companies who are now considering robotic solutions or scaling their current automatic warehouses.

“The situation has caused many more to realize that planning for uncertainty is necessary. With robotic warehouses, it is much easier to scale up or down and it makes your operations a lot more flexible,” Clouston-Jones said.

Physical sales have dropped after the outbreak of the pandemic, but online sales are growing, in the UK reported between 10-25%.

One Element Logic customer, sports equipment retailer XXL, is expanding its robotic system to handle 150,000 bins and consolidate shipping through one central hub.

“Robot picking is 3-5 times more efficient than manual solutions. Sales have dropped, but online sales are growing and in part makes up for the physical decline. For us, having a flexible and modern warehouse has been vital. We were less dependent on people when quarantines and social distancing rules were applied,” Geir Nielsen, Nordic Warehouse Manager at XXL said.

The robots make it easier for retailers like XXL to quickly ship the correct orders to empty shop isles and impatient online shoppers.

“It also helps us scale as we grow, without any downtime. We have expanded 7 or 8 times since we first installed the robots, but not one time did we have to shut down operations. Our warehouse is always running, close to 100% of the time,” said Nielsen.

Element Logic´s customers report differences from vastly increased sales due to their products being even more in demand during the pandemic, to a complete shift where different product areas are less coveted than under normal circumstances, or dramatically reduced sales and operations.

“What we can see is that the Covid-19 situation has expedited processes that otherwise would have taken much longer. Whatever the situation is, a lot of managers are now planning for the future in a way that they never had before. And there is no doubt that robotics is on the charts for all of them,” Element Logic MD Clouston-Jones said.

New Linde Tow Tractors Suit Confined Spaces

Posted on 27 May, 202025 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Linde Material Handling says its three new tow tractor models make moving loads more comfortable, safer and more efficient, even in confined spaces. The P40 C, P40 C B and P60 C have a narrow chassis and offer outstanding manoeuvrability, versatile equipment features and a wide range of safety systems.

Tow tractors have become indispensable in many transport processes. These all-rounders are mostly used as towing vehicles for logistic trains, for example to supply production in industrial plants, deliver goods to shops in airport terminals, serve meals in hospitals – or as ‘shelves on wheels’ in warehouses and distribution centres.

Linde Material Handling is presenting three new tractor models, each of which offers a choice between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries:

– The Linde P40 C with four tons load capacity, 800 Newton nominal tractive force and a maximum travel speed of 8/13 kilometers per hour (with/without load).
– The Linde P40 C B with four tons load capacity, 800 Newton nominal tractive force and maximum travel speed of 8/10 kilometers per hour (with/without load).
– The Linde P60 C with six tons load capacity, 1200 Newton nominal tractive force and a maximum travel speed of 8/13 kilometers per hour (with/without load).

All models have a width of only 800 millimetres and can be easily manoeuvred even in narrow aisles. From the operator’s platform, the driver has an unobstructed view of the working environment, trailer, coupling and load – ensuring maximum visibility and safety.

The tow tractors are designed so that the driver’s torso and limbs remain within the protective vehicle contours at all times. In the event of a collision, robust bumpers absorb the force effectively.

The vehicles are equipped with numerous safety systems as standard. An example is the Linde Curve Control which reduces speed when cornering, depending on the steering wheel angle. The optional Linde Blue Spot projects a blue point of light onto the ground in front of the tractor, thus warning pedestrians of the approaching vehicle. Glare-free LED headlights give the driver an excellent view of the road ahead, even in poorly lit aisles.

The vehicles are brought to a standstill by three independently operating brake systems. The electromagnetic servo brake (Linde Brake Control) is connected to the emergency stop switch and automatically acts as the so-called dead man’s function when the driving switch is released. The vehicle stops also automatically when the driver steps off the platform. The hydraulically assisted braking system in turn reacts proportionally to the load weight: the heavier the load, the more braking force.

Other advantages of Linde tow tractors include the optimised platform suspension which reduces human vibrations up to 30 percent compared to previous models. For best possible shock absorption, it can also be adjusted depending on the weight of the operator. The wide, low entry, the height-adjustable steering wheel and an adjustable backrest with folding seat offer the operator a high level of comfort. Double castor wheels ensure optimum stability and traction in all driving situations. Four types of wheels offering different material and grip properties are available, depending on the ambient conditions as well as the conditions of the ground to be driven on. If the tow tractor is part of a logistic train (“Linde Load Train”), there is an optional remote control available for the trailers.

The optional, modular Linde Connect fleet management is used for access control, vehicle and driver administration, maintenance planning, shock sensors and usage analysis as well as zone-dependent speed adjustment.

Port of Tilbury Opens New Driver-Free Freight Ferry Terminal

Posted on 27 May, 2020 by Keith McKinley

Tilbury2’s new unaccompanied* freight ferry terminal opened for business this week at a vital time for the UK’s freight industry. The 500,000-unit freight-only facility will inject state-of-the-art capacity into the country’s ports sector by utilising a truck driver-free operation* at a time when infection control is uppermost in everyone’s minds.

[*Unaccompanied freight transported into the UK without truck drivers]

After a year of construction, the country’s newest and largest unaccompanied freight roll on/roll off (ro-ro) terminal, located at the edge of London, will operate in exclusive partnership with P&O Ferries. The first ship to use the fully operational terminal was P&O’s chartered freight ferry the Norstream.

The bespoke terminal will import and export containers and trailers with vital supplies for the UK, including food, drink and medicines to and from continental Europe on P&O’s busy Tilbury-Zeebrugge freight route.

The new ro-ro terminal is part of a £250 million investment by owner, Forth Ports, which is creating a brand-new port, Tilbury2. The terminal is trusted trader Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accredited and embraces the latest booking and border technology, such as number plate recognition, which ensures that the terminal is Brexit-ready to continue the smooth passage of goods, regardless of the eventual EU-UK settlement. The marine works for the new ro-ro terminal were completed in April and successful ship trials were carried out on 17 May.

Paul Dale, Asset & Site Director at the Port of Tilbury, said: “The switch to a river berth provides significant growth opportunities. P&O can bring in larger vessels, deliver faster vessel turnaround times and – most importantly – get containers and trailers onto an inland barge or the motorway network in under an hour. While this enhanced offering will support further growth through the Zeebrugge route and the possibility to expand into other northern European locations, it also provides a critical low carbon delivery alternative through our new rail connection.”

Packager Launches Warehouse and Logistics Operations Range

Posted on 27 May, 2020 by Keith McKinley

Employee-owned company Kite Packaging has expanded its pallet and load stability range, providing users with a wide range of solutions for their operations. Load stability is vital to ensure the safety of loads not only whilst being transported on public roads, but also whilst being moved/stored.

Kite Packaging supply a huge range of packaging products to support companies with load stability and have recently extended their range to include pallet boxes, pallet bands and PPE strapping kits, each offering a range of benefits.

Pallet boxes
Kite’s pallet box without a pallet is the ideal solution for customers who already have pallets and just require the tray, cap and sleeve pallet box. The benefits of this large pallet box is that it can either be used purely as a large box for storage, can be placed on top of an existing pallet, or used with Kite’s individual corrugated pallet runners which can be attached to the bottom, therefore making it a pallet. So, if customers need something more versatile then this is the ideal solution.

Sanstrap pallet bands (above)
Produced from 100% recyclable 40-micron Polyethylene (PE) film and 100% recyclable, Kite’s offering of Sanstrap pallet bands, a recognised name in the industry, provide great stability, keeping products secure whilst in transit or storage. Once in place these polythene Sanstrap bands quickly grip, holding everything firmly on a pallet. They arrive perforated on a roll in an easy to use portable dispenser box, simply tear off and fit around the load, ensuring one band per layer.

Polypropylene strapping kits
Kite’s strapping kits are suitable for a wide range of uses and are available in polypropylene, corded, polyester and steel strapping. Recently expanded, Kite’s polypropylene strapping kit range now includes a strapping kit with a combination tool that performs both the tensioning & sealing. It’s vital to have the correct tools for securing products, particularly for handling and transportation.

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