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Month: May 2020

Interroll Tool Enables Less Planning Effort for Material Flow Solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

With the inclusion of the new stacker crane and transfer cars in its planning software, Interroll has once again expanded the range of applications of the its Layouter Tool. With this application, which can be seamlessly integrated into the AutoCAD design program, planners and system integrators can now visualize even complex conveyor systems end-to-end at the click of a mouse and make them available for quotation and ordering processes. By digitalizing the necessary process chain, planning times for customers can be dramatically reduced—by up to 90 percent, depending on the initial situation.

The ability to visualize technical planning has always been one of the central requirements in the project business with modern material flow solutions. But even today, the path from the first plant design to the detailed technical project planning, which leads to the preparation of a quotation and the concrete award of the contract, is in most cases still characterized by time-consuming breaks in the work processes. For example, initial visualizations of the overall solution must later be broken down to all the required individual components of the desired plants. The fact that this process step can be avoided is demonstrated by the Layouter Tool that Interroll makes available free of charge to enable customers worldwide to shorten their planning phase significantly.

“With our application, which can be seamlessly integrated into AutoCAD as a plug-in, planners and system integrators can not only visualize the planned conveyor solution based on the desired parameters,” explains Marcus Dörr, Global Product Manager for the Modular Pallet Conveyer Platform (MPP) at Interroll. “The Layouter Tool also simultaneously specifies all the necessary technical components of the respective solution. In addition, the plug-and-play modularity of Interroll’s conveyor platforms ensures that the engineering effort required to put together the overall solution is eliminated”.

The advantages of this approach are impressive: Already with his first design, the AutoCAD user has all the technical information for the desired conveyor solution and, in the case of special framework agreements, even the necessary price information. This means that the planning data can easily be reused for the subsequent quotation or ordering process.

The Interroll Layouter Tool can be used for Interroll’s modular platform offers, such as the Modular Conveyor Platform (MCP), the MPP, or the company’s flow storage solutions. The free application is available as a plug-in for a full version of AutoCAD from version 2014. The Layouter Tool is compatible with Windows 7 to Windows 10; Microsoft Excel is required on the workstation computer.

Interroll Tool Enables Less Planning Effort for Material Flow Solutions

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With the inclusion of the new stacker crane and transfer cars in its planning software, Interroll has once again expanded the range of applications of the its Layouter Tool. With this application, which can be seamlessly integrated into the AutoCAD design program, planners and system integrators can now visualize even complex conveyor systems end-to-end at the click of a mouse and make them available for quotation and ordering processes. By digitalizing the necessary process chain, planning times for customers can be dramatically reduced—by up to 90 percent, depending on the initial situation.

The ability to visualize technical planning has always been one of the central requirements in the project business with modern material flow solutions. But even today, the path from the first plant design to the detailed technical project planning, which leads to the preparation of a quotation and the concrete award of the contract, is in most cases still characterized by time-consuming breaks in the work processes. For example, initial visualizations of the overall solution must later be broken down to all the required individual components of the desired plants. The fact that this process step can be avoided is demonstrated by the Layouter Tool that Interroll makes available free of charge to enable customers worldwide to shorten their planning phase significantly.

“With our application, which can be seamlessly integrated into AutoCAD as a plug-in, planners and system integrators can not only visualize the planned conveyor solution based on the desired parameters,” explains Marcus Dörr, Global Product Manager for the Modular Pallet Conveyer Platform (MPP) at Interroll. “The Layouter Tool also simultaneously specifies all the necessary technical components of the respective solution. In addition, the plug-and-play modularity of Interroll’s conveyor platforms ensures that the engineering effort required to put together the overall solution is eliminated”.

The advantages of this approach are impressive: Already with his first design, the AutoCAD user has all the technical information for the desired conveyor solution and, in the case of special framework agreements, even the necessary price information. This means that the planning data can easily be reused for the subsequent quotation or ordering process.

The Interroll Layouter Tool can be used for Interroll’s modular platform offers, such as the Modular Conveyor Platform (MCP), the MPP, or the company’s flow storage solutions. The free application is available as a plug-in for a full version of AutoCAD from version 2014. The Layouter Tool is compatible with Windows 7 to Windows 10; Microsoft Excel is required on the workstation computer.

Industry View: Cargo Build-Up is Increasing Risks

Posted on by Paul Hamblin

As consumer demand and manufacturing production slows in many parts of the world, cargo, either in containers or stripped from transport units, is building up in warehouses, port terminals and inland depots. International freight and logistics insurer, TT Club warns of the additional risk this is bringing operators.

The current pandemic has disrupted global supply chains in a wide variety of ways. In particular, the lag in its effects between the large-scale sourcing regions of China and other parts of Asia and the consuming markets of Europe and North America has caused significant build-ups of goods produced in the former regions but not now required in the later.

Such accumulations include cargo in containers at both transhipment and destination port terminals, as well as import consignments that have been delivered to warehouses and distribution centres (DC). These are primarily non-essential products, for which there is little demand as retail outlets are closed or supplies for production lines that are either static or at reduced capacity.

In the UK for instance, the latest estimates are that 90% of the country’s warehouse capacity is full, with the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) forecasting no available space by two weeks’ time. One high-street fashion retailer has reportedly leased 40% more storage than it would have under normal circumstances.

“Security is clearly the most dominant of the risk issues as operators seek alternative storage,” comments Michael Yarwood (above), Managing Director Loss Prevention at TT Club. “Whether it’s taking up buildings not usually used for storage or laden vehicles parked adjacent to a full warehouse, or simply facilities unfamiliar to the operator, the security regime may not be of a similar standard. This concern is not just limited to fencing, lighting, security patrols and CCTV, but also communication with hauliers delivering cargo to the unfamiliar premises. There is also the constant danger of vehicles being diverted into the hands of criminals; so-called round the corner theft,” emphasises Yarwood.

The physical characteristics of a temporary facility may also be unsuitable in a range of ways, such as weather-tightness, phytosanitary issues, uneven hard standing. Further, consideration needs to be given to the nature of the cargo and the capability to handle and store hazardous materials and specialised commodities correctly (such as high value or temperature controlled). These factors may also extend to inappropriate or substandard handling equipment and the requirement to subcontract labour and security personnel from previously unknown sources. Where possible, established standards should be maintained, including undertaking full due diligence.

Yarwood also draws attention to the importance of maintaining records and an efficient documentation flow. “In a situation where goods and cargo units are located in unusual facilities, perhaps off-site at some distance, it is vital for accurate records of movements, storage times and potential drawdown requirements to be preserved.”
Such bottlenecks in the supply chain through the lack of demand for goods may be temporary as diminishing orders start to affect the flow through. However, one of the knock-on effects currently being experienced is that some port terminal operators, along with their ocean carrier customers, are attempting to help importers by delaying delivery and/or providing temporary storage for containers.

Arecent survey by the International Association of Ports & Harbors (IAPH) shows a mixed picture at ports around the world. “35% of ports reported an increase in utilisation of warehousing and distribution facilities for foodstuffs and medical supplies, with some ports reporting capacity shortages,” the analysis shows.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club’s Risk Management Director, commented, “There will be regional variations within these trends of course. As inbound congestion on terminals rises, we are seeing some European ports offering off-terminal storage for undelivered import containers. In the current extraordinary environment, all involved in the supply chain should be taking extra steps to assist in finding solutions. Care must be taken however to ensure that in providing such a facility, operators do not expose themselves to additional liability and risk.”

Many of the potential risks and liabilities that apply to warehouse and DC operators will face a terminal or carrier in placing undelivered containers in temporary storage locations. In addition, container and cargo damage potential could be heightened in facilities unaccustomed to handling full containers. There is a heightened risk of phytosanitary issues where off-terminal storage locations may have less permanent surfaces or increased exposure to vegetation and pest ingress, particularly if the storage is long-term. The dwell time of such containers may also become an issue if the cargo is eventually abandoned as the goods become ‘off-season’ or the importer ceases to trade. The question of traceability then becomes a more critical issue.

Industry View: Cargo Build-Up is Increasing Risks

Posted on by David Priestman

As consumer demand and manufacturing production slows in many parts of the world, cargo, either in containers or stripped from transport units, is building up in warehouses, port terminals and inland depots. International freight and logistics insurer, TT Club warns of the additional risk this is bringing operators.

The current pandemic has disrupted global supply chains in a wide variety of ways. In particular, the lag in its effects between the large-scale sourcing regions of China and other parts of Asia and the consuming markets of Europe and North America has caused significant build-ups of goods produced in the former regions but not now required in the later.

Such accumulations include cargo in containers at both transhipment and destination port terminals, as well as import consignments that have been delivered to warehouses and distribution centres (DC). These are primarily non-essential products, for which there is little demand as retail outlets are closed or supplies for production lines that are either static or at reduced capacity.

In the UK for instance, the latest estimates are that 90% of the country’s warehouse capacity is full, with the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) forecasting no available space by two weeks’ time. One high-street fashion retailer has reportedly leased 40% more storage than it would have under normal circumstances.

“Security is clearly the most dominant of the risk issues as operators seek alternative storage,” comments Michael Yarwood (above), Managing Director Loss Prevention at TT Club. “Whether it’s taking up buildings not usually used for storage or laden vehicles parked adjacent to a full warehouse, or simply facilities unfamiliar to the operator, the security regime may not be of a similar standard. This concern is not just limited to fencing, lighting, security patrols and CCTV, but also communication with hauliers delivering cargo to the unfamiliar premises. There is also the constant danger of vehicles being diverted into the hands of criminals; so-called round the corner theft,” emphasises Yarwood.

The physical characteristics of a temporary facility may also be unsuitable in a range of ways, such as weather-tightness, phytosanitary issues, uneven hard standing. Further, consideration needs to be given to the nature of the cargo and the capability to handle and store hazardous materials and specialised commodities correctly (such as high value or temperature controlled). These factors may also extend to inappropriate or substandard handling equipment and the requirement to subcontract labour and security personnel from previously unknown sources. Where possible, established standards should be maintained, including undertaking full due diligence.

Yarwood also draws attention to the importance of maintaining records and an efficient documentation flow. “In a situation where goods and cargo units are located in unusual facilities, perhaps off-site at some distance, it is vital for accurate records of movements, storage times and potential drawdown requirements to be preserved.”
Such bottlenecks in the supply chain through the lack of demand for goods may be temporary as diminishing orders start to affect the flow through. However, one of the knock-on effects currently being experienced is that some port terminal operators, along with their ocean carrier customers, are attempting to help importers by delaying delivery and/or providing temporary storage for containers.

Arecent survey by the International Association of Ports & Harbors (IAPH) shows a mixed picture at ports around the world. “35% of ports reported an increase in utilisation of warehousing and distribution facilities for foodstuffs and medical supplies, with some ports reporting capacity shortages,” the analysis shows.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club’s Risk Management Director, commented, “There will be regional variations within these trends of course. As inbound congestion on terminals rises, we are seeing some European ports offering off-terminal storage for undelivered import containers. In the current extraordinary environment, all involved in the supply chain should be taking extra steps to assist in finding solutions. Care must be taken however to ensure that in providing such a facility, operators do not expose themselves to additional liability and risk.”

Many of the potential risks and liabilities that apply to warehouse and DC operators will face a terminal or carrier in placing undelivered containers in temporary storage locations. In addition, container and cargo damage potential could be heightened in facilities unaccustomed to handling full containers. There is a heightened risk of phytosanitary issues where off-terminal storage locations may have less permanent surfaces or increased exposure to vegetation and pest ingress, particularly if the storage is long-term. The dwell time of such containers may also become an issue if the cargo is eventually abandoned as the goods become ‘off-season’ or the importer ceases to trade. The question of traceability then becomes a more critical issue.

Posted in Uncategorised

OCS Worldwide Added to Consignor Delivery Management Platform

Posted on by David Priestman

Delivery management specialist Consignor has added OCS Worldwide to its platform, allowing customers to extend their global reach to countries throughout the world. The product also allows retailers, through a simple IT setup, to quickly move their operations from brick and mortar stores to ecommerce solutions and meet increasing customer demand.

OCS delivers to business and residential addresses in every country but with a particular specialism on premium deliveries to the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Using the OCS Premium service means shipments to any addresses in these countries can be reached in just a few working days.

Gary Carlile, CSO at Consignor said: “We are seeing a huge shift from retail stores to e-commerce solutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With OCS onboard, this allows our customers to move into new international markets and provides them with greater flexibility at this challenging time.”

Phil Rees, Commercial Director at OCS, said: “We want to give our customers access to the best-in-class delivery solutions available.

“That’s why we’re delighted to be working with Consignor. Together we can help retailers improve their cross border shipping capabilities and provide the most efficient ways to ship their parcels worldwide.”

OCS Worldwide Added to Consignor Delivery Management Platform

Posted on by David Priestman

Delivery management specialist Consignor has added OCS Worldwide to its platform, allowing customers to extend their global reach to countries throughout the world. The product also allows retailers, through a simple IT setup, to quickly move their operations from brick and mortar stores to ecommerce solutions and meet increasing customer demand.

OCS delivers to business and residential addresses in every country but with a particular specialism on premium deliveries to the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Using the OCS Premium service means shipments to any addresses in these countries can be reached in just a few working days.

Gary Carlile, CSO at Consignor said: “We are seeing a huge shift from retail stores to e-commerce solutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With OCS onboard, this allows our customers to move into new international markets and provides them with greater flexibility at this challenging time.”

Phil Rees, Commercial Director at OCS, said: “We want to give our customers access to the best-in-class delivery solutions available.

“That’s why we’re delighted to be working with Consignor. Together we can help retailers improve their cross border shipping capabilities and provide the most efficient ways to ship their parcels worldwide.”

Last Call for Bottom-Side Barcode Reading Webinar

Posted on by David Priestman

Machine vision specialist Cognex is running a webinar tomorrow, Tuesday May 5th, 3pm CET, 2pm BST, on the theme of bottom-side barcode reading.

The presenter will introduce:

The benefits of using image-based technology for bottom-side barcode reading
How this technology differs from traditional laser or line-scan technologies
Improving your bottom line with higher read rates, lower maintenance costs, and ease of installation

More details here.

 

 

Cubiscan White Paper Reveals How SKU Data Boosts Profits

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Dimensioning and weighing specialist Cubiscan has released a new white paper which describes how dimensioning data provides a strong base for building cost efficient and lean processes.

The paper includes insights into how improvements can be made in storage, picking, slotting and more.

Access it here.

Drive Specialist Nord Guarantees Delivery Availability

Posted on by David Priestman

Drive specialist Nord Drivesystems is promising delivery availability is fully guaranteed for all products. The German company also says that investments in locations and logistics continue as planned.

In the present course of the corona pandemic, Nord Drivesystems was able to keep up its delivery availability. Production, logistics and service will continue to operate as usual. Even in these challenging corona times, users can depend 100% on Nord as a reliable and competent partner for drive technology.

High level of delivery reliability
This is possible due to an international network of local production and assembly facilities with highest quality standards and a great depth of production. The production of housings, gear components, drive electronics and motor windings as well as the development, assembly and quality assurance take place in our own production facilities. This way, Nord can respond quickly and flexibly. The drive specialist produces motors, for example, in Italy, Poland and also in China. Added to this are the flexible capacities at the headquarters in Bargteheide, Northern Germany.

Stable production and supply chains
To keep up and to further guarantee the best delivery availability, Nord has taken extensive measures for protecting production and supply chains. This also includes respective precautions to protect the employees. These include the contact-free change of shifts (no encounters between the individual shifts), extensive hygiene measures (including dispensers for disinfectants, more frequent cleaning of door handles, etc., compulsory wearing of masks, keeping the safety distances) as well as a safe workplace design (including transparent partitions between the workplaces in the assembly area, personal tools).

A strong partner in the sector
The investments are also pursued as planned. Currently, Nord expands its production and assembly capacities in China, Poland and the USA. Furthermore, a new automated small parts store is being built at the Bargteheide headquarters.

Drive Specialist Nord Guarantees Delivery Availability

Posted on by David Priestman

Drive specialist Nord Drivesystems is promising delivery availability is fully guaranteed for all products. The German company also says that investments in locations and logistics continue as planned.

In the present course of the corona pandemic, Nord Drivesystems was able to keep up its delivery availability. Production, logistics and service will continue to operate as usual. Even in these challenging corona times, users can depend 100% on Nord as a reliable and competent partner for drive technology.

High level of delivery reliability
This is possible due to an international network of local production and assembly facilities with highest quality standards and a great depth of production. The production of housings, gear components, drive electronics and motor windings as well as the development, assembly and quality assurance take place in our own production facilities. This way, Nord can respond quickly and flexibly. The drive specialist produces motors, for example, in Italy, Poland and also in China. Added to this are the flexible capacities at the headquarters in Bargteheide, Northern Germany.

Stable production and supply chains
To keep up and to further guarantee the best delivery availability, Nord has taken extensive measures for protecting production and supply chains. This also includes respective precautions to protect the employees. These include the contact-free change of shifts (no encounters between the individual shifts), extensive hygiene measures (including dispensers for disinfectants, more frequent cleaning of door handles, etc., compulsory wearing of masks, keeping the safety distances) as well as a safe workplace design (including transparent partitions between the workplaces in the assembly area, personal tools).

A strong partner in the sector
The investments are also pursued as planned. Currently, Nord expands its production and assembly capacities in China, Poland and the USA. Furthermore, a new automated small parts store is being built at the Bargteheide headquarters.

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