140th General Shareholders Meeting for BLG

“Overall, we more than achieved our goal of maintaining a constant level of sales revenue in all three divisions: Automobile, Contract, and Container.” This was the conclusion of the CEO of BLG, Frank Dreeke, in his report on the 2019 business year to the 140th general shareholders meeting of Bremer Lagerhaus-Gesellschaft AG. It was the first virtual general shareholders meeting of BLG Logistics.

Sales revenue of €1.159 billion in 2019 was up on the previous year by 1.5%. At €37.5 million, earnings before tax (EBT) remain at the previous year’s level. The EBT margin of 3.2% in the reporting year was only slightly below that of 2018. Automobile was the strongest division in terms of sales, generating €603.7 million in 2019. Sales revenue grew by €50.6 million, or 9.1%.

Sales revenue in the Contract division amounted to €563.9 million. Compared to the previous year, EBT increased by €178,000. Revenue in the Container division was €282.3 million, including the 50% stake held in EUROGATE. Overall, the sales growth in the Automobile division more than made up for the slight declines in the other divisions.

The company remains committed to strategically important goals such as its sustainability policy and digitalization drive. In 2019, BLG Logistics achieved the climate protection goal it had set itself for 2020. At the same time, the company also reduced sales-based emissions by 29.6%. BLG aims to be climate neutral by 2030. This involves cutting 30% of absolute CO2 emissions. The measures designed to achieve this goal include energy-efficiency improvements, electricity generation, and the purchase of green electricity. On July 1st Ulrike Riedel will join the Board of Management of BLG Logistics as the Labor Relations Director. She introduced herself to the shareholders during the general shareholders meeting.

140th General Shareholders Meeting for BLG

“Overall, we more than achieved our goal of maintaining a constant level of sales revenue in all three divisions: Automobile, Contract, and Container.” This was the conclusion of the CEO of BLG, Frank Dreeke, in his report on the 2019 business year to the 140th general shareholders meeting of Bremer Lagerhaus-Gesellschaft AG. It was the first virtual general shareholders meeting of BLG Logistics.

Sales revenue of €1.159 billion in 2019 was up on the previous year by 1.5%. At €37.5 million, earnings before tax (EBT) remain at the previous year’s level. The EBT margin of 3.2% in the reporting year was only slightly below that of 2018. Automobile was the strongest division in terms of sales, generating €603.7 million in 2019. Sales revenue grew by €50.6 million, or 9.1%.

Sales revenue in the Contract division amounted to €563.9 million. Compared to the previous year, EBT increased by €178,000. Revenue in the Container division was €282.3 million, including the 50% stake held in EUROGATE. Overall, the sales growth in the Automobile division more than made up for the slight declines in the other divisions.

The company remains committed to strategically important goals such as its sustainability policy and digitalization drive. In 2019, BLG Logistics achieved the climate protection goal it had set itself for 2020. At the same time, the company also reduced sales-based emissions by 29.6%. BLG aims to be climate neutral by 2030. This involves cutting 30% of absolute CO2 emissions. The measures designed to achieve this goal include energy-efficiency improvements, electricity generation, and the purchase of green electricity. On July 1st Ulrike Riedel will join the Board of Management of BLG Logistics as the Labor Relations Director. She introduced herself to the shareholders during the general shareholders meeting.

Industry View: How to Adopt the ‘Triple A’ Approach

Of all the unknowns surrounding Covid-19 one thing is certain, its effects and legacy have changed the way people work, live and play, says SnapFulfil UK & Europe CEO, Tony Dobson.

With traditional business models being turned upside down, brands like Heinz and Cadbury are capitalising on the e-commerce trend with a direct to consumer offer – and now restaurants are following suit with home delivery.

French brasserie chain, Côte, is the latest to diversify its offer and under the banner Côte At Home, they now deliver chilled bistro meals from their kitchens, plus an online butchery and fromagerie with a selection of wines and drinks. Demand has led to the business converting a recently acquired space into a refrigerated order fulfilment warehouse solely to cope with the volume of orders.

This clearly illustrates how it’s more critical than ever to consider the warehousing and logistics part of the supply chain – with digital technology central to tackling sudden challenges, satisfying more demand, staying competitive, plus managing labour efficiency and productivity.

The WMS is a crucial cog, so at SnapFulfil we’re adopting a ‘triple A’ approach centred on agility, adaptability and alignment – three core qualities any warehouse needs to learn, grow and succeed in a new world driven by fast moving e-commerce and ever shifting customer demands.

An advanced WMS gives your warehouse the agility it needs to forecast demand, employ temporary workers and meet peak season and even pandemic challenges head on. It also allows you to maintain more detailed insight into inventory levels, so you can provide customers with deeper order visibility throughout the fulfilment process.

You can streamline operations to make quick order fulfilment a reality, without sacrificing precision, and more easily identify areas for improvement. This in turn can help you delight your customers and keep them coming back.

From smarter inventory management and optimising your picking and packing processes, to the last mile of the customer experience, a WMS can ensure your warehouse serves as an asset in the quest to meet consumers’ ever increasing fulfilment desires – rather than a stumbling block.

Adaptability can apply to a wide range of areas within the warehouse, but it’s difficult to adjust without first understanding where your warehouse lags – so make sure to get your data in order before looking to meet today’s trends. It’s critical for gaining visibility into the numbers underlying your operations, whether that’s during replenishment, picking, shipping or returns.

You’ll additionally be able to make more educated decisions concerning which technologies or solutions – robots, extra staff, or additional locations – are worth investing in for the likes of reorganising stock location, speeding up packing and improving order accuracy.

A WMS will also help you reach the necessary level of efficiency quicker – and when you’re able to scale it will be ready to meet your new demands. Bigger businesses often try to match Amazon and its continuous roll out of innovations, but you can adapt your operations with more cost effective and appropriate technology to become a leader in your own space and keep ahead of the curve.

Real time data is also key when evaluating efficiencies throughout the business, so with deeper visibility into company processes, individual performance and team benchmarks, you can ensure the warehouse is fully in alignment with both company and customer expectations.

Goals and objectives can be better tailored to specific operations than ever before, plus the drilled down and universally accessible data provided by a WMS helps strengthen relationships with internal departments and create a truly synergistic environment – which in turn means the organisation as a whole can better address problem areas and adjust operations to compensate.

Customer alignment is imperative too and WMS software helps determine which products are selling when and where, so businesses have the data they need to adjust inventory levels and priorities accordingly.
Additionally, this heightened visibility accurately pinpoints consumer buying habits and helps prepare for unexpected sales spikes, as well as granting much quicker intake of returns and a better understanding of why a product was sent back.

Industry View: How to Adopt the ‘Triple A’ Approach

Of all the unknowns surrounding Covid-19 one thing is certain, its effects and legacy have changed the way people work, live and play, says SnapFulfil UK & Europe CEO, Tony Dobson.

With traditional business models being turned upside down, brands like Heinz and Cadbury are capitalising on the e-commerce trend with a direct to consumer offer – and now restaurants are following suit with home delivery.

French brasserie chain, Côte, is the latest to diversify its offer and under the banner Côte At Home, they now deliver chilled bistro meals from their kitchens, plus an online butchery and fromagerie with a selection of wines and drinks. Demand has led to the business converting a recently acquired space into a refrigerated order fulfilment warehouse solely to cope with the volume of orders.

This clearly illustrates how it’s more critical than ever to consider the warehousing and logistics part of the supply chain – with digital technology central to tackling sudden challenges, satisfying more demand, staying competitive, plus managing labour efficiency and productivity.

The WMS is a crucial cog, so at SnapFulfil we’re adopting a ‘triple A’ approach centred on agility, adaptability and alignment – three core qualities any warehouse needs to learn, grow and succeed in a new world driven by fast moving e-commerce and ever shifting customer demands.

An advanced WMS gives your warehouse the agility it needs to forecast demand, employ temporary workers and meet peak season and even pandemic challenges head on. It also allows you to maintain more detailed insight into inventory levels, so you can provide customers with deeper order visibility throughout the fulfilment process.

You can streamline operations to make quick order fulfilment a reality, without sacrificing precision, and more easily identify areas for improvement. This in turn can help you delight your customers and keep them coming back.

From smarter inventory management and optimising your picking and packing processes, to the last mile of the customer experience, a WMS can ensure your warehouse serves as an asset in the quest to meet consumers’ ever increasing fulfilment desires – rather than a stumbling block.

Adaptability can apply to a wide range of areas within the warehouse, but it’s difficult to adjust without first understanding where your warehouse lags – so make sure to get your data in order before looking to meet today’s trends. It’s critical for gaining visibility into the numbers underlying your operations, whether that’s during replenishment, picking, shipping or returns.

You’ll additionally be able to make more educated decisions concerning which technologies or solutions – robots, extra staff, or additional locations – are worth investing in for the likes of reorganising stock location, speeding up packing and improving order accuracy.

A WMS will also help you reach the necessary level of efficiency quicker – and when you’re able to scale it will be ready to meet your new demands. Bigger businesses often try to match Amazon and its continuous roll out of innovations, but you can adapt your operations with more cost effective and appropriate technology to become a leader in your own space and keep ahead of the curve.

Real time data is also key when evaluating efficiencies throughout the business, so with deeper visibility into company processes, individual performance and team benchmarks, you can ensure the warehouse is fully in alignment with both company and customer expectations.

Goals and objectives can be better tailored to specific operations than ever before, plus the drilled down and universally accessible data provided by a WMS helps strengthen relationships with internal departments and create a truly synergistic environment – which in turn means the organisation as a whole can better address problem areas and adjust operations to compensate.

Customer alignment is imperative too and WMS software helps determine which products are selling when and where, so businesses have the data they need to adjust inventory levels and priorities accordingly.
Additionally, this heightened visibility accurately pinpoints consumer buying habits and helps prepare for unexpected sales spikes, as well as granting much quicker intake of returns and a better understanding of why a product was sent back.

Optimization Capabilities to DP World Vancouver

Inform has been selected by DP World Vancouver to deliver three Optimization Modules as part of DP World’s Centerm Expansion Project from Inform’s Syncrotess solution range for container terminal operations.

Joel Werner, Director, Engineering & Projects, DP World Canada said, “The scope and scale of the Centerm Expansion Project (CEP) is a significant undertaking, which will significantly increase the capacity of the DP World Vancouver terminal. Real-time optimization of the intermodal yard operations is a key component of the project; as such, we are excited to have selected the Inform solution. This advanced technology supports our vision of creating a highly efficient and responsive terminal operation to better serve our customers.”

Dr. Eva Savelsberg, SVP of Inform’s Logistic Division said, “Our project with DP World Vancouver is our third major port project in the North American market and firmly cements our position as a world-renowned optimization specialist.” Work commenced in April and the Syncrotess solution is expected to be delivered in early 2021; Inform’s Syncrotess is comprised of multiple ‘add-on’ optimization modules capable of optimizing almost all aspects of a container terminals operations; DP World Vancouver have selected three optimizers for use at their Vancouver facility including: Train Load Optimizer, Rail Scheduler, and Vehicle Optimizer.

Dr. Rafael Velasquez, Senior Consultant and Project Manager said, “The alignment of DP World Vancouver’s vision and expectations with the features that come with Inform’s optimizers was prominent from the early meetings. This reassured DP World that terminal specific configurations will be accomplished during the project.” The Centerm Expansion Project aims to increase the handling capacity at the Centerm container terminal to 1.5 million TEU, an increase of nearly 65% from its pre-project capacities while only increasing the terminals footprint by a mere 15%. To achieve this, the terminal has undergone significant reconfiguration works, multiple road work projects, and the extension and modernization of their intermodal rail facilities.

The Syncrotess Train Load Optimizer chooses amongst the available rail-containers at the terminal those that should be considered for train stowage in order to minimize the burden of work in the yard and maximize productivity in the rail area. Moreover, it determines an optimized allocation for the containers on the associated outgoing train and updates this allocation after the commencement of train loading if needed.

The Syncrotess Rail Scheduler optimization module focuses on the optimization of train unloading and loading processes that reach out to the chain of transports between the yard blocks and the rail tracks and vice versa. It is within this chain that the Syncrotess Rail Scheduler is able to achieve a higher optimization potential as it bundles the different aspects playing a role in rail operations (crane optimization, train load planning, and yard layout) and proposes intelligent solutions accordingly.

The Syncrotess Vehicle Optimizer considers all executable internal transfer vehicles (ITV) and proposes an optimized sequence of these jobs amongst the fleet with a planned complete time for each ITV with the aim to maximize productivity, minimize vehicle idle times, and minimize ITV total travel distance through a reduction of empty travel.

Optimization Capabilities to DP World Vancouver

Inform has been selected by DP World Vancouver to deliver three Optimization Modules as part of DP World’s Centerm Expansion Project from Inform’s Syncrotess solution range for container terminal operations.

Joel Werner, Director, Engineering & Projects, DP World Canada said, “The scope and scale of the Centerm Expansion Project (CEP) is a significant undertaking, which will significantly increase the capacity of the DP World Vancouver terminal. Real-time optimization of the intermodal yard operations is a key component of the project; as such, we are excited to have selected the Inform solution. This advanced technology supports our vision of creating a highly efficient and responsive terminal operation to better serve our customers.”

Dr. Eva Savelsberg, SVP of Inform’s Logistic Division said, “Our project with DP World Vancouver is our third major port project in the North American market and firmly cements our position as a world-renowned optimization specialist.” Work commenced in April and the Syncrotess solution is expected to be delivered in early 2021; Inform’s Syncrotess is comprised of multiple ‘add-on’ optimization modules capable of optimizing almost all aspects of a container terminals operations; DP World Vancouver have selected three optimizers for use at their Vancouver facility including: Train Load Optimizer, Rail Scheduler, and Vehicle Optimizer.

Dr. Rafael Velasquez, Senior Consultant and Project Manager said, “The alignment of DP World Vancouver’s vision and expectations with the features that come with Inform’s optimizers was prominent from the early meetings. This reassured DP World that terminal specific configurations will be accomplished during the project.” The Centerm Expansion Project aims to increase the handling capacity at the Centerm container terminal to 1.5 million TEU, an increase of nearly 65% from its pre-project capacities while only increasing the terminals footprint by a mere 15%. To achieve this, the terminal has undergone significant reconfiguration works, multiple road work projects, and the extension and modernization of their intermodal rail facilities.

The Syncrotess Train Load Optimizer chooses amongst the available rail-containers at the terminal those that should be considered for train stowage in order to minimize the burden of work in the yard and maximize productivity in the rail area. Moreover, it determines an optimized allocation for the containers on the associated outgoing train and updates this allocation after the commencement of train loading if needed.

The Syncrotess Rail Scheduler optimization module focuses on the optimization of train unloading and loading processes that reach out to the chain of transports between the yard blocks and the rail tracks and vice versa. It is within this chain that the Syncrotess Rail Scheduler is able to achieve a higher optimization potential as it bundles the different aspects playing a role in rail operations (crane optimization, train load planning, and yard layout) and proposes intelligent solutions accordingly.

The Syncrotess Vehicle Optimizer considers all executable internal transfer vehicles (ITV) and proposes an optimized sequence of these jobs amongst the fleet with a planned complete time for each ITV with the aim to maximize productivity, minimize vehicle idle times, and minimize ITV total travel distance through a reduction of empty travel.

STILL Supports ‘No Day Without Logistics’ Initiative

Forklift and warehouse vehicle maker STILL has released a statement about its support for the ‘No Day Without Logistics’ campaign. We reproduce it here in full:

 

System relevance: it’s been one of the most-used words in recent weeks. Professions, sectors and activities were classified depending on whether they are indispensable to supply the population. It has been shown in the past three months that logistics in all its facets is system-relevant – as a fundamental engine of the supply chain. Making its design yet more efficient and more crisis-proof in the future demands reliable service and quick solutions such as offers of rented trucks and automation solutions.

STILL supports the campaign ‘No Day Without Logistics’ to acknowledge the work of all those who have ensured that foodstuffs, medicines, PPE and much more have reliably and quickly reached the points where they are needed every day, especially in recent weeks. The WIRTSCHAFTSMACHER initiative shows, vividly and emotionally, the diversity of the areas in which logistics is applied, and the enormous dedication of those who work in it – in times of crisis and beyond them.

No Day Without Logistics: STILL trucks in operation
Large numbers of STILL trucks are also operating in a wide variety of sectors all over the world to support customers in their system-relevant activities – from disinfectant production to the transport of large donations of food. In Mainz University Clinic, for example, STILL LiftRunner tugger trains guarantee that around 4,500 meals for inpatients are distributed on time. At Viracopos Airport in Brazil, STILL trucks ensured the quick, efficient loading of half a million COVID-19 tests. In Hungary, STILL rented trucks made available free of charge supported the national emergency service. And even now, around 100 STILL industrial trucks are in use to deliver supplies to 500 organic supermarkets of the Italian company EcorNaturaSì.

STILL as a dependable partner in system-relevant areas
In their work, STILL customers rely on the high efficiency, performance and low maintenance requirements of STILL trucks. And deservedly so: STILL has maintained its service even during the Corona period, and has carried out service and maintenance work with all the necessary protective precautions and in accordance with the respective customers’ specifications, thus making an important contribution to guaranteeing smooth logistics operations. The STILL customer service department constantly works for customers to prevent downtimes. Moreover, together with customers, the STILL neXXt fleet digital fleet management application also contributes towards maintaining an overview of their fleets, using them in an optimum way, and being able to plan service measures, at all times and from any location.

Automation solutions are gaining ground
Since the great importance of high-efficiency logistics has become apparent once again in recent weeks, the topic of the future viability of logistics is high on the agenda for many companies. As Thomas A. Fischer, Managing Director for Sales, Marketing and Service (CSO) of STILL GmbH explains: “We are currently receiving large numbers of enquiries from customers who want to design their logistics to be even more crisis-proof, more efficient and more employee-friendly. There is a particular focus on automation concepts in this respect.” Because the subject of automation represents an extremely productive solution to optimise intralogistics processes with great economic efficiency. Moreover, physical stresses on employees can be reduced and inefficient processes minimised, e.g. by using the autonomously driving OPX iGo neo order picker, which can increase goods handling performance in central warehouses, while reducing stresses on the employees at the same time.

STILL is one of the pioneers in automated intralogistics. We have already implemented automation solutions in customers’ operations based on supplying comprehensive advice. Together with customers, the provision of advice is decisive to analyse the potential for automation of their existing storage and production logistics, to define a sensible level of automation, and to develop the basis for an automation concept.

STILL Supports ‘No Day Without Logistics’ Initiative

Forklift and warehouse vehicle maker STILL has released a statement about its support for the ‘No Day Without Logistics’ campaign. We reproduce it here in full:

 

System relevance: it’s been one of the most-used words in recent weeks. Professions, sectors and activities were classified depending on whether they are indispensable to supply the population. It has been shown in the past three months that logistics in all its facets is system-relevant – as a fundamental engine of the supply chain. Making its design yet more efficient and more crisis-proof in the future demands reliable service and quick solutions such as offers of rented trucks and automation solutions.

STILL supports the campaign ‘No Day Without Logistics’ to acknowledge the work of all those who have ensured that foodstuffs, medicines, PPE and much more have reliably and quickly reached the points where they are needed every day, especially in recent weeks. The WIRTSCHAFTSMACHER initiative shows, vividly and emotionally, the diversity of the areas in which logistics is applied, and the enormous dedication of those who work in it – in times of crisis and beyond them.

No Day Without Logistics: STILL trucks in operation
Large numbers of STILL trucks are also operating in a wide variety of sectors all over the world to support customers in their system-relevant activities – from disinfectant production to the transport of large donations of food. In Mainz University Clinic, for example, STILL LiftRunner tugger trains guarantee that around 4,500 meals for inpatients are distributed on time. At Viracopos Airport in Brazil, STILL trucks ensured the quick, efficient loading of half a million COVID-19 tests. In Hungary, STILL rented trucks made available free of charge supported the national emergency service. And even now, around 100 STILL industrial trucks are in use to deliver supplies to 500 organic supermarkets of the Italian company EcorNaturaSì.

STILL as a dependable partner in system-relevant areas
In their work, STILL customers rely on the high efficiency, performance and low maintenance requirements of STILL trucks. And deservedly so: STILL has maintained its service even during the Corona period, and has carried out service and maintenance work with all the necessary protective precautions and in accordance with the respective customers’ specifications, thus making an important contribution to guaranteeing smooth logistics operations. The STILL customer service department constantly works for customers to prevent downtimes. Moreover, together with customers, the STILL neXXt fleet digital fleet management application also contributes towards maintaining an overview of their fleets, using them in an optimum way, and being able to plan service measures, at all times and from any location.

Automation solutions are gaining ground
Since the great importance of high-efficiency logistics has become apparent once again in recent weeks, the topic of the future viability of logistics is high on the agenda for many companies. As Thomas A. Fischer, Managing Director for Sales, Marketing and Service (CSO) of STILL GmbH explains: “We are currently receiving large numbers of enquiries from customers who want to design their logistics to be even more crisis-proof, more efficient and more employee-friendly. There is a particular focus on automation concepts in this respect.” Because the subject of automation represents an extremely productive solution to optimise intralogistics processes with great economic efficiency. Moreover, physical stresses on employees can be reduced and inefficient processes minimised, e.g. by using the autonomously driving OPX iGo neo order picker, which can increase goods handling performance in central warehouses, while reducing stresses on the employees at the same time.

STILL is one of the pioneers in automated intralogistics. We have already implemented automation solutions in customers’ operations based on supplying comprehensive advice. Together with customers, the provision of advice is decisive to analyse the potential for automation of their existing storage and production logistics, to define a sensible level of automation, and to develop the basis for an automation concept.

Fronius Energy Hub Allows Flexible Outdoor Battery Charging

Battery manufacturer Fronius is launching the Fronius Energy Hub, a flexible and mobile charging station for outdoor applications. The hub gives operators of electric forklift trucks a quick and easy way to move the charging of their traction batteries outside, saving valuable space in the warehouse and simultaneously improving safety.

Unexpected capacity bottlenecks, a growing need for space in the warehouse and safety and fire prevention requirements are just some of the reasons why logistics managers opt to move their charging infrastructure outside, says the manufacturer. Charging areas and stations for electric forklifts take up a lot of space and there are also cases where charging traction batteries in confined spaces is prohibited for insurance reasons or there are strict requirements for the operation of lead acid and lithium-ion batteries. The challenge is finding a practical way to protect both batteries and chargers outside of the building from the weather and extreme temperatures, whilst also ensuring they are easily accessible for the forklifts.

“This mobile outdoor charging station is supplied ready-for-use and can be easily set up anywhere,” explains Ewald Berger, Head of Project Business at Perfect Charging. “From the customer’s perspective, all they need is some free space and a power connection. We take care of everything else.” Thanks to the reinforced base, even heavy 80-Volt batteries can be put down safely. On request, the Fronius Energy Hub can also be combined with a Fronius photovoltaic system and inverters in order to further reduce the energy costs.

The Fronius Energy Hub is fitted with standard-compliant ventilation ex works. This circulates several hundred cubic metres of air per hour. Thanks to the system’s air heat exchanger, the warm air can remain in the container. “We therefore ensure energy-efficient ventilation as well as ideal temperatures for charging the traction batteries,” explains Berger.

Safe charging of lithium-ion batteries
The Fronius Energy Hub complies with the charging station regulations EN 62485 and meets the requirements for approval by the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBT). It can also be ordered with a REI 90 fire rating for particular fire prevention requirements. Furthermore, it features numerous smart functions, for example its exhaust air and monitoring sensor technology which automatically switches off the charging system if the hydrogen concentration gets too high, which can lead to the development of oxyhydrogen.

Rapid identification of the coolest battery even outdoors
The optional LED strip on the outside of the container clearly indicates the state of charge of each battery and therefore guides the employee intuitively to the battery that has been fully charged the longest and has already cooled down. “This means that the forklift truck driver can quickly and easily identify which battery to choose even with the doors closed,” explains Berger. “This optimises the utilisation of the entire battery pool and, combined with the Fronius Ri charging process, extends the service life of the batteries by up to 15 percent.”

The Fronius Energy Hub is available in various sizes and can be configured according to the customer’s requirements. “This ensures we offer our customers the best solution with the greatest added value,” Berger concludes. Forklift truck operators benefit from considerably more space in their warehouses, which they can use for value-adding activities. In addition, the flexible outdoor charging station is a clever alternative for meeting the strict requirements for charging infrastructure in terms of minimum distances, ventilation and fire prevention. The Fronius Energy Hub therefore has an important contribution to make in terms of making intralogistics charging processes even more efficient and sustainable.

Fronius Energy Hub Allows Flexible Outdoor Battery Charging

Battery manufacturer Fronius is launching the Fronius Energy Hub, a flexible and mobile charging station for outdoor applications. The hub gives operators of electric forklift trucks a quick and easy way to move the charging of their traction batteries outside, saving valuable space in the warehouse and simultaneously improving safety.

Unexpected capacity bottlenecks, a growing need for space in the warehouse and safety and fire prevention requirements are just some of the reasons why logistics managers opt to move their charging infrastructure outside, says the manufacturer. Charging areas and stations for electric forklifts take up a lot of space and there are also cases where charging traction batteries in confined spaces is prohibited for insurance reasons or there are strict requirements for the operation of lead acid and lithium-ion batteries. The challenge is finding a practical way to protect both batteries and chargers outside of the building from the weather and extreme temperatures, whilst also ensuring they are easily accessible for the forklifts.

“This mobile outdoor charging station is supplied ready-for-use and can be easily set up anywhere,” explains Ewald Berger, Head of Project Business at Perfect Charging. “From the customer’s perspective, all they need is some free space and a power connection. We take care of everything else.” Thanks to the reinforced base, even heavy 80-Volt batteries can be put down safely. On request, the Fronius Energy Hub can also be combined with a Fronius photovoltaic system and inverters in order to further reduce the energy costs.

The Fronius Energy Hub is fitted with standard-compliant ventilation ex works. This circulates several hundred cubic metres of air per hour. Thanks to the system’s air heat exchanger, the warm air can remain in the container. “We therefore ensure energy-efficient ventilation as well as ideal temperatures for charging the traction batteries,” explains Berger.

Safe charging of lithium-ion batteries
The Fronius Energy Hub complies with the charging station regulations EN 62485 and meets the requirements for approval by the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBT). It can also be ordered with a REI 90 fire rating for particular fire prevention requirements. Furthermore, it features numerous smart functions, for example its exhaust air and monitoring sensor technology which automatically switches off the charging system if the hydrogen concentration gets too high, which can lead to the development of oxyhydrogen.

Rapid identification of the coolest battery even outdoors
The optional LED strip on the outside of the container clearly indicates the state of charge of each battery and therefore guides the employee intuitively to the battery that has been fully charged the longest and has already cooled down. “This means that the forklift truck driver can quickly and easily identify which battery to choose even with the doors closed,” explains Berger. “This optimises the utilisation of the entire battery pool and, combined with the Fronius Ri charging process, extends the service life of the batteries by up to 15 percent.”

The Fronius Energy Hub is available in various sizes and can be configured according to the customer’s requirements. “This ensures we offer our customers the best solution with the greatest added value,” Berger concludes. Forklift truck operators benefit from considerably more space in their warehouses, which they can use for value-adding activities. In addition, the flexible outdoor charging station is a clever alternative for meeting the strict requirements for charging infrastructure in terms of minimum distances, ventilation and fire prevention. The Fronius Energy Hub therefore has an important contribution to make in terms of making intralogistics charging processes even more efficient and sustainable.

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