Day: 6 July 2020

Combilift’s products are appreciated by thousands of customers around the world for their ability to enable safe, space saving and more productive materials handling, but they are also award-winners when it comes to their outstanding design. Combilift was amongst the winners of the 2020 Red Dot Design Award for its recently launched Combi-CBE4 model – the world’s first compact counterbalance design electric powered multidirectional forklift with its patented traction on all wheels.

The “Red Dot” distinction is now established internationally as one of the most sought-after seals of quality for good design, and as one of the world’s largest product competitions, these awards attract submissions from over 50 countries every year. This is the 2^nd Red Dot Award that Combilift has received – it was a winner in 2014 with the Combi-WR4 multidirectional pedestrian operated reach stacker.

The Combi-CBE, with 4t lift capacity, features the company’s internationally patented independent electric traction which provides all front and rear drive wheels with 100% traction control, therefore negating the need for differential lock on slippery surfaces. By inputting the wheel-base parameters, the traction commands are calculated by the control system. As the truck drives, the speed and rotational direction of the wheels are controlled independently, and tight turns can be negotiated with no tyre wear. This also offers precise acceleration and deceleration control for the operator, significantly reducing long load momentum twisting when travelling sideways. The Red Dot jury commented as follows: “This compact, multidirectional forklift truck is characterised by its extraordinary manoeuvrability and high traction as well as emission-free operation.”

“We are very proud that one of our products has once again been recognised as a worthy winner by the jury,” said Combilift CEO and Co-founder Martin McVicar. “Both these accolades are testimony to the high calibre of our product designers and R&D department, and to the benefits achieved in collaboration with our clients during the design process of a new model.”

 

 

 

 

Essex-based international logistics business Uneek Group will implement Microlistics WMS this year as they focus investment into expanding their service offering and improving operational efficiency.

The implementation will initially include two Uneek Group warehouse sites of approximately 55, 000 square feet in total. Both facilities currently operate a legacy paper-based WMS. Uneek Group’s General Manager, Amit Patel, said a long-run vision for the business informed the search for a WMS technology partner.

“We wanted a WMS solution that can do everything we need from day one, without expensive modifications, while also providing us room to grow in terms of the number of sites and the types of services we can offer to customers. Our focus is on ensuring we have the capability we need for success in the medium to long-term – Microlistics WMS was the system to deliver that.”

The decision to implement a new WMS was made early in the COVID-19 pandemic, with Uneek taking advantage of an expected lull in operational activity to focus on the project.

Essential factors in the decision included Microlistics WMS’s strong 3PL capabilities (including multi-site, multi-client operations), robust integrated 3PL billing functionality and the capacity for true ‘real-time’ RF-based task management without paper-based workarounds. Another influential factor was Microlistics inclusion in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for WMS since 2014.

Microlistics is working with Uneek to apply its remote implementation methodology, developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mark Dawson (above), Managing Director at Microlistics, said: “Our approach enables all aspects of the implementation to be conducted effectively despite social distancing and travel restrictions. The project is now well underway with solutions design workshops and training being delivered remotely.

“Uneek Group are a good example of a robust freight forwarding business adapting to opportunities in the marketplace, expanding into eCommerce fulfilment and offering other value-add services.

“We’re pleased Uneek have selected Microlistics WMS as their preferred solution to help them leverage these opportunities into business growth, and we look forward to working with their team on what will be an exciting evolution for the business.”