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Day: 26 October 2020

Smart Weighing, No Stopping

Posted on by David Priestman

Smart attachments like Ravas iForks demonstrate how to shift forklift value away from mere materials handling and in the direction of data sampling. Logistics Business reports.

Smart logistics and Industry 4.0 have created an ever-growing demand for data input as a tool to optimise supply chains and reach required profit levels. A notable example is the Ravas iForks forklift scale, a brilliantly simple concept which works by replacing standard truck forks with smart weighing forks. Thus, via the integration of connected forklift trucks, real-time in-process data on
material flows is made available to the appropriate people and software platforms in your organisation.

Smart Weighing

Are there any particular market sectors within the warehouse for which the iForks are particularly appropriate? “Actually, you can use iForks for almost all applications within the warehouse, or production facility, for that matter,” says Rob de Ridder, International Sales Manager at Ravas Mobile Weighing. “From cross docking for road, sea and air freight, stock control, batching and
dosing, filling, inbound/outbound, waste management and dimensioning in terms of weight and volume. Eliminating errors in order picking is another important application, but we have other integrated scales that are more suitable for that process. Basically, our solutions are suitable and available for logistics and production sites in all kinds of industries.”

“Take the example of an LTL carrier, handling a constant stream of inbound pallet shipments every day, and shipping them out to their destination in freight trucks and sea containers,” Rob de Ridder continues. “Picture a fleet of connected forklift trucks that offload these pallet shipments from inbound freight trucks, providing a continuous stream of data on these materials to the company’s WMS or ERP system. Every pallet lifted out of the freight truck is identified and weighed on the forks of the lift truck. The resulting data set on the pallet shipment is communicated with the WMS or ERP system. And all this on the fly, en route from a freight truck to a buffer zone in the company’s warehouse.”

Read the whole article here: https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=5f3d1fcf3160d#36

Smart Weighing, No Stopping

Posted on by David Priestman

Smart attachments like Ravas iForks demonstrate how to shift forklift value away from mere materials handling and in the direction of data sampling. Logistics Business reports.

Smart logistics and Industry 4.0 have created an ever-growing demand for data input as a tool to optimise supply chains and reach required profit levels. A notable example is the Ravas iForks forklift scale, a brilliantly simple concept which works by replacing standard truck forks with smart weighing forks. Thus, via the integration of connected forklift trucks, real-time in-process data on
material flows is made available to the appropriate people and software platforms in your organisation.

Smart Weighing

Are there any particular market sectors within the warehouse for which the iForks are particularly appropriate? “Actually, you can use iForks for almost all applications within the warehouse, or production facility, for that matter,” says Rob de Ridder, International Sales Manager at Ravas Mobile Weighing. “From cross docking for road, sea and air freight, stock control, batching and
dosing, filling, inbound/outbound, waste management and dimensioning in terms of weight and volume. Eliminating errors in order picking is another important application, but we have other integrated scales that are more suitable for that process. Basically, our solutions are suitable and available for logistics and production sites in all kinds of industries.”

“Take the example of an LTL carrier, handling a constant stream of inbound pallet shipments every day, and shipping them out to their destination in freight trucks and sea containers,” Rob de Ridder continues. “Picture a fleet of connected forklift trucks that offload these pallet shipments from inbound freight trucks, providing a continuous stream of data on these materials to the company’s WMS or ERP system. Every pallet lifted out of the freight truck is identified and weighed on the forks of the lift truck. The resulting data set on the pallet shipment is communicated with the WMS or ERP system. And all this on the fly, en route from a freight truck to a buffer zone in the company’s warehouse.”

Read the whole article here: https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=5f3d1fcf3160d#36

One Size doesn’t Fit all

Posted on by Keith McKinley

David Thomas is General Manager at ZoneSafe – Proximity Warning & Alert Systems

The boom in online retail in recent years has undoubtedly boosted warehouse and logistics operation in the UK while the circumstances of 2020 continue to fuel further growth within the industry as consumers steer clear of the high street; opting instead for online shopping and delivery. The nature of warehouse and logistics operations mean workplace accidents are common. With increased demand, comes increased responsibility as warehouses and storage facilities come under immense pressure to meet consumer needs whilst ensuring a safe working environment for staff.

Employers in all sectors have both a legal and moral duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees and visitors. Serious injuries including fractures, dislocations and amputations are reported every day in the UK so it is imperative employers take sufficient measures to mitigate risks to employees particularly in high risk industries. A warehouse is a notoriously dangerous working environment with falls from height, vehicle collisions, crushing incidents and fatal injuries all too common. Earlier this year, even the world’s largest online retailer Amazon found itself accused of “failing to provide a safe working environment” after a string of serious incidents  were reported to have taken place at its UK storage facilities over the last three years

Transport in the workplace

One of the greatest risks to workers in the warehouse environment remains that of collision between pedestrians and vehicles.  Every year, there are over 5000 reported accidents across various sectors involving transport in the workplace with around 50 of these resulting in death[2]. Pedestrian/vehicle collisions provide one of the greatest threats to worker safety with forklift trucks being involved in a disproportionate number of incidents. Forklifts are crucial to logistics operation but pose a significant threat to workplace safety with Britsafe reporting forklifts as the most dangerous form of workplace transport accounting for 25% of workplace transport injuries in the UK. In a busy work environment where staff and machinery operate in close proximity, maintaining situational awareness is crucial. Innovative technologies that minimise the risk of collision including proximity warning and alert systems, 360° cameras, active RFID tags, and other interactive equipment is now available and provides an enhanced level of awareness to those working in close proximity to vehicles and plant machinery.

One size doesn’t fit all

The approach to any investment in safety solution should be consultative with equipment designed and adapted where necessary to fully align with the needs of a business and its workforce.  Rather than simply accepting a one size fits all approach, employers should engage with manufacturers and work collaboratively to find the most effective and safe solution for their business.  Manufacturers of safety equipment should treat each company as individual, tailoring products where necessary to deliver optimum safety standards that can be maintained to provide long term protection for the business and its people.

Employers are obligated to meet general safety standards but how these are achieved is open to interpretation. The wide range of products and services available from suppliers to help deliver safe working practice can be overwhelming so it is important businesses identify what is best for their operation and specific circumstances. When it comes to safety, businesses shouldn’t be afraid to challenge manufacturers to adapt or develop safety solutions that fully meet the exacting requirements of the organisation and its staff. By working with suppliers collaboratively, the highest standard of safety can be achieved.

[3] https://www.britsafe.org/publications/safety-management-magazine/safety-management-magazine/2017/a-very-costly-forklift-accident/

 

One Size doesn’t Fit all

Posted on by David Priestman

David Thomas is General Manager at ZoneSafe – Proximity Warning & Alert Systems

The boom in online retail in recent years has undoubtedly boosted warehouse and logistics operation in the UK while the circumstances of 2020 continue to fuel further growth within the industry as consumers steer clear of the high street; opting instead for online shopping and delivery. The nature of warehouse and logistics operations mean workplace accidents are common. With increased demand, comes increased responsibility as warehouses and storage facilities come under immense pressure to meet consumer needs whilst ensuring a safe working environment for staff.

Employers in all sectors have both a legal and moral duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees and visitors. Serious injuries including fractures, dislocations and amputations are reported every day in the UK so it is imperative employers take sufficient measures to mitigate risks to employees particularly in high risk industries. A warehouse is a notoriously dangerous working environment with falls from height, vehicle collisions, crushing incidents and fatal injuries all too common. Earlier this year, even the world’s largest online retailer Amazon found itself accused of “failing to provide a safe working environment” after a string of serious incidents  were reported to have taken place at its UK storage facilities over the last three years

Transport in the workplace

One of the greatest risks to workers in the warehouse environment remains that of collision between pedestrians and vehicles.  Every year, there are over 5000 reported accidents across various sectors involving transport in the workplace with around 50 of these resulting in death[2]. Pedestrian/vehicle collisions provide one of the greatest threats to worker safety with forklift trucks being involved in a disproportionate number of incidents. Forklifts are crucial to logistics operation but pose a significant threat to workplace safety with Britsafe reporting forklifts as the most dangerous form of workplace transport accounting for 25% of workplace transport injuries in the UK. In a busy work environment where staff and machinery operate in close proximity, maintaining situational awareness is crucial. Innovative technologies that minimise the risk of collision including proximity warning and alert systems, 360° cameras, active RFID tags, and other interactive equipment is now available and provides an enhanced level of awareness to those working in close proximity to vehicles and plant machinery.

One size doesn’t fit all

The approach to any investment in safety solution should be consultative with equipment designed and adapted where necessary to fully align with the needs of a business and its workforce.  Rather than simply accepting a one size fits all approach, employers should engage with manufacturers and work collaboratively to find the most effective and safe solution for their business.  Manufacturers of safety equipment should treat each company as individual, tailoring products where necessary to deliver optimum safety standards that can be maintained to provide long term protection for the business and its people.

Employers are obligated to meet general safety standards but how these are achieved is open to interpretation. The wide range of products and services available from suppliers to help deliver safe working practice can be overwhelming so it is important businesses identify what is best for their operation and specific circumstances. When it comes to safety, businesses shouldn’t be afraid to challenge manufacturers to adapt or develop safety solutions that fully meet the exacting requirements of the organisation and its staff. By working with suppliers collaboratively, the highest standard of safety can be achieved.

[3] https://www.britsafe.org/publications/safety-management-magazine/safety-management-magazine/2017/a-very-costly-forklift-accident/

 

Further lift trucks added to product range

Posted on by David Priestman

Materials handling manufacturer Clark has announced two additional low-lift trucks with Li-Ion technology and load capacities of 1,500 and 1,800 kg. This follows the launch of the pedestrian low-lift pallet truck WPio20 and the PPXsio20 low-lift pallet truck with folding driver’s platform., Clark thus has a complete series of low-lift trucks with load capacities of 1.2 to 2 tons.

The WPio series models are designed for efficient goods transport over short distances. They are idea in distribution centers, production or warehouses settings. All vehicles are equipped with the durable and powerful Li-Ion battery, suitable for the logistics sector. The operator requires minimal physical effort thanks to the electric lifting and lowering capability. The vehicles boast ease of maneuverability, particularly inly in confined spaces such as in storage areas.

The WPio15 has a maximum load capacity of 1,500 kg. It is equipped with a 24 Volt (30 Ah) Li-Ion battery. It can transport light loads reliably and safely at a maximum speed of 4.5 km/h. The user-friendly tiller arm can be operated intuitively by both right- and left-handed operators. To ensure safety in application, the vehicle brakes automatically when the tiller is released.

Optimally adjusted lateral support rollers improve stability when cornering. With an L2 dimension of only 400 mm and a turning radius of 1,390 mm, the WPio15 is compactly built and ideally suited for use in confined spaces and for carrying on trucks. The weight of this flexible storage assistant is only 160 kg including battery.

The WPio18 is equipped with a 48 Volt (20 Ah) Li-Ion battery, making it the powerful all-rounder of this series. With a maximum load capacity of 1,800 kg and a driving speed of 5 km/h, the truck is ideally suited for transporting medium-heavy loads. The WPIo18 also brakes automatically when the tiller is released. Its L2 dimensions and turning radius correspond to the values of the WPio15 – with a tare weight of 170 kg including battery. This means that this vehicle is also compact and ideal for confined spaces and for carrying on the truck. The ergonomic tiller with its easy-grip positioning of the controls is suitable for both right- and left-handed operators.

The Smart Display integrated in the tiller provides information about important driving parameters, such as battery level, operating hours, driving program, display of error codes and battery management. The truck is started via Smart Key to protect the vehicle from unauthorized access.

Further lift trucks added to product range

Posted on by David Priestman

Materials handling manufacturer Clark has announced two additional low-lift trucks with Li-Ion technology and load capacities of 1,500 and 1,800 kg. This follows the launch of the pedestrian low-lift pallet truck WPio20 and the PPXsio20 low-lift pallet truck with folding driver’s platform., Clark thus has a complete series of low-lift trucks with load capacities of 1.2 to 2 tons.

The WPio series models are designed for efficient goods transport over short distances. They are idea in distribution centers, production or warehouses settings. All vehicles are equipped with the durable and powerful Li-Ion battery, suitable for the logistics sector. The operator requires minimal physical effort thanks to the electric lifting and lowering capability. The vehicles boast ease of maneuverability, particularly inly in confined spaces such as in storage areas.

The WPio15 has a maximum load capacity of 1,500 kg. It is equipped with a 24 Volt (30 Ah) Li-Ion battery. It can transport light loads reliably and safely at a maximum speed of 4.5 km/h. The user-friendly tiller arm can be operated intuitively by both right- and left-handed operators. To ensure safety in application, the vehicle brakes automatically when the tiller is released.

Optimally adjusted lateral support rollers improve stability when cornering. With an L2 dimension of only 400 mm and a turning radius of 1,390 mm, the WPio15 is compactly built and ideally suited for use in confined spaces and for carrying on trucks. The weight of this flexible storage assistant is only 160 kg including battery.

The WPio18 is equipped with a 48 Volt (20 Ah) Li-Ion battery, making it the powerful all-rounder of this series. With a maximum load capacity of 1,800 kg and a driving speed of 5 km/h, the truck is ideally suited for transporting medium-heavy loads. The WPIo18 also brakes automatically when the tiller is released. Its L2 dimensions and turning radius correspond to the values of the WPio15 – with a tare weight of 170 kg including battery. This means that this vehicle is also compact and ideal for confined spaces and for carrying on the truck. The ergonomic tiller with its easy-grip positioning of the controls is suitable for both right- and left-handed operators.

The Smart Display integrated in the tiller provides information about important driving parameters, such as battery level, operating hours, driving program, display of error codes and battery management. The truck is started via Smart Key to protect the vehicle from unauthorized access.

Space for Success

Posted on by David Priestman

How are equipment manufacturers coping with the unexpected change in circumstances that 2020 has brought? Combilift has a positive story to tell, as Paul Hamblin finds out.

Combilift has a well-merited reputation in product innovation, so it was no surprise when the Monaghan-based lifting equipment manufacturer was first out of the blocks in May with what is fast becoming a staple of the post-Covid world, the online press conference. Managing Director Martin McVicar was in his usual ebullient mood as he outlined his firm’s response to the twin threats of Covid and (once again) Brexit.

“Changes to the production facility due to the health emergency were obviously paramount,” he says. Social-distanced product floor To ensure continued production, Combilift has introduced a two-shift system to replace its traditional one-shift operation. This means that there are only around 350 employees per shift on site in the 46,500m² manufacturing facility. It has also segregated the plant into eight segments. Employees are scanned by thermal cameras when they arrive on site and if their temperature is above normal this is signalled to the HR department as well as the employee.

Clocking-in is now done via a touchless key fob and doors are kept open whenever possible. Those that cannot remain permanently open have been fitted with copper coatings – this significantly reduces the time that a virus can be harboured on the surface when compared to steel. There are multiple hand sanitisers strategically placed across the whole facility, floor markings indicate the 2m distance to be maintained by employees and it is mandatory to wear face masks. The 2m message is driven home further still on the staff hi-vis vests.

The company has closed its main hot canteen and has opened smaller canteens in the eight new factory segments. “I give regular updates by video instead of the personal staff assemblies that we previously did every six weeks and this ongoing communication ensures that employees are continually informed and therefore understand that the measures we are taking are in everyone’s best interests,” says McVicar.

Production has not ceased on any Combilift model, thanks partly to the above measures and also because the company has been able to avoid supply chain and component issues. “We don’t have many Chinese suppliers in any case,” reflects McVicar, “and while we did experience some difficulties from our Italian suppliers from mid-February onwards, we were still well above 50%. Crucially, Combilift does not operate a just-in-time operations, so that was a significant plus.” The company has not seen any disruption in Germany and Northern Europe, he adds.

Getting product to customers through the worst of the lockdown has been a challenge, but achievable, he notes. The company’s famous Straddle Carrier, outdoor star of many a trade show, has a complicated assembly process which has often required an accompanying Combilift expert to supervise. “Good expertise has been built up in local territories,” McVicar points out.

Read the whole article, from our September issue, here: https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=5f3d1fcf3160d#30

Similar News

Heightened Lifting Success

 

Space for Success

Posted on by David Priestman

How are equipment manufacturers coping with the unexpected change in circumstances that 2020 has brought? Combilift has a positive story to tell, as Paul Hamblin finds out.

Combilift has a well-merited reputation in product innovation, so it was no surprise when the Monaghan-based lifting equipment manufacturer was first out of the blocks in May with what is fast becoming a staple of the post-Covid world, the online press conference. Managing Director Martin McVicar was in his usual ebullient mood as he outlined his firm’s response to the twin threats of Covid and (once again) Brexit.

“Changes to the production facility due to the health emergency were obviously paramount,” he says. Social-distanced product floor To ensure continued production, Combilift has introduced a two-shift system to replace its traditional one-shift operation. This means that there are only around 350 employees per shift on site in the 46,500m² manufacturing facility. It has also segregated the plant into eight segments. Employees are scanned by thermal cameras when they arrive on site and if their temperature is above normal this is signalled to the HR department as well as the employee.

Clocking-in is now done via a touchless key fob and doors are kept open whenever possible. Those that cannot remain permanently open have been fitted with copper coatings – this significantly reduces the time that a virus can be harboured on the surface when compared to steel. There are multiple hand sanitisers strategically placed across the whole facility, floor markings indicate the 2m distance to be maintained by employees and it is mandatory to wear face masks. The 2m message is driven home further still on the staff hi-vis vests.

The company has closed its main hot canteen and has opened smaller canteens in the eight new factory segments. “I give regular updates by video instead of the personal staff assemblies that we previously did every six weeks and this ongoing communication ensures that employees are continually informed and therefore understand that the measures we are taking are in everyone’s best interests,” says McVicar.

Production has not ceased on any Combilift model, thanks partly to the above measures and also because the company has been able to avoid supply chain and component issues. “We don’t have many Chinese suppliers in any case,” reflects McVicar, “and while we did experience some difficulties from our Italian suppliers from mid-February onwards, we were still well above 50%. Crucially, Combilift does not operate a just-in-time operations, so that was a significant plus.” The company has not seen any disruption in Germany and Northern Europe, he adds.

Getting product to customers through the worst of the lockdown has been a challenge, but achievable, he notes. The company’s famous Straddle Carrier, outdoor star of many a trade show, has a complicated assembly process which has often required an accompanying Combilift expert to supervise. “Good expertise has been built up in local territories,” McVicar points out.

Read the whole article, from our September issue, here: https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=5f3d1fcf3160d#30

Similar News

Heightened Lifting Success

 

On site, without being there

Posted on by David Priestman

Machine malfunctions and standstills that are not eliminated as fast as possible may become expensive for manufacturing companies. BEUMER Group developed their Smart Glasses as a pioneering product that supports users quickly and easily. The BEUMER Customer Support technicians use them to take a virtual look over the shoulder of the customer’s service technician to solve the problem together. This digital solution reduces travel times and costs.
 
“With the BEUMER Smart Glasses, our customers can get in live contact with our service experts anywhere and at any time,” promises Christopher Kirsch, team leader of BG.evolution. With this spin-off at the university location of Dortmund, the company brings digital innovation from outside into the company. In other words: “We are working on a customer problem with the support of start-ups to develop ‘Minimum Viable Products’. These are minimally equipped prototypes whose market potential and customer acceptance we put to the acid test,” explains Kirsch. This makes it easier for the BEUMER Group to decide quickly whether a new technology makes sense to develop into a finished product – such as the BEUMER Smart Glasses.

Together with their colleagues from BEUMER Customer Support and the Department for Research and Development in Beckum, the employees in Dortmund made this digital solution ready for the market. “From October 2018 to January 2019, long-term tests were carried out with various customers, including one with live testing with a long-term customer from the building materials industry. We were successful in concluding this phase,” reports Kirsch. The user has been using a high-capacity palletiser BEUMER paletpac and a high-capacity packaging system BEUMER stretch hood for years.

If there is a problem during operation, this may easily result in production bottlenecks. In the worst case, this results in delays of day-to-day operations. “If a machine suddenly breaks down, the problem must be solved as fast as possible,” says Kirsch. This is the only way for the users to save time and money. If the users are not in a position to handle this by themselves, the BEUMER Group sends their globally located technicians to prevent longer downtimes. In addition to service technicians, Customer Support also provides qualified telephone support for trouble shooting, which is available 24/7. However, it can be challenging to successfully communicate complex problems quickly and clearly over the phone. Imagine if the customer had the opportunity to have a BEUMER technician take a quick and easy look at the problem at any time – on-site support, without actually being there. The BEUMER Smart Glasses make it possible.

The employee at the machine puts on the glasses and starts the BEUMER Support app via voice command. The employee transmits a service number and a pin code to the hotline. A connection with image and sound is then established. The BEUMER technician receives the same image as the customer. The technician can directly give instructions and display all relevant information in the field of vision. The employee has both hands free to follow the expert’s instructions to carry out the necessary actions. Faults can be solved quickly and precisely – at any time. The BEUMER experts are available around the clock. “Language barriers or the lack of specialised knowledge are no longer relevant for trouble shooting,” explains Kirsch. “Together with the user, we can also better validate why the fault occurred based on the recorded images.”

“As part of the comprehensive BEUMER Customer Support, users add the BEUMER Smart Glasses as an extension to their monthly or annual hotline service agreement. Together with BG.evolution, the BEUMER Group is currently developing further digital products under the umbrella of “Smart Solutions”. “Many of our customers are already showing clear interest in the BEUMER Smart Glasses,” explains Christopher Kirsch.

On site, without being there

Posted on by David Priestman

Machine malfunctions and standstills that are not eliminated as fast as possible may become expensive for manufacturing companies. BEUMER Group developed their Smart Glasses as a pioneering product that supports users quickly and easily. The BEUMER Customer Support technicians use them to take a virtual look over the shoulder of the customer’s service technician to solve the problem together. This digital solution reduces travel times and costs.
 
“With the BEUMER Smart Glasses, our customers can get in live contact with our service experts anywhere and at any time,” promises Christopher Kirsch, team leader of BG.evolution. With this spin-off at the university location of Dortmund, the company brings digital innovation from outside into the company. In other words: “We are working on a customer problem with the support of start-ups to develop ‘Minimum Viable Products’. These are minimally equipped prototypes whose market potential and customer acceptance we put to the acid test,” explains Kirsch. This makes it easier for the BEUMER Group to decide quickly whether a new technology makes sense to develop into a finished product – such as the BEUMER Smart Glasses.

Together with their colleagues from BEUMER Customer Support and the Department for Research and Development in Beckum, the employees in Dortmund made this digital solution ready for the market. “From October 2018 to January 2019, long-term tests were carried out with various customers, including one with live testing with a long-term customer from the building materials industry. We were successful in concluding this phase,” reports Kirsch. The user has been using a high-capacity palletiser BEUMER paletpac and a high-capacity packaging system BEUMER stretch hood for years.

If there is a problem during operation, this may easily result in production bottlenecks. In the worst case, this results in delays of day-to-day operations. “If a machine suddenly breaks down, the problem must be solved as fast as possible,” says Kirsch. This is the only way for the users to save time and money. If the users are not in a position to handle this by themselves, the BEUMER Group sends their globally located technicians to prevent longer downtimes. In addition to service technicians, Customer Support also provides qualified telephone support for trouble shooting, which is available 24/7. However, it can be challenging to successfully communicate complex problems quickly and clearly over the phone. Imagine if the customer had the opportunity to have a BEUMER technician take a quick and easy look at the problem at any time – on-site support, without actually being there. The BEUMER Smart Glasses make it possible.

The employee at the machine puts on the glasses and starts the BEUMER Support app via voice command. The employee transmits a service number and a pin code to the hotline. A connection with image and sound is then established. The BEUMER technician receives the same image as the customer. The technician can directly give instructions and display all relevant information in the field of vision. The employee has both hands free to follow the expert’s instructions to carry out the necessary actions. Faults can be solved quickly and precisely – at any time. The BEUMER experts are available around the clock. “Language barriers or the lack of specialised knowledge are no longer relevant for trouble shooting,” explains Kirsch. “Together with the user, we can also better validate why the fault occurred based on the recorded images.”

“As part of the comprehensive BEUMER Customer Support, users add the BEUMER Smart Glasses as an extension to their monthly or annual hotline service agreement. Together with BG.evolution, the BEUMER Group is currently developing further digital products under the umbrella of “Smart Solutions”. “Many of our customers are already showing clear interest in the BEUMER Smart Glasses,” explains Christopher Kirsch.

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