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Month: October 2020

Advantages to Andoid over Windows CE, say Denso

Posted on by David Priestman

Windows CE is due to be discontinued in 2022. Denso Wave Europe, mobile data collection expert, believes the Android operating systems is advantageous.

There is an increased risk of software viruses for Windows CE users. Also, the functional guarantee will expire from March 2022,” explains Dirk Gelbrich, General Manager Technical Department at Denso Wave Europe. “We know this problem. We help our customers, for example in retail and logistics, switch from Windows CE to Android as the new operating system.”

Denso’s latest mobile data collection devices such as the BHT-1700 and BHT-1800, are equipped with Android as the operating system, thus offer stability for the future.

Windows CE has long been the standard operating system for mobile data collection devices. However, there has been a noticeable change in the past five years towards devices based on Android.  

Why have so many Windows CE users already switched to Android? Denso Wave sees one of the reasons in the possibility of adding to existing Windows systems without any problems. Other important factors are the extended security features of the Android operating system and the rapidly growing number of innovative devices with Android.

Gelbrich explains another strong advantage of Android: “With Android as the operating system, updates are continuously possible, which means that companies can plan with a stable system for the future.” In addition to stability and consistency, the flexibility of and with Android is an important factor for numerous companies, for example from the logistics or retail sector. “The compatibility with other devices and software is ideal with Android, so that the device management in a company can be carried out very easily. Employees save time, money and effort,” Gelbrich continues.

The Android operating system is an open source platform, meaning that the Android OS enables a quick reaction to new functionalities. Thus, the software can be adapted to the needs of a company. For example, a retailer uses an Android device in different areas than a logistician. With the BHT-1700 handheld terminal or BHT-1800 handheld terminal, equipped with Android, users remain flexible in the long term.

Overall, it is crucial to take the development – away from Windows CE to Android – into account in all planning processes. “When choosing a new operating system, the focus should be on the performance and security of the respective operating system,” recommends Gelbrich. Together with their European partner network, Denso helps migrate existing applications for customers in the logistics or retail sector. For new projects, users could benefit from Denso’s Android devices such as the BHT-1700 or BHT-1800.

The BHT-1700 handheld terminal combines the advantages of an extra-large, shatter-proof screen with the usual input via keyboard. The BHT-1800 handheld terminal offers an extra-large 5-inch display, but without a keyboard. The angled scan head and several quick access keys ensure easy operation. Users can always keep track of things with these mobile computers equipped with Android.

 

 

Advantages to Andoid over Windows CE, say Denso

Posted on by David Priestman

Windows CE is due to be discontinued in 2022. Denso Wave Europe, mobile data collection expert, believes the Android operating systems is advantageous.

There is an increased risk of software viruses for Windows CE users. Also, the functional guarantee will expire from March 2022,” explains Dirk Gelbrich, General Manager Technical Department at Denso Wave Europe. “We know this problem. We help our customers, for example in retail and logistics, switch from Windows CE to Android as the new operating system.”

Denso’s latest mobile data collection devices such as the BHT-1700 and BHT-1800, are equipped with Android as the operating system, thus offer stability for the future.

Windows CE has long been the standard operating system for mobile data collection devices. However, there has been a noticeable change in the past five years towards devices based on Android.  

Why have so many Windows CE users already switched to Android? Denso Wave sees one of the reasons in the possibility of adding to existing Windows systems without any problems. Other important factors are the extended security features of the Android operating system and the rapidly growing number of innovative devices with Android.

Gelbrich explains another strong advantage of Android: “With Android as the operating system, updates are continuously possible, which means that companies can plan with a stable system for the future.” In addition to stability and consistency, the flexibility of and with Android is an important factor for numerous companies, for example from the logistics or retail sector. “The compatibility with other devices and software is ideal with Android, so that the device management in a company can be carried out very easily. Employees save time, money and effort,” Gelbrich continues.

The Android operating system is an open source platform, meaning that the Android OS enables a quick reaction to new functionalities. Thus, the software can be adapted to the needs of a company. For example, a retailer uses an Android device in different areas than a logistician. With the BHT-1700 handheld terminal or BHT-1800 handheld terminal, equipped with Android, users remain flexible in the long term.

Overall, it is crucial to take the development – away from Windows CE to Android – into account in all planning processes. “When choosing a new operating system, the focus should be on the performance and security of the respective operating system,” recommends Gelbrich. Together with their European partner network, Denso helps migrate existing applications for customers in the logistics or retail sector. For new projects, users could benefit from Denso’s Android devices such as the BHT-1700 or BHT-1800.

The BHT-1700 handheld terminal combines the advantages of an extra-large, shatter-proof screen with the usual input via keyboard. The BHT-1800 handheld terminal offers an extra-large 5-inch display, but without a keyboard. The angled scan head and several quick access keys ensure easy operation. Users can always keep track of things with these mobile computers equipped with Android.

 

 

German Electronics Company will automate its Storage Facility

Posted on by David Priestman

Intralogistics provider Dematic has announced it will automate the central storage facility for RS Components in Germany. Dematic will install its 10-aisle Dematic Multishuttle system with 300,000 container storage positions.

The space-saving solution takes items into stock, buffers them and then sequences them for commissioning and order consolidation. There will be 300 shuttles to automatically access the containers and transport them directly to the goods-to-person (GTP) commissioning station, to dispatch or to inventory storage, where they are repacked in order to prepare them for dispatch.

The goal for RS Components is to increase its picking capacity to up to 38,000 order lines per day when it automates its storage facility.

“The Dematic solution enables high throughput rates as well as faultless commissioning, guaranteeing efficient and reliable order processing for RS Components,” said Jessica Heinz, Head of Marketing and Business Development for Dematic Central Europe.

RS Components plans to store up to 450,000 items at the center.

“The system allows the speed, storage density, accuracy and availability within the distribution center to be increased significantly,” said Peter Stock, who is the Senior Project Manager of Implementation at RS Components.

The site is set to become operational next year.

 

 

Rail Freight Backbone

Posted on by David Priestman

Rail freight should form the backbone of UK logistics in the post-pandemic landscape, argues Phil Oakley of Prologis.

There is no doubt that the UK economy has felt the full force of the pandemic and the logistics sector has been on the frontline since the very beginning. As non-essential shops closed their doors due to lockdown, supermarkets and online retailers faced sudden increased demand from consumers, with many experiencing peak levels on a daily basis. As the industry adjusted to the huge
challenges brought by the global shock, many increased their use of rail freight to help keep essential goods moving the length and breadth of the country. Now, as recovery gets under way, what needs to be done to ensure rail continues to be prioritised going forward?

For the first time ever, Network Rail gave freight traffic priority over passenger services during the pandemic. In the early stages of lockdown, this shift was essential in order to move large amounts of goods – often perishables and consumer products – to re-stock supermarket shelves. Indeed, throughout the crisis, Midlands’ hubs at the centre of the country, such as Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (Prologis RFI DIRFT), have been key in keeping the North-South rail freight route moving. It’s not hard to see why.

Being in the logistics golden triangle in the Midlands, DIRFT’s location enables occupiers to reach 90 percent of the country in under four hours by road. Its proximity to the West Coast Main Line, the UK’s busiest rail freight route, means that much of the country is easily accessible by rail, too. Many companies with distribution facilities at DIRFT upped their rail freight operations during lockdown, moving more goods to help meet increased demand, and taking advantage of the less-crowded tracks.

Read the whole article, from our September issue, here:

https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=5f3d1fcf3160d#18

http://www.prologis.co.uk

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Maritime Starts Rail Freight Service for East Midlands Gateway

 

Rail Freight Backbone

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Rail freight should form the backbone of UK logistics in the post-pandemic landscape, argues Phil Oakley of Prologis.

There is no doubt that the UK economy has felt the full force of the pandemic and the logistics sector has been on the frontline since the very beginning. As non-essential shops closed their doors due to lockdown, supermarkets and online retailers faced sudden increased demand from consumers, with many experiencing peak levels on a daily basis. As the industry adjusted to the huge
challenges brought by the global shock, many increased their use of rail freight to help keep essential goods moving the length and breadth of the country. Now, as recovery gets under way, what needs to be done to ensure rail continues to be prioritised going forward?

For the first time ever, Network Rail gave freight traffic priority over passenger services during the pandemic. In the early stages of lockdown, this shift was essential in order to move large amounts of goods – often perishables and consumer products – to re-stock supermarket shelves. Indeed, throughout the crisis, Midlands’ hubs at the centre of the country, such as Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (Prologis RFI DIRFT), have been key in keeping the North-South rail freight route moving. It’s not hard to see why.

Being in the logistics golden triangle in the Midlands, DIRFT’s location enables occupiers to reach 90 percent of the country in under four hours by road. Its proximity to the West Coast Main Line, the UK’s busiest rail freight route, means that much of the country is easily accessible by rail, too. Many companies with distribution facilities at DIRFT upped their rail freight operations during lockdown, moving more goods to help meet increased demand, and taking advantage of the less-crowded tracks.

Read the whole article, from our September issue, here:

https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=5f3d1fcf3160d#18

http://www.prologis.co.uk

similar news

Maritime Starts Rail Freight Service for East Midlands Gateway

 

Marshalls Expands its Fleet of Trucks

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Manufacturer of hard landscaping products, Marshalls has expanded its fleet of trucks. Ryder, an independent provider of commercial vehicle rental is supplying 100 new DAF XF480 Euro-6 tractor units with Space cabs.

The fleet of trucks s will be used within Marshalls’ nationwide distribution operation. They will be used to deliver its products to builder’s merchants and other customers.

The new vehicle order takes Ryder’s share of Marshalls’ fleet to more than 240 vehicles and trailers, around two-thirds of the company’s fleet.

John Robinson, Ryder Director, Fleet Sales, who has been involved in the Marshalls relationship since the beginning, said: “We’ve worked really hard to understand the demands of Marshalls’ transport operation, which is complex and involves a significant number, and wide range, of vehicle types. I believe Ryder’s size and strength as a business give us a real advantage in supporting a transport operation as large and diverse as Marshalls.”

David Grogut, Asset Engineering Manager at Ryder, commented: “Maximising fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions are key priorities for Marshalls. The vehicles tend to carry very heavy loads so, in addition to ensuring the correct powertrain and differential ratios are specified, we looked at all options for reducing vehicle weight. Our engineers also carried out a detailed fleet review to ensure that all new equipment going into the fleet was compatible with Marshalls’ existing fleet of trucks. For example, reviewing the specification of the tractor units against the types of trailers they are being matched with.”

In introducing the new Euro-6 vehicles to the Marshalls fleet, a ‘train the trainer’ programme was run by DAF and Ryder that focussed on how to get the best out of the new technology.

At the heart of Marshalls’ operations is the company’s three-day delivery promise, with all activities designed and aligned to deliver on this promise. Vehicle uptime is key to maintaining the Marshalls’ delivery promise. Robinson comments: “Marshalls runs a demanding fleet operation throughout Scotland, England and Wales. Their trunking fleet is based on a five-day operation with some vehicles away from the home location on ‘tramping’ runs for six straight days and nights. Ryder’s approach to supporting the operation is two-pronged. First, Marshalls can take advantage of Ryder’s significant rental fleet, especially during the summer peak demand months, but also for breakdown cover. Second, we have a dedicated Ryder Account Management function to support their transport operations on a day-to-day basis, backed by a range of critical KPIs to monitor compliance performance in order to drive improved efficiency and continuous improvement.”

Jonathan Galvin, Category Manager in Marshalls’ Procurement department, commented: “In ultimately selecting Ryder to provide such a large proportion of our transport fleet, we know that Ryder is a longstanding and stable business. We also value highly the fact that Ryder uses its own funds and has the financial backing of a major US corporation. With more than 20,000 vehicles themselves, we also benefited from Ryder’s buying power in the market to secure the financial terms that meet our business needs.”

“It is a fantastic achievement to now be a major supplier of commercial vehicles to Marshalls, and testimony to the progressive working relationships that have developed at many levels throughout both our organisations over the last 10 years,” concluded Robinson

Marshalls Expands its Fleet of Trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

Manufacturer of hard landscaping products, Marshalls has expanded its fleet of trucks. Ryder, an independent provider of commercial vehicle rental is supplying 100 new DAF XF480 Euro-6 tractor units with Space cabs.

The fleet of trucks s will be used within Marshalls’ nationwide distribution operation. They will be used to deliver its products to builder’s merchants and other customers.

The new vehicle order takes Ryder’s share of Marshalls’ fleet to more than 240 vehicles and trailers, around two-thirds of the company’s fleet.

John Robinson, Ryder Director, Fleet Sales, who has been involved in the Marshalls relationship since the beginning, said: “We’ve worked really hard to understand the demands of Marshalls’ transport operation, which is complex and involves a significant number, and wide range, of vehicle types. I believe Ryder’s size and strength as a business give us a real advantage in supporting a transport operation as large and diverse as Marshalls.”

David Grogut, Asset Engineering Manager at Ryder, commented: “Maximising fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions are key priorities for Marshalls. The vehicles tend to carry very heavy loads so, in addition to ensuring the correct powertrain and differential ratios are specified, we looked at all options for reducing vehicle weight. Our engineers also carried out a detailed fleet review to ensure that all new equipment going into the fleet was compatible with Marshalls’ existing fleet of trucks. For example, reviewing the specification of the tractor units against the types of trailers they are being matched with.”

In introducing the new Euro-6 vehicles to the Marshalls fleet, a ‘train the trainer’ programme was run by DAF and Ryder that focussed on how to get the best out of the new technology.

At the heart of Marshalls’ operations is the company’s three-day delivery promise, with all activities designed and aligned to deliver on this promise. Vehicle uptime is key to maintaining the Marshalls’ delivery promise. Robinson comments: “Marshalls runs a demanding fleet operation throughout Scotland, England and Wales. Their trunking fleet is based on a five-day operation with some vehicles away from the home location on ‘tramping’ runs for six straight days and nights. Ryder’s approach to supporting the operation is two-pronged. First, Marshalls can take advantage of Ryder’s significant rental fleet, especially during the summer peak demand months, but also for breakdown cover. Second, we have a dedicated Ryder Account Management function to support their transport operations on a day-to-day basis, backed by a range of critical KPIs to monitor compliance performance in order to drive improved efficiency and continuous improvement.”

Jonathan Galvin, Category Manager in Marshalls’ Procurement department, commented: “In ultimately selecting Ryder to provide such a large proportion of our transport fleet, we know that Ryder is a longstanding and stable business. We also value highly the fact that Ryder uses its own funds and has the financial backing of a major US corporation. With more than 20,000 vehicles themselves, we also benefited from Ryder’s buying power in the market to secure the financial terms that meet our business needs.”

“It is a fantastic achievement to now be a major supplier of commercial vehicles to Marshalls, and testimony to the progressive working relationships that have developed at many levels throughout both our organisations over the last 10 years,” concluded Robinson

Switch to Electric Vehicles made Simpler with new Tool

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Fleet operators who want to switch to electric vehicles can use a new web-based automated AI tool- the Teletrac EV Readiness tool. It has been developed by telematics solutions, company Teletrac.

In the UK the government mandates the production of new petrol and diesel engines will cease by 2035. OEMs and operators need to therefore find effective ways to transition fleets into the world of electric.

Teletrac’s EV Readiness Tool integrates with their fleet management and tracking platforms. It analyses all telematics data to provide operators with detailed recommendations of where electric vehicles could be adopted into their operation. The tool can analyse the feasibility of switching. It can also calculate the total cost of ownership of an EV switch versus the existing fleet (purchase price, residual value, taxes, insurance, maintenance, electricity costs). It also calculates the total CO2 and fuel savings the business would make.

The EV Readiness Tool will even recommend the ideal EV vehicles to switch to. It can advise on how many and what type of chargers are required to run the recommended vehicles. It calculates the cost of the chargers, as well as where they should be located to ensure no loss of battery based on the trips being undertaken.

The tool uses AI and historical telematics data to provide evaluations for fleet operators. The platform analyses everything, from the average number of trips overall and per vehicle, the distance, regularity, usage times, usage patterns, and time spent moving versus idle.

Nicholas Wilson, Environmental Project Co-Ordinator at Stockport Homes trialled the tool. He commented: “As the ALMO managing the housing stock for Stockport Council, we have targets to have at least 60% of our fleet fully electric by 2025. We need to reduce CO2 emissions and become carbon neutral by 2038, in line with Greater Manchester. So, the opportunity to put the EV Readiness Tool to the test was such a valuable exercise, and the results are strong. It shows we’re able to electrify a large proportion of our fleet. This will help prevent CO2 emissions, improve fuel consumption, and make significant cost of ownership savings over five years. It also advised us on how many chargers to install and where. What’s more, the ease of the evaluation was really impressive – it took no time at all.”

Barney Goffer, UK Product Manager at Teletrac Navman, added: “We all know a major EV transition is coming soon but it’s still an unknown space for a lot of operators. However, in the long-term it’s best practice to start considering which vehicles are already viable for that switch. Where financially feasible we can begin the changeover.

“The EV Readiness Tool’s AI functionality takes the headache away for operators. It uses the power of AI to help our customers go from data to decisions. It very easily sees where they can electrify, making it a quicker, easier, and more informed discussion with internal stakeholders and financial decision makers within the business as to the best road to take towards their future electric fleet.”

Switch to Electric Vehicles made Simpler with new Tool

Posted on by David Priestman

Fleet operators who want to switch to electric vehicles can use a new web-based automated AI tool- the Teletrac EV Readiness tool. It has been developed by telematics solutions, company Teletrac.

In the UK the government mandates the production of new petrol and diesel engines will cease by 2035. OEMs and operators need to therefore find effective ways to transition fleets into the world of electric.

Teletrac’s EV Readiness Tool integrates with their fleet management and tracking platforms. It analyses all telematics data to provide operators with detailed recommendations of where electric vehicles could be adopted into their operation. The tool can analyse the feasibility of switching. It can also calculate the total cost of ownership of an EV switch versus the existing fleet (purchase price, residual value, taxes, insurance, maintenance, electricity costs). It also calculates the total CO2 and fuel savings the business would make.

The EV Readiness Tool will even recommend the ideal EV vehicles to switch to. It can advise on how many and what type of chargers are required to run the recommended vehicles. It calculates the cost of the chargers, as well as where they should be located to ensure no loss of battery based on the trips being undertaken.

The tool uses AI and historical telematics data to provide evaluations for fleet operators. The platform analyses everything, from the average number of trips overall and per vehicle, the distance, regularity, usage times, usage patterns, and time spent moving versus idle.

Nicholas Wilson, Environmental Project Co-Ordinator at Stockport Homes trialled the tool. He commented: “As the ALMO managing the housing stock for Stockport Council, we have targets to have at least 60% of our fleet fully electric by 2025. We need to reduce CO2 emissions and become carbon neutral by 2038, in line with Greater Manchester. So, the opportunity to put the EV Readiness Tool to the test was such a valuable exercise, and the results are strong. It shows we’re able to electrify a large proportion of our fleet. This will help prevent CO2 emissions, improve fuel consumption, and make significant cost of ownership savings over five years. It also advised us on how many chargers to install and where. What’s more, the ease of the evaluation was really impressive – it took no time at all.”

Barney Goffer, UK Product Manager at Teletrac Navman, added: “We all know a major EV transition is coming soon but it’s still an unknown space for a lot of operators. However, in the long-term it’s best practice to start considering which vehicles are already viable for that switch. Where financially feasible we can begin the changeover.

“The EV Readiness Tool’s AI functionality takes the headache away for operators. It uses the power of AI to help our customers go from data to decisions. It very easily sees where they can electrify, making it a quicker, easier, and more informed discussion with internal stakeholders and financial decision makers within the business as to the best road to take towards their future electric fleet.”

Inventory Allocation with Omnichannel-Centric Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Manhattan Associates Inc., a leader in supply chain and omnichannel commerce, today introduced Manhattan Active® Allocation, the first allocation solution specifically engineered for today’s omnichannel marketplace, with a fresh approach to managing short lifecycle inventory. A leader in inventory optimisation, Manhattan is the first to apply this expertise to softlines retail, with a new solution that also improves allocator agility and responsiveness.

Traditional allocation solutions lack the ability to sense and respond to today’s complex retail environment and evolving shopping habits. Manhattan Active Allocation offers a more nimble and modern approach to inventory allocation of short-lifecycle products for apparel, footwear and other fast-fashion retailers. It offers allocators a better understanding of real demand by giving them direct insight into today’s omni-fulfillment strategies, like BOPIS and curbside pickup. The solution also has the unique ability to shape allocation decisions based on the distinct types of fulfillment experiences offered for each product at both the store and distribution centre level.

“Manhattan has reimagined the entire allocation process with the notion that today’s retailers must better align inventory deployment decisions with how the brand intends to engage its customers,” said Scott Fenwick, senior director of product strategy, Manhattan Associates. “For the first time, allocators will have the ability to make allocation decisions pre-season, before inventory hits the stores, and in real time during the selling season, leveraging granular omni-fulfillment insights. This will give them the ability to align their short-lifecycle inventory plans with their omnichannel fulfillment strategies, resulting in fewer fulfillment redirects and end-of-season markdowns.”

Read more about WMS from Manhattan here https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=5f3d1fcf3160d#26

Built on industry-leading Manhattan Active application architecture, Manhattan Active Allocation is always current, continuously adapting and automatically scaling and flexing to accommodate changing needs as a business grows. The microservices-based, cloud native solution never needs to be upgraded, yet is still fully extensible. The new solution delivers real-time performance monitoring and updates to inventory and sales, network wide. Inventory performance is automatically captured by channel and fulfillment type, and configurable allocations help users define, preserve, learn and reuse high-performing fulfillment strategies year over year.

Manhattan Active Allocation’s embedded analytics and data visualisations give retailers the agility to instantly respond to changing business conditions and dynamically evolve their allocation strategies to maximise sales and margins. The solution gives allocators the agility to create adaptable allocation plans, which result in less stranded inventory and less financial risk for the business. http://www.manh.com

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