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Month: October 2020

Curtainsider Trailers Investment by Haulier

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Logistics and supply chain management business, Woodside Haulage, has acquired 20 new fixed roof Schmitz Cargobull curtainsiders to transport goods between the UK and Ireland after being impressed with the quality of the trailers.

The new assets join an existing fleet of 20 Schmitz Cargobull curtainsiders, used to transport a variety of goods including retail, FMCG, construction, packaging and recycling to manufacturers, retailers and industry. Managing Director of Woodside Haulage, Mark Woodside, says: “We ship goods on ferries and our trailers are worked rigorously and extensively on an intensive schedule, so we need absolute confidence they are of the highest quality. The Schmitz Cargobull build quality really is second to none. The fully galvanised chassis gives full protection against corrosion and we know they will maintain a good cosmetic appearance throughout their entire life. We have trailers that remain in service for up to 15 years and we are confident this will be the case with these latest additions.”

Schmitz Cargobull’s high-tech modular chassis is a mix of galvanised steel and aluminium and comes with a 10-year warranty against rust-through. Each trailer is also specified with additional lighting and reversing sensors. “Safety is another key factor for us, and we’ve added extra lighting and sensors to the trailers to make sure we are maximising driver welfare and load security during transit,” adds Woodside. “For us, the fact that all Schmitz Cargobull products go through rigorous testing gives us assurance that the assets are of the highest quality and safety standards.”

The Schmitz Cargobull Validation Centre (CVC) puts all prototypes through a range of tests under a mix of tough conditions, including using hydropulsers to simulate distances of one million kilometres across different road types. Woodside Haulage is part of Woodside Logistics Group; a family run business with 50 years’ experience in professional transport and logistics solutions across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe and the rest of the world. The business has depots in Ballynure, Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool and Preston.

http://www.cargobull.com

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Schmitz Cargobull strengthens UK team

 

Lean but Smart ERP

Posted on by David Priestman

Staying lean but getting smarter: Biju Kewalram of Agility says that wrap-around technology is taking ERP systems to the next level.

The pandemic has led to some soul-searching about approaches to inventory. Have we been too quick to embrace ‘lean’ and ‘just in time’? Could the idea of ‘safety stock’ – largely dismissed some time ago as inefficient and old-fashioned – make a comeback? Companies have struggled to optimise their inventories during such a turbulent time: how much stock do they need, where should it be kept, and how much should be in the pipeline at any one time? The calculation is different for each industry, and the level of preparedness greatly varies, too. Automotive manufacturers with
their large, complex supply chains are among the most sophisticated in terms of agile supply chain management and using data for optimisation. The nature of the industry means that they are
used to shifting production between different parts suppliers and moving components from all around the world to assembly locations. Carmakers are therefore well-equipped to loosen their
definition of ‘just in time’ if they need to, but other industries have had more of an uphill climb. Every industry has had to get smarter and to think about post-corona optimisation and risk mitigation strategies.

Now is the time to move forward at a faster pace than ever before. Companies need to have a good idea of how much buffer stock they need, the cost of that, and how this impacts efforts to be efficient with working capital. Inventory management technology can help to restore supply/demand balance and rethink the way we approach supply chain optimisation. As the impacts of the crisis have ricocheted around the world, sophisticated enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, which came into their own in the 1990s, are being extended with modern wrap-around
technology to play an even greater role. You can read the whole story, from our September issue here:

https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=5f3d1fcf3160d#14

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ERP Leader to Go Live with Dealer Network Portal

 

Lean but Smart ERP

Posted on by David Priestman

Staying lean but getting smarter: Biju Kewalram of Agility says that wrap-around technology is taking ERP systems to the next level.

The pandemic has led to some soul-searching about approaches to inventory. Have we been too quick to embrace ‘lean’ and ‘just in time’? Could the idea of ‘safety stock’ – largely dismissed some time ago as inefficient and old-fashioned – make a comeback? Companies have struggled to optimise their inventories during such a turbulent time: how much stock do they need, where should it be kept, and how much should be in the pipeline at any one time? The calculation is different for each industry, and the level of preparedness greatly varies, too. Automotive manufacturers with
their large, complex supply chains are among the most sophisticated in terms of agile supply chain management and using data for optimisation. The nature of the industry means that they are
used to shifting production between different parts suppliers and moving components from all around the world to assembly locations. Carmakers are therefore well-equipped to loosen their
definition of ‘just in time’ if they need to, but other industries have had more of an uphill climb. Every industry has had to get smarter and to think about post-corona optimisation and risk mitigation strategies.

Now is the time to move forward at a faster pace than ever before. Companies need to have a good idea of how much buffer stock they need, the cost of that, and how this impacts efforts to be efficient with working capital. Inventory management technology can help to restore supply/demand balance and rethink the way we approach supply chain optimisation. As the impacts of the crisis have ricocheted around the world, sophisticated enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, which came into their own in the 1990s, are being extended with modern wrap-around
technology to play an even greater role. You can read the whole story, from our September issue here:

https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=5f3d1fcf3160d#14

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ERP Leader to Go Live with Dealer Network Portal

 

‘Smart Load Control’ Unveiled for Damage free Handling of Goods

Posted on by David Priestman

This year KAUP unveiled its first ever ‘Smart Load Control’ system aiming for damage free handling of goods. This patented, intelligent system regulates the clamping force for appliance clamps, specific to the load it is handling. The aim of the Smart Load Control is to ensure that the correct clamping force is applied on the load, removing all pressure selection from the forklift truck driver.

Appliance Clamps are used world-wide for palletless transportation of white and brown goods. The appliance clamp can be constructed to transport anything from one to sixteen units in one single lift.

The Smart Load Control system automatically adjusts its pressure according to the goods real weight detection. The lifting movement generates an automatic pressure adjustment until the load is lifted freely. This ensures damage free handling of goods, fast opening and closing speeds of the attachment and an energy saving of up to 30%.

Smart Load Control is the only system available on the market for large surface clamps that functions autonomously and without the intervention of the forklift hydraulic system.

The system also eliminates the forklift truck operator as another potential source of error. The structure of the system prevents operators from intervening during the clamping process and from clamping too little or too much, thereby ensuring goods are damage-free.

In addition, the Smart Load Control can automatically log the clamp pressure used for each transport operation and record the data for future lifts. A record of the clamping force used and all clamping and loading patterns can be referenced at any time.

 

European Federation Highlights Tighter Supplies of Wood

Posted on by David Priestman

The European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) has warned that tighter supplies of wood in some international markets is expected to increase prices into and beyond the final quarter of 2020.

FEFPEB represents manufacturers and other businesses in the European wooden pallet and packaging industry. The organisation says the easing of lockdown conditions in many countries are causing significant upward pressure. These include a mismatch between the demand and supply of wood, as activity in construction and other wood using sectors have returned to pre-crisis levels following lockdowns and other restrictions earlier this year, while many sawmillers have remained closed or operated at below capacity and have seen their stocks fall to critical levels.

In the US, domestic production has risen by just 2.5 per cent and prices have doubled in just three months; there have been interruptions in the supply of South America timber to the US; and in Canada output fell by 13 per cent in the first five months of 2020. Accordingly, European wood suppliers – particularly in Germany and parts of Scandinavia – have increased export volumes to the US and other non-European markets; this has diverted volumes that would otherwise have been available to European users. The US and China are currently the number one and three destinations, respectively, for German softwood exports.

A backlog in issuing felling licences in Ireland and uncertainty leading up to the end of the UK’s Brexit phase on December 31, 2020, have been adding to the effect on prices.

The situation is causing tighter supplies all wood sectors, including the pallet and packaging industry, which uses smaller logs and falling boards.

FEFPEB secretary general Fons Ceelaert said: “The extraordinary trading conditions we have experienced for most of 2020 have led to an unbalanced market affecting the range of wood-based industries in Europe, from construction and fencing, to our own industry. Wood pallets and packaging have a critical role to play in essential supply chains of food, drink and pharmaceutical goods and demand for these products has remained steady throughout lockdown periods. As other sectors have returned to near-normal trading levels we are facing competition for our raw materials – and accordingly, we anticipate an increase in prices in the short- to medium term.”

FEPFEB’s Pallet Timber Price Index, produced quarterly (and therefore may not reflect the most recent developments) uses independent figures produced in its member countries, including the Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK.

Ceelaert added: “In spite of current price volatility, wood remains the most economic choice of material for the manufacture of pallets and transit packaging. It is also the most sustainable, as it is reusable, repairable and recyclable.” At FEFPEB’s 2019 congress in Hamburg last year, president Rob van Hoesel challenged wooden pallet and packaging businesses to move further towards using 100 per cent certified sustainable wood production.

 

European Federation Highlights Tighter Supplies of Wood

Posted on by David Priestman

The European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) has warned that tighter supplies of wood in some international markets is expected to increase prices into and beyond the final quarter of 2020.

FEFPEB represents manufacturers and other businesses in the European wooden pallet and packaging industry. The organisation says the easing of lockdown conditions in many countries are causing significant upward pressure. These include a mismatch between the demand and supply of wood, as activity in construction and other wood using sectors have returned to pre-crisis levels following lockdowns and other restrictions earlier this year, while many sawmillers have remained closed or operated at below capacity and have seen their stocks fall to critical levels.

In the US, domestic production has risen by just 2.5 per cent and prices have doubled in just three months; there have been interruptions in the supply of South America timber to the US; and in Canada output fell by 13 per cent in the first five months of 2020. Accordingly, European wood suppliers – particularly in Germany and parts of Scandinavia – have increased export volumes to the US and other non-European markets; this has diverted volumes that would otherwise have been available to European users. The US and China are currently the number one and three destinations, respectively, for German softwood exports.

A backlog in issuing felling licences in Ireland and uncertainty leading up to the end of the UK’s Brexit phase on December 31, 2020, have been adding to the effect on prices.

The situation is causing tighter supplies all wood sectors, including the pallet and packaging industry, which uses smaller logs and falling boards.

FEFPEB secretary general Fons Ceelaert said: “The extraordinary trading conditions we have experienced for most of 2020 have led to an unbalanced market affecting the range of wood-based industries in Europe, from construction and fencing, to our own industry. Wood pallets and packaging have a critical role to play in essential supply chains of food, drink and pharmaceutical goods and demand for these products has remained steady throughout lockdown periods. As other sectors have returned to near-normal trading levels we are facing competition for our raw materials – and accordingly, we anticipate an increase in prices in the short- to medium term.”

FEPFEB’s Pallet Timber Price Index, produced quarterly (and therefore may not reflect the most recent developments) uses independent figures produced in its member countries, including the Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK.

Ceelaert added: “In spite of current price volatility, wood remains the most economic choice of material for the manufacture of pallets and transit packaging. It is also the most sustainable, as it is reusable, repairable and recyclable.” At FEFPEB’s 2019 congress in Hamburg last year, president Rob van Hoesel challenged wooden pallet and packaging businesses to move further towards using 100 per cent certified sustainable wood production.

 

Hungarian Road Tolls Settlement

Posted on by David Priestman

As of today, mobility service provider DKV has started a pilot phase for the settlement of road tolls via the DKV BOX EUROPE in Hungary. The Hungarian HU-GO toll system includes all highways, express roads and national roads. DKV customers can already use the DKV CARD to pay tolls in Hungary. With the DKV BOX EUROPE, DKV will soon offer an efficient and profitable cross-border alternative for Hungary with state-of-the-art value-added services.

“Currently our customers can settle tolls cashless across Germany, Belgium, France, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria as well as at the Warnow crossing, the Herren Tunnel, and the Liefkenshoektunnel. We are proud to be able to add Hungary to this list very soon,” says Jerome Lejeune, Managing Director Toll at DKV. “We have thus reached another important milestone on our way to connect all of Europe with one box. More countries will follow soon.” DKV customers benefit from a profitable postpay offer which has a positive effect on their liquidity.

In recent years, Hungary has developed into a central logistics location in the Central and Eastern European region alongside the Czech Republic. For the Ukraine, Romania and several Balkan states, the way to the EU markets almost inevitably leads through the Carpathian Basin, for Croatia Hungary represents an alternative to Austria, which is also a neighbour. The importance of Hungary as a transit country between North/West and East/South-East Europe is already evident from the fact that four EU transport corridors cross the country.

http://www.dkv-euroservice.com

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Palletways Hungary Celebrates First Anniversary

 

Hungarian Road Tolls Settlement

Posted on by David Priestman

As of today, mobility service provider DKV has started a pilot phase for the settlement of road tolls via the DKV BOX EUROPE in Hungary. The Hungarian HU-GO toll system includes all highways, express roads and national roads. DKV customers can already use the DKV CARD to pay tolls in Hungary. With the DKV BOX EUROPE, DKV will soon offer an efficient and profitable cross-border alternative for Hungary with state-of-the-art value-added services.

“Currently our customers can settle tolls cashless across Germany, Belgium, France, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria as well as at the Warnow crossing, the Herren Tunnel, and the Liefkenshoektunnel. We are proud to be able to add Hungary to this list very soon,” says Jerome Lejeune, Managing Director Toll at DKV. “We have thus reached another important milestone on our way to connect all of Europe with one box. More countries will follow soon.” DKV customers benefit from a profitable postpay offer which has a positive effect on their liquidity.

In recent years, Hungary has developed into a central logistics location in the Central and Eastern European region alongside the Czech Republic. For the Ukraine, Romania and several Balkan states, the way to the EU markets almost inevitably leads through the Carpathian Basin, for Croatia Hungary represents an alternative to Austria, which is also a neighbour. The importance of Hungary as a transit country between North/West and East/South-East Europe is already evident from the fact that four EU transport corridors cross the country.

http://www.dkv-euroservice.com

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Palletways Hungary Celebrates First Anniversary

 

Financial Benefits for Pay as You Save Lighting Solution

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Many businesses remain unaware that they are wasting thousands of pounds a year on their energy bills. Cost is often a huge obstacle for upgrading lighting systems and many warehouse managers don’t prioritise lighting or consider a Pay as You Save scheme, while their existing lighting is working.

LED lighting company EcolightingUK offers a Pay as You Save scheme to help companies save on their energy bills. They offer businesses a solution which enables them to install a new LED lighting system with zero capital outlay. There are zero maintenance costs and a cash positive outcome from the first month after installation.

The Pay and You Save scheme is ideal for all types of applications including factories, warehouses and exterior lighting. It is also beneficial for offices, retail, hotels and education.

LED lighting can provide a contribution towards the fulfilment of long-term environmental business objectives. Lower energy consumption means a reduced carbon footprint and less impact on the environment.

Aside from the financial and environmental factors, an instant benefit of LED lighting is the quality. Lighter and brighter working environments improves visibility and enhances workplace safety. EcolightingUK have reported staff to be delighted with the improvements made to their working environments.

Introducing LED lighting can allow companies more than 70% energy costs. EcolightingUK offers more in-depth calculations on example savings. The company also works with a central grant finding body which researches county council grants available across the country for assisting SMEs with carbon reduction.

Financial Benefits for Pay as You Save Lighting Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Many businesses remain unaware that they are wasting thousands of pounds a year on their energy bills. Cost is often a huge obstacle for upgrading lighting systems and many warehouse managers don’t prioritise lighting or consider a Pay as You Save scheme, while their existing lighting is working.

LED lighting company EcolightingUK offers a Pay as You Save scheme to help companies save on their energy bills. They offer businesses a solution which enables them to install a new LED lighting system with zero capital outlay. There are zero maintenance costs and a cash positive outcome from the first month after installation.

The Pay and You Save scheme is ideal for all types of applications including factories, warehouses and exterior lighting. It is also beneficial for offices, retail, hotels and education.

LED lighting can provide a contribution towards the fulfilment of long-term environmental business objectives. Lower energy consumption means a reduced carbon footprint and less impact on the environment.

Aside from the financial and environmental factors, an instant benefit of LED lighting is the quality. Lighter and brighter working environments improves visibility and enhances workplace safety. EcolightingUK have reported staff to be delighted with the improvements made to their working environments.

Introducing LED lighting can allow companies more than 70% energy costs. EcolightingUK offers more in-depth calculations on example savings. The company also works with a central grant finding body which researches county council grants available across the country for assisting SMEs with carbon reduction.

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