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Day: 9 November 2020

Semtech Supports New IoT Solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Semtech Corporation, a supplier of high performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, has announced that the LoRaWAN® protocol, developed and managed by the LoRa Alliance, is providing new applications of IoT connectivity for new smart industrial control operations. Utilizing the protocol for its IoT connectivity, Cisco developed new IoT sensor solutions to enhance visibility into physical spaces for IT and Operational Technology (OT) environments.

 Cisco Industrial Asset Vision is a simple and secure solution for remote asset management, equipped with a new, Cloud-based dashboard to better monitor and manage the condition of assets and facilities. The all-in-one solution deploys in minutes using a simple QR code to onboard sensors and devices; requiring little technical expertise, reducing the burden on IT or the need for expensive service contracts.

Designed to wirelessly connect battery-operated ‘things’ to the Internet, the LoRaWAN protocol is the widely adopted low power, wide area networking (LPWAN) protocol for IoT applications across the globe. Gateways leveraging the LoRaWAN protocol enable geolocation capabilities to track and monitor assets and their locations to improve logistics, prevent theft, and enhance operational efficiency. Common uses include indoor and outdoor asset tracking, monitoring temperature and humidity, freezer and cold room, ingress/egress and occupancy, water leak detection, lighting conditions, and equipment vibration and movement.

“Designed to wirelessly connect battery operated ‘things’ to the Internet, LoRaWAN is the low power, wide area networking (LPWAN) protocol of choice for IoT applications across the globe,” said Marc Pegulu, Vice President of IoT Product Marketing for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “Cisco’s enterprise customers can now benefit from IoT connectivity to quickly connect with and easily monitor high-value assets and environmental conditions in their facilities and warehouses so they can become safer and more efficient.”

Semtech’s LoRa device-to-Cloud platform is a globally adopted long range, low power solution for IoT applications, enabling the rapid development and deployment of ultra-low power, cost efficient and long range IoT networks, gateways, sensors, module products, and IoT services worldwide. Semtech’s LoRa® devices provide the communication layer for the LoRaWAN® protocol, which is maintained by the LoRa Alliance®, an open IoT alliance for Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) applications that has been used to deploy IoT networks in over 100 countries.

 

Semtech Supports New IoT Solutions

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Semtech Corporation, a supplier of high performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, has announced that the LoRaWAN® protocol, developed and managed by the LoRa Alliance, is providing new applications of IoT connectivity for new smart industrial control operations. Utilizing the protocol for its IoT connectivity, Cisco developed new IoT sensor solutions to enhance visibility into physical spaces for IT and Operational Technology (OT) environments.

 Cisco Industrial Asset Vision is a simple and secure solution for remote asset management, equipped with a new, Cloud-based dashboard to better monitor and manage the condition of assets and facilities. The all-in-one solution deploys in minutes using a simple QR code to onboard sensors and devices; requiring little technical expertise, reducing the burden on IT or the need for expensive service contracts.

Designed to wirelessly connect battery-operated ‘things’ to the Internet, the LoRaWAN protocol is the widely adopted low power, wide area networking (LPWAN) protocol for IoT applications across the globe. Gateways leveraging the LoRaWAN protocol enable geolocation capabilities to track and monitor assets and their locations to improve logistics, prevent theft, and enhance operational efficiency. Common uses include indoor and outdoor asset tracking, monitoring temperature and humidity, freezer and cold room, ingress/egress and occupancy, water leak detection, lighting conditions, and equipment vibration and movement.

“Designed to wirelessly connect battery operated ‘things’ to the Internet, LoRaWAN is the low power, wide area networking (LPWAN) protocol of choice for IoT applications across the globe,” said Marc Pegulu, Vice President of IoT Product Marketing for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “Cisco’s enterprise customers can now benefit from IoT connectivity to quickly connect with and easily monitor high-value assets and environmental conditions in their facilities and warehouses so they can become safer and more efficient.”

Semtech’s LoRa device-to-Cloud platform is a globally adopted long range, low power solution for IoT applications, enabling the rapid development and deployment of ultra-low power, cost efficient and long range IoT networks, gateways, sensors, module products, and IoT services worldwide. Semtech’s LoRa® devices provide the communication layer for the LoRaWAN® protocol, which is maintained by the LoRa Alliance®, an open IoT alliance for Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) applications that has been used to deploy IoT networks in over 100 countries.

 

Refrigeration Unit on Double-Deck Trailers

Posted on by David Priestman

Bute-based haulier, John Mackirdy Limited, has taken delivery of a new Carrier Transicold Vector® HE 19 MT (multi-temperature) refrigeration unit, mounted to the company’s first ever double-deck trailer. The new asset is designed to increase fleet efficiency and improve sustainability across the business. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), a leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.

The new 13.6-metre double deck – manufactured by Gray & Adams – joins John Mackirdy’s 10-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet, which includes two standard refrigerated trailers mounted with Vector 1950 MT units and one 12-tonne rigid with a Carrier Transicold Supra® 450 unit.

“All of our refrigerated vehicles are Carrier-cooled; when it comes to new trailers, we always specify the latest Vector, and they’ve never let us down,” said John Mackirdy, managing director, John Mackirdy Limited. “As a business, we’re now looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint and future proof our fleet; the new double deck will play a major role in this. We’ll be able to combine substantial fuel savings from the Vector with almost double the load space, meaning we make far fewer journeys.”

The new Vector HE 19 MT combines Carrier Transicold’s all-electric E-Drive™ technology with a new ultra-modern multi-speed engine design that can cut fuel consumption by up to 30%. The unit also offers a 10% saving in weight and a noise reduction of 3 dB(A) – which to the human ear equates to 50% less noise. The system also delivers up to 15% savings on maintenance costs.
The fully hermetic scroll compressor and economiser helps increase refrigeration capacity during pull-down by 40%, while cutting the chance of refrigerant escape by 50%. When plugged into the electrical grid on standby, the Vector HE 19 MT is also 19% more efficient, meaning it delivers reduced diesel, maintenance and electricity bills.

“The list of benefits we get from the new Vector HE 19 MT are fantastic. Not only do they help us deliver on the environmental front, but they also drive down operating and running costs – which in the current climate is extremely important,” said Mackirdy.

John Mackirdy has also opted for Carrier Transicold’s advanced telematics package for the first time. Using two-way communication, the system offers the ability to remotely alter set points or operation modes, as well as initiate defrosts, pre-trip checks, and clear alarms from any connected device. The new Vector HE 19 MT also features Carrier Transicold’s DataCOLD™ 600 temperature recorder, which provides easy access to a wealth of information on unit performance.

The new unit is also covered by everCOLD™, Carrier Transicold’s fixed cost, full-service maintenance package that includes annual temperature control testing and certification, full regulatory checks and access to Carrier Transicold’s oneCALL™ 24/7 incident management service. These innovative service and technology enhancements ensure the safe transport of perishables, which aligns with Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Programme. Expected to stay in operation for 10 years, the new trailer will transport goods for a variety of customers. However, it will primarily be used for the distribution of food products from a local producer into mainland Scotland.

Refrigeration Unit on Double-Deck Trailers

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Bute-based haulier, John Mackirdy Limited, has taken delivery of a new Carrier Transicold Vector® HE 19 MT (multi-temperature) refrigeration unit, mounted to the company’s first ever double-deck trailer. The new asset is designed to increase fleet efficiency and improve sustainability across the business. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), a leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.

The new 13.6-metre double deck – manufactured by Gray & Adams – joins John Mackirdy’s 10-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet, which includes two standard refrigerated trailers mounted with Vector 1950 MT units and one 12-tonne rigid with a Carrier Transicold Supra® 450 unit.

“All of our refrigerated vehicles are Carrier-cooled; when it comes to new trailers, we always specify the latest Vector, and they’ve never let us down,” said John Mackirdy, managing director, John Mackirdy Limited. “As a business, we’re now looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint and future proof our fleet; the new double deck will play a major role in this. We’ll be able to combine substantial fuel savings from the Vector with almost double the load space, meaning we make far fewer journeys.”

The new Vector HE 19 MT combines Carrier Transicold’s all-electric E-Drive™ technology with a new ultra-modern multi-speed engine design that can cut fuel consumption by up to 30%. The unit also offers a 10% saving in weight and a noise reduction of 3 dB(A) – which to the human ear equates to 50% less noise. The system also delivers up to 15% savings on maintenance costs.
The fully hermetic scroll compressor and economiser helps increase refrigeration capacity during pull-down by 40%, while cutting the chance of refrigerant escape by 50%. When plugged into the electrical grid on standby, the Vector HE 19 MT is also 19% more efficient, meaning it delivers reduced diesel, maintenance and electricity bills.

“The list of benefits we get from the new Vector HE 19 MT are fantastic. Not only do they help us deliver on the environmental front, but they also drive down operating and running costs – which in the current climate is extremely important,” said Mackirdy.

John Mackirdy has also opted for Carrier Transicold’s advanced telematics package for the first time. Using two-way communication, the system offers the ability to remotely alter set points or operation modes, as well as initiate defrosts, pre-trip checks, and clear alarms from any connected device. The new Vector HE 19 MT also features Carrier Transicold’s DataCOLD™ 600 temperature recorder, which provides easy access to a wealth of information on unit performance.

The new unit is also covered by everCOLD™, Carrier Transicold’s fixed cost, full-service maintenance package that includes annual temperature control testing and certification, full regulatory checks and access to Carrier Transicold’s oneCALL™ 24/7 incident management service. These innovative service and technology enhancements ensure the safe transport of perishables, which aligns with Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Programme. Expected to stay in operation for 10 years, the new trailer will transport goods for a variety of customers. However, it will primarily be used for the distribution of food products from a local producer into mainland Scotland.

Agility Reports KD15.3m Net Profit for Q3

Posted on by David Priestman

Agility, a leading global logistics provider, today reported Q3 earnings of 8 fils per share on a net profit of KD 15.3 million, a decrease of 29.4% compared with the same period a year earlier. EBITDA declined 1.9% to KD 46.5 million, and revenue was flat at KD 403 million. Nine-month earnings stood at 16.47 fils per share on net profit of KD 31.5 million, a decrease of 50.4% over the same period in 2019. EBITDA declined 14.1% to KD 122.4 million, and revenue declined 0.7% to KD 1,168 million.

Tarek Sultan, Agility Vice Chairman and CEO, said: “While we – like many businesses – are still feeling the impact of COVID-19 we are also seeing recovery across most of our business lines, albeit with each business recovering at a different pace. Agility benefited from early and decisive measures taken to contain costs and preserve cash, and is well poised to navigate what is likely to continue to be a volatile market for some time. Agility remains committed to investing in technology that will transform our industry, expanding our digital logistics offerings, and bringing world-class warehousing infrastructure to fast-growing emerging markets.”

Global Integrated Logistics Q3 EBITDA was KD 18.5 million, a 35.2% increase from the same period in 2019. The improvement was primarily driven by significant cost reductions across the business. GIL’s Q3 net revenue was KD 71.4 million, 5.1% higher than the same period in 2019. Along with net revenue increases in Air Freight and Contract Logistics, there were net revenue declines in Ocean Freight, Fairs & Events and Project Logistics. GIL gross revenue was KD 305.7 million, a 7.3% increase from same period in 2019.  The Q3 Air Freight NR increase of 39.1% was driven by continued demand for exceptional shipments related to the Life Sciences vertical. Ocean Freight NR declined 14.5% when compared with Q3 2019, as a result of volume and yield compression. Air Freight and Ocean Freight volumes decreased in Q3 vs. same period in 2019, as a result of customers’ demand and production disruption arising from COVID-19 as well as capacity constraints.

Contract Logistics continues to experience strong growth (12.7% net revenue growth), mainly in the MEA Region (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE), where there was strong performance at new facilities, along with increased efficiencies. Fairs & Events (F&E) has been hurt significantly by Coronavirus-related event postponements and cancellations. Starting in Q1, GIL introduced a range of cost reduction measures intended to ensure continued strength of EBITDA performance in anticipation of falling global trade volumes. This positions GIL well for operating in the current environment. GIL continues to focus on operational productivity as well as customer solutions to respond to the changing market environment.

Agility’s Infrastructure Companies

Agility’s Infrastructure group EBITDA declined 16.5% to KD 31.6 million during the third quarter. UPAC, NAS and GCS were primarily responsible for the decrease, each reporting significant declines as a result of the pandemic. In contrast, Agility Logistics Parks (ALP) and Tristar proved resilient during this pandemic. Infrastructure group net revenue fell 24.4%, and gross revenue declined 15%. ALP experienced revenue growth of 5.6% in the third quarter. ALP continues to see increased demand for warehousing spaces from customers that are mainly suppliers of necessity goods. ALP is moving ahead with the developments in Kuwait, Saudi and Africa to meet customers demand.

Tristar, a fully integrated liquid logistics company, posted a 15.9% revenue decline mainly due to commercial fuel sales. Maritime segment has shown a healthy growth due to the deployment of new vessels on long term contract. Fuel Farm segment also reported an increase in revenue as compared to same period last year. At the profitability level, Tristar have achieved improvement in earnings mainly due to contribution from Maritime segment. Tristar contractual business model helped them to be resilient during this crisis and achieve a profitability growth compared to last year.
National Aviation Services (NAS) reported a Q3 revenue decrease of 46.1% but is beginning to see improvements in passenger traffic and flights. NAS Kuwait continues to suffer from the cap imposed by the government on the number of passengers/flights into/out of Kuwait International Airport. Other geographies NAS operate in performed well, and are experiencing a rebound. NAS VIP services and airport lounges have been mostly impacted, where, in most cases, lounges remain closed. Cargo remains a positive subsector for NAS.

The pandemic also has affected performance at United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC), which saw revenues decline in the third quarter compared to last year; primarily due to the cessation of operations at the Kuwait International Airport during the lockdown period and subsequent resumption of traffic at a lower capacity. Business is starting to show signs of gradual recovery as UPAC continues taking measures to reduce the negative impact on its business.

At GCS, Agility’s customs modernization company, revenue fell 30.2% in this quarter compared to the third quarter of 2019 due to the decline in trade movement, though the negative impact of COVID-19 eased during Q3.

Recap of Agility 3rd quarter 2020 Financial Performance:
• Agility’s net profit decreased 29.4% to KD 15.3 million. EPS was 8 fils vs. 11.33 fils a year earlier.
• Agility’s EBITDA decreased 1.9% to KD 46.5 million.
• Agility’s revenue increased by 0.6%, to KD 403 million and net revenue decreased 9.7%.
• GIL revenue increased by 7.3% to KD 305.7 million.
• Infrastructure’s revenue declined 15% to KD 101.7 million.
• Agility enjoys a healthy balance sheet with KD 2.2 billion in assets. Net debt was KD 173.9 million (excluding lease liabilities) as of September 30, 2020. Reported operating cash flow was KD 115.2 million for the first nine months of 2020, an increase of 17.5%. more Agility news here

Agility Reports KD15.3m Net Profit for Q3

Posted on by David Priestman

Agility, a leading global logistics provider, today reported Q3 earnings of 8 fils per share on a net profit of KD 15.3 million, a decrease of 29.4% compared with the same period a year earlier. EBITDA declined 1.9% to KD 46.5 million, and revenue was flat at KD 403 million. Nine-month earnings stood at 16.47 fils per share on net profit of KD 31.5 million, a decrease of 50.4% over the same period in 2019. EBITDA declined 14.1% to KD 122.4 million, and revenue declined 0.7% to KD 1,168 million.

Tarek Sultan, Agility Vice Chairman and CEO, said: “While we – like many businesses – are still feeling the impact of COVID-19 we are also seeing recovery across most of our business lines, albeit with each business recovering at a different pace. Agility benefited from early and decisive measures taken to contain costs and preserve cash, and is well poised to navigate what is likely to continue to be a volatile market for some time. Agility remains committed to investing in technology that will transform our industry, expanding our digital logistics offerings, and bringing world-class warehousing infrastructure to fast-growing emerging markets.”

Global Integrated Logistics Q3 EBITDA was KD 18.5 million, a 35.2% increase from the same period in 2019. The improvement was primarily driven by significant cost reductions across the business. GIL’s Q3 net revenue was KD 71.4 million, 5.1% higher than the same period in 2019. Along with net revenue increases in Air Freight and Contract Logistics, there were net revenue declines in Ocean Freight, Fairs & Events and Project Logistics. GIL gross revenue was KD 305.7 million, a 7.3% increase from same period in 2019.  The Q3 Air Freight NR increase of 39.1% was driven by continued demand for exceptional shipments related to the Life Sciences vertical. Ocean Freight NR declined 14.5% when compared with Q3 2019, as a result of volume and yield compression. Air Freight and Ocean Freight volumes decreased in Q3 vs. same period in 2019, as a result of customers’ demand and production disruption arising from COVID-19 as well as capacity constraints.

Contract Logistics continues to experience strong growth (12.7% net revenue growth), mainly in the MEA Region (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE), where there was strong performance at new facilities, along with increased efficiencies. Fairs & Events (F&E) has been hurt significantly by Coronavirus-related event postponements and cancellations. Starting in Q1, GIL introduced a range of cost reduction measures intended to ensure continued strength of EBITDA performance in anticipation of falling global trade volumes. This positions GIL well for operating in the current environment. GIL continues to focus on operational productivity as well as customer solutions to respond to the changing market environment.

Agility’s Infrastructure Companies

Agility’s Infrastructure group EBITDA declined 16.5% to KD 31.6 million during the third quarter. UPAC, NAS and GCS were primarily responsible for the decrease, each reporting significant declines as a result of the pandemic. In contrast, Agility Logistics Parks (ALP) and Tristar proved resilient during this pandemic. Infrastructure group net revenue fell 24.4%, and gross revenue declined 15%. ALP experienced revenue growth of 5.6% in the third quarter. ALP continues to see increased demand for warehousing spaces from customers that are mainly suppliers of necessity goods. ALP is moving ahead with the developments in Kuwait, Saudi and Africa to meet customers demand.

Tristar, a fully integrated liquid logistics company, posted a 15.9% revenue decline mainly due to commercial fuel sales. Maritime segment has shown a healthy growth due to the deployment of new vessels on long term contract. Fuel Farm segment also reported an increase in revenue as compared to same period last year. At the profitability level, Tristar have achieved improvement in earnings mainly due to contribution from Maritime segment. Tristar contractual business model helped them to be resilient during this crisis and achieve a profitability growth compared to last year.
National Aviation Services (NAS) reported a Q3 revenue decrease of 46.1% but is beginning to see improvements in passenger traffic and flights. NAS Kuwait continues to suffer from the cap imposed by the government on the number of passengers/flights into/out of Kuwait International Airport. Other geographies NAS operate in performed well, and are experiencing a rebound. NAS VIP services and airport lounges have been mostly impacted, where, in most cases, lounges remain closed. Cargo remains a positive subsector for NAS.

The pandemic also has affected performance at United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC), which saw revenues decline in the third quarter compared to last year; primarily due to the cessation of operations at the Kuwait International Airport during the lockdown period and subsequent resumption of traffic at a lower capacity. Business is starting to show signs of gradual recovery as UPAC continues taking measures to reduce the negative impact on its business.

At GCS, Agility’s customs modernization company, revenue fell 30.2% in this quarter compared to the third quarter of 2019 due to the decline in trade movement, though the negative impact of COVID-19 eased during Q3.

Recap of Agility 3rd quarter 2020 Financial Performance:
• Agility’s net profit decreased 29.4% to KD 15.3 million. EPS was 8 fils vs. 11.33 fils a year earlier.
• Agility’s EBITDA decreased 1.9% to KD 46.5 million.
• Agility’s revenue increased by 0.6%, to KD 403 million and net revenue decreased 9.7%.
• GIL revenue increased by 7.3% to KD 305.7 million.
• Infrastructure’s revenue declined 15% to KD 101.7 million.
• Agility enjoys a healthy balance sheet with KD 2.2 billion in assets. Net debt was KD 173.9 million (excluding lease liabilities) as of September 30, 2020. Reported operating cash flow was KD 115.2 million for the first nine months of 2020, an increase of 17.5%. more Agility news here

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