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Day: 17 November 2020

Smart Sensors and Cloud Technologies

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Siemens Logistics is taking its proven customer service to the next level with SmartService, a portfolio of cutting-edge solutions to further improve processes. Airports, airlines and parcel centers are thereby able to minimize costly system downtimes and substantially improve system availability. A key element of Siemens’ service approach is predictive maintenance: collected data helps detect changes in the condition of systems and their components at an early stage. Necessary measures such as service, repair and simple cleaning are carried out at the optimum time and resources are used in the best possible way.

“We’re proud to be a reliable lifecycle partner to our customers. With our innovative digital service solutions, we boost the performance of material handling systems and extend the service life of system components,” says Michael Reichle, CEO of Siemens Logistics. “In so doing, we provide our customers with a decisive competitive advantage.”

Siemens’ service approach is based on condition monitoring of the systems, in which mobile and stationary sensors record, for example, vibration and distance measurements of rails and belts as well as forces on chains. If deviations from threshold values established from historical data analysis are identified, customers can plan and carry out targeted maintenance measures and thus avoid downtimes.

The predictive maintenance approach from Siemens is based on condition monitoring and makes full use of advances made in digitalization: Smart applications and highly developed machine learning algorithms evaluate collected data and predict the remaining life of components, such as sorter carriers, belts and motors. To store and analyze the data obtained, Siemens offers the open, cloud-based IoT operating system MindSphere. Evaluations and recommended actions are displayed on user-friendly dashboards. With predictive maintenance, Siemens’ customers can substantially improve the reliability of their systems. At the same time, the deployment of service teams and spare parts management is optimized, and unnecessary work is avoided. This not only lowers costs, but also enhances the safety of service staff.

Siemens Logistics has already implemented SmartService solutions such as Sorter 360 and Motor 360 in both the airport and parcel sector worldwide. Sorter 360 provides customers with valuable data indicating, for example, the degree of wear and tear on sorter carrier rollers. This is achieved by monitoring the vibration and height of moving parts on tilt-tray sorters, such as VarioSort TTS in baggage handling systems, or on cross-belt sorters, like VarioSort EXB in parcel sorting centers. Installation is also possible on third-party sorters. Another solution, Motor 360, focuses on recording and evaluating data that already exists in the system, enabling abnormal current values to be identified in good time.

Smart Sensors and Cloud Technologies

Posted on by David Priestman

Siemens Logistics is taking its proven customer service to the next level with SmartService, a portfolio of cutting-edge solutions to further improve processes. Airports, airlines and parcel centers are thereby able to minimize costly system downtimes and substantially improve system availability. A key element of Siemens’ service approach is predictive maintenance: collected data helps detect changes in the condition of systems and their components at an early stage. Necessary measures such as service, repair and simple cleaning are carried out at the optimum time and resources are used in the best possible way.

“We’re proud to be a reliable lifecycle partner to our customers. With our innovative digital service solutions, we boost the performance of material handling systems and extend the service life of system components,” says Michael Reichle, CEO of Siemens Logistics. “In so doing, we provide our customers with a decisive competitive advantage.”

Siemens’ service approach is based on condition monitoring of the systems, in which mobile and stationary sensors record, for example, vibration and distance measurements of rails and belts as well as forces on chains. If deviations from threshold values established from historical data analysis are identified, customers can plan and carry out targeted maintenance measures and thus avoid downtimes.

The predictive maintenance approach from Siemens is based on condition monitoring and makes full use of advances made in digitalization: Smart applications and highly developed machine learning algorithms evaluate collected data and predict the remaining life of components, such as sorter carriers, belts and motors. To store and analyze the data obtained, Siemens offers the open, cloud-based IoT operating system MindSphere. Evaluations and recommended actions are displayed on user-friendly dashboards. With predictive maintenance, Siemens’ customers can substantially improve the reliability of their systems. At the same time, the deployment of service teams and spare parts management is optimized, and unnecessary work is avoided. This not only lowers costs, but also enhances the safety of service staff.

Siemens Logistics has already implemented SmartService solutions such as Sorter 360 and Motor 360 in both the airport and parcel sector worldwide. Sorter 360 provides customers with valuable data indicating, for example, the degree of wear and tear on sorter carrier rollers. This is achieved by monitoring the vibration and height of moving parts on tilt-tray sorters, such as VarioSort TTS in baggage handling systems, or on cross-belt sorters, like VarioSort EXB in parcel sorting centers. Installation is also possible on third-party sorters. Another solution, Motor 360, focuses on recording and evaluating data that already exists in the system, enabling abnormal current values to be identified in good time.

Doosan Launch low-cost NXE Series Electric Forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

Doosan has launched the NXE Series – a versatile range of four-wheel electric counterbalance forklift trucks suited to the needs of the small-to-medium size enterprise (SME), or where occasional usage or light duties are the norm.

This electric equivalent of Doosan’s ‘value’ GX IC engine range, offers all the advantages of electric power in a series of competitively priced four-wheel models, giving occasional users a reliable low-cost ‘buy new’ alternative to purchasing a second-hand or reconditioned forklift truck.

Available in four models – B20NS, B25NS, B30NS and B35NS – across a capacity range from 2.0 to 3.5 tonnes, the new Doosan NXE Series is engineered to deliver high performance, reliability and safety at a reasonable cost. Productivity is maximised through the combination of a highly efficient IP67 rated Curtis AC controller, high performance motor and robust drive axle – giving optimum power and control over travel and lifting/lowering speeds.

The versatility of electric power is now available to occasional users in a durable and reliable low-cost forklift truck, making it a viable alternative to increasingly regulated IC Engine equivalents. Electric power offers clean operating performance both inside the warehouse and outside in the yard.

Safety-enhancing design features of the new Doosan NXE series include: excellent all round visibility with a clear view forward through the mast, a low front cowl to reduce blind spots and an electronic foot brake for fast, responsive braking.

Safety features include: anti-roll back on slopes, automatic speed control when cornering, automatic parking brake, ISO 3691 hydraulic locking valve – preventing unintentional lowering and tilting of the mast – and an operator sensing system that only allows the truck to operate when the driver is seated. In addition, a large anti-slip plate and entry grab bar make it easy and safe for the driver to climb on and off the vehicle.

The water and dust-proof IP67 rated Curtis AC controller protects against moisture, even when immersed to a depth of one metre, ensuring optimum power and performance throughout, with smooth and responsive travel and hydraulic operation.

Performance is further assured with the IP54 rated AC motor, offering full protection in wet weather, and the single drive axle transmits power and torque with minimal noise.

Braking is made simpler. Unlike conventional hydraulic brakes, the e-motor foot brake directly controls the power delivered to the electric motor – reducing maintenance costs.

Designed for full operator comfort, the spacious cab design offers extra knee clearance, a low step height and floor plate for easier driver access, and excellent all-round visibility for safer manoeuvring with greater awareness. Further features include, ergonomically designed hydraulic levers, with a forward and reverse switch incorporated, making changing direction smooth and effortless, and a full colour display highlights key information on the status of the truck.

The NXE Series has been designed with ease of maintenance in mind. Using a laptop key truck performance parameters can be simply adjusted – no need for special tools – and the fuse and CAN port are centralised for convenience. Access to the battery is straightforward too, with an easy-lift-up hood cylinder and tool-less removable side panel.

Click here for more foklift technology news

HandScanner: Smallest, Lightest Wearable Scanner

Posted on by David Priestman

Datalogic, a global leader in the automatic data capture and factory automation markets, is pleased to announce the launch of the new HandScanner™, the smallest and lightest non-intrusive hands-free scanner designed to streamline workers’ daily operations. This wearable allows workers to use both hands to pick items or packages faster and increase their productivity dramatically

The HandScanner allows workers to be faster, more efficient and improve the quality of their work, saving 4 seconds per scan and cutting reading errors by up to 33%.

The ergonomic design of the HandScanner delivers higher 1D and 2D barcode scanning accuracy, faster scanning times and drastically reduces errors. Workers can easily interact with objects while wearing the HandScanner, as it comfortably adapts to the operators’ natural movement. In addition, users are notified for each successful scan with optical, acoustic, and haptic technology feedback, so they can quickly proceed to the next step.

Compared to ring scanners, the HandScanner is thinner and has the unique advantage of being positioned on the back of the hand. Unlike a ring scanner that is held on the fingers of the worker, the HandScanner is not intrusive, more resistant, and is not exposed to bumps at every movement. Any kind of environment benefits from the HandScanner. Markets such as Transportation and Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail, and Healthcare will benefit from its flexibility and versatility. Workers can perform, among other applications, picking, packing, palletizing, receiving, sorting, shipping, store inventory, price checking, assembly, replenishment, finished product verification, pharmaceutical and laboratory warehouse management.

Customers can optimize the HandScanner’s capabilities by choosing the model that best suits their business requirements. The HandScanner is available in two versions: the “Standard range” is designed for close range scanning, between 10 to 80 cm / 3.9 to 31.4 inch, and fits well for Manufacturing, Retail and Healthcare applications. The ‘Mid-range’ model has a 30 to 150 cm / 11.8 to 59 inch scanning range and is the perfect solution for Transportation & Logistics environments like warehouses, plant floors, docks, and stock yards.

Workers can use a charged device for much longer than a full working shift. The HandScanner is designed to be always up and running. The battery runs up to 15 hours and 10,000 scans and is fully recharged in only 2 hours with its 2-slot charging station.

When staff are scanning while at static, semi-static or dynamic workstations, the data transfers automatically to a connected smartphone, mobile or industrial computer or tablet through Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity.

Paired with Datalogic mobile computers the HandScanner helps streamline processes to eliminate wasted time and steps. The HandScanner is easily coupled with Datalogic handheld (i.e. Memor™ 10 and Memor 20) and vehicle mount computers (i.e. Rhino™ II), providing workers with a complete and top performing solution for data collection.

Volvo Invest to Drive Change in Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Volvo Group Venture Capital has invested in the Swedish tech company Adnavem. With an online marketplace for container freight and a platform that streamlines and simplifies cooperation between parties in a global transportation chain, Adnavem has recently attracted a great many customers, investors and logistics suppliers. The idea behind Adnavem is to shift power from the transport seller to the transport buyer through increased transparency on prices, lead times, carbon dioxide emissions, and data on delivery precision.

“Adnavem is the right kind of modern company, and we see great value in their new technique and innovative business model. It is important for us to be close to the digital transformation taking place in transport and logistics around the world,” says Erik Johansson, Investment Director at Volvo Group Venture Capital.

Digitalization driving change

Transport and logistics is a traditional industry with traditional working methods. Andreas Wramsmyr saw an opportunity to combine a digital marketplace with a brand new business model, which directly links the importer/exporter with the parties providing the actual services in the transport chain.

“Many industries have already used digitalization to eliminate the middlemen whose main task it is to broker services, and now it’s the turn of the transport and logistics sector. New technology is opening up new opportunities, and as companies place higher demands on sustainability and efficiency, a digitally-driven service like Adnavem creates that much more value. Our customers are clearly indicating that they’re looking for new, more efficient ways of working, and they want to reap the rewards of digitalization. We are delighted to be able to offer smart algorithms that optimize each individual transport based on environmental perspective, price or lead time, while the process is controlled automatically for greater business value,” says Wramsmyr, CEO and co-founder of Adnavem.

Adnavem currently operates in Sweden, China and Singapore. With this year’s new capital, the company will enter new markets and continue to develop the marketplace with new services and offerings.

Volvo Invest to Drive Change in Logistics

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Volvo Group Venture Capital has invested in the Swedish tech company Adnavem. With an online marketplace for container freight and a platform that streamlines and simplifies cooperation between parties in a global transportation chain, Adnavem has recently attracted a great many customers, investors and logistics suppliers. The idea behind Adnavem is to shift power from the transport seller to the transport buyer through increased transparency on prices, lead times, carbon dioxide emissions, and data on delivery precision.

“Adnavem is the right kind of modern company, and we see great value in their new technique and innovative business model. It is important for us to be close to the digital transformation taking place in transport and logistics around the world,” says Erik Johansson, Investment Director at Volvo Group Venture Capital.

Digitalization driving change

Transport and logistics is a traditional industry with traditional working methods. Andreas Wramsmyr saw an opportunity to combine a digital marketplace with a brand new business model, which directly links the importer/exporter with the parties providing the actual services in the transport chain.

“Many industries have already used digitalization to eliminate the middlemen whose main task it is to broker services, and now it’s the turn of the transport and logistics sector. New technology is opening up new opportunities, and as companies place higher demands on sustainability and efficiency, a digitally-driven service like Adnavem creates that much more value. Our customers are clearly indicating that they’re looking for new, more efficient ways of working, and they want to reap the rewards of digitalization. We are delighted to be able to offer smart algorithms that optimize each individual transport based on environmental perspective, price or lead time, while the process is controlled automatically for greater business value,” says Wramsmyr, CEO and co-founder of Adnavem.

Adnavem currently operates in Sweden, China and Singapore. With this year’s new capital, the company will enter new markets and continue to develop the marketplace with new services and offerings.

Fast Pack Solution for Fastest-growing Sector

Posted on by David Priestman

The latest machine from Sitma is called ‘Fast Pack’. A high-performing and flexible solution for e-commerce businesses, it’s the product of the company’s fifty years of experience in the packaging industry and expertise in logistics. These two strengths have led not only to Fast Pack’s development, but to an entire portfolio of e-commerce applications for packaging a wide range of goods: from industries like cosmetics and personal care, to clothing, electronics, books, music and media.

Quick and flexible, for constantly changing needs
Fast Pack adopts the same characteristics that have made Sitma a brand leader in machine and system design for the logistics industry. This includes first, its flexibility, meaning it can consecutively prepare packages of various shapes and sizes while working at different speeds, reaching up to 3,500 packages per hour. The machine concept is modular and can be programmed to best suit the line’s layout and the client’s production needs. Fast Pack also handles varying shapes and sizes, measuring the product beforehand to create customized packages. These characteristics make it an ideal solution for fulfillment in the growth-heavy e-commerce industry, where package form and dimensions often vary widely.

Like all machines and systems in the Sitma line-up, Fast Pack is the product of a design philosophy devoted to sustainability. It allows for use of innovative materials with a reduced environmental impact in place of traditional plastic films for packaging, such as paper (from 60 gsm to 150 gsm) or different types of biofilm. The ability to create tailor-made packages also guarantees two advantages: on the one hand, the packaging material is optimized, reducing the amount of product that then has to be disposed of by the end user, and on the other hand, it facilitates transport in later phases of the supply chain, limiting ’empty transport journeys’ as much as possible and optimizing the load of transport vehicles in order to sensibly reduce their carbon footprint.

The new frontier of traceability
Another added value for the line is the option to include an innovative family of accessory units for managing complex data. These integrate and expand the possibilities offered by consolidated technology such as in-line printers and labelers. Sitma has implemented a hardware and software system that allows information tracking when managing e-commerce orders throughout the entire distribution chain, ensuring it is unique and interconnected.

In the preliminary phases, product data is collected and then analyzed, linked and further enhanced. Each product, which includes the package and its content, is assigned a distinct ID number, which is then tracked and traced throughout the whole process. The technology Sitma uses is engineered to be perfectly integrated with the client’s WCS and databases, thereby enhancing the already existing information by adding the possibility to carry out a further data control. All of this ensures greater effectiveness and minimizes the possibility of errors, waste and reworkings.

A family of systems suited to every need in the e-commerce industry
This offer perfectly satisfies the needs of Industry 4.0, which doesn’t stop at the packaging phase. The end-of-line proposal is also highly flexible and automated. It can include integration with weighing and labelling systems, or installation of digital in-line printers for printing transportation information or other details directly on the package. As for the packaging phase, in addition to Fast Pack, Sitma’s line-up of solutions dedicated to e-commerce includes: Quick Pack, Thick Pack and e-Wrap. For more information visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VEo6tnH-0U

Fast Pack Solution for Fastest-growing Sector

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The latest machine from Sitma is called ‘Fast Pack’. A high-performing and flexible solution for e-commerce businesses, it’s the product of the company’s fifty years of experience in the packaging industry and expertise in logistics. These two strengths have led not only to Fast Pack’s development, but to an entire portfolio of e-commerce applications for packaging a wide range of goods: from industries like cosmetics and personal care, to clothing, electronics, books, music and media.

Quick and flexible, for constantly changing needs
Fast Pack adopts the same characteristics that have made Sitma a brand leader in machine and system design for the logistics industry. This includes first, its flexibility, meaning it can consecutively prepare packages of various shapes and sizes while working at different speeds, reaching up to 3,500 packages per hour. The machine concept is modular and can be programmed to best suit the line’s layout and the client’s production needs. Fast Pack also handles varying shapes and sizes, measuring the product beforehand to create customized packages. These characteristics make it an ideal solution for fulfillment in the growth-heavy e-commerce industry, where package form and dimensions often vary widely.

Like all machines and systems in the Sitma line-up, Fast Pack is the product of a design philosophy devoted to sustainability. It allows for use of innovative materials with a reduced environmental impact in place of traditional plastic films for packaging, such as paper (from 60 gsm to 150 gsm) or different types of biofilm. The ability to create tailor-made packages also guarantees two advantages: on the one hand, the packaging material is optimized, reducing the amount of product that then has to be disposed of by the end user, and on the other hand, it facilitates transport in later phases of the supply chain, limiting ’empty transport journeys’ as much as possible and optimizing the load of transport vehicles in order to sensibly reduce their carbon footprint.

The new frontier of traceability
Another added value for the line is the option to include an innovative family of accessory units for managing complex data. These integrate and expand the possibilities offered by consolidated technology such as in-line printers and labelers. Sitma has implemented a hardware and software system that allows information tracking when managing e-commerce orders throughout the entire distribution chain, ensuring it is unique and interconnected.

In the preliminary phases, product data is collected and then analyzed, linked and further enhanced. Each product, which includes the package and its content, is assigned a distinct ID number, which is then tracked and traced throughout the whole process. The technology Sitma uses is engineered to be perfectly integrated with the client’s WCS and databases, thereby enhancing the already existing information by adding the possibility to carry out a further data control. All of this ensures greater effectiveness and minimizes the possibility of errors, waste and reworkings.

A family of systems suited to every need in the e-commerce industry
This offer perfectly satisfies the needs of Industry 4.0, which doesn’t stop at the packaging phase. The end-of-line proposal is also highly flexible and automated. It can include integration with weighing and labelling systems, or installation of digital in-line printers for printing transportation information or other details directly on the package. As for the packaging phase, in addition to Fast Pack, Sitma’s line-up of solutions dedicated to e-commerce includes: Quick Pack, Thick Pack and e-Wrap. For more information visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VEo6tnH-0U

New Production Hub: Recipe for Increased Capacity

Posted on by David Priestman

Dematic has announced completion of a significant project for Gousto, a UK leading recipe box provider, to create a new flagship automated fulfilment centre in Spalding, Lincolnshire. The new production hub, where Gousto’s recipe boxes are created and sent out for delivery, will increase the company’s capacity beyond the 5 million meals per month currently being delivered to homes across the UK.

To meet increased customer demand, Gousto initiated an investment programme designed to step up its capacity, including accelerating plans for multiple new fulfilment centres and creating an additional 1,000 jobs by 2022.

The Company’s second fulfilment centre in Lincolnshire is scheduled to be operational before the end of 2020. Funds from a recent funding round put the value of the business in excess of US$1 billion thus achieving it ‘Tech Unicorn’ status. This will bring forward the opening of a further two Dematic-designed automated facilities which will significantly increase Gousto’s production capacity by automating its fulfilment systems to improve efficiency and throughput.

Timo Boldt, CEO and Founder of Gousto, said: “The UK recipe box market has come of age in 2020, with the lockdown restrictions accelerating trends that were already firmly underway and new customers by the thousands being won over to the variety of meal choice and the convenience of high quality, fresh ingredients being delivered directly to their door.

“As our business continues to thrive and grow, it’s vitally important we have the infrastructure in place to meet rapidly rising levels of demand, whilst providing the best experience for our customers. Automation is at the heart of this strategy for Gousto. Being the only provider in this space with fully automated production facilities enables us to offer by far the most choice and at the lowest price point for our customers. This technology and our partnership with Dematic helps us cement our market leadership.”

Andy Blandford, Managing Director of Northern Europe at Dematic, said: “Gousto is one of the real success stories of the past few years — success that’s now been supercharged by the rise in popularity of recipe boxes.  At these high volumes, when menus and products change on a regular basis, it’s simply not possible to fulfil orders using manual solutions. Automation has provided Gousto with the answer, and they are reaping the rewards with over 100% year-on-year growth.”

All of the new fulfilment centres are powered by Gousto’s proprietary algorithms alongside Dematic’s automation technologies increasing  daily volumes, pick speed and accuracy, whilst reducing costs.

Following the completion of this latest fulfilment centre, plans are now being developed for a new, even larger automated facility. Intended to come online in 2022, this Dematic-designed project is expected to more than double Gousto’s capacity again.

Dematic also announced a new project win in Denmark this August for retailer Reitan Distribution

 

New Production Hub: Recipe for Increased Capacity

Posted on by David Priestman

Dematic has announced completion of a significant project for Gousto, a UK leading recipe box provider, to create a new flagship automated fulfilment centre in Spalding, Lincolnshire. The new production hub, where Gousto’s recipe boxes are created and sent out for delivery, will increase the company’s capacity beyond the 5 million meals per month currently being delivered to homes across the UK.

To meet increased customer demand, Gousto initiated an investment programme designed to step up its capacity, including accelerating plans for multiple new fulfilment centres and creating an additional 1,000 jobs by 2022.

The Company’s second fulfilment centre in Lincolnshire is scheduled to be operational before the end of 2020. Funds from a recent funding round put the value of the business in excess of US$1 billion thus achieving it ‘Tech Unicorn’ status. This will bring forward the opening of a further two Dematic-designed automated facilities which will significantly increase Gousto’s production capacity by automating its fulfilment systems to improve efficiency and throughput.

Timo Boldt, CEO and Founder of Gousto, said: “The UK recipe box market has come of age in 2020, with the lockdown restrictions accelerating trends that were already firmly underway and new customers by the thousands being won over to the variety of meal choice and the convenience of high quality, fresh ingredients being delivered directly to their door.

“As our business continues to thrive and grow, it’s vitally important we have the infrastructure in place to meet rapidly rising levels of demand, whilst providing the best experience for our customers. Automation is at the heart of this strategy for Gousto. Being the only provider in this space with fully automated production facilities enables us to offer by far the most choice and at the lowest price point for our customers. This technology and our partnership with Dematic helps us cement our market leadership.”

Andy Blandford, Managing Director of Northern Europe at Dematic, said: “Gousto is one of the real success stories of the past few years — success that’s now been supercharged by the rise in popularity of recipe boxes.  At these high volumes, when menus and products change on a regular basis, it’s simply not possible to fulfil orders using manual solutions. Automation has provided Gousto with the answer, and they are reaping the rewards with over 100% year-on-year growth.”

All of the new fulfilment centres are powered by Gousto’s proprietary algorithms alongside Dematic’s automation technologies increasing  daily volumes, pick speed and accuracy, whilst reducing costs.

Following the completion of this latest fulfilment centre, plans are now being developed for a new, even larger automated facility. Intended to come online in 2022, this Dematic-designed project is expected to more than double Gousto’s capacity again.

Dematic also announced a new project win in Denmark this August for retailer Reitan Distribution

 

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