Subscribe

Month: November 2020

Expanded Automation Solution Implemented

Posted on by David Priestman

Lyko Group AB, the Nordic region’s leading player in beauty and hair care based in Sweden, is once again relying on the expertise of SSI Schaefer. The company is investing in an expansion of the previously developed automated warehouse solution.

The original solution was commissioned in February, 2020 to increase operational efficiency, optimize storage space and ensure seamless warehouse and material flow management processes. As a result, Lyko’s new automated logistics center was equipped with the shuttle system SSI Cuby, ergonomic work stations, a carton and bin conveying system and the logistics software WAMAS®. According to Rickard Lyko, CEO of Lyko, it was implemented perfectly in time to support rapidly increasing demand: “We are very happy with the solution of SSI Schaefer, which we launched in record time in February. Phase 1 of automation has achieved the planned streamlining and gave us the opportunity to handle the extreme sales growth of 99 percent that we achieved online in the second quarter.”

Lyko plans to begin sales to three additional European markets at the end of 2020, with distribution from the same logistics center in Vansbro, Sweden. The need to maximize storage space and extend the high-performance conveying system is obvious. SSI Schaefer was selected as a general contractor to ensure distribution’s ability to keep up with the ambitious expansion plans.

SSI Schaefer will deliver one of the fastest automation solutions with state-of-the-art technologies to enable the extension of all functional areas – picking, packing, storage and shipping. The existing SSI Cuby shuttle system will be doubled with 45,000 locations and 150 shuttles. In addition to the automated solution, SSI Schaefer will install a mezzanine and three SSI LOGIMAT® Vertical Lift Modules for storing small and medium-sized goods.

“We are pleased to work as a supplier for Lyko in Vansbro. The high-performance we offer will prepare Lyko for its future requirements”, comments Jenny Heinze, Sales Manager SSI Schaefer.

The extended solution will support Lyko’s focus on high-level customer service and delivery terms providing the complete installation without interruption to the current processes running on full capacity at the warehouse. The system is scheduled to be fully upgraded and to go live before Black Friday 2021.

Expanded Automation Solution Implemented

Posted on by David Priestman

Lyko Group AB, the Nordic region’s leading player in beauty and hair care based in Sweden, is once again relying on the expertise of SSI Schaefer. The company is investing in an expansion of the previously developed automated warehouse solution.

The original solution was commissioned in February, 2020 to increase operational efficiency, optimize storage space and ensure seamless warehouse and material flow management processes. As a result, Lyko’s new automated logistics center was equipped with the shuttle system SSI Cuby, ergonomic work stations, a carton and bin conveying system and the logistics software WAMAS®. According to Rickard Lyko, CEO of Lyko, it was implemented perfectly in time to support rapidly increasing demand: “We are very happy with the solution of SSI Schaefer, which we launched in record time in February. Phase 1 of automation has achieved the planned streamlining and gave us the opportunity to handle the extreme sales growth of 99 percent that we achieved online in the second quarter.”

Lyko plans to begin sales to three additional European markets at the end of 2020, with distribution from the same logistics center in Vansbro, Sweden. The need to maximize storage space and extend the high-performance conveying system is obvious. SSI Schaefer was selected as a general contractor to ensure distribution’s ability to keep up with the ambitious expansion plans.

SSI Schaefer will deliver one of the fastest automation solutions with state-of-the-art technologies to enable the extension of all functional areas – picking, packing, storage and shipping. The existing SSI Cuby shuttle system will be doubled with 45,000 locations and 150 shuttles. In addition to the automated solution, SSI Schaefer will install a mezzanine and three SSI LOGIMAT® Vertical Lift Modules for storing small and medium-sized goods.

“We are pleased to work as a supplier for Lyko in Vansbro. The high-performance we offer will prepare Lyko for its future requirements”, comments Jenny Heinze, Sales Manager SSI Schaefer.

The extended solution will support Lyko’s focus on high-level customer service and delivery terms providing the complete installation without interruption to the current processes running on full capacity at the warehouse. The system is scheduled to be fully upgraded and to go live before Black Friday 2021.

Automation Project Goes Live at Ports of Auckland

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The first phase of the Ports of Auckland’s (POAL) straddle carrier (SC) automation project went live in June 2020. By September, 26 container ships had been successfully serviced by the blended fleet of 24 enhanced manual SCs and 27 new automated Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers (A-STRADs).

POAL’s primary aim for converting to automation in this phase is to increase the terminal’s capacity and move the annual terminal throughput from circa 900,000 TEU/year to 1.4 M TEU/year. The Ports of Auckland is New Zealand’s busiest import port. The cooperation between the terminal and Konecranes ensured container handling efficiency while reliability was not compromised throughout the ramp-up.

The fleet of manned SCs were equipped with additional safety control systems that work seamlessly with TBA’s TEAMS Equipment Control System. The new software ensures the entire fleet (whether manual or automated) can be supervised using one management system. Konecranes equipment and TBA’s terminal and equipment software work hand-in-glove so that simulations, testing and ramp-up are as seamless as possible. In this way optimal system performance is swiftly achieved.

Blending an entirely manual fleet of SCs (many already 10 years old) with the 27 new A-STRADs required several key changes to the port’s operations and infrastructure. The first stages of implementation included building the new truck gates operated by the A-STRADs and setting up an interchange area for the “handshake” between the SCs and A-STRADs. As a world-first this development was a key focus area for the team.

Ralf Konnerth, Director Konecranes Automated Horizontal Transport, commented, “In close cooperation with the POAL team, we designed the port’s sectors first-ever dynamic, fenceless and fail-safe interchange area. The innovative system allows stack shuffling between manual SCs and A-STRADs and saves the customer substantial costs in civil works.”

The project has demanded a flexible, end-to-end automation solution executed through agile cooperation between Konecranes, as premier automation system provider, port terminal software pioneer TBA Group and POAL’s team of operations, infrastructure, IT and systems specialists.

“Together Konecranes and TBA are a great team. They worked hard to address our specific needs and took POAL’s high standards comfortably in their stride. I can honestly say that their approach to automation, reaching it in manageable and tailored steps, was the optimal solution for us and we are confident the partnership will yield further great results for the rest of our automation roll-out,” concluded Ross Clarke, Programme Manager – Automation, Ports of Auckland.

This project is part of Konecranes’ Path to Port Automation, where container terminals improve productivity and safety in manageable steps. From smart features up to full automation, the path can include supervised operation and remote operation to smoothly introduce the power of automation. The path to port automation applies to all container handling equipment brands. Full automation can be the final goal, but it doesn’t have to be. Flexibility is the key.

In January 2020, Logistics Business reported on Konecranes having signed contracts with Yilport for the delivery of Automated RTG systems to three of Yilport’s European container terminals, two in Portugal and one in Sweden.

To stay up to date with the latest news, sign up to our newsletter here

 

 

Automation Project Goes Live at Ports of Auckland

Posted on by David Priestman

The first phase of the Ports of Auckland’s (POAL) straddle carrier (SC) automation project went live in June 2020. By September, 26 container ships had been successfully serviced by the blended fleet of 24 enhanced manual SCs and 27 new automated Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers (A-STRADs).

POAL’s primary aim for converting to automation in this phase is to increase the terminal’s capacity and move the annual terminal throughput from circa 900,000 TEU/year to 1.4 M TEU/year. The Ports of Auckland is New Zealand’s busiest import port. The cooperation between the terminal and Konecranes ensured container handling efficiency while reliability was not compromised throughout the ramp-up.

The fleet of manned SCs were equipped with additional safety control systems that work seamlessly with TBA’s TEAMS Equipment Control System. The new software ensures the entire fleet (whether manual or automated) can be supervised using one management system. Konecranes equipment and TBA’s terminal and equipment software work hand-in-glove so that simulations, testing and ramp-up are as seamless as possible. In this way optimal system performance is swiftly achieved.

Blending an entirely manual fleet of SCs (many already 10 years old) with the 27 new A-STRADs required several key changes to the port’s operations and infrastructure. The first stages of implementation included building the new truck gates operated by the A-STRADs and setting up an interchange area for the “handshake” between the SCs and A-STRADs. As a world-first this development was a key focus area for the team.

Ralf Konnerth, Director Konecranes Automated Horizontal Transport, commented, “In close cooperation with the POAL team, we designed the port’s sectors first-ever dynamic, fenceless and fail-safe interchange area. The innovative system allows stack shuffling between manual SCs and A-STRADs and saves the customer substantial costs in civil works.”

The project has demanded a flexible, end-to-end automation solution executed through agile cooperation between Konecranes, as premier automation system provider, port terminal software pioneer TBA Group and POAL’s team of operations, infrastructure, IT and systems specialists.

“Together Konecranes and TBA are a great team. They worked hard to address our specific needs and took POAL’s high standards comfortably in their stride. I can honestly say that their approach to automation, reaching it in manageable and tailored steps, was the optimal solution for us and we are confident the partnership will yield further great results for the rest of our automation roll-out,” concluded Ross Clarke, Programme Manager – Automation, Ports of Auckland.

This project is part of Konecranes’ Path to Port Automation, where container terminals improve productivity and safety in manageable steps. From smart features up to full automation, the path can include supervised operation and remote operation to smoothly introduce the power of automation. The path to port automation applies to all container handling equipment brands. Full automation can be the final goal, but it doesn’t have to be. Flexibility is the key.

In January 2020, Logistics Business reported on Konecranes having signed contracts with Yilport for the delivery of Automated RTG systems to three of Yilport’s European container terminals, two in Portugal and one in Sweden.

To stay up to date with the latest news, sign up to our newsletter here

 

 

MoU to Develop joint Smart Sports Logistics Lab

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+, a leading AI and robotics solutions provider for logistics, and Decathlon China, one of the world’s largest retailers of sporting goods, are pleased to announce that on November 6th, the two industry leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a joint Smart Sports Logistics Lab. The MoU was signed by Yong Zheng, founder and CEO of Geek+ and Bruno Thellier, Transformation Leader at Decathlon during an official ceremony at the China International Import Expo, China’s premier event and largest trade fair.

Under the MoU, Geek+ and Decathlon will jointly explore applying new robotics and software technologies to the supply chain, setting a benchmark for the environmental-friendly and sustainable smart future of the sports retail industry. Geek+ will contribute its newest AMR, AI algorithm, and software, while Decathlon China will focus on strategic supply chain innovation design and land innovative initiatives on its global operational scenarios. Both parties will also invite ecosystem partners, including but not limited to players in software, IoT, 5G sectors, to join the group of innovation and work together to build a global dynamic engine to drive the fast and sustainable industry evolution.

Geek+ founder and CEO, Yong Zheng commented “Decathlon and Geek+ are like-minded partners. We are impressed by their determination to innovate, their vision, and decisive actions, which have made Decathlon an industry leader in supply chain innovation. We’re excited that Geek+ will continue to empower Decathlon in their high-growth future.”

Transformation Leader at Decathlon: Bruno Thellier commented “Technology changes the world, Geek+ and Decathlon are collaborating together in all of our logistics parks in China and we have already achieved game-changing in the sport retails logistics.

Today with Geek+ we are creating the first construction block of an open ecosystem and we believe that LAB will empower our enterprises, will stimulate more market vitality, and will allow more added values in the sports retail industry thanks to the technology. ”

Decathlon, a pioneer in applying RFID technology in retail, has taken an early lead among global retailers in adopting intelligent automation solutions. Geek+ and Decathlon have collaborated in numerous sites in the past three years, including implementing new remote deployments at the height of the Covid19 pandemic, accelerating Decathlon’s automation program. To date, Decathlon has completed the picking automation of all its China warehouses and kicked off the replications of proven-successful solutions to its global warehouses. The robotics warehouses powered by Geek+ have enabled Decathlon to triple the average productivity of labor with an ROI of under three years.

MoU to Develop joint Smart Sports Logistics Lab

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+, a leading AI and robotics solutions provider for logistics, and Decathlon China, one of the world’s largest retailers of sporting goods, are pleased to announce that on November 6th, the two industry leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a joint Smart Sports Logistics Lab. The MoU was signed by Yong Zheng, founder and CEO of Geek+ and Bruno Thellier, Transformation Leader at Decathlon during an official ceremony at the China International Import Expo, China’s premier event and largest trade fair.

Under the MoU, Geek+ and Decathlon will jointly explore applying new robotics and software technologies to the supply chain, setting a benchmark for the environmental-friendly and sustainable smart future of the sports retail industry. Geek+ will contribute its newest AMR, AI algorithm, and software, while Decathlon China will focus on strategic supply chain innovation design and land innovative initiatives on its global operational scenarios. Both parties will also invite ecosystem partners, including but not limited to players in software, IoT, 5G sectors, to join the group of innovation and work together to build a global dynamic engine to drive the fast and sustainable industry evolution.

Geek+ founder and CEO, Yong Zheng commented “Decathlon and Geek+ are like-minded partners. We are impressed by their determination to innovate, their vision, and decisive actions, which have made Decathlon an industry leader in supply chain innovation. We’re excited that Geek+ will continue to empower Decathlon in their high-growth future.”

Transformation Leader at Decathlon: Bruno Thellier commented “Technology changes the world, Geek+ and Decathlon are collaborating together in all of our logistics parks in China and we have already achieved game-changing in the sport retails logistics.

Today with Geek+ we are creating the first construction block of an open ecosystem and we believe that LAB will empower our enterprises, will stimulate more market vitality, and will allow more added values in the sports retail industry thanks to the technology. ”

Decathlon, a pioneer in applying RFID technology in retail, has taken an early lead among global retailers in adopting intelligent automation solutions. Geek+ and Decathlon have collaborated in numerous sites in the past three years, including implementing new remote deployments at the height of the Covid19 pandemic, accelerating Decathlon’s automation program. To date, Decathlon has completed the picking automation of all its China warehouses and kicked off the replications of proven-successful solutions to its global warehouses. The robotics warehouses powered by Geek+ have enabled Decathlon to triple the average productivity of labor with an ROI of under three years.

Recycling Firm invests in Hiab Multilifts

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Three new Hiab MULTILIFTS have been bought by Yorkshire-based waste management firm Sonoco Recycling as part of its ongoing modernization programme.

The hookloaders join a 15-strong fleet which operate across Halifax collecting and redistributing commercial paper and cardboard waste for recycling.

Brian Rhodes, logistics and procurement manager for Sonoco Recycling said: “We have a fleet of vehicles dedicated to the collection of waste paper and cardboard – nine of these are hookloaders.

“We have seen an increase in the number of requests for smaller collections from SMEs as businesses implement new recycling strategies to improve their carbon footprint and save money,” he said.

“To manage this increase in demand we have invested in three Hiab MULTILIFTS because we know they’re one of the most reliable brands in the market. One driver can travel up to 50,000km a year, so it’s really important that we have equipment that keeps moving.

“Thanks to the build quality of the MULTILIFTS hookloaders, we have fewer issues with the equipment. This means less downtime which keeps my customers and my team of drivers happy, because they also want to finish on time.”

Dek Butler, MULTILIFT specialist for Hiab UK said: “Recycling and waste management is a sector which demands high-performance equipment. Our multilift hookloaders are built to perform so waste management is a key sector for us.

“I’m confident Sonoco’s three new hookloaders will help it manage its growing customer base in the region. We’re proud to be a valued supplier for a globally-recognised company.”

Earlier this year Hiab announced the launch if the MULTILIFT Optima 15S and MULTILIFT Optima 25S hooklifts for two and four axle trucks to complete its MULTILIFT Optima product range.

Recycling Firm invests in Hiab Multilifts

Posted on by David Priestman

Three new Hiab MULTILIFTS have been bought by Yorkshire-based waste management firm Sonoco Recycling as part of its ongoing modernization programme.

The hookloaders join a 15-strong fleet which operate across Halifax collecting and redistributing commercial paper and cardboard waste for recycling.

Brian Rhodes, logistics and procurement manager for Sonoco Recycling said: “We have a fleet of vehicles dedicated to the collection of waste paper and cardboard – nine of these are hookloaders.

“We have seen an increase in the number of requests for smaller collections from SMEs as businesses implement new recycling strategies to improve their carbon footprint and save money,” he said.

“To manage this increase in demand we have invested in three Hiab MULTILIFTS because we know they’re one of the most reliable brands in the market. One driver can travel up to 50,000km a year, so it’s really important that we have equipment that keeps moving.

“Thanks to the build quality of the MULTILIFTS hookloaders, we have fewer issues with the equipment. This means less downtime which keeps my customers and my team of drivers happy, because they also want to finish on time.”

Dek Butler, MULTILIFT specialist for Hiab UK said: “Recycling and waste management is a sector which demands high-performance equipment. Our multilift hookloaders are built to perform so waste management is a key sector for us.

“I’m confident Sonoco’s three new hookloaders will help it manage its growing customer base in the region. We’re proud to be a valued supplier for a globally-recognised company.”

Earlier this year Hiab announced the launch if the MULTILIFT Optima 15S and MULTILIFT Optima 25S hooklifts for two and four axle trucks to complete its MULTILIFT Optima product range.

Road Transport Capacity and Prices are Rising Again

Posted on by David Priestman

A new European survey has revealed that road transport demand is picking up, according to TMS supplier Transporeon.

• Compared to September 2020, 6.3% more road transport capacity was available in October on the European spot market.
• Compared to October 2019, less capacity was available (-20.3%).
• The rising price trend that started in June and July with a short interruption in August, continued in October. Compared to September 2020, prices rose by 3.6%.
• Prices have now reached the highest level this year and are above pre-crisis level.
• Year on year, prices have also risen by 1.2% compared to October 2019.
• The rise in the price level can be explained by the fact that the level of available capacity has been low for several months and prices are adjusting with a slight delay.
• The automotive industry continues its recovery, as shown by the rising prices on the spot market (+4.7% compared to September 2020). The decrease in available capacity (-3.6% compared to the previous month) is part of an ongoing development already observed since June 2020.

This is the result of the current evaluation of the transport market monitor (TMM). The online service is provided by Tim Consult on the basis of transport data of more than 1.8 million freight loads per year. The processed transport data, stemming from the spot market, is provided by Transporeon, Europe’s leading network provider for transport logistics services. The report is based on data available up to 09 November 2020.

“We are currently seeing the first increase in available transport capacities recorded since April this year. At the same time, we observe an ongoing trend for increasing prices. This is a normal development in times of generally low levels of available capacities on the spot market. This month’s data can be read as a sign that the positive price trend observed after the summer break was not just a seasonal phenomenon, but a sign for an economic recovery. The interesting question now is how the second wave of lockdowns in Europe will affect this development.”, said Oliver Kahrs, Managing Director of Tim Consult, a Transporeon subsidiary.

Road Transport Capacity and Prices are Rising Again

Posted on by David Priestman

A new European survey has revealed that road transport demand is picking up, according to TMS supplier Transporeon.

• Compared to September 2020, 6.3% more road transport capacity was available in October on the European spot market.
• Compared to October 2019, less capacity was available (-20.3%).
• The rising price trend that started in June and July with a short interruption in August, continued in October. Compared to September 2020, prices rose by 3.6%.
• Prices have now reached the highest level this year and are above pre-crisis level.
• Year on year, prices have also risen by 1.2% compared to October 2019.
• The rise in the price level can be explained by the fact that the level of available capacity has been low for several months and prices are adjusting with a slight delay.
• The automotive industry continues its recovery, as shown by the rising prices on the spot market (+4.7% compared to September 2020). The decrease in available capacity (-3.6% compared to the previous month) is part of an ongoing development already observed since June 2020.

This is the result of the current evaluation of the transport market monitor (TMM). The online service is provided by Tim Consult on the basis of transport data of more than 1.8 million freight loads per year. The processed transport data, stemming from the spot market, is provided by Transporeon, Europe’s leading network provider for transport logistics services. The report is based on data available up to 09 November 2020.

“We are currently seeing the first increase in available transport capacities recorded since April this year. At the same time, we observe an ongoing trend for increasing prices. This is a normal development in times of generally low levels of available capacities on the spot market. This month’s data can be read as a sign that the positive price trend observed after the summer break was not just a seasonal phenomenon, but a sign for an economic recovery. The interesting question now is how the second wave of lockdowns in Europe will affect this development.”, said Oliver Kahrs, Managing Director of Tim Consult, a Transporeon subsidiary.

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.