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Month: November 2020

Retailer Deploys over 100 Automated Mobile Robots

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+, a global AMR leader, is pleased to announce that Catch.com.au, one of Australia’s leading online retailers, will adopt more than 100 robots through its global integrating partner Körber, bringing new opportunities for the e-commerce marketplace in Australia and New Zealand.

In the past year, Catch.com.au has seen its already rapidly growing business expand with thousands of additional SKUs being added to its already extensive range of brands and products. With a rapidly growing customer base and the prevalence of COVID-19 driving more and more consumers online, the company has been looking for a solution that would allow them to flexibly scale in line with business growth and continue to increase and improve their product and service offering.

Lit Fung, VP and Managing Director of Geek+ APAC, UK and Americas, says: “We are very pleased to see our robots provide Catch.com.au with the flexibility, adaptability, and precision needed to adjust and grow in today’s volatile marketplace. We believe our global partnership with Körber will continue to generate opportunities for us to support companies worldwide with technologies that can streamline operations and promote collaborations for transforming the global supply chain.”

In November, more than 100 Geek+ AMRs will operate 3785 sqm of allocated space within Catch.com.au’s 30,000 sqm facility. By supporting them with the ability to pick an additional 2,000 orders per hour, Catch.com.au will be able to manage an additional 80,000 SKUs over and above its existing range and move one step closer to its aim of offering same-day delivery. “This investment is a significant step for Catch.com.au in its move to offer faster and more convenient fulfilment options for its increasing customer base. We are excited to see where this technology deployment takes us and to seek out further opportunities where we can utilise this kind of agile and flexible technology,” Richard Whetton, Head of Fulfilment at Catch.com.au said.

Geek+ and Körber recently announced a global strategic partnership to provide businesses with smart AMR solutions worldwide. “This partnership is an extension of the success that Körber and Geek+ have had in the Asia Pacific region and will see the innovative AMR solution reach new markets,” Nishan Wijemanne, Managing Director of Körber Supply Chain Asia Pacific and global leader for AMR Solutions at Körber said.

The integration of Geek+ robots in Catch.com.au’s DC is the second step of a successful collaboration that aims to provide businesses worldwide with technology for meeting changes in demand, quickly scale in line with business growth, and provide customers with better products and service capabilities, building resilience through flexibility.

Geek+ is a global technology company leading the intelligent logistics revolution. We apply advanced robotics and AI technologies to realize flexible, reliable, and highly efficient solutions for warehouses and supply chain management. Geek+ counts 300 global customers and has deployed more than 10,000 robots worldwide. Founded in 2015, Geek+ has over 800 employees and is headquartered in Beijing, with offices in Germany, the UK, the US, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Retailer Deploys over 100 Automated Mobile Robots

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+, a global AMR leader, is pleased to announce that Catch.com.au, one of Australia’s leading online retailers, will adopt more than 100 robots through its global integrating partner Körber, bringing new opportunities for the e-commerce marketplace in Australia and New Zealand.

In the past year, Catch.com.au has seen its already rapidly growing business expand with thousands of additional SKUs being added to its already extensive range of brands and products. With a rapidly growing customer base and the prevalence of COVID-19 driving more and more consumers online, the company has been looking for a solution that would allow them to flexibly scale in line with business growth and continue to increase and improve their product and service offering.

Lit Fung, VP and Managing Director of Geek+ APAC, UK and Americas, says: “We are very pleased to see our robots provide Catch.com.au with the flexibility, adaptability, and precision needed to adjust and grow in today’s volatile marketplace. We believe our global partnership with Körber will continue to generate opportunities for us to support companies worldwide with technologies that can streamline operations and promote collaborations for transforming the global supply chain.”

In November, more than 100 Geek+ AMRs will operate 3785 sqm of allocated space within Catch.com.au’s 30,000 sqm facility. By supporting them with the ability to pick an additional 2,000 orders per hour, Catch.com.au will be able to manage an additional 80,000 SKUs over and above its existing range and move one step closer to its aim of offering same-day delivery. “This investment is a significant step for Catch.com.au in its move to offer faster and more convenient fulfilment options for its increasing customer base. We are excited to see where this technology deployment takes us and to seek out further opportunities where we can utilise this kind of agile and flexible technology,” Richard Whetton, Head of Fulfilment at Catch.com.au said.

Geek+ and Körber recently announced a global strategic partnership to provide businesses with smart AMR solutions worldwide. “This partnership is an extension of the success that Körber and Geek+ have had in the Asia Pacific region and will see the innovative AMR solution reach new markets,” Nishan Wijemanne, Managing Director of Körber Supply Chain Asia Pacific and global leader for AMR Solutions at Körber said.

The integration of Geek+ robots in Catch.com.au’s DC is the second step of a successful collaboration that aims to provide businesses worldwide with technology for meeting changes in demand, quickly scale in line with business growth, and provide customers with better products and service capabilities, building resilience through flexibility.

Geek+ is a global technology company leading the intelligent logistics revolution. We apply advanced robotics and AI technologies to realize flexible, reliable, and highly efficient solutions for warehouses and supply chain management. Geek+ counts 300 global customers and has deployed more than 10,000 robots worldwide. Founded in 2015, Geek+ has over 800 employees and is headquartered in Beijing, with offices in Germany, the UK, the US, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Support Connected Manufacturing

Posted on by David Priestman
  • Microlise has joined manufacturers’ organisation MAKE UK, becoming a member alongside the UK’s leading manufacturers and innovators. With significant expertise in the area of connected technology and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Microlise looks forward to collaborating with and supporting members, particularly as the supply chain landscape and trading environment beyond Brexit presents a unique set of challenges that digitisation can do much to overcome.
  • Britain is one of the world’s biggest manufacturing nations, with almost 3 million people working in the sector and delivering almost half of all exports. UK manufacturers drive over 60% of all research and development, driving change and transformation. According to David Midgley, OEM & Channel Director at Microlise, the company’s early involvement has already proved to be constructive:
    “We have taken part in a number of events and webinars and can see lots of potential synergy between ourselves and other like-minded manufacturers. As a proud UK-based designer, developer and manufacturer of the hardware, firmware and applications that underpin our connected platform, and our on-highway telematics and technology solutions, we look forward to participating more widely and to sharing our thirty-plus years of global experience with other members.”
  • Charlotte Horobin, Region Director, Make UK added: “I am delighted to welcome Microlise into the largest community of UK manufacturers. Microlise is an ambitious and dynamic company that brings real technological expertise to the table. I look forward to working with them through Make UK’s portfolio of services, events and network to support their business growth and drive forward technological innovation within the sector.”
  • Nottingham based Microlise is the proud holder of two consecutive Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – International Trade in 2018 and Innovation in 2019, in recognition of the industry-leading solutions we export around the world, most notably to Tata Motors in India. The company works with a number of manufacturers, such as JCB in the off-highway space, and MAN Truck & Bus on-highway, in the UK and across the Middle East & Africa, supporting these world-leading organisations to gain insight into their own products and enhance customer experience, through our connected offering.

Support Connected Manufacturing

Posted on by Keith McKinley
  • Microlise has joined manufacturers’ organisation MAKE UK, becoming a member alongside the UK’s leading manufacturers and innovators. With significant expertise in the area of connected technology and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Microlise looks forward to collaborating with and supporting members, particularly as the supply chain landscape and trading environment beyond Brexit presents a unique set of challenges that digitisation can do much to overcome.
  • Britain is one of the world’s biggest manufacturing nations, with almost 3 million people working in the sector and delivering almost half of all exports. UK manufacturers drive over 60% of all research and development, driving change and transformation. According to David Midgley, OEM & Channel Director at Microlise, the company’s early involvement has already proved to be constructive:
    “We have taken part in a number of events and webinars and can see lots of potential synergy between ourselves and other like-minded manufacturers. As a proud UK-based designer, developer and manufacturer of the hardware, firmware and applications that underpin our connected platform, and our on-highway telematics and technology solutions, we look forward to participating more widely and to sharing our thirty-plus years of global experience with other members.”
  • Charlotte Horobin, Region Director, Make UK added: “I am delighted to welcome Microlise into the largest community of UK manufacturers. Microlise is an ambitious and dynamic company that brings real technological expertise to the table. I look forward to working with them through Make UK’s portfolio of services, events and network to support their business growth and drive forward technological innovation within the sector.”
  • Nottingham based Microlise is the proud holder of two consecutive Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – International Trade in 2018 and Innovation in 2019, in recognition of the industry-leading solutions we export around the world, most notably to Tata Motors in India. The company works with a number of manufacturers, such as JCB in the off-highway space, and MAN Truck & Bus on-highway, in the UK and across the Middle East & Africa, supporting these world-leading organisations to gain insight into their own products and enhance customer experience, through our connected offering.

Agility Announces Solar Projects to Provide Clean Power

Posted on by David Priestman

Agility, a global logistics provider, announced solar projects in Dubai and Jordan that will eventually cut the company’s carbon footprint in the region by 5%.

At Agility’s regional headquarters in Dubai, the solar photovoltaic (PV) plant involves installation of 17,500 panels at three sites with the capacity to generate nearly 8 mega-watts of power at peak. Installation will include a 5.45 MW system at two sites in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), and a 2.6 MW system at the Dubai Investment Park. Once complete, Agility’s solar PV system will generate enough electricity to cover 60% of the energy requirements at the sites and save an estimated 8,838 tons of CO2 each year, roughly equivalent to the emissions generated by trucking 18,000 fully-loaded containers from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

In Jordan, the solar photovoltaic plant will encompass 1,945 panels at Agility’s warehouse in Aqaba, with a capacity of 788 kilo-watt peak. The solar plant will generate enough electricity to cover 100% of the energy requirements and save an estimated 900 tons of CO2 each year.

In both locations, the high-efficiency solar PV panels are designed to optimize energy generation in hot desert climates. The panel systems incorporate robotic cleaning and are waterproofed.

“Globally, Agility’s goal is to reduce its carbon footprint by 25% by 2050. Our investment in these solar projects is a huge step in the right direction and will cut the company’s global emissions by 3%. We are hopeful that it encourages other companies in the region to do the same. We know that greening operations is good for business and good for the planet,” says Elias Monem, CEO Middle East & Africa, Agility GIL.

The project is consistent with the goals of the UAE’s Shams Solar Policy, a local initiative for distributed solar plants in the United Arab Emirates.

In both Dubai and Jordan, Clenergize Solar Consultants was appointed as the project advisors to handle the engineering specifications, tendering, contract management, design reviews and project management.

Earlier this month Agility reported that contract Logistics was continuing to experience strong growth (12.7% net revenue growth), mainly in the MEA Region in their Q3 financial perfromance update. For more information click here

Agility Announces Solar Projects to Provide Clean Power

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Agility, a global logistics provider, announced solar projects in Dubai and Jordan that will eventually cut the company’s carbon footprint in the region by 5%.

At Agility’s regional headquarters in Dubai, the solar photovoltaic (PV) plant involves installation of 17,500 panels at three sites with the capacity to generate nearly 8 mega-watts of power at peak. Installation will include a 5.45 MW system at two sites in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), and a 2.6 MW system at the Dubai Investment Park. Once complete, Agility’s solar PV system will generate enough electricity to cover 60% of the energy requirements at the sites and save an estimated 8,838 tons of CO2 each year, roughly equivalent to the emissions generated by trucking 18,000 fully-loaded containers from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

In Jordan, the solar photovoltaic plant will encompass 1,945 panels at Agility’s warehouse in Aqaba, with a capacity of 788 kilo-watt peak. The solar plant will generate enough electricity to cover 100% of the energy requirements and save an estimated 900 tons of CO2 each year.

In both locations, the high-efficiency solar PV panels are designed to optimize energy generation in hot desert climates. The panel systems incorporate robotic cleaning and are waterproofed.

“Globally, Agility’s goal is to reduce its carbon footprint by 25% by 2050. Our investment in these solar projects is a huge step in the right direction and will cut the company’s global emissions by 3%. We are hopeful that it encourages other companies in the region to do the same. We know that greening operations is good for business and good for the planet,” says Elias Monem, CEO Middle East & Africa, Agility GIL.

The project is consistent with the goals of the UAE’s Shams Solar Policy, a local initiative for distributed solar plants in the United Arab Emirates.

In both Dubai and Jordan, Clenergize Solar Consultants was appointed as the project advisors to handle the engineering specifications, tendering, contract management, design reviews and project management.

Earlier this month Agility reported that contract Logistics was continuing to experience strong growth (12.7% net revenue growth), mainly in the MEA Region in their Q3 financial perfromance update. For more information click here

Brexit: Your Customs Guide

Posted on by David Priestman

The Brexit clock is ticking down to zero. Is your business ready? Customs software company Descartes experts explain what you need to know and how to prepare, regardless of any UK/EU trade deal.

In theory, 2020 should have been the year of ‘Brexit Preparation’, allowing time for businesses that trade with the EU to familiarise themselves with the new customs requirements and plan accordingly. In reality, 2020 has been a year like no other, filled with mass disruption and uncertainty caused by the pandemic. To say that businesses had been distracted would be a significant understatement.

Yet, the final Brexit deadline is approaching fast, and the lack of preparedness is concerning. Andrew Tavener, Head of Marketing at Descartes, urges businesses to act now. “While the supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 have been devastating for many, the customs complexity post-Brexit could bring far greater disruption than we have just experienced. Action must be taken – fast,” he urges. Ready for Brexit? Independent research undertaken by Descartes clearly illustrates this point:

  • – Just 18% of UK businesses believe they are prepared for a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
    – COVID-19 has disrupted two thirds of businesses’ Brexit preparations.
    – 67% of large firms are very or extremely concerned about the impact of Brexit causing longer delays in their supply chain.
    – 40% are concerned about customs declarations impacting their business post-Brexit.

The Brexit transition period ends on December 31st. So it’s easy to see why the lack of certainty surrounding the deal/no-deal between the EU and UK is undermining business clarity. In the autumn 2020 Descartes research 52% thought a UK-EU trade deal was unlikely to be achieved in 2020, yet just 18% were prepared for a ‘no deal’ exit from the EU. The biggest concern in terms of Brexit’s impact on cross border trade is delays to the supply chain (45%). 67% of larger firms are very or extremely concerned about longer delays in their supply chain. Over two thirds (68%) of
healthcare supply chain managers are also concerned about supply chain delays. Tariff payments (40%) and customs declarations (40%) are the next highest concerns.

These illustrate how those organisations and supply chain managers that already have experience of customs declarations have far greater concern about Brexit implications compared to those that have yet to discover the complexity of customs processes. In particular, with consumer behaviour shifting significantly during the pandemic, it is this inexperience that will mean many smaller businesses that rely on ecommerce trading with the EU are likely to get caught out.

Compliance complexity

With or without a deal or no-deal Brexit arrangement, customs declarations will still be required. Even those companies that opt – and are able – to defer import customs declarations for six months, will still be required to keep detailed records of imports. Customs declarations will be mandatory, even for smaller organisations. No longer will they be able to sell goods without
paperwork or post goods abroad as if they were in the UK.

To remain compliant with regulations, companies can either complete declarations in house, or use a customs broker or freight forwarder to handle the process on their behalf. However, using an intermediary could be challenging with the anticipated increase in demand as there are not enough third-party providers to meet demand – Government figures suggest that British companies trading with Europe will have to fill in an extra 215 million customs declarations a year post Brexit.

Businesses do have the option to file directly with HMRC – but those unfamiliar with customs processes may not be confident enough to ensure that the requirements are being carried out to the letter. The complexity can be overwhelming – can they check the requirement for licences for hazardous goods? File the right documentation to ensure no delays at the border? Check the right commodity codes are used? And what about taking advantage of customs authorisations, including Inward Processing, Customs Warehousing, Transit and Customs Freight Simplified Procedures
that could simplify the paperwork requirements for importers trading heavily with the EU or moving goods through multiple territories?

Another element that businesses will have to become familiar with is security filings. While air and sea transport operators will be familiar with security filings, it has not been applicable for road transport within the EU. However, post-Brexit, security filings will be a mandatory requirement for all UK imports and exports, although UK imports will be deferred for 6 months after the Brexit deadline. Unlike customs declarations, which can be submitted when items have already arrived in the UK in a bonded warehouse, security filings are required to be submitted at least two hours before the goods are due to arrive in the UK when transported by road. And if the goods are being transported through the Channel Tunnel by Eurotunnel, a declaration must be submitted at least
one hour before check-in at Coquelles. Read the rest of the article here:

Brexit: Your Customs Guide

Posted on by David Priestman

The Brexit clock is ticking down to zero. Is your business ready? Customs software company Descartes experts explain what you need to know and how to prepare, regardless of any UK/EU trade deal.

In theory, 2020 should have been the year of ‘Brexit Preparation’, allowing time for businesses that trade with the EU to familiarise themselves with the new customs requirements and plan accordingly. In reality, 2020 has been a year like no other, filled with mass disruption and uncertainty caused by the pandemic. To say that businesses had been distracted would be a significant understatement.

Yet, the final Brexit deadline is approaching fast, and the lack of preparedness is concerning. Andrew Tavener, Head of Marketing at Descartes, urges businesses to act now. “While the supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 have been devastating for many, the customs complexity post-Brexit could bring far greater disruption than we have just experienced. Action must be taken – fast,” he urges. Ready for Brexit? Independent research undertaken by Descartes clearly illustrates this point:

  • – Just 18% of UK businesses believe they are prepared for a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
    – COVID-19 has disrupted two thirds of businesses’ Brexit preparations.
    – 67% of large firms are very or extremely concerned about the impact of Brexit causing longer delays in their supply chain.
    – 40% are concerned about customs declarations impacting their business post-Brexit.

The Brexit transition period ends on December 31st. So it’s easy to see why the lack of certainty surrounding the deal/no-deal between the EU and UK is undermining business clarity. In the autumn 2020 Descartes research 52% thought a UK-EU trade deal was unlikely to be achieved in 2020, yet just 18% were prepared for a ‘no deal’ exit from the EU. The biggest concern in terms of Brexit’s impact on cross border trade is delays to the supply chain (45%). 67% of larger firms are very or extremely concerned about longer delays in their supply chain. Over two thirds (68%) of
healthcare supply chain managers are also concerned about supply chain delays. Tariff payments (40%) and customs declarations (40%) are the next highest concerns.

These illustrate how those organisations and supply chain managers that already have experience of customs declarations have far greater concern about Brexit implications compared to those that have yet to discover the complexity of customs processes. In particular, with consumer behaviour shifting significantly during the pandemic, it is this inexperience that will mean many smaller businesses that rely on ecommerce trading with the EU are likely to get caught out.

Compliance complexity

With or without a deal or no-deal Brexit arrangement, customs declarations will still be required. Even those companies that opt – and are able – to defer import customs declarations for six months, will still be required to keep detailed records of imports. Customs declarations will be mandatory, even for smaller organisations. No longer will they be able to sell goods without
paperwork or post goods abroad as if they were in the UK.

To remain compliant with regulations, companies can either complete declarations in house, or use a customs broker or freight forwarder to handle the process on their behalf. However, using an intermediary could be challenging with the anticipated increase in demand as there are not enough third-party providers to meet demand – Government figures suggest that British companies trading with Europe will have to fill in an extra 215 million customs declarations a year post Brexit.

Businesses do have the option to file directly with HMRC – but those unfamiliar with customs processes may not be confident enough to ensure that the requirements are being carried out to the letter. The complexity can be overwhelming – can they check the requirement for licences for hazardous goods? File the right documentation to ensure no delays at the border? Check the right commodity codes are used? And what about taking advantage of customs authorisations, including Inward Processing, Customs Warehousing, Transit and Customs Freight Simplified Procedures
that could simplify the paperwork requirements for importers trading heavily with the EU or moving goods through multiple territories?

Another element that businesses will have to become familiar with is security filings. While air and sea transport operators will be familiar with security filings, it has not been applicable for road transport within the EU. However, post-Brexit, security filings will be a mandatory requirement for all UK imports and exports, although UK imports will be deferred for 6 months after the Brexit deadline. Unlike customs declarations, which can be submitted when items have already arrived in the UK in a bonded warehouse, security filings are required to be submitted at least two hours before the goods are due to arrive in the UK when transported by road. And if the goods are being transported through the Channel Tunnel by Eurotunnel, a declaration must be submitted at least
one hour before check-in at Coquelles. Read the rest of the article here:

New Quarter Pallet Lifter

Posted on by David Priestman

The Danish manufacturer of material handling equipment, Logitrans A/S, has released a new quarter pallet lifter (pictured above) called the DLQ200. It had a a capacity of 200 kg. Due to the one long fork, it is possible for you to handle two quarter pallets at the same time. This can increase efficiency and productivity.

Another feature is that the double quarter pallet lifter also helps the user reach the second quarter pallet at the far end of the EUR pallet. The situation where you normally need to move the EUR pallet and pick the quarter pallet from the other side. Also here, your workflow will be more efficient.

“Our new double quarter pallet lifter, DLQ200, is an indispensable and very efficient partner, when you need to lift two quarter pallets to/from an EUR pallet – and transport them to the requested locations in e.g. supermarkets, storage and packing areas, and gas stations”, says Gitte Kirkegaard, CEO at Logitrans A/S. “If you need to handle and transport one quarter pallet only, we also have solutions for this”.

DLQ200 is very manoeuvrable, and can operate everywhere, also in confined areas. The handle has ergonomically correct gripping angles, which ensures a relaxed hold. The wheels ensure a comfortable and noiseless transport – and they are gentle to the fine floor and flagstone layer in your workplace.

New Quarter Pallet Lifter

Posted on by David Priestman

The Danish manufacturer of material handling equipment, Logitrans A/S, has released a new quarter pallet lifter (pictured above) called the DLQ200. It had a a capacity of 200 kg. Due to the one long fork, it is possible for you to handle two quarter pallets at the same time. This can increase efficiency and productivity.

Another feature is that the double quarter pallet lifter also helps the user reach the second quarter pallet at the far end of the EUR pallet. The situation where you normally need to move the EUR pallet and pick the quarter pallet from the other side. Also here, your workflow will be more efficient.

“Our new double quarter pallet lifter, DLQ200, is an indispensable and very efficient partner, when you need to lift two quarter pallets to/from an EUR pallet – and transport them to the requested locations in e.g. supermarkets, storage and packing areas, and gas stations”, says Gitte Kirkegaard, CEO at Logitrans A/S. “If you need to handle and transport one quarter pallet only, we also have solutions for this”.

DLQ200 is very manoeuvrable, and can operate everywhere, also in confined areas. The handle has ergonomically correct gripping angles, which ensures a relaxed hold. The wheels ensure a comfortable and noiseless transport – and they are gentle to the fine floor and flagstone layer in your workplace.

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