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Month: December 2020

Maersk Selects Agility Warehouse in Abidjan

Posted on by David Priestman

Maersk has chosen the new Agility warehouse project in Abidjan to house its new storage, deconsolidation and distribution facility in the economic capital of Cote D’Ivoire.

The newly opened 5,000 SQM facility is designed to handle 3,900 pallet positions and meet the end-to-end requirements of Maersk’s global customers, including those in Retail, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, and Technology.

Thomas Theeuwes, Maersk Central West Africa Managing Director, said: “Maersk has a strong presence in the West Africa market, and we are continuously reviewing our value proposition to ensure we offer competitive end-to-end solutions. The Agility warehouses provide the standard of infrastructure that enables Maersk to offer a consistent experience for both global and local customers, assuring them the same reliable service, security and safety being provided in this facility is on a par with what customers experience in Maersk facilities within Europe and North America.” 

The Agility warehouses are located on the main highway from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro, which leads to neighboring Mali and is strategically situated adjacent to the new PK24 industrial zone of Abidjan. 

Agility is funding and developing 250,000 SQM of warehousing on the site in what will become a center of excellence for warehousing in the region to support businesses operating in and from Cote D’Ivoire. The Agility warehouses provide the essential infrastructure required for both multinational companies and local businesses in the storage, distribution, packaging, processing and light manufacturing sectors. 

Geoffrey White, CEO Agility Africa, said: “We are delighted that Maersk decided to lease warehouse space in the new Agility facility in Abidjan.  Agility is funding and developing a network of warehouse parks across Africa to enable companies to rapidly and easily enter or expand in the African market. 

Agility provides warehouses that are move-in ready, enabling fast deployment, flexibility and reduced capital commitments for our customers. The provision of secure, ready-built, quality, warehouses with consistent power and IT connectivity in the Abidjan market is a true enabler of growth and prosperity in Cote D’Ivoire.” 

Agility announced solar projects in Dubai and Jordan last month to reduce their carbon footprint.

 

 

Sample Dispatch and Archiving

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A décor printing specialist relies on storage solutions from META-Regalbau at its new Service Centre, reports Paul Hamblin.

Arnsberg-based décor printing company Interprint has recently opened a Service Centre as the base of operations for sample dispatch as well as storage of the company’s important sample archive. When selecting the shelf solutions required for its storage base, Interprint opted for META storage systems. META-Regalbau develops, produces and sells stationary and mobile shelf
technology. As a system provider, META deals with all requests relating to warehouse logistics: from advice, planning and project planning to the assembly of storage facilities. META offers its customers complete solutions starting with the initial idea and including project management and support as well as commissioning. The extensive range of shelf systems includes shelving, pallet racks, cantilever racks and mobile racks, flow racks, storage platforms and multistorey rack systems.

With around 1,300 employees worldwide, including 390 at its headquarters in Arnsberg, the Interprint Group is one of the world’s leading décor printing companies. For 50 years, the Interprint philosophy has been ‘Think global, act local’. Wood, stone and creative décors from Interprint adorn the surfaces of many wood-based materials used to create furniture or flooring for use in interior design. In the recently completed building, by coincidence directly adjacent to META, the company’s service department has been amalgamated and centralised. At the same time, the print specialist took on a complex digital challenge with the introduction of a new warehouse management system.

High demands, individual solutions

As one of the world’s leading décor printing companies, Interprint offers a wide range of sample services. To fulfil these services, HPL (High Pressure Laminate) sheets and different types of décor paper rolls of various lengths are stored in the new Service Centre. It was crucial that the different shapes, lengths and weights of the stored samples were taken into account when designing the shelves. Thanks to close co-ordination between Interprint and META-Regalbau, perfect solutions for the various requirements were found or developed over several stages of the project. In addition to the diverse requirements of the stored goods and the official requirements, increased fire protection requirements also had to be met. Among other things, set distances between the
sample rolls and the shelves were necessary to ensure full effect and performance of the installed sprinkler system. Interprint designed special editions of its paper rolls for this purpose.

A décor printing specialist relies on storage solutions from META-Regalbau at its new Service Centre. Susanne Wünsch, Head of Marketing at Interprint, spoke about the co-operation between
the two companies: “Our company attaches great importance to high service quality. The individual storage solution from META is a key element,” she said. “Despite the stringent requirements,
it was a very constructive project with META-Regalbau’s office and field staff,” added Anke Gerling from the décor development department at Interprint.

Variety of shelving systems

Different shelving systems are used at the new Service Centre. The META MINI-RACK shelving system is used to store the décor paper rolls. This versatile long span racking system is the ideal solution for large and heavy single items thanks to the vast storage space and high compartment loads. This system is also the ideal choice for archiving linear metres in tubes of different lengths. Shorter paper tubes are archived in an individual combination of META CLIP side walls with stepped beams.

Décor samples already pressed into laminate sheets (HPL) are clearly arranged in smaller volumes in META CLIP shelving systems divided by full height dividers. The diverse applications and individual solutions at Interprint demonstrate the versatility of the different shelving systems and prove that META can provide the perfect storage system for every storage item.

Sample Dispatch and Archiving

Posted on by David Priestman

A décor printing specialist relies on storage solutions from META-Regalbau at its new Service Centre, reports Paul Hamblin.

Arnsberg-based décor printing company Interprint has recently opened a Service Centre as the base of operations for sample dispatch as well as storage of the company’s important sample archive. When selecting the shelf solutions required for its storage base, Interprint opted for META storage systems. META-Regalbau develops, produces and sells stationary and mobile shelf
technology. As a system provider, META deals with all requests relating to warehouse logistics: from advice, planning and project planning to the assembly of storage facilities. META offers its customers complete solutions starting with the initial idea and including project management and support as well as commissioning. The extensive range of shelf systems includes shelving, pallet racks, cantilever racks and mobile racks, flow racks, storage platforms and multistorey rack systems.

With around 1,300 employees worldwide, including 390 at its headquarters in Arnsberg, the Interprint Group is one of the world’s leading décor printing companies. For 50 years, the Interprint philosophy has been ‘Think global, act local’. Wood, stone and creative décors from Interprint adorn the surfaces of many wood-based materials used to create furniture or flooring for use in interior design. In the recently completed building, by coincidence directly adjacent to META, the company’s service department has been amalgamated and centralised. At the same time, the print specialist took on a complex digital challenge with the introduction of a new warehouse management system.

High demands, individual solutions

As one of the world’s leading décor printing companies, Interprint offers a wide range of sample services. To fulfil these services, HPL (High Pressure Laminate) sheets and different types of décor paper rolls of various lengths are stored in the new Service Centre. It was crucial that the different shapes, lengths and weights of the stored samples were taken into account when designing the shelves. Thanks to close co-ordination between Interprint and META-Regalbau, perfect solutions for the various requirements were found or developed over several stages of the project. In addition to the diverse requirements of the stored goods and the official requirements, increased fire protection requirements also had to be met. Among other things, set distances between the
sample rolls and the shelves were necessary to ensure full effect and performance of the installed sprinkler system. Interprint designed special editions of its paper rolls for this purpose.

A décor printing specialist relies on storage solutions from META-Regalbau at its new Service Centre. Susanne Wünsch, Head of Marketing at Interprint, spoke about the co-operation between
the two companies: “Our company attaches great importance to high service quality. The individual storage solution from META is a key element,” she said. “Despite the stringent requirements,
it was a very constructive project with META-Regalbau’s office and field staff,” added Anke Gerling from the décor development department at Interprint.

Variety of shelving systems

Different shelving systems are used at the new Service Centre. The META MINI-RACK shelving system is used to store the décor paper rolls. This versatile long span racking system is the ideal solution for large and heavy single items thanks to the vast storage space and high compartment loads. This system is also the ideal choice for archiving linear metres in tubes of different lengths. Shorter paper tubes are archived in an individual combination of META CLIP side walls with stepped beams.

Décor samples already pressed into laminate sheets (HPL) are clearly arranged in smaller volumes in META CLIP shelving systems divided by full height dividers. The diverse applications and individual solutions at Interprint demonstrate the versatility of the different shelving systems and prove that META can provide the perfect storage system for every storage item.

Scott Technology Announces Partnership Savoye

Posted on by David Priestman

Automation and robotics solutions provider Scott Technology Limited has announced the signing of a global partnership with Savoye, one of the world’s leading high-speed storage and retrieval system organisation, as a further signal of Scott’s commitment to offering leading technology in its chosen fields of expertise.

The relationship will allow Scott to expand its material handling and logistics systems to include the critical component of automated carton storage and retrieval technology. This will seamlessly integrate with Scott’s own conveying, sorting and palletising applications and enables the company to offer a true end-to-end solution.

Scott CEO John Kippenberger, said: “The material handling and logistics business is already an important part of the Scott global Group. This has largely been focused on Europe given the successful legacy of the Alvey business which Scott acquired in 2018. We are excited about taking this existing carton handling and palletising technology to meat processors, general frozen food manufacturers in several global markets – most notably the United States – and believe the addition of the Savoye technology serves to strengthen this offer.”

The partnership will expand the global reach and harness the natural strengths of both companies. Scott and Savoye have extensive networks of global customers, facilities in multiple countries and a combined history of over 160 years in business.

Savoye Director for Partnerships Hervé Aubert, said: “Savoye is very pleased to enter into this global partnership with Scott which will enable the integration of Savoye’s X-PTS® solution in a market sector where Scott is a strong and renowned player. The combination of Scott’s experience in end-of-line solutions with Savoye’s shuttle based X-PTS® storage solution will enable Scott to propose a comprehensive solution for food applications”.

Both companies have focused efforts on opportunities within the U.S. market, and this strategic alignment will help realise these.
Savoye North America Director Paul Deveikis, said: “We’re glad to enter this partnership where Scott’s and Savoye’s U.S. teams will develop a common solution for U.S. food companies. Savoye North America will be able to accompany and support Scott through our shuttle manufacturing facilities (Aurora Illinois) and integration teams based in the U.S.”.
Scott and Savoye are already well advanced on two large project opportunities, one in Australasia and the other in the United States. https://www.scottautomation.com/news/announcements/scott-announces-strategic-partnership-with-savoye/

Scott Technology Announces Partnership Savoye

Posted on by David Priestman

Automation and robotics solutions provider Scott Technology Limited has announced the signing of a global partnership with Savoye, one of the world’s leading high-speed storage and retrieval system organisation, as a further signal of Scott’s commitment to offering leading technology in its chosen fields of expertise.

The relationship will allow Scott to expand its material handling and logistics systems to include the critical component of automated carton storage and retrieval technology. This will seamlessly integrate with Scott’s own conveying, sorting and palletising applications and enables the company to offer a true end-to-end solution.

Scott CEO John Kippenberger, said: “The material handling and logistics business is already an important part of the Scott global Group. This has largely been focused on Europe given the successful legacy of the Alvey business which Scott acquired in 2018. We are excited about taking this existing carton handling and palletising technology to meat processors, general frozen food manufacturers in several global markets – most notably the United States – and believe the addition of the Savoye technology serves to strengthen this offer.”

The partnership will expand the global reach and harness the natural strengths of both companies. Scott and Savoye have extensive networks of global customers, facilities in multiple countries and a combined history of over 160 years in business.

Savoye Director for Partnerships Hervé Aubert, said: “Savoye is very pleased to enter into this global partnership with Scott which will enable the integration of Savoye’s X-PTS® solution in a market sector where Scott is a strong and renowned player. The combination of Scott’s experience in end-of-line solutions with Savoye’s shuttle based X-PTS® storage solution will enable Scott to propose a comprehensive solution for food applications”.

Both companies have focused efforts on opportunities within the U.S. market, and this strategic alignment will help realise these.
Savoye North America Director Paul Deveikis, said: “We’re glad to enter this partnership where Scott’s and Savoye’s U.S. teams will develop a common solution for U.S. food companies. Savoye North America will be able to accompany and support Scott through our shuttle manufacturing facilities (Aurora Illinois) and integration teams based in the U.S.”.
Scott and Savoye are already well advanced on two large project opportunities, one in Australasia and the other in the United States. https://www.scottautomation.com/news/announcements/scott-announces-strategic-partnership-with-savoye/

New Rugged Tablet for Workers on the Move

Posted on by David Priestman

JLT Mobile Computers, a leading supplier of reliable computers for demanding environments, continues to expand into the rugged tablet PC market and today launches an upgraded version of its popular 10” Windows tablet. The new JLT MT2010P™ tablet offers better performance, improved connectivity, great screen resolution, and a longer-lasting battery, all in a slim and light yet fully-rugged form factor. With such an impressive feature set, the JLT MT2010P is the perfect choice for harsh application environments where access to the full Windows operating system is required on the move.

Against a backdrop of an ever-growing need for data management and real-time visibility across entire operations, the use of mobile technology is continuing to increase in all types of industrial sectors. In its 2020 supply chain industry report, the MHI for instance predicts mobile technology adoption to more than double over the next five years[1]. At the same time, demand for higher performance, improved features, and better mobile device support is also steadily rising.

“With its enhanced performance and functionality, the slender and lightweight JLT MT2010P tablet is perfectly designed to meet the growing mobility needs of the rugged sector,” says Per Holmberg, CEO, JLT Mobile Computers Group. “And our continuously enhanced service offering which provides customers with support throughout the entire product lifetime and even encompasses optional mobile device management, gives customers peace of mind that expert help is at hand should they need it. Last but certainly not least, I expect the continued expansion of our tablet offering to strengthen JLT’s business success, enabling us to leverage the growing market demand in rugged mobile technology.”

Running the full Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system, featuring a power-efficient Intel® Apollo Lake Pentium N4200 processor with turbo boost technology, and a hot-swappable battery with an extended full-shift battery life, the new JLT MT2010P rugged tablet meets the performance requirements of today’s and tomorrow’s applications within warehousing, transportation, ports, yard logistics and many other challenging use cases.

The JLT MT2010P further impresses with a wide range of wireless connectivity options, including 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 and optional 4G LTE next to two USB3.0 ports, sound and various optional expansions such as micro-HDMI. A full range of sensors, comprising an ambient light sensor, G-sensor, gyrometer, and e-Compass, is also provided. Vibration, shock and drop tested to MIL-STD-810G, the deceivingly slender JLT MT2010P tablet is designed to take a punch and can even withstand a four-foot drop onto concrete. It is dust proof and water resistant to IP65 standard and has an operating temperature range of -20 to +50°C/-4 to +122°F, making it suitable for working in most outdoor and indoor conditions. The same goes for the 10” projected capacitive 800 nits multitouch display, which features direct optical bonding and anti-glare protection for enhanced sunlight readability.

The MT2010P rugged tablet is available for order now. Like all JLT products, it can be tailored to individual customer requirements, including additional storage or operating system modifications for improved security.

New Rugged Tablet for Workers on the Move

Posted on by David Priestman

JLT Mobile Computers, a leading supplier of reliable computers for demanding environments, continues to expand into the rugged tablet PC market and today launches an upgraded version of its popular 10” Windows tablet. The new JLT MT2010P™ tablet offers better performance, improved connectivity, great screen resolution, and a longer-lasting battery, all in a slim and light yet fully-rugged form factor. With such an impressive feature set, the JLT MT2010P is the perfect choice for harsh application environments where access to the full Windows operating system is required on the move.

Against a backdrop of an ever-growing need for data management and real-time visibility across entire operations, the use of mobile technology is continuing to increase in all types of industrial sectors. In its 2020 supply chain industry report, the MHI for instance predicts mobile technology adoption to more than double over the next five years[1]. At the same time, demand for higher performance, improved features, and better mobile device support is also steadily rising.

“With its enhanced performance and functionality, the slender and lightweight JLT MT2010P tablet is perfectly designed to meet the growing mobility needs of the rugged sector,” says Per Holmberg, CEO, JLT Mobile Computers Group. “And our continuously enhanced service offering which provides customers with support throughout the entire product lifetime and even encompasses optional mobile device management, gives customers peace of mind that expert help is at hand should they need it. Last but certainly not least, I expect the continued expansion of our tablet offering to strengthen JLT’s business success, enabling us to leverage the growing market demand in rugged mobile technology.”

Running the full Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system, featuring a power-efficient Intel® Apollo Lake Pentium N4200 processor with turbo boost technology, and a hot-swappable battery with an extended full-shift battery life, the new JLT MT2010P rugged tablet meets the performance requirements of today’s and tomorrow’s applications within warehousing, transportation, ports, yard logistics and many other challenging use cases.

The JLT MT2010P further impresses with a wide range of wireless connectivity options, including 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 and optional 4G LTE next to two USB3.0 ports, sound and various optional expansions such as micro-HDMI. A full range of sensors, comprising an ambient light sensor, G-sensor, gyrometer, and e-Compass, is also provided. Vibration, shock and drop tested to MIL-STD-810G, the deceivingly slender JLT MT2010P tablet is designed to take a punch and can even withstand a four-foot drop onto concrete. It is dust proof and water resistant to IP65 standard and has an operating temperature range of -20 to +50°C/-4 to +122°F, making it suitable for working in most outdoor and indoor conditions. The same goes for the 10” projected capacitive 800 nits multitouch display, which features direct optical bonding and anti-glare protection for enhanced sunlight readability.

The MT2010P rugged tablet is available for order now. Like all JLT products, it can be tailored to individual customer requirements, including additional storage or operating system modifications for improved security.

Data Collection from Weighing Systems on your Mobile

Posted on by Keith McKinley

RAVAS, a specialist in mobile weighing solutions, recently launched an update of the RAVAS WeightsApp, an app that makes it possible to work smarter with a mobile weighing system. This new and improved version is now available for download.

Display weight on site

It is a common situation in the warehouse: the indicator of the mobile weighing system is too far away for the employee to read directly. RAVAS has the solution for this: the RAVAS WeightsApp. This app makes it possible to display the weighed weight on the spot and directly on a smartphone or tablet. The app also stores the weighed gross weights, together with the tare weight, product code, date, time and ID of the weighing system or operator.

Additional features for greater convenience

But the app goes beyond displaying weighted weight. The stored data set can be viewed at any time and can also be sent as a CSV file to any e-mail address so that it can be imported into a spreadsheet program on a PC. As an additional function, the app makes it possible to download a log file of the RAVAS indicator and send it as a CSV file for technical analysis in case of malfunctions. When working with an Android or iOS device that has an integrated barcode scanner, it can be used to enter product IDs. More information about the RAVAS WeightsApp can be found on the website.

Data Collection from Weighing Systems on your Mobile

Posted on by David Priestman

RAVAS, a specialist in mobile weighing solutions, recently launched an update of the RAVAS WeightsApp, an app that makes it possible to work smarter with a mobile weighing system. This new and improved version is now available for download.

Display weight on site

It is a common situation in the warehouse: the indicator of the mobile weighing system is too far away for the employee to read directly. RAVAS has the solution for this: the RAVAS WeightsApp. This app makes it possible to display the weighed weight on the spot and directly on a smartphone or tablet. The app also stores the weighed gross weights, together with the tare weight, product code, date, time and ID of the weighing system or operator.

Additional features for greater convenience

But the app goes beyond displaying weighted weight. The stored data set can be viewed at any time and can also be sent as a CSV file to any e-mail address so that it can be imported into a spreadsheet program on a PC. As an additional function, the app makes it possible to download a log file of the RAVAS indicator and send it as a CSV file for technical analysis in case of malfunctions. When working with an Android or iOS device that has an integrated barcode scanner, it can be used to enter product IDs. More information about the RAVAS WeightsApp can be found on the website.

Sustainable Innovation

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Bonfiglioli is encouraged by its future opportunities, boosted by a new Bologna production plant and a new frequency inverter series. Paul Hamblin reports.

“Innovation becomes sustainability,” said Fausto Carboni, CEO of Italian gear motor and drive manufacturer Bonfiglioli at a September press conference. He painted a bullish picture of the
company’s recent performance, with revenues up 6.7% at €973 million last year, incorporating EMEA figures up 5% and North America up 20%.

Looking at the much more volatile recent months, he is encouraged by the contrast between April and August numbers this year. He quoted the example of India, down 99% year-on-year in April, for obvious reasons, but up 10% year-on-year in August. In an intriguing signal for the wider economy, he revealed that China will be Bonfiglioli’s most important market in 2020, with numbers boosted by 64% year-on-year in the territory. While Italy, France and Spain are all understandably down by over a half this year, Germany is a predictable outlier, with a less damaging slowdown than its European neighbours. Mr Carboni suggested that Germany’s growth is also boosted by its strong progress with the Circular Economy.

He went on to outline how Bonfiglioli has adapted to virus restrictions with new shift patterns, improved distancing, common space procedures and regular temperature checks of staff. These
have been incorporated at its new plant for industrial gear motors at Bologna. “#WeNeverStop is our new mantra,” he revealed. This promise is illustrated by the launch of a new premium frequency inverter series.

Bonfiglioli says that the new AxiaVert Series provides the ultimate combination of flexibility, modularity and connectivity, aimed at offering an optimal response to specific industrial application requirements across a wide range of sectors and with different degrees of complexity. AxiaVert is now available in 4 sizes, with a power range between 0.25–15 kW. Higher power versions will be released at a later stage.

The advanced digital and open communication protocols, complying with automation and Industry 4.0 standards, allow a smooth integration into automation networks, thanks to the compatibility
with a great variety of fieldbus protocols and machine controllers. Communication encryption is embedded by design in AxiaVert to ensure secure communication. In addition, thanks to
condition monitoring functions on the key inverter components as well as on the gearmotor critical parameters, AxiaVert is able to provide real time diagnostics, energy optimization and
predictive maintenance information related to the motion system up to the entire machine.

The wide range of advanced integrated functional safety functions, in compliance with EN ISO 13849-1 and IEC 61508 international standards, are available in different versions, to select the most suitable option in terms of costs and performance and match the actual needs. This approach simplifies configuration and reduces the need for external safety components, while ensuring a safe and controlled operation of different movements (e.g. lifting applications), thanks to Safe Brake Control and fast spindle axes with Safe Limited Speed, even sensorless.

Thanks to its modular structure and PLC software programmability, the system can be flexibly adapted and customized to meet many different application requirements, by defining the proper
software parameters and functions, and selecting the most suitable hardware modules, such as communication or encoder modules, variants and accessories. In addition, the AxiaVert Series offers a great variety of frame and power sizes, mounting variants and cooling concepts for greater freedom of design.

Great process versatility is ensured by the high compatibility with a wide range of motors (asynchronous, synchronous, synchronous reluctance) and by its high speed, position and torque control
accuracy, both for open and closed loop applications. Finally, user-friendliness is ensured by AxiaManager engineering software for programming, commissioning, operation and monitoring of AxiaVert. AxiaManager is available as a Windows PC GUI and as a mobile App for an instant access to the drive status and configuration with a simplified user interface.

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