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Month: February 2021

Customer-specific Sideloader AGV

Posted on by David Priestman

Hubtex claims to have launched the world’s first fully automated electric multidirectional sideloader for handling long, heavy and bulky goods: In introducing the PhoeniX AGV, Hubtex further secures its reputation as an automation consultant with a broad range of technologies and partners. In 2021, the customer specific AGV designs will be included in the full product range of electric vehicles for the wood, sheet metal, glass and automotive industries, among others.

The basic model of the new PhoeniX electric multidirectional sideloader was designed by Hubtex for step-by-step automation utilising full electric steering, enabling longer operating times due to its lower energy consumption. Now the manufacturer has developed the fully automated PhoeniX AGV based on this core product. “We are not simply launching yet another AGV solution, we are entering a niche market where there are currently very few automated solutions – the handling of long, heavy and bulky loads,” explains Hans-Joachim Finger, Managing Director of Sales and Purchasing at Hubtex. “The PhoeniX is a perfect example of how the concept can be transferred to our entire range of Hubtex trucks with electric drive.”

The Phoenix AGV has a unique ability to recognise various long goods that protrude beyond the truck, which is crucial for multidirectional sideloaders. The truck also includes dynamic mapping, precise positioning, and block storage as standard. The unique selling points at a glance are:

• Object-based navigation
Using object-based navigation, Hubtex combines the data from navigation sensors, personal protection sensors and machine protection sensors. The personal protection sensors maintain a horizontal protective zone in the direction of travel. The driving speed is automatically reduced until the truck comes to a stop if a person or an object appears in the warning field. In addition, the personal protection scanners are used to accurately steer the AGV into the storage aisle. As well as the personal protection scanners, the truck is fitted with machine protection scanners that protect against collisions. Since the personal protection scanner only monitors a one-dimensional scanning plane at a low height, objects protruding into the path of the truck, for example, cannot be detected. A further navigation scanner acts as an additional safeguard by identifying objects in the vicinity such as cantilever racks, walls or columns. The combined data from the scanners creates an interactive, virtual map of the warehouse. This map is then used to determine the precise position of the Phoenix AGV within the hall and pinpoint the position of the storage location.

• Reliable detection of long loads
Another unique selling point is the patented long goods detection function. This enables long goods to be reliably detected and picked up, with the travel range adjusted accordingly. Unevenly distributed loads or profiles of different lengths can be seen in the detection area of the certified sensors. The load contour facing the truck is scanned for this purpose. The truck detects barcodes to carry out a plausibility check of the transport order and detects vacant spaces which can be accessed by the forks to pick up the load. Accurately determining the load length is of great importance. If the load is significantly longer than the truck, protection zones and routes will need to be adjusted accordingly.

Overcoming future intralogistics challenges

As the requirements of intralogistics continue to grow, so does the focus on the partial or full automation of warehouse processes and their flexibility. Hubtex therefore relies on an integrative concept whereby the solution is individually tailored to the customer. “With our broad range of automation technologies and extensive truck concepts for various handling tasks, we adapt our designs to the requirements of our core industries such as woodworking, steel or automotive,” says Hans-Joachim Finger. “Our consultants determine the suitable level of automation for each individual user and calculate the resulting costs. By asking intuitive questions right from the outset, we are able to provide a coherent and extremely cost-effective AGV solution.”

Empower your Traceability, Boost your Productivity

Posted on by David Priestman

Datalogic, a leader in the automatic data capture and process automation markets, has launched the Matrix™320, the most powerful and compact industrial fixed image-based code reader, capable of providing top performance, flexibility, operator safety, and low Total Cost of Ownership.

The Matrix 320 is the flagship of the well-established and bestselling Matrix range of image-based barcode readers. It brings industry leading performance to traceability applications for both machine builders and end users and can read the most challenging of Direct Part Marked and printed labels. Set up couldn’t be easier with the built-in visual feedback and online diagnostics tool. The Matrix 320 is accompanied with a wide range of lenses, smart configurable lighting, filter and accessories for every possible application scenario.

Datalogic have equipped the Matrix 320 with a state of the art 16:9 CMOS sensor that provides 3MP performance from a 2MP sensor. The resulting wide Field of View, greater Depth of Field, and higher speed of operation makes the Matrix 320 the go to solution for all traceability applications in intralogistics, distribution, 3PL, retail logistics, and the shop floor. It also provides the much desired “hands free” material handling capability, whereby it can replace many of the manual scanning operations carried out by human operators using hand held scanners, contributing to greater hygiene and safety, as well as providing velocity to production and logistics operations.

Just like the rest of the Matrix family, the Matrix 320 packs a wide range of industrial features within a compact form factor and can be mounted in the tightest of spaces thanks to its rotating connector. It is the perfect upgrade to the Matrix 300 and Matrix 410N and can easily solve the most challenging applications in harsh industrial environments.

“The great thing about this reader is that it is both very powerful and versatile. The new 2MP sensor provides 3MP performance in a compact modular design, and when combined with the range of available accessories, makes the Matrix 320 the one and only camera to practically address all of our customer application needs.” Giuseppe Centola, Product Marketing Leader at Datalogic.

 

The Matrix 320 has been designed to empower users to solve their traceability applications. Its modular design, high-performance, and wide range of accessories truly make it the one camera for all applications

Empower your Traceability, Boost your Productivity

Posted on by David Priestman

Datalogic, a leader in the automatic data capture and process automation markets, has launched the Matrix™320, the most powerful and compact industrial fixed image-based code reader, capable of providing top performance, flexibility, operator safety, and low Total Cost of Ownership.

The Matrix 320 is the flagship of the well-established and bestselling Matrix range of image-based barcode readers. It brings industry leading performance to traceability applications for both machine builders and end users and can read the most challenging of Direct Part Marked and printed labels. Set up couldn’t be easier with the built-in visual feedback and online diagnostics tool. The Matrix 320 is accompanied with a wide range of lenses, smart configurable lighting, filter and accessories for every possible application scenario.

Datalogic have equipped the Matrix 320 with a state of the art 16:9 CMOS sensor that provides 3MP performance from a 2MP sensor. The resulting wide Field of View, greater Depth of Field, and higher speed of operation makes the Matrix 320 the go to solution for all traceability applications in intralogistics, distribution, 3PL, retail logistics, and the shop floor. It also provides the much desired “hands free” material handling capability, whereby it can replace many of the manual scanning operations carried out by human operators using hand held scanners, contributing to greater hygiene and safety, as well as providing velocity to production and logistics operations.

Just like the rest of the Matrix family, the Matrix 320 packs a wide range of industrial features within a compact form factor and can be mounted in the tightest of spaces thanks to its rotating connector. It is the perfect upgrade to the Matrix 300 and Matrix 410N and can easily solve the most challenging applications in harsh industrial environments.

“The great thing about this reader is that it is both very powerful and versatile. The new 2MP sensor provides 3MP performance in a compact modular design, and when combined with the range of available accessories, makes the Matrix 320 the one and only camera to practically address all of our customer application needs.” Giuseppe Centola, Product Marketing Leader at Datalogic.

 

The Matrix 320 has been designed to empower users to solve their traceability applications. Its modular design, high-performance, and wide range of accessories truly make it the one camera for all applications

Logistics Industry Sees Global Recovery Out of Reach for 2021

Posted on by David Priestman

Supply chain industry executives do not foresee a global economic recovery until 2022 or beyond, despite an expectation that Asia, North America and Europe will rebound this year from the downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of 1,200 industry professionals surveyed for the 2021 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, 51.5% say they don’t expect a full recovery until 2022-2024. They see Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa as the last regions to bounce back.

The survey is part of the 2021 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, the company’s 12th annual snapshot of industry sentiment and ranking of the world’s 50 leading emerging markets.

The Index is a broad gauge of countries’ competitiveness based on their international and domestic logistics strengths and business fundamentals — factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, air cargo carriers and distributors.

In 2021, China and India remain atop the overall Index. Vietnam leaped to No. 8, up three spots, as Asia-Pacific and Gulf markets dominated the top 10. Nigeria rose five spots to No. 30, the highest climb for a Sub-Saharan Africa country in the 12 years of the Index. Gulf countries outperformed most others in business climate, but eight Latin America markets improved their business fundamentals rankings. Malaysia and Nigeria made the most notable upward moves in domestic logistics; Turkey, Brazil, Morocco, Ukraine, Kenya and Myanmar made progress in international logistics competitiveness.

In the survey, logistics executives indicated they see the duration of the pandemic as the biggest factor in determining when global economic activity will return to 2019 levels, viewing U.S.-China trade relations, Brexit, protectionism and other factors as secondary.

“The economic disruption caused by the pandemic is not behind us. Lockdowns and shipping challenges will constrain consumer and business activity through much of 2021,” says Chris Price, CEO of Agility Global Integrated Logistics (GIL). “The companies, markets and regions poised to recover most quickly are likely to be those using digital technology to collect data, share information, get supply chain visibility, and transact with customers and stakeholders.”

How are industry executives trying to protect their supply chains? By a two-to-one margin, they are speeding up adoption of technology and online business capabilities (41.3%) vs. choosing to move production through multi-shoring, near-shoring or reshoring strategies (21.9%).

Logistics executives felt disruption across the entire supply chain in 2020, saying they struggled to cope with port congestion (19.6%), transportation capacity (18.4%), supplies of parts and inputs (16.9%), distribution and delivery (16.1%), maintaining international operations (15.1%), and storage (13.8%).

In their own operations, industry executives say the most acute pain points were planning and forecasting for both supply and demand. Managing orders and cash flow were the areas next most affected by pandemic.

Despite their caution, industry executives are feeling opportunistic about emerging markets. More than half (52.0%) of respondents say they plan to increase business activity in developing markets or say they have more confidence in emerging economies. Only 19.5% say they are less confident in emerging markets.

2021 Index and Survey Highlights 

  • Even when they consider easing dependence on China, few companies plan to bring manufacturing jobs back home. Only 7.8% of industry executives say relocating production from China would mean reshoring to their home countries. Vietnam (19.6%), India (17.4%) and Indonesia (12.4%) are the leading choices for relocation, followed by Thailand (10.3%) and Malaysia (9.6%), according to those surveyed.
  • While total cost is driving overall shifts in production supply chains, today low-cost labor is barely a consideration for emerging markets investment — with only 2.2% of industry executives saying it’s important. Executives say the most important factors are government bureaucracy and regulation (25.8%); infrastructure quality (14.1%); and supply of skilled labor (8.0%). As companies examine new production locations, they say their biggest concerns are inadequate infrastructure (14.5%) and additional cost (13.5%).
  • Of the executives surveyed, 19.1% say 2020 sales decreased as a result of the pandemic. But only 9.4% say COVID-related employee safety measures have decreased efficiency.
  • The sustainability movement has momentum. More than a quarter (26.9) of executives surveyed say their companies are boosting implementation of environmentally sustainable practices in the wake of the pandemic. Another 45.2% say their plans are unchanged, suggesting they have no intention of retreating from sustainability commitments.
  • The most competitive emerging markets are manufacturing powerhouses in Asia and the business-friendly economies in the Gulf region. From Asia, China (1), India (2), Indonesia (3), Malaysia (5) and Vietnam (8) made the top 10. Gulf nations United Arab Emirates (4), Saudi Arabia (6), Qatar (9) also ranked in the top 10. Mexico came in at 7th; Turkey was No. 10.
  • In Latin America, Mexico is the strongest emerging market, ranking 7th overall. Argentina (36) and Venezuela (50) continue to be plagued by chronic economic dysfunction. Notably, though, eight countries in Latin America improved their business fundamentals: Uruguay, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The region’s best business climate is in Chile, which ranks 5th out of 50 countries in that category.
  • Nigeria improved its competitiveness more than any country in the 2021 Index, moving up five spots to No. 30, the highest climb for any market in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 12 years of the Index. Nigeria improved its relative position in all three areas of the Index: business climate, international logistics and domestic logistics.
  • The countries improving their domestic logistics strengths the most were Malaysia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Iran, Uruguay, Myanmar and Cambodia. The biggest strides in international logistics came from Morocco, Ukraine, Kenya, Myanmar and Paraguay.

Transport Intelligence (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, compiled the Index.

John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Ti, says: “The strength of the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index has always been to differentiate between those emerging markets which demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity and those which are more fragile. This year is no exception. Although some – especially China and Vietnam – have been able to rebalance around domestic industrial and consumer demand, the majority are still highly dependent on international markets and investment. A lack of global demand, combined with the breakdown of air and sea logistics networks, has had severe consequences for these economies and societies. As the COVID crisis finally unwinds over the next two years, those most resilient will bounce back the fastest. Inevitably, those which have failed to embrace market, trade, governmental and social reforms will be hardest hit by the fallout from the pandemic.”

Logistics Industry Sees Global Recovery Out of Reach for 2021

Posted on by David Priestman

Supply chain industry executives do not foresee a global economic recovery until 2022 or beyond, despite an expectation that Asia, North America and Europe will rebound this year from the downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of 1,200 industry professionals surveyed for the 2021 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, 51.5% say they don’t expect a full recovery until 2022-2024. They see Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa as the last regions to bounce back.

The survey is part of the 2021 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, the company’s 12th annual snapshot of industry sentiment and ranking of the world’s 50 leading emerging markets.

The Index is a broad gauge of countries’ competitiveness based on their international and domestic logistics strengths and business fundamentals — factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, air cargo carriers and distributors.

In 2021, China and India remain atop the overall Index. Vietnam leaped to No. 8, up three spots, as Asia-Pacific and Gulf markets dominated the top 10. Nigeria rose five spots to No. 30, the highest climb for a Sub-Saharan Africa country in the 12 years of the Index. Gulf countries outperformed most others in business climate, but eight Latin America markets improved their business fundamentals rankings. Malaysia and Nigeria made the most notable upward moves in domestic logistics; Turkey, Brazil, Morocco, Ukraine, Kenya and Myanmar made progress in international logistics competitiveness.

In the survey, logistics executives indicated they see the duration of the pandemic as the biggest factor in determining when global economic activity will return to 2019 levels, viewing U.S.-China trade relations, Brexit, protectionism and other factors as secondary.

“The economic disruption caused by the pandemic is not behind us. Lockdowns and shipping challenges will constrain consumer and business activity through much of 2021,” says Chris Price, CEO of Agility Global Integrated Logistics (GIL). “The companies, markets and regions poised to recover most quickly are likely to be those using digital technology to collect data, share information, get supply chain visibility, and transact with customers and stakeholders.”

How are industry executives trying to protect their supply chains? By a two-to-one margin, they are speeding up adoption of technology and online business capabilities (41.3%) vs. choosing to move production through multi-shoring, near-shoring or reshoring strategies (21.9%).

Logistics executives felt disruption across the entire supply chain in 2020, saying they struggled to cope with port congestion (19.6%), transportation capacity (18.4%), supplies of parts and inputs (16.9%), distribution and delivery (16.1%), maintaining international operations (15.1%), and storage (13.8%).

In their own operations, industry executives say the most acute pain points were planning and forecasting for both supply and demand. Managing orders and cash flow were the areas next most affected by pandemic.

Despite their caution, industry executives are feeling opportunistic about emerging markets. More than half (52.0%) of respondents say they plan to increase business activity in developing markets or say they have more confidence in emerging economies. Only 19.5% say they are less confident in emerging markets.

2021 Index and Survey Highlights 

  • Even when they consider easing dependence on China, few companies plan to bring manufacturing jobs back home. Only 7.8% of industry executives say relocating production from China would mean reshoring to their home countries. Vietnam (19.6%), India (17.4%) and Indonesia (12.4%) are the leading choices for relocation, followed by Thailand (10.3%) and Malaysia (9.6%), according to those surveyed.
  • While total cost is driving overall shifts in production supply chains, today low-cost labor is barely a consideration for emerging markets investment — with only 2.2% of industry executives saying it’s important. Executives say the most important factors are government bureaucracy and regulation (25.8%); infrastructure quality (14.1%); and supply of skilled labor (8.0%). As companies examine new production locations, they say their biggest concerns are inadequate infrastructure (14.5%) and additional cost (13.5%).
  • Of the executives surveyed, 19.1% say 2020 sales decreased as a result of the pandemic. But only 9.4% say COVID-related employee safety measures have decreased efficiency.
  • The sustainability movement has momentum. More than a quarter (26.9) of executives surveyed say their companies are boosting implementation of environmentally sustainable practices in the wake of the pandemic. Another 45.2% say their plans are unchanged, suggesting they have no intention of retreating from sustainability commitments.
  • The most competitive emerging markets are manufacturing powerhouses in Asia and the business-friendly economies in the Gulf region. From Asia, China (1), India (2), Indonesia (3), Malaysia (5) and Vietnam (8) made the top 10. Gulf nations United Arab Emirates (4), Saudi Arabia (6), Qatar (9) also ranked in the top 10. Mexico came in at 7th; Turkey was No. 10.
  • In Latin America, Mexico is the strongest emerging market, ranking 7th overall. Argentina (36) and Venezuela (50) continue to be plagued by chronic economic dysfunction. Notably, though, eight countries in Latin America improved their business fundamentals: Uruguay, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The region’s best business climate is in Chile, which ranks 5th out of 50 countries in that category.
  • Nigeria improved its competitiveness more than any country in the 2021 Index, moving up five spots to No. 30, the highest climb for any market in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 12 years of the Index. Nigeria improved its relative position in all three areas of the Index: business climate, international logistics and domestic logistics.
  • The countries improving their domestic logistics strengths the most were Malaysia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Iran, Uruguay, Myanmar and Cambodia. The biggest strides in international logistics came from Morocco, Ukraine, Kenya, Myanmar and Paraguay.

Transport Intelligence (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, compiled the Index.

John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Ti, says: “The strength of the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index has always been to differentiate between those emerging markets which demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity and those which are more fragile. This year is no exception. Although some – especially China and Vietnam – have been able to rebalance around domestic industrial and consumer demand, the majority are still highly dependent on international markets and investment. A lack of global demand, combined with the breakdown of air and sea logistics networks, has had severe consequences for these economies and societies. As the COVID crisis finally unwinds over the next two years, those most resilient will bounce back the fastest. Inevitably, those which have failed to embrace market, trade, governmental and social reforms will be hardest hit by the fallout from the pandemic.”

Comprehensive Packaging Traceability Project

Posted on by David Priestman

Sitma Machinery — a leading company in the design, construction and marketing of packaging and distribution solutions — has teamed up with Crono Log, an innovative start-up incubated in 2019 for the development of Data Science and Cloud Computing expertise, for a new partnership with the University of Parma. The partnership will facilitate research for a new system of product traceability, monitoring packaging material and parcel contents at every step of the distribution chain. This exemplary case of collaboration between academia and the business world will contribute to technological advancement in the automation sector. It will bring significant impact in terms of guarantee, quality and material sustainability.

Key players: Sitma Machinery, Crono Log, the University of Parma and FT Lab

The University of Parma is participating in the partnership through its Department of Engineering and Architecture, which has worked closely with the world of business and production in managing projects that contribute to scientific progress and effect positive change in manufacturing. The project is managed by FT Lab, a university laboratory with technological skills enabling industry 4.0, including radiofrequency and identification, big data and analytics, simulation, and more. FT Lab is directed by Professor Eleonora Bottani, who is also the university’s main project representative.

Sitma Machinery supports the project through its R&D department. As a startup with less than a year of operation under its belt, Crono Log has already contributed innovative solutions for automated shipment and parcel tracking in the logistics sector. Crono Log will oversee creation of the interface for data management and coordination through mobile and web applications.
The firm, which is part of a wider research and development program, has obtained a regional recognition granting it access to public finance subsidies intended to support projects with particularly innovative features that foster significant technological advances.

The goal: preserving quality and sustainability

The partnership aims to integrate specific hardware and software components to create an intelligent product that allows interception, collection and correlation of data, in order to ensure complete traceability of a product, from packaging material to parcel contents. Possible applications for this solution exist equally in the packaging and consumer goods sectors, where there exists a process derived from a reel-wrapped material. Launched in early 2020, the project began immediately after the summer and aims to have a first working prototype ready by the first quarter of 2021, working within a record-breaking timeframe to prepare for market launch in 2021.

“The collaboration with Sitma is a key part of FT Lab’s growth strategy and has gotten underway with good auspices,” University of Parma representative Eleanor Bottani said. “Our skills are complementary; this creates common ground for the project to forge ahead, with future development margins.”

Innovation stemming from collaboration

The project aims to combine current traceability technologies, from identification of packaging material to package contents, allowing for monitoring throughout the packaging and shipping processes. The system being developed is based on installation of hardware equipment within an automation system that can transform a wrapped material into a reel. The system will then be able to recognize the material used; in real time, it will combine other information related to the product itself in additive optics, creating a complete digital twin.

The goal is to guarantee the traceability and sustainability of the packing or packaging material for all supply chain actors. Data will be available in the cloud to everyone from the producer of consumables to the converter or co-packer, from the brand owner or retailer to the final consumer. The system prototype will be supported by a series of tests to assess its viability, simulating its use in multiple production contexts. Different positioning and use of diverse packaging materials will be studied. Behaviors and performance will also be observed in order to evaluate sustainability-related issues, one of Sitma’s long-term priorities.

“There will be many applications in the industrial field,” said Sitma COO Fabrizio Della Casa. “First, the client — and the end user — will be offered further guarantees to protect product quality and as a measure against counterfeiting. One of the aims is also to ensure sustainability of the materials and the entire process, being able to determine the machine’s Carbon footprint impacts even during their use.”

This project is ultimately (and optimally) aligned with the new path Sitma is setting out for itself. Through the implementation of increasingly broad and innovative services, Sitma aims to position itself as a service provider in addition to a machines and systems supplier. The University of Parma will in turn benefit from the project by experimenting with its radio frequency technology expertise in the context of automation for the packaging and converting sectors.

Comprehensive Packaging Traceability Project

Posted on by David Priestman

Sitma Machinery — a leading company in the design, construction and marketing of packaging and distribution solutions — has teamed up with Crono Log, an innovative start-up incubated in 2019 for the development of Data Science and Cloud Computing expertise, for a new partnership with the University of Parma. The partnership will facilitate research for a new system of product traceability, monitoring packaging material and parcel contents at every step of the distribution chain. This exemplary case of collaboration between academia and the business world will contribute to technological advancement in the automation sector. It will bring significant impact in terms of guarantee, quality and material sustainability.

Key players: Sitma Machinery, Crono Log, the University of Parma and FT Lab

The University of Parma is participating in the partnership through its Department of Engineering and Architecture, which has worked closely with the world of business and production in managing projects that contribute to scientific progress and effect positive change in manufacturing. The project is managed by FT Lab, a university laboratory with technological skills enabling industry 4.0, including radiofrequency and identification, big data and analytics, simulation, and more. FT Lab is directed by Professor Eleonora Bottani, who is also the university’s main project representative.

Sitma Machinery supports the project through its R&D department. As a startup with less than a year of operation under its belt, Crono Log has already contributed innovative solutions for automated shipment and parcel tracking in the logistics sector. Crono Log will oversee creation of the interface for data management and coordination through mobile and web applications.
The firm, which is part of a wider research and development program, has obtained a regional recognition granting it access to public finance subsidies intended to support projects with particularly innovative features that foster significant technological advances.

The goal: preserving quality and sustainability

The partnership aims to integrate specific hardware and software components to create an intelligent product that allows interception, collection and correlation of data, in order to ensure complete traceability of a product, from packaging material to parcel contents. Possible applications for this solution exist equally in the packaging and consumer goods sectors, where there exists a process derived from a reel-wrapped material. Launched in early 2020, the project began immediately after the summer and aims to have a first working prototype ready by the first quarter of 2021, working within a record-breaking timeframe to prepare for market launch in 2021.

“The collaboration with Sitma is a key part of FT Lab’s growth strategy and has gotten underway with good auspices,” University of Parma representative Eleanor Bottani said. “Our skills are complementary; this creates common ground for the project to forge ahead, with future development margins.”

Innovation stemming from collaboration

The project aims to combine current traceability technologies, from identification of packaging material to package contents, allowing for monitoring throughout the packaging and shipping processes. The system being developed is based on installation of hardware equipment within an automation system that can transform a wrapped material into a reel. The system will then be able to recognize the material used; in real time, it will combine other information related to the product itself in additive optics, creating a complete digital twin.

The goal is to guarantee the traceability and sustainability of the packing or packaging material for all supply chain actors. Data will be available in the cloud to everyone from the producer of consumables to the converter or co-packer, from the brand owner or retailer to the final consumer. The system prototype will be supported by a series of tests to assess its viability, simulating its use in multiple production contexts. Different positioning and use of diverse packaging materials will be studied. Behaviors and performance will also be observed in order to evaluate sustainability-related issues, one of Sitma’s long-term priorities.

“There will be many applications in the industrial field,” said Sitma COO Fabrizio Della Casa. “First, the client — and the end user — will be offered further guarantees to protect product quality and as a measure against counterfeiting. One of the aims is also to ensure sustainability of the materials and the entire process, being able to determine the machine’s Carbon footprint impacts even during their use.”

This project is ultimately (and optimally) aligned with the new path Sitma is setting out for itself. Through the implementation of increasingly broad and innovative services, Sitma aims to position itself as a service provider in addition to a machines and systems supplier. The University of Parma will in turn benefit from the project by experimenting with its radio frequency technology expertise in the context of automation for the packaging and converting sectors.

Global Supply Chain Management Provider Secures Investment

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Ligentia, a global supply chain management provider, has today confirmed that Equistone Partners Europe Limited (“Equistone”), the European mid-market private equity investor, has made a significant investment in the business. The financial terms of the investment are undisclosed.

Founded in 1996 by group CEO Nick Jones, Ligentia has a team of 400+ professionals across 25 locations worldwide. The firm manages the international freight and supply chains for some of the world’s leading retailers, consumer brands and healthcare providers. Ligentia recorded revenues of c. £300m in 2020, representing strong year-on-year growth
which is expected to continue.

The investment from Equistone, with its pan-European network of offices, will support Ligentia in delivering its ambitious growth plans through strategic acquisitions. It will also support the enhanced development of Ligentix; Ligentia’s proprietary customer technology platform. Ligentia will continue to be led by its founder and CEO Nick Jones, who alongside the existing management will also invest in the business.

Nick Jones, Founder and CEO of Ligentia, said: “Ligentia has always had an exceptional ability to adapt according to customer and market requirements and we work hard to ensure that customers drive our strategy and ways of working. Over the past 12 months we have adapted again, as our customers and colleagues around the world have endured some of the most challenging times. Our significant investment in our technology platform means we have been able to not only maintain our service to customers but deliver some substantial change in the way we work. That investment has positioned Ligentia at the forefront of change in our sector.

Our new partnership with Equistone will allow increased investment in our business at a time where there is a considerable awareness of global supply chains and the risks that organisations face without the right visibility systems and partners.

Equistone has an exceptional track record of supporting fast-growth global companies like ours, as well as a deep understanding of the market. We are really excited about this next part of our journey with a valuable partner on board.”

Sebastien Leusch, Investment Director at Equistone Partners Europe, said: “Ligentia has 25 years of experience in global supply chain management with some of the world’s most admired brands. Thanks to its strong management team, the business is known  for its particularly high customer service levels, underpinned by a stand-out technology
platform. This unique combination, at a time where the importance of seamless global supply chain management is particularly heightened, makes this investment a particularly exciting one.

We are therefore delighted to have this opportunity to invest and we look forward to working alongside Nick and the wider team on Ligentia’s next phase of growth and product development.”

Global Supply Chain Management Provider Secures Investment

Posted on by David Priestman

Ligentia, a global supply chain management provider, has today confirmed that Equistone Partners Europe Limited (“Equistone”), the European mid-market private equity investor, has made a significant investment in the business. The financial terms of the investment are undisclosed.

Founded in 1996 by group CEO Nick Jones, Ligentia has a team of 400+ professionals across 25 locations worldwide. The firm manages the international freight and supply chains for some of the world’s leading retailers, consumer brands and healthcare providers. Ligentia recorded revenues of c. £300m in 2020, representing strong year-on-year growth
which is expected to continue.

The investment from Equistone, with its pan-European network of offices, will support Ligentia in delivering its ambitious growth plans through strategic acquisitions. It will also support the enhanced development of Ligentix; Ligentia’s proprietary customer technology platform. Ligentia will continue to be led by its founder and CEO Nick Jones, who alongside the existing management will also invest in the business.

Nick Jones, Founder and CEO of Ligentia, said: “Ligentia has always had an exceptional ability to adapt according to customer and market requirements and we work hard to ensure that customers drive our strategy and ways of working. Over the past 12 months we have adapted again, as our customers and colleagues around the world have endured some of the most challenging times. Our significant investment in our technology platform means we have been able to not only maintain our service to customers but deliver some substantial change in the way we work. That investment has positioned Ligentia at the forefront of change in our sector.

Our new partnership with Equistone will allow increased investment in our business at a time where there is a considerable awareness of global supply chains and the risks that organisations face without the right visibility systems and partners.

Equistone has an exceptional track record of supporting fast-growth global companies like ours, as well as a deep understanding of the market. We are really excited about this next part of our journey with a valuable partner on board.”

Sebastien Leusch, Investment Director at Equistone Partners Europe, said: “Ligentia has 25 years of experience in global supply chain management with some of the world’s most admired brands. Thanks to its strong management team, the business is known  for its particularly high customer service levels, underpinned by a stand-out technology
platform. This unique combination, at a time where the importance of seamless global supply chain management is particularly heightened, makes this investment a particularly exciting one.

We are therefore delighted to have this opportunity to invest and we look forward to working alongside Nick and the wider team on Ligentia’s next phase of growth and product development.”

e-Customs Software helps Customs Intermediary Business

Posted on by Keith McKinley

An e-Customs software solution by Descartes Systems Group has helped the EOS Group, who are a Customs Intermediary and who also provide an inclusive delivery and warehousing logistics service spanning across the UK, to transition post Brexit.

The EOS Group who are headquartered in Northern Ireland and are a family-owned business with over 37 years’ experience in the logistics and warehousing industry. With a focus on customer service, attention to detail and advanced proficiency, EOS are now recognised as one of the leading logistics organisations across Europe. Last year, it announced the launch of its customs clearance service, an initiative that provides a seamless import and export experience for new and existing customers. As a key part of this service, Descartes’ e-Customs software solution has helped them cope with a vast increase in customs entries and customs warehousing.

Carol Norval, Director, EOS Customs, comments: “Brexit has presented so much uncertainty across the supply chain and logistics industry, but we were able to prepare ahead of time having implemented Descartes’ e-Customs two years ago. The ability to add modules to the system has undoubtedly given us a competitive advantage specifically around preparing for Brexit. The Northern Ireland (NI) Protocol from the UK government requires GB-NI imports to use HMRC’s new Customs Declaration Service (CDS). Descartes’ e-customs solution is able to work with CDS, and the long-standing relationship made for an easy and seamless implementation and transition post-Brexit. Many of our SME and larger clients were not prepared for the customs procedures and were struggling with the change in required customs, additional paperwork and associated certificates that may or may not be required, but we’re in a position to help them navigate through the complex procedures in order to continue business efficiently.”

Pol Sweeney, VP Sales and Business Manager UK for Descartes adds: “We’re delighted to be working with Eagle Overseas. Many of its customers now require new customs processes as a result of Brexit, and EOS is well prepared to complete the required declarations to allow traders to move goods into NI and ROI from GB as well as continue with international movements. EOS is likely to continue to see an increased customer need for local bonded storage, customs guidance and associated declarations throughout 2021, all of which with the support of our systems can be confidently achieved.

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