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Month: March 2021

DP World releases film to mark freeport status

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DP World has released a new film to introduce its operations to customers who want to benefit from market leading port-centric logistics in the UK.

DP World’s terminals at Southampton and London Gateway were both part of bids which were awarded freeport status by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in March 2021.

This step-change was secured after DP World – a leading provider of smart logistics solutions, which enables the flow of trade across the globe – invested almost £2 billion in Britain over the last ten years, its largest international investment outside the Middle East.

Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World in the UK, said: “This two-minute film explains the capabilities that we already have in this country and our ambitions for the future.”

“It tells the story of how the flows of trade through Southampton and London Gateway have a positive impact on the lives of ordinary people by supplying them reliably and cost efficiently with the products they consume. Our Southampton terminal can turn vessels around faster than any other UK port, our rapidly expanding port-centric logistics park at London Gateway provides high-quality warehousing and supply chain solutions, and the emphasis on rail across both ports brings significant environmental benefits by taking 300,000 trucks off UK roads each year.

“At DP World we think ahead and create smarter trade solutions, while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on economies, societies and our planet. We are open for business today with customers who want to take advantage of Southampton and London Gateway being awarded freeport status.”

The DP World in the UK film was produced by Studiomade.

STILL provides system comparison at logistics webinar

Posted on by David Priestman

Which system is best suited for automated production supply and disposal? Automated forklift trucks and warehouse trucks, underride AGVs or tugger trains? Answers to these questions were provided by the STILL experts on 30th March 2021, during the webinar “Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for Production Logistics” and based on practical examples.

The most important answer up front: there is no such thing as the ‘jack-of-all-trades’ in this area either. There are strengths and weaknesses in each system, depending on the application.

However, it is a fact that the automation of production logistics significantly increases profitability in production. This is a point on which Noë van Bergen, Head of Automated Solutions at STILL, Florian Kratzer, International Key Account Manager Automated Solutions and expert for underride AGVs at the Hamburg-based intralogistics provider, and Herbert Fischer, Head of Business Segment Tugger Train at STILL, agreed during the event.

To achieve this, however, it is important to find the right balance in terms of time, money, energy and manpower. This depends on many factors, such as the choice of load carriers, the type of warehouse, the form of material transfer as well as the space available in the production area.

Automated forklift and warehouse trucks

Compared to underride AGVs and tugger trains, automated forklift trucks and warehouse equipment are particularly effective when existing manual processes are automated without significant changes, according to Noë van Bergen. The equipment is ideally suited to deal with existing infrastructure, such as rack or floor storage locations.

“Forklift and warehouse technology solutions show their advantages not only horizontally, but also vertically,” argued the expert. In addition, there is the load compatibility. The forklift and warehouse technology-based equipment is capable of transporting very different load carriers, such as pallets or wire mesh boxes, even from great heights in the warehouse to different transfer points in production. In addition, these automated vehicles are also cost-effective.

Van Bergen: “Forklift and warehouse technology-based applications in production supply have a really good return on investment. Most of the time we talk about a return on investment (ROI) of less than three years.”

Underride AGVs

Florian Kratzer spoke out in favour of the underride AGVs, which – in contrast to STILL’s automated forklift and warehouse technology solutions – were designed as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) from the outset.

“The vehicles are small enough to fit under the load carriers and can handle loads of up to 1.5 tonnes thanks to the integrated lifting mechanism. With excellent manoeuvrability, they can easily reach almost any position in production,” emphasised the STILL expert, who particularly praised the great flexibility of this automation solution:

“When comparing different systems, they feature the best accessibility in the field of product transfer. They can reach even deep into production areas – right up to the production worker on the assembly line.” This is due to the minimal space requirements of the underride AGVs, as their dimensions are limited to the size of the load carrier.

Kratzer: “We can easily carry out just-in-time deliveries with them. In addition, this provides a basis for automated dynamic route optimisation on the system side. And this at very low cost. Because with the deckload vehicle, costs are definitely well below those of a forklift truck and even below those of a tugger train.”

Tugger train systems

For Herbert Fischer, the tugger train is the tool of choice when it comes to automating production logistics. “If the system is planned correctly, tugger trains in production can combine both delivery and disposal of load carriers at the respective station in just one step. To be specific: Three tugger train systems handle roughly the same amount of material, for which the other two systems require up to about 15 vehicles, causing a lot of traffic in all directions. Bundled transport offers clear advantages here,” reasoned Fischer.

However, he also admitted that, especially at the beginning as well as in the case of full automation, considerable investment is necessary for a tugger train installation.

Fischer: “Due to the small number of units required, however, this investment is also kept within limits.”

Conclusion

So which is really the ideal solution for automating production logistics?

While the forklift truck clearly scores in terms of the infrastructure of the transfer points as well as the required buffer space for pallets, the underride AGVs stand out in terms of space requirements. They can manoeuvre far into the production area and thus get exactly to where the goods are needed. The bundled tugger train systems, on the other hand, prove their strengths especially in the improvement of lean production processes, such as sequencing.

“We see that the choice of automation in production logistics depends very much on the application. At STILL, we decide together with our customers on the best solution for their particular application following detailed consultation. At the end of the day, we do not sell the individual product, but suitable solutions for the respective requirement,” concluded Noë van Bergen.

Cotton On optimises operations with Vanderlande sortation solution

Posted on by David Priestman

The Cotton On Group, one of Australia’s largest global retailers, has once again selected Vanderlande’s flexible TRAYSORTER solution in order to optimise the processes within its distribution centre (DC) in Avalon Victoria.

The Group’s DC serves both Australian retail stores and online customers. The Cotton On Group acquired its first Vanderlande TRAYSORTER in 2018, and following the success of this project, has now begun live operations with its second TRAYSORTER in the same facility.

The Cotton On Group has eight brands, operates over 1,400 stores in 20 countries, and employs 20,000 team members across the world. In 2018, it issued a tender for a project that would help to enhance the overall performance at its Avalon Distribution Centre. In response, Vanderlande designed a system that was capable of handling any combination of order type and delivery requirements, as well as adapting seamlessly to the Cotton On Group’s strategic objectives.

The system makes use of a TRAYSORTER – a highly flexible flat sorter, also known as a ‘Bombay sorter’. It is suitable for handling a wide range of products, from apparel, accessories and small parcels, to shoe boxes and multimedia items.

The TRAYSORTER’s adaptability (supported by its interchangeable tray types) allows the Cotton On Group to meet its various sorting needs. In addition, its modular design means that it is fully scalable and can be adapted to individual requirements. The solution can also adjust easily to fit into an existing warehouse architecture.

General Manager, Cotton On Group Distribution, Andy Sanderson, explains that the first TRAYSORTER significantly improved efficiency and productivity in the distribution centre: “With the Vanderlande solution, we have been able to dramatically reduce the time between picking items through to delivery, as well as improve picking accuracy. The TRAYSORTER also supports a more efficient picking strategy, will help us to achieve sustainable growth, and most importantly, will allow us to continually deliver an excellent service to our customers.

“Given the success of the first project and the positive impact it has had on our DC, the next logical step for us was simple – to add another one! The second TRAYSORTER became operational three weeks ahead of the agreed schedule and we handled the 2020 peaks with ease. We now look on Vanderlande as being a reliable partner to The Cotton On Group.”

Vanderlande’s MD Warehousing Solutions ANZ, Roald de Groot, adds: “Vanderlande has a focus on solutions for specific industries, such as fashion. As a result, we have an in-depth understanding of the complexities involved in running a successful fashion warehousing business. Our scalable solution was the perfect match for the Cotton On Group’s omni-channel distribution approach. Vanderlande is proud to support one of Australia’s retail icons in further optimising its warehouse processes.”

Realising post-Brexit efficiencies with streamlined customs clearances

Posted on by David Priestman

After the Brexit transition period finally ended on 31st December 2020 and with Covid-19 protocols causing disruption to travel, it is clear that the logistics industry has seen a challenging start to 2021, writes Pol Sweeney, VP Sales and Country Manager UK, Descartes.

Despite fair warning for businesses, there have been numerous reports of severely delayed journeys caused by increased customs documentation and ‘Brexit red tape’, exacerbated by the need for hauliers to provide negative Covid tests to travel. The required volumes of declarations has also led to significant wastage of fresh produce, damaging businesses and impacting whole sectors.

Indeed, some 3PL organisations actually halted deliveries in January to the EU or Northern Ireland due to the increase of documentation, showing the true impact of Brexit on supply chains. This not only disrupts logistics operations, but is fundamentally damaging to the UK economy. The government was reportedly encouraging UK companies to set up in Europe to avoid trade disruption, which would inflict companies with yet more costs and take capital away from the country. And with fears of a double-dip recession due to Brexit on top of the already fragile economy due to repeated lockdowns, it is clear that the economy is suffering.

Many have been prepared, but for those that haven’t and that may be in the midst of Brexit-induced disruption, how can a smooth declaration process be achieved in order to reduce issues at the border and prevent further economic loss?

Creating suitable borders 

For organisations importing a large number of items the entire customs process can be significantly accelerated by implementing an ETSF (External Temporary Storage Facility) located at your own business’ site, away from the port. Goods arriving into the UK can be moved to your site (e.g. a business’ premises or distribution centre), where the customs formalities can be managed electronically. In other words, the customs border is effectively moved to your own premises, so customs declarations can be pre-lodged ahead of the goods arriving, enabling the site to operate as if it is the Customs Frontier from a HMRC and Border Force perspective, so long as it is running an approved ETSF solution. Additionally, an inventory system designed to group goods at truck-level could further strengthen the ETSF set up, meaning once a truck physically arrives at your site, the system will trigger the clearance of all it’s consignments so they can be appropriately managed.

An ETSF system gives visibility and audit records to HMRC and Border Force so that if they do want to put a hold on any consignment, the site operator knows instantly which goods are on hold awaiting paperwork or physical inspection – this can also be conducted at the operator’s site. Thereby ensuring smooth declaration processes and reducing the impact of delays and hold-ups at the port.

Certainties for Customs Clearances 

As we have seen, ports such as Dover have faced severe disruption following the end of the Brexit transition period, delaying goods for more than half of UK companies trading with the EU. For trucks needing to transport goods, any clearances that can be moved inland will notably benefit supply chains, especially those looking to quickly clear and distribute or sell products on. This is especially relevant for organisations operating with JIT arrival of parts on trucks. Delays at the border will have a significant impact on their ability to do this, leading to loss of produce and resulting in extra costs.

Certain product categories still require clearance checks at the border for safety reasons, such as meat and dairy products. However, performing as many clearance checks as possible inland both speeds up the process for those vehicles that can go straight to the ETSF and also unlocks efficiencies for those that will still have to complete clearances at the border, benefiting companies that transport different items across multiple categories.

Businesses that import or export from the EU have to be fully aware of customs clearances requirements to protect their operations from economic loss. Import customers declarations from the EU will be required from July 2021. Safety and Security filings (S&S) for goods moving from the UK to the EU  have been a major cause of disruption for haulage and freight companies, as customers are required to submit the shipping instructions up to 2 hours before arrival. This has caused significant disruption and extra costs to the wider supply chain, affecting both businesses and consumers. From 1st January 2022, safety and security filings will also be required from road carriers bringing goods into the UK from the EU.

In addition, traders, hauliers and carriers moving goods through a UK port using the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) are now required to register with the HMRC for the service in order to transport goods through customs. The extra red tape and permissions needed can cause unnecessary delays and disruption if organisations are not successfully registered for the GVMS. Companies should consider having a solution that incorporates the paperwork required to easily move goods, in order to optimise the process. By ensuring certainty of their own clearances, businesses can avoid hold-ups and unlock efficiencies where possible to reduce the risk of further economic damage.

The lesson from the end of the Brexit transition period is that companies need to act now and not wait until deadlines if they want to operate without disruptions.

Minimising Disruption

Now the transition period has ended, businesses need to capitalise on smart solutions to mitigate any more disruption due to Brexit, and with Covid protocols impeding the movement of goods, the time to act is now.

With Brexit causing much uncertainty, a streamlined import or export process that effectively manages customs clearances can help to support the already struggling UK economy. A double-dip recession is a serious concern and the economy is performing poorly. Covid will continue to be a challenge for the remainder of 2021 but companies have the opportunity to prepare against further Brexit disruption and introduce some certainty and security into their cross-border operations.

For more information see www.descartes.com/brexit

 

 

Minebea Intec widens range of industrial scales

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With the introduction of the Puro series of industrial scales, Minebea Intec says its leading technologies are now available in an affordable range.

With an extensive range and a variety of applications, a large number of innovative industrial weighing solutions are now available as part of the Puro range. Minebea Intec says this means that customers benefit from a high-quality product from a leading manufacturer of weighing and inspection technology, that is available at an affordable price. Every model is created with the customer’s requirements in mind.

Just one look at the industrial scale Puro is enough to see why it pays to choose a globally recognised provider of weighing and inspection technologies: thanks to its decades of expertise, Minebea Intec knows what customers consider important. During development, the primary focus was on making the product easy for customers to operate. This is directly reflected in many of the new weighing solution’s features.

Intuitive operation and optimum customer convenience

Large displays on the front and back with LCD backlight guarantee optimal readability, stabilisation in a matter of seconds provides immediate weighing results, and the tactile buttons ensure intuitive operation. Depending on the requirement profile, there are models offering features such as a rear display enabling users to read from both sides, a traffic light LED for checkweighing, and non-slip feet for use in challenging environments. The user interface is universally compatible, making handling easier for the user, regardless which model they are using.

“With Puro, we have reached another milestone.” explains Minebea Intec’s CSO Frank Wieland. “The innovative weighing solution represents the ideal addition to our portfolio, with fast delivery available anywhere in the world thanks to our smart distribution system: with three supply hubs in China, USA and Germany, we are able to ensure that our partners always have the right model in stock – which, in turn, means that the product is quickly available for the customer.”

With this innovative weighing solution, Minebea Intec is adding a fully portable scale with re-chargeable lithium-ion battery to its range. This gives the product up to 500 hours of service life, thereby delivering precise measurement results in the process. The product also impresses thanks to a weighing industry first: Puro is the first industrial scale in the world that can be charged via USB C.

Features like this truly make the Puro series a weighing solution of the future as customers no longer have to rely on often expensive manufacturer-specific power units and thus can charge their scale economically using the standard plug connector.

Convenience, precision and pure innovation

From the development phase onwards, care was taken to ensure the Puro product portfolio would cover a wide range of applications and customer requirements. The product is primarily suited for use in weighing, unit counting or quality control in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries and helps increase quality, efficiency and output of the process.

However, there are no restrictions on how you use the new range of scales, so they could also be used in other places such as specialist retailers.

With the Puro range, the customer benefits from a weighing solution that is intuitive and quick to use and, thanks to its robust materials, can also be used in challenging environments. Thanks to the optional Bluetooth or WiFi module, the Puro models can be connected wirelessly to PCs or printers and can be used in a fully location-independent manner.

Available worldwide and with the customer in just a few days

All models have one thing in common, as Product Manager Lena Silies underlines: “Our brand new industrial scale Puro not only impresses thanks to its design, the features and the versatile portfolio: fast delivery is also guaranteed thanks to distribution via certified partners and the Puro online store. Delivery is triggered online at the push of a button, and the customer has the scale within just a few days.” relates Silies.

A wide range of different models is available, covering a variety of applications. At the time of the market launch, the product portfolio covers compact scales, tabletop and floor scales as well as platform scales for tabletops. The individual models are available in different sizes, capacities and resolutions, thus covering wide range of applications. This is just the start: more products will soon be added to the Puro portfolio on an ongoing basis, so that we can provide our customers with the best possible selection of products.

CFTS warns of need for post-lockdown inspections

Posted on by Keith McKinley

CFTS, the body behind the national standard for Thorough Examinations, has confirmed that any equipment that was out of action (stood down or left idle) for a prolonged period during the latest lockdown is due an inspection before it is recommissioned for service.

Owners and users of work equipment have a legal responsibility to arrange Thorough Examinations, in line with LOLER and PUWER regulations.

CFTS Chairman Geoff Martin says: “The HSE is very clear on the importance of ensuring regular Thorough Examinations throughout the pandemic. Equipment can be dangerous and cause an accident if it’s faulty. The risk is even higher if the equipment has been stored for a long period of time, such as during this latest lockdown. A Thorough Examination will determine if there has been any deterioration over recent weeks and will confirm whether equipment is safe to use.

“It is important to remember that equipment owners do not have to use the inspection provider offered by their insurance company. For example, they are free to choose a local CFTS-accredited examiner, who will assess parts such as the steering, brakes and tyres, in addition to the lifting components, ensuring that the truck is fully fit for purpose.”

Once the work equipment has received a Thorough Examination, it can be recommissioned for service. Owners should refer to the operator’s manual for guidance on the requirements for testing and servicing.

“CFTS-accredited providers are available now and have remained open throughout the pandemic to ensure that all work equipment stays up and running,” adds Geoff Martin. “This third lockdown has been no different, and we encourage all owners and users to get in touch should you have any queries about getting operations going again.”

To find a local CFTS-accredited provider, visit www.thoroughexamination.org/find-an-accredited-examiner

Information on Thorough Examinations and working safely during the pandemic can be found at www.thoroughexamination.org, or call 01344 623 800.

 

Jack Wolfskin achieves greater supply chain transparency

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Outdoor clothing specialist Jack Wolfskin recently completed a milestone in the digitalisation of its value chain. At the end of January 2021, “Forwarder Booking API” from Setlog’s SCM software OSCA was successfully integrated into the transport process. Suppliers of the outdoor brand can now transfer new transport bookings directly via the interface to the booking system of a globally active carrier based in the USA.

The shipping and consignment information is then also imported into OSCA via an interface from the carrier’s Transport Management System (TMS) – and is thus centrally visible in the system for Jack Wolfskin. An additional facilitation is that documents are also transmitted via the interface.

The introduction of Setlog’s Forwarder Booking API is a first for the carrier. In February 2021 alone, transport bookings or shipments of around 500,000 goods were due. The carrier will use direct data exchange in future relations.

The commissioning of the interface brings advantages for all parties involved: Manual work in the system is no longer necessary. Employees of the carrier no longer have to manually summarise transport bookings from suppliers located in China, Vietnam and Thailand, among other countries, and then store the data in OSCA’s shipment mask.

“Thanks to the digital data exchange via OSCA, the carrier receives the booking information of the consignments more quickly and can make both transport data and documents directly available to the partners,” explains Setlog board member Ralf Duester.

For Jack Wolfskin, the use of the interface is a significant step in the digitalisation of the supply chain. “Thanks to the interface, not only will the processes for the logistics service provider be simpler and faster, but it will also make our supply chain more transparent. When we introduced OSCA, our goal was already to break down data silos and reduce e-mail traffic, Excel lists and telephone calls,” emphasises Sabine Engelmann, Senior Manager IT PLM Solutions & P2P Consulting at Jack Wolfskin.

“In principle, companies from the consumer goods industry can only successfully master current challenges such as the change from push to pull markets, the acceleration of ordering processes, and the increasing complexity in procurement and sales if they optimise their processes, collaborate with partners in the value chain, and use digital tools,” reports Setlog board member Duester. “The direct connection of all partners with real-time data exchange along the entire supply chain is becoming increasingly important!”

 

 

Seven-point checklist to help SMEs maximise automation investment

Posted on by David Priestman

Low-CapEx technology is leading SMEs to look at flexible and scalable, warehouse automation as a means to overcoming capacity issues and labour constraints. But how do you ensure a favourable outcome? Craig Whitehouse, Managing Director of Invar Integration, offers a seven-point checklist for design success.

1. Understand future business goals 

The future may be difficult to predict, but important questions on business direction need to be asked. Beyond short-term objectives, such as sales targets and planned promotional peaks, it’s essential to gain insights into the future strategic ambitions of the business.

Any level of investment in automation will be justified by its return on investment over a given period – the faster the better. But corporate goals can change, new opportunities may arise and this could impact product profiles, volumes and formats, along with customer service offerings. Gaining a full understanding of C-suite plans and objectives to a five-year horizon will be invaluable in determining the scope and scale of solution that may be required.

Big questions include: what financial resources are available for any automation project? Limited capital may not preclude automation, as point solutions and scalable technology can be deployed in stages over time. What are the constraints on the warehouse – long or short lease, physical layout, ability to expand? What level of growth is the business expecting year-on-year – is it 20% or more? These are prime considerations for shaping any solution.

Above all else, be clear in setting objectives. What problems are you trying to solve?

2. Examine your pain points

Automation may be adopted for any number of reasons, such as: increasing capacity, reducing reliance on labour, overcoming space constraints, lowering costs, increasing storage density, speeding processes, introducing higher levels of accuracy or enhancing operational resilience. But where in the warehouse can technology be best applied in order to deliver the desired objectives?

It’s important to determine where the bottlenecks and pain points are within current warehouse processes and hence where technology would bring the greatest gains. The answers are not always obvious or may not be as obvious as they sometimes look. Relieving a pressure point may introduce problems elsewhere, so a holistic approach is needed, backed-up by comprehensive data analysis.

3. Analyse the data 

Careful analysis of operational data lies at the heart of the design process and is critical to reaching the best solution. It’s essential to understand the performance of each process. Information relating to order profiles, order volumes, throughput rates, labour costs, volumetrics etc., provides the basis for determining the shape of possible solutions. But it’s a task that requires specialist skills, clever tools and expert advice.

Analysis can be undertaken in a number of different ways. An Excel spreadsheet may be used to generate a broad profile, so a complete set of stock data and orders could reveal what products would make sense to group together in an automated system and what products may, say, be too large, needing a different handling solution. Of course, automation may not always be appropriate – perhaps volumes are not high enough or the product profile is more suited to a manual process.

Experience and expertise pays dividends, as there is always a danger of creating unnecessary complexity. For instance, producing hundreds of different product categories can introduce confusion, resulting in rigid processes and cumbersome, inflexible systems. Similarly, there can be a temptation to use technology where it’s not necessary or an overly sophisticated solution could be overkill.

4. Review appropriate technologies

There are many different technologies that could, potentially, be used – from Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), zone-routing conveyors and flow-racking to cross-belt sorters, pick-to-light systems and automated packaging solutions, to name but a few. However, finding the most effective and appropriate combination for the defined set of objectives requires technical knowledge, creative thinking and access to advanced tools.

Importantly, it helps if you consult an independent systems integrator as, not being bound by any one technology or in-house manufactured solution, they are free to be objective about specifying the right solution for the application. Bringing a combination of technologies together in a cohesive way, based on process efficiency and overall performance, is what counts and much of this depends on the software development and the skills of the integrator to successfully tailor the solution for optimum performance.

5. Model the outcomes/scenarios

Once it has been decided that some form of automation is needed, the next step is to review appropriate technology and model the solution to see how it performs.

Simulation software brings a concept to life. At Invar Group, we have invested in leading-edge 3D simulation technology that enables us to select the most suitable materials handling hardware from a virtual catalogue and place appropriate technologies together as a concept system within the software. Then, by inputting a customer’s real data set, we can apply routing logic to allow us to view its performance and see in advance, any potential bottlenecks in the system.

Testing a concept in this way highlights where in the system there is too much capacity and where there isn’t enough, and hence, where expansion is required. Then you can scenario plan for what ifs, such as twice as many orders, or twice as many products, what if slow movers became fast movers and what happens at peak?

6. Design in flexibility and scalability

Most investments in automation are aimed at increasing capacity to facilitate growth. That’s why designing a system for flexibility and scalability is so important. Using the right technology, a point solution can be expanded to grow with the business – that’s a benefit of modular technology. In recent years, tremendous advances have been made in areas such as mobile robotics and AI, giving SME’s access to low-CapEx solutions with huge benefits.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) offer tremendous flexibility and, importantly, scalability in traditional labour-intensive tasks such as order picking and put-away. AMR systems combined with pick-to-light technology can boost order picking performance from under 100 units per hour using traditional methods, to up to 400 picks per hour, with an ROI that can be as little as 12 months.

Mobile robots may also be used effectively to transport pallets within a warehouse, offering a more flexible alternative to fixed pallet conveyors.

Flexible technology combined with powerful, intelligent software allows for a new way of thinking. A conventional conveyor system is normally installed to an agreed throughput, usually to a projected peak figure. But this results in the asset running below capacity for the majority of the year. On the quietest day it may only handle a tenth of the volume experienced at peak. However, a solution using AMRs could be designed for 70% of peak, with additional robots brought in during peak periods. It’s this level of scalability that offers SMEs a flexible low-entry point to automation.

7. Select an experienced partner 

There may be any number of processes within a warehouse that are found to be a constraint on optimum performance and there are many well-proven technologies that can be deployed – from weighing and auto volumetric sizing of goods received, conveyor runs and ASRS systems, to automated packaging machines, sortation equipment and pick-to-light technology, to name but a few.

Importantly, it is the efficient integration of these processes, technologies and intelligent software that enables fast delivery of a solution and a trouble-free future. An intelligent system, conceived by expert design engineers and implemented by competent controls and software professionals, drives productivity and offers the agility needed to respond to change.

As an independent, full-spectrum automated warehouse solutions provider, Invar Group is free to select the most appropriate technology for the task, and being a multifaceted organisation that brings together skilled individuals with competencies across warehouse management software, systems integration and controls, we take responsibility for the complete turnkey-key system from start to finish.

Robotic solution helps Boa Concept achieve highly secure package transfers

Posted on by Keith McKinley

French robotics company Effidence has released a package transfer solution, Convey-LINK, composed of a conveyor installed on the EffiBOT mobile robot, and a LINK communication box, integrated on the Plug-and-Carry static conveyor.

“We have created the Convey-LINK accessory for EffiBOT by focusing on securing all stages of the transfer of packages between conveyors,” comments Cedric Tessier, President of Effidence. Convey-LINK is based on a transmission technology of coded infrared signals between the mobile conveyor and the LINK box. Working with Boa Concept on a project to manage the quality control of bowls of a famous food processor, an agile and perfectly controlled solution was born. Indeed, LINK and Boa Drive communicate to align Effidence’s mobile conveyor to Boa Concept‘s conveyors and manage the positioning of the conveyed trays with an accuracy of 3mm.

As soon as the EffiBOT is docked in front of the Plug-and-Carry conveyor, a first security is activated. Convey-LINK checks whether the fixed conveyor is actually present and only deactivates the robot’s lateral light curtain that is directed towards it. This is achieved with precise alignment and transmission of a coded signal between the infrared sensors of the robot conveyor and those of the LINK box.

“With this first level of security, we guarantee that the EffiBOT’s conveyor rollers can only engage in front of a fixed conveyor table,” explains Tessier. A second security level is implemented to check the compatibility of the conveyors with each other – in terms of dimensions, roller speed and available space – through Boa Drive, which instantly informs LINK. The final level of security is the real-time synchronisation of the activation of each conveyor’s rollers. Using once again this infrared technology and Boa Drive’s ability to communicate easily with other control systems, a direct and instantaneous communication is ensured between these conveyors to provide a smooth and fast transfer of parcels.

Previously in 2019, Effidence and Boa Concept had worked together to dynamically interconnect several Plug-and-Carry intelligent modular conveyors via the use of EffiBOT mobile robots equipped with gravity conveyors (Project La Boule OBUT). Today, they collaborate once more, with this new Convey-LINK accessory for the voluminous transfer of kitchen robot bowls.

Tessier looks back on the project: “Convey-LINK kept its promises because its installation and interfacing with Plug-and-Carry was done in record time. It was fundamental for us to offer the fastest deployment possible for our customers. This philosophy is fully shared by Boa Concept.”

“With Plug-and-Carry, we offer a static intelligent modular conveyor solution that Effidence extends with EffiBOT and its mobile modular conveyor solution,” explains Patrice Henrion, Managing director of Boa Concept. “Convey-LINK appeared as an efficient, economical and unique answer to dynamically interconnect all our remote conveyors. Like all installations of the two companies, this new project demonstrates our ability to deploy custom solutions with standard equipment.”

DHL Express predicts considerable B2B e-commerce growth

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DHL Express, the international express service provider, has released a new Whitepaper “The Ultimate B2B E-commerce Guide: Tradition is out. Digital is in“.

The study predicts strong growth for the B2B e‑commerce market in the coming years: by 2025, 80% of all B2B sales interactions between suppliers and professional buyers will take place in digital channels. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the pace of digitalisation and the purchasing behaviour of technology-savvy millennials, who are now of an age to be the professional B2B decision-makers, are the main drivers of this global e-commerce growth.

What is predicted for the future of the B2B sector has already been visible in the significant B2C e-commerce rise over the last years, where DHL Express experienced high growth rates particularly during the holiday peak seasons (e.g. Easter, Christmas) and mega shopping days (e. g. Black Friday, Cyber Monday). In total the B2C e‑commerce volumes within the DHL Express network increased in 2020 by approximately 40%, compared to 2019.

This positive business development is also reflected in the FY2020 financial results of the company: With a total revenue of €19.1 billion (+11.9% year-on-year) and EBIT of €2.7 billion (+34.9%) the Express division of Deutsche Post DHL Group closed 2020 with the best result in its more than 50 years’ history. With its worldwide network and breadth of industries served, DHL Express was able to accommodate fast-changing trade flows.

Furthermore its presence in more than 220 countries and territories helped consumers and businesses to stay connected by enabling them to trade around the world – also during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Even in times of worldwide shutdowns, globalisation has shown its resilience, fuelled by digitalisation and the power of global trade”, says John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “These trends have led to an ever-growing number of consumers to shift their shopping activities online. The pandemic has accelerated this development like never before, with a sharp rise in businesses selling their goods in the global marketplace. E-commerce and global logistics thus provided the key to unlock local shutdowns, keep economies running and mitigate the impact of Covid-19 for many of our customers.”

It was not only B2C e-commerce that was growing due to ongoing digitalisation and changed shopping behaviour of consumers. In 2019, before the pandemic, global sales on B2B e-commerce sites and marketplaces had already increased by 18.2% to reach USD 12.2 trillion, outpacing the market size of the B2C sector. Through Covid-19 and the resulting acceleration of digitalisation, this global B2B E‑commerce volume is estimated to reach USD 20.9 trillion by 2027.

“We have been facing the pandemic for over one year now,” says Michiel Greeven, Executive Vice President Global Sales at DHL Express. “A year that showed how nearly a decade of digital evolution happened in just a few months’ time, with online shopping and cross-border shipping as the new normal. And this is true not only for B2C retailers, but also in terms of B2B e-commerce as companies started recognising that online selling platforms are crucial for their business success, today and in the future. As a result, there will also be an additional need for global Express shipping and DHL Express is well positioned to support all B2B companies on their journey.”

The Whitepaper also uncovers factors driving the growth of the global B2B e‑commerce market: besides general trends such as globalisation and digitalisation, a new technology-oriented generation of millennials is starting to make its mark. Already, millennials account for 73% of all professional B2B purchasing decisions. As digital natives, their experiences in the B2C-sector translate to high expectations when making B2B transactions, pushing companies to invest in digital solutions, such as selling platforms, while offering great growth potential.

“If B2B businesses want to make the most out of the new cross-border and e-commerce opportunities they need to start adapting to the changing buying behaviours. Especially with the upcoming generation of millennial as B2B decision-makers, who are further driving the digitalisation of the sector. B2B customer experiences have to be more aligned with the digital B2C experiences. As international e-commerce specialists, we have the know-how and insights to support businesses to adapt to the ongoing changes and unleash their full potential” says Leendert van Delft, Vice President Global Sales Programs and Global E-commerce.

In 2020, DHL Express delivered 484 million shipments in total for its customers (B2C and B2B) around the globe, around 9% more per day than in 2019. To adapt to this significant growth of its network, DHL Express continues to invest annually more than €1 billion in new state-of-the-art facilities around the world to multiply its sorting capacity (+65% since 2013), hires new employees (+10,000 year-on-year) and adds new freighter aircraft to its fleet (+20 units year-on-year). In this context, DHL Express recently announced the purchase of eight more Boeing B777 wide-body freighters and a partnership with Smartlynx Malta to add two Airbus A321 to its fleet. With these measures, DHL Express ensures that its worldwide customers can benefit from the global
e-commerce boom.

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