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Month: March 2021

Bigging up Data Analytics

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Big data presents supply chain and warehouse managers with an unprecedented opportunity to acquire real-time visibility of goods in transit and part of inventory, writes Tony Dobson -SnapFulfil CEO

But this IoT-style technology also comes with a set of challenges –not least of which is how to manage the resulting flow of information without becoming drowned in data.

There’s plethora of data in the warehouse now, with lots of dashboards to present the figures, but information overload is happening. The future – especially coming out of lockdown –is all about exception management. The intelligence of the software will determine the priority of information.

In the past, the picture has been historical in nature, but what we’re looking at now are highly accurate and granular reportsaround the likes of shipping schedules, warehouse heat maps, operator tracking and picking performance.

Collectively they provide a holistic overview of the operations inventory and resources and allow decision makers to create and display bespoke KPIs – but it can only be done in real time.

This way the data can be minutely mined and managed, to control the little nuances that go on in a warehouse. Every successful sports coach knows that a series of marginal gains can deliver huge improvements in performance and it’s these small tweaks to the warehouse where the real savings can be made. Plus, making decisions based on solid data is essential with margins tighter than ever.

This all translates into quick ROI and tangible improvements, because a technologically advanced WMS can help warehouse operators keep goods and processes flowing, while managing staff and resource allocation, through the targeted data it collects and delivers.

At SnapFulfil we have seen our customers use the power of SnapData (our fully featured and configurable analytics & reporting solution) to identify business trends and make important operational and fulfilment decisions based on a strategic version of their truth and solid analytics.

For example, when warehouse staff are at a premium and social distancing continues to be a requirement, coupled with a rapid change in orders, then having real time data at your fingertips to boost the effectiveness of your available workforce, their picking performance, plus available space is critical.

Cloud-based WMS is not only intuitive and scalable, it has the capacity to deliver key business metrics, while at the same time enable operations to evolve in a fast-developing environment.

Offering responsive support options helps change management by allowing the flow of data and order of operations within the application to be regularly updated – empowering management to store, organise, deliver, and track the accomplishment of work throughout a facility.

Through blockchain technology, firms are also waking up to the value of the customer data trail and the loyalty they can harness through having a single customer view, which can only be achieved through integration and mapping each customers’ buying journey from start to end and beyond.  And fulfilment is part and parcel of that.

Therefore, having access to reliable, real-time data from a fit-for-purpose WMS is a critical link in the chain, especially as businesses have to react to disruptive forces, such as the current pandemic.

Lorry Tyre Trial Unlocks Sustainability Improvements

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A major temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, Lineage Logistics, LLC, has awarded Michelin’s Services & Solutions team a five-year tyre management agreement covering its UK fleet after back-to-back tyre trials highlighted a range of sustainability improvements could be unlocked with a change in policy.

The trial, which took place using a pair of identical vehicles operating out of Lineage’s Heywood site, saw Michelin’s regional tread pattern tyres outperform the company’s current policy, delivering a substantial improvement in fuel economy. When rolled out across Lineage’s fleet in the UK, Michelin tyres will help to reduce emissions, whilst the projected longer tyre life will cut raw material usage and create less waste, something which is important for the business.

Lineage will now move to Michelin’s X Multi tyres across its regional fleet of more than 400 commercial vehicle assets in the UK, which includes 304 trailers, 121 tractor units and 16 rigids.
Tyre fitting and associated maintenance will be carried out via the Michelin Service Pro network. This will see Quinton Tyres handle all vehicles based at the company’s Heywood headquarters, with Tructyre looking after its 12 other sites nationally.

Will Maycock, Director of Transport at Lineage, says: “As a business we are constantly taking steps to minimise our environmental impact and Michelin has been able to contribute to this through both tyre selection and a commitment from its service partners to maximising the life of every single tyre casing in the fleet. We were very impressed by the results from the trials, which clearly demonstrated the outstanding efficiency of the Michelin product for our trucks and trailers. The projected fuel savings and sustainability improvements were notable, particularly when multiplied across the UK fleet, and it was compelling to see the results through our own telematics systems on our own trucks.”

Commenting on the additional benefits of the switch to Michelin, he adds: “With the new policy we are projected to be fitting fewer tyres over the course of a year, which will help to further reduce our waste and CO2 emissions. We’re also looking forward to seeing results in terms of improved dealer service levels, vehicle availability and compliance as this progresses.”

All tyres will follow a multi-life policy including regrooving and retreading, making sure to extract the maximum performance from every tyre in the fleet. Skilled Quinton Tyres and Tructyre technicians will regroove worn tyres once the tread depth reaches 3-4mm, extending each tyre’s life by around 25 per cent in its most fuel-efficient state. Once the regrooved tyres have worn they will be retreaded at the Michelin Remix plant in Stoke; a process which doubles the Michelin casing lifespan, saves natural resources and supports local UK manufacturing.

Andrew French, Director, Michelin Services & Solutions, says: “Sustainability is a core focus for both Michelin and Lineage, and a key driver in this new long-term partnership. We are delighted that we can help Lineage take positive steps towards achieving its environmental ambitions. As a business we have a commitment to building a circular economy; by minimising the input of raw materials, maximising the use of all materials whilst in use and successfully managing an environmentally friendly end of life process.”

Lineage is the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. Lineage’s expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its real estate network, and its use of technology combine to promote food safety, increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, lessen environmental impact, and minimize supply chain waste. As a result, Lineage helps customers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small family-owned businesses increase the efficiency and protect the integrity of their temperature-controlled supply chain.

Logistics and Supply Chain Training and Research Centre Opening

Posted on by David Priestman

The logistics and supply chain sector is set to benefit from a dedicated new training and research facility that has been developed through a partnership between industry and education based at the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle’ at GLP’s Magna Park development in Lutterworth. The Centre for Logistics Education and Research (CLEAR) will help the sector to address key challenges as the UK moves towards economic recovery and renewed growth following the coronavirus pandemic.

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is working in collaboration with Aston University, Wincanton, supply chain partner, and leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, GLP to provide skills training and professional development at all levels across the spectrum of logistics and supply chain roles, to enable the sector to become increasingly agile, flexible and resilient. CLEAR is due to launch in the summer of 2021 and will initially be based Bittesby House within the Magna Park Northern extension within the broader Magna Park Lutterworth development, eventually moving to a bespoke, state of the art facility.

The ambitions of the centre were revealed to industry at a webinar last month with speakers hosted by Richard Atkinson CBE, Teaching Fellow, Leadership, Strategy, Engagement at Aston University and including NWSLC’s Principal and Chief Executive, Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Professor Edward Sweeney from Aston University, and Dean Clamp, who is Group HSEQ Director for Wincanton and a board member of the Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport (CILT).

Outlining the challenges currently faced by the sector, Professor Edward Sweeney commented on the central role of skills development within logistics and supply chain in helping the UK to retain its leading role in the sector. He said, “Operating within a highly competitive environment with the challenges of harnessing new technology and ‘big data’ across businesses of all sizes in a changing political and environmental context requires a highly skilled and professional workforce. The aim is that working closely with industry, CLEAR will be ideally positioned to address its needs and provide skills training and development opportunities that are tailor-made for the sector.”

Marion Plant said, “Our ambitions for CLEAR are based on offering a holistic one-stop-shop training service both from its base at Magna Park and also remotely online, enabling a flexible skills pathway tailored to meet the needs of specific businesses and providing individuals with well-defined opportunities to progress their careers.

IoT Firm Adds to Leadership

Posted on by David Priestman

IoT company Nexxiot hires a new senior advisor to expand and commercialize the data-driven services in asset management and predictive diagnostics. From April 2021, Bernard Guillelmon will take on an advisory role at the Swiss IoT company headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Guillelmon brings together his expertise in freight and passenger traffic railway operations and maintenance to create immediate benefits for Nexxiot clients.

Bernard Guillelmon has deep expertise in rail freight services together with an extensive industry network, which includes experience of serving in boardroom positions of prominent players like Ermewa, as president of UIC Europe and as CEO of BLS. He will position Nexxiot with key decision-makers in a global market worth billions of Euros per year.

“Before Nexxiot arrived on the scene, there was always uncertainty around how many miles a particular rail freight wagon had travelled. Since those days, Nexxiot has expanded its capabilities to evaluate shock profiles, vibration patterns, maintenance activities and much more. Bernard Guillelmon will support bringing the products to the next level by engaging senior rail freight decision and align Nexxiot’s development roadmap to solve these issues,” said Nexxiot CEO Stefan Kalmund.

As pioneer in global IoT, Nexxiot continually revolutionizes supply chain practices through its’ cutting-edge use of data. The extensive product portfolio includes sensors, gateways, connectivity and IoT cloud services for its global customer base. Participants in the supply chain often operate with inaccurate, outdated information. Nexxiot’s clients and supply chain participants can access unique information to improve their business processes and open up new revenues. Nexxiot provides access to data and analytics that are used to create automated processes and increase transparency, trust, safety, and sustainability. This data also enables the use of predictive maintenance.

“Without predictive maintenance solutions, hundreds of millions of Euros are wasted every year on unnecessary or late repairs,” Stefan Kalmund continued. In complex rail operations, there is a tendency to over-maintain assets as safety is a real concern. The cost of breakdowns also has a huge impact on bottom-line. Rather than maintaining assets when they actually need it, they are brought into workshops early or late or they stay idle because reparations slots are scarce. “Without transparency on asset usage, total mileage, accumulated elevation, maintenance actions across workshops and vibrations and shock profiles, it’s difficult to get this right,” he added. Clients of Nexxiot are already able to manage the utilisation of their asset fleet and provide valuable services to cargo owners and shippers. Stefan Kalmund continued, “With the addition of Bernard Guillelmon to the team, we can better shape our solutions to make more significant and rapid improvements for our clients business practices and profitability.”

Bernard Guillelmon has proven himself in rail and logistics management and has a profound understanding of the challenges associated with digital transformation. As an expert in change management, he will support customers to find the best ways to apply the data using analytics and machine learning. At the same time, he will enable cultural readiness by supporting knowledge transfer and get the right stakeholders engaged. With his very broad network of key decision-makers who are active in shaping the rail industry, he is perfectly placed to handle these requirements.

“This is a key area of growth for Nexxiot,” CEO Stefan Kalmund went on to explain. “We see that the gathering and processing of data is now firmly within our grasp. The next phase is to redefine the processes in the industry.” The entire value chain is supported with hardware, software and via easy-to-use mobile applications. To create maximum value, these applications must be aligned with the physical reality on the ground.

Bernard Guillelmon stated, “In the next years, the monitoring of the rolling stock will be of crucial importance for the operators as Entities in Charge of Maintenance (ECM). Nexxiot has already removed the technical barriers through its on-board devices. Now we transform and optimize the processes using our data, analytics and our domain expertise.”

Edge Intelligence Platform Introduced

Posted on by David Priestman

Cognex Corporation has introduced its edge intelligence platform which provides barcode reading, performance monitoring and device management. The platform is to help customers prevent downtime and boost productivity
of manufacturing and logistics operations.

“Cognex’s machine vision tools and barcode reading systems produce insight-rich data across manufacturing and logistics facilities,” said Carl Gerst, Executive Vice President, Products and Platforms.“With EI’s powerful visualization and diagnostics tools, our customers can now use that data to identify performance issues and take corrective action faster.”

Within just a few minutes of installation, Cognex’s EI software begins securely collecting critical device data
and displaying the results in visual dashboards. Customers can use this data to analyze performance trends,
monitor configuration changes, and capture no-read and failed validation images for further analysis.

The platform can monitor multiple devices and lines within a single site as well as deploying configurations and firmware updates simultaneously to a large number of connected devices. It also includes audit trail capabilities that track and report any changes to device settings and connectivity features for easy integration with other Industry 4.0 solutions.

The edge intelligence edge platform is designed to help improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and increase throughput across a range of industries including logistics, food and beverage, consumer products, packaging, automotive, medical devices, and electronics.

The Next Evolution of Container Handlers and Lift Trucks Launched

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster has launched the next evolution in its range of Container Handlers and 18+ tonnes capacity Lift Trucks, featuring new state of the art cabs and controls and Stage V compliant diesel engines.

“With the new Stage V engines, businesses can continue to benefit from a low Total Cost of Ownership and meet emissions regulations,” says Chris van de Werdt, Product Strategy Manager EMEA Big Trucks, for Hyster Europe. “The new engines reduce fuel consumption while maintaining productivity and lifting speeds, bringing the cost per load moved down.”

The latest evolution to the cabins means the new cockpit-style cab across the Hyster 18 – 48 tonne lift truck series positions all truck information and controls at the driver’s fingertips.

“Work is easier and more comfortable than ever for the operators with a new seating design and large floor area,” he says explaining that the cabs feature heating and ventilation options to suit summer or winter conditions. With more glass integral to its design the new premium cab also provides excellent visibility during driving, reversing and manoeuvring.

“For container handlers, including ReachStackers, we have developed a dedicated cabin with even more floor space and a re-designed joystick control,” Chris says. “To help operations keep control of costs, the cabin also includes a performance counter which reports usage data such as the number of containers moved, fuel used per container and distance covered per container.”

To support accurate and efficient handling, Hyster Empty Container Handler drivers also benefit from a user-friendly digital performance 7” display. .

The new Hyster ReachStacker cabin includes a dual digital display with load weight and load moment information, as well as boom geometry, as standard. This helps support operators with suggested actions for maintaining stability and reducing load-centre

“Applications handling at long load centres with ReachStackers can also increase performance thanks to extra low-end engine torque on the new Stage V engines. Noise at inland terminals can also be reduced,” Chris says.

For emissions regulated markets, the new Stage V engines will be introduced gradually, with Hyster Empty Container Handlers and Hyster RS46 ReachStackers among the first models to benefit, featuring either a 7.7 or 10.7 litre engine.  The Stage V Hyster trucks also incorporate smart monitoring and service to optimise uptime in demanding applications.

The service interval of the engine oil has been extended from 500 to 1000 hours and the engine oil level will be shown in the cabin display, so there is no need to use a dipstick. A two-stage coolant level warning via the display is also standard, alongside a timer to prevent hot turbo shutdown. The transmission has also been updated across the range.

To accommodate extreme duty applications, the transmission cooling capacity of the updated Empty Container Handlers and 18-32-tonne heavy duty forklifts has been increased significantly. The trucks also feature a hydraulically driven fan that helps reduce fuel consumption and noise levels. Reversing fans can be supplied by the Hyster Special Engineering Team if required.

“Businesses can select the right truck for their needs thanks to a range of different options, from pump sizes to operating mode,” says Chris. “Add-ons include a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, directional control on steering column, Bluetooth radio, container weighing solutions, a choice of seats and many more.”

 

 

TSC Printronix Auto ID Overhauls Printers Product Range

Posted on by Keith McKinley

New models and advances in security, wireless connectivity, remote management and printhead management mark just some of the sweeping changes TSC Printronix Auto ID has made across its popular barcode printers and print engines.

More powerful and adaptable wireless connectivity options in the newly improved printers, including wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth® 4.2 modules, enable faster roaming and greater productivity. The enhanced connectivity works especially well in facilities with Wi-Fi networks boasting multiple access points, ensuring no data is lost between roaming from one access point to another.

The MX Series, MH Series and PEX Series have all been upgraded with new electronics to improve their operational performance. TSC has also added two 6-inch industrial thermal transfer printers to its MH261 Series; the MH261T and MH361T.

The upgraded printers are all supported by SOTI Connect, which gives greater visibility and real-time data on the health and performance of an entire fleet of printers allowing them to be managed remotely.

Vast improvements in printhead management help prevent incorrect or poor quality labels entering the supply chain. The printhead mechanisms checks and reports bad dots on the printhead in real-time. Users get alerted in advance to replace faulty printheads thereby avoiding production downtime. The new printheads incorporate a feature enabling printhead usage to be stored in the printhead mechanism giving users a clear indication of output levels as well as the printhead’s health and replacement status.

“We’re committed to delivering the most advanced thermal print technology to customers across demanding industrial environments like logistics, manufacturing and retail,“ says Sabine Mayer, Senior Marketing Manager of TSC Printronix Auto ID EMEA. “Our radical new line-up of rugged printer models are competitively priced yet bring unprecedented performance and precision to users.“

Courier Moves into new Birmingham Warehouse

Posted on by David Priestman

CitySprint, which has been operational in Birmingham for over a decade, has today announced the relocation of their local business to a new site — located at Unit 59-61 Melchett Road, Kings Norton Business Park, B30 3HP. The new site boasts 14,000 sq/ft of warehousing space — a 300% increase in storage capacity compared to their old Birmingham location. The warehouse is enabled with CitySprint’s cutting edge warehouse management software to support businesses with their local and national growth requirements.

The relocation also means that CitySprint — whose business includes a healthcare logistics arm, CitySprint Health — is now located closer to major Birmingham hospitals and healthcare facilities. This will enable them to better help their existing healthcare clients, create new healthcare opportunities and support the growing demand for healthcare logistics and supply chain needs across the Midlands.

The wide range of vehicles – including small and large vans, transits and lutons – available at the Birmingham location also means CitySprint is in a prime position to support local businesses, no matter their needs. Not only this; understanding the importance of low-emissions vehicles, CitySprint’s fleet also includes an electric van, which has travelled 4,907 green miles since December 2020, whilst completing work across almost all sectors. The new site has been fitted with e-charging facilities to support the growing demand for zero-emission delivery solutions as the region moves closer to the launch of the Birmingham Clean Air Zone in June 2021.

Alongside the launch of the new site, CitySprint are also investing in local talent and are looking to recruit across courier and sales roles. In fact, in the first six weeks of 2021, CitySprint has seen Birmingham website traffic up by approximately 40%, with courier applications increasing 300% compared with the same period in 2020, showing great demand for positions in the area.

Mark Philipson, CitySprint’s Regional Manager for the Midlands commented: “For over 10 years we have been working in the Birmingham area — always looking to provide the best possible delivery experience to our customers from start to finish. Our new warehouse location, combined with our local knowledge, experience and expertise, will help us deliver a fast, flexible and convenient service to our clients in the Midlands which, in turn, will enable them to better meet the needs of their customers. It will also mean we’re in the best position possible to help our traditional customer base as they unwind from lockdown and requirements increase from manufacturers shipping parts and priority documents for city centre professional services companies.”

In recent months CitySprint has seen increased demand from local businesses like fresh produce providers and high-end restaurants, alongside IT relocation services where colleagues are moving between home and office. And as businesses continue to pivot and work in new ways in response to the global pandemic, this expanded local offering will give them the logistics support they need.

Watch Panel Discussions from our Virtual Show

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics Business has four exclusive conference panel discussion videos from our February Virtual Exhibition available to watch here.

You can watch hour-long roundtable discussions, moderated by our Editor Paul Hamblin on the following topics:

  • Ecommerce, Picking & Packaging with Gianluca Rossi of Sitma, Ruud Hendrix of PC Data, Guy Courtin of 6 River and Marcel van Schijndel of SAT Technologies;
  • Warehouse & Loading Bay Safety with Peter Poolan of Rite Hite, Wouter Satijn of Joloda Hydraroll, James Ryan of Sentry Products and Marc Kennedy of GMR Safety;
  • Sortation & Conveying Systems with Hilton Campbell of Interroll, Bernd Landreder of Forbo and Shaun Pretorius of Ammega;
  • Rise of the Connected Forklift with Rob de Ridder of Ravas.

 

Pandemic Reshaping Last-mile Delivery Expectations

Posted on by David Priestman

Released today, the UPS E-commerce Report 2021, which has been developed in partnership with YouGov has revealed some interesting and insightful findings that give a glimpse into what consumers expect from delivery providers as we move to life beyond the pandemic.

The study, which surveyed 10,000 consumers across Europe including 2,000 UK consumers, shows the impact that the recent pandemic will have on consumer demand in the long-term. This research, released today, reveals that 79% of UK consumers say the reliability of a retailer’s delivery partner is important.

With a larger pool of potential customers, companies must consider the strength of their e-commerce and delivery offering – how to ensure it’s optimised for customer demand and that the experience meets expectations of convenience.

Key findings from this UPS research for the UK include:

• A 67% rise in intent to shop all or mostly online post-pandemic.  One of the biggest rises will be in online grocery shopping where the UK will see a 66% rise in those expecting to shop for groceries online
• 54% of UK consumers want large retailers to work with delivery providers who use electric or low-emission vehicles
• 79% of UK consumers say the reliability of a retailer’s delivery partner is important
• 54% of UK consumers will opt to buy online because of free delivery options and 63% said free returns was an important factor when choosing to shop online.
• 53% of UK consumers want large, well-known national or international retailers to have carbon footprint offsetting for deliveries.

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