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Month: March 2021

project44 Acquires Ocean Insights

Posted on by David Priestman

project44, a global leader in supply chain visibility, has announced it has acquired Ocean Insights, solutions provider for ocean freight intelligence.

On the heels of massive customer and revenue growth in 2020, project44 acquires Ocean Insights to expand its ocean solution by adding the broadest container tracking capabilities in the market, as well as one-of-a-kind sailing schedule and ocean analytics products. Combining Ocean Insights’ tracking and analytics with the project44 platform and ecosystem establishes project44 as the clear market leader with an unrivaled set of multi-modal solutions for end-to-end supply chain visibility.

Surging global trade since the outset of the pandemic has resulted in massive disruptions in the global supply chain. Since March 2020, freight rates increased by as much as 174% due to the increased global demand for electronics, PPE goods and stay-at-home consumer products. At the same time, COVID-19 and other restrictions have caused significant port congestions, and rollover percentages have never been higher. To meet these global challenges and build resilience, supply chain leaders are adopting global freight visibility and digitalization.

While most visibility providers depend on third parties for ocean tracking data, Ocean Insights has built native integrations with shipping lines to ingest data directly from the source, giving customers the richest visibility across global containerized ocean shipments. Ocean Insights also offers unique data analytics, providing customers advanced insight into unforeseen events and overall shipping trends.

Headquartered in Germany and founded in 2012, Ocean Insights pioneered ocean freight visibility by combining carrier data, live vessel tracking and sailing schedule data in one data-rich platform. Tracking 350,000 containers daily, Ocean Insights provides track and trace functionality across the vast majority of shipping lines, 700 seaports, and more than 5,000 vessels as well as handling over five million sailing schedule changes per day.

Ocean Insights customers include International Food Group (Sysco), Pernod Ricard, FourKites and other leading enterprises in automotive, manufacturing, food & beverage, commodity trading, chemical and freight forwarding. Many already leverage both Ocean Insights and project44 such as DB Schenker, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel, Lenovo, and Mondi Group.

“Ocean freight is a linchpin for global supply chains. For organizations shipping internationally, the lack of ocean visibility can start a costly domino effect throughout the supply chain,” said Jett McCandless, Founder and CEO of project44. “Ocean Insights has dominated the container tracking space and we look forward to providing the industry not only the best ocean capabilities, but also the most comprehensive end-to-end visibility platform.”

“At Ocean Insights, our mission has been to make supply chain data visible and actionable through best-in-class software and our team of experts,” said Felix Richter, CEO and CTO of Ocean Insights. “Joining project44 is the next natural step to building the multi-modal visibility solution that global supply chains need. By combining the expertise and technology of project44 and Ocean Insights, shippers and logistics services providers will unlock predictive insights across the globe.”

“We’ve had enormous success at Ocean Insights growing our business, and we had multiple options for a strategic exit,” said Robin Jaacks, Chief Customer Officer of Ocean Insights. “After meeting Jett and the entre project44 team, however, we were impressed with the vision, integrity and culture of the team. It became obvious that project44 was the right partner for us.”

Today, project44 offers the world’s largest over-the-road carrier network with connections to more than 800 ELD/telematics devices. With project44’s leading over-the-road, rail, and air visibility solutions, the acquisition will expand ocean visibility capabilities and offer the most complete, end-to-end, global and multi-modal supply chain visibility solution.

New Platform Pallet Trucks are “Lithium-ion Ready”

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Three new “lithium-ion ready” Platform Pallet Truck models, ideal for maximising productivity in intense industry applications have been launched by Hyster Europe.

“Whether it’s cross docking, loading and unloading trailers or order picking in the warehouse, the new lithium-ion ready Platform Pallet Trucks get the job done.” says Monica Radavelli, Product Manager – Warehouse, for Hyster Europe. “Capable of lifting up to 3 tonnes, these dependable Pallet Trucks are equally suited to tough dockside conditions.”

The new series includes the P2.0S, P2.5S and P3.0S models and replaces the current P2.0S truck. They feature an updated fork design, a robust base frame, steel battery cover and improved ground clearance of pull rods. For the operator, the new models are available with either a folding platform and new side arms, or a fixed platform with new side, or rear, protection design.

“In many operations space is at a premium, so models with a foldable, rather than fixed, platform are a popular choice and support manoeuvrability in narrow aisle widths or congested areas,” explains Monica. “Other applications may want to optimise productivity by specifying a truck with longer forks, allowing transportation of two pallets per journey, or more, if handled crossways.”

Meanwhile, competitive travel speeds and a range of different driving modes support operational productivity, with a choice of fixed or adjustable tiller further supporting operators of the trucks with a foldable platform. Adjustable scooter control is also available for fixed platform models.

The truck itself is designed to be ‘lithium-ion ready’, with a controller that automatically recognises the chemistry of the battery (lithium-ion vs. lead-acid) so there is no need to change any parameters to enable effective battery management if lithium-ion suits the application. Top and side battery charging options are available.

The “lithium-ion ready” Pallet Trucks can be further customised with an extended range of innovative options available. Depending on the specific model, these may include a coasting function, Hyster Intelligent Lift, soft lowering, a foot sensor, key or keypad access, a cold store option, and a range of lights. A choice of two fork heights – 85mm and 75mm – enables handling of both standard and low-profile disposable pallets, and a variety of fork lengths up to 2850 mm are available.

The new Platform Pallet Truck series is built with the same level of toughness and reliability found across the wide range of Hyster warehouse equipment. Heavy-duty components and a reliable electrical system contribute to a low cost of ownership, while ease of service access and diagnostics helps maximise truck uptime. Responsive support is offered via the global network of trusted local Hyster distribution partners.

Last year Hyster announced the launch of new J7.0–9.0XNL forklift series with fully integrated lithium-ion batteries.

Thermo King launches Li-ion Battery for Refrigerated Transport

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Thermo King has launched its new lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery for refrigerated transport. The battery pack is designed specifically for the E-200 fully-electric refrigeration units. Combined with the E-200 units, the battery pack creates a zero emissions transport refrigeration solution that ensures an unbroken cold chain even while the driver stops for delivery, break or needs to turn off the vehicle for longer.

“Product innovation, sustainability, reliability, increased uptime, total cost of ownership, optimal efficiency and customer expectations have always been the concepts that drive us,” said Eneko Fernandez, product management leader at Thermo King. “Electrification is a trend that’s set to continue with the refinement of units that don’t use a diesel engine to drive the compressor, and instead use a battery-based system. At Thermo King, we want to challenge what is possible in our industry, and today we are taking a step forward. We developed our own Li-ion battery pack for refrigerated transport to fully integrate it with the unit’s system and allow our customers to maximise the benefits of its smart and sustainable power management.”

The Thermo King battery pack was designed to seamlessly work with the E-200 fully electric, zero-emissions refrigeration units for medium sized vans and trucks – the latest addition to Thermo King’s growing portfolio of non-diesel solutions. Unlike typical small truck solutions designed for diesel combustion engines, the E-200 delivers constant capacity in up to two cooling zones, independently from the vehicles’ engines, and can work with both electric and engine-powered vehicles. The Thermo King battery works with the E-200 units’ patented power management, which contributes to lower energy consumption, increased vehicle autonomy and higher efficiency and reliability.

The battery combined with the E-200 unit ensures the hold-over capacity, an environmentally sustainable way to power the unit during stops for deliveries or breaks. This is particularly important during home delivery and other city distribution operations, with frequent deliveries and door openings, short driving distances and repeated stops in traffic. It gives the fleet managers the peace of mind that the transported goods are cooled at all times and there are no temperature deviations in the compartment. The solution is also compatible with vehicle’s start-stop features contributing to additional fuel savings.

 

Singapore Cargo Warehouse Modernisation Project

Posted on by David Priestman

Lödige Industries, a leading global provider of cargo terminal solutions, has announced that it has been selected by dnata Singapore Pte Ltd to modernise and upgrade its cargo warehouse at Changi Airport. Designed to handle an annual turnover of 550,000 tonnes, the facility will incorporate new advanced ULD handling equipment and control technology, replacing and enhancing existing warehouse fittings.

“Our company continuously strives to make investments that enable us to offer enhanced services to our customers,” says Sam Gould, dnata Singapore’s Head of Cargo. “The new ULD handling equipment seamlessly integrates with our existing procedures and helps ensure the safety of our staff as well as the cargo they handle.”

The project, which Lödige Industries will deliver by May 2021, includes replacing existing equipment with a modern turntable transfer vehicle, control system hardware and software, and slave pallet movers for flexible cargo handling. The equipment is designed to enhance the warehouse’s ability to handle peaks and extend the terminal lifespan by 15 to 20 years while reducing costs by minimising ULD damage.

Ranga Jayaweera, General Manager (Singapore) for Lödige Industries, points out: “Installing the new equipment (within just four weeks) while cargo operations continue, requires careful project planning and management to minimise the impact on dnata and its customers. We incorporated a practical and cost-efficient component redundancy in the project, which will reduce impact during construction, handle peaks and avoid unplanned downtime in the future.”

The introduction of slave pallet movers to the warehouse adds a versatile and highly maneuverable cargo handling tool that allows for safe and efficient build-up and breakdown activities anywhere in the warehouse.

Renovotec Announces UK Distribution Deal

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Renovotec as struck a distribution deal for the UK with Custom SpA, an Italian multinational group and hi-tech solutions company. Custom was founded in 1992 and has extensive experience in retail POS (point of sale), kiosk and self-service solutions.

Renovotec, a supply chain hardware, software and services company will now market Custom solutions to UK retail and other sectors. The distribution deal means it will also have access to more than 120 Custom professional printing, POS, scanning and mobile computing products for distribution in the UK, where its targets will include OEM manufacturer sales.

Custom has recently recorded a 70% increase in sales of its retail and healthcare kiosk and self-service solutions according to the company, reflecting new social distancing requirements and consumer behaviours. Solutions include unattended distribution storage units, kiosks for queue management, click-and-collect systems, and ‘cash kiosks’ for automatic payments without an operator – all of which lower costs and increase service levels say Custom.

“Our partnership with Custom will strengthen Renovotec’s offer in retail technology and increase our ability to meet manufacturer OEM needs” says Renovotec managing director Richard Gilliard.

“The UK market is strategic for the company’s growth plans” says Custom head of corporate marketing Alessandro Mastropasqua (pictured above).

 

No-Cheat Seat Belts on Forklifts Introduced

Posted on by David Priestman

No-cheat seat belts on forklifts is a new feature by Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks which may be a game changer in avoiding deaths in potentially tragic forklift truck incidents.

According to the latest figures from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, tipping accidents are the single most common cause of operator fatalities (42%) among forklift operators. In almost every case, the driver was ‘mousetrapped’ between the truck and the ground, causing massive trauma to the head or upper body.

According to Stewart Gosling of Red Diamond Distribution, exclusive importers of Mitsubishi forklift trucks: “These accidents occur because, as a forklift tips over, the operator’s overwhelming instinct is to try and jump clear. Seemingly, no amount of training or experience can overcome the flight instinct..with fatal consequences. Sadly, if the operator was to stay in place, they would walk away with bruising and little more.

“However, actually keeping them seated has proved an insurmountable challenge… until now.”

Many operators simply can’t be bothered to buckle up, especially in on-off applications. At the same time, supervisors tire of reminding staff to comply. Even where safety systems are fitted, operators routinely attempt to trick them by fastening their seat belts permanently behind them.

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has overcome this issue on its latest range of EDiA electric trucks with a seat belt compliance feature: a switchable option that allows the employer to ensure wearing a seat belt is mandatory.

“Sometimes, the simple stuff can have the greatest impact,” sums up Stewart Gosling. “We may not be able to change an operator’s natural instincts but now we can make a life-or-death difference by no-Cheat seat belts to ensure they are worn.”

Last year a fleet of Mitsubishi EDiA electric forklift trucks was selected by Essential Supply Products Ltd (ESP) as part of the company’s commitment to greener initiatives – click here for more information

Artificial Intelligence Solves Master Data Issues

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Digitec Galaxus AG, the largest online retailer in Switzerland, and Logivations GmbH, an international consulting and technology company based in Munich, concluded a cooperation to improve Digitec Galaxus products master data with the help of Logivations Artificial Intelligence Software for Goods Recognition, Counting & Measurement.

After conducting an extensive trial phase last year, in the coming weeks Logivations will install 40 workstations in the receiving area of the Digitec Galaxus distribution center in Wohlen. In addition to the engineering services to support the initial configuration and setup of the 40 workstations, Logivations also offers extended maintenance of hardware and software components.

AI based Goods Recognition, Counting and Measurement

Logivations W2MO uses neural networks running on a GPU which can be trained to “learn” certain patterns so that goods can be automatically recognized, counted, and/or measured. The process usually takes less than a second. Data can be easily transferred to any WMS using an USB- or RestFullAPI-interface.

A new technology offers new opportunities

In contrast to the use of conventional 3D scanners, Logivations’ technology can not only measure goods much faster, but also recognize them by their appearance or barcodes / QR codes. For this purpose, certain properties (e.g. the X, Y & Z dimensions of the products, as well as the weight) are recorded, the product is classified (e.g. boxed/unboxed item, irregular shape, textile, etc). All steps are done simultaneously and the user sees the result immediately. More information can be found here.

 

Nicolas Roy Appointed as Head of Industrial & Logistics at Colliers Germany

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Nicolas Roy, MRICS, is joining Colliers Germany as the new head of Industrial & Logistics. He comes from Europa Capital, where he has spent the past five years managing transactions across all asset classes from the London office.

In recent years, he has focused on value-add deals and logistics investments. Prior to that, he spent six years at KPMG in the Mergers & Acquisitions – Real Estate practice.

Nicolas has an international background. He studied in Paris, London and Berlin and speaks four languages fluently. As a capital market expert with a private equity background, he is very familiar with the requirements of international investors.

Colliers intends to further consolidate and expand its leading market position in the Industrial & Logistics sector. “Colliers is the leading transaction advisor in the field of leasing and sales. It is important to dovetail this strength even better and, complemented by buy-side advisory, to provide our clients with sound advice. This applies to both national and international clients, who are currently taking a closer look at the industrial and logistics market in Germany,” says Nicolas Roy, MRICS on joining Colliers.

“Nicolas Roy will help us to provide our clients with even better interlinked advice. His internationality and experience as an international investor will enable us to expand this area even further. With an even more strategic orientation of processes and services and the strengthening of the internationality of the industrial and logistics business, we will secure further market shares for ourselves,” says Matthias Leube, CEO of Colliers Germany.

For more appointments in the logistics sector you can subscribe to Logistics Business’ newsletters here.

 

GEFCO Partners with Polestar for Home Delivery of Cars in China

Posted on by Keith McKinley

GEFCO, the European leader in automotive logistics is partnering with Polestar, the global premium electric performance car brand to deliver electric cars to individual customers in Shanghai and Beijing. Moveecar, a GEFCO brand focusing on in-life vehicle management, is leading this new business relationship.

“We are very pleased to have been chosen by Polestar in China,” commented Laurent Sik, General Manager of GEFCO China. “Polestar allows customers to personalize their EV ownership experience and we are excited to be part of it.” With Moveecar’s services, Polestar gives customers the freedom to choose where and when they want their vehicle to be delivered, without having to go to the store.”

Polestar is the independent Swedish premium electric performance car brand founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. Established in 2017, Polestar enjoys specific technological and engineering synergies with Volvo Cars and benefits from significant economies of scale as a result.

“With GEFCO’s innovative logistics solution, we lead the new trend of car delivery service.” said Gao Hong, President of Polestar China.  “As the beginning of a Polestar ownership journey, Home Delivery builds up the emotional connection between the Polestar brand and the customers.”

“GEFCO has been a long-time logistics partner in finished vehicles logistics services to the group companies in Europe as well as in China. Delivering Polestar cars to customer’s homes will add to the experience of hassle-free ownership that we provide, and capable logistics partners, who have the competence and equipment, are needed to achieve that goal,” stated David Pansinger, Head of SCM at Polestar.

GEFCO has mobilized a range of trucks to provide home delivery of Polestar’s electric cars in the two cities. With full track-and-trace capabilities, customers are alerted in real time on when they can expect delivery. GEFCO is also working with Polestar to manage short-term finished vehicle compound management. This new contract builds on GEFCO’s relationship with Volvo since 2016 to transport finished vehicles from Europe to China.

Dinges Logistics Selects new TOS

Posted on by David Priestman

Dinges Logistics has selected INFORM’s Intermodal TOS in January to replace their existing system at their Grünstadt container terminal. INFORM is a market leader in AI and optimization software to facilitate improved decision making. Based in Aachen, Germany, the company has been in the optimization business for 50 years and serves a wide span of logistics industries including ports, maritime, and intermodal terminals with both add-on optimization modules as well as TOS solutions.

“When we set out to replace our existing system, we wanted to select a proven software vendor in the intermodal TOS market who will allow us to not only improve our transparency but also our efficiency,” commented Ingo Dinges, Owner of Dinges Logistics.

“As part of our selection process, we were able to see the impact of INFORM’s Intermodal TOS in live operations; INFORM’s solution was the clear leader after seeing the solution in place and speaking with the operations team at that terminal.”

“When we engaged with INFORM throughout the selection process, we always had a clear vision that they were looking at the long-term impact of their solution on our terminal and they were understanding our needs very well; it was clear that it would be a partnership with INFORM, that we weren’t simply buying a piece of software,” added Timo Mayer, Site Manager and Project Leader at Dinges Logistics.

“We had a strong focus on covering all aspects of our service offering with a single software solution to improve transparency while also reducing service times and we see digitalization as a key element in achieving these outcomes.”

The TOS replacement project is now under deployment and is slated to go-live in Q4 2021 and will build on INFORM’s existing footprint of intermodal terminal operators running their proven Intermodal TOS including KTL and Samskip in Germany.

“Our Intermodal TOS was developed over many years leveraging our knowledge of the container and intermodal industries combined with our optimization expertise,” commented Dr. Eva Savelsberg, SVP of INFORM’s Logistics division. “The TOS benefits from many of the add-on algorithms that the container terminal is probably used to hearing in conjunction with the name INFORM which truly makes it one of the most powerful intermodal TOS options on the market.”

Dinges Logistics Grünstadt Container Terminal is an important intermodal facility located in the Rhein-Neckar region close to Ludwigshafen/Mannheim, Germany providing storage places for loaded and empty containers, serviced storage slots, and regular shuttle services. Further, Dinges Logistics is an important one-stop-shopping solution for the industry in the region for all services including cleaning, workshop activities, heating and cooling as trucking services, as well as other services all under a single provider.

Dr. Savelsberg continued, “Dinges Logistics’ Grünstadt Terminal is our smallest Intermodal TOS deployment to date and it reflects the work that the team has done to make the solution scalable and nimble allowing any sized terminal to benefit from digitalization and optimization.”

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