Subscribe

Month: May 2021

Clad-rack warehouse system for Spanish dairy company

Posted on by David Priestman

García Baquero, a well-known Spanish company with an international presence in more than 60 countries dedicated to the production and distribution of dairy products, has improved its intralogistics with a clad-rack warehouse for pallets installed by AR Racking in Ciudad Real, Spain.

The new warehouse has 36m-high racking which, apart from storing the load, is part of the structure of the building supporting the external enclosures. The main characteristic of clad-rack warehouses is that the racking is part of the building structure, thus fully exploiting the space. García Baquero’s new warehouse, covering 1,080 sq m, is equipped with a stacker crane to handle the goods.

AR Racking, a company that specialises in industrial storage systems, worked on this project with a European engineering company to integrate automated elements in the racking structure. The new centre is also designed to store refrigerated products so “the structure has AR Racking 100% galvanised racking that offers ideal corrosion resistance for this type of environmental conditions”, explained Juan Francisco Contreras, AR Racking Project Manager.

According to Diego Medina, Technical Manager at García Baquero, “this new automated warehouse will help us to improve our daily operating performance and our logistics efficiency. We are delighted to have a structure perfectly suited to the characteristics of our product and this large load capacity.”

“The clad-rack warehouse is the most suitable solution for high-bay storage. We worked painstakingly on the planning of the installation phases and carried out an exhaustive follow-up to ensure the project would be completed as planned and strictly meet the customer’s storage needs,” explained Bernardo Sopeña, AR Racking Sales Engineer.

New guide to choosing the right voice solution

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In collaboration with EPG, the IAW – German Institute for Applied Warehouse Logistics has produced a free white paper providing a market overview and a guide for companies looking to choose the right voice solution for their warehouse logistics operation.

Voice solutions have been a firmly established part of warehouses across the world for many years now, demonstrating their strengths particularly in terms of flexibility and agility. And it’s not only through the coronavirus pandemic that we’ve seen just how important these two criteria are within the logistics supply chain. Across numerous industries, companies big and small have been turning to voice-assisted order picking solutions. However, providers on the market offer very different solutions.

Thanks to their ergonomics, adjustment options and robust design, these solutions have proved very popular among workers. The experiences of numerous use cases also indicate a quick increase in process quality coupled with a significant reduction in error rates within the order picking process. As voice-assisted solutions have become increasingly popular, the number of providers on the market has also risen. But not all voice solutions are created equal.

In their free white paper, the authors focus on current market requirements as well as the requirements of a modern voice solution. In addition to factors such as increased efficiency, high staff turnover, multilingual employees and quality assurance, the flexibility of the system is particularly highlighted.

Leading providers have already integrated AI components into their technologies to better meet these requirements, for example. By using a checklist, companies faced with a choice of providers now have the possibility of narrowing down their decision-making process and ensuring they make the right decision – avoiding any potential pitfalls right from the start.

The complete white paper, including the checklist, is available to download at https://www.epg.com/de/logistik-know-how/whitepaper/

New guide to choosing the right voice solution

Posted on by David Priestman

In collaboration with EPG, the IAW – German Institute for Applied Warehouse Logistics has produced a free white paper providing a market overview and a guide for companies looking to choose the right voice solution for their warehouse logistics operation.

Voice solutions have been a firmly established part of warehouses across the world for many years now, demonstrating their strengths particularly in terms of flexibility and agility. And it’s not only through the coronavirus pandemic that we’ve seen just how important these two criteria are within the logistics supply chain. Across numerous industries, companies big and small have been turning to voice-assisted order picking solutions. However, providers on the market offer very different solutions.

Thanks to their ergonomics, adjustment options and robust design, these solutions have proved very popular among workers. The experiences of numerous use cases also indicate a quick increase in process quality coupled with a significant reduction in error rates within the order picking process. As voice-assisted solutions have become increasingly popular, the number of providers on the market has also risen. But not all voice solutions are created equal.

In their free white paper, the authors focus on current market requirements as well as the requirements of a modern voice solution. In addition to factors such as increased efficiency, high staff turnover, multilingual employees and quality assurance, the flexibility of the system is particularly highlighted.

Leading providers have already integrated AI components into their technologies to better meet these requirements, for example. By using a checklist, companies faced with a choice of providers now have the possibility of narrowing down their decision-making process and ensuring they make the right decision – avoiding any potential pitfalls right from the start.

The complete white paper, including the checklist, is available to download at https://www.epg.com/de/logistik-know-how/whitepaper/

GEODIS plans airside site at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Posted on by Keith McKinley

GEODIS is to open a 6,000 sq m site within the cargo area of Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport to provide certified services, especially for customers in the health and luxury goods sectors.

The new complex will have immediate airside access. It will be located near Air France’s main warehouse (G1XL) and other main service providers at the airport.

The latest generation of cargo handling technology, highly secure and certified CEIV (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics) and TAPA (Transported Asset protection Association) Level A, will offer a level of service excellence targeted at the pharmaceutical and luxury goods sectors. The complex will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure for the processing of temperature-controlled products, including negative temperatures.

“With this investment, GEODIS confirms its ability to provide a high-quality air cargo offering. Thanks to the strategic location of this new cargo station, we are able to accelerate processing times for the flow of goods, both for export and import, while ensuring rigorous safety standards for the products entrusted to us by our customers,” says Massimo Norcaro, Director of the Freight Forwarding line of Business of GEODIS in France.

As part of GEODIS‘ ongoing commitment, this HQE Excellent certified building will ensure the highest environmental standards are met.

The site will be operational in October 2021 and will have around 120 employees.

 

 

GEODIS plans airside site at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Posted on by David Priestman

GEODIS is to open a 6,000 sq m site within the cargo area of Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport to provide certified services, especially for customers in the health and luxury goods sectors.

The new complex will have immediate airside access. It will be located near Air France’s main warehouse (G1XL) and other main service providers at the airport.

The latest generation of cargo handling technology, highly secure and certified CEIV (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics) and TAPA (Transported Asset protection Association) Level A, will offer a level of service excellence targeted at the pharmaceutical and luxury goods sectors. The complex will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure for the processing of temperature-controlled products, including negative temperatures.

“With this investment, GEODIS confirms its ability to provide a high-quality air cargo offering. Thanks to the strategic location of this new cargo station, we are able to accelerate processing times for the flow of goods, both for export and import, while ensuring rigorous safety standards for the products entrusted to us by our customers,” says Massimo Norcaro, Director of the Freight Forwarding line of Business of GEODIS in France.

As part of GEODIS‘ ongoing commitment, this HQE Excellent certified building will ensure the highest environmental standards are met.

The site will be operational in October 2021 and will have around 120 employees.

 

 

Tanger Med expands to eight Liebherr cranes

Posted on by David Priestman

In what marks the end of a very exciting and complex project, and also the start of a new beginning, Tanger Alliance at the TC3 terminal in Tanger Med in Morocco has received the final two of eight Liebherr ship-to-shore container cranes.

The final crane entered service in April 2021 and brings the operational capacity of the new terminal to over 1.5 million TEU per annum. The cranes, which are the first Liebherr STS at Tanger Med, were erected at a remote site in Cadiz, Spain before being shipped two at a time to Morocco. The first cranes were commissioned in October 2020, with four more following in quick succession, allowing the terminal to open for business in January 2021 with six STS cranes.

The cranes were designed and manufactured by Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. in Ireland. They have an outreach of 72m, a lift height over rail of 54m, a span of 30.48m and a backreach of 22m. Safe Working Load under twin-lift spreader is 65 tonnes. The ultra large STS cranes are future-proofed as they can cater for vessels with up to 26 rows stowed across the deck and include fibre optic cores in the cabling, fault monitoring and remote diagnostics. Safety features including laser and ultrasonic anti-collision systems as well as smart slowdowns are installed as standard.

Liebherr Container Cranes contracted with ALE Heavylift Madrid (later Mammoet) to assist with the assembly and transportation of the cranes. The cranes were ordered between March and November 2019, with delivery scheduled to take place during 2020 and 2021. The Covid pandemic with its global lockdown and strict restrictions necessitated an agile approach to site assembly in Cadiz and commissioning in Tangier.

Utilising local support, Mammoet’s personnel and experienced Liebherr engineers, the project was able to proceed with minimal interruption. The cranes bring to 12 the number of Liebherr STS cranes in Morocco with four cranes already in operation in Casablanca.

Gerry Bunyan, Global Sales and Marketing Manager for Liebherr Container Cranes, said: “The handover of these cranes to Tanger Alliance is a key moment for the port. Tanger Alliance’s investment in Liebherr STS cranes will be rewarded with industry-leading productivity, low operational costs and the knowledge that the cranes will be available as required to work on the world’s largest vessels for many years to come. We look forward to seeing Tanger Alliance maximise the cranes’ potential.”

Tanger Alliance container terminal is a global transhipment hub and gateway for direct import and export volumes. With a quay length of 800m, a terminal area of 360,000 sq m, a water depth of 18m and a handling capacity is 1.5 million TEUs, Tanger Alliance is ready to operate on the newest and largest container ships, offering high productivity and 24/7 operations all year round.

Tanger Alliance is a partnership consisting of Marsa Moroc, Eurogate & Contship Italia and Hapag-Lloyd.

 

 

Tanger Med expands to eight Liebherr cranes

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In what marks the end of a very exciting and complex project, and also the start of a new beginning, Tanger Alliance at the TC3 terminal in Tanger Med in Morocco has received the final two of eight Liebherr ship-to-shore container cranes.

The final crane entered service in April 2021 and brings the operational capacity of the new terminal to over 1.5 million TEU per annum. The cranes, which are the first Liebherr STS at Tanger Med, were erected at a remote site in Cadiz, Spain before being shipped two at a time to Morocco. The first cranes were commissioned in October 2020, with four more following in quick succession, allowing the terminal to open for business in January 2021 with six STS cranes.

The cranes were designed and manufactured by Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. in Ireland. They have an outreach of 72m, a lift height over rail of 54m, a span of 30.48m and a backreach of 22m. Safe Working Load under twin-lift spreader is 65 tonnes. The ultra large STS cranes are future-proofed as they can cater for vessels with up to 26 rows stowed across the deck and include fibre optic cores in the cabling, fault monitoring and remote diagnostics. Safety features including laser and ultrasonic anti-collision systems as well as smart slowdowns are installed as standard.

Liebherr Container Cranes contracted with ALE Heavylift Madrid (later Mammoet) to assist with the assembly and transportation of the cranes. The cranes were ordered between March and November 2019, with delivery scheduled to take place during 2020 and 2021. The Covid pandemic with its global lockdown and strict restrictions necessitated an agile approach to site assembly in Cadiz and commissioning in Tangier.

Utilising local support, Mammoet’s personnel and experienced Liebherr engineers, the project was able to proceed with minimal interruption. The cranes bring to 12 the number of Liebherr STS cranes in Morocco with four cranes already in operation in Casablanca.

Gerry Bunyan, Global Sales and Marketing Manager for Liebherr Container Cranes, said: “The handover of these cranes to Tanger Alliance is a key moment for the port. Tanger Alliance’s investment in Liebherr STS cranes will be rewarded with industry-leading productivity, low operational costs and the knowledge that the cranes will be available as required to work on the world’s largest vessels for many years to come. We look forward to seeing Tanger Alliance maximise the cranes’ potential.”

Tanger Alliance container terminal is a global transhipment hub and gateway for direct import and export volumes. With a quay length of 800m, a terminal area of 360,000 sq m, a water depth of 18m and a handling capacity is 1.5 million TEUs, Tanger Alliance is ready to operate on the newest and largest container ships, offering high productivity and 24/7 operations all year round.

Tanger Alliance is a partnership consisting of Marsa Moroc, Eurogate & Contship Italia and Hapag-Lloyd.

 

 

Linde prepares to launch new-generation electric forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

June 2021 will see Linde Material Handling launch a new fork lift truck generation that combines “the best of two worlds”, thereby putting the electric forklift on par with ICE-powered trucks.

The German industrial trade fair held in Hanover in March 1971 saw the beginning of what has developed into a 50-year success story: Back then, Linde MH presented its first electric forklift truck. Ever since, the intralogistics specialist has left its mark on electric mobility with numerous technical innovations, advancing to become the European market leader in the electric counterbalance truck segment.

“Looking back, it was a decision that set the course for the future,” says Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management Linde MH. “Today, we not only offer our customers a huge portfolio of electrically powered industrial trucks with a variety of energy storage systems, but we also use our expertise to electrify vehicles of all kinds – from hackney carriages to trolley cars.”

When the first Linde-branded electrically powered forklift truck was launched in the early 1970s, the enormous potential of electric mobility was not yet foreseeable. Development was primarily aimed at offering a vehicle for indoor applications. With the battery-powered forklift, Linde MH opened a new chapter in the company’s history, as the drive and energy storage system posed different technical challenges than its flagship: the Linde hydrostat.

Highlights of the first electric series in the capacity range from 1 to 1.5 tonnes included the dual-motor front wheel drive, which enabled turning manoeuvres on the smallest possible radius, and the twin-pedal control replicated from the hydrostat. This feature was designed to make it easier for operators to switch between the two types of drive.

Over the following years, the demand for electrically-powered forklifts increased steadily. This was because the number of warehouses and distribution centres kept growing – and with it the need for emission-free equipment. At the same time, the demands on these low-noise and emission-free indoor trucks increased: Customers wanted higher payloads, more handling capacity and a greater number of variants to cover ever new areas of application in industry and trade.

Compact axle

The further development of power electronics and digital technology paved the way for the continued success of Linde MH’s electric forklifts. In 1999, the first model featuring a three-phase or asynchronous motor was added to the product portfolio.

The engineers developed dedicated power and control modules for this new drive. This made it possible to combine the advantages of greater performance with a high level of reliability and the capability to handle demanding outdoor applications. Small and maintenance-free, the two drive motors together with the lifting hydraulics and all control components could be combined into a single assembly – the compact drive axle.

Conductor rails replaced long cable lines and ensured lower energy consumption in the new Linde E14 to E20 models from 2006. For the first time, the vehicles also featured an on-board charger for flexible charging at power outlets, as well as overhead tilt cylinders for greater stability of the mast.

Further features were added in 2010 with the 2- to 5-tonne models, including the vibration-decoupled drive axle, the automatic handbrake, the digital battery charge indicator, and a traction control system for excellent ground grip. This met the needs of many customers and contributed in no small part to Linde MH becoming the market leader for electric counterbalance trucks in Europe.

Safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness – and full performance

In addition to higher performance and low energy consumption, ergonomics and safety were at the top of the list of requirements for every new forklift truck development. And here, too, Linde MH has repeatedly set the pace in the industry over the past 50 years.

Many equipment and performance options were world firsts at the time of their respective market launches and remain unique Linde features to this day. These include, for example, the Linde Safety Pilot driver assistance system: It limits the lifting height if the permissible load capacity is exceeded and regulates the travel speed in relation to the load being transported. Another example is the Linde Roadster.

This vehicle was designed without A-pillars, which improves visibility of the surroundings and ensures greater operational safety.

The use of lithium-ion technology as a new means of energy storage and the development of the fuel cell with hydrogen as an energy source have given electric forklifts further impetus over the past ten years. Even more growth is promised by a new generation of Linde forklifts to be launched in June.

“With a completely new development, our electric trucks will finally catch up with the powerful IC trucks of the Linde brand,” announces Prokosch. Everyone can attend the virtual presentation of the new vehicles on 16th June at 11:00 CEST.

‘Masterpieces’ is the name Linde MH has given to the approximately half-hour product display, which will not only present the advantages of the new design in a vivid and varied way, but also give the people behind the innovations the opportunity to speak about them. (Yourway.Linde-mh.com).

 

Linde prepares to launch new-generation electric forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

June 2021 will see Linde Material Handling launch a new fork lift truck generation that combines “the best of two worlds”, thereby putting the electric forklift on par with ICE-powered trucks.

The German industrial trade fair held in Hanover in March 1971 saw the beginning of what has developed into a 50-year success story: Back then, Linde MH presented its first electric forklift truck. Ever since, the intralogistics specialist has left its mark on electric mobility with numerous technical innovations, advancing to become the European market leader in the electric counterbalance truck segment.

“Looking back, it was a decision that set the course for the future,” says Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management Linde MH. “Today, we not only offer our customers a huge portfolio of electrically powered industrial trucks with a variety of energy storage systems, but we also use our expertise to electrify vehicles of all kinds – from hackney carriages to trolley cars.”

When the first Linde-branded electrically powered forklift truck was launched in the early 1970s, the enormous potential of electric mobility was not yet foreseeable. Development was primarily aimed at offering a vehicle for indoor applications. With the battery-powered forklift, Linde MH opened a new chapter in the company’s history, as the drive and energy storage system posed different technical challenges than its flagship: the Linde hydrostat.

Highlights of the first electric series in the capacity range from 1 to 1.5 tonnes included the dual-motor front wheel drive, which enabled turning manoeuvres on the smallest possible radius, and the twin-pedal control replicated from the hydrostat. This feature was designed to make it easier for operators to switch between the two types of drive.

Over the following years, the demand for electrically-powered forklifts increased steadily. This was because the number of warehouses and distribution centres kept growing – and with it the need for emission-free equipment. At the same time, the demands on these low-noise and emission-free indoor trucks increased: Customers wanted higher payloads, more handling capacity and a greater number of variants to cover ever new areas of application in industry and trade.

Compact axle

The further development of power electronics and digital technology paved the way for the continued success of Linde MH’s electric forklifts. In 1999, the first model featuring a three-phase or asynchronous motor was added to the product portfolio.

The engineers developed dedicated power and control modules for this new drive. This made it possible to combine the advantages of greater performance with a high level of reliability and the capability to handle demanding outdoor applications. Small and maintenance-free, the two drive motors together with the lifting hydraulics and all control components could be combined into a single assembly – the compact drive axle.

Conductor rails replaced long cable lines and ensured lower energy consumption in the new Linde E14 to E20 models from 2006. For the first time, the vehicles also featured an on-board charger for flexible charging at power outlets, as well as overhead tilt cylinders for greater stability of the mast.

Further features were added in 2010 with the 2- to 5-tonne models, including the vibration-decoupled drive axle, the automatic handbrake, the digital battery charge indicator, and a traction control system for excellent ground grip. This met the needs of many customers and contributed in no small part to Linde MH becoming the market leader for electric counterbalance trucks in Europe.

Safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness – and full performance

In addition to higher performance and low energy consumption, ergonomics and safety were at the top of the list of requirements for every new forklift truck development. And here, too, Linde MH has repeatedly set the pace in the industry over the past 50 years.

Many equipment and performance options were world firsts at the time of their respective market launches and remain unique Linde features to this day. These include, for example, the Linde Safety Pilot driver assistance system: It limits the lifting height if the permissible load capacity is exceeded and regulates the travel speed in relation to the load being transported. Another example is the Linde Roadster.

This vehicle was designed without A-pillars, which improves visibility of the surroundings and ensures greater operational safety.

The use of lithium-ion technology as a new means of energy storage and the development of the fuel cell with hydrogen as an energy source have given electric forklifts further impetus over the past ten years. Even more growth is promised by a new generation of Linde forklifts to be launched in June.

“With a completely new development, our electric trucks will finally catch up with the powerful IC trucks of the Linde brand,” announces Prokosch. Everyone can attend the virtual presentation of the new vehicles on 16th June at 11:00 CEST.

‘Masterpieces’ is the name Linde MH has given to the approximately half-hour product display, which will not only present the advantages of the new design in a vivid and varied way, but also give the people behind the innovations the opportunity to speak about them. (Yourway.Linde-mh.com).

 

Werma launches configurable call-for-action system

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Werma has unveiled AndonWIRELESS, a professional call-for-action system for optimising processes in Production, Logistics and Manual workstations

The new Werma Andon WirelessSET is the quick and easy way to report, display and rectify problems in real-time. This wireless-based system features a clever button box – the Andon WirelessBOX. Now you can report problems at the push of a button instead of having to shout or leave your station. This helps optimise processes in Logistics and Production, at manual workstations, in material replenishment or in access-control applications at doors and gates.

The Andon WirelessBOX can be operated on internal batteries. This allows you to use it as a stand-alone system that is perfect for mobile applications, e.g. on forklifts or pallet trucks. The new Andon WirelessSET will make your processes more streamlined and efficient than ever and keep your operation future-proof and flexible.

The term Andon originates in Japan and refers to a lantern, i.e. a simple visual signal. The use of Andons is fundamental to the Toyota Production System, in which self-explanatory symbols are used to communicate functions and sequences of machines or to visualise processes.

Werma Signaltechnik has refined this original function: Andon WirelessSET is a unique, intelligent, wireless call-for-action system specifically designed for manufacturing operations, manual workstations and logistics and shipping centres.

With the new Andon WirelessSET, calls-for-action can be made quickly and easily directly from the workstation. The operator presses a button to indicate a specific, previously-defined call-for-action or to request help. This allows colleagues to respond immediately, avoiding long waiting times and eliminating the need for lengthy transport routes.

The message acknowledgement function allows the current status to be visible to all parties. Acknowledgements can also be sent from another box. For example, an operator reports a material shortage using their Andon WirelessBOX and the logistics specialist acknowledges receipt of this notification via their box.

The individual boxes in the system can also communicate with each other. For instance, the driver of a forklift truck can press a button on their Andon WirelessBOX to report or acknowledge their status to other boxes in the system without involving a signal tower.

The signal towers and buttons use standard traffic light colours. This helps to overcome language barriers and even untrained or seasonal employees can use the system immediately. The illumination of the buttons can also be freely configured.

All you need is a Werma signal tower with its power supply, a transceiver for signal reception, an Andon WirelessBOX (either with 2 or 5 buttons), a USB cable and supply and the configuration software.

If you want to get started right away, order a pre-configured Andon WirelessSET. It is available in two versions (2- or 5-button). Alternatively, you can put together your own individual set using our Quick Finder.

Is your production environment already equipped with Werma signal towers? Then you can quickly and easily retrofit the plug & play transceivers, attach the Andon WirelessBOXes and set up your system using the configuration software.

The new Andon WirelessSET is not only quick to install and ready to use, but also simple and self-explanatory. The Andon WirelessBOX requires no wiring, avoiding the need for an electrician which saves both staff resources and time. The system allows single or multiple signal towers to be controlled with single or multiple boxes. The box(es) mirror the status of the signal tower.

Software-assisted configuration enables you to select individual control and visualisation options. This allows you to adapt the system to your own processes and circumstances (e.g. how many boxes access a tower, how messages are acknowledged etc.).

The Andon WirelessBOX can be mounted in two ways: screw-mounted as standard or mounted using a strong 3M industrial hook-and-loop tape, which affords you great flexibility when choosing where to attach or mount the box.

The new Andon WirelessBOX is available with either 2 or 5 buttons and can be operated using either a USB power supply or internal batteries. The push buttons can be individually configured to mirrors the colours of the signal tower.

The buttons also have a handy acknowledgement function that can be used to confirm completed tasks. The status LED display shows you connection status, successful transmissions, transmission errors and also gives low battery warning.

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.