Werma launches configurable call-for-action system

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.

Quality Freight changes name to Peel Ports Logistics

Quality Freight UK Limited, one of the UK’s leading shipping and freight forwarders, acquired by Peel Ports Group in 2019, has announced that the Company will operate under a new name – Peel Ports Logistics.

In an announcement, the company said the official name change to Peel Ports Logistics took effect from 14th May 2021 and will allow a more seamless experience for customers, suppliers and colleagues. It will also see the new brand rolled out across the business, assets and digital platforms.

Sebastian Gardiner, Managing Director at Peel Ports Logistics, said: “Both myself and the senior management team at both Quality Freight UK and Peel Ports Group are looking forward to the future and this next stage of the acquisition.

“Our vision is to take Peel Ports Logistics from strength to strength for the mutual benefit and vested interest of our customers, suppliers and colleagues.

“We will still continue to operate under the same legal entity and our culture and identity as an entrepreneurial business, with staff and customers as our priority, will also remain.”

Mark Whitworth, CEO at Peel Ports said: “The acquisition of Quality Freight UK Limited two years ago was a milestone step to expand our existing offering to deliver fully-integrated port services.

“Taking into consideration the transitions we have enabled since the acquisition in May 2019, the rebranding strategy was the next natural step to take. Our ambition has always been to provide our customers with end-to-end supply chain solutions across the UK to simplify and boost efficiencies in supply customer supply chain models”.

Both Peel Ports Group and Quality Freight UK will continue to develop its logistics portfolio and transport division.

Quality Freight changes name to Peel Ports Logistics

Quality Freight UK Limited, one of the UK’s leading shipping and freight forwarders, acquired by Peel Ports Group in 2019, has announced that the Company will operate under a new name – Peel Ports Logistics.

In an announcement, the company said the official name change to Peel Ports Logistics took effect from 14th May 2021 and will allow a more seamless experience for customers, suppliers and colleagues. It will also see the new brand rolled out across the business, assets and digital platforms.

Sebastian Gardiner, Managing Director at Peel Ports Logistics, said: “Both myself and the senior management team at both Quality Freight UK and Peel Ports Group are looking forward to the future and this next stage of the acquisition.

“Our vision is to take Peel Ports Logistics from strength to strength for the mutual benefit and vested interest of our customers, suppliers and colleagues.

“We will still continue to operate under the same legal entity and our culture and identity as an entrepreneurial business, with staff and customers as our priority, will also remain.”

Mark Whitworth, CEO at Peel Ports said: “The acquisition of Quality Freight UK Limited two years ago was a milestone step to expand our existing offering to deliver fully-integrated port services.

“Taking into consideration the transitions we have enabled since the acquisition in May 2019, the rebranding strategy was the next natural step to take. Our ambition has always been to provide our customers with end-to-end supply chain solutions across the UK to simplify and boost efficiencies in supply customer supply chain models”.

Both Peel Ports Group and Quality Freight UK will continue to develop its logistics portfolio and transport division.

AGV from DS Automation lifts to 8.5m

With lifting heights up to 8.5 m and payloads up to 2.5t, the ARNY driverless counterbalanced forklift completes DS Automation’s forklift AGV family in the upper performance range.

ARNY is particularly compact. It can utilise all popular methods for navigating, and operate using various kinds of batteries and charging concepts. Its highly modular design, including the load-handling kit, renders ARNY fit for all application areas. A comprehensive safety concept and uncompromising ‘made in Austria’ quality make ARNY safe, low-maintenance and durable, according to DS Automation.

Like all members of DS Automation’s forklift AGV family, ARNY is “born driverless”. It was designed an autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) without any compromises from scratch. In spite of the higher weight it requires for counterbalancing, ARNY features an extremely small turning circle so it can navigate in very narrow aisles.

ARNY is capable of using contour-based navigation as well as laser navigation and it can fall back on magnetic markers or reflectors for higher positioning accuracy. Due to its full compatibility with all free-ranging DS Automation systems, the AGV can operate in existing layouts. ARNY is also equipped with the universal VDA5050 interface so it can join AGVs of any kind from various manufacturers.

As a counterbalancing lifter, ARNY does not require straddles under the fork. Self-supported, it can lift loads to heights up to 8.5m, depending on the lifting mast. Two models of the forklift AGV are available, ARNY for payloads up to 1,500kg, and ARNY HD for up to 2,500kg.

DS Automation integrated a particularly compact, modular load handling system. Aside of numerous fork geometries and adjustments, it excels with the same industrial-grade ruggedness as the vehicle itself.

In spite of its high carrying and lifting capacity, DS Automation says ARNY moves safely at high speeds at which all functional safety is tested and certified. Its 360° sensors facilitate personnel safety without blind spots. Additional options including blue spot and laser line projectors and 3D object protection cameras help further advance functional safety. Safety control is taken care of by a safe PLC in the AGV capable of transmitting safety data over Wi-Fi. This allows integrating ARNY in the best possible way with operators’ overall safety concepts.

When it comes to power supply and charging concepts, ARNY offers operators the full freedom of choice. It can be equipped with rechargeable batteries using all popular technologies. These can be charged aboard the AGV through floor contacts or externally.

ARNY, the highly compact and manoeuvrable driverless forklift from DS Automation takes on the challenges of intralogistics with industrial-grade ruggedness, a highly modular design and superior personnel safety.

The two ARNY models complete the forklift AGV family of the globally leading AGV manufacturer based in Linz, Austria. This family now extends to higher-load categories and consists of ARNY HD, ARNY, AMADEUS and LUCY.

Karl Rapp, Sales, Planning and Marketing Manager, DS Automation, says: “Our highly manoeuvrable driverless forklift not only quickly and safely lifts heavy loads to great heights, ARNY also excels with high durability and low maintenance.”

AGV from DS Automation lifts to 8.5m

With lifting heights up to 8.5 m and payloads up to 2.5t, the ARNY driverless counterbalanced forklift completes DS Automation’s forklift AGV family in the upper performance range.

ARNY is particularly compact. It can utilise all popular methods for navigating, and operate using various kinds of batteries and charging concepts. Its highly modular design, including the load-handling kit, renders ARNY fit for all application areas. A comprehensive safety concept and uncompromising ‘made in Austria’ quality make ARNY safe, low-maintenance and durable, according to DS Automation.

Like all members of DS Automation’s forklift AGV family, ARNY is “born driverless”. It was designed an autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) without any compromises from scratch. In spite of the higher weight it requires for counterbalancing, ARNY features an extremely small turning circle so it can navigate in very narrow aisles.

ARNY is capable of using contour-based navigation as well as laser navigation and it can fall back on magnetic markers or reflectors for higher positioning accuracy. Due to its full compatibility with all free-ranging DS Automation systems, the AGV can operate in existing layouts. ARNY is also equipped with the universal VDA5050 interface so it can join AGVs of any kind from various manufacturers.

As a counterbalancing lifter, ARNY does not require straddles under the fork. Self-supported, it can lift loads to heights up to 8.5m, depending on the lifting mast. Two models of the forklift AGV are available, ARNY for payloads up to 1,500kg, and ARNY HD for up to 2,500kg.

DS Automation integrated a particularly compact, modular load handling system. Aside of numerous fork geometries and adjustments, it excels with the same industrial-grade ruggedness as the vehicle itself.

In spite of its high carrying and lifting capacity, DS Automation says ARNY moves safely at high speeds at which all functional safety is tested and certified. Its 360° sensors facilitate personnel safety without blind spots. Additional options including blue spot and laser line projectors and 3D object protection cameras help further advance functional safety. Safety control is taken care of by a safe PLC in the AGV capable of transmitting safety data over Wi-Fi. This allows integrating ARNY in the best possible way with operators’ overall safety concepts.

When it comes to power supply and charging concepts, ARNY offers operators the full freedom of choice. It can be equipped with rechargeable batteries using all popular technologies. These can be charged aboard the AGV through floor contacts or externally.

ARNY, the highly compact and manoeuvrable driverless forklift from DS Automation takes on the challenges of intralogistics with industrial-grade ruggedness, a highly modular design and superior personnel safety.

The two ARNY models complete the forklift AGV family of the globally leading AGV manufacturer based in Linz, Austria. This family now extends to higher-load categories and consists of ARNY HD, ARNY, AMADEUS and LUCY.

Karl Rapp, Sales, Planning and Marketing Manager, DS Automation, says: “Our highly manoeuvrable driverless forklift not only quickly and safely lifts heavy loads to great heights, ARNY also excels with high durability and low maintenance.”

Automation helps Laithwaites hit 98% productivity

CKF has recently designed, installed and commissioned an extensive new case feed and palletising system for Laithwaites wine, an established, thriving ecommerce and retail business based in Gloucester, UK. The new system enabled Laithwaites to handle a 50% increase in demand during 2020 and improve productivity from 65% to a phenomenal 98%.

For over 50 years, Tony Laithwaite and the team at Laithwaites wines have been providing their valued customers access to the very best quality wine from around the world, having uniquely developed personal relationships with over 450 passionate growers and wine makers.

An increase in customer demand for online purchasing meant the ageing plant at its Gloucester facility, which had served it well, was no longer fully supporting its needs. Towards the end of 2019, CKF was approached by the Laithwaites team to develop and deliver a new automated palletising solution to meet its current and projected future requirements.

CKF is a leader in automated palletising and case handling, with more than 30 years’ experience supporting different industries including Food & Beverage, Logistics, Pharmaceutical and Automotive. The engineering team at CKF gained a comprehensive understanding of Laithwaites’ operations through detailed analysis of the available product data and key review meetings with the Laithwaites ops team. CKF proposed a new fully-automated layer palletising system with a multi-lane accumulation feed system mounted on a new mezzanine floor.

Laithwaites wine distribution from the Gloucester facility is defined by online and retail sales, delivery routes, carriers, regions and time to consumer. This requires the filled cases of wine to be automatically sorted and placed onto the correct pallet to be shipped through the correct carrier.

Laithwaites’ Gloucester facility is a high-bay warehouse with a large demand on floor area. The new CKF installed system maximises the use of the ground floor by moving the accumulation and handling of cases to a new high-level mezzanine. The new fully-automated solution uses multiple lanes of low friction conveyors which accumulate full pallet loads of cases (weighing up to 25kg per case) prior to releasing them to two layer palletisers.

The new CKF fully automated system was installed and commissioned in two phases through 2020 working closely with the Laithwaites team to eliminate any operational disruption. Providing a significant increase in productivity to 98%, the benefits of the new system configuration have also enabled Laithwaites Wine to handle a substantial increase in throughput, reduce excessive manual handling and relocate the remaining manual processes into the area below the mezzanine floor and away from busy trucking routes, providing increased safety for its employees.

read more

CKF Systems Partners with Global AGV to Increase Logistics Offering

 

Automation helps Laithwaites hit 98% productivity

CKF has recently designed, installed and commissioned an extensive new case feed and palletising system for Laithwaites wine, an established, thriving ecommerce and retail business based in Gloucester, UK. The new system enabled Laithwaites to handle a 50% increase in demand during 2020 and improve productivity from 65% to a phenomenal 98%.

For over 50 years, Tony Laithwaite and the team at Laithwaites wines have been providing their valued customers access to the very best quality wine from around the world, having uniquely developed personal relationships with over 450 passionate growers and wine makers.

An increase in customer demand for online purchasing meant the ageing plant at its Gloucester facility, which had served it well, was no longer fully supporting its needs. Towards the end of 2019, CKF was approached by the Laithwaites team to develop and deliver a new automated palletising solution to meet its current and projected future requirements.

CKF is a leader in automated palletising and case handling, with more than 30 years’ experience supporting different industries including Food & Beverage, Logistics, Pharmaceutical and Automotive. The engineering team at CKF gained a comprehensive understanding of Laithwaites’ operations through detailed analysis of the available product data and key review meetings with the Laithwaites ops team. CKF proposed a new fully-automated layer palletising system with a multi-lane accumulation feed system mounted on a new mezzanine floor.

Laithwaites wine distribution from the Gloucester facility is defined by online and retail sales, delivery routes, carriers, regions and time to consumer. This requires the filled cases of wine to be automatically sorted and placed onto the correct pallet to be shipped through the correct carrier.

Laithwaites’ Gloucester facility is a high-bay warehouse with a large demand on floor area. The new CKF installed system maximises the use of the ground floor by moving the accumulation and handling of cases to a new high-level mezzanine. The new fully-automated solution uses multiple lanes of low friction conveyors which accumulate full pallet loads of cases (weighing up to 25kg per case) prior to releasing them to two layer palletisers.

The new CKF fully automated system was installed and commissioned in two phases through 2020 working closely with the Laithwaites team to eliminate any operational disruption. Providing a significant increase in productivity to 98%, the benefits of the new system configuration have also enabled Laithwaites Wine to handle a substantial increase in throughput, reduce excessive manual handling and relocate the remaining manual processes into the area below the mezzanine floor and away from busy trucking routes, providing increased safety for its employees.

read more

CKF Systems Partners with Global AGV to Increase Logistics Offering

 

SnapFulfil makes three key promotions

WMS technology innovator, SnapFulfil, has made a trio of key promotions as business continues to grow and flourish.

Philip Wright is elevated to Head of Global Support & CI (Continuous Improvement, a pivotal new focus area for the company), while Martin Coogan takes up the mantle of Head of the UK Customer Success Team.

Elsewhere in the business, Emma Faulkner has been promoted to Head of Software Development with immediate effect, from her previous role as Technical Development Manager.

SnapFulfil’s Chief Operating Officer, Stefanie Rollins, said: “These promotions are much deserved as we strengthen our operational productivity and efficiencies and develop the skills of our team. I’m so incredibly proud of all three individuals and it’s always a pleasure working with them.

“Martin has been instrumental in moulding our Customer Success Team (CST) and his dedication to the role, popularity with clients and commitment to his team stands out for all to see. Phil’s time with us has seen him fine tune our Service Desk, resulting in much increased efficiencies and improved customer journey, plus he’s been a key player in our initial CI initiatives.”

Emma reports into EVP of Implementation Services, Smitha Raphael, who heads up the revamped Product & Application Software department. She says of her promotion: “We are excited to have Emma lead the development team and expect to see cutting edge technology implemented, along with many interesting product features that cater to our customer needs in this ever-changing logistics environment.”

Emma has been part of the SnapFulfil team for four years, during which time she has been instrumental in bringing about positive process and product changes. She has enhanced platforms – especially carrier integrations – and the build and release management, along with version control processes.

Phil has been with the company for six years and his achievements to date include improving the quality of the company’s API documentation and making it more accessible and informative for customers. He has also led a revamp of the 24/7 Help Centre to include the likes of integrated Live Chat, customised content and real-time ticketing.

Martin joined SnapFulfil in 2015, initially as an implementation analyst and project manager, but since 2017 his people and solutions-driven skills have been utilised within CST, which looks after the more complex aspects of client integration, but also advises on how to best optimise the functionally rich

going forward.

SnapFulfil makes three key promotions

WMS technology innovator, SnapFulfil, has made a trio of key promotions as business continues to grow and flourish.

Philip Wright is elevated to Head of Global Support & CI (Continuous Improvement, a pivotal new focus area for the company), while Martin Coogan takes up the mantle of Head of the UK Customer Success Team.

Elsewhere in the business, Emma Faulkner has been promoted to Head of Software Development with immediate effect, from her previous role as Technical Development Manager.

SnapFulfil’s Chief Operating Officer, Stefanie Rollins, said: “These promotions are much deserved as we strengthen our operational productivity and efficiencies and develop the skills of our team. I’m so incredibly proud of all three individuals and it’s always a pleasure working with them.

“Martin has been instrumental in moulding our Customer Success Team (CST) and his dedication to the role, popularity with clients and commitment to his team stands out for all to see. Phil’s time with us has seen him fine tune our Service Desk, resulting in much increased efficiencies and improved customer journey, plus he’s been a key player in our initial CI initiatives.”

Emma reports into EVP of Implementation Services, Smitha Raphael, who heads up the revamped Product & Application Software department. She says of her promotion: “We are excited to have Emma lead the development team and expect to see cutting edge technology implemented, along with many interesting product features that cater to our customer needs in this ever-changing logistics environment.”

Emma has been part of the SnapFulfil team for four years, during which time she has been instrumental in bringing about positive process and product changes. She has enhanced platforms – especially carrier integrations – and the build and release management, along with version control processes.

Phil has been with the company for six years and his achievements to date include improving the quality of the company’s API documentation and making it more accessible and informative for customers. He has also led a revamp of the 24/7 Help Centre to include the likes of integrated Live Chat, customised content and real-time ticketing.

Martin joined SnapFulfil in 2015, initially as an implementation analyst and project manager, but since 2017 his people and solutions-driven skills have been utilised within CST, which looks after the more complex aspects of client integration, but also advises on how to best optimise the functionally rich

going forward.

London office marks DiCentral’s European expansion

DiCentral, a leading provider of business-to-business (B2B) supply chain integration and collaboration solutions, has opened its first UK office in London. This UK investment further expands DiCentral’s European footprint, which started with the creation of DiCentral Europe in Germany in December 2018, following the company’s acquisition of Compello GmbH.

The new UK office will act as a local sales and support hub for DiCentral, with the company actively recruiting to grow the team in the region.

DiCentral has secured many new European customers over the last year. The UK office will provide local support for these new wins and existing customers. DiCentral’s UK team will be focused on growing the company’s business in the retail and automotive sectors, helping new clients to enjoy the benefits of seamless e-commerce and marketplace integration. It will also continue to execute its channel strategy by leveraging the company’s extensive integration experience with SAP, Microsoft Dynamics and NetSuite.

DiCentral provides EDI and supply chain integration for retail, manufacturing and CPG, 3PL and distribution, automotive and healthcare. It enables businesses to quickly connect with 3PLs, carriers, suppliers and other trading partners, integrate external data into ERP, WMS or accounting software, and maintain real-time visibility over B2B communications. This increases ROI, reduces redundant, error-prone data entry and removes the need to outsource key functions, providing real-time updates through customisable dashboards and mobile alerts.

DiCentral is doubling down in Europe, as we look to service the needs of multi-national clients seeking to integrate their global supply chains,” said Jacques Vigneault, EVP Europe DiCentral at DiCentral. “With a dedicated office in the UK, we can ensure our clients are fully supported locally 24/7, and that we have a close understanding of their geographies and markets.

“Many businesses now have increasingly complex data integration requirements, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only heightened the need for faster and more efficient B2B digital transactions,” added Jacques Vigneault.

“With DiCentral, companies of all sizes can effectively manage all their fulfilment channels and software integrations on a unified cloud platform. This means they can focus on growing their business, rather than worrying about the complexities of integration.”

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, DiCentral has an extensive global network, with local offices in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

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