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Month: May 2021

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.

Quality Freight changes name to Peel Ports Logistics

Posted on by Keith McKinley

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

Posted on by David Priestman

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

Posted on by David Priestman

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

Posted on by David Priestman

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

Posted on by David Priestman

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.

Starship quadruples autonomous deliveries during pandemic

Posted on by David Priestman

Starship Technologies, a leading provider of autonomous delivery services, has announced that its delivery numbers have quadrupled globally since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the service is now available to one million people around the world.

“This past year has been a game-changer for autonomous delivery, moving adoption ahead by years,” said Ahti Heinla, Co-founder and CEO of Starship Technologies. “When we launched commercial delivery three years ago, we didn’t expect to be at the point we are today. We marked the significant milestone of one million deliveries in January 2021 and we’ve since surpassed 1.5 million deliveries. These rapid developments have also helped us scale the business, so we can provide a lower cost of delivery than any other option available.”

As well as offering a reliable way to protect vulnerable populations and adhere to social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless delivery offerings such as Starship’s service have also proved to be a vital revenue stream for local businesses. In the last 12+ months, Starship has partnered with 40 independent merchants in Milton Keynes and Northampton, enabling these companies to offer a delivery service to local residents that they didn’t previously provide in order to continue operations.

One of these businesses that has thrived in the last year is St Mary’s Chippy, a local fish and chip takeaway in Milton Keynes offering contactless delivery using Starship’s fleet of 100+ robots in the town.

“Over the last 12 months during the pandemic we’ve faced a very difficult time as have many local businesses with the lockdowns and guidelines around when and how we’ve been able to stay open,” said Tony Paolucci, Owner of St Mary’s Chippy in Milton Keynes. “However, partnering with Starship has provided a lifeline as it has enabled us to offer delivery services to customers that we didn’t provide previously as a walk in takeaway. In the last year we’ve seen our order numbers grow by 15% through using the robots. It’s a fantastic service!”

Starship Technologies operates commercially on a daily basis around the world. Its zero-emission robots have made more than 1.5 million autonomous deliveries, more than any other autonomous delivery company in the world, travelled millions of miles and make more than 80,000 road crossings every day. The company has raised $102m in funding to date.

The Starship Food Delivery app is available for download on iOS and Android. To get started, users choose from a range of their favourite food or drink items, then drop a pin where they want their delivery to be sent. They can then watch as the robot makes its journey to them, via an interactive map. Once the robot arrives, they receive an alert, and can then meet and unlock it through the app.

Bullet Express equipped to go the extra miles

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Bullet Express, the Glasgow-based international logistics, transport and storage company, has installed 3.5 miles of pallet racking in its new 30,000 sq ft storage logistics facility in the city. Laid end to end, the racking is long enough to stretch from the storage facility at 2129 London Road, Glasgow, to George Square in the heart of Scotland’s largest city.

The new racking, manufactured by Spanish specialist AR Racking and installed by local installation experts, Rackit Ltd, means that the facility is now fully operational only two months after Bullet Express received the keys to the building.

The new storage facility:

Represents a seven-figure investment from Bullet Express
Can hold 5,000 pallets
Increases Bullet Express’s capacity by 25% to 26,000 pallets
Has 20 rows of high-capacity racking, creating 364 storage bays stacked seven layers high
Operates 10 aisles
Has a narrow aisle configuration to accommodate Aisle Master forklift trucks

Bullet Express’s creation of the new storage facility reflects a surge in demand from both existing and new customers for storage services. This is in response to tighter consumer delivery demand following a 40% rise in online shopping due to Covid-19 lockdowns. The new facility will result in the creation of up to 10 new jobs initially.

David McCutcheon, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Bullet Express, said: “Demand from existing and new customers for storage space close to their customers is at unprecedented levels and investing in this high-capacity racking means that we can accommodate their needs, offering an end-to-end service. So much so that the facility is already close to reaching its capacity with new business wins from blue-chip customers in the retail grocery sector.

“I’m full of admiration for the service we’ve received from AR Racking, Rackit and Douglas Gillespie Plant, whose high-lift plant was used throughout the installation. I’m proud, too, of Bullet Express’s own team who have moved heaven and earth to get this installation completed in record time.”

C.H. Robinson acquires Combinex to expand European footprint

Posted on by Keith McKinley

C.H. Robinson has further expanded its European road transportation presence with the acquisition of Combinex Holding B.V. Combinex is one of the fastest-growing forwarders in the Benelux region, specialising in transport services for dry, fresh and frozen goods.

“The acquisition is a great opportunity for C.H. Robinson and will strengthen our existing footprint in Europe, particularly our presence in Western Europe,” said Jeroen Eijsink, President of Europe for C.H. Robinson. “Combinex will also offer us additional haul capabilities with a dedicated fleet, expanding our reach in the short-medium haul market. I am excited to welcome Arie Troost and his experienced team to the C.H. Robinson family.”

“This is an exciting day for us at Combinex, as we bring together our strong offerings and incredible talent to compliment C.H. Robinson’s services, technology and presence in Europe,” said Arie Troost, Founder and CEO of Combinex. “Combining our diversified, loyal client base, reliable network of transporters and dedicated fleet and owned trailers with C.H. Robinson’s scale and expertise, will allow us to provide even better services to our customers.”

C.H. Robinson’s European road transportation business spans across all the major trade lanes in Europe. Its global freight forwarding division offers global air, ocean, and customs services. This announcement follows two recent European company acquisitions in 2019, including Dema Services, a leading provider of road transportation based in Italy, and Space Cargo, a global freight forwarding group in Spain.

RHA launches tail lift safety guidance

Posted on by David Priestman

The RHA has published long-awaited guidance to improve safety around the use of tail lifts.The Tail Lift and Pallet Truck Guidance Document aims to help operators reduce the risk of death and serious injury when palletised goods are delivered by vehicles fitted with tail lifts.

The guidance sets out industry best practice, and supports businesses to review their health and safety processes.

It helps firms with establishing safe systems of work, risk assessments, staff training and support, incident reporting, equipment maintenance, and reminds employers of their responsibilities.

The guidance is the culmination of several years’ work by the RHA, the Association of Pallet Networks, haulage and logistics operators, and transport law experts Backhouse Jones.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provided technical support to the group as they developed the guidance which has been keenly anticipated across the haulage and logistics industry.

RHA Chief Executive, Richard Burnett said: “This guidance offers operators who move palletised goods essential advice to keep their staff and others as safe as possible.

“I cannot thank our partners in the working group and HSE technicians enough for helping us pull this document together that should make our working environments safer.”

HSE Head of Transport and Public Services Unit, Harvey Wild said: “We believe that this guidance is an important step for the industry in improving the safety of tail lift deliveries and we have provided technical support to the working group during the production of the document.

We have agreed to provide an endorsement of the guidance that recognises the value of the advice it provides to vehicle operators and others in the haulage industry.”

 

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