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Day: 4 June 2021

Dangerous goods platform now covers more modes

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The dangerous goods portal INFr8, first established for the air freight industry to digitally exchange dangerous goods information along the supply chain, has now been expanded to include more modes of transport. Starting immediately, the automated creation of dangerous goods documents for sea cargo (IMO declaration) and road transports (ADR accompanying documents) is also possible. Furthermore, rail transports (RID documents) will be integrated into the system this quarter.

“Thanks to the positive reaction from the air freight industry and the increasing demand from other transport sectors, we have expanded the scope of our platform,” explains Dakosy’s authorised officer Dirk Gladiator. Currently, most modes of transport pass on dangerous goods documents manually, and data needs to be re-entered at each transfer point.

The knowledge gained through the process of digitalisation of air freight, which led to enormous simplifications, can be transferred to road, rail, and sea transports. Gladiator clarifies: “In air freight, multiple entries were made by the consignors and the forwarders/dangerous goods declarants as well as the airlines/handling agents. Analysis shows that without digitalisation, ten to twelve percent of dangerous goods shipments cannot be flown out as planned, 80% of which is due to documentation errors. “The latter can be largely avoided by digitalising the paper-based processes,” confirms Gladiator.

Using the platform, the complex dangerous goods declarations are exchanged between the transport participants entirely electronically. One of the most important features is the integration of all the different dangerous goods databases: IATA, IMDG, ADR and RID. “By entering the UN number, the associated dangerous goods data is validated. In cases of restrictions and limitations, this makes it possible to intervene at an early stage,” says Gladiator.

Furthermore, INFr8 integrates the automated creation and revision of shipping labels. According to Gladiator, this function is vital, since the printing of inaccurate shipping labels leads to higher costs and, along with documentation errors, is one of the main reasons for shipments being delayed. The platform’s additional features include alerts, a document cloud, and customised statistics. Users can be integrated regardless of their technical capabilities. Access options are available via EDI interface as well as a web application. There is also a mobile app for notifications in the event of disruptions.

The INFr8 dangerous goods platform was launched at Frankfurt Airport. It is now used by representatives from the entire air freight transport chain. These include the airline Lufthansa Cargo, the handling agent LUG, consignors Siemens Healthineers and Merck Group, and forwarders DB Schenker and Geis Group.

Dangerous goods platform now covers more modes

Posted on by David Priestman

The dangerous goods portal INFr8, first established for the air freight industry to digitally exchange dangerous goods information along the supply chain, has now been expanded to include more modes of transport. Starting immediately, the automated creation of dangerous goods documents for sea cargo (IMO declaration) and road transports (ADR accompanying documents) is also possible. Furthermore, rail transports (RID documents) will be integrated into the system this quarter.

“Thanks to the positive reaction from the air freight industry and the increasing demand from other transport sectors, we have expanded the scope of our platform,” explains Dakosy’s authorised officer Dirk Gladiator. Currently, most modes of transport pass on dangerous goods documents manually, and data needs to be re-entered at each transfer point.

The knowledge gained through the process of digitalisation of air freight, which led to enormous simplifications, can be transferred to road, rail, and sea transports. Gladiator clarifies: “In air freight, multiple entries were made by the consignors and the forwarders/dangerous goods declarants as well as the airlines/handling agents. Analysis shows that without digitalisation, ten to twelve percent of dangerous goods shipments cannot be flown out as planned, 80% of which is due to documentation errors. “The latter can be largely avoided by digitalising the paper-based processes,” confirms Gladiator.

Using the platform, the complex dangerous goods declarations are exchanged between the transport participants entirely electronically. One of the most important features is the integration of all the different dangerous goods databases: IATA, IMDG, ADR and RID. “By entering the UN number, the associated dangerous goods data is validated. In cases of restrictions and limitations, this makes it possible to intervene at an early stage,” says Gladiator.

Furthermore, INFr8 integrates the automated creation and revision of shipping labels. According to Gladiator, this function is vital, since the printing of inaccurate shipping labels leads to higher costs and, along with documentation errors, is one of the main reasons for shipments being delayed. The platform’s additional features include alerts, a document cloud, and customised statistics. Users can be integrated regardless of their technical capabilities. Access options are available via EDI interface as well as a web application. There is also a mobile app for notifications in the event of disruptions.

The INFr8 dangerous goods platform was launched at Frankfurt Airport. It is now used by representatives from the entire air freight transport chain. These include the airline Lufthansa Cargo, the handling agent LUG, consignors Siemens Healthineers and Merck Group, and forwarders DB Schenker and Geis Group.

Beumer Group introduces new pouch technology

Posted on by David Priestman

Beumer Group – a leading global supplier of automated material handling systems – has launched its own new BG Pouch System in response to rapid growth of interest from omnichannel and D2C operators.

This innovative system expands Beumer Group’s offering for the warehouse and distribution industry with a pouch sortation solution that meets the escalating requirements felt by today’s modern fulfilment and distribution operations. The BG Pouch System was developed to relieve the unprecedented pressure to deliver financial and logistical efficiency in the demanding e-commerce environment and fits perfectly into Beumer Group’s existing end-to-end integration solutions to solve intralogistics challenges for fashion companies.

An Italian fashion brand with a tight product life cycle has become the first operation to invest in the BG Pouch System as a part of their fine-tuned worldwide distribution operation. This follows many of Beumer Group’s other solutions that have proved effective in warehouse and distribution operations for re- and e-tailors such as NIKE, Foot Locker and ASOS.

The BG Pouch System enables the growing demand for fast, e-commerce driven cycle times to be met by warehouses and third-party logistic (3PL) providers. The persisting problem of reverse logistics is solved by effective and efficient handling of returns using built-in interim storage capacity for returned products. This avoids unnecessary manual handling as returned goods can be sent for shipment directly from the dynamic buffer, without ever being sent back to the main storage area and without having to be re-picked. In an omni-channel environment, the sort and sequence functions are invaluable to facilitate goods sortation for shop delivery to ensure products arrive to stores in a shop-friendly manner and expedite shelf replenishment.

The BG Pouch System has a capacity of 7kg which is ideally suited to fashion items from shoes to garments on hangers (GoH), as well as a wider product profile, including print & media, pharmaceuticals & beauty products and electronics. This versatility provides a high flexibility for handling diverse items, no matter the requirement for returns handling, peak seasonal demands or omni-channel performance pressure. Different types of items, held for different clients, destined for different types of shipping can be collated in one intelligent storage system. This will be of particular interest for 3PL players.

The BG Pouch System will be of interest to operations considering upgrading conventional, manual operations with a realistic and achievable approach to automation. The BG Pouch System can be mounted in the ceiling, representing a massive saving on space and allowing deployment when floor area is a limiting factor. Additionally, as a modular system, the BG Pouch System can also be scaled up easily when required with minimal installation time.

Each BG Pouch System module can handle more than 10,000 pouches per hour. The dynamic buffer reduces manual handling to dramatically speed up and smooth intralogistics flows, allowing predictive picking to significantly reduce handling peaks. The system runs on a contactless magnetic drive that gives friction-free operation. This means minimal wear on mechanical parts, cutting the operating costs through low maintenance, a reduced number of spares and a minimum of cleaning requirements.

Staff retention is another concern for logistics operators, and the BG Pouch System is designed with comfort and ease of use in mind. The height of each workstation is adjustable to suit each individual worker, and access to pouches and controls is ergonomically designed.

Stephan Heessels, Director for Beumer Group Logistic Systems: “We see a huge potential for a modern version of pouch technology, especially for our customers looking to refine their fulfilment and distribution chain by optimising processes to have faster goods-to-consumer cycles and a much, much lower need for operators touching the items.”

Beumer Group can facilitate the entire process of installing the pouch sortation solution through every stage of operation from the selection of solution, through design, build, test, implementation, training, maintenance and growth. Beumer will not only operate independently with its own technology but will act as a full-service integrator throughout the process, working with third-party suppliers providing a complete solution to deliver a fully comprehensive system.

Beumer Group introduces new pouch technology

Posted on by David Priestman

Beumer Group – a leading global supplier of automated material handling systems – has launched its own new BG Pouch System in response to rapid growth of interest from omnichannel and D2C operators.

This innovative system expands Beumer Group’s offering for the warehouse and distribution industry with a pouch sortation solution that meets the escalating requirements felt by today’s modern fulfilment and distribution operations. The BG Pouch System was developed to relieve the unprecedented pressure to deliver financial and logistical efficiency in the demanding e-commerce environment and fits perfectly into Beumer Group’s existing end-to-end integration solutions to solve intralogistics challenges for fashion companies.

An Italian fashion brand with a tight product life cycle has become the first operation to invest in the BG Pouch System as a part of their fine-tuned worldwide distribution operation. This follows many of Beumer Group’s other solutions that have proved effective in warehouse and distribution operations for re- and e-tailors such as NIKE, Foot Locker and ASOS.

The BG Pouch System enables the growing demand for fast, e-commerce driven cycle times to be met by warehouses and third-party logistic (3PL) providers. The persisting problem of reverse logistics is solved by effective and efficient handling of returns using built-in interim storage capacity for returned products. This avoids unnecessary manual handling as returned goods can be sent for shipment directly from the dynamic buffer, without ever being sent back to the main storage area and without having to be re-picked. In an omni-channel environment, the sort and sequence functions are invaluable to facilitate goods sortation for shop delivery to ensure products arrive to stores in a shop-friendly manner and expedite shelf replenishment.

The BG Pouch System has a capacity of 7kg which is ideally suited to fashion items from shoes to garments on hangers (GoH), as well as a wider product profile, including print & media, pharmaceuticals & beauty products and electronics. This versatility provides a high flexibility for handling diverse items, no matter the requirement for returns handling, peak seasonal demands or omni-channel performance pressure. Different types of items, held for different clients, destined for different types of shipping can be collated in one intelligent storage system. This will be of particular interest for 3PL players.

The BG Pouch System will be of interest to operations considering upgrading conventional, manual operations with a realistic and achievable approach to automation. The BG Pouch System can be mounted in the ceiling, representing a massive saving on space and allowing deployment when floor area is a limiting factor. Additionally, as a modular system, the BG Pouch System can also be scaled up easily when required with minimal installation time.

Each BG Pouch System module can handle more than 10,000 pouches per hour. The dynamic buffer reduces manual handling to dramatically speed up and smooth intralogistics flows, allowing predictive picking to significantly reduce handling peaks. The system runs on a contactless magnetic drive that gives friction-free operation. This means minimal wear on mechanical parts, cutting the operating costs through low maintenance, a reduced number of spares and a minimum of cleaning requirements.

Staff retention is another concern for logistics operators, and the BG Pouch System is designed with comfort and ease of use in mind. The height of each workstation is adjustable to suit each individual worker, and access to pouches and controls is ergonomically designed.

Stephan Heessels, Director for Beumer Group Logistic Systems: “We see a huge potential for a modern version of pouch technology, especially for our customers looking to refine their fulfilment and distribution chain by optimising processes to have faster goods-to-consumer cycles and a much, much lower need for operators touching the items.”

Beumer Group can facilitate the entire process of installing the pouch sortation solution through every stage of operation from the selection of solution, through design, build, test, implementation, training, maintenance and growth. Beumer will not only operate independently with its own technology but will act as a full-service integrator throughout the process, working with third-party suppliers providing a complete solution to deliver a fully comprehensive system.

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa undergoes digital transformation

Posted on by David Priestman

As part of an on-going programme of digital transformation at its bottling plants, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) is collaborating with pricing and rebate management experts Flintfox, and Microsoft to modernise how it uses technology. The collaboration will help the bottling giant retire legacy solutions, to better manage pricing and overcome existing challenges at all stages of the supply chain.

Trade Revenue Management and the RMx pricing engine provide CCBA with the ability to manage advanced pricing and promotions, reduce operating costs and monitor margins. By extending the capability of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and integrating with existing e-commerce and sales force automation platforms, Flintfox will enable real-time hyper-speed pricing and help deliver accurate pricing across the supply chain.

The collaboration between Microsoft and Flintfox helps CCBA to accelerate its digital transformation journey, via seamless digital systems that enable the entire business to operate as one.

Flintfox EMEA Director Mark Conway said: “It’s an exciting time to be working with CCBA, as they bring their digital transformation vision to life via Microsoft Dynamics 365 and set out on a path of accelerated growth. Our intelligent solutions will reduce operating costs, create productivity gains and future-proof operations. What’s more, we will provide real-time pricing accuracy across CCBA’s channels and deliver significant, measurable ROI to the business.”

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Chief Information Officer Joshua Motsuenyane said: “Because CCBA was born out of a merger of different companies, there are a number of infrastructure redundancies, supply duplications, and lines of accountability that were blurred. We needed to perfect the overall business’ ability to operate as one and improve pricing transparency and visibility.

“Flintfox and Microsoft helped us strategise how to better manage advanced pricing, promotion management, and complex supply chain pricing, as well as provide a roadmap for the future. This integration with Flintfox and Microsoft modernises the way we use technology across our entire IT landscape and allows us to completely retire legacy systems.”

Conway concluded: Intelligent, next generation price optimisation, supported by advanced machine learning isn’t just a long-term vision for supply chain pricing in manufacturing. It’s here and now. We’re looking forward to collaborating with CCBA to continually drive digital transformation that remains bleeding edge and provides a continued competitive advantage for the business.”

Gavin Holme, consulting services director, Microsoft South Africa said: “Flintfox’s Trade Revenue Management and RMx pricing extended the capabilities of our Finance and Operations solutions, enabling CCBA’s digital transformation. With Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and Azure, CCBA will achieve their goal to unify operations and intelligently adjust processes in real time.”

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa undergoes digital transformation

Posted on by David Priestman

As part of an on-going programme of digital transformation at its bottling plants, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) is collaborating with pricing and rebate management experts Flintfox, and Microsoft to modernise how it uses technology. The collaboration will help the bottling giant retire legacy solutions, to better manage pricing and overcome existing challenges at all stages of the supply chain.

Trade Revenue Management and the RMx pricing engine provide CCBA with the ability to manage advanced pricing and promotions, reduce operating costs and monitor margins. By extending the capability of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and integrating with existing e-commerce and sales force automation platforms, Flintfox will enable real-time hyper-speed pricing and help deliver accurate pricing across the supply chain.

The collaboration between Microsoft and Flintfox helps CCBA to accelerate its digital transformation journey, via seamless digital systems that enable the entire business to operate as one.

Flintfox EMEA Director Mark Conway said: “It’s an exciting time to be working with CCBA, as they bring their digital transformation vision to life via Microsoft Dynamics 365 and set out on a path of accelerated growth. Our intelligent solutions will reduce operating costs, create productivity gains and future-proof operations. What’s more, we will provide real-time pricing accuracy across CCBA’s channels and deliver significant, measurable ROI to the business.”

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Chief Information Officer Joshua Motsuenyane said: “Because CCBA was born out of a merger of different companies, there are a number of infrastructure redundancies, supply duplications, and lines of accountability that were blurred. We needed to perfect the overall business’ ability to operate as one and improve pricing transparency and visibility.

“Flintfox and Microsoft helped us strategise how to better manage advanced pricing, promotion management, and complex supply chain pricing, as well as provide a roadmap for the future. This integration with Flintfox and Microsoft modernises the way we use technology across our entire IT landscape and allows us to completely retire legacy systems.”

Conway concluded: Intelligent, next generation price optimisation, supported by advanced machine learning isn’t just a long-term vision for supply chain pricing in manufacturing. It’s here and now. We’re looking forward to collaborating with CCBA to continually drive digital transformation that remains bleeding edge and provides a continued competitive advantage for the business.”

Gavin Holme, consulting services director, Microsoft South Africa said: “Flintfox’s Trade Revenue Management and RMx pricing extended the capabilities of our Finance and Operations solutions, enabling CCBA’s digital transformation. With Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and Azure, CCBA will achieve their goal to unify operations and intelligently adjust processes in real time.”

Toyota uses 100% renewable electricity

Posted on by David Priestman

In the run-up to World Environment Day on Saturday 5th June, Toyota Material Handling Europe has confirmed that it uses 100% renewable electricity in its European operations as of 1st April 2021. The switch involves every single one of the organisation’s European entities and represents a significant advancement towards its ambitious sustainability goals. On its own, it achieves 15% of the required progress towards the 2030 target of net zero emissions from operations.

Toyota Material Handling Europe has announced that all its operations across Europe now source 100% of their electricity renewably, with no associated CO2 emissions.

This transition was finalised as of 1st April 2021, but is the result of continuous efforts since 2018, since when Toyota Material Handling Europe has steadily grown its proportion of electricity that comes from renewable sources. It covers all entities and locations: five factories, 21 national sales companies, three head office facilities in Sweden, and several warehouses.

This is the single highest-impact project Toyota Material Handling Europe has completed on its road to net zero emissions so far. When it started tracking sustainability data in 2012, it calculated that CO2 emissions from electricity represented 15% of its total emissions.

“Switching to 100% renewable electricity is a major milestone on our sustainability journey,” said Ernesto Domínguez, President and CEO Toyota Material Handling Europe, speaking ahead of World Environment Day on 5th June. “As well as setting targets for the future, it’s equally important that we take environmental action now. Switching to renewable electricity is a concrete achievement that makes a measurable difference and helps secure our status as the partner of choice for customers who are committed to reaching zero emissions.”

How was the switch achieved?

Renewable electricity is certified through the issue and purchase of Guarantees of Origin (GOs), which track units of energy produced from sustainable sources. Each GO receives a unique number and is then cancelled on a central registry when the corresponding amount of electricity is bought and used – thereby avoiding ‘double counting’ of GOs and ensuring each one makes a real contribution to the renewable energy market.

Toyota Material Handling Europe breaks down its 100% renewable electricity usage into three categories:

  • 95% is obtained by working with local electricity providers through renewable electricity contracts. The providers supply proof that they cancel GOs equivalent to the amount of electricity that is bought.
  • Toyota Material Handling Europe will buy and cancel GOs via brokers separate from electricity providers to account for a residual 4% where local solutions aren’t available.
  • The final 1% of electricity is generated by on-site solar panels at various European facilities.

Sustainable principles in practice

Sustainability is at the heart of Toyota Material Handling Europe’s corporate culture and priorities. Switching to renewable electricity is one of more than 200 projects it is currently investing in to drive energy-efficiency and reduce emissions. Together, these projects have enabled the entire European organisation to reduce its CO2 emissions by 29% since 2012. The energy programme enabled a 10% reduction in energy spend, contributing to both environmental and financial sustainability.

Other major contributing factors include a company programme to achieve ISO 50001 certification in all entities by 2025, and the establishment of the first zero-emissions factory in the sector, which was completed in 2020 a decade ahead of schedule. The facility in Mjölby, Sweden, is powered by renewable electricity, district heating and liquid biogas, making it zero-carbon in terms of both on-site activities and the energy it sources from suppliers. By achieving this, it sets an example of new, future-proofed production systems that make sustainability and commercial growth one and the same.

The next milestones on Toyota Material Handling Europe’s sustainability journey include completing the certification of energy management systems across all entities and working closely with customers and suppliers to support each other in reducing emissions and building net-zero supply chains.  We encourage all our business partners to join Toyota Material Handling Europe in making the switch to 100% renewable electricity.

Toyota uses 100% renewable electricity

Posted on by David Priestman

In the run-up to World Environment Day on Saturday 5th June, Toyota Material Handling Europe has confirmed that it uses 100% renewable electricity in its European operations as of 1st April 2021. The switch involves every single one of the organisation’s European entities and represents a significant advancement towards its ambitious sustainability goals. On its own, it achieves 15% of the required progress towards the 2030 target of net zero emissions from operations.

Toyota Material Handling Europe has announced that all its operations across Europe now source 100% of their electricity renewably, with no associated CO2 emissions.

This transition was finalised as of 1st April 2021, but is the result of continuous efforts since 2018, since when Toyota Material Handling Europe has steadily grown its proportion of electricity that comes from renewable sources. It covers all entities and locations: five factories, 21 national sales companies, three head office facilities in Sweden, and several warehouses.

This is the single highest-impact project Toyota Material Handling Europe has completed on its road to net zero emissions so far. When it started tracking sustainability data in 2012, it calculated that CO2 emissions from electricity represented 15% of its total emissions.

“Switching to 100% renewable electricity is a major milestone on our sustainability journey,” said Ernesto Domínguez, President and CEO Toyota Material Handling Europe, speaking ahead of World Environment Day on 5th June. “As well as setting targets for the future, it’s equally important that we take environmental action now. Switching to renewable electricity is a concrete achievement that makes a measurable difference and helps secure our status as the partner of choice for customers who are committed to reaching zero emissions.”

How was the switch achieved?

Renewable electricity is certified through the issue and purchase of Guarantees of Origin (GOs), which track units of energy produced from sustainable sources. Each GO receives a unique number and is then cancelled on a central registry when the corresponding amount of electricity is bought and used – thereby avoiding ‘double counting’ of GOs and ensuring each one makes a real contribution to the renewable energy market.

Toyota Material Handling Europe breaks down its 100% renewable electricity usage into three categories:

  • 95% is obtained by working with local electricity providers through renewable electricity contracts. The providers supply proof that they cancel GOs equivalent to the amount of electricity that is bought.
  • Toyota Material Handling Europe will buy and cancel GOs via brokers separate from electricity providers to account for a residual 4% where local solutions aren’t available.
  • The final 1% of electricity is generated by on-site solar panels at various European facilities.

Sustainable principles in practice

Sustainability is at the heart of Toyota Material Handling Europe’s corporate culture and priorities. Switching to renewable electricity is one of more than 200 projects it is currently investing in to drive energy-efficiency and reduce emissions. Together, these projects have enabled the entire European organisation to reduce its CO2 emissions by 29% since 2012. The energy programme enabled a 10% reduction in energy spend, contributing to both environmental and financial sustainability.

Other major contributing factors include a company programme to achieve ISO 50001 certification in all entities by 2025, and the establishment of the first zero-emissions factory in the sector, which was completed in 2020 a decade ahead of schedule. The facility in Mjölby, Sweden, is powered by renewable electricity, district heating and liquid biogas, making it zero-carbon in terms of both on-site activities and the energy it sources from suppliers. By achieving this, it sets an example of new, future-proofed production systems that make sustainability and commercial growth one and the same.

The next milestones on Toyota Material Handling Europe’s sustainability journey include completing the certification of energy management systems across all entities and working closely with customers and suppliers to support each other in reducing emissions and building net-zero supply chains.  We encourage all our business partners to join Toyota Material Handling Europe in making the switch to 100% renewable electricity.

Roland and Ewals develop next-generation side curtains

Posted on by Keith McKinley

One of Europe’s leading manufacturers of printed side curtains, Roland International, has further improved its intermodal solution XLS for cargo that tends to bulge. Ewals Cargo Care, one of Europe’s largest intermodal transport companies, has adapted the XLS solution combined with InfiniShield graphics as standard for its entire fleet.

Roland and Ewals invented the XLS system in partnership. This advanced patented solution has all features of a conventional side curtain and in addition, the unique Mega Huckepack XLS is a structurally stronger and safer trailer to transport cargo such as tyres, bulk bags and other loose products.

The current XL certified trailer (EN 12642 XL) does not meet the requirements for specific industries where the cargo tends to bulge during transport by road, rail or short sea ferry.

The curtain is fitted with vertical aluminium planks and has become a vital part in the total vehicle construction, suitable for load securing. The curtain, which can be forced inwards before loading, ensures that the trailer will not exceed the legal width limits – regardless of the type of cargo.

New improvements were developed, reducing the system weight by more than 80kg per vehicle, without any compromise on the performance. This results in lower system costs, more ergonomic handling, higher payload and thus increased efficiency to the end user. This ultimate solution has been tested and certified by German authorities (TÜV and UCI).

Ewals Cargo Care has adapted the XLS solution as its standard side curtain for over 10 years. Bart van Rens, Manager Fleet Control Ewals Cargo Care, explains: “We deliberately chose Roland as our partner to develop a side curtain solution, because they have the know-how, experience and manufacturing capabilities in-house. Partially based on our feedback from operational use, the solution has been further optimised. We’ve equipped over 2,000 trailers with XLS Side Curtains. To us, this is the new industry standard in intermodal transport.”

InfiniShield is a full range of digital and traditional printing technologies, specifically developed for side curtains, with multiple protective coatings to provide the perfect solution for every trailer. Combined with Roland’s thorough understanding of colour, composition, typography and design principles, and in-house graphic design team, they create breath-taking full colour prints. Together with the coatings, these curtains are dirt-repellent, easy to clean with up to five years’ warranty.

Sean Spelman, Product & Technology Cargo Control Company, says: “Roland has always been the pioneer in printing. Back in 1985, Roland was the first company in the industry to print on side curtains. At our Centre of Excellence in Europe we’re offering our customers any digital or offset printing technology available. Based on the requirements of the customer we’re able to provide the ultimate printed curtain, from single sets to entire fleets.”

Sean explains: “We continuously invest in development of digital printing technologies, quality of graphics and coating, to maintain our No.1 position in the market. We’re proud to be recognised for our innovative side curtain solutions and outstanding durability under all conditions. Supplying our solutions throughout Europe from small to large end users.”

Roland and Ewals develop next-generation side curtains

Posted on by David Priestman

One of Europe’s leading manufacturers of printed side curtains, Roland International, has further improved its intermodal solution XLS for cargo that tends to bulge. Ewals Cargo Care, one of Europe’s largest intermodal transport companies, has adapted the XLS solution combined with InfiniShield graphics as standard for its entire fleet.

Roland and Ewals invented the XLS system in partnership. This advanced patented solution has all features of a conventional side curtain and in addition, the unique Mega Huckepack XLS is a structurally stronger and safer trailer to transport cargo such as tyres, bulk bags and other loose products.

The current XL certified trailer (EN 12642 XL) does not meet the requirements for specific industries where the cargo tends to bulge during transport by road, rail or short sea ferry.

The curtain is fitted with vertical aluminium planks and has become a vital part in the total vehicle construction, suitable for load securing. The curtain, which can be forced inwards before loading, ensures that the trailer will not exceed the legal width limits – regardless of the type of cargo.

New improvements were developed, reducing the system weight by more than 80kg per vehicle, without any compromise on the performance. This results in lower system costs, more ergonomic handling, higher payload and thus increased efficiency to the end user. This ultimate solution has been tested and certified by German authorities (TÜV and UCI).

Ewals Cargo Care has adapted the XLS solution as its standard side curtain for over 10 years. Bart van Rens, Manager Fleet Control Ewals Cargo Care, explains: “We deliberately chose Roland as our partner to develop a side curtain solution, because they have the know-how, experience and manufacturing capabilities in-house. Partially based on our feedback from operational use, the solution has been further optimised. We’ve equipped over 2,000 trailers with XLS Side Curtains. To us, this is the new industry standard in intermodal transport.”

InfiniShield is a full range of digital and traditional printing technologies, specifically developed for side curtains, with multiple protective coatings to provide the perfect solution for every trailer. Combined with Roland’s thorough understanding of colour, composition, typography and design principles, and in-house graphic design team, they create breath-taking full colour prints. Together with the coatings, these curtains are dirt-repellent, easy to clean with up to five years’ warranty.

Sean Spelman, Product & Technology Cargo Control Company, says: “Roland has always been the pioneer in printing. Back in 1985, Roland was the first company in the industry to print on side curtains. At our Centre of Excellence in Europe we’re offering our customers any digital or offset printing technology available. Based on the requirements of the customer we’re able to provide the ultimate printed curtain, from single sets to entire fleets.”

Sean explains: “We continuously invest in development of digital printing technologies, quality of graphics and coating, to maintain our No.1 position in the market. We’re proud to be recognised for our innovative side curtain solutions and outstanding durability under all conditions. Supplying our solutions throughout Europe from small to large end users.”

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