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Month: June 2021

Dematic develops automated DC for Italian apparel customer

Posted on by David Priestman

Dematic is close to completing a fully-automated distribution centre located in Trecate, Italy for the global luxury group, Kering. The project has been developed by a constant exchange of information, commitment and collaboration to build a lasting partnership and achieve the best outcome.

The first part of the building has been operating since March 2020, and the second part (over 100,000 sq m) is scheduled to be operating by the end of the second quarter 2021.

Built in record time, the new global logistics hub covers more than 162,000 sq m (equivalent to 20 rugby fields) and features automation technology that provides scalability, innovative sustainability and features for the well-being of employees.

Powered by Dematic iQ software, the hub will meet the demand from regional warehouses, retail stores, wholesalers and e-commerce worldwide, and it will significantly increase Kering’s capabilities for shipping (up to 80 million pieces per year) and storage (up to 20 million pieces). It will also reduce lead times by 50% by increasing the speed of deliveries and enhance collaboration among the brands.

The project has been planned in two Go-Lives (in 2021) with final acceptance in July 2022, with a total number of staff expected to reach approximately 900 people.

“We are proud to be a valuable partner in this project,” said Marco Parini, Director of Solution Development South Europe. “We look forward to working with Kering to help them meet current demand and build toward future success.”

Developing the system in such a short timeframe (12 months) has been made possible by the global resources of Dematic, which was able to leverage its international teams and resources in partnership with Metis Consulting and XPO Logistics. The new global logistics hub will include:

  • a 600,000 storage location Dematic Multishuttle
  • a three-module Dematic Pouch System
  • a six-aisle Dematic Multishuttle Flex
  • a Dematic Crossbelt Sorter
  • 10km of conveyor
  • a 50,000 location pallet rack
  • more than 350 operator workstations

All powered by Dematic iQ software.

Dematic develops automated DC for Italian apparel customer

Posted on by David Priestman

Dematic is close to completing a fully-automated distribution centre located in Trecate, Italy for the global luxury group, Kering. The project has been developed by a constant exchange of information, commitment and collaboration to build a lasting partnership and achieve the best outcome.

The first part of the building has been operating since March 2020, and the second part (over 100,000 sq m) is scheduled to be operating by the end of the second quarter 2021.

Built in record time, the new global logistics hub covers more than 162,000 sq m (equivalent to 20 rugby fields) and features automation technology that provides scalability, innovative sustainability and features for the well-being of employees.

Powered by Dematic iQ software, the hub will meet the demand from regional warehouses, retail stores, wholesalers and e-commerce worldwide, and it will significantly increase Kering’s capabilities for shipping (up to 80 million pieces per year) and storage (up to 20 million pieces). It will also reduce lead times by 50% by increasing the speed of deliveries and enhance collaboration among the brands.

The project has been planned in two Go-Lives (in 2021) with final acceptance in July 2022, with a total number of staff expected to reach approximately 900 people.

“We are proud to be a valuable partner in this project,” said Marco Parini, Director of Solution Development South Europe. “We look forward to working with Kering to help them meet current demand and build toward future success.”

Developing the system in such a short timeframe (12 months) has been made possible by the global resources of Dematic, which was able to leverage its international teams and resources in partnership with Metis Consulting and XPO Logistics. The new global logistics hub will include:

  • a 600,000 storage location Dematic Multishuttle
  • a three-module Dematic Pouch System
  • a six-aisle Dematic Multishuttle Flex
  • a Dematic Crossbelt Sorter
  • 10km of conveyor
  • a 50,000 location pallet rack
  • more than 350 operator workstations

All powered by Dematic iQ software.

Peter Ward to step down as CEO of UKWA

Posted on by David Priestman

Peter Ward, CEO of UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), has announced his intention to step down after six years at the helm of the sector’s leading trade organisation. His successor will be named shortly.

Peter joined the Association in 2015, having held a series of major industry roles at director level with prominent companies within the sector. Since joining UKWA he has transformed the fortunes of the Association, substantially improving revenues, widening membership to encompass retail and manufacturing logistics users, and introducing significant new benefits to membership. During Peter’s tenure, UKWA membership has continued to grow strongly – even over the last twelve months, as the global pandemic and the impact of UK’s exit from the European Union created arguably the most challenging period since the Association’s inception during the Second World War.

Paying tribute to Peter’s contribution, Chair of the UKWA management board Nicola Ridges-Jones said: “As UKWA CEO, Peter has been a passionate advocate for our industry, raising the profile of the Association within the sector and well beyond. His strong industry track record and undoubted leadership skills, combined with extraordinary energy and drive, have ensured that he leaves UKWA a thriving and successful organisation, ready to lead members through the fresh challenges ahead. We wish him every success as he steps into semi-retirement to pursue personal interests.”

As UKWA CEO, Peter has provided a ‘voice’ for the industry both at government and local authority level, ensuring the concerns and issues facing members and the wider logistics community have been recognised, understood, and acted upon. On his watch, UKWA has helped shape Government policy around the departure of the UK from the European Union and has guided members through the complexities of planned changes.

He has also fostered strong links with Transaid since taking on the role of CEO, and over the last six years UKWA has raised over £100,000, for the charity, including £75,000 donated by members to mark the Association’s 75th milestone.

Commenting on his decision to step down, Peter said: “It has been my privilege to represent the warehousing and logistics sector as CEO of UKWA. I am proud to have been able to instigate change, drive improvement and help this great industry achieve the respect and recognition it deserves.”

He adds, “As we emerge from lockdown and adjust to the changes brought by Brexit, the world has changed. Having steered members through such turbulent times, I am ready to hand over the reins to my successor, who I am confident will continue to support members in negotiating the challenges of the ‘new world’ and seizing the exciting opportunities that now lie ahead.

In the meantime, I would like to express my thanks for the excellent support I’ve enjoyed from the UKWA management board, my hard-working executive team and, of course, the UKWA membership. I hope to ‘stay in touch’ with many friends and industry colleagues; and from the side-lines will continue to watch my beloved logistics industry, contributing wherever I can add value.”

Peter Ward to step down as CEO of UKWA

Posted on by David Priestman

Peter Ward, CEO of UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), has announced his intention to step down after six years at the helm of the sector’s leading trade organisation. His successor will be named shortly.

Peter joined the Association in 2015, having held a series of major industry roles at director level with prominent companies within the sector. Since joining UKWA he has transformed the fortunes of the Association, substantially improving revenues, widening membership to encompass retail and manufacturing logistics users, and introducing significant new benefits to membership. During Peter’s tenure, UKWA membership has continued to grow strongly – even over the last twelve months, as the global pandemic and the impact of UK’s exit from the European Union created arguably the most challenging period since the Association’s inception during the Second World War.

Paying tribute to Peter’s contribution, Chair of the UKWA management board Nicola Ridges-Jones said: “As UKWA CEO, Peter has been a passionate advocate for our industry, raising the profile of the Association within the sector and well beyond. His strong industry track record and undoubted leadership skills, combined with extraordinary energy and drive, have ensured that he leaves UKWA a thriving and successful organisation, ready to lead members through the fresh challenges ahead. We wish him every success as he steps into semi-retirement to pursue personal interests.”

As UKWA CEO, Peter has provided a ‘voice’ for the industry both at government and local authority level, ensuring the concerns and issues facing members and the wider logistics community have been recognised, understood, and acted upon. On his watch, UKWA has helped shape Government policy around the departure of the UK from the European Union and has guided members through the complexities of planned changes.

He has also fostered strong links with Transaid since taking on the role of CEO, and over the last six years UKWA has raised over £100,000, for the charity, including £75,000 donated by members to mark the Association’s 75th milestone.

Commenting on his decision to step down, Peter said: “It has been my privilege to represent the warehousing and logistics sector as CEO of UKWA. I am proud to have been able to instigate change, drive improvement and help this great industry achieve the respect and recognition it deserves.”

He adds, “As we emerge from lockdown and adjust to the changes brought by Brexit, the world has changed. Having steered members through such turbulent times, I am ready to hand over the reins to my successor, who I am confident will continue to support members in negotiating the challenges of the ‘new world’ and seizing the exciting opportunities that now lie ahead.

In the meantime, I would like to express my thanks for the excellent support I’ve enjoyed from the UKWA management board, my hard-working executive team and, of course, the UKWA membership. I hope to ‘stay in touch’ with many friends and industry colleagues; and from the side-lines will continue to watch my beloved logistics industry, contributing wherever I can add value.”

More than 150 exhibitors confirmed for ITT Hub

Posted on by Keith McKinley

More than 150 of the UK’s most innovative transport companies as well as key government departments and agencies will be showcasing their cutting-edge services, products, strategies and ideas at the free-to-attend Innovation & Technology in Transport – ITT Hub event, to be held at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 30 June and 1 July 2021.

The largest show of its kind in 40 years, the exhibition will include a substantial Government Hub, where key departments – including the Department for International Trade, Department for Transport, APC, Zemo Partnership, Innovate UK, Zenzic and Highways England – will be on-hand to share expert insight into the full range of government assistance available for transport companies. Manufacturers, including BYD, Volta Trucks, Fiat, Ford, DAF Trucks and Arrival, will be showcasing their ground-breaking vehicles, infrastructure and technology at the event, and more than 30 speakers will be presenting at Logistics UK’s Future Logistics Conference, including British Astronaut Major Tim Peake CMG.

Kevin Green, Marketing & Communications Director at Logistics UK, comments: “Connection and collaboration are central to the new green industrial revolution; we are thrilled that visitors to ITT Hub will have the opportunity to explore the huge diversity of resources available to support the government’s green strategy.”

Mark Griffin, CEO at ITT Hub, adds: “Along with key central, local and regional government agencies, visitors to the event will have access to innovative manufacturers and service providers from across the road transport sector, including the latest bus, coach, truck and van technology. We really encourage visitors to register now for this free event and reconnect!”

ITT Hub will also feature a Regional Transport Bodies Hub, where visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives from six Sub-National Transport Bodies (SNTBs): England’s Economic Heartland, Midlands Connect, Peninsula Transport, Transport East, Transport for the South East, and Western Gateway.

Bloom & Wild blossoms with SaaS from SnapFulfil

Posted on by David Priestman

Rapidly expanding online floristry leader, Bloom & Wild, has signed up to a five year SaaS (Software as a Service) contract with warehouse management system innovator SnapFulfil.

The pioneer of letterbox flowers (carefully hand-packed and sent in bud, so they last longer) has moved to optimise its warehousing and distribution efficiencies – and chose cloud-based SnapFulfil WMS because of its renowned flexibility, functionality and low total cost of ownership.

Bloom & Wild recently acquired Dutch rival, bloomon – creating the largest online business by deliveries in Europe’s £22bn market for flowers and houseplants – and SnapFulfil will be remotely onboarding its German fulfilment centre located in Bergkamen, followed by the UK warehouse in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

As part of its operations investment, Bloom & Wild is also looking to implement NetSuite and needed a WMS that could offer seamless integration. The initial order is for 25 SnapFulfil user licences, 24 x 7 critical support and a replicated database for interrogating and merging data.

Phill Burton, Chief Operating Officer at Bloom & Wild, said: “We want to scale as a business and it became increasingly apparent that our manual processes were not compatible with the company’s ambitious growth plans. SnapFulfil’s agility, configurability and capacity to grow with us makes them a good cultural fit as a technology partner.”

SnapFulfil CEO, Tony Dobson, added: “Bloom & Wild is a great British success story with ambitions for further growth and we are thrilled to be their chosen WMS partner. They are a savvy business and understand that an agile and responsive warehouse is at the heart of a dynamic order fulfilment operation.”

Bloom & Wild blossoms with SaaS from SnapFulfil

Posted on by David Priestman

Rapidly expanding online floristry leader, Bloom & Wild, has signed up to a five year SaaS (Software as a Service) contract with warehouse management system innovator SnapFulfil.

The pioneer of letterbox flowers (carefully hand-packed and sent in bud, so they last longer) has moved to optimise its warehousing and distribution efficiencies – and chose cloud-based SnapFulfil WMS because of its renowned flexibility, functionality and low total cost of ownership.

Bloom & Wild recently acquired Dutch rival, bloomon – creating the largest online business by deliveries in Europe’s £22bn market for flowers and houseplants – and SnapFulfil will be remotely onboarding its German fulfilment centre located in Bergkamen, followed by the UK warehouse in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

As part of its operations investment, Bloom & Wild is also looking to implement NetSuite and needed a WMS that could offer seamless integration. The initial order is for 25 SnapFulfil user licences, 24 x 7 critical support and a replicated database for interrogating and merging data.

Phill Burton, Chief Operating Officer at Bloom & Wild, said: “We want to scale as a business and it became increasingly apparent that our manual processes were not compatible with the company’s ambitious growth plans. SnapFulfil’s agility, configurability and capacity to grow with us makes them a good cultural fit as a technology partner.”

SnapFulfil CEO, Tony Dobson, added: “Bloom & Wild is a great British success story with ambitions for further growth and we are thrilled to be their chosen WMS partner. They are a savvy business and understand that an agile and responsive warehouse is at the heart of a dynamic order fulfilment operation.”

Jaylo’s logistics platform now at full capacity

Posted on by Keith McKinley

After a commissioning period, the specialist transport and logistics services company Jaylo is now operating its new 17,000 sq m logistics platform in Tudela (Navarra, Spain) at full capacity. AR Racking has equipped the innovative logistics centre with its storage systems.

The installation integrates Jaylo’s facilities with those of its customer SKF, a company specialised in the design and manufacture of bearings for the automotive sector. Its first intralogistics division project, Jaylo did not hesitate to count on AR Racking as its trusted partner to optimise the space of the logistics platform, which is now at full capacity.

AR Racking installed, on the one hand, adjustable pallet racking, providing 2,700 new positions for pallets and 2,200 new positions for half pallets. And, on the other, FIFO live pallet racking, resulting in 2,160 new positions for half pallets. In total, a storage capacity of 7,060 new positions for pallet loads, occupying 4,250 sq m of the total area of the warehouse. Thanks to these storage solutions, Jaylo can supply and collect the finished product at the request of its customer SKF 24 hours a day.

“It is a strategic project for us because we can directly and immediately improve the competitiveness of one of our most important customers,” explained David García Osta, Jaylo Director. He added: “AR Racking knew how to put all its experience and know-how at our service during the design, planning and installation phase. The deadlines were also strictly met, which was an advantage in a project that involved the participation of both companies and teams.”

The combination of both storage systems has given Jaylo a logistics platform that fully optimises the space as well as enable time and resource savings in handling goods.

The adjustable pallet racking area provides direct and immediate access to products, while the FIFO live pallet racking facilitates perfect stock rotation and fast movement of the unit loads. To guarantee the correct positioning of the half pallets of the live pallet racking systems, the structure has been fitted with lateral guide wheels, ensuring a maximum lateral movement of 15 mm in the descent of the loads down the conveyor. This means that the driverless AGV forklifts can satisfactorily collect all the unit loads.

“It was clear to us that Jaylo needed a logistics proposal with both plenty of storage capacity and fast handling. We are fully confident that, with the solutions installed, the performance of the platform will be immediate”, said Xabier Rica, AR Racking Sales Representative.

Click here to watch the video

 

Jaylo’s logistics platform now at full capacity

Posted on by David Priestman

After a commissioning period, the specialist transport and logistics services company Jaylo is now operating its new 17,000 sq m logistics platform in Tudela (Navarra, Spain) at full capacity. AR Racking has equipped the innovative logistics centre with its storage systems.

The installation integrates Jaylo’s facilities with those of its customer SKF, a company specialised in the design and manufacture of bearings for the automotive sector. Its first intralogistics division project, Jaylo did not hesitate to count on AR Racking as its trusted partner to optimise the space of the logistics platform, which is now at full capacity.

AR Racking installed, on the one hand, adjustable pallet racking, providing 2,700 new positions for pallets and 2,200 new positions for half pallets. And, on the other, FIFO live pallet racking, resulting in 2,160 new positions for half pallets. In total, a storage capacity of 7,060 new positions for pallet loads, occupying 4,250 sq m of the total area of the warehouse. Thanks to these storage solutions, Jaylo can supply and collect the finished product at the request of its customer SKF 24 hours a day.

“It is a strategic project for us because we can directly and immediately improve the competitiveness of one of our most important customers,” explained David García Osta, Jaylo Director. He added: “AR Racking knew how to put all its experience and know-how at our service during the design, planning and installation phase. The deadlines were also strictly met, which was an advantage in a project that involved the participation of both companies and teams.”

The combination of both storage systems has given Jaylo a logistics platform that fully optimises the space as well as enable time and resource savings in handling goods.

The adjustable pallet racking area provides direct and immediate access to products, while the FIFO live pallet racking facilitates perfect stock rotation and fast movement of the unit loads. To guarantee the correct positioning of the half pallets of the live pallet racking systems, the structure has been fitted with lateral guide wheels, ensuring a maximum lateral movement of 15 mm in the descent of the loads down the conveyor. This means that the driverless AGV forklifts can satisfactorily collect all the unit loads.

“It was clear to us that Jaylo needed a logistics proposal with both plenty of storage capacity and fast handling. We are fully confident that, with the solutions installed, the performance of the platform will be immediate”, said Xabier Rica, AR Racking Sales Representative.

Click here to watch the video

 

Oakland International embraces RFID technology

Posted on by Keith McKinley

One of the first UK chilled FMCG consolidators to invest in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) despatch technology, Oakland International has installed state-of-the-art RFID technology throughout its Bardon operation, working alongside traditional barcodes where individual cases are barcoded and the pallet is RFID tagged.

RFID technology identifies tagged objects using radio waves and is capable of automatically reading hundreds of barcodes per second without line of sight, compared to a standard barcode system which requires sight and manual, individual scanning. RFID technology supported with quality software development provides greater accuracy through the removal of human error on missed or duplicated barcode scans.

Oakland International Group Innovation Officer Lindsay Winser explained: “RFID technology means we are now able to provide more accurate data for our customers including showing when goods pallets left the warehouse and confirming which bay they left from, the vehicle they were loaded onto and the time loaded.

“Whilst manual barcode systems can also provide some of this information, it is the automation and removal of human error which makes this information so precise, giving our customers enhanced confidence in our ability to deliver correctly. Tagged pallets cannot exit bays without being read and warning alarms are triggered if pallets pass through an incorrect bay or are removed from a bay once marked as loaded.”

Having surveyed and tested numerous systems, the one chosen by Oakland is able to provide directional path information, for the most accurate bay confirmation. Different tag sizes were also rigorously tested to ensure readability and optimum positioning. Printer heads have also been upgraded to enable the onsite printing of the RFID tags and RFID readers are now installed in each bay with a viewing tablet to show the operator the status of each tag in their vehicle load.

Staggeringly, due to the complexity of the RFID system, after only five months it is fully operational from initial concept feasibility to installation, with the equipment IP rated for use within chilled environments where condensation from cold can be problematic. The software will continue to be developed and amended, as Oakland fine tunes the new information and integrates the functionality with additional technology as it comes online, including CCTV and vehicle recognition.

Chief Operating Officer Lee Whiting added: “RFID is yet another indicator for our customers that Oakland International remains an innovator and forward thinking FMCG consolidator at the forefront of an industry known to be slow to adopt to technological change that some other sectors more readily embrace.

“RFID technology provides our customers with added confidence that we have the most robust and evidenced delivery system, with the added benefit of a receipt tagged pallet should they adopt the same technology.”

Investigating RFID technology as an option for its transport fleet to offer a fully monitored closed-loop solution, Oakland International operates 24-hours/7 days a week and is a D2C/B2C/B2B specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and a brand development support provider for ambient, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via its partner in Spain.

 

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