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Day: 11 August 2021

New Stockholm automated logistics facility

Posted on by David Priestman

Mathem is growing at a fast pace together with the food retail e-commerce industry in the Nordic countries. The establishment of a new logistics facility in Larsboda, south of Stockholm, is an important piece of the puzzle for continued expansion. An equally important aspect is the specially designed automation solution from SSI Schaefer.

Mathem was established in 2007 as an online grocery store and has seen since a huge expansion with more and more returning customers. Currently the operations are conducted in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö and their surrounding areas.

With a constantly evolving and changing customer offering, a high degree of flexibility is a must. The solution must also meet customers’ demands for increased and faster availability, which has been one of the major driving forces during the project. SSI Schaefer was selected because of its flexibility and adaptivity to Mathem’s business needs and productivity goals.

“E-commerce for food retail is an exciting industry where we have seen high growth rates all over the world, especially during the last year. Mathem is a very important project for us at SSI Schaefer. This clearly shows that we are at the forefront of efficiencies in the market segment that we see continuing to grow. It is exciting to be able to contribute to and support Mathem in achieving its goals,” says Hans Ekström, Solution Design Manager Automation at SSI Schaefer.

With Mathem’s project, SSI Schaefer position itself even stronger in e-commerce for groceries. An area that places higher demands on automation solutions than typical e-commerce in retail due to larger orders and higher capacity. SSI Schaefer already has extensive experience in automation for food retail with several large projects in the Nordic countries. For example, the largest automation solution in Europe for Coop and automation with a strong sustainability focus for ASKO.

“I am glad that the deal is finally through. In a short time, and in close collaboration with SSI Schaefer, we have found a solution that provides the conditions to continue our fantastic growth journey and to achieve our set profitability goals. Every day, tens of thousands of items, in any combination, must be picked and delivered to our customers as quickly as possible. The solution will also offer our logistics employees in Sweden the best working environment! We have come a long way and made many important decisions and now the real work begins to achieve this,” comments Henrik Peitz, COO at Mathem.

The installation will begin this autumn and the goal is to release the new facilities into operation during the second half of 2022.

New Stockholm automated logistics facility

Posted on by David Priestman

Mathem is growing at a fast pace together with the food retail e-commerce industry in the Nordic countries. The establishment of a new logistics facility in Larsboda, south of Stockholm, is an important piece of the puzzle for continued expansion. An equally important aspect is the specially designed automation solution from SSI Schaefer.

Mathem was established in 2007 as an online grocery store and has seen since a huge expansion with more and more returning customers. Currently the operations are conducted in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö and their surrounding areas.

With a constantly evolving and changing customer offering, a high degree of flexibility is a must. The solution must also meet customers’ demands for increased and faster availability, which has been one of the major driving forces during the project. SSI Schaefer was selected because of its flexibility and adaptivity to Mathem’s business needs and productivity goals.

“E-commerce for food retail is an exciting industry where we have seen high growth rates all over the world, especially during the last year. Mathem is a very important project for us at SSI Schaefer. This clearly shows that we are at the forefront of efficiencies in the market segment that we see continuing to grow. It is exciting to be able to contribute to and support Mathem in achieving its goals,” says Hans Ekström, Solution Design Manager Automation at SSI Schaefer.

With Mathem’s project, SSI Schaefer position itself even stronger in e-commerce for groceries. An area that places higher demands on automation solutions than typical e-commerce in retail due to larger orders and higher capacity. SSI Schaefer already has extensive experience in automation for food retail with several large projects in the Nordic countries. For example, the largest automation solution in Europe for Coop and automation with a strong sustainability focus for ASKO.

“I am glad that the deal is finally through. In a short time, and in close collaboration with SSI Schaefer, we have found a solution that provides the conditions to continue our fantastic growth journey and to achieve our set profitability goals. Every day, tens of thousands of items, in any combination, must be picked and delivered to our customers as quickly as possible. The solution will also offer our logistics employees in Sweden the best working environment! We have come a long way and made many important decisions and now the real work begins to achieve this,” comments Henrik Peitz, COO at Mathem.

The installation will begin this autumn and the goal is to release the new facilities into operation during the second half of 2022.

Adding value through smart solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Business, and indeed industry itself, is constantly reacting and evolving, driving the race to discover new ways to gain a competitive advantage. While the focus is often on the ‘what’ — the physical products that come to market — Big Box Group Director Iain Gillard says the way technology is integrated is equally as vital in helping businesses achieve a more profitable future.

Automation has seen strong growth over the last 18 months and its advantages are obvious. Picking, moving and sorting with robotics can help improve efficiencies and, ultimately, the bottom line. But there’s more to it than that, says Iain.

“Businesses face challenges every single day. Often, they want quick, cost-effective solutions to solve it. Depending on what the challenge is, racking, handling equipment, a robot or even an entire building can plug that gap. However, we pride ourselves on delivering smarter solutions — making sure they are fit for purpose but also designed to improve the situation beyond what’s in front of the client.”

Big Box Group has been providing innovative solutions to a variety of businesses, from SMEs to blue chip companies, since its formation over twenty years ago. Its ability to solve complex issues is driven by an analytical and technological approach that is both proactive and creative.

With a wide range of cutting-edge and high-performing products to hand, Big Box Group can integrate exactly what’s needed, allowing any type of business — from manufacturing and warehousing to online fulfilment — maximise their return on investment.

Iain says: “We see the challenge, which we can solve, but we also see the opportunity by looking at the bigger picture. The opportunity to help our clients achieve a better return on investment can often be found in analysing the way they do things, how they use their space and the technology they already have.

“We can deliver market-leading technology. We can give our clients the solution they’re looking for. But the real difference is felt in how it’s all integrated. We look at the bigger picture, and look deeper at the operation, which means we strip things back and examine the challenge from different angles. That’s often when we discover areas where a client can make further gains.”

When a client came to Big Box Group requesting more racking, Iain and his team analysed the existing racking within the warehouse and proposed they reconfigure the space by making their aisles narrower to create a more streamlined and efficient operation, which maximised the footprint of the entire building.

“Sometimes, the solution isn’t as complex or as expensive as the client believes,” says Iain. “It just needs a bit of smart thinking. We’ll take the time to listen, to really understand the issue at hand. That’s how we can deliver an effective solution while also creating opportunities the client never knew they had.”

This approach allows Big Box Group to provide a unique take on a challenging situation. Everything they do is to add value and offer an advantage — all the while making their clients lives easier and simpler.

Iain says: “The tech and the products are one thing, but the creative approach and the integration to know they’re exactly what’s required is the thing that really drives efficiencies and long-term profit. Ultimately, it’s all about getting the right fit and, through our trusted partnerships and innovative approach, we’re perfectly placed to create smart and efficient integrated solutions.”

Adding value through smart solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Business, and indeed industry itself, is constantly reacting and evolving, driving the race to discover new ways to gain a competitive advantage. While the focus is often on the ‘what’ — the physical products that come to market — Big Box Group Director Iain Gillard says the way technology is integrated is equally as vital in helping businesses achieve a more profitable future.

Automation has seen strong growth over the last 18 months and its advantages are obvious. Picking, moving and sorting with robotics can help improve efficiencies and, ultimately, the bottom line. But there’s more to it than that, says Iain.

“Businesses face challenges every single day. Often, they want quick, cost-effective solutions to solve it. Depending on what the challenge is, racking, handling equipment, a robot or even an entire building can plug that gap. However, we pride ourselves on delivering smarter solutions — making sure they are fit for purpose but also designed to improve the situation beyond what’s in front of the client.”

Big Box Group has been providing innovative solutions to a variety of businesses, from SMEs to blue chip companies, since its formation over twenty years ago. Its ability to solve complex issues is driven by an analytical and technological approach that is both proactive and creative.

With a wide range of cutting-edge and high-performing products to hand, Big Box Group can integrate exactly what’s needed, allowing any type of business — from manufacturing and warehousing to online fulfilment — maximise their return on investment.

Iain says: “We see the challenge, which we can solve, but we also see the opportunity by looking at the bigger picture. The opportunity to help our clients achieve a better return on investment can often be found in analysing the way they do things, how they use their space and the technology they already have.

“We can deliver market-leading technology. We can give our clients the solution they’re looking for. But the real difference is felt in how it’s all integrated. We look at the bigger picture, and look deeper at the operation, which means we strip things back and examine the challenge from different angles. That’s often when we discover areas where a client can make further gains.”

When a client came to Big Box Group requesting more racking, Iain and his team analysed the existing racking within the warehouse and proposed they reconfigure the space by making their aisles narrower to create a more streamlined and efficient operation, which maximised the footprint of the entire building.

“Sometimes, the solution isn’t as complex or as expensive as the client believes,” says Iain. “It just needs a bit of smart thinking. We’ll take the time to listen, to really understand the issue at hand. That’s how we can deliver an effective solution while also creating opportunities the client never knew they had.”

This approach allows Big Box Group to provide a unique take on a challenging situation. Everything they do is to add value and offer an advantage — all the while making their clients lives easier and simpler.

Iain says: “The tech and the products are one thing, but the creative approach and the integration to know they’re exactly what’s required is the thing that really drives efficiencies and long-term profit. Ultimately, it’s all about getting the right fit and, through our trusted partnerships and innovative approach, we’re perfectly placed to create smart and efficient integrated solutions.”

Collision warning turning it up to eleven

Posted on by David Priestman

Sentry Protection Products has turned it ‘up to eleven’ with the release of the Collision Sentry® Corner Pro 211, the latest model of the company’s award-winning collision warning system.

The industrial environment is a noisy place. To be effective, an audio alarm needs to rise above the background noise to be heard. The volume on the earlier model (200) was set high enough to do that. But there are some circumstances – in very high noise areas – where the volume needs to be even louder.

With the Collision Sentry Corner Pro 211, we’ve turned the volume ‘up to eleven.’ What exactly does that mean? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it means, “to reach or surpass the maximum level or limit.” So, when ten just isn’t enough, you need to turn it up to eleven. It’s based on a great joke from the file This is Spinal Tap.

The 211 model picks up where we left off with the previous model. The high volume on the Collision Sentry Corner Pro 200 is now the low volume on the Collision Sentry Corner Pro 211. The new 211 model high volume setting is double the volume of the low setting. There is still the option to turn the sound off completely if that better fits the situation.

Sentry was able to boost the volume without compromising a significant amount of energy efficiency or battery life. There are exceptions to that depending on usage and volume setting. The audio alarmed in synchronization with the video alarm makes for a powerful deterrent to blind corner accidents.

The Collision Sentry Corner Pro is a collision warning system that works to prevent accidents at blind corner intersections by sending both an audio and visual alert to warn of approaching traffic. Each patented unit is easy to install, self-powered, portable, compact, and lightweight and deploys immediately. Collision Sentry snaps on to pallet racks quickly using integrated magnet mounts. Anyone working in a high traffic facility understands the need for Collision Sentry®.

The upgraded units are in stock and available for purchase through Sentry distributors. The Collision Sentry Corner Pro 211 is offered at the same price as the previous model. For more information, please visit www.sentrypro.com

Collision warning turning it up to eleven

Posted on by David Priestman

Sentry Protection Products has turned it ‘up to eleven’ with the release of the Collision Sentry® Corner Pro 211, the latest model of the company’s award-winning collision warning system.

The industrial environment is a noisy place. To be effective, an audio alarm needs to rise above the background noise to be heard. The volume on the earlier model (200) was set high enough to do that. But there are some circumstances – in very high noise areas – where the volume needs to be even louder.

With the Collision Sentry Corner Pro 211, we’ve turned the volume ‘up to eleven.’ What exactly does that mean? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it means, “to reach or surpass the maximum level or limit.” So, when ten just isn’t enough, you need to turn it up to eleven. It’s based on a great joke from the file This is Spinal Tap.

The 211 model picks up where we left off with the previous model. The high volume on the Collision Sentry Corner Pro 200 is now the low volume on the Collision Sentry Corner Pro 211. The new 211 model high volume setting is double the volume of the low setting. There is still the option to turn the sound off completely if that better fits the situation.

Sentry was able to boost the volume without compromising a significant amount of energy efficiency or battery life. There are exceptions to that depending on usage and volume setting. The audio alarmed in synchronization with the video alarm makes for a powerful deterrent to blind corner accidents.

The Collision Sentry Corner Pro is a collision warning system that works to prevent accidents at blind corner intersections by sending both an audio and visual alert to warn of approaching traffic. Each patented unit is easy to install, self-powered, portable, compact, and lightweight and deploys immediately. Collision Sentry snaps on to pallet racks quickly using integrated magnet mounts. Anyone working in a high traffic facility understands the need for Collision Sentry®.

The upgraded units are in stock and available for purchase through Sentry distributors. The Collision Sentry Corner Pro 211 is offered at the same price as the previous model. For more information, please visit www.sentrypro.com

DHL Express orders first electric cargo planes

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Express, the world’s leading express service provider, and Eviation, the Seattle-area based global manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, write aviation history in announcing that DHL is the first to order 12 fully electric Alice eCargo planes from Eviation. With this engagement DHL aims to set up an unparalleled electric Express network and make a pioneering step into a sustainable aviation future. Eviation’s Alice is the world’s leading fully electric aircraft, which enables airlines – both cargo and passenger – to operate a zero-emission fleet. Eviation expects to deliver the Alice electric aircraft to DHL Express in 2024.

“We firmly believe in a future with zero-emission logistics,” says John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “Therefore, our investments always follow the objective of improving our carbon footprint. On our way to clean logistics operations, the electrification of every transport mode plays a crucial role and will significantly contribute to our overall sustainability goal of zero emissions. Founded in 1969, DHL Express has been known as a pioneer in the aviation industry for decades. We have found the perfect partner with Eviation as they share our purpose, and together we will take off into a new era of sustainable aviation.”

Alice can be flown by a single pilot and will carry 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lbs). It will require 30 minutes or less to charge per flight hour and have a maximum range of up to 815 kilometers (440 nautical miles). Alice will operate in all environments currently serviced by piston and turbine aircraft. Alice’s advanced electric motors have fewer moving parts to increase reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Its operating software constantly monitors flight performance to ensure optimal efficiency.

“From day one, we set an audacious goal to transform the aviation industry and create a new era with electric aircraft,” said Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohay. “Partnering with companies like DHL who are the leaders in sustainable e-cargo transportation is a testament that the electric era is upon us. This announcement is a significant milestone on our quest to transform the future of flight across the globe.”

The aircraft is ideal for feeder routes and requires less investment in station infrastructure. The Alice can be charged while loading and unloading operations occur, ensuring quick turnaround times that maintain DHL Express’ tight schedules.

“My compliments to Eviation on the innovative development of the fully electric Alice aircraft” says Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation for DHL Express. “With Alice’s range and capacity, this is a fantastic sustainable solution for our global network. Our aspiration is to make a substantial contribution in reducing our carbon footprint, and these advancements in fleet and technology will go a long way in achieving further carbon reductions. For us and our customers, this is a very important step in our decarbonization journey and a step forward for the aviation industry as a whole.”

With innovation, performance and sustainability serving as its North Star, Eviation is creating a new era in aviation with the all-electric Alice aircraft. Alice has been specifically designed so that it can be configured for e-cargo or passengers. Eviation’s Alice all-electric aircraft is on track for its first flight later this year.

“The next time you order an on-demand package, check if it was delivered with a zero-emission aircraft like DHL will be doing,” said Eviation Executive Chairman Roei Ganzarski. “With on-demand shopping and deliveries on a constant rise, Alice is enabling DHL to establish a clean, quiet and low-cost operation that will open up greater opportunities for more communities.”

The decarbonization of its operations is one of the main pillars of DPDHL Group’s new Sustainability roadmap announced in Q1 2021. The Group is investing a total of 7 billion euros (Opex and Capex) by 2030 in measures to reduce its CO2 emissions. The funds will go in particular towards electrification of last-mile delivery fleet, sustainable aviation fuels and climate-neutral buildings. On the way to the zero emissions target by 2050, which has already been in place for four years, the company is committing to new, ambitious interim targets. For example, as part of the renowned Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), Deutsche Post DHL Group is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

DHL Express orders first electric cargo planes

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Express, the world’s leading express service provider, and Eviation, the Seattle-area based global manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, write aviation history in announcing that DHL is the first to order 12 fully electric Alice eCargo planes from Eviation. With this engagement DHL aims to set up an unparalleled electric Express network and make a pioneering step into a sustainable aviation future. Eviation’s Alice is the world’s leading fully electric aircraft, which enables airlines – both cargo and passenger – to operate a zero-emission fleet. Eviation expects to deliver the Alice electric aircraft to DHL Express in 2024.

“We firmly believe in a future with zero-emission logistics,” says John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “Therefore, our investments always follow the objective of improving our carbon footprint. On our way to clean logistics operations, the electrification of every transport mode plays a crucial role and will significantly contribute to our overall sustainability goal of zero emissions. Founded in 1969, DHL Express has been known as a pioneer in the aviation industry for decades. We have found the perfect partner with Eviation as they share our purpose, and together we will take off into a new era of sustainable aviation.”

Alice can be flown by a single pilot and will carry 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lbs). It will require 30 minutes or less to charge per flight hour and have a maximum range of up to 815 kilometers (440 nautical miles). Alice will operate in all environments currently serviced by piston and turbine aircraft. Alice’s advanced electric motors have fewer moving parts to increase reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Its operating software constantly monitors flight performance to ensure optimal efficiency.

“From day one, we set an audacious goal to transform the aviation industry and create a new era with electric aircraft,” said Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohay. “Partnering with companies like DHL who are the leaders in sustainable e-cargo transportation is a testament that the electric era is upon us. This announcement is a significant milestone on our quest to transform the future of flight across the globe.”

The aircraft is ideal for feeder routes and requires less investment in station infrastructure. The Alice can be charged while loading and unloading operations occur, ensuring quick turnaround times that maintain DHL Express’ tight schedules.

“My compliments to Eviation on the innovative development of the fully electric Alice aircraft” says Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation for DHL Express. “With Alice’s range and capacity, this is a fantastic sustainable solution for our global network. Our aspiration is to make a substantial contribution in reducing our carbon footprint, and these advancements in fleet and technology will go a long way in achieving further carbon reductions. For us and our customers, this is a very important step in our decarbonization journey and a step forward for the aviation industry as a whole.”

With innovation, performance and sustainability serving as its North Star, Eviation is creating a new era in aviation with the all-electric Alice aircraft. Alice has been specifically designed so that it can be configured for e-cargo or passengers. Eviation’s Alice all-electric aircraft is on track for its first flight later this year.

“The next time you order an on-demand package, check if it was delivered with a zero-emission aircraft like DHL will be doing,” said Eviation Executive Chairman Roei Ganzarski. “With on-demand shopping and deliveries on a constant rise, Alice is enabling DHL to establish a clean, quiet and low-cost operation that will open up greater opportunities for more communities.”

The decarbonization of its operations is one of the main pillars of DPDHL Group’s new Sustainability roadmap announced in Q1 2021. The Group is investing a total of 7 billion euros (Opex and Capex) by 2030 in measures to reduce its CO2 emissions. The funds will go in particular towards electrification of last-mile delivery fleet, sustainable aviation fuels and climate-neutral buildings. On the way to the zero emissions target by 2050, which has already been in place for four years, the company is committing to new, ambitious interim targets. For example, as part of the renowned Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), Deutsche Post DHL Group is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

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