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Month: September 2021

Stop storing and shipping fresh air

Posted on by David Priestman

A simple-to-use track-and-trace system that collects measurements and images of incoming stock or packaged goods and turns them into valuable Master Data is being launched in the UK by sensor manufacturer SICK with a free trial offer.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer is already deployed at hundreds of retail logistics hubs worldwide capturing 100,000s of products every hour. Now UK operators are being given their first opportunity to see for themselves how easily the system records and integrates data into warehouse management and ERP systems.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer is a Dimensioning, Weighing and Scanning (DWS) system with the option of associated image capture, supplied as an all-in-one static or mobile operator station. It promises significant returns on investment through more consistent track and trace of products, reduced packaging sizes, and space-saving efficiencies both during storage, and when loading goods for onward transportation.

Threats to Cost-Efficiency

“The greatest threat to both cost-efficiency and environmental performance in logistics, comes from storing or shipping fresh air because packages are oversized, or because they are stacked in bays or packed into transport inefficiently,” says Mark Harris, SICK’s UK product manager for Systems & Auto Ident. “Equally, the danger of the wrong, or incomplete, products reaching a customer can mount up to significant cost through returns or customer penalties.

“Not only does the SICK Master Data Analyzer provide the data building blocks to eliminate these inefficiencies, it has also been shown to increase operator capacity by more than 20%. A study conducted with one major international retailer demonstrated a significantly reduced cycle time in inputting data of a wide range of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) entering the customer’s facilities.”

Unpack, set-up and connect the SICK Master Data Analyser to begin capturing the weight, length, width, height, image and the bar code of goods or packages in a single step. The trolley-mounted mobile version is powered by a rechargeable battery and transmits data via WLAN so it can be moved to the best location for efficient input of data.

Simple to Operate

Simply place the item to be measured on the toughened glass weighing plate and use the hand-held scanner to read the barcode. Slide the Measuring Light Grid (MLG) frame across the object in either direction to reliably capture the dimensions. A consistently stable measurement is produced whatever the shape of the object, and even if it has a highly reflective surface, such as a foil.

The system then merges the barcode, dimensions and weight into a single data string which is output immediately in a format that can be imported into any management software, such as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer can also be supplied with an IP Camera so that an image of the product can be associated directly with the object’s barcode, part number, or European Article Number. A correlating physical image of each SKU or package is saved in the system, enabling the shipper to check back to verify that the correct item was delivered, and identify any in-transit tampering or damage.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer has a volume measurement accuracy of 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5mm and weight determination with an accuracy of ±5g and can work to a maximum objects size of 800 x 600 x 600mm.

Free Trial

“Recording basic data accurately, consistently and quickly is the starting point of any efficient warehouse or logistics operation. Armed with these valuable Master Data building blocks, operators are better equipped to drive logistics processes more efficiently and save costs,” Mark Harris continues.

“That’s why we are offering a one-week trial to any operator on a first come first served basis. We want customers to see for themselves how easy it is to start collecting Master Data. Whether you use one unit, or many across a site, we are confident you will begin to make cost and storage savings immediately.”

Stop storing and shipping fresh air

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A simple-to-use track-and-trace system that collects measurements and images of incoming stock or packaged goods and turns them into valuable Master Data is being launched in the UK by sensor manufacturer SICK with a free trial offer.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer is already deployed at hundreds of retail logistics hubs worldwide capturing 100,000s of products every hour. Now UK operators are being given their first opportunity to see for themselves how easily the system records and integrates data into warehouse management and ERP systems.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer is a Dimensioning, Weighing and Scanning (DWS) system with the option of associated image capture, supplied as an all-in-one static or mobile operator station. It promises significant returns on investment through more consistent track and trace of products, reduced packaging sizes, and space-saving efficiencies both during storage, and when loading goods for onward transportation.

Threats to Cost-Efficiency

“The greatest threat to both cost-efficiency and environmental performance in logistics, comes from storing or shipping fresh air because packages are oversized, or because they are stacked in bays or packed into transport inefficiently,” says Mark Harris, SICK’s UK product manager for Systems & Auto Ident. “Equally, the danger of the wrong, or incomplete, products reaching a customer can mount up to significant cost through returns or customer penalties.

“Not only does the SICK Master Data Analyzer provide the data building blocks to eliminate these inefficiencies, it has also been shown to increase operator capacity by more than 20%. A study conducted with one major international retailer demonstrated a significantly reduced cycle time in inputting data of a wide range of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) entering the customer’s facilities.”

Unpack, set-up and connect the SICK Master Data Analyser to begin capturing the weight, length, width, height, image and the bar code of goods or packages in a single step. The trolley-mounted mobile version is powered by a rechargeable battery and transmits data via WLAN so it can be moved to the best location for efficient input of data.

Simple to Operate

Simply place the item to be measured on the toughened glass weighing plate and use the hand-held scanner to read the barcode. Slide the Measuring Light Grid (MLG) frame across the object in either direction to reliably capture the dimensions. A consistently stable measurement is produced whatever the shape of the object, and even if it has a highly reflective surface, such as a foil.

The system then merges the barcode, dimensions and weight into a single data string which is output immediately in a format that can be imported into any management software, such as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer can also be supplied with an IP Camera so that an image of the product can be associated directly with the object’s barcode, part number, or European Article Number. A correlating physical image of each SKU or package is saved in the system, enabling the shipper to check back to verify that the correct item was delivered, and identify any in-transit tampering or damage.

The SICK Master Data Analyzer has a volume measurement accuracy of 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5mm and weight determination with an accuracy of ±5g and can work to a maximum objects size of 800 x 600 x 600mm.

Free Trial

“Recording basic data accurately, consistently and quickly is the starting point of any efficient warehouse or logistics operation. Armed with these valuable Master Data building blocks, operators are better equipped to drive logistics processes more efficiently and save costs,” Mark Harris continues.

“That’s why we are offering a one-week trial to any operator on a first come first served basis. We want customers to see for themselves how easy it is to start collecting Master Data. Whether you use one unit, or many across a site, we are confident you will begin to make cost and storage savings immediately.”

Lithion and UgoWork collaborate to recycle lithium batteries

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Lithion Recycling and UgoWork have signed a collaboration agreement for the recycling of lithium-ion batteries developed by UgoWork for the material handling market.

The agreement includes recycling tests of several generations of batteries produced by UgoWork at Lithion’s demonstration plant. In addition, a commercial collection, transportation and recovery process will also be developed between the two organisations to promote the sustainable and efficient recycling of lithium-ion batteries. The agreement initially covers North America.

“This collaboration with UgoWork is a great example of Quebec synergies through the lithium-ion battery industry and is fully aligned with our desire to grow this sector in Quebec,” said Benoit Couture, president of Lithion. “It is important to promote local recycling and to offer a competitive advantage to companies like UgoWork in the face of sustainable development objectives and end-of-life management requirements for lithium batteries,” he added.

“Recycling battery components that reached their end-of-life is perfectly aligned with our sustainable product development approach,” said Philippe Beauchamp, co-founder and CEO of UgoWork. “Joining forces with Lithion which has strong partnerships with companies such as Hyundai Canada, reflects our commitment to our customers and will help support our continued growth in North America.”

Lithion and UgoWork collaborate to recycle lithium batteries

Posted on by David Priestman

Lithion Recycling and UgoWork have signed a collaboration agreement for the recycling of lithium-ion batteries developed by UgoWork for the material handling market.

The agreement includes recycling tests of several generations of batteries produced by UgoWork at Lithion’s demonstration plant. In addition, a commercial collection, transportation and recovery process will also be developed between the two organisations to promote the sustainable and efficient recycling of lithium-ion batteries. The agreement initially covers North America.

“This collaboration with UgoWork is a great example of Quebec synergies through the lithium-ion battery industry and is fully aligned with our desire to grow this sector in Quebec,” said Benoit Couture, president of Lithion. “It is important to promote local recycling and to offer a competitive advantage to companies like UgoWork in the face of sustainable development objectives and end-of-life management requirements for lithium batteries,” he added.

“Recycling battery components that reached their end-of-life is perfectly aligned with our sustainable product development approach,” said Philippe Beauchamp, co-founder and CEO of UgoWork. “Joining forces with Lithion which has strong partnerships with companies such as Hyundai Canada, reflects our commitment to our customers and will help support our continued growth in North America.”

Geodis building sustainable facility in The Netherlands

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Global supply chain operator Geodis is acquiring 21.5ha of land at Trade Port Noord from Greenport Venlo. It plans to build one of the most sustainable logistics facilities in the Netherlands: a 130,000 sq m contract logistics site servicing customers from various vertical sectors and designed to accommodate the current growth in e-commerce.

The Venlo region is one of Europe’s prime spots for logistics activities, located near the Dutch border with Germany, acting as a link between the nearby air and seaports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp with the major industrial markets of the continent.

“Trade Port Noord has excellent connections to the European multimodal infrastructure via road, river, rail, ocean and air. This makes it the ideal location for Geodis to operate cargo flows for international clients, and to manage their warehousing and logistics needs utilizing our European distribution network – and to expand our Benelux-Germany-Poland corridor at the same time,” says Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of Geodis.

The construction of the new facility will start in 2022. Geodis is committed to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of its employees. This new build will be designed to standards aimed at a BREEAM “outstanding” certification, and a WELL Silver certification. BREEAM is a world-known sustainability assessment method for buildings; WELL is an international standard for creating spaces that enhance human health and well-being.

“Health and safety of our employees have always been our first priority – already before the COVID 19 pandemic, and still today,” says Marie-Christine Lombard. “In the same spirit, the Geodis logistics campus in Venlo will be one of the very few logistics buildings in the world with a WELL certification.”

To ensure all standards for the desired certifications will be in place, Geodis has involved real estate services and investment company CBRE, advising on the land acquisition and project management.

“The new Geodis campus is not only impressive in size, but it is also ambitious. To achieve the highest possible BREEAM-rating, we will pay attention to every detail in both design and material use, as well as design various energy saving systems,” says Tim Habraken, Sustainability Director at CBRE.

Funding helps Locus Robotics’ global expansion

Posted on by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfilment warehouses, has secured $50m in additional funding from existing investor Tiger Global Management to facilitate continued growth and expansion into new markets around the globe, and more effectively meet the needs of its growing customer and partner ecosystem.

It is the second major funding announcement this year, following the $150m in series E funding announced in February 2021.

“At a time of increasing volumes and ongoing labour shortages, this new round of funding underscores how critical flexible, scalable, intelligent robotics automation has become to the warehouse and the supply chain,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics.

“Locus is uniquely positioned to drive digital transformation in this enormous global market.”

“We are impressed by Locus Robotics‘ proven technology, flexible design, and customer obsession,” said Griffin Schroeder, Partner, Tiger Global. “As their warehouse partners face rapidly growing e-commerce volumes, rising labour costs, and increasingly demanding customers, Locus will be ready to provide solutions that work.”

Funding helps Locus Robotics’ global expansion

Posted on by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfilment warehouses, has secured $50m in additional funding from existing investor Tiger Global Management to facilitate continued growth and expansion into new markets around the globe, and more effectively meet the needs of its growing customer and partner ecosystem.

It is the second major funding announcement this year, following the $150m in series E funding announced in February 2021.

“At a time of increasing volumes and ongoing labour shortages, this new round of funding underscores how critical flexible, scalable, intelligent robotics automation has become to the warehouse and the supply chain,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics.

“Locus is uniquely positioned to drive digital transformation in this enormous global market.”

“We are impressed by Locus Robotics‘ proven technology, flexible design, and customer obsession,” said Griffin Schroeder, Partner, Tiger Global. “As their warehouse partners face rapidly growing e-commerce volumes, rising labour costs, and increasingly demanding customers, Locus will be ready to provide solutions that work.”

The ecommerce packaging challenge

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The rise and rise of ecommerce, accelerated by the pandemic, brings new challenges for packagers looking to meet their customers’ sustainability targets. Logistics Business editor Paul Hamblin speaks to experts from Sitma about the opportunities.

More parcels in more shapes and sizes means more packaging solutions, whether bagged or boxed. Invention, creativity and practicality are all part of the ingenious processes bringing those new solutions to us.

Then there is sustainability. Everyone cares about the planet, right? Sure, but when you are hit in the pocket it focuses the mind sharply. With the news that the EU is bringing in taxes on the use of plastics, with further restrictions on single-use plastics, it’s time for businesses that rely on packaging quality and cost efficiency to sit up and take notice.

Customers care, too. Research shows that consumers are concerned about environmental issues related to the packaging industry, such as sea pollution, landfill and deforestation; those consumers are taking increasing notice of the packaging their goods arrive in – and, in growing numbers, are making buying decisions partly based on their conclusions.

That’s where Italian packaging experts Sitma come in. The company has an illustrious history in both conveying and packing high-volume items – it made its name wrapping newspapers and magazines for distribution across the world – so it is well placed to lead the field in the ecommerce packaging arena. “It’s well over a decade since we started seeking paper solutions to replace our plastic packaging models, so we’ve been working on this innovation for a long time,” reveals Orsola Cavina, from Sitma’s strategic marketing department. “It means our competences have grown for the benefit of new and existing customers and it was a natural move for us to go into the logistics sector.”

Sitma is using its experience and knowhow to help clients arrive at exactly the right choice for them in terms of their packaging priorities. The company is calling the initiative ‘Zero Impack’. “It is all about giving our customers the possibility to choose,” says Orsola Cavina. Criteria identified include packaging materials, with a preference for renewable, recyclable paper likely to figure strongly where relevant. Sitma’s R&D activities are focused on finding, testing and offering the greatest variety of bio-based materials – examples include paper, bio film, lightweight corrugated cardboard, recycled paper – that can be used within the same machinery portfolio without mixing materials that need to be recycled via different processes (and therefore incurring more time and financial cost).

Choices available to the ecommerce customer – and, it should be pointed out, non-ecommerce customers as well – via the Zero Impack consultancy are pack-to-fit technology, which automatically reduces void-fill and unnecessary surplus packaging; personalisation and branding options and a guidance through the world of sustainable packaging and what the options are. “It can be very confusing, so our customers are, understandably, not always 100% clear on what sustainability small details are,” explains her colleague Denise Gibbin, marketing expert.

Some of the options might surprise – for instance, plastic should not always be demonized, they say. “Sometimes it’s the right choice,” comments Orsola Cavina. But what about paper – should paper not be demonized because it destroys the rainforests, I ask? “No. We are very attentive to research and select only partners and/or suppliers who are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified – fortunately the majority today – and have an active and concrete sustainability policy, so are basically committed to our same goals,” she says.

The result is a range of Sitma solutions which meet global sustainability goals, enhance customer brand value and are able to adapt to meet today’s consumer home delivery requirements cost effectively.

The ecommerce packaging challenge

Posted on by David Priestman

The rise and rise of ecommerce, accelerated by the pandemic, brings new challenges for packagers looking to meet their customers’ sustainability targets. Logistics Business editor Paul Hamblin speaks to experts from Sitma about the opportunities.

More parcels in more shapes and sizes means more packaging solutions, whether bagged or boxed. Invention, creativity and practicality are all part of the ingenious processes bringing those new solutions to us.

Then there is sustainability. Everyone cares about the planet, right? Sure, but when you are hit in the pocket it focuses the mind sharply. With the news that the EU is bringing in taxes on the use of plastics, with further restrictions on single-use plastics, it’s time for businesses that rely on packaging quality and cost efficiency to sit up and take notice.

Customers care, too. Research shows that consumers are concerned about environmental issues related to the packaging industry, such as sea pollution, landfill and deforestation; those consumers are taking increasing notice of the packaging their goods arrive in – and, in growing numbers, are making buying decisions partly based on their conclusions.

That’s where Italian packaging experts Sitma come in. The company has an illustrious history in both conveying and packing high-volume items – it made its name wrapping newspapers and magazines for distribution across the world – so it is well placed to lead the field in the ecommerce packaging arena. “It’s well over a decade since we started seeking paper solutions to replace our plastic packaging models, so we’ve been working on this innovation for a long time,” reveals Orsola Cavina, from Sitma’s strategic marketing department. “It means our competences have grown for the benefit of new and existing customers and it was a natural move for us to go into the logistics sector.”

Sitma is using its experience and knowhow to help clients arrive at exactly the right choice for them in terms of their packaging priorities. The company is calling the initiative ‘Zero Impack’. “It is all about giving our customers the possibility to choose,” says Orsola Cavina. Criteria identified include packaging materials, with a preference for renewable, recyclable paper likely to figure strongly where relevant. Sitma’s R&D activities are focused on finding, testing and offering the greatest variety of bio-based materials – examples include paper, bio film, lightweight corrugated cardboard, recycled paper – that can be used within the same machinery portfolio without mixing materials that need to be recycled via different processes (and therefore incurring more time and financial cost).

Choices available to the ecommerce customer – and, it should be pointed out, non-ecommerce customers as well – via the Zero Impack consultancy are pack-to-fit technology, which automatically reduces void-fill and unnecessary surplus packaging; personalisation and branding options and a guidance through the world of sustainable packaging and what the options are. “It can be very confusing, so our customers are, understandably, not always 100% clear on what sustainability small details are,” explains her colleague Denise Gibbin, marketing expert.

Some of the options might surprise – for instance, plastic should not always be demonized, they say. “Sometimes it’s the right choice,” comments Orsola Cavina. But what about paper – should paper not be demonized because it destroys the rainforests, I ask? “No. We are very attentive to research and select only partners and/or suppliers who are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified – fortunately the majority today – and have an active and concrete sustainability policy, so are basically committed to our same goals,” she says.

The result is a range of Sitma solutions which meet global sustainability goals, enhance customer brand value and are able to adapt to meet today’s consumer home delivery requirements cost effectively.

London Gateway to get fourth berth

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DP World will begin work in October 2021 on a new fourth berth at its London Gateway logistics hub to increase supply chain resilience and create more capacity for the world’s largest vessels.

The £300m sum – which builds on the £2bn investment DP World has made in Britain over the last decade – represents the next step by the provider of smart logistics in delivering integrated supply chain solutions for customers.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “I am delighted to announce that we will go ahead with our latest major investment in the UK, which will give London Gateway more capacity to handle the world’s largest vessels than any other port in the country.

“As a central pillar of Thames Freeport, London Gateway’s new fourth berth will allow even more customers to benefit from world-class ports and logistics, with unrivalled global connectivity, on the doorstep of Europe’s largest consumer market. DP World plans to be at the heart of Britain’s trading future and this investment shows that we have the ambition and the resources to boost growth, support businesses, create jobs and improve living standards.”

Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, was guest of honour at the commercial launch of Thames Freeport at the Savoy Hotel in London. He added: “Our new freeports will create national hubs of trade, innovation and commerce, and attract more investment to regenerate communities and level up the UK.

“Bringing ports and business together to invest in their regions is crucial to the Freeports success story – that’s why I’m thrilled that DP World is investing £300 million to support Thames Freeport – creating new opportunities, boosting growth and supporting local jobs.”

In the first six months of 2021 London Gateway saw record throughput of 888,000 TEU, a more than 23% increase on the previous best performance for the first half of a year. The new fourth berth will raise capacity by one-third and completion will coincide with the delivery of a new wave of 24,000 TEU vessels in 2023/2024, which will all be operated between Asia and Europe.

Along with the Port of Tilbury and Ford’s Dagenham plant, DP World London Gateway will form Thames Freeport after being awarded freeport status by the Government earlier this year, with the partners currently progressing the business case with a view to receiving formal accreditation. DP World Southampton has also been awarded freeport status as part of Solent Freeport, further cementing the critical role of both logistics hubs in the UK’s international trade.

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