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Month: September 2021

Pallet-Track expands network

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Pallet-Track pallet network has signed up its latest shareholder member, Walsall-based Trailer Freight International (TFI).

TFI is based just six miles from Pallet-Track’s Wolverhampton central hub, and joins the network as part of its plan to accelerate its growth domestically.

TFI was established in 1983, operating daily freight services to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with two employees and a 5,000 sq ft warehouse using sub-contracted transport.

It now boasts 20,000 sq ft of warehouse space and a thriving international freight forwarding division and was sold to Northern Ireland-based logistics firm Express Distribution Services in 2015.

While its growth has been impressive, its roots remain within the Black Country with the relocation in February this year still less than five miles from the company’s original home.

Allan Collins, business development manager at TFI, is managing the implementation of the Pallet-Track contract: “We’ve been looking to grow our business in the UK market since TFI was brought by our parent company EDS and that’s exactly what joining Pallet-Track will help us do.

“Pallet-Track is a proven entity with excellent credentials. It’s a big, successful company with impressive growth and not every transport company gets the opportunity to join, so we’re really pleased to be a part of it.

“We look forward to moving forward positively together. We’re hoping this new partnership will help us set up a mirror image of our operation in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.”

TFI will cover part of the WS postcode area for Pallet-Track and becomes its seventh new network member this year.

Caroline Green, CEO of Pallet-Track, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our near neighbours Trailer Freight International to the network. It’s a company which comes with an excellent track record and clear vision for growth.

“The last 18 months has provided a unique set of challenges for us and the logistics industry as a whole, so recruiting the right members is ever-more vital for the network’s continued success.”

Frequency inverter for high-efficiency conveyor technology applications

Posted on by Keith McKinley

NORDAC FLEX frequency inverters from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS are true allrounders: They not only offer a wide power range, but also work very economically. The NORDAC FLEX SK 205E series has been specially designed for use with baggage transport systems at airports or conveyor systems in parcel distribution centres.

The large power range, up to 22kW, is characteristic for the frequency inverter. In addition, the NORDAC FLEX SK 205E is compact and enables high precision in synchronous and positioning applications via the integrated POSICON control. Another advantage is the precise and rapid current vector control: It ensures constant speeds in case of fluctuating loads. The NORDAC FLEX SK 205E also offers maximum flexibility and due to its high energy efficiency enables energy savings, especially during partial load operation. This even applies to applications that technically do not require an inverter.

Users are provided with complete flexibility when it comes to installation: Inverters can be both installed close to the drive in the field and integrated into the motor. Power and data cable connections are available as plug-in versions. The decentralised system enables short motor and encoder cables as well as short supply cables to sensors. The inverters can be used to control standard asynchronous motors, high-efficiency synchronous motors and brake motors. Encoder feedback can be realised, for example position-controlled transport systems.

NORDAC FLEX SK 205E series frequency inverters feature 4 digital inputs and 1 digital output (e.g. for error messages). The inverter can be monitored via an optional Bluetooth interface using the NORDCON APP software. This way, possible errors can be quickly diagnosed and remedied. Drive parameterisation is possible as standard via the integrated diagnostic interface with the free NORDCON software tool.

The inverter features a total of six digital and two analogue interfaces, two encoder interfaces and one integrated PLC for programming of functions close to the drive. A wide range of extensions through option modules are possible as accessories, for example a communication interface that supports commercially available Ethernet dialects as well as extensions for functional safety such as PROFIsafe and STO.

Caja futurises warehouses with ease

Posted on by David Priestman

Caja Robotics offers a robotics ASRS for goods-to-person order fulfilment. It believes automation should adapt to a warehouse’s infrastructure – and not the other way round.

Caja Robotics was founded in 2014 by experienced technology and logistics professionals with an extensive background in fulfilment centre operations. Caja Robotics was created based on experience in the eCommerce retail and logistics market, facing the daily challenges of the order fulfilment process. It recognised there was a need for a warehouse robotics solution that was flexible, scalable, and adapted to the specific challenges and needs of operating a fulfilment centre.

This led to Caja Robotics, a robotics solution created to be adaptive, flexible, which meets the needs of operating fulfilment centres.

Its team of visionary software and robotics experts, combined with our real-life experience in operating warehouse fulfilment centres, means it is uniquely positioned to create an advanced robotics fulfilment solution that truly meets business needs.

Its robotic fulfilment solution for unit picking increases order picking efficiency and the storage capacity of warehouses, while improving the work environment of warehouse employees. This is achieved without major changes and investment in warehouse infrastructure, as its solution seamlessly integrates with existing flooring, mezzanines, shelving and boxes.

The Caja Robotics fulfilment system is comprised of cutting-edge software, specialised robots, and user-friendly workstations. Its fleet management is handled by a unique 4D algorithm, and the cloud-based software is powered by advanced algorithms and is ready to be integrated with leading WMS systems. Its system is designed for maximum efficiency and output, so you can keep up with an ever-changing competitive landscape. Futurise your warehouse with ease, with Caja’s flexible, modular system built for scale.

Caja’s solution comprises two types of robots: a Lift robot for storage optimisation and replenishment, and a Cart robot for picking and fast transportation of boxes. Caja Robotics’ cutting-edge software is what makes its solution stand out in the marketplace.

The robotic fulfilment system, comprised of specialised robots and user-friendly workstations, is controlled entirely by this advanced software. Its smart AI-powered software architecture enables a solution that is adaptive, scalable, and responsive.

Adaptive: Thanks to its cloud-based, flexible software, Caja’s robotic system can be installed in almost any warehouse since it adapts to its existing infrastructure. Caja’s software is easily integrated with the customer’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) through documented APIs.

Scalable: Due to its highly scalable and rapidly deployable modular architecture, Caja’s software enables gradual expansion and helps cope with fluctuating demands. This scalability allows customers to change the warehouse layout quickly and easily add parts, sections, or warehouses as needed.

Responsive: The responsive system maximises throughput by continuously optimising the warehouse for existing and predicted orders. This dynamic control software can change its algorithms strategy on-the-go to achieve performance optimisation. Caja’s system responds to sudden and unexpected challenges as it easily switches to manual picking and back to robotic picking in a matter of minutes.

Caja’s solution is designed for optimisation, from the lightning-fast inbound replenishment process that fits multi-sized bins and boxes, to the daily tasks that demand synchronising with pre-installed WMS. Meanwhile, it carefully controls omni-channel orders, future orders prediction algorithms, warehouse optimisation, and order returns, making them fast and simple with WMS synchronisation, which brings items’ availability back online quickly.

Caja’s system is designed to optimise the inventory and order fulfilment operations of logistics companies. Modern order fulfilment demands an adaptive, scalable and responsive solution, as an alternative to the rigid ASRS with their high investment costs.

Its robotic system is flexible and modular, easy to install and adapt. Its easy and fast installation in both Brownfields and Greenfields is possible without large investments in warehouse infrastructure, by using existing infrastructure like flooring, mezzanines, shelving, and boxes.

Its  cloud-based software supported by smart algorithms, AI, and machine learning, makes its system easy to adapt during peak times when more robots are needed to meet clients’ demands, or even when changes are made in the warehouse operation or infrastructure.

Caja’s automation solution is optimised for the logistics world of many applications, among them: apparel, footwear, 3PL, pharma & health, eCommerce, food & beverages, and grocery.

Felixstowe welcomes world’s largest container ship

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Ever Ace, the world’s largest container ship, has made its maiden call at Port of Felixstowe. Operated by Taiwanese line Evergreen Marine, the 24,000TEU capacity vessel arrived at the UK’s largest container port from Hamburg, having commenced its voyage at Qingdao, China in July.

Commenting on the arrival, Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Felixstowe, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Ever Ace on its maiden call at the Port of Felixstowe. Our relationship with Evergreen dates back to 1979 when Evergreen launched its first Asia-Europe service. The scale of growth since then has been nothing short of staggering; those first ships had a capacity of just 1,200TEU, one-twentieth of the number the Ever Ace can carry.

“It is particularly fitting that the arrival coincides with the start of London International Shipping Week which promotes the best of the UK maritime sector. The Port of Felixstowe has long been the country’s No.1 container port and we are continuing to invest to secure that position long into the future.”

Work is due to commence in the autumn to increase the depth of the main approach channel into the port. Undertaken by Harwich Haven Authority and due for completion in 18 months, the £120m scheme will increase the depth of the channel from 14.5m to 16.0m below chart datum.

The channel deepening will give Felixstowe unrivalled access for the largest container ships and complements work completed in July to deepen Berth 7 at the port to 16.5m. Further work to deepen Berths 6, 8 & 9 is scheduled for 2022.

The Ever Ace is the first of 12 24,000-teu class container ships ordered by Evergreen. The A-type vessel is 400m in length and 61.5m wide, has a design draft of 14.5m and can cruise at speeds up to 22.6 knots. With a nominal carrying capacity of 23,992 TEU, Ever Ace is one of the largest container ships in the world.

Managing finance and payments within logistics

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Self-employment technology specialist, Wise, is working in partnership with over 250 delivery providers across the UK to try and improve their financial affairs through its software and in-house expertise.

The UK logistics industry is ever-evolving, with retailers, delivery providers and self-employed delivery drivers working harmoniously to get goods transported quickly and efficiently.

However, when it comes to handling finance, tax and compliance issues relating to this vital workforce, many firms are still struggling, spending vast amounts of admin time sorting these recurring issues.

Tom Hills, Chief Operating Officer at Wise, said: “With the impact of Brexit on workforces across the UK and a natural surge in demand from online retailers, it is a crucial time for logistics firms to recruit the right self-employed delivery drivers and importantly retain them.

“By using our platform, our clients are now able to take the stress out of this array of finance issues which need time and attention when you’re engaging a large self-employed workforce. For instance, we help a large number of our clients with payroll management saving them time and stress and providing completely transparent payments through to their subcontractors.”

Improving satisfaction and reducing friction between main contractors and their self-employed workforce will naturally improve retention and reduce driver turnover as the industry continues to recover following the pandemic.

Paul Rodney, Managing Director at PanAm Logistic Solutions, said: “Our business depends on working closely with a number of self-employed delivery drivers and traditionally sorting their onboarding, invoices and expenses has taken a lot of administrative time. However, through using the Wise platform we’re able to hand this over to specialists and through their mobile app our drivers are able to get complete transparency over their invoices, expenses and even automatically generate their tax returns.”

STILL recognised as sustainability leader

Posted on by David Priestman

Acting responsibly towards the environment, partners, customers, and employees is firmly anchored in STILL‘s corporate philosophy. Therefore, the company has once again undergone a sustainability audit by the international assessment platform EcoVadis this year – with an outstanding result: STILL is awarded the gold sustainability certificate for their commitment regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR).

For 10 years now, STILL has been subject to evaluation by the renowned rating agency EcoVadis. It involves taking a close look at the four major sustainability fields ‘environment’, ‘labour practices and human rights’, ‘fair business practices’ and ‘sustainable procurement’. After achieving very good results in previous years, STILL was awarded the gold sustainability certificate for the first time in 2021.

This puts STILL among the best of the engineering companies examined worldwide by EcoVadis and sets a high standard for forward-thinking, globally active industrial companies. This applies especially to aspects of environmental protection. Here, STILL ranks among the top 1% of all companies assessed in this sector.

Taking responsibility, shaping the future

Operating economically in line with environmental and social standards is a top priority at STILL and forms the basis of all strategic decisions. This includes maximum transparency across the entire value chain, the responsible use of resources from production to disposal, and ensuring and promoting high social and safety standards among suppliers and partners. All these standards are anchored in the company’s philosophy and are practised across all divisions and hierarchies.

In order to make them as transparent as possible for business partners and customers, STILL has its  CSR standards audited by the independent rating agency EcoVadis.

“The gold sustainability certificate is a great acknowledgment of our values and our long-standing efforts,” says Frank Müller, Senior Vice President Brand Management / Sales & Service Steering STILL EMEA. “Especially in view of the current climate situation, there is no alternative to economic practices that focus on the long-term protection and conservation of our global resources.”

CSR – the sales argument of the future

And so certificates like the EcoVadis sustainability medal will become the future quality labels of the economy. Because sustainability and responsibility have never been more in the focus of corporate assessment and international competition than they are today. CSR is no longer a question of image. Rather, operating responsibly together with a value-oriented corporate philosophy have become relevant differentiation criteria and sales arguments in the global competition for customers, orders, and partnerships.

 

 

Logistics Business Show – panel discussions now online

Posted on by David Priestman

With almost 4,000 visitors to The Logistics Business Show – which took place online from 20th-24th September 2021 – the second-ever staging of the event has been deemed a great success.

The most popular aspect proved to be the 10 industry round-table sessions, moderated by Logistics Business editor Paul Hamblin, which covered current challenges and future opportunities across the major sub-sectors of the transport and logistics industry.

All 10 of these sessions are now available to view free of charge, both here on the Logistics Business website, and also on our YouTube channel.

CLICK HERE to view all of the panel discussions.

Half of businesses are not transparent about sustainability

Posted on by Keith McKinley

UK businesses admit they are not being transparent enough with consumers and customers about the true sustainability of their supply chains, research by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) has found.

The survey of 318 UK supply chain managers found that nearly half (48%) do not believe their organisation is transparent enough with consumers, clients and regulators about sustainability, with 19% admitting they don’t even know how sustainable their products are themselves*. However, only 5% feel their marketing actively misleads clients or customers about sustainability.

What are the top barriers preventing businesses from building more sustainable supply chains?

  • The challenges of Covid-19 made it difficult to focus on sustainability – 43%
  • A lack of supply chain sustainability data – 27%
  • The business is unwilling to invest in sustainability – 27%
  • A lack of relevant skills – 22%
  • Senior executives do not see sustainability as a priority – 17%

The news comes as the CMA prepares for a new crackdown on misleading environmental claims made to consumers. The survey suggests that a surprising lack of procurement involvement in setting corporate sustainability strategy in the UK is at least partly to blame. Much of the UK’s carbon footprint is generated abroad, several tiers down the supply chain in the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing of products and transportation.

The procurement function has a crucial role in understanding, measuring and addressing the sustainability of this supply chain but 1 in 5 (19%) of UK supply chain managers said they were not involved at all in their organisation’s sustainability strategy, while 43% said they were only lightly involved. A further 18% said they were unaware of any corporate sustainability strategy at all.

Malcolm Harrison, Group CEO, Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), said:  “The choices UK businesses make ripple through their supply chains to impact everything from water security and carbon emissions, to waste management and deforestation in other countries. Much of an organisation’s environmental impact will be outside their internal boundaries, and it is important that organisations understand this complexity so they can begin to track, communicate, and address the sustainability of their own unique supply chain.

“Collaboration is critical to tackling climate change. This includes internal collaboration, between marketing teams and the supply chain managers, and external collaboration between suppliers across the supply chain. No one organisation can solve climate change on their own and there needs to be more initiatives encouraging competitors to collaborate together to improve the sustainability of common supply chains.

“Sustainability strategy must be led by the CEO but it requires input from across the business and procurement is perhaps the most crucial ingredient. Supply chain managers can take a more active role by improving their skills in this area and being more vocal internally about the importance of supply chains in addressing sustainability issues. We all have a role to play to help meet our climate change goals and the time to act is now.”

Businesses set to miss 2050 net zero target

In 2019 the UK set a goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, a target with particular importance given the UK’s role as host of the COP26 climate conference at the end of the year. However, two years on from the commitment only 59% of supply chain managers believe they will be able to deliver against the target. Worryingly, 1 in 10 (11%) of UK supply chain managers said their business has done nothing since 2019 to improve the sustainability of their supply chains.

There have, however, been some positive signs of progress with 53% stating that since 2019 they have begun taking sustainability into account when choosing suppliers and 36% saying they have redesigned products to reduce waste, increased the use of recyclables or introduced more sustainable materials.

* Findings were drawn from a survey of 318 UK supply chain managers. The survey ran from 28th July to 10th August 2021.

 

 

FourKites grows relationship with Zebra

Posted on by David Priestman

FourKites, a leading real-time supply chain visibility platform, has announced that Zebra Technologies Corporation, an innovator at the front line of business with solutions and partners that deliver a performance edge, will be reselling FourKites’ Dynamic Yard and real-time visibility platform as part of its suite of asset visibility solutions. Used by some of the largest logistics operators in the world, Zebra’s MotionWorks Yard solution will now combine Dynamic Yard with Zebra locationing hardware and professional services. MotionWorks Yard will continue to be sold directly by Zebra and through select PartnerConnect channel partners in North America and Europe.

Together, FourKites and Zebra are modernising the digital supply chain and helping to eliminate information silos to provide companies with end-to-end visibility of their freight — from the warehouse to the yard and across all transportation modes. Further expanding the companies’ joint solutions, the two teams will collaborate to increase the in-yard and over-the-road capabilities of their customers.

“Businesses want real-time visibility into their goods and assets throughout the journey — from the manufacturing facility to the final destination,” said Drew Ehlers, Global Futurist and Venture Innovator, Office of the CTO, Zebra Technologies. “Our relationship with FourKites adds a critical layer of visibility that helps companies improve asset visibility, streamline the shipping process and unlock new levels of performance and customer service.”

As an investor in and user of FourKites’ real-time visibility and Dynamic ETA for Air solutions, Zebra has reduced turn times on urgent product requests for fulfilling critical customer orders, while also eliminating nearly 75% of shipment tracking email inquiries to its global logistics team. By extending its relationship with FourKites, Zebra will continue to help businesses modernise warehouses and create supply chains that are completely transparent, connected and fully optimised.

“FourKites’ relationship with Zebra has grown over the years, as we work together on a joint mission to create a fully transparent supply chain and reduce time to delivery for customers,” said Mathew Elenjickal, founder and CEO of FourKites. “By combining Zebra’s expertise in delivering warehouse visibility with FourKites visibility outside of those four walls, we can provide better end-to-end predictability and forecasting of assets for our shared customers — all while dynamically accounting for the on-the-ground realities across the supply chain.”

PSI renews IT infrastructure at Cologne/Bonn Airport

Posted on by David Priestman

With a major contract for software and control computers as well as for the monitoring and display systems in baggage handling, the Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH has concluded a fundamental update of the primary components of its baggage handling system.

With the modernisation of the software for the baggage handling system, the airport operators are using the current airport systems of the PSI Logistics Suite. This required the replacement of the control computer with modern hardware and the migration to a new database. For the automatic control of the complete baggage handling system behind the 86 check-in counters in the two airport terminals, PSIairport/BHS, in the current release 2020, replaced the old system from 2006.

The monitoring and coordination of the processes is performed with the assistance of cameras in the baggage handling system. Here, a new CCTV system from PSI Logistics is being used. The camera system allows for continuous documentation and tracking of baggage.

For the first time the PSIairport/BRS baggage reconciliation system is being installed at the Cologne/Bonn Airport. The BRS takes over the control and documentation of process sequences for baggage handling in ground traffic between the airport building and the total of 111 aircraft positions on the nine aprons as per international security guidelines. The scope of services of the software also includes the flight information display system (FIDS) from PSI Logistics. The new display systems at the baggage carousels were connected to the new airport systems as part of the project.

The PSI Group develops its own software products for optimising the flow of energy and materials for utilities (energy grids, energy trading, public transport) and industry (metals production, automotive, mechanical engineering, logistics). PSI was founded in 1969 and employs more than 2,100 people worldwide.

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