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Month: October 2021

Transporeon partners with ZeKju for app-free communication

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading European digital freight platform Transporeon has completed its strategic investment into ZeKju. By joining forces, Transporeon and ZeKju will offer digital, yet app-free and GDPR-compliant communication to facilitate exchange between shippers, carriers and logistics service providers.

ZeKju leverages popular messenger apps such as Telegram, Viber and WhatsApp, thereby eliminating the need for drivers to install 10+ apps on their phone. With ZeKju, forwarders and carriers can close digital white spots and significantly reduce process costs. Key application areas of ZeKju include the digital transmission of transport information to drivers, communication of operational changes between involved parties and real-time proof-of-delivery (POD) collection.

In addition, logistics players profit from the GPS tracking capabilities provided by the tool. Especially carriers without proper telematics systems can now automatically communicate their position via the ZeKju application. For Transporeon, together with its real-time visibility solution Transporeon Sixfold, the integration of ZeKju completes the capabilities of the companies’ real-time network. With ZeKju, in-transit visibility becomes available for all transport.

Furthermore, ZeKju’s capabilities in combination with access to truck data make it possible to calculate key environmental indicators such as fuel consumption of a transport. This ability is key for companies that aim to reduce the carbon footprint of their transports but yet lack the data regarding the climate.

Transporeon CEO Stephan Sieber commented: “With ZeKju, we are offering our customers a further key solution in achieving a real-time enabled network. It is a huge step forward towards closing the telematic gap for forwarders and carriers as ZeKju also allows customers that are not connected to the telematics network to benefit from in-transport visibility. Fully compliant with GDPR and with the capability to deliver telematic data to calculate key environmental indicators, ZeKju can also make an important contribution for our customers to reach their sustainability goals.”

ZeKju CEO Hendrik Rosenboom added: “Transporeon is the ideal partner to make the benefits of our tool available to a broader number of logistics professionals. We are thrilled to work with such a strong partner and become an integral part of the functionalities offered by the Transporeon Network.”

Logistics firm recognised for compliance

Posted on by David Priestman

Cargo Express, a transportation, logistics and warehousing company providing solutions across the UK and Europe, has become one of the few firms in its class to achieve the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Earned Recognition Accreditation, for demonstrating a strong compliance and standards track record. It passed with flying colours – gaining a clean sheet with no minor or major notes.

The Midlands-based firm has formalised its already stringent processes and commitment to compliance with this accreditation.

Cargo Express Director Joseph O’Reilly explains: “We’re very proud at this achievement which highlights our comprehensive procedures and dedication to being a safe and complaint operator. The DVSA accreditation process is intense and rigorous, but as we were already operating with high compliance procedures in place, it was easier for us to demonstrate than it may be for a lot of operators.

“The requirements were far-reaching: the DVSA check elements such as tyre suitability and source or stockist – which must be able to prove a sub-ten-year life – and have checked pressure levels, even if removed temporarily during maintenance work. That is just one small example of one of the many thorough vehicle safety requirements.

“Regular and proactive driver training to reduce accident risk, spot checks to ensure drivers have no toxins in their body, proof of regular eye tests and monthly licence checks are all procedures that were standard to us, so we were expecting to score highly, but to achieve a clean sheet across all the criteria is fantastic and testament to our company ethos.”

The firm uses a DVSA accredited digital management system to report data, which enables the DVSA to monitor various KPIs. As a result of its efforts, its accreditation covers a two-year period, although the firm can still be subject to an audit at any time. Cargo Express will continue to report its data, from vehicle maintenance through to driver working hours and safety status, to continue to meet the KPIs that have been instrumental in its accreditation success.

O’Reilly concludes: “Keeping records and taking a proactive approach is the key to maintaining standards. We’ve always been committed to operating safe vehicles and the best trained drivers. Even in the current climate of driver shortages, we refuse to drop our standards just to get drivers in our trucks. It’s a policy we feel passionate about for both the success of our company, and the safety of our drivers and other road users.”

 

Logistics firm recognised for compliance

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Cargo Express, a transportation, logistics and warehousing company providing solutions across the UK and Europe, has become one of the few firms in its class to achieve the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Earned Recognition Accreditation, for demonstrating a strong compliance and standards track record. It passed with flying colours – gaining a clean sheet with no minor or major notes.

The Midlands-based firm has formalised its already stringent processes and commitment to compliance with this accreditation.

Cargo Express Director Joseph O’Reilly explains: “We’re very proud at this achievement which highlights our comprehensive procedures and dedication to being a safe and complaint operator. The DVSA accreditation process is intense and rigorous, but as we were already operating with high compliance procedures in place, it was easier for us to demonstrate than it may be for a lot of operators.

“The requirements were far-reaching: the DVSA check elements such as tyre suitability and source or stockist – which must be able to prove a sub-ten-year life – and have checked pressure levels, even if removed temporarily during maintenance work. That is just one small example of one of the many thorough vehicle safety requirements.

“Regular and proactive driver training to reduce accident risk, spot checks to ensure drivers have no toxins in their body, proof of regular eye tests and monthly licence checks are all procedures that were standard to us, so we were expecting to score highly, but to achieve a clean sheet across all the criteria is fantastic and testament to our company ethos.”

The firm uses a DVSA accredited digital management system to report data, which enables the DVSA to monitor various KPIs. As a result of its efforts, its accreditation covers a two-year period, although the firm can still be subject to an audit at any time. Cargo Express will continue to report its data, from vehicle maintenance through to driver working hours and safety status, to continue to meet the KPIs that have been instrumental in its accreditation success.

O’Reilly concludes: “Keeping records and taking a proactive approach is the key to maintaining standards. We’ve always been committed to operating safe vehicles and the best trained drivers. Even in the current climate of driver shortages, we refuse to drop our standards just to get drivers in our trucks. It’s a policy we feel passionate about for both the success of our company, and the safety of our drivers and other road users.”

 

AR Racking appoints sales director for southern Europe

Posted on by David Priestman

AR Racking, a specialist in industrial storage solutions, has appointed Jimmy Andersson as its new Sales Director for Southern Europe. Andersson will therefore be responsible for leading the commercial management of the company’s adjustable pallet racking storage system projects in Spain, Italy and Portugal.

Andersson joined the company at the end of 2017 to head up the sales management of the Nordic countries, Eastern Europe and South Africa, a position that he will continue to hold and combine with his new role.

“I embark on this new stage with the goal of positioning AR Racking as the undisputed leading supplier of comprehensive storage solutions in Southern European countries and to continue with the growth we have been experiencing in Northern and Eastern markets on the continent,” stated Andersson.

 

DHL green-lights cargo drone deliveries

Posted on by Keith McKinley

International express service provider DHL Express, and Pen Aviation, an industry-leading ecosystem provider for Unmanned Automated Solutions (UAS), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to commercialise time-critical goods deliveries with unmanned aerial vehicles, leveraging PEN UAS-based solutions. This initiative is in partnership with Raya Airways as the cargo drone operator.

DHL will participate in a Proof of Commercialisation (POC) by the end of 2021 to demonstrate the commercial viability of time-critical cargo drone delivery for port logistics missions, focusing on the maritime industry. The POC will undertake first- to last-mile port logistics missions jointly conducted by DHL, Pen Aviation, and Raya Airways. The POC will specifically demonstrate the cost and time optimisation of a fleet of drones to streamline port logistics, and distribution activities for goods at commercial ports. PEN55V, Pen Aviation’s medium-size cargo drone, will pick up and drop off packages weighing up to 12kg from the cargo ship deck to the port and vice versa, both in the day and at night.

“Cargo drones will be the next generation of transportation in logistics. This POC comes in the wake of the recent 12th Malaysian Plan announcement where the Government of Malaysia highlighted the importance of seamless connectivity and reliability in transport and logistics,” said Julian Neo, Managing Director, DHL Express Malaysia & Brunei. “The use of drone technology will enable us to reach rural communities especially in East Malaysia, where critical items such as vaccines, medicines, and medical devices are needed while allowing us to fulfil our purpose of Connecting People and Improving Lives.”

Under this agreement, DHL and Pen Aviation will work together to certify and utilise the PEN55V to move shipments to seaports over long distances. The long-term goal is to set up a mixed fleet of PEN55V and PEN1360V, Pen Aviation’s heavy-size cargo drones designed and manufactured in partnership with Cavok-UAS.

Jean-Bernard Boura, Managing Director and Founder of Pen Aviation, said: “We decided to tackle every single pain point that hinders unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based businesses today, starting with UAV designs that can meet aviation certification standards. But above and beyond the UAV design, we are excited to confront our overall ecosystem to DHL demanding cargo environment and demonstrate our business enabling logistics solutions, whatever the mile, whatever the mode of transportation.”

For the same payload capability, the PEN55V micro turbine requires three times less energy to fly than battery powered UAVs and does not cause any pollution challenges related to battery manufacturing, charge, and recycling. In line with Deutsche Post DHL Group’s aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 (“Mission 2050”), this solution provided by PEN UAS supports our drive toward clean operations for climate protection.

This initiative will be performed in compliance with the Civil Aviation Directive CAD 6011, a regulation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia which allows the development of unmanned aircraft technologies. The POC will demonstrate Pen Aviation’s ecosystem superiority to successfully deliver high-volume automated logistics operations with a 24/7 UAV-based freight service.

CLICK HERE to watch the video

DHL green-lights cargo drone deliveries

Posted on by David Priestman

International express service provider DHL Express, and Pen Aviation, an industry-leading ecosystem provider for Unmanned Automated Solutions (UAS), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to commercialise time-critical goods deliveries with unmanned aerial vehicles, leveraging PEN UAS-based solutions. This initiative is in partnership with Raya Airways as the cargo drone operator.

DHL will participate in a Proof of Commercialisation (POC) by the end of 2021 to demonstrate the commercial viability of time-critical cargo drone delivery for port logistics missions, focusing on the maritime industry. The POC will undertake first- to last-mile port logistics missions jointly conducted by DHL, Pen Aviation, and Raya Airways. The POC will specifically demonstrate the cost and time optimisation of a fleet of drones to streamline port logistics, and distribution activities for goods at commercial ports. PEN55V, Pen Aviation’s medium-size cargo drone, will pick up and drop off packages weighing up to 12kg from the cargo ship deck to the port and vice versa, both in the day and at night.

“Cargo drones will be the next generation of transportation in logistics. This POC comes in the wake of the recent 12th Malaysian Plan announcement where the Government of Malaysia highlighted the importance of seamless connectivity and reliability in transport and logistics,” said Julian Neo, Managing Director, DHL Express Malaysia & Brunei. “The use of drone technology will enable us to reach rural communities especially in East Malaysia, where critical items such as vaccines, medicines, and medical devices are needed while allowing us to fulfil our purpose of Connecting People and Improving Lives.”

Under this agreement, DHL and Pen Aviation will work together to certify and utilise the PEN55V to move shipments to seaports over long distances. The long-term goal is to set up a mixed fleet of PEN55V and PEN1360V, Pen Aviation’s heavy-size cargo drones designed and manufactured in partnership with Cavok-UAS.

Jean-Bernard Boura, Managing Director and Founder of Pen Aviation, said: “We decided to tackle every single pain point that hinders unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based businesses today, starting with UAV designs that can meet aviation certification standards. But above and beyond the UAV design, we are excited to confront our overall ecosystem to DHL demanding cargo environment and demonstrate our business enabling logistics solutions, whatever the mile, whatever the mode of transportation.”

For the same payload capability, the PEN55V micro turbine requires three times less energy to fly than battery powered UAVs and does not cause any pollution challenges related to battery manufacturing, charge, and recycling. In line with Deutsche Post DHL Group’s aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 (“Mission 2050”), this solution provided by PEN UAS supports our drive toward clean operations for climate protection.

This initiative will be performed in compliance with the Civil Aviation Directive CAD 6011, a regulation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia which allows the development of unmanned aircraft technologies. The POC will demonstrate Pen Aviation’s ecosystem superiority to successfully deliver high-volume automated logistics operations with a 24/7 UAV-based freight service.

CLICK HERE to watch the video

Conveying the right solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Japanese engineering specialist Itoh Denki believes it can help integrators and OEMs looking to find intralogistics conveying solutions for the new economy. Logistics Business magazine editor Paul Hamblin reports.

In a logistics world in which there needs to be room for businesses of all shapes and sizes, it follows that the conventional logistics model needs to be challenged. Yes, the big players will still need their large Build-to-Suit warehouses, and vast, multi-tenanted logistics parks are undoubtedly here to stay. But what about ecommerce providers looking for professional, fast logistics?

These companies might be small – but they might grow very fast, in which case they need agility, flexibility. Most of all, they want ease of payment alongside ease of use. Not for them the vast capital expenditures on logistics of those giants who can make such facilities so cost-effective. Ideally, they want state-of-the-art logistics capability without necessarily needing the building asset that goes with it.

Japanese-founded engineering specialist Itoh Denki, which has worked with integrators and OEMs in logistics for many decades in the supply of rollers and conveying components, has recognised this pattern. It has identified a trend, notably in Japan where land use is at a premium, but increasingly in Europe, for multi-storey, multi-tenanted logistics spaces deployed with a pay-per-use sharing model.

“Think of it as Hotel Logistics,” quips Tatsuya (Ted) Akashi, Itoh Denki MD Europe. “You come and go as agreed, you can stay for longer if you wish and you only pay for those times.”

Recognising that reliable, flexible sortation is key to this business model, Itoh Denki has brought its Diverter-Centric Sorting to the market. Best known for Motorised Driver Roller (MDR) technology, Itoh Denki’s footprint in Europe has now expanded to include a fully capable Amsterdam Tech Centre to complement its base in St Pierre, France where the MDRs are given final assembly.

Alexander Gigerl, Technical Sales Manager, explains the Diverter-Centric sorting business case by pointing out that the high throughput of the traditional crossbelt sorter comes with a correspondingly high cost. He says that Itoh Denki’s F-RAT (Flat Right Angle Transfer) will bring down those costs dramatically, but without necessarily the very high throughputs some customers require. The company’s MABS (Multi Angle Ball Sorter) also brings with it considerable cost savings versus the cross belt but with three times the throughput of the FRAT. The combination means that Itoh Denki can offer a powerful hybrid solution to suit a variety of budgets and requirements.

An enormous variety of package sizes can be smoothly transported, even the most fragile loads. The list of benefits includes the flexibility and scalability that comes from a fully modular system. Maintenance and service is another plus, because faults can be sourced and fixed quickly via this modularity, without unnecessary and profit-killing downtime. Safety and comfort of workers is promised by the optimised footprint of the layout and the super-quiet, no pneumatics, 24v DC power source.

It is fully CE compliant, which means costs will not be incurred in installing extra safety facilities or barriers in the vicinity. Energy efficiency is assured by on-demand operation, the motor driven only when a load enters the zone.

The central 90° technology of the F-RAT offers the benefit of transfer without changing levels. Meanwhile, the MABS solution offers 30, 45 and 90° transfer.

Itoh Denki emphasises that it will not be selling direct to end users and will continue to work with its established OEM partners to ensure end user customer delight.

Conveying the right solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Japanese engineering specialist Itoh Denki believes it can help integrators and OEMs looking to find intralogistics conveying solutions for the new economy. Logistics Business magazine editor Paul Hamblin reports.

In a logistics world in which there needs to be room for businesses of all shapes and sizes, it follows that the conventional logistics model needs to be challenged. Yes, the big players will still need their large Build-to-Suit warehouses, and vast, multi-tenanted logistics parks are undoubtedly here to stay. But what about ecommerce providers looking for professional, fast logistics?

These companies might be small – but they might grow very fast, in which case they need agility, flexibility. Most of all, they want ease of payment alongside ease of use. Not for them the vast capital expenditures on logistics of those giants who can make such facilities so cost-effective. Ideally, they want state-of-the-art logistics capability without necessarily needing the building asset that goes with it.

Japanese-founded engineering specialist Itoh Denki, which has worked with integrators and OEMs in logistics for many decades in the supply of rollers and conveying components, has recognised this pattern. It has identified a trend, notably in Japan where land use is at a premium, but increasingly in Europe, for multi-storey, multi-tenanted logistics spaces deployed with a pay-per-use sharing model.

“Think of it as Hotel Logistics,” quips Tatsuya (Ted) Akashi, Itoh Denki MD Europe. “You come and go as agreed, you can stay for longer if you wish and you only pay for those times.”

Recognising that reliable, flexible sortation is key to this business model, Itoh Denki has brought its Diverter-Centric Sorting to the market. Best known for Motorised Driver Roller (MDR) technology, Itoh Denki’s footprint in Europe has now expanded to include a fully capable Amsterdam Tech Centre to complement its base in St Pierre, France where the MDRs are given final assembly.

Alexander Gigerl, Technical Sales Manager, explains the Diverter-Centric sorting business case by pointing out that the high throughput of the traditional crossbelt sorter comes with a correspondingly high cost. He says that Itoh Denki’s F-RAT (Flat Right Angle Transfer) will bring down those costs dramatically, but without necessarily the very high throughputs some customers require. The company’s MABS (Multi Angle Ball Sorter) also brings with it considerable cost savings versus the cross belt but with three times the throughput of the FRAT. The combination means that Itoh Denki can offer a powerful hybrid solution to suit a variety of budgets and requirements.

An enormous variety of package sizes can be smoothly transported, even the most fragile loads. The list of benefits includes the flexibility and scalability that comes from a fully modular system. Maintenance and service is another plus, because faults can be sourced and fixed quickly via this modularity, without unnecessary and profit-killing downtime. Safety and comfort of workers is promised by the optimised footprint of the layout and the super-quiet, no pneumatics, 24v DC power source.

It is fully CE compliant, which means costs will not be incurred in installing extra safety facilities or barriers in the vicinity. Energy efficiency is assured by on-demand operation, the motor driven only when a load enters the zone.

The central 90° technology of the F-RAT offers the benefit of transfer without changing levels. Meanwhile, the MABS solution offers 30, 45 and 90° transfer.

Itoh Denki emphasises that it will not be selling direct to end users and will continue to work with its established OEM partners to ensure end user customer delight.

Werma publishes white paper on signal technology

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Werma has published a free white paper, available for free download, to help understand how important the choice of the right signal is for the safety of everyone in industrial environments. It explains which signalling is suitable for which application and how modern Andon systems can optimise manual production and logistics.

Optical and audible signals have always played an important role and have been continually developed over the centuries. Even in ancient times, wood-fired beacons kept seafarers on course. Today, state-of-the-art LED technology serves as a light source for a variety of signalling applications.

There are also a number of examples in our everyday life that illustrate the great advantage of easy-to-understand signals: A red traffic light, the horn of a car or the siren of a fire engine. These signals send a message to the recipient quickly and non-verbally, regardless of the language they speak.

This is precisely why optical and audible signals are also used in industrial environments, production, automation, logistics and building technology to warn, guide and protect everyone in the immediate vicinity.

Signal technology taken to the next level

In modern industry, signal technology is taken a step further: In addition to classic optical and acoustic signalling, intelligently networked, retrofittable systems and clever Industry 4.0 solutions are being used to make networking easy for companies of all sizes. Make processes faster, leaner, better and more efficient, simply at the touch of a button.

Werma’s free white paper explains the importance of choosing the right signal for everyone’s safety. It also describes which signalling is suitable for which application and how modern Andon systems can optimise manual production and logistics as well as how quickly, easily and uncomplicatedly machines, workstations or flow racks can be networked using modern, radio-based signal technology.

Cutting-edge technologies for data exchange

As modern signal devices not only warn, guide and protect on site, both optically and acoustically, but also communicate intelligently with each other, this white paper presents state-of-the-art networking technologies: Werma’s signal devices have the latest interfaces – whether IO-Link, AS-i, USB or as a wireless network – enabling fast, flexible and uncomplicated data exchange.

CLICK HERE to download the free white paper.

 

 

Werma publishes white paper on signal technology

Posted on by David Priestman

Werma has published a free white paper, available for free download, to help understand how important the choice of the right signal is for the safety of everyone in industrial environments. It explains which signalling is suitable for which application and how modern Andon systems can optimise manual production and logistics.

Optical and audible signals have always played an important role and have been continually developed over the centuries. Even in ancient times, wood-fired beacons kept seafarers on course. Today, state-of-the-art LED technology serves as a light source for a variety of signalling applications.

There are also a number of examples in our everyday life that illustrate the great advantage of easy-to-understand signals: A red traffic light, the horn of a car or the siren of a fire engine. These signals send a message to the recipient quickly and non-verbally, regardless of the language they speak.

This is precisely why optical and audible signals are also used in industrial environments, production, automation, logistics and building technology to warn, guide and protect everyone in the immediate vicinity.

Signal technology taken to the next level

In modern industry, signal technology is taken a step further: In addition to classic optical and acoustic signalling, intelligently networked, retrofittable systems and clever Industry 4.0 solutions are being used to make networking easy for companies of all sizes. Make processes faster, leaner, better and more efficient, simply at the touch of a button.

Werma’s free white paper explains the importance of choosing the right signal for everyone’s safety. It also describes which signalling is suitable for which application and how modern Andon systems can optimise manual production and logistics as well as how quickly, easily and uncomplicatedly machines, workstations or flow racks can be networked using modern, radio-based signal technology.

Cutting-edge technologies for data exchange

As modern signal devices not only warn, guide and protect on site, both optically and acoustically, but also communicate intelligently with each other, this white paper presents state-of-the-art networking technologies: Werma’s signal devices have the latest interfaces – whether IO-Link, AS-i, USB or as a wireless network – enabling fast, flexible and uncomplicated data exchange.

CLICK HERE to download the free white paper.

 

 

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