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Day: 14 December 2021

Solvares Group acquires Opheo

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With the acquisition of Opheo Solutions GmbH, Solvares Group is expanding its portfolio to include solutions for truck dispatching and route optimisation in the transport sector and is continuing its course of strategic growth.

Solvares says SaaS-based software provider Opheo is an ideal fit for its strategic course. Opheo optimises route planning across truck dispatching. This industry focus is on logistics for building materials and food & beverage, among others. The software automates the dispatch process and relieves dispatch teams of all calculations.

Thanks to AI-based route optimisation and smart forecasting algorithms, kilometres can be reduced and transport resources better utilised. Opheo combines route planning, route optimisation, telematics, and ETA forecasting in a modern workplace environment for dispatchers and drivers – the digital transport control centre.

Opheo, with its 50 employees, is now the fourth company in the Solvares Group. The beginning of the group was the acquisition of FLS – FAST LEAN SMART in 2018. FLS GmbH is the technology leader for route optimisation and specialises in software-supported real-time optimisation for efficient scheduling, route and delivery planning of vehicle, expert, and technician fleets.

Before Opheo, Austria’s impactit GmbH and Germany’s Städtler Logistik joined in 2021. With its SaaS solution portatour, impactit offers its customers targeted and personalised tour planning and route planning, especially in field service optimisation for sales, consulting, and service. Städtler Logistik optimises complex and company-specific logistics and transport processes with software products such as TRAMPAS and LP/2. It takes control of governance tasks such as freight auditing for its customers and has been advising on all logistics issues for over 60 years.

With the third M&A expansion this year, the Solvares Group demonstrates its ability to grow dynamically through mergers & acquisitions. The continued focus is that the group grows sustainably – as a team and to the benefit of all involved. Thus, Dr. Stefan Anschütz, CEO of Opheo, will continue his entrepreneurial work at Solvares and play a key role in driving growth in the tour optimisation business segment both strategically and operationally.

“Solvares convinced me because I can continue to act as an entrepreneur, but move as part of a team with related businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Anschütz. “This allows me to focus primarily on my product and my clients while benefiting from the know-how and synergies of the group. Opheo joining the Solvares Group is a booster for the growth of our business.”

Dr. Jens Stief, CEO of Solvares Group, is pleased with the group’s strengthening: “Stefan Anschütz complements our management team in the field of logistics and will help us to further expand the route planning segment in particular. Opheo enhances our penetrating power in logistics with a universally applicable intelligent product as well as a motivated and capable team.”

The Solvares Group is backed by its investment partner DBAG (Deutsche Beteiligungs AG). Like the Solvares Group, DBAG is thus focusing on SaaS-based solutions, a future market in the field of logistics along the entire value chain.

Ragnar Geerdts, member of the management board of Deutsche Beteiligungs AG, added: “With Opheo, Solvares Group is consistently pursuing its buy-and-build strategy to position itself as a European champion for resource optimisation and to grow both organically and through M&A.”

Solvares Group acquires Opheo

Posted on by David Priestman

With the acquisition of Opheo Solutions GmbH, Solvares Group is expanding its portfolio to include solutions for truck dispatching and route optimisation in the transport sector and is continuing its course of strategic growth.

Solvares says SaaS-based software provider Opheo is an ideal fit for its strategic course. Opheo optimises route planning across truck dispatching. This industry focus is on logistics for building materials and food & beverage, among others. The software automates the dispatch process and relieves dispatch teams of all calculations.

Thanks to AI-based route optimisation and smart forecasting algorithms, kilometres can be reduced and transport resources better utilised. Opheo combines route planning, route optimisation, telematics, and ETA forecasting in a modern workplace environment for dispatchers and drivers – the digital transport control centre.

Opheo, with its 50 employees, is now the fourth company in the Solvares Group. The beginning of the group was the acquisition of FLS – FAST LEAN SMART in 2018. FLS GmbH is the technology leader for route optimisation and specialises in software-supported real-time optimisation for efficient scheduling, route and delivery planning of vehicle, expert, and technician fleets.

Before Opheo, Austria’s impactit GmbH and Germany’s Städtler Logistik joined in 2021. With its SaaS solution portatour, impactit offers its customers targeted and personalised tour planning and route planning, especially in field service optimisation for sales, consulting, and service. Städtler Logistik optimises complex and company-specific logistics and transport processes with software products such as TRAMPAS and LP/2. It takes control of governance tasks such as freight auditing for its customers and has been advising on all logistics issues for over 60 years.

With the third M&A expansion this year, the Solvares Group demonstrates its ability to grow dynamically through mergers & acquisitions. The continued focus is that the group grows sustainably – as a team and to the benefit of all involved. Thus, Dr. Stefan Anschütz, CEO of Opheo, will continue his entrepreneurial work at Solvares and play a key role in driving growth in the tour optimisation business segment both strategically and operationally.

“Solvares convinced me because I can continue to act as an entrepreneur, but move as part of a team with related businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Anschütz. “This allows me to focus primarily on my product and my clients while benefiting from the know-how and synergies of the group. Opheo joining the Solvares Group is a booster for the growth of our business.”

Dr. Jens Stief, CEO of Solvares Group, is pleased with the group’s strengthening: “Stefan Anschütz complements our management team in the field of logistics and will help us to further expand the route planning segment in particular. Opheo enhances our penetrating power in logistics with a universally applicable intelligent product as well as a motivated and capable team.”

The Solvares Group is backed by its investment partner DBAG (Deutsche Beteiligungs AG). Like the Solvares Group, DBAG is thus focusing on SaaS-based solutions, a future market in the field of logistics along the entire value chain.

Ragnar Geerdts, member of the management board of Deutsche Beteiligungs AG, added: “With Opheo, Solvares Group is consistently pursuing its buy-and-build strategy to position itself as a European champion for resource optimisation and to grow both organically and through M&A.”

Konecranes launches Battery as a Service

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Konecranes has launched Battery as a Service (BaaS), a breakthrough innovation in both technology and business model to facilitate financing and support our customers of the E-VER range of Li-Ion powered electric forklift trucks.

Through this service, Konecranes provides chargeable, upgradable and remotely monitorable Li-ion batteries to its BaaS users. This will allow the customers to purchase an E-VER electric heavy forklift without battery and to choose the best battery set up that suits their needs. The battery is subscribed to a monthly fee, based on its actual usage which can be monitored in real-time at yourKonecranes.com customer portal (the battery becomes an OPEX). This continuous monitoring guarantees the optimal performance of the battery.

The launch of Konecranes BaaS makes the purchase decision much easier and represents a better balance between the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and the operating expenditure (OPEX) which is also more comparable to the LCC distribution of a diesel engine powered lift truck.

BaaS also represents a future-proof solution to long-existing challenges such as battery degradation, battery renewal, battery upgradability and lower resale value. This service keeps the machine resale value independent from the battery degradation.

Batteries can be renewed when the rental agreement comes to an end or if needed by the renter during the hire period.

The innovation of vehicle-battery separation and battery subscription has come true. The successful launch of BaaS is another significant milestone for Konecranes Lift Trucks.

Konecranes launches Battery as a Service

Posted on by David Priestman

Konecranes has launched Battery as a Service (BaaS), a breakthrough innovation in both technology and business model to facilitate financing and support our customers of the E-VER range of Li-Ion powered electric forklift trucks.

Through this service, Konecranes provides chargeable, upgradable and remotely monitorable Li-ion batteries to its BaaS users. This will allow the customers to purchase an E-VER electric heavy forklift without battery and to choose the best battery set up that suits their needs. The battery is subscribed to a monthly fee, based on its actual usage which can be monitored in real-time at yourKonecranes.com customer portal (the battery becomes an OPEX). This continuous monitoring guarantees the optimal performance of the battery.

The launch of Konecranes BaaS makes the purchase decision much easier and represents a better balance between the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and the operating expenditure (OPEX) which is also more comparable to the LCC distribution of a diesel engine powered lift truck.

BaaS also represents a future-proof solution to long-existing challenges such as battery degradation, battery renewal, battery upgradability and lower resale value. This service keeps the machine resale value independent from the battery degradation.

Batteries can be renewed when the rental agreement comes to an end or if needed by the renter during the hire period.

The innovation of vehicle-battery separation and battery subscription has come true. The successful launch of BaaS is another significant milestone for Konecranes Lift Trucks.

Tips to help hauliers cope with high Christmas demand

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Christmas rush is something hauliers anticipate every year. But it’s going to be felt more acutely this year with the additional pressures of a driver shortage and Brexit affecting the supply of some goods.

The haulage sector is set to experience its busiest Christmas period on record. On top of the usual increase in demands, there’s the perfect storm of the HGV driver shortage and supply chains impacted by Brexit and COVID. By focusing on increasing efficiency and reducing empty running, hauliers can meet these higher demands and ensure their customers receive the highest level of service.

This means hauliers will need to be even more efficient and prepared in order to meet the demands of businesses and consumers this Christmas.

In this article, supplied by Mandata, we cover how hauliers can cope with arguably the most demanding Christmas we’ve ever experienced.

Make planning more efficient

Efficient planning is paramount to success for all hauliers, but never has it been more important than right now. A Logistics UK survey revealed that 96% of hauliers are struggling to recruit drivers, with 13% saying their shortage is severe to very severe. To meet high demands with a potentially depleted workforce, hauliers need to get the most out of their available resources.

That’s where route planning software comes in. By feeding in all the collections and deliveries you need to make, and your vehicle and driver availability, you’ll be able to plan the most efficient routes and get the most out of your fleet.

With these solutions, you’ll have one view of your business supported by real-time information. Your planners can then make informed decisions. In the hectic traffic rush leading up to Christmas, it’s critical you can identify and manage exceptions as deliveries progress because it’s undoubtedly the busiest period on the road.

Eliminate empty running

When you have a larger-than-usual task on your hands to keep up with demand this Christmas, running empty seems even more wasteful than usual. Yet, for many hauliers, this is the case on their return journeys. If your drivers travel back empty from Glasgow to Plymouth on their return journey, for instance, that’s a lot of wasted mileage.

Using a freight exchange platform gives hauliers the opportunity to not only make the most of their journeys but also serve more customers in a time of increased demands. This can help optimise fleets in the short term and also enables hauliers to expand their network to connect with new shippers. Haulage companies with loyal customers but limited resources have the opportunity to subcontract their excess work on these platforms, meaning they can still take on additional haulage loads and get customer’s jobs done.

Allow your drivers to do more in their workday

The changes to drivers’ hours, which means drivers can work up to 11 hours a day twice a week, has been extended once again to January. But we know that making already overworked drivers work longer hours isn’t the solution, especially when many of the drivers who’ve left the sector have done so due to poor working conditions.

Giving your drivers the tools they need to achieve more in their workday is a much better solution. Not only will this allow your business to be more efficient, but you’ll also improve their satisfaction by making their jobs easier. Let’s face it, dealing with paper proof of deliveries is difficult to manage and adds time to their day.

It’s these inefficient processes that can frustrate drivers, cause delays, and even result in them finishing their day later than expected. It’s no wonder that drivers are leaving businesses that aren’t addressing this problem. Using digital tools like electronic proof of delivery and apps that provide real-time details of their deliveries allows them to focus on the job and get more done in their day.

Tips to help hauliers cope with high Christmas demand

Posted on by David Priestman

The Christmas rush is something hauliers anticipate every year. But it’s going to be felt more acutely this year with the additional pressures of a driver shortage and Brexit affecting the supply of some goods.

The haulage sector is set to experience its busiest Christmas period on record. On top of the usual increase in demands, there’s the perfect storm of the HGV driver shortage and supply chains impacted by Brexit and COVID. By focusing on increasing efficiency and reducing empty running, hauliers can meet these higher demands and ensure their customers receive the highest level of service.

This means hauliers will need to be even more efficient and prepared in order to meet the demands of businesses and consumers this Christmas.

In this article, supplied by Mandata, we cover how hauliers can cope with arguably the most demanding Christmas we’ve ever experienced.

Make planning more efficient

Efficient planning is paramount to success for all hauliers, but never has it been more important than right now. A Logistics UK survey revealed that 96% of hauliers are struggling to recruit drivers, with 13% saying their shortage is severe to very severe. To meet high demands with a potentially depleted workforce, hauliers need to get the most out of their available resources.

That’s where route planning software comes in. By feeding in all the collections and deliveries you need to make, and your vehicle and driver availability, you’ll be able to plan the most efficient routes and get the most out of your fleet.

With these solutions, you’ll have one view of your business supported by real-time information. Your planners can then make informed decisions. In the hectic traffic rush leading up to Christmas, it’s critical you can identify and manage exceptions as deliveries progress because it’s undoubtedly the busiest period on the road.

Eliminate empty running

When you have a larger-than-usual task on your hands to keep up with demand this Christmas, running empty seems even more wasteful than usual. Yet, for many hauliers, this is the case on their return journeys. If your drivers travel back empty from Glasgow to Plymouth on their return journey, for instance, that’s a lot of wasted mileage.

Using a freight exchange platform gives hauliers the opportunity to not only make the most of their journeys but also serve more customers in a time of increased demands. This can help optimise fleets in the short term and also enables hauliers to expand their network to connect with new shippers. Haulage companies with loyal customers but limited resources have the opportunity to subcontract their excess work on these platforms, meaning they can still take on additional haulage loads and get customer’s jobs done.

Allow your drivers to do more in their workday

The changes to drivers’ hours, which means drivers can work up to 11 hours a day twice a week, has been extended once again to January. But we know that making already overworked drivers work longer hours isn’t the solution, especially when many of the drivers who’ve left the sector have done so due to poor working conditions.

Giving your drivers the tools they need to achieve more in their workday is a much better solution. Not only will this allow your business to be more efficient, but you’ll also improve their satisfaction by making their jobs easier. Let’s face it, dealing with paper proof of deliveries is difficult to manage and adds time to their day.

It’s these inefficient processes that can frustrate drivers, cause delays, and even result in them finishing their day later than expected. It’s no wonder that drivers are leaving businesses that aren’t addressing this problem. Using digital tools like electronic proof of delivery and apps that provide real-time details of their deliveries allows them to focus on the job and get more done in their day.

DHL accelerates use of autonomous forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Supply Chain has introduced its largest-ever single implementation of autonomous forklifts to date, with 15 embedded in its warehouse operations at Tyrefort in the West Midlands (UK).

The autonomous forklifts form part of DHL’s operation for a major customer in the automotive sector, taking over picking, put-away and replenishment of products and empty media in the warehouse. The vehicles reduce the number of manual pallet transfers without requiring significant changes in warehouse infrastructure.

The indoor robotics transporters work safely up to 11.5m high – believed to be a first in the logistics industry – easily reaching the highest warehousing racks to handle a range of pallets, stillages and waste cages. Safety features including LIDAR and camera obstacle detection, bumper tip sensors and side bumper bars, all minimise interaction with manual trucks operating in the same facility. The forklifts are fully integrated with the Blue Yonder Warehouse Management System and charge autonomously when required.

Maintaining a high quality service to the customer throughout the implementation was critical, with DHL working closely with MAXAGV to ensure the deployment was completed without any interruption to just-in-time operations in the live warehouse.

The investment marks the next step in DHL Supply Chain’s Accelerated Digitalization strategy, which seeks to roll out the most innovative technologies to benefit its customers and colleagues, while lowering the operation’s carbon footprint.

Simon Woodward, Head of Accelerated Innovation and Digitalization, DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland said: “Indoor robotics have the potential to bring huge benefits to our warehouse environments, and this is no exception. Autonomous forklifts can be safely deployed and make a difference immediately, creating capacity and increasing efficiencies. They are also helping us manage skilled worker shortages at a time when we are struggling to recruit.”

“Working closely with MAXAGV we’ve been able to seamlessly deploy a fleet of significant size with no downtime for the customer, which is testament to the strength of our partnership and the hard work of the team.  Excitingly, we’re already reaping the rewards and now plan to accelerate their rollout with more to follow in 2022.”

With 24/7 operation, DHL calculates that a fleet of just a dozen autonomous forklifts can handle more than a million pallets per year in just one facility. Automated indoor robotic transport increases efficiency and improves workplace safety by taking over the repetitive task of driving pallets around. Improvements of this kind are helping DHL to increase operational excellence for its customers while making its operations more effective.

Falcon upgrades refrigerated trailer fleet

Posted on by Keith McKinley

UK commercial vehicle hire company, Falcon Vehicle Solutions, has taken delivery of 15 new Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19 MT (multi-temperature) refrigeration units, in a move to deliver improved sustainability and reduced costs for its rental customers.

Aligned with Carrier’s 2030 ESG goals to reduce customers’ carbon footprint by more than one gigaton, these fuel efficient units will reduce the emissions of Falcon Vehicle Solutions’ rental fleet. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.

Mounted to new 13.6m Chereau trailers, this is the first time Falcon Vehicle Solutions has specified Carrier Transicold’s flagship Vector HE 19 unit, previously opting for the legacy Vector 1950 MT system for its 250-strong fleet of temperature-controlled trailers and vehicles, which is now 97% Carrier-cooled.

“We’ve been a Carrier Transicold customer for more than a decade, during which they have continually impressed us with outstanding products and aftersales support,” said Darren Moore, Senior UK Key Accounts Manager, Falcon Vehicle Solutions. “When we were shown the environmental and cost benefits of the Vector HE 19 unit, we knew they would be the ideal choice. Being more efficient and much quieter, all 15 additional trailers were immediately snapped up by our customers and we’re getting excellent feedback.”

Combining Carrier Transicold’s E-Drive all-electric technology with an all-new multi-speed engine design, the Vector HE 19 MT unit can cut fuel consumption by up to 30% while operating 3 dB(A) quieter – which to the human ear equates to 50% less noise – when compared to the previous generation Vector 1950 MT unit.

Additionally, the unit’s fully hermetic scroll compressor and economiser provide a 40% increase in refrigeration capacity during pull-down, reduces the chance of refrigerant escape by 50% and, when plugged into the electrical grid on standby, is 19% more efficient.

Collectively, these factors reduce diesel, maintenance and electricity costs, making the Vector HE 19 MT unit an extremely attractive proposition for end-users.

“As a vehicle hire business, we don’t experience the fuel savings first-hand, but the new units allow us to drive down fuel costs for our customers, while cutting emissions and increasing their fleet sustainability – precisely what customers want from a trusted supplier,” added Moore. “This experience with the Vector HE 19 has reminded us why Carrier Transicold remains our number one choice for transport refrigeration equipment.”

The trailers will operate for six years, primarily delivering frozen and chilled food to the hospitality and retail sectors for a range of customers. They will clock up approximately 120,000km per year and be on the road seven days a week.

Falcon Vehicle Solutions was founded more than 30 years ago and, since 2017, has been part of the Ballyvesey Holdings Group of Companies. It has two branches in Somerset, plus an HGV operation based in Bridgwater, with a complete fleet size of approximately 700 vehicles and trailers hired to both corporate and private customers across the UK.

Falcon upgrades refrigerated trailer fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

UK commercial vehicle hire company, Falcon Vehicle Solutions, has taken delivery of 15 new Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19 MT (multi-temperature) refrigeration units, in a move to deliver improved sustainability and reduced costs for its rental customers.

Aligned with Carrier’s 2030 ESG goals to reduce customers’ carbon footprint by more than one gigaton, these fuel efficient units will reduce the emissions of Falcon Vehicle Solutions’ rental fleet. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.

Mounted to new 13.6m Chereau trailers, this is the first time Falcon Vehicle Solutions has specified Carrier Transicold’s flagship Vector HE 19 unit, previously opting for the legacy Vector 1950 MT system for its 250-strong fleet of temperature-controlled trailers and vehicles, which is now 97% Carrier-cooled.

“We’ve been a Carrier Transicold customer for more than a decade, during which they have continually impressed us with outstanding products and aftersales support,” said Darren Moore, Senior UK Key Accounts Manager, Falcon Vehicle Solutions. “When we were shown the environmental and cost benefits of the Vector HE 19 unit, we knew they would be the ideal choice. Being more efficient and much quieter, all 15 additional trailers were immediately snapped up by our customers and we’re getting excellent feedback.”

Combining Carrier Transicold’s E-Drive all-electric technology with an all-new multi-speed engine design, the Vector HE 19 MT unit can cut fuel consumption by up to 30% while operating 3 dB(A) quieter – which to the human ear equates to 50% less noise – when compared to the previous generation Vector 1950 MT unit.

Additionally, the unit’s fully hermetic scroll compressor and economiser provide a 40% increase in refrigeration capacity during pull-down, reduces the chance of refrigerant escape by 50% and, when plugged into the electrical grid on standby, is 19% more efficient.

Collectively, these factors reduce diesel, maintenance and electricity costs, making the Vector HE 19 MT unit an extremely attractive proposition for end-users.

“As a vehicle hire business, we don’t experience the fuel savings first-hand, but the new units allow us to drive down fuel costs for our customers, while cutting emissions and increasing their fleet sustainability – precisely what customers want from a trusted supplier,” added Moore. “This experience with the Vector HE 19 has reminded us why Carrier Transicold remains our number one choice for transport refrigeration equipment.”

The trailers will operate for six years, primarily delivering frozen and chilled food to the hospitality and retail sectors for a range of customers. They will clock up approximately 120,000km per year and be on the road seven days a week.

Falcon Vehicle Solutions was founded more than 30 years ago and, since 2017, has been part of the Ballyvesey Holdings Group of Companies. It has two branches in Somerset, plus an HGV operation based in Bridgwater, with a complete fleet size of approximately 700 vehicles and trailers hired to both corporate and private customers across the UK.

Michelin appoints new MD for UK & Ireland

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Michelin Tyre plc has appointed John Howe as Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, with effect from 1st January 2022. He will also hold the role of B2C Sales Director, with responsibility for the company’s car, motorcycle and bicycle markets.

Howe, 41, brings 25 years of service within the company, having begun his career in the warehouse of Solideal UK, before continuing with the business through a series of acquisitions first by Solideal International, Camoplast, Camso and then finally Michelin in 2018.

He has a wealth of experience in the tyre industry at all levels, having initially worked as a warehouse operative and mobile service technician, before becoming an Area Sales Manager and later General Manager for Solideal International. During seven years at Camso, between 2013 and 2020, Howe progressed from Commercial Director to UK Managing Director, and finally Original Equipment Aftermarket Director for the EMEA region.

Since February 2020 he has worked directly within Michelin, spending his first 18 months as Global Program Manager within the agriculture, construction and materials handling markets, where he was responsible for helping the 10 regions globally Go to Market in the most effective way. Most recently he has been Global Business Development & Corporate Account Manager for these same three sectors, heading a team responsible for Michelin’s largest international key accounts.

Commenting on his new role, Howe said: “I’m excited about the opportunity to evolve the business here in the UK & Ireland, whilst also respecting the legacy of Michelin. The market is getting more dynamic all the time, and I want to ensure Michelin remains a true pioneer – with, around and beyond tyres.”

Howe will be based in Stoke-on-Trent and replaces Chris Smith as Managing Director, who recently moved to Michelin’s international headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, to take over the role of Global Marketing Director long distance transportation.

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