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Day: 15 December 2021

Handheld upgrades OS for rugged device

Posted on by David Priestman

Handheld Group, a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, has launched an operating system upgrade to Android 11 for the NAUTIZ X2 rugged handheld which has become a popular device especially in logistics, warehousing, and supply chain applications.

The Nautiz X2 is a compact, lightweight rugged handheld designed for efficient field data collection and communication outside of the office environment. With a complete accessory ecosystem, enterprise users can outfit their mobile workers for maximum efficiency.

The Nautiz X2 rugged Android handheld offers:

  • A compact, lightweight, and sleek design
  • A powerful 8-core processor with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage
  • Google GMS certification for full access to all Google apps including Play Store and Google Maps
  • Handheld’s proprietary MaxGo software to quickly apply custom settings to multiple devices
  • High-quality, high-speed scanners with 1D or 2D capability
  • 4G/LTE Android phone functionality and high-speed data
  • NFC, BT 5.0 LE and Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/r/ac
  • Integrated 8MP camera with autofocus and flash
  • Sunlight-readable 4.7-inch capacitive display with multi-touch sensitivity
  • True ruggedness, meeting IP65 and MIL-STD-810-G standards

“The OS upgrade on the Nautiz X2 allows our customers to take advantage newer Android features,” said Johan Hed, Handheld director of product development. “Especially as Android security is improved; our customers can keep and increase their deployments with a consistent form factor and accompanying accessories.”

The Nautiz X2 rugged handheld has a robust accessory ecosystem designed to maximise productivity and comfort for frontline workers. The Nautiz X2 long-range scanner pistol grip gives you the ability to scan 1D/2D labels from 15cm up to 15m. Even outdoors, the Nautiz X2’s 4G WWAN capabilities can give you access to your backend system while scanning.

The Nautiz X2 can be ordered now and is expected to begin shipping this month. Customers with earlier Nautiz X2 units can upgrade to Android 11.

Handheld upgrades OS for rugged device

Posted on by David Priestman

Handheld Group, a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, has launched an operating system upgrade to Android 11 for the NAUTIZ X2 rugged handheld which has become a popular device especially in logistics, warehousing, and supply chain applications.

The Nautiz X2 is a compact, lightweight rugged handheld designed for efficient field data collection and communication outside of the office environment. With a complete accessory ecosystem, enterprise users can outfit their mobile workers for maximum efficiency.

The Nautiz X2 rugged Android handheld offers:

  • A compact, lightweight, and sleek design
  • A powerful 8-core processor with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage
  • Google GMS certification for full access to all Google apps including Play Store and Google Maps
  • Handheld’s proprietary MaxGo software to quickly apply custom settings to multiple devices
  • High-quality, high-speed scanners with 1D or 2D capability
  • 4G/LTE Android phone functionality and high-speed data
  • NFC, BT 5.0 LE and Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/r/ac
  • Integrated 8MP camera with autofocus and flash
  • Sunlight-readable 4.7-inch capacitive display with multi-touch sensitivity
  • True ruggedness, meeting IP65 and MIL-STD-810-G standards

“The OS upgrade on the Nautiz X2 allows our customers to take advantage newer Android features,” said Johan Hed, Handheld director of product development. “Especially as Android security is improved; our customers can keep and increase their deployments with a consistent form factor and accompanying accessories.”

The Nautiz X2 rugged handheld has a robust accessory ecosystem designed to maximise productivity and comfort for frontline workers. The Nautiz X2 long-range scanner pistol grip gives you the ability to scan 1D/2D labels from 15cm up to 15m. Even outdoors, the Nautiz X2’s 4G WWAN capabilities can give you access to your backend system while scanning.

The Nautiz X2 can be ordered now and is expected to begin shipping this month. Customers with earlier Nautiz X2 units can upgrade to Android 11.

GXO installs multi-tiered cobots

Posted on by David Priestman

Contract logistics provider GXO Logistics says it has achieved “an industry first” by deploying 6 River Systems (6RS) collaborative robots (cobots) on multiple mezzanine floors in one of its distribution centres in Milton Keynes, England.

“This multi-tiered installation is ground-breaking for us and a first in our industry,” said Gavin Williams, Managing Director, GXO UK and Ireland. “The solution illustrates our significant investment in technology that helps us improve productivity for our customers and safety for our colleagues while optimising vertical warehouse space in Europe.”

GXO collaborated with 6RS to develop and test new features on the cobots, which automatically travel from one location to another carrying picked items, reducing employees’ walk time and helping them pick items from inventory more efficiently. At another GXO site in Stoke-on-Trent, the cobots, which are called “Chucks,” have enhanced picking accuracy by 40% and reduced new employee training time by 80% since being deployed.

“Our work with GXO at the Milton Keynes distribution centre is a prime example of 6 River Systems’ ability to meet the needs of high-volume organisations that are building multi-tiered warehouse installations,” said Jerome Dubois, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of 6 River Systems. “As businesses continue to seek automation solutions to meet increasing consumer demands, we’re innovating to equip them with technology to enhance safety and productivity.”

As part of its accelerating investments in technology and automation, GXO more than tripled its cobot count year-on-year in the quarter ending 30th September, 2021. By using Chucks and other innovative warehouse solutions, GXO achieves significant improvements in pick rates, accuracy and employee satisfaction.

GXO installs multi-tiered cobots

Posted on by David Priestman

Contract logistics provider GXO Logistics says it has achieved “an industry first” by deploying 6 River Systems (6RS) collaborative robots (cobots) on multiple mezzanine floors in one of its distribution centres in Milton Keynes, England.

“This multi-tiered installation is ground-breaking for us and a first in our industry,” said Gavin Williams, Managing Director, GXO UK and Ireland. “The solution illustrates our significant investment in technology that helps us improve productivity for our customers and safety for our colleagues while optimising vertical warehouse space in Europe.”

GXO collaborated with 6RS to develop and test new features on the cobots, which automatically travel from one location to another carrying picked items, reducing employees’ walk time and helping them pick items from inventory more efficiently. At another GXO site in Stoke-on-Trent, the cobots, which are called “Chucks,” have enhanced picking accuracy by 40% and reduced new employee training time by 80% since being deployed.

“Our work with GXO at the Milton Keynes distribution centre is a prime example of 6 River Systems’ ability to meet the needs of high-volume organisations that are building multi-tiered warehouse installations,” said Jerome Dubois, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of 6 River Systems. “As businesses continue to seek automation solutions to meet increasing consumer demands, we’re innovating to equip them with technology to enhance safety and productivity.”

As part of its accelerating investments in technology and automation, GXO more than tripled its cobot count year-on-year in the quarter ending 30th September, 2021. By using Chucks and other innovative warehouse solutions, GXO achieves significant improvements in pick rates, accuracy and employee satisfaction.

STILL supports local children’s groups

Posted on by Keith McKinley

This year once again, the Hamburg-based company STILL is taking on social responsibility in the city and supporting the equal participation of Hamburg’s children and young people in education, culture and social interaction.

The company has donated €5,000 each to the local projects Mittagskinder Foundation (pictured), Kultur Palast Hamburg Foundation and the Wilhelmsburg Production School, and has also given around 1,500 chocolate Advent calendars to the three institutions as well as the Hamburger Tafel and the Arche in Hamburg-Billstedt.

Equal opportunities, rights, integration, education and a warm meal at least once a day – unfortunately, for many children and young people in Hamburg this is not a matter of course. Therefore, the commitment of social projects that work to give all children and young people a fair chance to have these things is all the more valuable.

“The past year was challenging on many levels. This is particularly true for young people,” explains Frank Müller, brand manager at the Hamburg-based intralogistics company STILL.” That is why it is particularly important to us this year to show them that we care about them and that we stand up for them and their future.”

And so he took the opportunity to visit all three projects in person and present them with the STILL donation cheque for €5,000.

STILL has been supporting the Mittagskinder Foundation and the Kultur Palast Hamburg Foundation for many years. Since last year, there has also been a cooperation with the Wilhelmsburg Production School.

At the Mittagskinder Foundation, around 200 Hamburg children regularly receive a healthy lunch, the shelter of a community, educational support and assistance with their homework. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many families have also been supported with shopping vouchers.

The Kultur Palast Hamburg Foundation has been bringing children and young people of different nations together in music and dance projects for 40 years, promoting cultural understanding and integration.

The Wilhelmsburg Production School is particularly committed to equal access to education. Here, young people are trained and qualified for the transition to the labour market after leaving school. To this end, the project offers product-oriented learning, among other things, in the five vocational fields of metal, wood, catering, retail and hairdressing.

“Thanks to STILL’s support, we have been able to expand the opportunities for digital learning at our facility,” reports Sabine Haugg, managing director BI Beruf und Integration Elbinseln gGmbH. “We are very happy about this, because being able to work confidently with digital media and tools opens up further opportunities for the pupils on the labour market.”

In addition to its ongoing support for the future, STILL is particularly keen to make children’s eyes shine in the days before Christmas. For this, the company donated around 1,500 chocolate Advent calendars to the Mittagskinder Foundation, the Kultur Palast Billstedt Foundation, the Wilhelmsburg Production School, the Arche Hamburg and the Tafel Hamburg. The sweet surprises for the Christmas season were distributed just in time for 1st December.

“We have around 100 children and young people who are looking forward to Christmas full of excitement. It is wonderful that STILL makes the waiting a little sweeter,” Annalisa Hesse, director of the Arche in Billstedt, is pleased to say. “Thank you very much for your support.”

“I can still remember the great joy and excitement of opening a little door every morning in the days before Christmas,” says Müller. “If we can do our small part to make this delight possible for children, we are happy to do so from the bottom of our hearts.”

STILL supports local children’s groups

Posted on by David Priestman

This year once again, the Hamburg-based company STILL is taking on social responsibility in the city and supporting the equal participation of Hamburg’s children and young people in education, culture and social interaction.

The company has donated €5,000 each to the local projects Mittagskinder Foundation (pictured), Kultur Palast Hamburg Foundation and the Wilhelmsburg Production School, and has also given around 1,500 chocolate Advent calendars to the three institutions as well as the Hamburger Tafel and the Arche in Hamburg-Billstedt.

Equal opportunities, rights, integration, education and a warm meal at least once a day – unfortunately, for many children and young people in Hamburg this is not a matter of course. Therefore, the commitment of social projects that work to give all children and young people a fair chance to have these things is all the more valuable.

“The past year was challenging on many levels. This is particularly true for young people,” explains Frank Müller, brand manager at the Hamburg-based intralogistics company STILL.” That is why it is particularly important to us this year to show them that we care about them and that we stand up for them and their future.”

And so he took the opportunity to visit all three projects in person and present them with the STILL donation cheque for €5,000.

STILL has been supporting the Mittagskinder Foundation and the Kultur Palast Hamburg Foundation for many years. Since last year, there has also been a cooperation with the Wilhelmsburg Production School.

At the Mittagskinder Foundation, around 200 Hamburg children regularly receive a healthy lunch, the shelter of a community, educational support and assistance with their homework. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many families have also been supported with shopping vouchers.

The Kultur Palast Hamburg Foundation has been bringing children and young people of different nations together in music and dance projects for 40 years, promoting cultural understanding and integration.

The Wilhelmsburg Production School is particularly committed to equal access to education. Here, young people are trained and qualified for the transition to the labour market after leaving school. To this end, the project offers product-oriented learning, among other things, in the five vocational fields of metal, wood, catering, retail and hairdressing.

“Thanks to STILL’s support, we have been able to expand the opportunities for digital learning at our facility,” reports Sabine Haugg, managing director BI Beruf und Integration Elbinseln gGmbH. “We are very happy about this, because being able to work confidently with digital media and tools opens up further opportunities for the pupils on the labour market.”

In addition to its ongoing support for the future, STILL is particularly keen to make children’s eyes shine in the days before Christmas. For this, the company donated around 1,500 chocolate Advent calendars to the Mittagskinder Foundation, the Kultur Palast Billstedt Foundation, the Wilhelmsburg Production School, the Arche Hamburg and the Tafel Hamburg. The sweet surprises for the Christmas season were distributed just in time for 1st December.

“We have around 100 children and young people who are looking forward to Christmas full of excitement. It is wonderful that STILL makes the waiting a little sweeter,” Annalisa Hesse, director of the Arche in Billstedt, is pleased to say. “Thank you very much for your support.”

“I can still remember the great joy and excitement of opening a little door every morning in the days before Christmas,” says Müller. “If we can do our small part to make this delight possible for children, we are happy to do so from the bottom of our hearts.”

SAFELOG earns Bavarian award

Posted on by David Priestman

Due to the COVID pandemic the past two years have been very challenging, not only for SAFELOG but for companies worldwide. SAFELOG GmbH was therefore all the more pleased to receive the ‘Bayerns Best 50’ award from the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, State Development and Energy.

Disrupted supply chains, hygiene regulations, an unpredictable order situation and a shortage of resources are just some of the challenges that have had to be overcome during the pandemic. A jury of experts from the auditing firm Baker Tilly GmbH & Co. KG identified candidates who had dealt with the crisis in an impressive way from among some 8,000 medium-sized companies in Bavaria. Together with 49 other medium-sized companies, SAFELOG impressed the jury with its effective crisis management.

A decisive factor in winning this award was SAFELOG’s sustained corporate success as well as its continued growth both in terms of sales revenue and number of employees over the past five years. Despite the volatile situation, the company increased sales in the pandemic year 2020 by 12% compared to the same period in the previous year. The management considers the quick reaction to the challenges of the crisis to be the main reason for the company’s continued successful growth.

The company did not fall into a state of shock, but consistently stuck to its planned strategy under difficult conditions. The focus was on the development of new AGV models and the further optimisation of the company’s own software modules.

“This award confirms our view that you can emerge stronger from a crisis,” commented Michael Wolter, the company’s founder. “We are very proud to be among Bavaria’s best medium-sized companies thanks to the dedication of our employees and our consistent adherence to COVID rules – this is a clear sign that hard work and dedication are rewarded and that they are also noticed outside the company.”

About the awards

Entrepreneurs who seek out new opportunities for growth and employment and exploit them consistently are the backbone of the economy. They live entrepreneurship, take responsibility, and create the jobs that form the basis for the high standard of living in Bavaria.

To recognise this achievement, the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy honoured the 50 fastest-growing SMEs with the BAYERNS BEST 50 award. The prize is awarded to particularly fast-growing SMEs that have been able to increase the number of their employees and their sales above average in recent years. In addition, the “Bavarian Entrepreneur of the Year” is awarded from among the BAYERNS BEST 50. The selection criteria in this case are the economic success of their company and their active role in the business.

In-company training is also central to entrepreneurial growth and sustainable economic success. At the same time, it is an expression of the entrepreneur’s social responsibility. For this reason, the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy is awarding a special prize to two companies for outstanding commitment to in-company training.

Particularly in times of the COVID pandemic and its negative effects, the focus was on entrepreneurial role models who can serve as orientation for small and medium-sized businesses in a difficult environment.

SAFELOG earns Bavarian award

Posted on by David Priestman

Due to the COVID pandemic the past two years have been very challenging, not only for SAFELOG but for companies worldwide. SAFELOG GmbH was therefore all the more pleased to receive the ‘Bayerns Best 50’ award from the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, State Development and Energy.

Disrupted supply chains, hygiene regulations, an unpredictable order situation and a shortage of resources are just some of the challenges that have had to be overcome during the pandemic. A jury of experts from the auditing firm Baker Tilly GmbH & Co. KG identified candidates who had dealt with the crisis in an impressive way from among some 8,000 medium-sized companies in Bavaria. Together with 49 other medium-sized companies, SAFELOG impressed the jury with its effective crisis management.

A decisive factor in winning this award was SAFELOG’s sustained corporate success as well as its continued growth both in terms of sales revenue and number of employees over the past five years. Despite the volatile situation, the company increased sales in the pandemic year 2020 by 12% compared to the same period in the previous year. The management considers the quick reaction to the challenges of the crisis to be the main reason for the company’s continued successful growth.

The company did not fall into a state of shock, but consistently stuck to its planned strategy under difficult conditions. The focus was on the development of new AGV models and the further optimisation of the company’s own software modules.

“This award confirms our view that you can emerge stronger from a crisis,” commented Michael Wolter, the company’s founder. “We are very proud to be among Bavaria’s best medium-sized companies thanks to the dedication of our employees and our consistent adherence to COVID rules – this is a clear sign that hard work and dedication are rewarded and that they are also noticed outside the company.”

About the awards

Entrepreneurs who seek out new opportunities for growth and employment and exploit them consistently are the backbone of the economy. They live entrepreneurship, take responsibility, and create the jobs that form the basis for the high standard of living in Bavaria.

To recognise this achievement, the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy honoured the 50 fastest-growing SMEs with the BAYERNS BEST 50 award. The prize is awarded to particularly fast-growing SMEs that have been able to increase the number of their employees and their sales above average in recent years. In addition, the “Bavarian Entrepreneur of the Year” is awarded from among the BAYERNS BEST 50. The selection criteria in this case are the economic success of their company and their active role in the business.

In-company training is also central to entrepreneurial growth and sustainable economic success. At the same time, it is an expression of the entrepreneur’s social responsibility. For this reason, the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy is awarding a special prize to two companies for outstanding commitment to in-company training.

Particularly in times of the COVID pandemic and its negative effects, the focus was on entrepreneurial role models who can serve as orientation for small and medium-sized businesses in a difficult environment.

Cargotec-Konecranes merger seeks competition clearance

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In order to secure approvals to complete their previously announced merger, Cargotec and Konecranes are in active dialogue and cooperation with the relevant authorities to consider ways to mitigate concerns raised by the competition authorities.

Cargotec and Konecranes submitted a remedy package to the European Commission comprising a commitment to divest Konecranes’ Lift Truck business and Cargotec’s Kalmar Automation Solutions. The proposed divestitures would eliminate overlaps between the parties’ Container Handling Equipment businesses but allow the combined company to combine others and continue to be a strong player in all aspects in container handling equipment.

Cargotec and Konecranes understand that the EC will now examine the proposed remedy package and may conduct a customary market testing.

In a statement, Cargotec and Konecranes have said are confident that the proposed remedies appropriately address the concerns raised by the EC. Should clearance be obtained based on the offered remedy package, the merger would proceed comprising of Konecranes’ Industrial Equipment and Service businesses as currently operated, Cargotec’s MacGregor and Hiab businesses as currently operated, as well as the operations of Konecranes’ Port Solutions and Cargotec’s Kalmar businesses other than the areas subject to remedy discussions.

Cargotec and Konecranes are confident that the future company will create customer value within container handling industry with its wide product and lifecycle service offering, as well as development and innovation capabilities.

The divestments, if made in line with the proposed commitments, will not change the industrial logic behind the combination of Cargotec and Konecranes. The companies will announce the expected high-level financial impact of the proposed remedies once information is available on the exact scope and possible ancillary arrangements relating to the possible remedy divestments in due course.

The final decision on possible divestitures of any businesses as well as possible terms and conditions thereof will be confirmed only after the EC’s review and market testing process, as well as further proceedings with the other competent authorities. The possible divestitures are further subject to various local legal requirements. Cargotec and Konecranes have started an assessment of possible external buyers in order to identify the best alternatives to satisfy the authorities’ requests and to support the future development of these businesses.

Further announcements on the approval processes will be made in due course once further decisions on possible material approval conditions and possible divestitures are made.

Cargotec and Konecranes remain confident that the merger will be completed by the end of H1/2022. Until all merger closing conditions are met and the transaction completed, both companies continue to operate fully separately and independently.

Cargotec-Konecranes merger seeks competition clearance

Posted on by David Priestman

In order to secure approvals to complete their previously announced merger, Cargotec and Konecranes are in active dialogue and cooperation with the relevant authorities to consider ways to mitigate concerns raised by the competition authorities.

Cargotec and Konecranes submitted a remedy package to the European Commission comprising a commitment to divest Konecranes’ Lift Truck business and Cargotec’s Kalmar Automation Solutions. The proposed divestitures would eliminate overlaps between the parties’ Container Handling Equipment businesses but allow the combined company to combine others and continue to be a strong player in all aspects in container handling equipment.

Cargotec and Konecranes understand that the EC will now examine the proposed remedy package and may conduct a customary market testing.

In a statement, Cargotec and Konecranes have said are confident that the proposed remedies appropriately address the concerns raised by the EC. Should clearance be obtained based on the offered remedy package, the merger would proceed comprising of Konecranes’ Industrial Equipment and Service businesses as currently operated, Cargotec’s MacGregor and Hiab businesses as currently operated, as well as the operations of Konecranes’ Port Solutions and Cargotec’s Kalmar businesses other than the areas subject to remedy discussions.

Cargotec and Konecranes are confident that the future company will create customer value within container handling industry with its wide product and lifecycle service offering, as well as development and innovation capabilities.

The divestments, if made in line with the proposed commitments, will not change the industrial logic behind the combination of Cargotec and Konecranes. The companies will announce the expected high-level financial impact of the proposed remedies once information is available on the exact scope and possible ancillary arrangements relating to the possible remedy divestments in due course.

The final decision on possible divestitures of any businesses as well as possible terms and conditions thereof will be confirmed only after the EC’s review and market testing process, as well as further proceedings with the other competent authorities. The possible divestitures are further subject to various local legal requirements. Cargotec and Konecranes have started an assessment of possible external buyers in order to identify the best alternatives to satisfy the authorities’ requests and to support the future development of these businesses.

Further announcements on the approval processes will be made in due course once further decisions on possible material approval conditions and possible divestitures are made.

Cargotec and Konecranes remain confident that the merger will be completed by the end of H1/2022. Until all merger closing conditions are met and the transaction completed, both companies continue to operate fully separately and independently.

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