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Month: January 2022

Seismic-resistant racking for Peruvian warehouse

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Productos Sancela del Perú S.A., a company belonging to Grupo Familia and a leader in care and hygiene products, is responding to market growth with the expansion of its warehouse at Punta Hermosa (Peru), where AR Racking installed adjustable pallet racking.

The storage systems specialist AR Racking equipped the 1,200 sq m warehouse extension with an adjustable pallet racking system which has created 1,200 new pallet positions that will allow Productos Sancela to improve its growing operations. The company, leader in feminine hygiene and senior and elderly care products, has since 2018 been part of the Grupo Familia, one of the most important business corporations in its sector in South America and the Caribbean.

The adjustable pallet racking designed and installed by AR Racking will provide direct and immediate access to goods, enabling fast stock rotation that will allow Productos Sancela to more quickly meet the strong increase in demand that it is experiencing.

“AR Racking’s personal advice and attention in finding the right solution has been extraordinary. With this installation we have gained in agility, efficiency and immediate performance,” explained engineer Jaime Mondragón Iriarte, Operations Manager of Productos Sancela del Perú S.A.

Also, AR Racking’s galvanised products show excellent performance in extreme environmental conditions, a key factor in the project for Productos Sancela, given the location of its warehouse very close to the sea.

“The project observed seismic factors indicated in international standards and in Peru’s National Building Standards (RNE),” added Freddy Taboada, AR Racking Sales Consultant in Peru, who also pointed out that “communication with the customer was very smooth and direct from the start, helping to ensure the successful implementation of the project”.

Based in Lima and with a finished product warehouse, AR Racking Peru has established itself as a partner of reference to meet the most demanding needs for the design and installation of industrial loading storage solutions.

CLICK HERE to watch the video

 

Six supply chain predictions for 2022

Posted on by David Priestman

2021 saw many major challenges for logistics and supply chain professionals. With capacity constraints, ecommerce growth and driver shortages creating dilemmas for many as well as the increased focus from the industry on environment and machine learning, it was a year that was definitely not without its tests.

While reflecting on some of the ways the industry sought to overcome these challenges, Chris Jones*, Executive Vice President, Industry & Services at Descartes Systems Group, takes a look at what to look out for in 2022.

Global supply chains will be busy, congested, and chaotic

The challenges facing global supply chains show no signs of slowing down, with UK businesses left to navigate the complexities of Brexit and the subsequent delays to their operations, alongside the extra administrative burdens. Whilst some of the uncertainties surrounding the transition are beginning to ease, many firms remain concerned about how delays could impact their operations post-Brexit.

The key to navigating customs clearance is undoubtedly preparation. Planning is crucial not only for compliance – but also for growth and resilience – and businesses that are yet to lay the groundwork risk accidental non-compliance and further congestion at ports. With full UK customs changes now in effect as of 1st January 2022, businesses should prioritise the implementation of supply chain software solutions to take back control and handle customs declarations in-house or ensure they work with a customs partner who can provide full transparency at every step of the process.

Online buying will continue to fuel growth in home deliveries, presenting challenges that demand new strategies

The pandemic saw an increase in ecommerce that is set to continue in 2022 as the changes in consumer buying behaviour become more structural. This clearly presents both an opportunity and challenge for retailers and last mile logistics companies. The increase in volume will increase the challenge on an already tight last mile delivery capacity. Speed and reliability of deliveries will either come with a premium price, or remain as uneven as it has been over the last two years. For example, Amazon’s Whole Foods business is now incrementally charging for delivery to offset increased delivery costs.

We anticipate that more companies will re-evaluate their “free” delivery strategies and look for alternative delivery strategies such as combining deliveries for individual customers or locations, in order to minimise delivery costs and maximise the available delivery capacity.

The Great Resignation will accelerate the existing driver exodus, increasing the focus on retention

Whether long haul or last mile, the driver shortage is endemic and will continue to materially impact retail, distribution, and logistics companies. While finding new drivers to replace or add capacity will remain important, it’s also much harder to find drivers now than it has been in the past.

Instead, in 2022, companies will focus more on driver retention and productivity. Lowering turnover – which has traditionally been high – puts less pressure on the number of drivers that need to be hired and keeps the more experienced ones improving delivery performance. Keeping drivers driving and reducing stress will be the top retention priorities. Companies will need to do a better job at reducing wait times and improving driver quality of life through routes that are more realistic to execute, that don’t result in extended wait or on the road time and facilitate more predictable hours.

Driver shortage will force an emphasis on better planning

The increase in home delivery and driver shortage combined exacerbated supply chain vulnerabilities that, until now, retailers were just about managing to cope with – and have paid the price in terms of consumer expectations.

In the absence of effective planning, logistics companies and retailers will compromise a satisfactory delivery experience. While continuing to seek to recruit and train drivers, improving the overall productivity of existing drivers by optimising delivery routes should be the first port of call. By using advanced route optimisation software, all delivery options can be evaluated instantaneously, ultimately maximising capacity and increasing efficiency.

Sustainability will become an opportunity, not a challenge for supply chains

The focus on sustainability will increase in 2022 and it won’t just be from consumers. Many investment funds are taking an increasingly stronger stance on companies’ sustainability strategies and actual performance. This powerful combination will push companies to move faster to reduce their impact on the environment. It also presents an excellent opportunity for supply chain and logistics professionals to raise the visibility and value of supply chain strategies and operations.

Productivity enhancement is at the heart of any good supply chain performance improvement program and almost always results in greater efficiency, reduced paper and other waste that directly translates into reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Equally, many consumers are looking for delivery choices that help the environment, which presents retailers with the opportunity to look at innovative ways to combine or steer deliveries to reduce the mileage associated with home delivery.

This will not only benefit the environment and delight the consumer but will also result in lower delivery costs for retailers.

Machine learning will go mainstream in supply chain technology

This year, we expect machine learning (ML) to continue to be quickly adopted by supply chain technology providers because of the rich supply chain data that exists to teach ML algorithms. The result will be more accurate plans, estimated-time-of-arrival (ETA) and improved recommendations that make supply chain and logistics operations more productive and reliable.

Rather than displace existing supply chain technology, ML will augment it through embedded uses, such as optimising stop times, delivery locations, drive times and ETAs, or as part of greater data analytics solutions that are used to provide deeper insights into supply chain performance.

While 2022 will undoubtedly be a challenging year for logistics and supply chain professionals, the “C-suite” will recognise that their supply chains need to be world-class to help drive revenue and profitability. This will provide plenty of opportunities to show the value of advanced logistics and supply chain strategies, tactics and technology – and transformation will not only be the key to success but, for some, the key to survival.

* Chris Jones – Executive Vice President, Industry & Services at Descartes Systems Group – has over 30 years of experience in the supply chain market, including the last 10 years as a part of the Descartes leadership team. Prior to Descartes, he has held a variety of senior management positions in other organisations including: Senior Vice President at The Aberdeen Group’s Value Chain Research division, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development for SynQuest and Vice President and Research Director for Enterprise Resource Planning Solutions at The Gartner Group and Associate Director Operations & Technology for Kraft Foods.

Six supply chain predictions for 2022

Posted on by David Priestman

2021 saw many major challenges for logistics and supply chain professionals. With capacity constraints, ecommerce growth and driver shortages creating dilemmas for many as well as the increased focus from the industry on environment and machine learning, it was a year that was definitely not without its tests.

While reflecting on some of the ways the industry sought to overcome these challenges, Chris Jones*, Executive Vice President, Industry & Services at Descartes Systems Group, takes a look at what to look out for in 2022.

Global supply chains will be busy, congested, and chaotic

The challenges facing global supply chains show no signs of slowing down, with UK businesses left to navigate the complexities of Brexit and the subsequent delays to their operations, alongside the extra administrative burdens. Whilst some of the uncertainties surrounding the transition are beginning to ease, many firms remain concerned about how delays could impact their operations post-Brexit.

The key to navigating customs clearance is undoubtedly preparation. Planning is crucial not only for compliance – but also for growth and resilience – and businesses that are yet to lay the groundwork risk accidental non-compliance and further congestion at ports. With full UK customs changes now in effect as of 1st January 2022, businesses should prioritise the implementation of supply chain software solutions to take back control and handle customs declarations in-house or ensure they work with a customs partner who can provide full transparency at every step of the process.

Online buying will continue to fuel growth in home deliveries, presenting challenges that demand new strategies

The pandemic saw an increase in ecommerce that is set to continue in 2022 as the changes in consumer buying behaviour become more structural. This clearly presents both an opportunity and challenge for retailers and last mile logistics companies. The increase in volume will increase the challenge on an already tight last mile delivery capacity. Speed and reliability of deliveries will either come with a premium price, or remain as uneven as it has been over the last two years. For example, Amazon’s Whole Foods business is now incrementally charging for delivery to offset increased delivery costs.

We anticipate that more companies will re-evaluate their “free” delivery strategies and look for alternative delivery strategies such as combining deliveries for individual customers or locations, in order to minimise delivery costs and maximise the available delivery capacity.

The Great Resignation will accelerate the existing driver exodus, increasing the focus on retention

Whether long haul or last mile, the driver shortage is endemic and will continue to materially impact retail, distribution, and logistics companies. While finding new drivers to replace or add capacity will remain important, it’s also much harder to find drivers now than it has been in the past.

Instead, in 2022, companies will focus more on driver retention and productivity. Lowering turnover – which has traditionally been high – puts less pressure on the number of drivers that need to be hired and keeps the more experienced ones improving delivery performance. Keeping drivers driving and reducing stress will be the top retention priorities. Companies will need to do a better job at reducing wait times and improving driver quality of life through routes that are more realistic to execute, that don’t result in extended wait or on the road time and facilitate more predictable hours.

Driver shortage will force an emphasis on better planning

The increase in home delivery and driver shortage combined exacerbated supply chain vulnerabilities that, until now, retailers were just about managing to cope with – and have paid the price in terms of consumer expectations.

In the absence of effective planning, logistics companies and retailers will compromise a satisfactory delivery experience. While continuing to seek to recruit and train drivers, improving the overall productivity of existing drivers by optimising delivery routes should be the first port of call. By using advanced route optimisation software, all delivery options can be evaluated instantaneously, ultimately maximising capacity and increasing efficiency.

Sustainability will become an opportunity, not a challenge for supply chains

The focus on sustainability will increase in 2022 and it won’t just be from consumers. Many investment funds are taking an increasingly stronger stance on companies’ sustainability strategies and actual performance. This powerful combination will push companies to move faster to reduce their impact on the environment. It also presents an excellent opportunity for supply chain and logistics professionals to raise the visibility and value of supply chain strategies and operations.

Productivity enhancement is at the heart of any good supply chain performance improvement program and almost always results in greater efficiency, reduced paper and other waste that directly translates into reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Equally, many consumers are looking for delivery choices that help the environment, which presents retailers with the opportunity to look at innovative ways to combine or steer deliveries to reduce the mileage associated with home delivery.

This will not only benefit the environment and delight the consumer but will also result in lower delivery costs for retailers.

Machine learning will go mainstream in supply chain technology

This year, we expect machine learning (ML) to continue to be quickly adopted by supply chain technology providers because of the rich supply chain data that exists to teach ML algorithms. The result will be more accurate plans, estimated-time-of-arrival (ETA) and improved recommendations that make supply chain and logistics operations more productive and reliable.

Rather than displace existing supply chain technology, ML will augment it through embedded uses, such as optimising stop times, delivery locations, drive times and ETAs, or as part of greater data analytics solutions that are used to provide deeper insights into supply chain performance.

While 2022 will undoubtedly be a challenging year for logistics and supply chain professionals, the “C-suite” will recognise that their supply chains need to be world-class to help drive revenue and profitability. This will provide plenty of opportunities to show the value of advanced logistics and supply chain strategies, tactics and technology – and transformation will not only be the key to success but, for some, the key to survival.

* Chris Jones – Executive Vice President, Industry & Services at Descartes Systems Group – has over 30 years of experience in the supply chain market, including the last 10 years as a part of the Descartes leadership team. Prior to Descartes, he has held a variety of senior management positions in other organisations including: Senior Vice President at The Aberdeen Group’s Value Chain Research division, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development for SynQuest and Vice President and Research Director for Enterprise Resource Planning Solutions at The Gartner Group and Associate Director Operations & Technology for Kraft Foods.

CILT Ghana supports Transaid programme

Posted on by Keith McKinley

International development organisation Transaid has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Ghana, aimed at promoting mutual cooperation in the area of road safety.

The agreement follows less than a year after Transaid began developing a professional driver training programme in the country’s capital, Accra; its first project of this kind to be launched in West Africa.

With funding secured from Puma Energy Foundation, Transaid has set out to raise training standards and expand training capacity for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers.

The MOU was signed by Engr. Mark Amoamah, National President of CILT Ghana, and Caroline Barber, Transaid Chief Executive.

Barber says: “We have a long and rich history of collaborating with CILT Ghana and I am delighted to be partnering with them again to deliver this life saving work. They have already played a key role to support us in setting up this project, and it’s fantastic to see the relationship formalised.”

The signing of the MOU coincides with Transaid delivering the first ‘Training of Trainers’ module, designed to build training capability in Ghana, following a format used successfully by Transaid on similar projects in Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi.

It follows a busy period gathering and analysing training material currently used in Ghana, establishing a national technical standards group and collaboratively assembling both a theory and practical training curricula, plus an instructor’s manual, to ensure the project got off to a successful start.

Barber says: “The provision of quality professional driver training will be expanded to increase access to training and ensure that drivers are trained to the highest standards. Our initial involvement is for three and a half years, and within this time we want to work with partners to ensure strong foundations are in place to facilitate sustainable and lasting change in Ghana.”

On signing the MOU, Engr. Amoamah announced that he planned to further support the initiative by offering free CILT Affiliate Membership to all those training as trainers.

Transaid is planning to put the first cohort of HGV driver trainers through both the theory and practical training within the next three to four months.

CILT Ghana supports Transaid programme

Posted on by David Priestman

International development organisation Transaid has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Ghana, aimed at promoting mutual cooperation in the area of road safety.

The agreement follows less than a year after Transaid began developing a professional driver training programme in the country’s capital, Accra; its first project of this kind to be launched in West Africa.

With funding secured from Puma Energy Foundation, Transaid has set out to raise training standards and expand training capacity for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers.

The MOU was signed by Engr. Mark Amoamah, National President of CILT Ghana, and Caroline Barber, Transaid Chief Executive.

Barber says: “We have a long and rich history of collaborating with CILT Ghana and I am delighted to be partnering with them again to deliver this life saving work. They have already played a key role to support us in setting up this project, and it’s fantastic to see the relationship formalised.”

The signing of the MOU coincides with Transaid delivering the first ‘Training of Trainers’ module, designed to build training capability in Ghana, following a format used successfully by Transaid on similar projects in Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi.

It follows a busy period gathering and analysing training material currently used in Ghana, establishing a national technical standards group and collaboratively assembling both a theory and practical training curricula, plus an instructor’s manual, to ensure the project got off to a successful start.

Barber says: “The provision of quality professional driver training will be expanded to increase access to training and ensure that drivers are trained to the highest standards. Our initial involvement is for three and a half years, and within this time we want to work with partners to ensure strong foundations are in place to facilitate sustainable and lasting change in Ghana.”

On signing the MOU, Engr. Amoamah announced that he planned to further support the initiative by offering free CILT Affiliate Membership to all those training as trainers.

Transaid is planning to put the first cohort of HGV driver trainers through both the theory and practical training within the next three to four months.

Cloud-based software helps boost warehouse efficiency

Posted on by David Priestman

To ensure warehouses work at maximum capacity, safe in the knowledge they can manage forklift battery and charging stations both easily and reliably, Exide Technologies has launched its new cloud-based system, Motion+ Fleet.

The new fleet management tool transforms logistics into detailed real-time data. It allows warehouse managers to turn their gut instincts into facts and make informed decisions on battery use – from anywhere in the world.

Motion+ Fleet helps users to run their warehouses more efficiently by:

  • Monitoring real-time condition and status of individual batteries, such as running times, amp usage and load, with easy-to-read traffic light style reports
  • Receiving automatically generated alerts by e-mail, if a battery isn’t working at peak performance
  • Maximising uptime by anticipating imminent issues. This means the user can take immediate action and avoid both disruption and frustration
  • Efficiently managing a site’s energy consumption, such as avoiding energy peaks when charging, and, therefore, stabilising costs
  • Overall, optimising total cost of ownership, simplifying processes and preventing errors with Motion+ Fleet

What’s more, the complete digitalisation of data not only allows users to manage all operations centrally from one location, but, thanks to the co-operation of a leading cloud supplier, it also protects the security of their assets.

The right solution for every customer’s needs

Available as Essential, Premium and Ultimate packages, depending on individual needs, the Ultimate option is perfect for businesses with multiple sites, as it gives the customer the choice of managing an unlimited number of chargers, which is unique in the market.

With more than a decade of experience in developing fleet management systems, Exide knows what customers require: responding to the efficiency demands placed on warehouses and helping them reach their targets. This new and sophisticated fleet management tool allows warehouses to stay in Motion+.

Magnus Ohlsson, Motive Power Business Director EMEA at Exide Technologies, said: “Motion+ Fleet is the perfect solution for customers to control their whole warehouse with just a few clicks! It manages the efficiency of their charger and battery fleets, no surprises, so they can focus on other topics and let the system do the hard work.”

Tested and validated in the real world

A leading dealer of sanitary, heating and bathroom supplies in Germany has put Motion+ Fleet through its paces and a company spokesperson commented on the positive impacts the tool has made: “Thanks to Motion+ Fleet, we have been able to monitor and plan our new battery orders much better and have not ordered batteries unnecessarily, thereby saving money.”

Globalisation is changing the world. Warehouse managers are faced with the challenge of constantly rethinking the efficiency of their business. To do this, they need flexible intralogistics solutions at the highest level to solve tomorrow’s tasks today.

Exide Technologies is working on up-to date products and solutions, so customers can continue to keep pace as the world evolves. Motion+ Fleet is the flagship product of the upcoming new Motion+ Smart Tools series, designed to offer customers innovative digital and cloud-based solutions, as well as other value-added tools and services around industrial batteries and chargers.

 

Panattoni expands Crewe site with Hörmann

Posted on by David Priestman

Following the successful completion and occupation of Crewe 240, Panattoni – Europe’s largest developer of logistics property – has further expanded the Crewe site with the development of Crewe 305, a second warehouse that will provide 305,000 sq ft of built-to-suit logistics space.

Occupying a prime position, Crewe 305 is situated next to the West Coast Mainline and just five minutes off Junction 16 of the M6, offering rapid access to both the Northwest and Midlands markets. The area is also set to become a major hub for HS2, bringing investment and expanding the location’s high-speed connections.

Rated BREEAM ‘Very Good’, the built-to-suit logistics space includes a three-storey office, 15m clear internal height, and 49 HGV parking spaces. Hörmann UK has supplied full loading bays with safety and operational equipment including dock buffers, dock lights and traffic lights, plus sectional level access doors and fire exit doorsets.

The 27 loading bays consist of Hörmann SPU F42 sectional doors with HTL-2 dock levellers, featuring a 1m telescopic lip which provides an optimal range loading platform. This enables precise bridging for a variety of vehicle types and a guarantee of fast, efficient, and most importantly safe loading and unloading.

23 ‘single bay’ and four DSS-G ‘double/euro bay’ dock shelters have been installed to provide protection from the elements for both operatives and goods, helping to reduce heat loss during loading and unloading operations.

Other elements of the Hörmann UK loading system include reinforced Dock Bumpers, which are constructed from recycled tyre rubber with 15mm-thick steel faceplates.  The buffers are designed to minimise any potential damage to the bay in the event of a vehicle making direct contact with the building.  Traffic lights and dock lights complete the loading bays offering the highest standards in safety and operational efficiency during the docking and loading processes.

With the Panattoni site achieving an impressive EPC A rating, each loading and level access bay has been fitted with a robust Hörmann sectional door featuring double glazed vision panels, providing excellent thermal insulation with an impressive overall U-value of between 1.1 and 1.3 Wm2.K.  Stucco textured profiles deliver a durable and resilient finish to withstand the external elements, while rubber draught seals to the edges of the levellers help minimise heat loss during loading and unloading operations.

The provision of 14 D65 steel fire exit doorsets, installed through the warehouse and offices, completes an impressive range of products supplied by Hörmann UK, all chosen for their quality construction and the impressive service offered by the company.

Phil Thorpe, Industrial Division Manager at Hörmann UK, said: “Panattoni Crewe 240 was a landmark logistics development for the North-West and we are now extremely proud to be part of such a significant development with the completion of Panattoni Crewe 305.

“All of our loading solutions are designed to deliver unbeatable levels of safety and functionality, together with excellent thermal properties.  At Hörmann, we are committed to providing Panattoni’s clients with first-class solutions and service to help streamline their business needs and processes.”

 

Panattoni expands Crewe site with Hörmann

Posted on by David Priestman

Following the successful completion and occupation of Crewe 240, Panattoni – Europe’s largest developer of logistics property – has further expanded the Crewe site with the development of Crewe 305, a second warehouse that will provide 305,000 sq ft of built-to-suit logistics space.

Occupying a prime position, Crewe 305 is situated next to the West Coast Mainline and just five minutes off Junction 16 of the M6, offering rapid access to both the Northwest and Midlands markets. The area is also set to become a major hub for HS2, bringing investment and expanding the location’s high-speed connections.

Rated BREEAM ‘Very Good’, the built-to-suit logistics space includes a three-storey office, 15m clear internal height, and 49 HGV parking spaces. Hörmann UK has supplied full loading bays with safety and operational equipment including dock buffers, dock lights and traffic lights, plus sectional level access doors and fire exit doorsets.

The 27 loading bays consist of Hörmann SPU F42 sectional doors with HTL-2 dock levellers, featuring a 1m telescopic lip which provides an optimal range loading platform. This enables precise bridging for a variety of vehicle types and a guarantee of fast, efficient, and most importantly safe loading and unloading.

23 ‘single bay’ and four DSS-G ‘double/euro bay’ dock shelters have been installed to provide protection from the elements for both operatives and goods, helping to reduce heat loss during loading and unloading operations.

Other elements of the Hörmann UK loading system include reinforced Dock Bumpers, which are constructed from recycled tyre rubber with 15mm-thick steel faceplates.  The buffers are designed to minimise any potential damage to the bay in the event of a vehicle making direct contact with the building.  Traffic lights and dock lights complete the loading bays offering the highest standards in safety and operational efficiency during the docking and loading processes.

With the Panattoni site achieving an impressive EPC A rating, each loading and level access bay has been fitted with a robust Hörmann sectional door featuring double glazed vision panels, providing excellent thermal insulation with an impressive overall U-value of between 1.1 and 1.3 Wm2.K.  Stucco textured profiles deliver a durable and resilient finish to withstand the external elements, while rubber draught seals to the edges of the levellers help minimise heat loss during loading and unloading operations.

The provision of 14 D65 steel fire exit doorsets, installed through the warehouse and offices, completes an impressive range of products supplied by Hörmann UK, all chosen for their quality construction and the impressive service offered by the company.

Phil Thorpe, Industrial Division Manager at Hörmann UK, said: “Panattoni Crewe 240 was a landmark logistics development for the North-West and we are now extremely proud to be part of such a significant development with the completion of Panattoni Crewe 305.

“All of our loading solutions are designed to deliver unbeatable levels of safety and functionality, together with excellent thermal properties.  At Hörmann, we are committed to providing Panattoni’s clients with first-class solutions and service to help streamline their business needs and processes.”

 

No need to panic over lack of warehouse space

Posted on by David Priestman

Making the best use of industrial warehouse space has become even more urgent at the start of 2022 with the latest figures suggesting a severe shortage is due to the pressures of e-commerce.

A recent report has highlighted that only 18.1 million sq ft of space remains in the UK despite the building of 11.1 million sq ft built in 2021. Although this is highlighted as the equivalent of 26 Wembley Stadiums, nearly 75% of this space has already been let or is under offer at the start of 2022. There is no escaping the fact that despite the demand increasing for warehouse space, the ability to outrun the demand is not keeping pace with changing consumer trends.

Yet the prospects for extra warehouse space are alarming in the short-term. The demand for e-commerce is causing a surge in demand for extra warehouse space. This will only increase as the global pandemic has altered the retail environment. But solutions are not confined to increased space: the use of intelligent data can resolve many of these issues by utilising space and delivery schedules to free up warehouse capacity.

The capture of real-time insights enables the measurement, tracking and finding of goods without disruption to the workflow. In an environment of space restrictions and short-term storage, the control of information and real-time data is essential to fully utilise the space and keep stock moving. London manufacturer BotsAndUs has created a fully autonomous robot system called Mim to collect data to create a comprehensive overview and detailed inventory of goods in any warehouse.

This system enables goods to be recorded, identified and shipped faster, creating more space in a warehouse and reducing costs. By controlling the movement of goods in any warehouse space using autonomous data collection, users can maximise the space utilisation and reduce the need for extra space creation. This is not just a short-term solution: the demand for warehouse space will increase steadily as the e-commerce sector expands to include not only retail hardware but also food and drink businesses. These are fast-moving operations that rely on speed of delivery. To achieve that they also need efficient data to keep control of their stock.

Many logistics operations waste time and human resources trying to locate goods in their warehousing locations. Not only that, but they suffer from significant revenue reductions when incorrect goods arrive at their locations and repacked for outbound delivery. Without correct data collection, time and effort is wasted, resources underused, and deliveries subjected to delays and financial penalties.

The use of autonomous robotics to collect information on stock and assist in the movement of inward and outbound goods will ease the pressure on the logistics’ sector. What is needed now is not panic, but an understanding of the assistance and solutions robotics has for the longer-term issues related to retail logistics.

CLICK HERE to watch a video

No need to panic over lack of warehouse space

Posted on by David Priestman

Making the best use of industrial warehouse space has become even more urgent at the start of 2022 with the latest figures suggesting a severe shortage is due to the pressures of e-commerce.

A recent report has highlighted that only 18.1 million sq ft of space remains in the UK despite the building of 11.1 million sq ft built in 2021. Although this is highlighted as the equivalent of 26 Wembley Stadiums, nearly 75% of this space has already been let or is under offer at the start of 2022. There is no escaping the fact that despite the demand increasing for warehouse space, the ability to outrun the demand is not keeping pace with changing consumer trends.

Yet the prospects for extra warehouse space are alarming in the short-term. The demand for e-commerce is causing a surge in demand for extra warehouse space. This will only increase as the global pandemic has altered the retail environment. But solutions are not confined to increased space: the use of intelligent data can resolve many of these issues by utilising space and delivery schedules to free up warehouse capacity.

The capture of real-time insights enables the measurement, tracking and finding of goods without disruption to the workflow. In an environment of space restrictions and short-term storage, the control of information and real-time data is essential to fully utilise the space and keep stock moving. London manufacturer BotsAndUs has created a fully autonomous robot system called Mim to collect data to create a comprehensive overview and detailed inventory of goods in any warehouse.

This system enables goods to be recorded, identified and shipped faster, creating more space in a warehouse and reducing costs. By controlling the movement of goods in any warehouse space using autonomous data collection, users can maximise the space utilisation and reduce the need for extra space creation. This is not just a short-term solution: the demand for warehouse space will increase steadily as the e-commerce sector expands to include not only retail hardware but also food and drink businesses. These are fast-moving operations that rely on speed of delivery. To achieve that they also need efficient data to keep control of their stock.

Many logistics operations waste time and human resources trying to locate goods in their warehousing locations. Not only that, but they suffer from significant revenue reductions when incorrect goods arrive at their locations and repacked for outbound delivery. Without correct data collection, time and effort is wasted, resources underused, and deliveries subjected to delays and financial penalties.

The use of autonomous robotics to collect information on stock and assist in the movement of inward and outbound goods will ease the pressure on the logistics’ sector. What is needed now is not panic, but an understanding of the assistance and solutions robotics has for the longer-term issues related to retail logistics.

CLICK HERE to watch a video

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