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Month: February 2022

TSC Printronix Auto ID makes strategic appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

TSC Auto ID Technology has created a new position to champion its On-Site Service Program, which is now available across its entire range of industrial and industrial enterprise printers. Jaime de Sousa has been appointed to the role of Service Program Specialist.

De Sousa joined TSC Printronix Auto ID from Matica Technologies AG where the position he held was Global Head of Technical Support. His focus is to identify and work with new service providers in certain regions as well as develop existing ones. He’ll also be assessing customer satisfaction, creating protocols and standardising the On-Site Service Program and warranties.

TSC Auto ID Technology says de Sousa is excited to be joining TSC at such a period of growth for the company. His considerable experience and computer science engineering background will also strengthen TSC Printronix Auto ID’s technical support team.

“My goal is to grow and enrich the service portfolio, to increase confidence in both the products and the TSC and Printronix Auto ID brands so that, in time, we continue to be the first choice for customers,” says de Sousa.

The On-Site Service Program can be bought at the same time as any new TSC industrial printer or Printronix Auto ID industrial enterprise printer, or it can be purchased later. It was designed to help minimise business disruption for known service costs. The Program sees TSC devices maintained by certified TSC technicians and includes labour costs, travel expenses (up to 150km) and genuine spare parts (excluding print heads, cutting parts and components damaged by users).

For both resellers and customers, On-Site services will help improve efficiency, help control costs and maximise profit, guarantee the availability of support and offer quick resolution of any printer issues.

Amine Soubai, Managing Director TSC Auto ID Technology GmbH, described the strategic appointment as further evidence of the company’s commitment to improving its service offerings: “Jaime’s sole focus will be on developing, optimising and enhancing our technical service offers and customer service programs and his work will really complement the resources we already have.”

TSC Printronix Auto ID makes strategic appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

TSC Auto ID Technology has created a new position to champion its On-Site Service Program, which is now available across its entire range of industrial and industrial enterprise printers. Jaime de Sousa has been appointed to the role of Service Program Specialist.

De Sousa joined TSC Printronix Auto ID from Matica Technologies AG where the position he held was Global Head of Technical Support. His focus is to identify and work with new service providers in certain regions as well as develop existing ones. He’ll also be assessing customer satisfaction, creating protocols and standardising the On-Site Service Program and warranties.

TSC Auto ID Technology says de Sousa is excited to be joining TSC at such a period of growth for the company. His considerable experience and computer science engineering background will also strengthen TSC Printronix Auto ID’s technical support team.

“My goal is to grow and enrich the service portfolio, to increase confidence in both the products and the TSC and Printronix Auto ID brands so that, in time, we continue to be the first choice for customers,” says de Sousa.

The On-Site Service Program can be bought at the same time as any new TSC industrial printer or Printronix Auto ID industrial enterprise printer, or it can be purchased later. It was designed to help minimise business disruption for known service costs. The Program sees TSC devices maintained by certified TSC technicians and includes labour costs, travel expenses (up to 150km) and genuine spare parts (excluding print heads, cutting parts and components damaged by users).

For both resellers and customers, On-Site services will help improve efficiency, help control costs and maximise profit, guarantee the availability of support and offer quick resolution of any printer issues.

Amine Soubai, Managing Director TSC Auto ID Technology GmbH, described the strategic appointment as further evidence of the company’s commitment to improving its service offerings: “Jaime’s sole focus will be on developing, optimising and enhancing our technical service offers and customer service programs and his work will really complement the resources we already have.”

IAG Cargo announces record-breaking Q4 results

Posted on by Keith McKinley

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of IAG (International Airlines Group) has reported record financial results for 2021, with annual revenues of €1,673m for the period from 1st January to 31st December 2021. The results reflect the surging demand for air cargo capacity as global trade rebounds.

The 2021 revenues represent an increase of 30% at constant currency versus the same period last year. Overall yield for 2021 was up 11.3% at constant currency versus 2020. Sold tonnes were up 21.4%.

Throughout 2021, IAG Cargo reshaped its business to take advantage of the strong cargo market and actively repurposed Group capacity where appropriate. Demand for air cargo exceeded 2019 levels throughout 2021. The business continued to align its network to customer demand, supporting customers with cargo-led flying, increasing frequencies on important trade routes and implementing an active charter programme of 745 rotations.

In the second half of the year IAG Cargo saw momentum build with capacity starting to return as the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic gained ground. IAG Cargo closed the year very strongly, achieving a Q4 quarterly record revenue of €499m up from €389m in Q4 of 2020.

In Q4, ecommerce and hi-tech flows from South East Asia into North America accounted for much of this success as did the movement of automotive parts from the UK and Europe. Hong Kong demand remained very buoyant and from mid-December the business directed volumes to flow via Bangkok as crew quarantine restrictions limited direct Hong Kong Flights. IAG Cargo also moved large volumes of what are typically seen as non-airfreight commodities as shippers favoured shorter delivery times and volumes shifted from sea to air against a background of supply chain disruption, port congestion and low inventories.

At the same time, cargo has been vital in supporting the return to widescale passenger flying, providing additional revenue to key passenger routes.

Commenting on the 2021 financial results, IAG Cargo Managing Director David Shepherd said: “Since joining the business in August 2021 I’ve been extremely impressed by the way in which the talented team at IAG Cargo have optimised the opportunities which the market has presented. In 2021 the role of air cargo remained very much in the spotlight. Our people went above and beyond to find solutions to the global capacity crunch and airfreight restrictions. These results are a reflection of their determination and creativity.

“I’m also proud of our work in the fight against Covid-19. In 2021 our cold chain, Constant Climate, service was responsible for shipping millions of doses of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines to almost every corner of the world.

“In 2021 we also invested in improving the functionality of our website and expanded our partnerships with third party platform providers. Both actions, supporting online channel shift and digital bookings whilst providing more flexibility to our customers. It was also great to see a massive expansion in our Forward Rewards loyalty programme last year with an additional 700 customers  signing-up to benefit from earning free flights, hotel stays and cargo credit.

“We enter 2022 with ambition and optimism for the year ahead.”

IAG Cargo announces record-breaking Q4 results

Posted on by David Priestman

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of IAG (International Airlines Group) has reported record financial results for 2021, with annual revenues of €1,673m for the period from 1st January to 31st December 2021. The results reflect the surging demand for air cargo capacity as global trade rebounds.

The 2021 revenues represent an increase of 30% at constant currency versus the same period last year. Overall yield for 2021 was up 11.3% at constant currency versus 2020. Sold tonnes were up 21.4%.

Throughout 2021, IAG Cargo reshaped its business to take advantage of the strong cargo market and actively repurposed Group capacity where appropriate. Demand for air cargo exceeded 2019 levels throughout 2021. The business continued to align its network to customer demand, supporting customers with cargo-led flying, increasing frequencies on important trade routes and implementing an active charter programme of 745 rotations.

In the second half of the year IAG Cargo saw momentum build with capacity starting to return as the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic gained ground. IAG Cargo closed the year very strongly, achieving a Q4 quarterly record revenue of €499m up from €389m in Q4 of 2020.

In Q4, ecommerce and hi-tech flows from South East Asia into North America accounted for much of this success as did the movement of automotive parts from the UK and Europe. Hong Kong demand remained very buoyant and from mid-December the business directed volumes to flow via Bangkok as crew quarantine restrictions limited direct Hong Kong Flights. IAG Cargo also moved large volumes of what are typically seen as non-airfreight commodities as shippers favoured shorter delivery times and volumes shifted from sea to air against a background of supply chain disruption, port congestion and low inventories.

At the same time, cargo has been vital in supporting the return to widescale passenger flying, providing additional revenue to key passenger routes.

Commenting on the 2021 financial results, IAG Cargo Managing Director David Shepherd said: “Since joining the business in August 2021 I’ve been extremely impressed by the way in which the talented team at IAG Cargo have optimised the opportunities which the market has presented. In 2021 the role of air cargo remained very much in the spotlight. Our people went above and beyond to find solutions to the global capacity crunch and airfreight restrictions. These results are a reflection of their determination and creativity.

“I’m also proud of our work in the fight against Covid-19. In 2021 our cold chain, Constant Climate, service was responsible for shipping millions of doses of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines to almost every corner of the world.

“In 2021 we also invested in improving the functionality of our website and expanded our partnerships with third party platform providers. Both actions, supporting online channel shift and digital bookings whilst providing more flexibility to our customers. It was also great to see a massive expansion in our Forward Rewards loyalty programme last year with an additional 700 customers  signing-up to benefit from earning free flights, hotel stays and cargo credit.

“We enter 2022 with ambition and optimism for the year ahead.”

Enhanced scissor-lift ergonomics with Blickle’s ErgoMove

Posted on by David Priestman

For one manufacturer of lifting tables, collaboration with Blickle has really paid off. The wheel and castor specialist supplied a solution with the ErgoMove electric drive system. Since then, the lifting tables with a weight of up to two tonnes can be easily moved and positioned accurately.

In addition to lifting platforms, the company Janzen Lifttechnik GmbH, based in Niederlangen, Lower Saxony, produces column lifts as well as goods and underfloor lifts. Today, it is not enough for lifting platforms to simply lift and lower loads. For example, pallet cages often have to be tipped so that goods can be removed more easily.

The company with 20 employees has a high level of vertical integration and attaches great importance to continuous quality assurance. From design to welding steel structures to final assembly, everything takes place in-house. For the standard lifting tables, Janzen only uses high-quality components that ensure long-term, low-wear operation.

Since from the perspective of the company management the market for scissor lift trucks with a load capacity of up to 500kg is dominated by Asian competitors, Janzen took a new course: Janzen successfully established itself in the load range 1,500 to 2,000kg –  a sector in which there are only a few other competitors. Over the years, customer inquiries for electrically powered scissor lift trucks have increased continuously. The reason is that heavy pallet trucks are difficult to move by hand. Occasionally, even two persons were necessary to correctly position the trucks with loads.

That’s why Janzen set out to design its own drive. In practice, however, the investment in time and materials required for this turned out to be higher than expected. A visit from the Blickle experts therefore came just at the right time. They identified the problem and suggested using the ErgoMove 2000 electric drive system with a transport capacity of up to 2,000kg.

ErgoMove enables heavy loads to be moved easily, ensures ergonomically correct working conditions and increases efficiency in internal transport. In addition to the drive assistance, the ErgoMove also features steering and braking assistance. As part of a load-bearing structure, the electric drive system assures smooth handling regardless of the truck weight. Blickle offers a version of the ErgoMove cockpit with one rotary joystick for extended travel in one direction (without turns). The version with two rotary joysticks makes it possible to easily manoeuvre heavy loads even in confined spaces.

Those in charge at Janzen were quickly convinced of the advantages of the system. The specialists from Blickle integrated the ErgoMove control and operating unit into the scissor lift table by slightly modifying the handlebar. In addition, the standard nylon castors previously used were replaced by the ErgoMove drive castors and polyurethane swivel castors. Thanks to the effective support from Blickle, Janzen quickly obtained the right drive solutions for scissor lift trucks in industrial applications.

The decision to opt for Blickle has paid off for this privately owned company. “Now heavy scissor lift trucks can easily be moved ergonomically by one person. Loads of up to two tonnes can now be moved by hand using electrical drive, braking and steering assistance,” says Stefan Winter, Production Manager at Janzen Lifttechnik GmbH. In addition, the noise emissions have been reduced. Previously, hard and therefore loud nylon castors were used. The polyurethane swivel castors from Blickle are suitable for high dynamic and mechanical loads and have low rolling resistance for quiet running. High quality components ensure low wear.

Blickle delivered a system solution from a single source. The package also included comprehensive safety equipment that the customer does not have to design and procure independently: The scissor lift trucks are equipped with an emergency stop switch, dead man’s brakes, a horn and anti-trap protection. To prevent improper use, the operating handles have integrated hand recognition. “In addition to the ergonomics, we have also significantly increased safety,” says a delighted Gerrit Richter designer at Janzen Lifttechnik GmbH.

Enhanced scissor-lift ergonomics with Blickle’s ErgoMove

Posted on by David Priestman

For one manufacturer of lifting tables, collaboration with Blickle has really paid off. The wheel and castor specialist supplied a solution with the ErgoMove electric drive system. Since then, the lifting tables with a weight of up to two tonnes can be easily moved and positioned accurately.

In addition to lifting platforms, the company Janzen Lifttechnik GmbH, based in Niederlangen, Lower Saxony, produces column lifts as well as goods and underfloor lifts. Today, it is not enough for lifting platforms to simply lift and lower loads. For example, pallet cages often have to be tipped so that goods can be removed more easily.

The company with 20 employees has a high level of vertical integration and attaches great importance to continuous quality assurance. From design to welding steel structures to final assembly, everything takes place in-house. For the standard lifting tables, Janzen only uses high-quality components that ensure long-term, low-wear operation.

Since from the perspective of the company management the market for scissor lift trucks with a load capacity of up to 500kg is dominated by Asian competitors, Janzen took a new course: Janzen successfully established itself in the load range 1,500 to 2,000kg –  a sector in which there are only a few other competitors. Over the years, customer inquiries for electrically powered scissor lift trucks have increased continuously. The reason is that heavy pallet trucks are difficult to move by hand. Occasionally, even two persons were necessary to correctly position the trucks with loads.

That’s why Janzen set out to design its own drive. In practice, however, the investment in time and materials required for this turned out to be higher than expected. A visit from the Blickle experts therefore came just at the right time. They identified the problem and suggested using the ErgoMove 2000 electric drive system with a transport capacity of up to 2,000kg.

ErgoMove enables heavy loads to be moved easily, ensures ergonomically correct working conditions and increases efficiency in internal transport. In addition to the drive assistance, the ErgoMove also features steering and braking assistance. As part of a load-bearing structure, the electric drive system assures smooth handling regardless of the truck weight. Blickle offers a version of the ErgoMove cockpit with one rotary joystick for extended travel in one direction (without turns). The version with two rotary joysticks makes it possible to easily manoeuvre heavy loads even in confined spaces.

Those in charge at Janzen were quickly convinced of the advantages of the system. The specialists from Blickle integrated the ErgoMove control and operating unit into the scissor lift table by slightly modifying the handlebar. In addition, the standard nylon castors previously used were replaced by the ErgoMove drive castors and polyurethane swivel castors. Thanks to the effective support from Blickle, Janzen quickly obtained the right drive solutions for scissor lift trucks in industrial applications.

The decision to opt for Blickle has paid off for this privately owned company. “Now heavy scissor lift trucks can easily be moved ergonomically by one person. Loads of up to two tonnes can now be moved by hand using electrical drive, braking and steering assistance,” says Stefan Winter, Production Manager at Janzen Lifttechnik GmbH. In addition, the noise emissions have been reduced. Previously, hard and therefore loud nylon castors were used. The polyurethane swivel castors from Blickle are suitable for high dynamic and mechanical loads and have low rolling resistance for quiet running. High quality components ensure low wear.

Blickle delivered a system solution from a single source. The package also included comprehensive safety equipment that the customer does not have to design and procure independently: The scissor lift trucks are equipped with an emergency stop switch, dead man’s brakes, a horn and anti-trap protection. To prevent improper use, the operating handles have integrated hand recognition. “In addition to the ergonomics, we have also significantly increased safety,” says a delighted Gerrit Richter designer at Janzen Lifttechnik GmbH.

Linde Motion Detection makes handling safer

Posted on by David Priestman

The Linde Motion Detection assistance system provides even better protection for pedestrians in warehouse environments as it is capable of detecting movement behind a stationary truck. In such cases, reversing is prevented and a warning signal sounded. Both employees and management benefit from this effective accident prevention system: The health of everyone present in the warehouse is better protected, the forklift driver’s job becomes easier, downtime or disruptions to operations are prevented to the greatest possible extent and, as a result, productivity is improved.

Linde MH is initially offering the sensor-based solution as an equipment option for the company’s new series of counterbalanced trucks. A retrofit solution, which will also be suitable for use on other makes of forklift, is to follow shortly.

Occupational safety and health protection are top priorities in many companies today. One of the most critical situations involving forklift trucks and pedestrians is the loading and unloading or picking up and putting down of loads. “If there are people behind the forklift when it starts reversing, an accident can quickly occur. Causes often lie in the behaviour of the people involved,” explains Fabian Zimmermann, Product Manager Safety.

“Pedestrians are inattentive and believe that the forklift driver can see them. Moreover, they do not expect that a forklift standing in front of a rack or in the block storage area could suddenly reverse. If, in addition, the driver is unwary for just a short moment and forgets to look over his shoulder, this can have serious consequences.

“In addition, the view to the area behind the vehicle can be obscured by blind spots, stored goods or racks. And the risk of accidents increases the more industrial trucks, pedestrians or even cyclists are present in logistics areas.”

Innovative technology

The Linde Motion Detection assistance system helps prevent such dangerous situations by warning both the forklift driver and any persons in the rear working area. A motion sensor reliably detects any movement behind the stationary vehicle, no matter the prevailing lighting conditions – regardless of whether the movement is triggered by people or other vehicles. In this case, the system automatically prevents or stops the approaching truck from reversing and the driver is alerted to the danger by a warning on the display.

In addition, the assistance system optionally sounds an acoustic signal to draw the attention of passers-by to the dangerous situation that has arisen and to trigger learning effects for everyone involved. To be able to continue driving after the warning has been issued, the driver has to actively put the accelerator pedal back in its starting position, which further increases safety.

Particularly in challenging working environments, such as poorly lit parts of the warehouse or areas where visibility is poor for structural reasons, the assistance system is an effective support and a relief for the driver. The detection area can be adapted to the respective operating and ambient conditions, which ensures a high degree of flexibility. In this way, critical situations are defused and unnecessary warnings prevented.

Linde Motion Detection is part of Linde MH’s comprehensive safety portfolio. With standard and optional assistance systems, such as the Linde Safety Guard or the Linde Safety Pilot, as well as consulting services, the company supports its customers in safe and efficient goods handling.

 

Linde Motion Detection makes handling safer

Posted on by David Priestman

The Linde Motion Detection assistance system provides even better protection for pedestrians in warehouse environments as it is capable of detecting movement behind a stationary truck. In such cases, reversing is prevented and a warning signal sounded. Both employees and management benefit from this effective accident prevention system: The health of everyone present in the warehouse is better protected, the forklift driver’s job becomes easier, downtime or disruptions to operations are prevented to the greatest possible extent and, as a result, productivity is improved.

Linde MH is initially offering the sensor-based solution as an equipment option for the company’s new series of counterbalanced trucks. A retrofit solution, which will also be suitable for use on other makes of forklift, is to follow shortly.

Occupational safety and health protection are top priorities in many companies today. One of the most critical situations involving forklift trucks and pedestrians is the loading and unloading or picking up and putting down of loads. “If there are people behind the forklift when it starts reversing, an accident can quickly occur. Causes often lie in the behaviour of the people involved,” explains Fabian Zimmermann, Product Manager Safety.

“Pedestrians are inattentive and believe that the forklift driver can see them. Moreover, they do not expect that a forklift standing in front of a rack or in the block storage area could suddenly reverse. If, in addition, the driver is unwary for just a short moment and forgets to look over his shoulder, this can have serious consequences.

“In addition, the view to the area behind the vehicle can be obscured by blind spots, stored goods or racks. And the risk of accidents increases the more industrial trucks, pedestrians or even cyclists are present in logistics areas.”

Innovative technology

The Linde Motion Detection assistance system helps prevent such dangerous situations by warning both the forklift driver and any persons in the rear working area. A motion sensor reliably detects any movement behind the stationary vehicle, no matter the prevailing lighting conditions – regardless of whether the movement is triggered by people or other vehicles. In this case, the system automatically prevents or stops the approaching truck from reversing and the driver is alerted to the danger by a warning on the display.

In addition, the assistance system optionally sounds an acoustic signal to draw the attention of passers-by to the dangerous situation that has arisen and to trigger learning effects for everyone involved. To be able to continue driving after the warning has been issued, the driver has to actively put the accelerator pedal back in its starting position, which further increases safety.

Particularly in challenging working environments, such as poorly lit parts of the warehouse or areas where visibility is poor for structural reasons, the assistance system is an effective support and a relief for the driver. The detection area can be adapted to the respective operating and ambient conditions, which ensures a high degree of flexibility. In this way, critical situations are defused and unnecessary warnings prevented.

Linde Motion Detection is part of Linde MH’s comprehensive safety portfolio. With standard and optional assistance systems, such as the Linde Safety Guard or the Linde Safety Pilot, as well as consulting services, the company supports its customers in safe and efficient goods handling.

 

UTA Edenred and Transporeon begin cooperation

Posted on by David Priestman

UTA Edenred, a leading European mobility service provider and an Edenred company, and Transporeon, one of Europe’s leading transport management platforms, have joined forces as part of a sales cooperation. From now on, Transporeon offers its European network of carriers a specially created UTA Full Service co-branded card. This card gives Transporeon customers access to UTA’s acceptance network and its comprehensive product and service portfolio.

Transporeon’s leading Transport Management Platform provides its extensive network of +1,300 shippers and retailers and +130,000 carriers and Logistics Service Providers end-to-end transport logistics management software solutions.

For its extensive carrier community, Transporeon offers a wide range of smart solutions, which help optimize route and resource planning. By entering a partnership with UTA Edenred, Transporeon is bringing even more value to carriers. They will get access to the Europe-wide UTA acceptance network and the mobility specialist’s entire range of products and services, which include fuels supply and e-charging, Europe-wide toll services, repair and maintenance, as well as numerous fleet management solutions and transparent reporting and billing.

Carsten Bettermann, CEO of UTA Edenred, says: “Through this important new partnership, we’re simplifying mobility for Transporeon customers across Europe. UTA Edenred and Transporeon share a number of synergies. Notably, UTA Edenred is creating an all-new digital platform to meet customers’ mobility needs into the future, while Transporeon has a successful digital business model. By combining UTA Edenred products with Transporeon services, we’re providing richer and more efficient mobility experiences for customers.”

Gruziana Hoxha, Executive Director of Carrier Management at Transporeon, says: “We’re committed to helping carriers optimise their global transport and logistics processes with regard to time, cost and resources. UTA Edenred, with its nearly 60 years of experience on the market and such an extensive service network, is an excellent European service partner for Transporeon. Together, we will help our customers save time and money in their everyday business.”

UTA Edenred and Transporeon begin cooperation

Posted on by David Priestman

UTA Edenred, a leading European mobility service provider and an Edenred company, and Transporeon, one of Europe’s leading transport management platforms, have joined forces as part of a sales cooperation. From now on, Transporeon offers its European network of carriers a specially created UTA Full Service co-branded card. This card gives Transporeon customers access to UTA’s acceptance network and its comprehensive product and service portfolio.

Transporeon’s leading Transport Management Platform provides its extensive network of +1,300 shippers and retailers and +130,000 carriers and Logistics Service Providers end-to-end transport logistics management software solutions.

For its extensive carrier community, Transporeon offers a wide range of smart solutions, which help optimize route and resource planning. By entering a partnership with UTA Edenred, Transporeon is bringing even more value to carriers. They will get access to the Europe-wide UTA acceptance network and the mobility specialist’s entire range of products and services, which include fuels supply and e-charging, Europe-wide toll services, repair and maintenance, as well as numerous fleet management solutions and transparent reporting and billing.

Carsten Bettermann, CEO of UTA Edenred, says: “Through this important new partnership, we’re simplifying mobility for Transporeon customers across Europe. UTA Edenred and Transporeon share a number of synergies. Notably, UTA Edenred is creating an all-new digital platform to meet customers’ mobility needs into the future, while Transporeon has a successful digital business model. By combining UTA Edenred products with Transporeon services, we’re providing richer and more efficient mobility experiences for customers.”

Gruziana Hoxha, Executive Director of Carrier Management at Transporeon, says: “We’re committed to helping carriers optimise their global transport and logistics processes with regard to time, cost and resources. UTA Edenred, with its nearly 60 years of experience on the market and such an extensive service network, is an excellent European service partner for Transporeon. Together, we will help our customers save time and money in their everyday business.”

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