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Day: 28 March 2022

Worker/robot collaboration optimised by partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

Lucas Systems, a leading provider of voice and warehouse optimisation software for fulfilment and distribution centres, has formed a partnership with Silicon Valley-based Fetch Robotics to enable the next generation of smart warehouses. Through the partnership, Lucas and Fetch will offer tailored solutions to orchestrate and optimise how warehouse workers interact in harmony with Fetch’s autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

Fulfilment and distribution centres are under tremendous pressure due to growth in e-commerce combined with a shrinking labour market. Lucas executives say its clients need help increasing throughput and maintaining high worker productivity while meeting accuracy and more stringent customer delivery requirements. These market pressures have led to rethinking old models and focusing on new, innovative ways to improve DC performance.

“The future environment of warehouses and distribution centres will be a mix of people, robots, machines, and systems all working together. The precise orchestration of all the pieces will be key to achieving a competitive advantage in performance,” said Ken Ramoutar, Chief Marketing Officer at Lucas Systems.

“The combination of Lucas‘ AI-based warehouse optimisation software and Fetch’s broad portfolio of AMRs enables optimised order, batch, case, and pallet picking in distribution centres and automates virtually any manual material movement in a facility,” said Stefan Nusser, Chief Product Officer at Fetch Robotics. “This enables our joint customers to increase picking efficiency, reduce cycle times, and reduce the impact of labour shortages.”

“That intersection of how people and robots work together is a hugely important and often overlooked part of the warehouse automation equation, but it’s where a lot of the unseen value exists,” says Ramoutar.

The combined solutions from Fetch and Lucas will materially redistribute the division of labour in the warehouse. Robots will manage tasks best suited for machines, and this will free up warehouse workers to focus on higher-valued work. In an AMR-supported picking workflow orchestrated by Lucas, for example, a worker can avoid a lot of unnecessary walking by picking items to a tote on a Fetch AMR, directing the AMR to a conveyor system to unload, and then triggering another robot to move into place for the worker to continue picking.

Worker/robot collaboration optimised by partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

Lucas Systems, a leading provider of voice and warehouse optimisation software for fulfilment and distribution centres, has formed a partnership with Silicon Valley-based Fetch Robotics to enable the next generation of smart warehouses. Through the partnership, Lucas and Fetch will offer tailored solutions to orchestrate and optimise how warehouse workers interact in harmony with Fetch’s autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

Fulfilment and distribution centres are under tremendous pressure due to growth in e-commerce combined with a shrinking labour market. Lucas executives say its clients need help increasing throughput and maintaining high worker productivity while meeting accuracy and more stringent customer delivery requirements. These market pressures have led to rethinking old models and focusing on new, innovative ways to improve DC performance.

“The future environment of warehouses and distribution centres will be a mix of people, robots, machines, and systems all working together. The precise orchestration of all the pieces will be key to achieving a competitive advantage in performance,” said Ken Ramoutar, Chief Marketing Officer at Lucas Systems.

“The combination of Lucas‘ AI-based warehouse optimisation software and Fetch’s broad portfolio of AMRs enables optimised order, batch, case, and pallet picking in distribution centres and automates virtually any manual material movement in a facility,” said Stefan Nusser, Chief Product Officer at Fetch Robotics. “This enables our joint customers to increase picking efficiency, reduce cycle times, and reduce the impact of labour shortages.”

“That intersection of how people and robots work together is a hugely important and often overlooked part of the warehouse automation equation, but it’s where a lot of the unseen value exists,” says Ramoutar.

The combined solutions from Fetch and Lucas will materially redistribute the division of labour in the warehouse. Robots will manage tasks best suited for machines, and this will free up warehouse workers to focus on higher-valued work. In an AMR-supported picking workflow orchestrated by Lucas, for example, a worker can avoid a lot of unnecessary walking by picking items to a tote on a Fetch AMR, directing the AMR to a conveyor system to unload, and then triggering another robot to move into place for the worker to continue picking.

FedEx Express extends reach of e-commerce proposition

Posted on by Keith McKinley

FedEx Express has now made its international, day-definite e-commerce service available to customers in 24 European countries with connections to 47 markets worldwide.

After a successful 10-market launch in 2021 (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands), FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP), is now available in an additional 14 countries: Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Now connecting almost 99% of the world’s GDP, services such as FICP enable e-commerce sellers to grow their business in Europe and abroad. Those businesses will be able to ship their products to online shoppers in Europe in 1-3 days, North America in 3-4 days, Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world in 3-5 days at attractive rates, improving their competitiveness in the market.

Wouter Roels, Senior Vice President Marketing International, FedEx Express Europe, said: “Worldwide e-commerce sales are expected to exceed $5tr in 2022 and grow to over $7tr in 2025, creating many opportunities for European businesses. With the latest extension of FICP to growth markets in eastern and northern Europe, FedEx Express is supporting businesses on their growth journeys by connecting them to more customers in global and intra-European markets.”

”The launch of FedEx International Connect Plus in Ireland is an exciting development for e-commerce businesses who want to reach global online shoppers with speed and efficiency,” said Brian DeCair, Vice President Operations Ireland and UK North, FedEx Express. ‘’Cross-border e-commerce is growing faster than domestic e-commerce and businesses are increasingly seeking more diversified, cost-effective solutions in order to meet consumers’ evolving needs and this new cross-border service, balancing speed with attractive prices, delivers just that.”

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the retail landscape has transformed with growth in both domestic and cross border e-commerce sales. Consumer research in 40 countries worldwide shows that, in 2020, 37% of e-commerce shoppers bought more cross border due to the pandemic. Furthermore, 28% agreed or strongly agreed that, in the future, they will buy more online from retailers based abroad.

Asked about several elements of the delivery process, consumers indicated satisfaction levels for delivery speed were lowest. In addition, 71% of consumers would pick an online retailer that offers flexible delivery options over one that doesn’t.

The service comes with the reliability of FedEx’s international, day-definite delivery, coupled with FedEx’s customs clearance expertise and tracking capabilities. E-commerce sellers can also send out notifications and shoppers have the flexibility to change the day and location of deliveries via FedEx Delivery Manager, providing them with visibility, more control and convenience over their online orders.

FedEx Express extends reach of e-commerce proposition

Posted on by David Priestman

FedEx Express has now made its international, day-definite e-commerce service available to customers in 24 European countries with connections to 47 markets worldwide.

After a successful 10-market launch in 2021 (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands), FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP), is now available in an additional 14 countries: Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Now connecting almost 99% of the world’s GDP, services such as FICP enable e-commerce sellers to grow their business in Europe and abroad. Those businesses will be able to ship their products to online shoppers in Europe in 1-3 days, North America in 3-4 days, Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world in 3-5 days at attractive rates, improving their competitiveness in the market.

Wouter Roels, Senior Vice President Marketing International, FedEx Express Europe, said: “Worldwide e-commerce sales are expected to exceed $5tr in 2022 and grow to over $7tr in 2025, creating many opportunities for European businesses. With the latest extension of FICP to growth markets in eastern and northern Europe, FedEx Express is supporting businesses on their growth journeys by connecting them to more customers in global and intra-European markets.”

”The launch of FedEx International Connect Plus in Ireland is an exciting development for e-commerce businesses who want to reach global online shoppers with speed and efficiency,” said Brian DeCair, Vice President Operations Ireland and UK North, FedEx Express. ‘’Cross-border e-commerce is growing faster than domestic e-commerce and businesses are increasingly seeking more diversified, cost-effective solutions in order to meet consumers’ evolving needs and this new cross-border service, balancing speed with attractive prices, delivers just that.”

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the retail landscape has transformed with growth in both domestic and cross border e-commerce sales. Consumer research in 40 countries worldwide shows that, in 2020, 37% of e-commerce shoppers bought more cross border due to the pandemic. Furthermore, 28% agreed or strongly agreed that, in the future, they will buy more online from retailers based abroad.

Asked about several elements of the delivery process, consumers indicated satisfaction levels for delivery speed were lowest. In addition, 71% of consumers would pick an online retailer that offers flexible delivery options over one that doesn’t.

The service comes with the reliability of FedEx’s international, day-definite delivery, coupled with FedEx’s customs clearance expertise and tracking capabilities. E-commerce sellers can also send out notifications and shoppers have the flexibility to change the day and location of deliveries via FedEx Delivery Manager, providing them with visibility, more control and convenience over their online orders.

Chiltern makes significant savings with Michelin tyres

Posted on by David Priestman

Chiltern Distribution claims to have found the ‘sweet spot’ for truck tyre performance thanks to Michelin’s fuel-saving Energy tyre ranges, which it specified as original equipment across 19 new trucks which have entered service during the last year.

The net result of its move to low rolling resistance tyres has been all new vehicles consistently returning more than 10mpg at 44-tonnes, and some even exceeding 11mpg at maximum weight.

The company optimised every part of the vehicles’ specification prior to placing the orders, split between Volvo and Scania. This included selecting 315/70 R22.5 Michelin X Line Energy Z2 and D2 tyres for the Volvo FH 460 with I-Save tractor units, and Michelin X Multi Energy Z and D fitments for the Scania S 500 tractor units – boosting fuel efficiency and lowering each truck’s VECTO score.

Brian Sagaseta (pictured), Managing Director of Chiltern Distribution, says: “Michelin has always been our go-to product, driven by serviceability, longevity and reliability. More recently, by selecting the latest generations of fuel-saving tyres, we’re also getting great efficiency and miles per gallon.

“It’s critical to match the right tyre with the right truck; because if you don’t, then you’re never going to unlock a vehicle’s maximum fuel potential. As our own data has proven, our tyre choice is saving us money and lowering our CO2 emissions. It’s a win-win situation.”

Michelin X Line Energy Z2 and D2 tyres are both A-rated for fuel efficiency – making them the most fuel-efficient Michelin truck tyres on the market, and perfect for long-distance transport at sustained high average speeds. Key to their ability to reduce fuel bills is the high percentage of silica used in the tread rubber, enabling Michelin to push the limits of rolling resistance without compromising on tyre longevity.

Michelin X Multi Energy tyres are B-rated for fuel efficiency, and have been designed to save fuel and reduce environmental impact in predominantly regional operations. As part of the wider X Multi range, they qualify for Michelin’s free accidental tyre damage guarantee, giving the reassurance that the customer’s investment is protected in the event of accidental damage before each tyre is 50% worn.

Sagaseta adds: “Both Michelin fuel-saving ranges are delivering for us on all counts – and that’s increasingly important given the rising cost of diesel and our focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.”

Comparing the new X Line Energy-shod Volvos with the older models they replaced, which ran on standard regional tyres, Sagaseta has identified a difference in fuel performance of around 1.85mpg. For a single vehicle averaging 140,000km per year, that’s a saving of around 7,000 to 7,200 litres of fuel.

The Peterborough-based business runs a 54-strong fleet of trucks, operating with temperature-controlled trailers within the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Chiltern makes significant savings with Michelin tyres

Posted on by David Priestman

Chiltern Distribution claims to have found the ‘sweet spot’ for truck tyre performance thanks to Michelin’s fuel-saving Energy tyre ranges, which it specified as original equipment across 19 new trucks which have entered service during the last year.

The net result of its move to low rolling resistance tyres has been all new vehicles consistently returning more than 10mpg at 44-tonnes, and some even exceeding 11mpg at maximum weight.

The company optimised every part of the vehicles’ specification prior to placing the orders, split between Volvo and Scania. This included selecting 315/70 R22.5 Michelin X Line Energy Z2 and D2 tyres for the Volvo FH 460 with I-Save tractor units, and Michelin X Multi Energy Z and D fitments for the Scania S 500 tractor units – boosting fuel efficiency and lowering each truck’s VECTO score.

Brian Sagaseta (pictured), Managing Director of Chiltern Distribution, says: “Michelin has always been our go-to product, driven by serviceability, longevity and reliability. More recently, by selecting the latest generations of fuel-saving tyres, we’re also getting great efficiency and miles per gallon.

“It’s critical to match the right tyre with the right truck; because if you don’t, then you’re never going to unlock a vehicle’s maximum fuel potential. As our own data has proven, our tyre choice is saving us money and lowering our CO2 emissions. It’s a win-win situation.”

Michelin X Line Energy Z2 and D2 tyres are both A-rated for fuel efficiency – making them the most fuel-efficient Michelin truck tyres on the market, and perfect for long-distance transport at sustained high average speeds. Key to their ability to reduce fuel bills is the high percentage of silica used in the tread rubber, enabling Michelin to push the limits of rolling resistance without compromising on tyre longevity.

Michelin X Multi Energy tyres are B-rated for fuel efficiency, and have been designed to save fuel and reduce environmental impact in predominantly regional operations. As part of the wider X Multi range, they qualify for Michelin’s free accidental tyre damage guarantee, giving the reassurance that the customer’s investment is protected in the event of accidental damage before each tyre is 50% worn.

Sagaseta adds: “Both Michelin fuel-saving ranges are delivering for us on all counts – and that’s increasingly important given the rising cost of diesel and our focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.”

Comparing the new X Line Energy-shod Volvos with the older models they replaced, which ran on standard regional tyres, Sagaseta has identified a difference in fuel performance of around 1.85mpg. For a single vehicle averaging 140,000km per year, that’s a saving of around 7,000 to 7,200 litres of fuel.

The Peterborough-based business runs a 54-strong fleet of trucks, operating with temperature-controlled trailers within the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Expansion food for thought from WMS improvements

Posted on by David Priestman

Specialist temperature controlled 3PL provider, Moran Logistics, has seen its production output ramp up eight-fold since switching to the technologically advanced, cloud-based SnapFulfil WMS.

Moran’s 100,000 sq ft Castle Donington HQ in Derbyshire, UK is central to its nine-site multi-drop and trunking network and required a WMS solution that could maximise operational proficiency and traceability in what is a health & safety and security-driven sector.

This is where SnapFulfil stepped up to the plate and was considered the best option due to its 3PL expertise and renowned agility and functionality.

With one of Moran’s key customers being a leading short shelf life product manufacturer, supplying the majority share of branded and own label FMCG goods to the major supermarket chains, the solution also needed to be flexible and configurable and able to factor in the likes of retailer-specific EDI, as well as picking in rotation, re-pack solutions and reverse logistics.

A large replica database is also facilitating much greater efficiency in terms of picking performance and reporting, while historic productivity data has proved vital in managing ongoing labour and resource shortages.

What’s more, the rapid implementation process of just three weeks was aided by specific modifications around labels and printers, workflows and processes, while a bespoke JavaScript converts data with minimal import work for the client. Immediately stock from previous warehouses utilised by the key customer moved seamlessly into Moran Logistics, via RF guns, to begin tracking the likes of expiry dates, shelf life, putaways and targeted ordering.

Moran Logistics MD, Mark Burrell, says: “The SnapFulfil team did a fantastic and proactive job, especially because of the rush we put on this and the short notice on go live.  We relied heavily on their knowledge and experience to make it all come together.

“SnapFulfil WMS is highly configurable and able to handle and automate the many parameters and anomalies of our fast-moving environment, such as varied SKU and product dating, no split pallets and dynamic pick slots to replace out-of-date items with fresh product, which removes risk.

“The system is constantly evolving, so we’re learning more about SnapFulfil’s functionality every day, and that in turn makes us more efficient and able to bring extra benefits to the best quality and market leading service we offer.”

SnapFulfil’s capacity to scale with Moran Logistics and be extremely flexible to meet all of the ongoing and future demands of the business, lends itself to a quick succession of multiple site facility rollouts. The 60,000 sq ft Leeds DC is primed to go live, with Heywood in Manchester (70,000 sq ft) to follow – and up to three new locations in the next few years, all powered by SnapFulfil WMS.

Moran Logistics will also be taking advantage of the multiple billing functionality for 3PLs and bespoke enhanced portal visibility, plus further integration of WMS and TMS software, so that haulier activity and loading is also automated via SnapFulfil.

Expansion food for thought from WMS improvements

Posted on by David Priestman

Specialist temperature controlled 3PL provider, Moran Logistics, has seen its production output ramp up eight-fold since switching to the technologically advanced, cloud-based SnapFulfil WMS.

Moran’s 100,000 sq ft Castle Donington HQ in Derbyshire, UK is central to its nine-site multi-drop and trunking network and required a WMS solution that could maximise operational proficiency and traceability in what is a health & safety and security-driven sector.

This is where SnapFulfil stepped up to the plate and was considered the best option due to its 3PL expertise and renowned agility and functionality.

With one of Moran’s key customers being a leading short shelf life product manufacturer, supplying the majority share of branded and own label FMCG goods to the major supermarket chains, the solution also needed to be flexible and configurable and able to factor in the likes of retailer-specific EDI, as well as picking in rotation, re-pack solutions and reverse logistics.

A large replica database is also facilitating much greater efficiency in terms of picking performance and reporting, while historic productivity data has proved vital in managing ongoing labour and resource shortages.

What’s more, the rapid implementation process of just three weeks was aided by specific modifications around labels and printers, workflows and processes, while a bespoke JavaScript converts data with minimal import work for the client. Immediately stock from previous warehouses utilised by the key customer moved seamlessly into Moran Logistics, via RF guns, to begin tracking the likes of expiry dates, shelf life, putaways and targeted ordering.

Moran Logistics MD, Mark Burrell, says: “The SnapFulfil team did a fantastic and proactive job, especially because of the rush we put on this and the short notice on go live.  We relied heavily on their knowledge and experience to make it all come together.

“SnapFulfil WMS is highly configurable and able to handle and automate the many parameters and anomalies of our fast-moving environment, such as varied SKU and product dating, no split pallets and dynamic pick slots to replace out-of-date items with fresh product, which removes risk.

“The system is constantly evolving, so we’re learning more about SnapFulfil’s functionality every day, and that in turn makes us more efficient and able to bring extra benefits to the best quality and market leading service we offer.”

SnapFulfil’s capacity to scale with Moran Logistics and be extremely flexible to meet all of the ongoing and future demands of the business, lends itself to a quick succession of multiple site facility rollouts. The 60,000 sq ft Leeds DC is primed to go live, with Heywood in Manchester (70,000 sq ft) to follow – and up to three new locations in the next few years, all powered by SnapFulfil WMS.

Moran Logistics will also be taking advantage of the multiple billing functionality for 3PLs and bespoke enhanced portal visibility, plus further integration of WMS and TMS software, so that haulier activity and loading is also automated via SnapFulfil.

End-to-end services deliver resilience in beleaguered market

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With supply chain disruption remaining a consistent problem for shippers around the world, GEODIS has introduced a fully integrated and customised logistics service designed to withstand the unpredictability of today’s global trade environment. Flexibility is key to achieving consistent reliability and GEODIS is pulling its various resources and experience together in its end-to-end services offering.

At its core, GEODIS End-to-End Services has simplicity – to move customers goods from origin to destination with control and complete visibility. Through real-time data intelligence comes the ability to monitor milestones, anticipate delays and manage exceptions at an early stage, maintaining proactive control throughout the shipment’s journey along the supply chain.

“Throughout the recent months when disruption resulting from pandemic lockdowns, variable spikes in demand, transport capacity shortages, congestion at ports and other hubs and geopolitical upheaval, GEODIS developed alternatives to ensure that the delivery of customers’ goods was maintained,” says Eric Martin-Neuville, Executive Vice President, Freight Forwarding. “This flexibility and innovative philosophy are now engrained in the service offered by GEODIS End-to-End Services. Devising contingencies, solving potential blockages caused by disruption and optimising our customer’s business logistically, are at the heart of GEODIS End-to-End Services.”

The service combines the existing functionality of Origin Services, Carrier Contract Management, Destination Services, Visibility, Customs Clearance Services, and the critical over-sight of the Control Tower. What is new is the co-ordination of these functions via a digital ecosystem connecting customers’ logistics data with real-time information on the status of shipments. This enables the mining of insights to reinforce and support flexible decision-making at critical junctures and guide their implementation by each GEODIS operational function. A team of dedicated experts analyses the data and provides recommendations to optimise the supply chain whatever the external disruptive circumstances.

Joseph Fordney is Senior Vice President of Global Business Development of GEODIS’ Freight Forwarding activity: “We serve as a strategic partner to our customers to turn their supply chains from a cost centre into a strategic asset,” he says. “GEODIS End-to-End Services will achieve this by creating resilience while striving to continuously optimise, helping our customers proactively overcome the challenges they are increasingly facing, and to grow their businesses.”

 

End-to-end services deliver resilience in beleaguered market

Posted on by David Priestman

With supply chain disruption remaining a consistent problem for shippers around the world, GEODIS has introduced a fully integrated and customised logistics service designed to withstand the unpredictability of today’s global trade environment. Flexibility is key to achieving consistent reliability and GEODIS is pulling its various resources and experience together in its end-to-end services offering.

At its core, GEODIS End-to-End Services has simplicity – to move customers goods from origin to destination with control and complete visibility. Through real-time data intelligence comes the ability to monitor milestones, anticipate delays and manage exceptions at an early stage, maintaining proactive control throughout the shipment’s journey along the supply chain.

“Throughout the recent months when disruption resulting from pandemic lockdowns, variable spikes in demand, transport capacity shortages, congestion at ports and other hubs and geopolitical upheaval, GEODIS developed alternatives to ensure that the delivery of customers’ goods was maintained,” says Eric Martin-Neuville, Executive Vice President, Freight Forwarding. “This flexibility and innovative philosophy are now engrained in the service offered by GEODIS End-to-End Services. Devising contingencies, solving potential blockages caused by disruption and optimising our customer’s business logistically, are at the heart of GEODIS End-to-End Services.”

The service combines the existing functionality of Origin Services, Carrier Contract Management, Destination Services, Visibility, Customs Clearance Services, and the critical over-sight of the Control Tower. What is new is the co-ordination of these functions via a digital ecosystem connecting customers’ logistics data with real-time information on the status of shipments. This enables the mining of insights to reinforce and support flexible decision-making at critical junctures and guide their implementation by each GEODIS operational function. A team of dedicated experts analyses the data and provides recommendations to optimise the supply chain whatever the external disruptive circumstances.

Joseph Fordney is Senior Vice President of Global Business Development of GEODIS’ Freight Forwarding activity: “We serve as a strategic partner to our customers to turn their supply chains from a cost centre into a strategic asset,” he says. “GEODIS End-to-End Services will achieve this by creating resilience while striving to continuously optimise, helping our customers proactively overcome the challenges they are increasingly facing, and to grow their businesses.”

 

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