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Month: March 2022

Caja and Ranpak partner to provide sustainable packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

Caja Robotics, a leader in robotic and flexible goods-to-person solutions for order fulfilment, has partnered with Ranpak, a global leader of environmentally sustainable, paper-based packaging solutions for e-commerce and industrial supply chains, to extend the companies’ joint product offerings to customers in the logistics industry.

Together, the companies will provide a broader solution that will optimise fulfilment processes starting when e-commerce orders are placed and received, to packing and shipping when the order is ready, combining depalletisation, picking and packing capabilities.

“We are excited about our partnership with Ranpak to address mutual opportunities,” said Michael Cahn, VP Business Development at Caja Robotics. “We saw the potential in providing complementary technologies for customers in order fulfilment, and in a sustainable way, so we jumped at the opportunity. Customers interested in goods-to-person robotics and automated packing will now have a complete, eco-friendly solution.”

Ranpak is a global producer of 100% sustainable, paper-based packaging solutions. As part of their mission to provide innovative, environmentally friendly solutions, Ranpak also offers cutting-edge automated equipment designed to speed up the end-of-line packing process while protecting the items being shipped in a cost-effective, economical way.

“At Ranpak, we are always looking for innovative ways to expand the global footprint of our sustainable, automated end of line packaging solutions. We are thrilled to collaborate with Caja Robotics and its cutting-edge robotic fulfilment solution. We already have new and existing customers from different segments of the industry interested in our automated broad solution for warehouse operations,” said Saar Davidi, Automation Innovation Director at Ranpak.

Caja Robotics responds to the daily challenges of warehouses worldwide with a smart warehouse technology that easily adapts to existing infrastructure and is flexible enough to handle peaks in sales. Caja’s fulfilment system consists of the company’s own software, specialised robots, and user-friendly workstations. With Caja’s advanced AI-powered software, the robots move bins between workstations and inventory, constantly optimising goods management while saving over 60% of traditional warehouse labour costs.

The Caja Robotics and Ranpak joint offering is available now in the US and internationally. To learn more, visit Caja Robotics at booth #C3789 at MODEX2022 from March 28-31, 2022.

Caja and Ranpak partner to provide sustainable packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

Caja Robotics, a leader in robotic and flexible goods-to-person solutions for order fulfilment, has partnered with Ranpak, a global leader of environmentally sustainable, paper-based packaging solutions for e-commerce and industrial supply chains, to extend the companies’ joint product offerings to customers in the logistics industry.

Together, the companies will provide a broader solution that will optimise fulfilment processes starting when e-commerce orders are placed and received, to packing and shipping when the order is ready, combining depalletisation, picking and packing capabilities.

“We are excited about our partnership with Ranpak to address mutual opportunities,” said Michael Cahn, VP Business Development at Caja Robotics. “We saw the potential in providing complementary technologies for customers in order fulfilment, and in a sustainable way, so we jumped at the opportunity. Customers interested in goods-to-person robotics and automated packing will now have a complete, eco-friendly solution.”

Ranpak is a global producer of 100% sustainable, paper-based packaging solutions. As part of their mission to provide innovative, environmentally friendly solutions, Ranpak also offers cutting-edge automated equipment designed to speed up the end-of-line packing process while protecting the items being shipped in a cost-effective, economical way.

“At Ranpak, we are always looking for innovative ways to expand the global footprint of our sustainable, automated end of line packaging solutions. We are thrilled to collaborate with Caja Robotics and its cutting-edge robotic fulfilment solution. We already have new and existing customers from different segments of the industry interested in our automated broad solution for warehouse operations,” said Saar Davidi, Automation Innovation Director at Ranpak.

Caja Robotics responds to the daily challenges of warehouses worldwide with a smart warehouse technology that easily adapts to existing infrastructure and is flexible enough to handle peaks in sales. Caja’s fulfilment system consists of the company’s own software, specialised robots, and user-friendly workstations. With Caja’s advanced AI-powered software, the robots move bins between workstations and inventory, constantly optimising goods management while saving over 60% of traditional warehouse labour costs.

The Caja Robotics and Ranpak joint offering is available now in the US and internationally. To learn more, visit Caja Robotics at booth #C3789 at MODEX2022 from March 28-31, 2022.

Reach truck training goes online

Posted on by David Priestman

RTITB’s innovative eTruck UK online eLearning program can now be used to train reach truck operators, as well as counterbalance lift truck operators, in less time.

The eLearning solution is designed for novice theory training. It enables businesses to save up to two days per operator, per course, freeing-up Instructors to deliver more practical training. This helps to get more trained operators quickly and safely into warehouses and address current skills shortages.

“When we launched eTruck UK for novice forklift operator training at IMHX in 2019, there was no way of knowing that the demand for eLearning would quickly grow due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” says Laura Nelson, Managing Director for RTITB, the leading accrediting body for workplace transport training. “However, our goal remained the same. We want to digitalise parts of operator training to save businesses time and money without compromising safety or standards.

“Many organisations have added eLearning into their ongoing operator training already. Now, they can train reach truck operators with eTruck, as well as those using counterbalance lift trucks.”

eTruck is an award-winning digital storytelling platform, developed by MA-System in Sweden. It is only available in the UK and Ireland from RTITB. It enables novice reach truck and lift truck operator theory training to be delivered completely online.

eTruck also introduces several key concepts relating to practical skills and knowledge. For example, pre-use inspections, load types, racking, and more. By focusing on readiness for practical training as well as delivering theoretical knowledge, this eLearning can reduce a novice course for three people by two days.

Novice reach truck or lift truck operator training candidates can use the unique solution to learn at their own pace online, at any time. This enables training to be completed outside of working hours or in designated learning time at work. Instructors’ time is also freed up, making them available to deliver more practical training and get skilled operators into the workplace more quickly.

“Finding time for operator training has always been hard, but it is especially difficult now where supply chain staff are scarce, and budgets are tight. eTruck helps solve this,” explains Nelson. “On top of significant benefits to the business, from standardising training through to lowering costs, eTruck is a real gamechanger for training candidates too.”

With eTruck, candidates learn by following a story that tackles genuine issues relating to safety in a more interesting and engaging way. The system allows candidates to learn at their own pace. More complex themes, such as the effects of an operator’s actions and decisions, can be communicated effectively via the story and virtual tutors. Research has shown that facts delivered via a story are 20 times more likely to be remembered and that this approach to training caters to a wider range of learning styles.

eTruck is available with lifetime licenses both for those delivering in-house training and for training providers. Reach truck and lift truck operator theory courses using eTruck can be booked via RTITB Accredited Training Providers.

CLICK HERE to learn more

Reach truck training goes online

Posted on by David Priestman

RTITB’s innovative eTruck UK online eLearning program can now be used to train reach truck operators, as well as counterbalance lift truck operators, in less time.

The eLearning solution is designed for novice theory training. It enables businesses to save up to two days per operator, per course, freeing-up Instructors to deliver more practical training. This helps to get more trained operators quickly and safely into warehouses and address current skills shortages.

“When we launched eTruck UK for novice forklift operator training at IMHX in 2019, there was no way of knowing that the demand for eLearning would quickly grow due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” says Laura Nelson, Managing Director for RTITB, the leading accrediting body for workplace transport training. “However, our goal remained the same. We want to digitalise parts of operator training to save businesses time and money without compromising safety or standards.

“Many organisations have added eLearning into their ongoing operator training already. Now, they can train reach truck operators with eTruck, as well as those using counterbalance lift trucks.”

eTruck is an award-winning digital storytelling platform, developed by MA-System in Sweden. It is only available in the UK and Ireland from RTITB. It enables novice reach truck and lift truck operator theory training to be delivered completely online.

eTruck also introduces several key concepts relating to practical skills and knowledge. For example, pre-use inspections, load types, racking, and more. By focusing on readiness for practical training as well as delivering theoretical knowledge, this eLearning can reduce a novice course for three people by two days.

Novice reach truck or lift truck operator training candidates can use the unique solution to learn at their own pace online, at any time. This enables training to be completed outside of working hours or in designated learning time at work. Instructors’ time is also freed up, making them available to deliver more practical training and get skilled operators into the workplace more quickly.

“Finding time for operator training has always been hard, but it is especially difficult now where supply chain staff are scarce, and budgets are tight. eTruck helps solve this,” explains Nelson. “On top of significant benefits to the business, from standardising training through to lowering costs, eTruck is a real gamechanger for training candidates too.”

With eTruck, candidates learn by following a story that tackles genuine issues relating to safety in a more interesting and engaging way. The system allows candidates to learn at their own pace. More complex themes, such as the effects of an operator’s actions and decisions, can be communicated effectively via the story and virtual tutors. Research has shown that facts delivered via a story are 20 times more likely to be remembered and that this approach to training caters to a wider range of learning styles.

eTruck is available with lifetime licenses both for those delivering in-house training and for training providers. Reach truck and lift truck operator theory courses using eTruck can be booked via RTITB Accredited Training Providers.

CLICK HERE to learn more

B&Q updates NDC with automated tote shuttle solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistex has completed a £10m project for B&Q at its Distribution Centre in Worksop, UK. The solution brings together a range of technologies including a pallet decant system, Goods To Person (GTP) stations, a tote shuttle system, and robotic palletisers. The system is operated by Wincanton on behalf of B&Q and represents a long-term strategic alliance between the two companies.

Due to significant growth plans, B&Q needed to increase its Worksop site capability to 2,100,000 cases dispatched per week. Working closely with B&Q, the Logistex Solution Design Engineers developed a solution that would meet these expansion needs whilst also improving site efficiency. Simulation and emulation were used to prove performance and minimise risk to the operation.

The decant process efficiency was increased by 86% with the addition of 16 automatically fed pallet decant stations. These ergonomically designed stations are used to decant palletised cases of product to totes, after which they are conveyed to a shuttle system for storage. The Savoye X-PTS shuttle system consists of 54,000 tote storage locations, serviced by 140 shuttles and 10 high speed lifts. The X-PTS has a combined throughput capability of 4,000 totes in and 4,000 totes out per hour.

Four Goods To Person (GTP) stations are serviced via the X-PTS, with each GTP station having its own tote sequence buffer to guarantee maximum throughput whatever the order size. Each GTP station operates at a pick rate of in excess of 800 cases per hour which is a threefold increase on the existing trolley pick system performance.

Order totes picked at the GTP station are returned to the X-PTS to await completion of the order. Once complete, order totes are released to a robot palletiser system capable of palletising in excess of 1,000 totes per hour.

The X-PTS is also used as a replenishment buffer for additional picking areas in the warehouse.

The new decant, X-PTS and palletiser solution is controlled by the Logistex warehouse management and control system, LWS Reflex, to guarantee continuous high performance, high availability, and local support.

This project showcases the successful partnership between Logistex and Savoye which has already resulted in further new project orders.

Jerry Woodhouse, Chairman at Logistex, says; “The new B&Q Tote Handling System has been a great project to be involved in. The principal stakeholders of B&Q, Wincanton, Logistex and Savoye have all worked together with a phenomenal can-do attitude to successfully deliver the project despite the challenges presented by the Covid Pandemic. The Savoye tote shuttle system integrated by Logistex and controlled by our WMS LWS Reflex has enabled B&Q to significantly upscale the operational capabilities of their NDC at Worksop.”

 

B&Q updates NDC with automated tote shuttle solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistex has completed a £10m project for B&Q at its Distribution Centre in Worksop, UK. The solution brings together a range of technologies including a pallet decant system, Goods To Person (GTP) stations, a tote shuttle system, and robotic palletisers. The system is operated by Wincanton on behalf of B&Q and represents a long-term strategic alliance between the two companies.

Due to significant growth plans, B&Q needed to increase its Worksop site capability to 2,100,000 cases dispatched per week. Working closely with B&Q, the Logistex Solution Design Engineers developed a solution that would meet these expansion needs whilst also improving site efficiency. Simulation and emulation were used to prove performance and minimise risk to the operation.

The decant process efficiency was increased by 86% with the addition of 16 automatically fed pallet decant stations. These ergonomically designed stations are used to decant palletised cases of product to totes, after which they are conveyed to a shuttle system for storage. The Savoye X-PTS shuttle system consists of 54,000 tote storage locations, serviced by 140 shuttles and 10 high speed lifts. The X-PTS has a combined throughput capability of 4,000 totes in and 4,000 totes out per hour.

Four Goods To Person (GTP) stations are serviced via the X-PTS, with each GTP station having its own tote sequence buffer to guarantee maximum throughput whatever the order size. Each GTP station operates at a pick rate of in excess of 800 cases per hour which is a threefold increase on the existing trolley pick system performance.

Order totes picked at the GTP station are returned to the X-PTS to await completion of the order. Once complete, order totes are released to a robot palletiser system capable of palletising in excess of 1,000 totes per hour.

The X-PTS is also used as a replenishment buffer for additional picking areas in the warehouse.

The new decant, X-PTS and palletiser solution is controlled by the Logistex warehouse management and control system, LWS Reflex, to guarantee continuous high performance, high availability, and local support.

This project showcases the successful partnership between Logistex and Savoye which has already resulted in further new project orders.

Jerry Woodhouse, Chairman at Logistex, says; “The new B&Q Tote Handling System has been a great project to be involved in. The principal stakeholders of B&Q, Wincanton, Logistex and Savoye have all worked together with a phenomenal can-do attitude to successfully deliver the project despite the challenges presented by the Covid Pandemic. The Savoye tote shuttle system integrated by Logistex and controlled by our WMS LWS Reflex has enabled B&Q to significantly upscale the operational capabilities of their NDC at Worksop.”

 

TSC Printronix appoints DACH sales manager

Posted on by David Priestman

Highly experienced sales expert Julia Moore joined TSC Printronix Auto ID as Sales Manager on 1st March 2022. Her role is twofold, to both support existing partners, distributors and resellers, and to expand the partner network throughout the DACH North region.

Victoria Grobushkina, Sales Director for TSC Printronix Auto ID Europe and Africa, to whom Julia will report, sees her as a real asset. “We are pleased to welcome Julia to our sales team. Being customer-oriented, results-driven and a great team player, she will support our continuous regional growth and help to establish long-standing business relations with our channel partners and provide the first class level of services for which TSC Printronix Auto ID is renowned,” says Victoria.

Moore has a very ‘hands-on‘ approach that focuses on customer needs. “I put customer requirements front and central to my work and am determined to demonstrate to them how both the TSC and Printronix Auto ID brands can meet their needs. I am convinced that through excellent cooperation with our partners, and by actively supporting a wide range of projects, we can increase our market share and inspire more end customers to use our high-performance products,” says Moore.

Post-graduation from the University of Sunderland, Moore acquired her initial sales skills at Medion AG and Aer Rianta Retail in Dublin. In 2012, she switched to the Auto ID industry with a Customer Account position in Dublin for Datalogic followed by a sales role at AISCI Ident GmbH. Since 2017, Moore has been responsible, as Area Sales Manager, for developing and expanding the reseller and partner network at Promethean, one of the world’s leading suppliers of interactive displays and screens for imaging equipment.

Moore will be based in Essen, Germany, and will complement the DACH team, covering the northern part of the region. She will be focused on managing day-to-day relationships with existing resellers and distribution partners for both TSC and Printronix Auto ID brands. Additionally, she’ll be targeting Auto ID resellers to gain a foothold into new customers to increase regional presence and brand awareness.

TSC Printronix appoints DACH sales manager

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Highly experienced sales expert Julia Moore joined TSC Printronix Auto ID as Sales Manager on 1st March 2022. Her role is twofold, to both support existing partners, distributors and resellers, and to expand the partner network throughout the DACH North region.

Victoria Grobushkina, Sales Director for TSC Printronix Auto ID Europe and Africa, to whom Julia will report, sees her as a real asset. “We are pleased to welcome Julia to our sales team. Being customer-oriented, results-driven and a great team player, she will support our continuous regional growth and help to establish long-standing business relations with our channel partners and provide the first class level of services for which TSC Printronix Auto ID is renowned,” says Victoria.

Moore has a very ‘hands-on‘ approach that focuses on customer needs. “I put customer requirements front and central to my work and am determined to demonstrate to them how both the TSC and Printronix Auto ID brands can meet their needs. I am convinced that through excellent cooperation with our partners, and by actively supporting a wide range of projects, we can increase our market share and inspire more end customers to use our high-performance products,” says Moore.

Post-graduation from the University of Sunderland, Moore acquired her initial sales skills at Medion AG and Aer Rianta Retail in Dublin. In 2012, she switched to the Auto ID industry with a Customer Account position in Dublin for Datalogic followed by a sales role at AISCI Ident GmbH. Since 2017, Moore has been responsible, as Area Sales Manager, for developing and expanding the reseller and partner network at Promethean, one of the world’s leading suppliers of interactive displays and screens for imaging equipment.

Moore will be based in Essen, Germany, and will complement the DACH team, covering the northern part of the region. She will be focused on managing day-to-day relationships with existing resellers and distribution partners for both TSC and Printronix Auto ID brands. Additionally, she’ll be targeting Auto ID resellers to gain a foothold into new customers to increase regional presence and brand awareness.

Linde expands ATEX range

Posted on by David Priestman

Material transport in tight spaces is an everyday challenge for many companies – even more so when having to take explosion protection conditions into account. Linde Material Handling (MH) offers suitable transport solutions for all ATEX applications and is now presenting compact high-performance vehicles featuring a high level of operating comfort for use in confined environments.

Representing an alternative to forklifts, these Linde T20-30 EX pallet trucks, available with or without platform, and Linde L06-L16 AC EX counter­balanced pallet stackers can even be integrated into the Linde connect fleet management system with access control and damage monitoring.

Industrial truck drivers from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the biotech and cosmetics industries, the food and beverage industry, and the logistics sector are familiar with the problem: In many production and storage environments with limited expansion options, space is often tight.

“Every centimetre counts when it comes to transporting goods and storage and retrieval operations. Drivers need particularly agile, easy-to-manoeuvre and user-friendly vehicles in these conditions. After all, hazardous materials must be handled safely and reliably at all times,” emphasizes Elke Karnarski, Product Manager Ex-Proof Trucks & Retrofit Solutions. This is where the new narrow, explosion-proof vehicles from Linde MH come into play.

Offering load capacities of 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0t, Linde T20-30 EX pallet trucks impress with their compactness and a chassis that is only 720mm wide. Its dimensions remain within the pallet contour – resulting in good manoeuvrability, which is significantly supported by the servo-assisted steering. The vehicles are designed for retrieval and storage operations as well as short- and medium-haul material transport in ATEX zones 1/21 and 2/22. Corresponding explosion protection measures include ignition protection against electrical and mechanical sparks, continuous temperature monitoring of all relevant components, and precautions to prevent electrostatic charging.

Compact, yet ergonomic

In the Linde T20-25 AP EX version with foldable platform, the pallet trucks function as an ergonomic workplace for transporting goods over medium and long distances. Platform and guard are softly padded. The platform is reliably locked in both positions, allowing the driver to stand firmly and safely on the dissipative foot mat. The foldable guard keeps them within the chassis contours – the best prerequisite for higher productivity.

The platform and tiller are decoupled from the chassis, which reduces vibrations felt by the driver. At the same time, the driver has a good view of the load and surroundings at all times, even in tight, demanding working environments. Above all, the electric steering with the low-mounted tiller ensures operating comfort and safe handling of the vehicle. The multifunction display provides clear information about important vehicle parameters – such as the next maintenance date or the battery charge level.

Linde’s EX Monitoring app monitors all safety-relevant factors, such as temperature, resistance, voltage and wear, and the operator receives specific recommendations as to what actions to take to ensure safe, reliable operation of the explosion-proof vehicle.

The Linde L06-L16 AC EX counterbalanced pallet stacker, available in four versions with load capacities of 0.6, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.6t, also has a narrow and compact design of 890mm. With its cantilever fork carriage for ATEX zone 2/22, the vehicle is ideally suited to transporting special loads, IBCs or closed pallets in tight spaces. Shorter than an electric forklift, the vehicle is an optimal alternative for potentially explosive areas where space is tight.

 

Linde expands ATEX range

Posted on by David Priestman

Material transport in tight spaces is an everyday challenge for many companies – even more so when having to take explosion protection conditions into account. Linde Material Handling (MH) offers suitable transport solutions for all ATEX applications and is now presenting compact high-performance vehicles featuring a high level of operating comfort for use in confined environments.

Representing an alternative to forklifts, these Linde T20-30 EX pallet trucks, available with or without platform, and Linde L06-L16 AC EX counter­balanced pallet stackers can even be integrated into the Linde connect fleet management system with access control and damage monitoring.

Industrial truck drivers from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the biotech and cosmetics industries, the food and beverage industry, and the logistics sector are familiar with the problem: In many production and storage environments with limited expansion options, space is often tight.

“Every centimetre counts when it comes to transporting goods and storage and retrieval operations. Drivers need particularly agile, easy-to-manoeuvre and user-friendly vehicles in these conditions. After all, hazardous materials must be handled safely and reliably at all times,” emphasizes Elke Karnarski, Product Manager Ex-Proof Trucks & Retrofit Solutions. This is where the new narrow, explosion-proof vehicles from Linde MH come into play.

Offering load capacities of 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0t, Linde T20-30 EX pallet trucks impress with their compactness and a chassis that is only 720mm wide. Its dimensions remain within the pallet contour – resulting in good manoeuvrability, which is significantly supported by the servo-assisted steering. The vehicles are designed for retrieval and storage operations as well as short- and medium-haul material transport in ATEX zones 1/21 and 2/22. Corresponding explosion protection measures include ignition protection against electrical and mechanical sparks, continuous temperature monitoring of all relevant components, and precautions to prevent electrostatic charging.

Compact, yet ergonomic

In the Linde T20-25 AP EX version with foldable platform, the pallet trucks function as an ergonomic workplace for transporting goods over medium and long distances. Platform and guard are softly padded. The platform is reliably locked in both positions, allowing the driver to stand firmly and safely on the dissipative foot mat. The foldable guard keeps them within the chassis contours – the best prerequisite for higher productivity.

The platform and tiller are decoupled from the chassis, which reduces vibrations felt by the driver. At the same time, the driver has a good view of the load and surroundings at all times, even in tight, demanding working environments. Above all, the electric steering with the low-mounted tiller ensures operating comfort and safe handling of the vehicle. The multifunction display provides clear information about important vehicle parameters – such as the next maintenance date or the battery charge level.

Linde’s EX Monitoring app monitors all safety-relevant factors, such as temperature, resistance, voltage and wear, and the operator receives specific recommendations as to what actions to take to ensure safe, reliable operation of the explosion-proof vehicle.

The Linde L06-L16 AC EX counterbalanced pallet stacker, available in four versions with load capacities of 0.6, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.6t, also has a narrow and compact design of 890mm. With its cantilever fork carriage for ATEX zone 2/22, the vehicle is ideally suited to transporting special loads, IBCs or closed pallets in tight spaces. Shorter than an electric forklift, the vehicle is an optimal alternative for potentially explosive areas where space is tight.

 

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