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Day: 5 April 2022

TGW speeds up Belgian grocery retailer UpFresh

Posted on by David Priestman

TGW is building a high-performance fulfilment centre for UpFresh in the harbour city of Ostend, with completion scheduled for November 2023. Automation will allow maximum flexibility and help the Belgian grocery specialist meet its ambitious growth targets.

UpFresh is one of Belgium’s leading grocery retailers, supplying over 2,700 shops with meat, cheese, salads and convenience products. Speed is central to the B2B specialist’s business model. Customers can place orders seven days a week; those who place their orders before 6 pm can expect to receive their fresh goods the very next day.

TGW software manages all processes

The core element of the system will be a three-aisle shuttle warehouse that will maintain a temperature of two to four degrees Celsius. This will serve not only for goods storage but also as a buffer for empty totes and order totes. Orders will be picked at three high-performance PickCenter One workstations.

Robots will handle the fully automated process of putting pallets together as well as depalletising empty totes. The individual areas of the fulfilment centre will be connected by more than 1.5km of  energy-efficient KingDrive conveyors. All processes will be planned, controlled and monitored by the TGW Warehouse Software, which will act as Warehouse Control System (WCS) and Material Flow Controller (MFC).

High-performance intralogistics

The new distribution centre will help UpFresh meet its growth targets and will constitute the foundation for quick, reliable service. The solution will allow maximum flexibility, thereby helping to sustainably reduce operating costs.

“We have been working closely with the customer to develop a solution tailored to UpFresh’s needs,” says Hans De Sutter, Managing Director at TGW Benelux. “The installation’s layout is designed to be fit for the future: it can be quickly expanded to double the performance, if needed.”

 

TGW speeds up Belgian grocery retailer UpFresh

Posted on by David Priestman

TGW is building a high-performance fulfilment centre for UpFresh in the harbour city of Ostend, with completion scheduled for November 2023. Automation will allow maximum flexibility and help the Belgian grocery specialist meet its ambitious growth targets.

UpFresh is one of Belgium’s leading grocery retailers, supplying over 2,700 shops with meat, cheese, salads and convenience products. Speed is central to the B2B specialist’s business model. Customers can place orders seven days a week; those who place their orders before 6 pm can expect to receive their fresh goods the very next day.

TGW software manages all processes

The core element of the system will be a three-aisle shuttle warehouse that will maintain a temperature of two to four degrees Celsius. This will serve not only for goods storage but also as a buffer for empty totes and order totes. Orders will be picked at three high-performance PickCenter One workstations.

Robots will handle the fully automated process of putting pallets together as well as depalletising empty totes. The individual areas of the fulfilment centre will be connected by more than 1.5km of  energy-efficient KingDrive conveyors. All processes will be planned, controlled and monitored by the TGW Warehouse Software, which will act as Warehouse Control System (WCS) and Material Flow Controller (MFC).

High-performance intralogistics

The new distribution centre will help UpFresh meet its growth targets and will constitute the foundation for quick, reliable service. The solution will allow maximum flexibility, thereby helping to sustainably reduce operating costs.

“We have been working closely with the customer to develop a solution tailored to UpFresh’s needs,” says Hans De Sutter, Managing Director at TGW Benelux. “The installation’s layout is designed to be fit for the future: it can be quickly expanded to double the performance, if needed.”

 

DHL pledges €7bn to reduce emissions

Posted on by David Priestman

Deutsche Post DHL Group (DPDHL), a leading global brand in the logistics industry, has joined ABB’s Energy Efficiency Movement to reinforce its commitment in reducing its carbon footprint. This is an important step in DPDHL’s initiative to lead the logistics industry towards a greener and more sustainable future, with a commitment to invest €7bn by 2030 to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Launched in March 2021 by ABB, the #energyefficiencymovement is a multi-stakeholder initiative to raise awareness and initiate action to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions to combat climate change. Companies are invited to join the movement and make a public pledge as a way of inspiring others to take action.

The two companies have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support each other in the execution of their own sustainability strategies. DPDHL and ABB will cooperate on projects to reduce ABB’s carbon footprint in its logistics facilities as well as the transportation of goods. The two companies will also work together to help make DPDHL logistics and office facilities more energy efficient, with a primary focus on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems where high efficiency electric motors and variable speed drives can achieve major reductions in energy use.

“A commitment to sustainability is an integral part of our strategy and a key element of DPDHL’s mission. Joining the Energy Efficiency Movement further fosters a dialogue with like-minded companies with the shared goal of making the world greener, and we are more than happy to be a part of this platform,” said Tim Scharwath, CEO of Global Forwarding, Freight. “Additionally, our partnership with ABB will further push the shared green agenda by engaging together in innovative solutions to reach net zero emissions.”

“We welcome DPDHL to the movement and appreciate their public commitment,” said Tarak Mehta, President of ABB Motion. “We also look forward to partnering with them on projects that will help us both adopt technologies that are critical to achieving a low carbon future.”

As part of its sustainability strategy 2030, ABB has set itself the ambitious target of helping customers to reduce their annual CO2 emissions by more than 100 megatons by 2030. This is equivalent to the annual emissions of 30 million combustion-engine cars.  In its own operations, ABB will lead by example by achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

 

 

DHL pledges €7bn to reduce emissions

Posted on by David Priestman

Deutsche Post DHL Group (DPDHL), a leading global brand in the logistics industry, has joined ABB’s Energy Efficiency Movement to reinforce its commitment in reducing its carbon footprint. This is an important step in DPDHL’s initiative to lead the logistics industry towards a greener and more sustainable future, with a commitment to invest €7bn by 2030 to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Launched in March 2021 by ABB, the #energyefficiencymovement is a multi-stakeholder initiative to raise awareness and initiate action to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions to combat climate change. Companies are invited to join the movement and make a public pledge as a way of inspiring others to take action.

The two companies have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support each other in the execution of their own sustainability strategies. DPDHL and ABB will cooperate on projects to reduce ABB’s carbon footprint in its logistics facilities as well as the transportation of goods. The two companies will also work together to help make DPDHL logistics and office facilities more energy efficient, with a primary focus on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems where high efficiency electric motors and variable speed drives can achieve major reductions in energy use.

“A commitment to sustainability is an integral part of our strategy and a key element of DPDHL’s mission. Joining the Energy Efficiency Movement further fosters a dialogue with like-minded companies with the shared goal of making the world greener, and we are more than happy to be a part of this platform,” said Tim Scharwath, CEO of Global Forwarding, Freight. “Additionally, our partnership with ABB will further push the shared green agenda by engaging together in innovative solutions to reach net zero emissions.”

“We welcome DPDHL to the movement and appreciate their public commitment,” said Tarak Mehta, President of ABB Motion. “We also look forward to partnering with them on projects that will help us both adopt technologies that are critical to achieving a low carbon future.”

As part of its sustainability strategy 2030, ABB has set itself the ambitious target of helping customers to reduce their annual CO2 emissions by more than 100 megatons by 2030. This is equivalent to the annual emissions of 30 million combustion-engine cars.  In its own operations, ABB will lead by example by achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

 

 

BlueBox Systems partners with IoT developer Hanhaa

Posted on by David Priestman

BlueBox Systems, provider of the unique Air Freight Tracking SaaS solution BlueBoxAir, together with Hanhaa Supply Chain Solutions, provider of Internet-of-Things tracking and asset management devices and solutions from the UK, have launched the partner product Air FreightLive. This product, based on BlueBox Systems BlueBoxAir, logically expands Hanhaa’s product portfolio of specific supply chain software and innovative trackers.

With Hanhaa Supply Chain Solutions, BlueBox Systems was able to gain one of the most exciting IoT providers and developers on the logistics market as a partner. The UK-based company combines its own hardware solutions and service platforms with its own mobile network to create powerful IoT solutions for the international logistics market. This portfolio is now being expanded to include a real-time tracking platform for air freight.

Hanhaas says Air FreightLive offers unique benefits: End-to-end tracking means you always know where your freight is worldwide, whether at the airport or in the air. No EDI interface or extra hardware is required for this. All you have to do is call up the online dashboard and you will directly receive a detailed insight into your current shipments. In the future, the data of the ParcelLive trackers, for example, can also be integrated to ensure maximum transparency and data fidelity of the supply chain.

“Besides Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Hanhaa is the next company for us, to whom we gladly and out of conviction provide our technology as a white label solution. We are sure that we will grow together and exploit potentials,” said Martin Schulze, CEO of BlueBox Systems.

“Air FreightLive is successively expanding our product portfolio. In BlueBox Systems, we have found a partner with whom we have been able to specifically build this great partner solution, which is in no way less than the usual quality of our products,” added Azhar Hussain, CEO of Hanhaa.

BlueBox Systems partners with IoT developer Hanhaa

Posted on by David Priestman

BlueBox Systems, provider of the unique Air Freight Tracking SaaS solution BlueBoxAir, together with Hanhaa Supply Chain Solutions, provider of Internet-of-Things tracking and asset management devices and solutions from the UK, have launched the partner product Air FreightLive. This product, based on BlueBox Systems BlueBoxAir, logically expands Hanhaa’s product portfolio of specific supply chain software and innovative trackers.

With Hanhaa Supply Chain Solutions, BlueBox Systems was able to gain one of the most exciting IoT providers and developers on the logistics market as a partner. The UK-based company combines its own hardware solutions and service platforms with its own mobile network to create powerful IoT solutions for the international logistics market. This portfolio is now being expanded to include a real-time tracking platform for air freight.

Hanhaas says Air FreightLive offers unique benefits: End-to-end tracking means you always know where your freight is worldwide, whether at the airport or in the air. No EDI interface or extra hardware is required for this. All you have to do is call up the online dashboard and you will directly receive a detailed insight into your current shipments. In the future, the data of the ParcelLive trackers, for example, can also be integrated to ensure maximum transparency and data fidelity of the supply chain.

“Besides Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Hanhaa is the next company for us, to whom we gladly and out of conviction provide our technology as a white label solution. We are sure that we will grow together and exploit potentials,” said Martin Schulze, CEO of BlueBox Systems.

“Air FreightLive is successively expanding our product portfolio. In BlueBox Systems, we have found a partner with whom we have been able to specifically build this great partner solution, which is in no way less than the usual quality of our products,” added Azhar Hussain, CEO of Hanhaa.

“Unprecedented visibility” with Nexxiot cargo monitor

Posted on by David Priestman

Nexxiot, a pioneer in logistics digitisation and a leading provider of TradeTech solutions, has launched its new Nexxiot Cargo Monitor, a revolutionary sensor device which, it says, delivers unbeatable connectivity and data performance in a compact, easy-to-use design. The Nexxiot Cargo Monitor promises to revolutionise global cargo shipping by delivering unprecedented real-time visibility of the location, status, and condition of shipments anywhere in the world.

“There are approximately 40 million standard intermodal shipping containers in use around the world today, most of which are not tracked in any way,” said Matilda Bouchet, Managing Director, Head of Cargo at Nexxiot. “Until now, shippers and cargo stakeholders have had little to no visibility to their goods in transit. Nexxiot’s new Cargo Monitor device seeks to completely shift the paradigm by providing end-to-end visibility and critical data in a rugged, cost-effective, and easy-to-deploy package.”

The Nexxiot Cargo Monitor can be used to monitor the transportation of high-value and sensitive products, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, textiles, conditions-sensitive industrial products, electronics and more. The device is simply attached to the cargo within the shipping container. Nexxiot’s proprietary, purpose-built software provides a seamless user experience to identify cargo-damaging shocks, excessive humidity, condensation, temperature, cargo provenance, and security issues. The sensor can also connect to Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) which provides connectivity on ocean vessels at sea via cellular and IoT networks.

Users of the Nexxiot Cargo Monitor will have access to data-driven insights via intelligent cloud. Nexxiot’s leading TradeTech hardware is combined with powerful algorithms and innovative data science to deliver superior supply chain intelligence. The Nexxiot Cargo Monitor provides functionality across a wide range of cargo types and specific stakeholder needs that no other trade monitoring solution can achieve.

Other benefits of the Nexxiot Cargo Monitor include:

  • Complete visibility taken from prime data, direct from the cargo itself. Cargo owners receive information on location, conditions, handling events and get safety related assurances.
  • Shippers can prove the location, status, cargo quality and can demonstrate process accountability and transparency on delivery times to the receiver.
  • Carriers can improve safety performance and reduce issues resulting from mis-declaration of cargo.
  • Data is used to accelerate essential processes including freight declarations, customs checks and stowage planning to reduce journey times.

“The global supply chain has come under intense scrutiny over the past few years,” continued Bouchet. “Resource insecurity, geopolitics, blockages, and interruptions all serve to highlight humanity’s dependence on transported cargo to maintain a high quality of life. Manufacturers, retailers, and consumers increasingly expect to receive information on cargo location and quality. The new Nexxiot Cargo Monitor represents a quantum leap forward in supply chain visibility and intelligence.”

The Nexxiot Cargo Monitor incorporates several advancements in technology including a uniquely powerful transceiver with innovative antenna design and ultra-low power consumption. This sends essential data so cargo stakeholders can access critical information on the exact status of their cargo anywhere in the world, empowering cargo owners and shippers with unprecedented visibility of their goods.

The hardware device also includes on-board power management and recharging, diverse sensing capabilities, powerful connectivity, over-the-air firmware updates and a robust industrial design. These technical features put this new sensor in a class of its own. Active for 90 days, the data transmission is guaranteed for the entire length of the journey, even in longer international supply chains, no matter which route the cargo takes.

The new sensor joins Nexxiot’s most powerful TradeTech hardware line-up ever and is available to order now.

Redkik forms strategic partnership with insurance broker

Posted on by David Priestman

Redkik, a global software company with the mission to simplify and improve the cargo insurance industry with technology, has formed a strategic partnership with Howden Insurance Brokers AB, a leading provider of insurance brokerage and risk consulting. The partnership aims to transform insurance provision for the logistics and transportation industry with a quick, straightforward and compliant digital solution.

By partnering together, the companies are offering on-demand, per-shipment insurance, underwritten by Chubb, for instant premium quotations at the time of freight being booked. This expedient process is coupled with competitive pricing and clear policy wordings for customers’ specific needs.

“Redkik has been truly impressed with working with Howden and Chubb, as they have been nothing but dynamic in supporting this partnership and imminent launch across Europe,” said Chris Kalinski, CEO and Founder of Redkik. “Redkik’s technology, Chubb’s well established insurance capabilities and Howden as the insurance intermediary has led to a transformative partnership that will change the way we think of cargo insurance.”

Paul Woodgate, Regional Executive Officer, Northern Europe at Chubb, added: “Chubb has been in the marine insurance business for more than 230 years and we are very proud to partner with Howden to introduce to the European market this solution which truly modernises the provision of cargo insurance.”

The new SaaS solution for cargo insurance is now available for transport intermediaries to distribute in Sweden, with the intention of becoming available across Europe shortly after this initial pilot. This follows a successful launch in the US in 2021 and increasing availability extending to Asia and Latin America during 2022.

 

Redkik forms strategic partnership with insurance broker

Posted on by David Priestman

Redkik, a global software company with the mission to simplify and improve the cargo insurance industry with technology, has formed a strategic partnership with Howden Insurance Brokers AB, a leading provider of insurance brokerage and risk consulting. The partnership aims to transform insurance provision for the logistics and transportation industry with a quick, straightforward and compliant digital solution.

By partnering together, the companies are offering on-demand, per-shipment insurance, underwritten by Chubb, for instant premium quotations at the time of freight being booked. This expedient process is coupled with competitive pricing and clear policy wordings for customers’ specific needs.

“Redkik has been truly impressed with working with Howden and Chubb, as they have been nothing but dynamic in supporting this partnership and imminent launch across Europe,” said Chris Kalinski, CEO and Founder of Redkik. “Redkik’s technology, Chubb’s well established insurance capabilities and Howden as the insurance intermediary has led to a transformative partnership that will change the way we think of cargo insurance.”

Paul Woodgate, Regional Executive Officer, Northern Europe at Chubb, added: “Chubb has been in the marine insurance business for more than 230 years and we are very proud to partner with Howden to introduce to the European market this solution which truly modernises the provision of cargo insurance.”

The new SaaS solution for cargo insurance is now available for transport intermediaries to distribute in Sweden, with the intention of becoming available across Europe shortly after this initial pilot. This follows a successful launch in the US in 2021 and increasing availability extending to Asia and Latin America during 2022.

 

Ellen Wille awards AutoStore project to Element Logic

Posted on by David Priestman

For its new logistics centre in Bad Homburg, Ellen Wille, a European market leader for second hair products, has commissioned the system integrator Element Logic to design and implement an AutoStore system with 62,500 bin locations as a central automated storage and picking system for small parts storage.

Ellen Wille, The Hair Company is the European market leader for second hair products. The company regards logistics as a key function for further development and adaptation to the growing complex demands and planned sales increases. With this in mind, the established trading company based in Schwalbach am Taunus near Frankfurt/Main is building a new logistics centre at its branch in Bad Homburg.

An AutoStore system will be installed there, serving as the central automated storage and order picking system. The contract for the design and implementation of the project has been awarded by Ellen Wille to the system integrator Element Logic, the world’s first official AutoStore partner.

“After an intensive comparison of technologies, we decided in favour of small parts storage in an AutoStore system because this scalable system offers us enormous storage capacity on a small storage area and maximum flexibility,” explains Ralf Billharz, CEO of Ellen Wille. “The decision to go with Element Logic was based on its experience and the company’s extensive references as a proven AutoStore partner.”

For the logistics centre in Bad Homburg, Element Logic has developed a system that is precisely tailored to the requirements of the retailer. The system’s aluminium grid will provide 62,500 bin locations. The 220mm-high bins allow a load of up to 30kg with internal dimensions of 603 x 403mm. On the surface of the grid, 40 R5 robots, so-called Robots, take over the storage, transfer, and retrieval processes. Fourteen workstations, so-called ports, are integrated to load the system and pick orders, 10 of which are carousel ports for higher storage throughputs plus four conveyor ports for lower throughputs.

“Overall, the AutoStore system with the integrated workstations offers a 60-70% improvement in space utilisation compared to conventional miniload solutions,” summarises Joachim Kieninger, Director of Strategic Business Development Element Logic Germany. “At the same time, the options for further future expansion in terms of performance and storage capacity offer maximum flexibility and ensure the future viability of the facility. This puts Ellen Wille in an excellent position for further growth in demand and volume.”

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