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Day: 26 April 2022

VR system simulates vertical storage space

Posted on by David Priestman

Vertical storage lift company Randex is launching a virtual reality (VR) system that simulates vertical storage space and performance. The ‘Randex VR’ system, for which the company is claiming an industry first, uses VR and BIM (building information modelling) technology to graphically test and demonstrate in-building vertical storage lift location and the picking throughput that the Randex Compact vertical lift supports.

Randex VR generates digital models that show best machine fit and the optimum picking speeds that can be achieved in a ‘what if?’ scenario. The technology is already being piloted by a Scottish manufacturer.

Commenting on the launch, Randex director James Roberts, says: “Randex VR is the first system of its kind in this market. Its advanced space and performance planning capabilities will save industry time and money as well as giving automated vertical storage users a competitive edge.”

Compact vertical storage lifts save up to 90% of floor space compared to standard shelving and pallet racking, says Randex. They can manage loads of up to 1.5 tonnes per storage tray and allow warehouse operatives to complete up to four times more picks than in a conventional warehouse environment, with goods automatically presented to the picker.

Compact vertical storage lifts can now be integrated with over 20 leading enterprise systems including IBM Maximo, SAP, JDA, Red Prairie and Blue Yonder.

Randex Ltd is the sole UK distributor for Compact Vertical Storage Lifts manufactured in Sweden by Weland Solutions, a member of the privately-owned global group Weland AB. Randex customers include Bombardier, DHL, Fujifilm, Howdens, Hutchison Ports, Jaguar Land Rover, Ministry of Defence, P&G, Pfizer, Rolls Royce and Specsavers.

VR system simulates vertical storage space

Posted on by David Priestman

Vertical storage lift company Randex is launching a virtual reality (VR) system that simulates vertical storage space and performance. The ‘Randex VR’ system, for which the company is claiming an industry first, uses VR and BIM (building information modelling) technology to graphically test and demonstrate in-building vertical storage lift location and the picking throughput that the Randex Compact vertical lift supports.

Randex VR generates digital models that show best machine fit and the optimum picking speeds that can be achieved in a ‘what if?’ scenario. The technology is already being piloted by a Scottish manufacturer.

Commenting on the launch, Randex director James Roberts, says: “Randex VR is the first system of its kind in this market. Its advanced space and performance planning capabilities will save industry time and money as well as giving automated vertical storage users a competitive edge.”

Compact vertical storage lifts save up to 90% of floor space compared to standard shelving and pallet racking, says Randex. They can manage loads of up to 1.5 tonnes per storage tray and allow warehouse operatives to complete up to four times more picks than in a conventional warehouse environment, with goods automatically presented to the picker.

Compact vertical storage lifts can now be integrated with over 20 leading enterprise systems including IBM Maximo, SAP, JDA, Red Prairie and Blue Yonder.

Randex Ltd is the sole UK distributor for Compact Vertical Storage Lifts manufactured in Sweden by Weland Solutions, a member of the privately-owned global group Weland AB. Randex customers include Bombardier, DHL, Fujifilm, Howdens, Hutchison Ports, Jaguar Land Rover, Ministry of Defence, P&G, Pfizer, Rolls Royce and Specsavers.

Cimcorp automation helps modernise intralogistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Intralogistics system integrator Cimcorp will be exhibiting at LogiMAT, which takes place from 31st May to 2nd June in Stuttgart. The global company will demonstrate its holistic solutions to ramp up the intralogistics of major players in the food retail industry.

Cimcorp says it meets customers’ supply chain challenges by integrating its advanced robotic technologies and software with leading-edge material handling systems.

Netto Marken-Discount automated logistics centre

German food retailer Netto Marken-Discount, boasting the largest range of groceries in the discount segment, is automating its logistics for fresh produce with Cimcorp, making Netto the very first German retailer to use this system.

“Getting fresh fruit and vegetables from producers to the retail floor is an absolute race against the clock,” says Christina Stylianou, Head of Corporate Communications at Netto Marken-Discount. “In many cases, only a few hours pass between receipt at our logistics centres and delivery to our stores. In Cimcorp, we have found a service provider to supply us with a solution for fully automated order picking of ergonomically packed fruit and vegetable pallets, a solution that meets the requirements of our stores – fast, reliably and cost-effectively.”

If the system is successfully commissioned, the retailer plans to implement additional automated logistics systems at its other storage locations. Cimcorp has already successfully deployed automated facilities in the fruit and vegetable sector in other European countries.

Freshness is paramount

Cimcorp solutions are designed to speed up warehouse operations, which is vital for perishable food items in order to maximise their freshness.

“Freshness is synonymous with quality in grocery retail,” explains Kai Tuomisaari, Cimcorp’s VP, Sales. “With limited sales windows for fresh food, faster order processing means that freshness is maximised at the retail store, giving a longer shelf life for perishable products.”

With fresh food, especially perishables, time is essential. The faster products can be delivered to stores, the longer they will be on sale – resulting in more profit.

Automated systems fulfil orders in stages so new products can arrive and be picked immediately to guarantee freshness. Cimcorp’s solutions are designed to meet the modern demands of distribution, including shorter lead times, SKU proliferation and challenging seasonal peaks amid labour shortages. The company has developed unique order fulfilment and storage solutions for the tyre, food and beverage, retail, e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and postal services industries.

Meet the team at LogiMAT

Visitors to LogiMAT are invited to discover more about Cimcorp automation for warehouse and distribution applications and book a meeting with the Cimcorp team at the company’s booths (Hall 1 #1B81 & Hall 1 Gallery #1OG90).

 

Cimcorp automation helps modernise intralogistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Intralogistics system integrator Cimcorp will be exhibiting at LogiMAT, which takes place from 31st May to 2nd June in Stuttgart. The global company will demonstrate its holistic solutions to ramp up the intralogistics of major players in the food retail industry.

Cimcorp says it meets customers’ supply chain challenges by integrating its advanced robotic technologies and software with leading-edge material handling systems.

Netto Marken-Discount automated logistics centre

German food retailer Netto Marken-Discount, boasting the largest range of groceries in the discount segment, is automating its logistics for fresh produce with Cimcorp, making Netto the very first German retailer to use this system.

“Getting fresh fruit and vegetables from producers to the retail floor is an absolute race against the clock,” says Christina Stylianou, Head of Corporate Communications at Netto Marken-Discount. “In many cases, only a few hours pass between receipt at our logistics centres and delivery to our stores. In Cimcorp, we have found a service provider to supply us with a solution for fully automated order picking of ergonomically packed fruit and vegetable pallets, a solution that meets the requirements of our stores – fast, reliably and cost-effectively.”

If the system is successfully commissioned, the retailer plans to implement additional automated logistics systems at its other storage locations. Cimcorp has already successfully deployed automated facilities in the fruit and vegetable sector in other European countries.

Freshness is paramount

Cimcorp solutions are designed to speed up warehouse operations, which is vital for perishable food items in order to maximise their freshness.

“Freshness is synonymous with quality in grocery retail,” explains Kai Tuomisaari, Cimcorp’s VP, Sales. “With limited sales windows for fresh food, faster order processing means that freshness is maximised at the retail store, giving a longer shelf life for perishable products.”

With fresh food, especially perishables, time is essential. The faster products can be delivered to stores, the longer they will be on sale – resulting in more profit.

Automated systems fulfil orders in stages so new products can arrive and be picked immediately to guarantee freshness. Cimcorp’s solutions are designed to meet the modern demands of distribution, including shorter lead times, SKU proliferation and challenging seasonal peaks amid labour shortages. The company has developed unique order fulfilment and storage solutions for the tyre, food and beverage, retail, e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and postal services industries.

Meet the team at LogiMAT

Visitors to LogiMAT are invited to discover more about Cimcorp automation for warehouse and distribution applications and book a meeting with the Cimcorp team at the company’s booths (Hall 1 #1B81 & Hall 1 Gallery #1OG90).

 

Hyster expands range with affordable pallet truck

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster has expanded its range of warehouse equipment with the efficient new P1.6UT pedestrian pallet truck. Designed to be affordable to own, easy to maintain and fit for many applications, the new Hyster pallet truck can lift loads up to 1.6 tonnes.

The slimline and lightweight model is easy to manoeuvre, is stable with good gradeability, and has all the core functionality needed for applications such as last-mile deliveries or back-of-store use.

As well as delivering a low cost of operation, the Hyster P1.6UT Pedestrian Pallet Truck offers competitive energy consumption with a shift life of up to 12 hours thanks to a combination of a powerful battery and motor. Standard warranty and service intervals apply.

The new Pallet Truck is simple to use for operators, with the same controls as found on other Hyster warehouse equipment and features a long tiller arm and butterfly accelerator direction controls.

Alongside the optimum features as standard, a range of options enable applications to tailor the truck further to their application needs. For instance, tandem load wheels, onboard charger, auto switch-off and travel speed reduction as battery charge decreases.

“With the new P1.6UT, businesses can benefit from an efficient pallet truck that meets the need and makes the move,” says Daniel McNeil, SPED and Solutions Manager, Hyster Europe. “When matched with the right operating intensity, whether you’re filling supermarket shelves, stocking a storeroom, or unloading deliveries from a lorry you can expect a low cost of ownership and affordable efficiency.”

The Hyster P1.6UT is available to order now from the global network of local Hyster distribution partners.

 

Hyster expands range with affordable pallet truck

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster has expanded its range of warehouse equipment with the efficient new P1.6UT pedestrian pallet truck. Designed to be affordable to own, easy to maintain and fit for many applications, the new Hyster pallet truck can lift loads up to 1.6 tonnes.

The slimline and lightweight model is easy to manoeuvre, is stable with good gradeability, and has all the core functionality needed for applications such as last-mile deliveries or back-of-store use.

As well as delivering a low cost of operation, the Hyster P1.6UT Pedestrian Pallet Truck offers competitive energy consumption with a shift life of up to 12 hours thanks to a combination of a powerful battery and motor. Standard warranty and service intervals apply.

The new Pallet Truck is simple to use for operators, with the same controls as found on other Hyster warehouse equipment and features a long tiller arm and butterfly accelerator direction controls.

Alongside the optimum features as standard, a range of options enable applications to tailor the truck further to their application needs. For instance, tandem load wheels, onboard charger, auto switch-off and travel speed reduction as battery charge decreases.

“With the new P1.6UT, businesses can benefit from an efficient pallet truck that meets the need and makes the move,” says Daniel McNeil, SPED and Solutions Manager, Hyster Europe. “When matched with the right operating intensity, whether you’re filling supermarket shelves, stocking a storeroom, or unloading deliveries from a lorry you can expect a low cost of ownership and affordable efficiency.”

The Hyster P1.6UT is available to order now from the global network of local Hyster distribution partners.

 

HAI displays warehouse automation technology

Posted on by David Priestman

HAI ROBOTICS, a pioneer in Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) systems for warehouse logistics, will for the first time display its technology in Italy, at the upcoming Intralogistica Italia 2022 from 3rd-6th May in Fiera Milano.

The company, with European headquarters in the Netherlands, will run live demos of its solution with HAIPICK A42 robot at the tradeshow in Italy (Booth C11/D12 Hall 10), which sees rising demand for more flexible and cost-efficient Goods-to-Person order-picking solutions as e-commerce grows fast in recent years.

Davide Tuzi, HAI ROBOTICS‘ Country Manager Italy, said: “Our ACR system is an excellent solution for the challenges the Italian warehousing/logistics market is facing, and an excellent solution deserves a team of excellent people to support it. This is the kind of team we are building up in Europe, and in Italy in particular.

“We aim to create a local network of system integrator, installation and service partners, so that any user of ACR systems can expect rapid and high-quality service wherever they are in Italy.”

The second-largest manufacturing country in Europe, Italy has strong curiosity for automation, including automating warehouses and distribution centres, as the government is pushing forward to develop Industry 4.0, Tuzi said.

As the EU’s third-largest economy, Italy registers solid growth in e-commerce, catalysed by Covid-19 lockdown. The country is the 14th-largest market for eCommerce with a revenue of US$26bn in 2021, according to Statista Digital Market Outlook.

Also, as fewer people want to do hard manual labour, the lack of enough qualified workers is another driver for warehouses in Italy to turn their eyes on automation, Tuzi said, noting robots will improve the work environment in warehouses.

HAI ROBOTICS‘ ACR systems, using HAIPICK robots doing picking and sorting, offer a warehousing efficiency of three to four times faster than manual work and allow maximum space utilisation. The HAIPICK A42 robot can reach as high as 8m and carry eight loads of totes/cartons in one movement to continuously feed Goods-to-Person stations. The robot, supported by AI algorithms and equipped with high-precision cameras, boasts 99.99% picking and sorting accuracy, thus eliminating the risk of returns due to errors.

The ACR systems can be implemented in a very short time and are easily scalable. Clients can scale the project according to their growth curves with little disruption to operation. Hence, they are ideal for existing warehouses.

The systems have been implemented in more than 500 projects around the world, including leading brands of e-commerce, 3PL, manufacturing and apparels, many of which have faced strong seasonal peaks.

read more

Honeywell and Hai Robotics Collaborate

 

HAI displays warehouse automation technology

Posted on by David Priestman

HAI ROBOTICS, a pioneer in Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) systems for warehouse logistics, will for the first time display its technology in Italy, at the upcoming Intralogistica Italia 2022 from 3rd-6th May in Fiera Milano.

The company, with European headquarters in the Netherlands, will run live demos of its solution with HAIPICK A42 robot at the tradeshow in Italy (Booth C11/D12 Hall 10), which sees rising demand for more flexible and cost-efficient Goods-to-Person order-picking solutions as e-commerce grows fast in recent years.

Davide Tuzi, HAI ROBOTICS‘ Country Manager Italy, said: “Our ACR system is an excellent solution for the challenges the Italian warehousing/logistics market is facing, and an excellent solution deserves a team of excellent people to support it. This is the kind of team we are building up in Europe, and in Italy in particular.

“We aim to create a local network of system integrator, installation and service partners, so that any user of ACR systems can expect rapid and high-quality service wherever they are in Italy.”

The second-largest manufacturing country in Europe, Italy has strong curiosity for automation, including automating warehouses and distribution centres, as the government is pushing forward to develop Industry 4.0, Tuzi said.

As the EU’s third-largest economy, Italy registers solid growth in e-commerce, catalysed by Covid-19 lockdown. The country is the 14th-largest market for eCommerce with a revenue of US$26bn in 2021, according to Statista Digital Market Outlook.

Also, as fewer people want to do hard manual labour, the lack of enough qualified workers is another driver for warehouses in Italy to turn their eyes on automation, Tuzi said, noting robots will improve the work environment in warehouses.

HAI ROBOTICS‘ ACR systems, using HAIPICK robots doing picking and sorting, offer a warehousing efficiency of three to four times faster than manual work and allow maximum space utilisation. The HAIPICK A42 robot can reach as high as 8m and carry eight loads of totes/cartons in one movement to continuously feed Goods-to-Person stations. The robot, supported by AI algorithms and equipped with high-precision cameras, boasts 99.99% picking and sorting accuracy, thus eliminating the risk of returns due to errors.

The ACR systems can be implemented in a very short time and are easily scalable. Clients can scale the project according to their growth curves with little disruption to operation. Hence, they are ideal for existing warehouses.

The systems have been implemented in more than 500 projects around the world, including leading brands of e-commerce, 3PL, manufacturing and apparels, many of which have faced strong seasonal peaks.

read more

Honeywell and Hai Robotics Collaborate

 

Hoppecke helps tackle rising MHE energy costs

Posted on by David Priestman

Once again, businesses that rely on materials handling equipment (MHE) must get to grips with rising energy costs. Against a backdrop of global supply issues, new legislation and spiralling energy prices, Hoppecke is offering to help UK businesses that rely on MHE to mitigate against rising costs.

As many businesses consider switching from IC engine trucks to an electric-powered fleet, as part of its free energy audit offer, Hoppecke will assess their operation and how it uses equipment to determine the key cost savings to be made using the latest battery technology.

Meanwhile, new UK government legislation, introduced on 1st April 2022, has seen all non-agricultural businesses banned from using red diesel to power their machines, also leading to bigger energy bills. This comes at a time when unprecedented global increases in the cost of white diesel, and in turn LPG gas, are set to send energy costs spiralling ever higher.

Gus Whyte, Sales Director UK and Ireland at Hoppecke, says: “Standard lead acid batteries will suit some operations, whilst others will benefit from lithium-powered systems or other battery technologies that require regular opportunity charging. However, the big issue is recharging and electricity supply costs.

“The world energy market is changing from week to week so we’ve no idea about likely increases. Therefore, irrespective of the technology you choose, it’s vital to appreciate the costs involved in recharging batteries.”

Two key considerations govern the recharging of electric MHE: the amount of power the machine draws during operation and the charger’s percentage of inefficiency. With lithium batteries and regular opportunity charging, the amount of energy returned determines the cost of this energy replacement. It’s also influenced by the kilowatt unit cost of electricity when drawn from the AC mains supply.

Accessing low-cost energy will keep costs down. This means using off-peak time electricity, usually available between 22.00 and 06.00, to your advantage. It’s important because it can cost 28-32% less than electricity consumed at peak rate.

Employing the latest technology also helps to reduce energy bills. For example, Hoppecke say its high efficiency TCHF smart charger is 23% more efficient than a standard low frequency charger, whilst adding the company’s Trak-Air system delivers a further 11% efficiency.

For added flexibility, there’s the TCHF and TCHF Trak-Air system weekly planner. This allows charges to be pre-set individually for every day of the week. No matter what time the charger is connected to the battery, it only operates within the pre-set times, enabling businesses to benefit from full use of lower cost electricity.

Whyte adds: “After the challenges of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic this is an especially difficult time for logistics businesses. We’re committed to helping them really understand their energy needs so they can invest in an MHE fleet that will deliver efficiencies as well as key cost savings.”

Hoppecke helps tackle rising MHE energy costs

Posted on by David Priestman

Once again, businesses that rely on materials handling equipment (MHE) must get to grips with rising energy costs. Against a backdrop of global supply issues, new legislation and spiralling energy prices, Hoppecke is offering to help UK businesses that rely on MHE to mitigate against rising costs.

As many businesses consider switching from IC engine trucks to an electric-powered fleet, as part of its free energy audit offer, Hoppecke will assess their operation and how it uses equipment to determine the key cost savings to be made using the latest battery technology.

Meanwhile, new UK government legislation, introduced on 1st April 2022, has seen all non-agricultural businesses banned from using red diesel to power their machines, also leading to bigger energy bills. This comes at a time when unprecedented global increases in the cost of white diesel, and in turn LPG gas, are set to send energy costs spiralling ever higher.

Gus Whyte, Sales Director UK and Ireland at Hoppecke, says: “Standard lead acid batteries will suit some operations, whilst others will benefit from lithium-powered systems or other battery technologies that require regular opportunity charging. However, the big issue is recharging and electricity supply costs.

“The world energy market is changing from week to week so we’ve no idea about likely increases. Therefore, irrespective of the technology you choose, it’s vital to appreciate the costs involved in recharging batteries.”

Two key considerations govern the recharging of electric MHE: the amount of power the machine draws during operation and the charger’s percentage of inefficiency. With lithium batteries and regular opportunity charging, the amount of energy returned determines the cost of this energy replacement. It’s also influenced by the kilowatt unit cost of electricity when drawn from the AC mains supply.

Accessing low-cost energy will keep costs down. This means using off-peak time electricity, usually available between 22.00 and 06.00, to your advantage. It’s important because it can cost 28-32% less than electricity consumed at peak rate.

Employing the latest technology also helps to reduce energy bills. For example, Hoppecke say its high efficiency TCHF smart charger is 23% more efficient than a standard low frequency charger, whilst adding the company’s Trak-Air system delivers a further 11% efficiency.

For added flexibility, there’s the TCHF and TCHF Trak-Air system weekly planner. This allows charges to be pre-set individually for every day of the week. No matter what time the charger is connected to the battery, it only operates within the pre-set times, enabling businesses to benefit from full use of lower cost electricity.

Whyte adds: “After the challenges of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic this is an especially difficult time for logistics businesses. We’re committed to helping them really understand their energy needs so they can invest in an MHE fleet that will deliver efficiencies as well as key cost savings.”

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