IFOY FINALIST FOCUS: Jungheinrich ERD 220i

In the second of our deep-dives looking at each of the IFOY Award nominated finalists ahead of the winners are announced at BMW World on 30th June, we look at the Jungheinrich ERD 220i Ride-on Electric Pallet Stacker, the second of two entries in the Special Vehicle / Warehouse Truck category.

IFOY category: Special Vehicle / Warehouse Truck

Instead of installing a large, heavy battery between the operator’s platform and the mast, as it was done previously, the ERD 220i uses two compact battery modules of 130 Ah each, which are positioned inside the vehicle chassis. The omission of the bulky battery tray offers significant advantages in the vehicle design. The truck has an L2 dimension of just 1,065 millimetres, making it the most compact vehicle in its class. Compared to its predecessor model, the ERD 220i is more than 300 millimetres shorter thanks to its new lithium-ion battery concept. The no longer required battery tray also means that the vehicle can be offered in two spacious, ergonomically designed platform variants without making any sacrifices in terms of compactness. Both platforms have fixed side guards on three sides, guaranteeing safe driving and comfortable standing.

The ERD 220i fully plays its advantages in the core area of application, lorry loading and unloading in goods handling. While the radically reduced dimensions create more space and freedom of movement in the space-intensive block storage system, the solid steel side walls provide protection on three sides when the traffic gets busy in front of the loading ramp during rush hour. On its transport journeys to the adjoining warehouse, the ERD 220i scores with its spacious driver’s workplace: comfortable driving and standing position and special support thanks to the “third side” of the platform.

Description

The Jungheinrich ERD 220i stands for uncompromising quality in every dimension. Thanks to the new lithium-ion battery concept, the dimensions of the truck are ultra-compact, while at the same time the fixed platform offers high side protection on three sides and maximum space in the generous operator workplace. This triad, combined in just one vehicle, makes our double-deck stacker the most perfect in its class.

CLICK HERE to watch a video of the ERD 220i

IFOY TEST REPORT

Until recently, you had to make a choice when it came to ride-on pallet trucks: Either go for compact or go for safe or go in the ergonomic direction. With the new ERD 220i, Jungheinrich puts an end to the dilemma of compromise.

Thanks to the integration of the lithium-ion batteries, optionally one or two units with 130 Ah each, the need for a separate battery box is eliminated. This results in a space gain of 300 millimetres, which is entirely due to the very compact dimensions, optimum operator protection and improved ergonomics.

The suspension of the standing platform can be easily adjusted to the operator’s body weight via six switches. The adjustable suspension works noticeably more comfortably. The working position is comfortable and the operator feels much better protected than with a classic pallet truck with a folding platform. Comfort is also excellent, with the possibility to lean against the side wall on both sides. The handles provide a good grip and control in any position.

Another innovation of the lift truck is the smartPILOT tiller steering. The electric steering is very intuitive and has a convenient automatic centre position for straight-line travel. The height is adjustable in four positions and the fork and lift mast are also easy to operate with one hand. The new charging interface connects the truck quickly and easily to an external fast charger (up to 300A). An integrated charger (25A) is available as an option, offering flexibility at any 230V socket.

A pallet truck with double-deck function has made its debut in the IFOY test. So there is no comparison material, but the ERD 220i moves all loads that are also used in regular pallet truck tests easily and smoothly.

The IFOY test truck is an ERD 220i in the drivePLUS version, and in its most powerful mode (P3) it achieves 11.2% higher productivity than the test average in its class for single handling – the second highest value ever. Test consumption at 100 pallets is 35% below the market average. With the maximum battery capacity of 260Ah, a practical operating time of over eight hours is possible. Longer working times are possible thanks to the possibility of easy recharging. In P2 and P1 working modes, productivity remains high and consumption drops even further.

Looking through the optional, extra-reinforced grey protective grille in the mast sometimes makes it difficult to see the fork tips, which are also grey, properly. A contrasting colour may be less beautiful, but is perhaps more practical, says the test team. By the way, the ERD 220i is equipped with a transparent plastic screen as standard.

The operationCONTROL assistance system monitors the combination of load weight and lift height at a self-selectable load centre of gravity at 500, 600 or 700mm. The funktion positionCONTROL offers various options for lift height preselection. Both digital assistance systems prove useful in the double stick test. In this test, a productivity increase of 31 percent was found compared to the transport of a single pallet. Due to the much more efficient transport, the energy consumption per 100 pallets is also lower. The practical operating time in the most powerful mode (P3) is thus up to eight hours and 36 minutes.

IFOY Test Verdict:

Working with pallet trucks is no longer a compromise between safety, compactness and ergonomics. With the new ERD 220i, Jungheinrich sets new standards for a safe, optimally protected and yet super-compact electric pallet truck. The performance is first class and challenges the competition.

IFOY INNOVATION CHECK

Market relevance: Intensive handling of goods via trucks and pallets as well as internal transport operations are the strength of the ERD 220i from Jungheinrich. The pallet stacker meets the increasing demands in terms of safety and space requirements in this area with flying colours. It is therefore seen to have a very high market relevance. The clear advantages of the truck mean that existing products are being replaced or are no longer attractive for the flexible tasks required.

Customer benefit: The ERD 220i gives the user more flexibility and safety. The compactness, which is unique in this class, increases manoeuvrability while maximising safety for the operator. The side and rear protection around the stand-on platform are only found on comparable machines with a greater overall length of 20 centimetres or more. In view of the tight space conditions when loading and unloading trucks, these are decisive advantages for the customer. In addition, the employees are supported by intelligent functions, thus meeting the requirements for ergonomics.

Novelty: The combination of compactness, safety and ergonomics is without doubt new in this class. The integrated solution for Li-Ion batteries, which has already been implemented in other types of equipment, has been implemented for the first time in the ERD 220i and leads to clear advantages. Innovative functions such as an ultrasonic sensor for speed reduction and lighting when driving over trucks underline the innovative character of the device.

Functionality / type of implementation: The ERD 220i is exemplary in its implementation. The batteries, manufactured in-house by Jungheinrich, are integrated into the vehicle chassis, which has contributed to the significant reduction in overall length. However, every additional centimetre has been extracted. A modified mast with an internal fork carriage, for example, resulted in further length savings. The new design results in a very low centre of gravity, which noticeably improves stability when driving. Operation is intuitively simple and can be further simplified by small additional features such as saveable lifting heights.

Conclusion: The ERD 220i convinces all down the line and is seen as the favourite in its category.

market relevance ++
customer benefit ++
novelty +
functionality / type of implementation ++
[++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / – – not available]

For an overview of all the finalists, visit www.ifoy.org

CLICK HERE to find out more about the Jungheinrich ERD220i.

 

IFOY FINALIST FOCUS: Jungheinrich ERD 220i

In the second of our deep-dives looking at each of the IFOY Award nominated finalists ahead of the winners are announced at BMW World on 30th June, we look at the Jungheinrich ERD 220i Ride-on Electric Pallet Stacker, the second of two entries in the Special Vehicle / Warehouse Truck category.

IFOY category: Special Vehicle / Warehouse Truck

Instead of installing a large, heavy battery between the operator’s platform and the mast, as it was done previously, the ERD 220i uses two compact battery modules of 130 Ah each, which are positioned inside the vehicle chassis. The omission of the bulky battery tray offers significant advantages in the vehicle design. The truck has an L2 dimension of just 1,065 millimetres, making it the most compact vehicle in its class. Compared to its predecessor model, the ERD 220i is more than 300 millimetres shorter thanks to its new lithium-ion battery concept. The no longer required battery tray also means that the vehicle can be offered in two spacious, ergonomically designed platform variants without making any sacrifices in terms of compactness. Both platforms have fixed side guards on three sides, guaranteeing safe driving and comfortable standing.

The ERD 220i fully plays its advantages in the core area of application, lorry loading and unloading in goods handling. While the radically reduced dimensions create more space and freedom of movement in the space-intensive block storage system, the solid steel side walls provide protection on three sides when the traffic gets busy in front of the loading ramp during rush hour. On its transport journeys to the adjoining warehouse, the ERD 220i scores with its spacious driver’s workplace: comfortable driving and standing position and special support thanks to the “third side” of the platform.

Description

The Jungheinrich ERD 220i stands for uncompromising quality in every dimension. Thanks to the new lithium-ion battery concept, the dimensions of the truck are ultra-compact, while at the same time the fixed platform offers high side protection on three sides and maximum space in the generous operator workplace. This triad, combined in just one vehicle, makes our double-deck stacker the most perfect in its class.

CLICK HERE to watch a video of the ERD 220i

IFOY TEST REPORT

Until recently, you had to make a choice when it came to ride-on pallet trucks: Either go for compact or go for safe or go in the ergonomic direction. With the new ERD 220i, Jungheinrich puts an end to the dilemma of compromise.

Thanks to the integration of the lithium-ion batteries, optionally one or two units with 130 Ah each, the need for a separate battery box is eliminated. This results in a space gain of 300 millimetres, which is entirely due to the very compact dimensions, optimum operator protection and improved ergonomics.

The suspension of the standing platform can be easily adjusted to the operator’s body weight via six switches. The adjustable suspension works noticeably more comfortably. The working position is comfortable and the operator feels much better protected than with a classic pallet truck with a folding platform. Comfort is also excellent, with the possibility to lean against the side wall on both sides. The handles provide a good grip and control in any position.

Another innovation of the lift truck is the smartPILOT tiller steering. The electric steering is very intuitive and has a convenient automatic centre position for straight-line travel. The height is adjustable in four positions and the fork and lift mast are also easy to operate with one hand. The new charging interface connects the truck quickly and easily to an external fast charger (up to 300A). An integrated charger (25A) is available as an option, offering flexibility at any 230V socket.

A pallet truck with double-deck function has made its debut in the IFOY test. So there is no comparison material, but the ERD 220i moves all loads that are also used in regular pallet truck tests easily and smoothly.

The IFOY test truck is an ERD 220i in the drivePLUS version, and in its most powerful mode (P3) it achieves 11.2% higher productivity than the test average in its class for single handling – the second highest value ever. Test consumption at 100 pallets is 35% below the market average. With the maximum battery capacity of 260Ah, a practical operating time of over eight hours is possible. Longer working times are possible thanks to the possibility of easy recharging. In P2 and P1 working modes, productivity remains high and consumption drops even further.

Looking through the optional, extra-reinforced grey protective grille in the mast sometimes makes it difficult to see the fork tips, which are also grey, properly. A contrasting colour may be less beautiful, but is perhaps more practical, says the test team. By the way, the ERD 220i is equipped with a transparent plastic screen as standard.

The operationCONTROL assistance system monitors the combination of load weight and lift height at a self-selectable load centre of gravity at 500, 600 or 700mm. The funktion positionCONTROL offers various options for lift height preselection. Both digital assistance systems prove useful in the double stick test. In this test, a productivity increase of 31 percent was found compared to the transport of a single pallet. Due to the much more efficient transport, the energy consumption per 100 pallets is also lower. The practical operating time in the most powerful mode (P3) is thus up to eight hours and 36 minutes.

IFOY Test Verdict:

Working with pallet trucks is no longer a compromise between safety, compactness and ergonomics. With the new ERD 220i, Jungheinrich sets new standards for a safe, optimally protected and yet super-compact electric pallet truck. The performance is first class and challenges the competition.

IFOY INNOVATION CHECK

Market relevance: Intensive handling of goods via trucks and pallets as well as internal transport operations are the strength of the ERD 220i from Jungheinrich. The pallet stacker meets the increasing demands in terms of safety and space requirements in this area with flying colours. It is therefore seen to have a very high market relevance. The clear advantages of the truck mean that existing products are being replaced or are no longer attractive for the flexible tasks required.

Customer benefit: The ERD 220i gives the user more flexibility and safety. The compactness, which is unique in this class, increases manoeuvrability while maximising safety for the operator. The side and rear protection around the stand-on platform are only found on comparable machines with a greater overall length of 20 centimetres or more. In view of the tight space conditions when loading and unloading trucks, these are decisive advantages for the customer. In addition, the employees are supported by intelligent functions, thus meeting the requirements for ergonomics.

Novelty: The combination of compactness, safety and ergonomics is without doubt new in this class. The integrated solution for Li-Ion batteries, which has already been implemented in other types of equipment, has been implemented for the first time in the ERD 220i and leads to clear advantages. Innovative functions such as an ultrasonic sensor for speed reduction and lighting when driving over trucks underline the innovative character of the device.

Functionality / type of implementation: The ERD 220i is exemplary in its implementation. The batteries, manufactured in-house by Jungheinrich, are integrated into the vehicle chassis, which has contributed to the significant reduction in overall length. However, every additional centimetre has been extracted. A modified mast with an internal fork carriage, for example, resulted in further length savings. The new design results in a very low centre of gravity, which noticeably improves stability when driving. Operation is intuitively simple and can be further simplified by small additional features such as saveable lifting heights.

Conclusion: The ERD 220i convinces all down the line and is seen as the favourite in its category.

market relevance ++
customer benefit ++
novelty +
functionality / type of implementation ++
[++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / – – not available]

For an overview of all the finalists, visit www.ifoy.org

CLICK HERE to find out more about the Jungheinrich ERD220i.

 

GS Yuasa provides schools with outdoor wear

Pupils up and down the country were treated to a new set of outdoor clothing thanks to GS Yuasa and The Waterproof and Wellies Project after the leading battery manufacturer became an official donator to the newly founded campaign.

Set up by Gina Bradbury Fox and launched by TV presenter Gemma Hunt from CBeebies in March 2021, The Waterproof and Wellies project is part of The Outdoor Guide Foundation. It aims to raise £5m to provide ten sets of high-quality outdoors kit, consisting of a waterproof jacket, trousers and welly boots to every state primary school across the country over the next six years.

The idea behind the thoughtful initiative is to see children from all backgrounds getting outside and enjoying the natural wonders that are around them and enabling them to learn about and enjoy the outdoors.

The donation from GS Yuasa covered four schools across England. These included Harlow Green School in Gateshead, Wilburton Primary School in Cambridgeshire, St. Denys Infant School in Leicestershire, and Headfield Junior School in West Yorkshire.

Jon Pritchard, General Sales and Marketing Manager – Auto, MC and Ind Comp Division at GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK Ltd, said: “We’re delighted to offer our support to The Waterproofs and Wellies campaign. This fantastic initiative absolutely coincides with our values as a business and we are pleased that our support is helping to get children outside and develop their knowledge of the natural world around them.”

Gina Bradbury Fox, Managing Director of The Outdoor Guide Foundation added: “We can’t thank GS Yuasa enough for their generous contribution towards the project. Lack of access to weatherproof clothing is a real barrier for children engaging in outdoor learning. These kits allow children to jump in puddles, roll around in the mud and kick through leaves without messing up their school uniform.

“Having the support of a global business such as GS Yuasa means so much to us. They are a company willing to go the extra mile and help give back to the community. Without companies like them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so their incredible generosity is greatly appreciated.”

GS Yuasa is a leading battery manufacturer for vehicle and industrial batteries.

 

GS Yuasa provides schools with outdoor wear

Pupils up and down the country were treated to a new set of outdoor clothing thanks to GS Yuasa and The Waterproof and Wellies Project after the leading battery manufacturer became an official donator to the newly founded campaign.

Set up by Gina Bradbury Fox and launched by TV presenter Gemma Hunt from CBeebies in March 2021, The Waterproof and Wellies project is part of The Outdoor Guide Foundation. It aims to raise £5m to provide ten sets of high-quality outdoors kit, consisting of a waterproof jacket, trousers and welly boots to every state primary school across the country over the next six years.

The idea behind the thoughtful initiative is to see children from all backgrounds getting outside and enjoying the natural wonders that are around them and enabling them to learn about and enjoy the outdoors.

The donation from GS Yuasa covered four schools across England. These included Harlow Green School in Gateshead, Wilburton Primary School in Cambridgeshire, St. Denys Infant School in Leicestershire, and Headfield Junior School in West Yorkshire.

Jon Pritchard, General Sales and Marketing Manager – Auto, MC and Ind Comp Division at GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK Ltd, said: “We’re delighted to offer our support to The Waterproofs and Wellies campaign. This fantastic initiative absolutely coincides with our values as a business and we are pleased that our support is helping to get children outside and develop their knowledge of the natural world around them.”

Gina Bradbury Fox, Managing Director of The Outdoor Guide Foundation added: “We can’t thank GS Yuasa enough for their generous contribution towards the project. Lack of access to weatherproof clothing is a real barrier for children engaging in outdoor learning. These kits allow children to jump in puddles, roll around in the mud and kick through leaves without messing up their school uniform.

“Having the support of a global business such as GS Yuasa means so much to us. They are a company willing to go the extra mile and help give back to the community. Without companies like them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so their incredible generosity is greatly appreciated.”

GS Yuasa is a leading battery manufacturer for vehicle and industrial batteries.

 

AAH automates pharma supply chain processes

AAH Pharmaceuticals, a leader in the wholesale distribution of medicines in the UK, will partner with RELEX Solutions, provider of unified retail planning solutions to improve supply chain planning and processes across the wholesale business, trading under the AAH, Enterprise, and Trident brands.

AAH is a distributor of pharmaceutical and healthcare products and services in the UK and works with manufacturers to supply pharmacies, hospitals, and dispensing doctors across the country. AAH provides a twice per day delivery service to more than 14,000 customer locations, enabling access to more than 20,000 products.

Prior to RELEX, AAH Pharmaceuticals used manual processes to manage their supply chain and needed a centralised system to automate stock supply and enable effective data-driven decision making across their supply chain.

AAH Pharmaceuticals will use RELEX to manage its forecasting and replenishment with over 1,000 vendors, support demand and supply planning across multiple product categories and characteristics such as seasonality and promotional activity, and improve efficiency through delivery flow smoothing.

“RELEX’s AI-driven solution gives us the accuracy and visibility we need to ensure our customers have the products they need while optimising our inventory investment,” says Steve Wilson, Head of Supply and Inventory. “Implementing the solution across our UK business is an exciting next step in our mission to improve both customer outcomes and the efficiency of  our supply chain.”

“Expanding the use of RELEX in our business supports our strategy to deliver significant value through digitising our processes with cloud-based technology, and introduces a platform that allows us to scale and adapt over time,” adds Ranjit Gill, CIO.

“At RELEX, we are proud to expand our partnership with AAH Pharmaceuticals and support them as an essential services distributor across the country,” says Jason Berry, VP Sales for Central Europe and South Africa at RELEX. “We understand the importance of product availability in this market, and our relationship with AAH Pharmaceuticals is a clear sign of our expanding strength and presence in the pharmacy wholesale and retail sector.”

 

Prologis logistics building goes beyond “Net Zero“

Prologis, a leading developer and owner of logistics parks, has completed the construction of the UK’s first logistics property to go beyond net zero carbon in its construction and operation – delivering a net benefit for the environment over its lifetime.

Located on Prologis Apex Park, near Daventry, Prologis has delivered a brand new 435,000 sq ft unit, which will act as UK Logistics Centre for an American multinational. In a first for the world of industrial logistics property, Prologis has delivered an industrial unit which pushes the boundaries of sustainable construction.

The building includes the installation of bespoke energy saving technology. In addition to the standard sustainability measures provided by Prologis, including rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a 1.4MW rooftop solar system has also been installed, resulting in a building which will return more energy to the grid than it uses. The surplus energy it generates will help to power other homes and businesses.

The new unit at Apex Park is BREEAM rated ‘Outstanding’ – placing it in the top 1% of UK non-domestic buildings. When certified at Post Construction stage by BREEAM, the building scored 88.2%, which was the highest “Industrial 2018 Shell & Core” score so far achieved.

Martin Cooper, vice president, development management at Prologis UK, said: “This is a milestone for Prologis and shows what can be achieved when like-minded businesses work together to realise their vision for a building that delivers a net benefit for the environment. All our new warehouses in the UK have been net zero carbon in construction for the past 14 years, but this building at Apex Park takes carbon reduction to a new level.

“The dialogue around net zero is progressing rapidly and businesses are beginning to look beyond ‘operational carbon’ to find other ways to make their buildings more sustainable. Reducing the embodied carbon of new buildings requires intense collaboration across the supply chain, from engineers and architects to material and product suppliers, plant hire firms and contractors. Moving as a country towards being net zero by 2050, we look forward to seeing many more logistics projects that are net-positive for the environment, and we’re extremely proud to be leading the way.”

Additionally, the new unit is also the first development of its type to achieve an EPC rating of A+, meeting the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Framework Definition of Net Zero Carbon for both embodied & operational carbon. It’s predicted that the unit will generate more energy than it uses, avoiding 105 tCO2e per year and feeding unused energy back in the grid.

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable construction Prologis ensures that each new logistics property can achieve a net environmental benefit, starting by designing out carbon emissions wherever possible – for example by offering customers rooftop solar power systems. The whole life carbon footprint is then measured, and unavoidable embodied carbon emissions are mitigated by protecting rainforest.

Through Prologis’ partnership with climate change charity, Cool Earth, 310 acres of Papua New Guinea rainforest were protected based on a whole lifetime assessment of the Apex Park building’s carbon impact.

In November 2021, Prologis was awarded the Terra Carta seal, which recognises companies who are building a sustainable future and have made a serious commitment to put nature, people & the planet at the heart of the economy.

Toyota delivers turn-key automation projects

Toyota Material Handling UK has announced the establishment of a systems integration division dedicated to designing and delivering turn-key automated storage and handling projects.

Toyota Logistics Solutions Integration (LSI) will develop systems based on the most appropriate technology for each client’s specific requirements, which means that designs are not restricted to products within the Toyota portfolio.

Luis Sullivan, Head of Systems Integration within LSI, says: “Toyota is one of the world’s most trusted brands and is known for the exceptional build quality of its industrial products. But the equipment selected for every LSI solution is proposed on its own merit to provide tremendous productivity gains and the lowest total cost of ownership.

“We describe the LSI approach as ‘technology agnostic’. We respect the specific character of each project and offer end-to-end automated solutions designed to fit a client’s business. This means that we approach each project thinking ‘what does this customer need?’ rather than ‘what products can Toyota offer this customer?’“

LSI designs systems based on the latest automated picking and storage technologies, state-of-the-art sorters, conveyors, autonomous robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). All the necessary control software is also provided – from single modules that connect to a client’s existing IT infrastructure to a fully-built central management system.

LSI oversees an automation project from commission to sign off, while Toyota’s team of highly qualified and experienced service engineers provide fast and efficient ongoing after-sales support and system maintenance.

Toyota expects the UK market for automated handling and storage system to continue its upward trajectory as more companies seek to optimise their intralogistics processes and improve operational robustness through automation.

Paul Freeman, Head of Logistics Solutions at Toyota Material Handling UK, comments: “The need to make the most of every available square foot of storage capacity and move more inventory around the warehouse or distribution centre building with optimum efficiency has made the idea of automating key intralogistics functions increasingly attractive.

“Brexit and the pandemic have made it increasingly difficult to attract warehouse personnel and, as a result, we have seen our customers go from zero automation to at least partial automation within their businesses.

“Toyota is the largest manufacturer of forklift trucks in the world, but the role of our solutions integration operation is to identify scalable material handling systems, innovative software and automation engineering to deliver unique solutions that help our clients become leaders in their industries.”

 

Toyota delivers turn-key automation projects

Toyota Material Handling UK has announced the establishment of a systems integration division dedicated to designing and delivering turn-key automated storage and handling projects.

Toyota Logistics Solutions Integration (LSI) will develop systems based on the most appropriate technology for each client’s specific requirements, which means that designs are not restricted to products within the Toyota portfolio.

Luis Sullivan, Head of Systems Integration within LSI, says: “Toyota is one of the world’s most trusted brands and is known for the exceptional build quality of its industrial products. But the equipment selected for every LSI solution is proposed on its own merit to provide tremendous productivity gains and the lowest total cost of ownership.

“We describe the LSI approach as ‘technology agnostic’. We respect the specific character of each project and offer end-to-end automated solutions designed to fit a client’s business. This means that we approach each project thinking ‘what does this customer need?’ rather than ‘what products can Toyota offer this customer?’“

LSI designs systems based on the latest automated picking and storage technologies, state-of-the-art sorters, conveyors, autonomous robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). All the necessary control software is also provided – from single modules that connect to a client’s existing IT infrastructure to a fully-built central management system.

LSI oversees an automation project from commission to sign off, while Toyota’s team of highly qualified and experienced service engineers provide fast and efficient ongoing after-sales support and system maintenance.

Toyota expects the UK market for automated handling and storage system to continue its upward trajectory as more companies seek to optimise their intralogistics processes and improve operational robustness through automation.

Paul Freeman, Head of Logistics Solutions at Toyota Material Handling UK, comments: “The need to make the most of every available square foot of storage capacity and move more inventory around the warehouse or distribution centre building with optimum efficiency has made the idea of automating key intralogistics functions increasingly attractive.

“Brexit and the pandemic have made it increasingly difficult to attract warehouse personnel and, as a result, we have seen our customers go from zero automation to at least partial automation within their businesses.

“Toyota is the largest manufacturer of forklift trucks in the world, but the role of our solutions integration operation is to identify scalable material handling systems, innovative software and automation engineering to deliver unique solutions that help our clients become leaders in their industries.”

 

New free guide to loading bay safety

Rite-Hite, a leading manufacturer of industrial health and safety equipment, has published a new free guide to Loading Bay Safety, giving facilities managers a comprehensive overview of industrial regulations, technological advances and trends, and best practice advice for ensuring safety across every angle of any loading bay environment.

To address one of the most dangerous areas of any warehouse, manufacturing facility or processing plant, the guide takes an in-depth look at the biggest safety risks and threats posed in and around the loading bay. It examines vehicle creep and forklift dangers to the risks associated with poor communication – and how these threats can be prevented by taking a solutions-led approach to safety, harnessing a range of equipment and safety systems that already exist.

It also explores the future of the logistics industry and the latest trends towards increased automation, smart equipment and technology and the continuing shift towards a fully digital future, and how these advancements can have a truly positive impact on the industry.

Thorsten Mauritz, Marketing Manager (Europe) at Rite-Hite, says safety in and around the loading bay cannot be compromised: “All senior executives within the logistics industry are trying to balance increasing efficiencies throughout their operation and processes with the uncompromising need for safety, one can never come at the expense of the other, and this is a real challenge.

“This is leading to safety equipment providers taking a holistic approach to safety that should be considered at a solutions level. For almost 60 years, Rite-Hite has been recognised as an expert in loading bay safety. We assess every hazardous area, creating robust and practical safety solutions that enable people to work with the highest level of protection and productivity.

“From the parking bay floor to the loading dock ceiling, we’ve got every angle covered.”

CLICK HERE to download a free copy of the guide

 

New free guide to loading bay safety

Rite-Hite, a leading manufacturer of industrial health and safety equipment, has published a new free guide to Loading Bay Safety, giving facilities managers a comprehensive overview of industrial regulations, technological advances and trends, and best practice advice for ensuring safety across every angle of any loading bay environment.

To address one of the most dangerous areas of any warehouse, manufacturing facility or processing plant, the guide takes an in-depth look at the biggest safety risks and threats posed in and around the loading bay. It examines vehicle creep and forklift dangers to the risks associated with poor communication – and how these threats can be prevented by taking a solutions-led approach to safety, harnessing a range of equipment and safety systems that already exist.

It also explores the future of the logistics industry and the latest trends towards increased automation, smart equipment and technology and the continuing shift towards a fully digital future, and how these advancements can have a truly positive impact on the industry.

Thorsten Mauritz, Marketing Manager (Europe) at Rite-Hite, says safety in and around the loading bay cannot be compromised: “All senior executives within the logistics industry are trying to balance increasing efficiencies throughout their operation and processes with the uncompromising need for safety, one can never come at the expense of the other, and this is a real challenge.

“This is leading to safety equipment providers taking a holistic approach to safety that should be considered at a solutions level. For almost 60 years, Rite-Hite has been recognised as an expert in loading bay safety. We assess every hazardous area, creating robust and practical safety solutions that enable people to work with the highest level of protection and productivity.

“From the parking bay floor to the loading dock ceiling, we’ve got every angle covered.”

CLICK HERE to download a free copy of the guide

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.