Subscribe

Day: 13 June 2022

UniCarriers launches next-generation of ERGO stackers

Posted on by David Priestman

Stand-in stackers are among the safest, most space-efficient and profitable handling equipment available. UniCarriers pioneered this technology and is now welcoming the next generation of the successful ERGO A series with the 2022 models.

The 2022 ERGO A series, comprising of the ASR125, ASR160, ASR200 (including initial lift models), is the latest evolution of an unprecedented success story in material handling, with improved operator functionality, new electrical architecture and even better performance. Since the launch of the very first stand-in stacker in 1961, pioneered by UniCarriers, the versatile, space-saving and safe design has provided its customers with World-Class ergonomics and efficiency.

Stand-in stackers guarantee a fast return on investment, regardless of the type of warehouse, warehouse utilisation or logistics strategy – by reducing operating costs to a minimum. Truck design around human needs makes people more productive and happier at work. The next-generation Stand-in stackers contribute to a low total cost of ownership (TCO), as a result of improved truck safety, ergonomics and design.

Safe operations, unmatched ergonomics

UniCarriers says the outstanding safety feature of the ERGO is its design. The central concept is that the driver stays inside the machine, regardless of driving position or operation. This in turn minimises the risk of accidents, while providing unlimited working positions. UniCarriers has developed the ergonomics further with the operator in mind, preventing operator fatigue and improving body position.

A new steering wheel design, adjustable in height and angle depending on driving direction; new presence control – an optical sensor instead of a pedal, which results in a more relaxed driving position in all driving directions; a new ergonomic handle, and multi-function display to support several options, such as weight and height indicator.

Additional features including sensitive power steering and cornering control, provide excellent stability when on the move, regardless of speed or load. As before, the unique ProVision mast design offers unrestricted all-round visibility; furthermore, the truck’s mast is outstandingly quieter than the previous generation.

Space- and cost-efficient

The ERGO is perfectly at home in tight and confined conditions, with its minimal dimensions and tight turning radius, and so it can make optimum use of expensive space for storage and retrieval. Because of its design, the ERGO can work in far narrower aisles than a platform truck. This adds up to a 10% saving in floor space in a normal warehouse. With lift heights of up to 7m, storage density and utilisation of floor space can be further optimized using higher racks which offer up to 43% better volume density than other stackers.

To increase residual capacity and improve stability, the trucks can be equipped with a new design of foldable stabilisers that allow them to lift heavy loads as high as a significantly more expensive reach truck. This considerably increases the profitability of an existing warehouse, and green-field facilities can be built smaller and so more environmentally cost-effective.

Powerful and effective

The ERGO is a particularly powerful machine. Fast drive speeds and excellent lift and lowering speeds enable best possible throughput and efficiency. Its fully integrated, high-performance batteries, paired with high energy efficiency and intelligent solutions for battery replacement, all make the ERGO the perfect solution for long, high-performance, multi-shift operation and intense 24/7 use. Customers now have the option to choose between energy efficient and maintenance free, built-in fully integrated Li-ion batteries for 24/7 operation with only quick opportunity charging, or traditional lead-acid for the ultra-compact Junior versions, while the larger Senior size is available with lead acid batteries.

With its overall performance, safety aspects and space saving design, the new ERGO stand-in stacker is the best choice when it comes to flexible transport or stacking in light to heavy duty operations, in warehousing, manufacturing or anywhere a safe and productive stacker is required. A new milestone for a technology that, after sixty years of continuous development, now fits the times and modern requirements for safety and efficiency better than ever before.

The new models are available for loads of 1.25, 1.6 and 2.0 tonnes.

UniCarriers launches next-generation of ERGO stackers

Posted on by David Priestman

Stand-in stackers are among the safest, most space-efficient and profitable handling equipment available. UniCarriers pioneered this technology and is now welcoming the next generation of the successful ERGO A series with the 2022 models.

The 2022 ERGO A series, comprising of the ASR125, ASR160, ASR200 (including initial lift models), is the latest evolution of an unprecedented success story in material handling, with improved operator functionality, new electrical architecture and even better performance. Since the launch of the very first stand-in stacker in 1961, pioneered by UniCarriers, the versatile, space-saving and safe design has provided its customers with World-Class ergonomics and efficiency.

Stand-in stackers guarantee a fast return on investment, regardless of the type of warehouse, warehouse utilisation or logistics strategy – by reducing operating costs to a minimum. Truck design around human needs makes people more productive and happier at work. The next-generation Stand-in stackers contribute to a low total cost of ownership (TCO), as a result of improved truck safety, ergonomics and design.

Safe operations, unmatched ergonomics

UniCarriers says the outstanding safety feature of the ERGO is its design. The central concept is that the driver stays inside the machine, regardless of driving position or operation. This in turn minimises the risk of accidents, while providing unlimited working positions. UniCarriers has developed the ergonomics further with the operator in mind, preventing operator fatigue and improving body position.

A new steering wheel design, adjustable in height and angle depending on driving direction; new presence control – an optical sensor instead of a pedal, which results in a more relaxed driving position in all driving directions; a new ergonomic handle, and multi-function display to support several options, such as weight and height indicator.

Additional features including sensitive power steering and cornering control, provide excellent stability when on the move, regardless of speed or load. As before, the unique ProVision mast design offers unrestricted all-round visibility; furthermore, the truck’s mast is outstandingly quieter than the previous generation.

Space- and cost-efficient

The ERGO is perfectly at home in tight and confined conditions, with its minimal dimensions and tight turning radius, and so it can make optimum use of expensive space for storage and retrieval. Because of its design, the ERGO can work in far narrower aisles than a platform truck. This adds up to a 10% saving in floor space in a normal warehouse. With lift heights of up to 7m, storage density and utilisation of floor space can be further optimized using higher racks which offer up to 43% better volume density than other stackers.

To increase residual capacity and improve stability, the trucks can be equipped with a new design of foldable stabilisers that allow them to lift heavy loads as high as a significantly more expensive reach truck. This considerably increases the profitability of an existing warehouse, and green-field facilities can be built smaller and so more environmentally cost-effective.

Powerful and effective

The ERGO is a particularly powerful machine. Fast drive speeds and excellent lift and lowering speeds enable best possible throughput and efficiency. Its fully integrated, high-performance batteries, paired with high energy efficiency and intelligent solutions for battery replacement, all make the ERGO the perfect solution for long, high-performance, multi-shift operation and intense 24/7 use. Customers now have the option to choose between energy efficient and maintenance free, built-in fully integrated Li-ion batteries for 24/7 operation with only quick opportunity charging, or traditional lead-acid for the ultra-compact Junior versions, while the larger Senior size is available with lead acid batteries.

With its overall performance, safety aspects and space saving design, the new ERGO stand-in stacker is the best choice when it comes to flexible transport or stacking in light to heavy duty operations, in warehousing, manufacturing or anywhere a safe and productive stacker is required. A new milestone for a technology that, after sixty years of continuous development, now fits the times and modern requirements for safety and efficiency better than ever before.

The new models are available for loads of 1.25, 1.6 and 2.0 tonnes.

Charging forklifts cost-efficiently

Posted on by David Priestman

Many companies are currently suffering from rising energy costs and are looking for additional cost reductions. Enormous savings potential can be generated by intelligent charging solutions for electrically operated industrial truck systems. Complementary energy analysation and optimisation consultancy can help fleet operators to save additional money on electricity consumption.

Reducing electricity costs is now highly ranked on the industry’s to-do list when it comes to ecological and economic issues. That is why energy-efficient solutions are required – this also applies to electrically operated forklift systems. Significant savings potential opens up if users take a holistic view in optimising the overall operating system of industrial truck, battery and charger.

Reduction of energy consumption

Energy-efficient charging technologies from Fronius Perfect Charging help to save energy: Selectiva 4.0 chargers are particularly gentle and effective during charging due to their high overall efficiency. The patented Ri charging process ensures that each process is individually adapted to the age, temperature and state of charge of the battery. Overcharging can be avoided, only the energy that is actually required is supplied. Compared to conventional charging technology, the energy consumption can be reduced up to 30 percent. The service life of the battery can be extended up to 10 to 15%.

Fleet operators can also save electricity and costs by using the calendar function integrated in the Selectiva 4.0 battery chargers. If the user starts the process in individual charging stations or rooms at intervals of 15 minutes, for example, there is no increased cumulative power requirement at the beginning of charging. Peaks in the network load can thus be avoided. Fluctuating electricity tariffs, which in many cases depend on the time or day, can also be effectively managed with the calendar function. If the user sets the start of charging at a defined time or on weekend days, they can take advantage of lower rates.

Identify additional savings potential

Using the software tool I-SPoT Calculator Smart, fleet operators can calculate the total operating costs (costs over lifetime) and determine how power consumption can be minimised with the help of the optimal charging technology – individually for different company locations and individual departments. The user thus finds out exactly the starting point and sequence for the optimisation measures as well as how high the savings are compared to 50Hz or HF technology.

The Fronius Perfect Charging experts are available for a more detailed analysis and energy consulting, evaluating further options for energy savings. To do this, the experts analyse the conditions regardless of manufacturer and technology – always with the aim of reducing costs and increasing availability and performance. Based on the identified potential, the Fronius specialists support the user regarding the charging process, battery technology and networking solutions. Fronius Perfect Charging follows a holistic approach and supports customers from analysis and advice to conception and planning to implementation and ongoing support.

 

Charging forklifts cost-efficiently

Posted on by David Priestman

Many companies are currently suffering from rising energy costs and are looking for additional cost reductions. Enormous savings potential can be generated by intelligent charging solutions for electrically operated industrial truck systems. Complementary energy analysation and optimisation consultancy can help fleet operators to save additional money on electricity consumption.

Reducing electricity costs is now highly ranked on the industry’s to-do list when it comes to ecological and economic issues. That is why energy-efficient solutions are required – this also applies to electrically operated forklift systems. Significant savings potential opens up if users take a holistic view in optimising the overall operating system of industrial truck, battery and charger.

Reduction of energy consumption

Energy-efficient charging technologies from Fronius Perfect Charging help to save energy: Selectiva 4.0 chargers are particularly gentle and effective during charging due to their high overall efficiency. The patented Ri charging process ensures that each process is individually adapted to the age, temperature and state of charge of the battery. Overcharging can be avoided, only the energy that is actually required is supplied. Compared to conventional charging technology, the energy consumption can be reduced up to 30 percent. The service life of the battery can be extended up to 10 to 15%.

Fleet operators can also save electricity and costs by using the calendar function integrated in the Selectiva 4.0 battery chargers. If the user starts the process in individual charging stations or rooms at intervals of 15 minutes, for example, there is no increased cumulative power requirement at the beginning of charging. Peaks in the network load can thus be avoided. Fluctuating electricity tariffs, which in many cases depend on the time or day, can also be effectively managed with the calendar function. If the user sets the start of charging at a defined time or on weekend days, they can take advantage of lower rates.

Identify additional savings potential

Using the software tool I-SPoT Calculator Smart, fleet operators can calculate the total operating costs (costs over lifetime) and determine how power consumption can be minimised with the help of the optimal charging technology – individually for different company locations and individual departments. The user thus finds out exactly the starting point and sequence for the optimisation measures as well as how high the savings are compared to 50Hz or HF technology.

The Fronius Perfect Charging experts are available for a more detailed analysis and energy consulting, evaluating further options for energy savings. To do this, the experts analyse the conditions regardless of manufacturer and technology – always with the aim of reducing costs and increasing availability and performance. Based on the identified potential, the Fronius specialists support the user regarding the charging process, battery technology and networking solutions. Fronius Perfect Charging follows a holistic approach and supports customers from analysis and advice to conception and planning to implementation and ongoing support.

 

Female leadership at Witron

Posted on by David Priestman

Margaret Wilson (pictured) successfully manages a WITRON OnSite team with more than 100 staff members. She doesn’t need her own office: “I have a desk next to the conveyor system”, says the WITRON site manager with a smile.

Since 2018, she has been responsible for one of the largest US WITRON OnSite teams, which works at the logistics centre of grocery retailer Kroger in Tolleson, Arizona. The heart of the highly automated system is the OPM solution, which the retailer was the first customer worldwide to opt for in 2003.

“Office work alone wouldn’t make me happy; I need to be in direct contact with my colleagues – and, of course, with the technology.” She leads her team, is en route in the facility four to five times per week, and actively maintains the conveyor system and stacker cranes, including all components.

The distribution centre supplies more than 100 Kroger stores with a dry assortment of almost 9,000 products and “we can only master the daily exciting challenges as a team ”, explains the 55-year-old engineer. The WITRON employees in the logistics centre work four shifts, 24 hours a day, and 363 days a year. The site manager served many years in the US Army as a combat engineer, maintenance supervisor, and unit movement officer.

“There, I learned a lot of logistics, but most of all responsible leadership. You have to trust people. In the Army, I served teams with people coming from all walks of life.”

In the logistics centre, more than 100 WITRON experts ensure that the mechanics and IT run permanently with maximum availability around the clock and that the goods leave the warehouse on time. This is because WITRON, as a lifetime partner, sells a delivery service to the customer, and Margaret Wilson and her OnSite team ensure that the technology keeps the promise made, day in and day out.

“We have IT specialists, electricians, and spare parts experts,” reports the manager. When she started, there was one woman on her team. Today, 15% of the workforce is female. One female colleague also manages her own team,” emphasises Margaret.

Do women lead differently? Wilson agrees. “I think, women tend to lead more collaboratively, take up ideas from the team, and don’t always have to know everything down to the technical detail. That might differentiate us from some men who think that if they are the boss, they have to show it, and have to be able to answer every question on their own. I think that is not absolutely necessary. Getting people to work together, creating a powerful team, that’s our most important job as a leader.”

For Margaret, a good leader is first and foremost a person whom the team trusts in and who gives confidence. “I can’t be directly on the front line for every shift or every repair, or maintenance call. I have to manage resources, keep the system running, and develop my team members professionally and personally.”

But where do women and men learn good leadership? In the military, according to Margaret, but also in sports clubs or church groups. “You have to practice over and over again. It will not come automatically.”

Her career in the military is still unusual, and even in the US, society is debating job opportunities for women in traditionally male professions. “Logistics for many Americans still means men with big muscles carrying packages. But logistics today is also mostly a head thing, and we need a lot of women there, too.”

She has made a lot of good experiences with the Kroger management, she said because they also have many women in management positions.

“When I started at WITRON back then, the customer’s concern was not that I was a woman, but that I was a rookie and had no direct experience with the processes in a logistics centre,” remembers Margaret and laughs. “I’m sure the WITRON bosses were a little nervous at first, too”, she jokes.

“They trusted me but were afraid that some of the gentlemen on the team might not accept me.” So? “The team wanted a competent leader who was motivated and committed, and, of course, had the technical knowledge. I was that leader, and that’s who I still am. After a week, I had arrived.”

Margaret is confident. “You have to believe in yourself and your abilities.” The site manager is certain: Despite rise of automation, employees are still and oftentimes become even more important. The shortage of skilled workers is omnipresent. “The logistics centre is a great place to be if you like technology and people like I do.”

CLICK HERE to listen to a podcast of Margaret Wilson

 

Female leadership at Witron

Posted on by David Priestman

Margaret Wilson (pictured) successfully manages a WITRON OnSite team with more than 100 staff members. She doesn’t need her own office: “I have a desk next to the conveyor system”, says the WITRON site manager with a smile.

Since 2018, she has been responsible for one of the largest US WITRON OnSite teams, which works at the logistics centre of grocery retailer Kroger in Tolleson, Arizona. The heart of the highly automated system is the OPM solution, which the retailer was the first customer worldwide to opt for in 2003.

“Office work alone wouldn’t make me happy; I need to be in direct contact with my colleagues – and, of course, with the technology.” She leads her team, is en route in the facility four to five times per week, and actively maintains the conveyor system and stacker cranes, including all components.

The distribution centre supplies more than 100 Kroger stores with a dry assortment of almost 9,000 products and “we can only master the daily exciting challenges as a team ”, explains the 55-year-old engineer. The WITRON employees in the logistics centre work four shifts, 24 hours a day, and 363 days a year. The site manager served many years in the US Army as a combat engineer, maintenance supervisor, and unit movement officer.

“There, I learned a lot of logistics, but most of all responsible leadership. You have to trust people. In the Army, I served teams with people coming from all walks of life.”

In the logistics centre, more than 100 WITRON experts ensure that the mechanics and IT run permanently with maximum availability around the clock and that the goods leave the warehouse on time. This is because WITRON, as a lifetime partner, sells a delivery service to the customer, and Margaret Wilson and her OnSite team ensure that the technology keeps the promise made, day in and day out.

“We have IT specialists, electricians, and spare parts experts,” reports the manager. When she started, there was one woman on her team. Today, 15% of the workforce is female. One female colleague also manages her own team,” emphasises Margaret.

Do women lead differently? Wilson agrees. “I think, women tend to lead more collaboratively, take up ideas from the team, and don’t always have to know everything down to the technical detail. That might differentiate us from some men who think that if they are the boss, they have to show it, and have to be able to answer every question on their own. I think that is not absolutely necessary. Getting people to work together, creating a powerful team, that’s our most important job as a leader.”

For Margaret, a good leader is first and foremost a person whom the team trusts in and who gives confidence. “I can’t be directly on the front line for every shift or every repair, or maintenance call. I have to manage resources, keep the system running, and develop my team members professionally and personally.”

But where do women and men learn good leadership? In the military, according to Margaret, but also in sports clubs or church groups. “You have to practice over and over again. It will not come automatically.”

Her career in the military is still unusual, and even in the US, society is debating job opportunities for women in traditionally male professions. “Logistics for many Americans still means men with big muscles carrying packages. But logistics today is also mostly a head thing, and we need a lot of women there, too.”

She has made a lot of good experiences with the Kroger management, she said because they also have many women in management positions.

“When I started at WITRON back then, the customer’s concern was not that I was a woman, but that I was a rookie and had no direct experience with the processes in a logistics centre,” remembers Margaret and laughs. “I’m sure the WITRON bosses were a little nervous at first, too”, she jokes.

“They trusted me but were afraid that some of the gentlemen on the team might not accept me.” So? “The team wanted a competent leader who was motivated and committed, and, of course, had the technical knowledge. I was that leader, and that’s who I still am. After a week, I had arrived.”

Margaret is confident. “You have to believe in yourself and your abilities.” The site manager is certain: Despite rise of automation, employees are still and oftentimes become even more important. The shortage of skilled workers is omnipresent. “The logistics centre is a great place to be if you like technology and people like I do.”

CLICK HERE to listen to a podcast of Margaret Wilson

 

“The focal point of intralogistics remains the customer”

Posted on by David Priestman

Over the past two years, many things have changed fundamentally in the industry, including purchasing and consumer behaviour. But this also means a door has opened for companies to walk through it and grab hold of new opportunities to optimise their business models. In the run-up to LogiMAT, held recently in Stuttgart, we spoke to Bernard Biolchini, Executive Vice President EMEA at Dematic, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of integrated automation technology, software and services for supply chain optimisation, about the new era.

Dematic believes it is key to understand that “the best way to help companies find the right opportunities is to constantly engage with their customers, working together and as closely as possible as they seek to fundamentally change their processes.

Q: Dematic’s trade show presence this year is themed #bringiton. Can you briefly explain what this is all about?

A: It means, mutatis mutandis, “We’re ready! Let’s embrace these new opportunities together!” We are sending a direct message to our customers: Let’s work together to take advantage of new opportunities that have cropped up over the last 24 months. Let’s stand together to tackle everything the industry faces in terms of new customer requirements, market conditions and technological issues.

Q: How did the new approach come about?

A: We support our customers in every process, from a specific order to its delivery and while doing so, we engage in a dialog with them to better understand the logistics world from their perspective. Having in-depth conversations was an obvious outcome of the events of the last two or so years, where many parameters have undergone fundamental changes where there is no going back. That is why we have conducted extensive surveys and analysis. We have been talking about a new era lately, and we don’t just mean the industry, but all of Europe as well! It is no longer a luxury for companies here to just think about transformation, but a must for our customers to embrace automation and innovative technologies. Our answer: let’s work together to help you succeed in this new era.

Q: With what results?

A: In our conversations with them, patterns began emerging. We began to identify opportunities to address new problems that had come up. Some may see them as challenges, but we see them as opportunities to make changes.

Q: Can you give some specific examples?

A: Firstly, there is the potential of digitalisation, particularly the growing importance of data- and cloud-based solutions. Our goal is to make our customers’ supply chains fit for the future through intelligent software and transparent data points. Data transparency is also key to another opportunity – meeting delivery deadlines by creating robust supply chains. Knowing which order is where, at any point in time, is a key building block of successful e-commerce businesses.

Q: What do you do when customers come to Dematic with disruptions in their supply chains?

A: We bring together all of a customer’s data points. It ensures transparency, reliability and flexibility, but also the greatest possible planning security. In this context, the increasing uncertainty is not just about delivery deadlines, but also specific cost issues. It is the reason we want to be a constant and reliable partner for our customers and support them in optimising their supply chains with autonomous picking systems, data-based solutions and intelligent software systems. Based on this view, we want to bring another opportunity to the table for discussion, which stems from our #bringiton campaign: efficient use of space. Spatially constrained warehouses in urban environments, for example, rely on high scalability of picking systems.

Our multishuttle solutions or our Autostore systems can create real competitive advantages. However, the focal point for intralogistics of the future is not going to be on automation or digitalisation. Most definitely not on technology implementation as such.

Q: So, what is the focal point?

A: But of course on the customer! Understanding them and, in turn, their customers is the game-changer for developing tomorrow’s technologies and solutions. It is precisely the focus of our thoughts and actions at Dematic. And so we are especially excited about LogiMAT. We want to inspire our visitors with our new solutions, which we plan on presenting to them in an extraordinary way!

Subscribe

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