Subscribe

Day: 3 October 2022

Technology to Support the Last Mile

Posted on by David Priestman

That last mile in the delivery supply chain is one of the toughest for businesses to master. These days we have all become used to receiving our deliveries at the place of our choosing – home, work or a drop-off smartlocker. All these options mean that delivery drivers, logistics and warehouse workers are now busier and more in demand than ever.

They can often be seen lugging around a bulky handheld device to help them manage their day-to-day supply chain challenges. You will have seen them squinting to read the screen in bright sunlight or bad weather, stabbing clumsily at the display to register something on the app – all while trying to juggle the device and their delivery. But they rely on the technology for their work schedule and recording every aspect of the delivery. There is good news for delivery drivers as they will have a new technology best friend with the introduction of the TOUGHBOOK N1 Flat handheld device.

It’s a flat version of Panasonic’s already popular TOUGHBOOK N1 rugged Android handheld. It has an integrated camera-based barcode scanner that can recognise a variety of different barcode types and is one of the thinnest and lightest handheld devices in the 4.7″ category – making it ideal for mobile workers in the postal and courier services, transportation and logistics. With its handy form, the device can be easily paired via Bluetooth as part of a dedicated scanning solution, for example, for those using wearable barcode readers in a warehouse.

Delivery workers will also love it because there will be no more struggling to read the screen and record information. The HD capacitive multi-touch daylight readable display is designed for use by workers in bright sunlight or in the rain and those wearing gloves. The device can also be used with an optional Pen, for more accurate signature recording and recognition capabilities.

For those that need to capture documents or use a webcam, there is an 8MP rear and 5MP front camera. Its communication capabilities are also unrivalled in the rugged handheld market with voice and data and roaming WiFi options.

It doesn’t matter how busy the schedule, the device is designed to operate for up to 12 hours with user warm swap battery functionality. It runs the Android 11 operating system with long-term security updates and is equipped with Qualcomm Octa Core processor with a 4GB of RAM memory and 64GB of Flash storage.

And there are no concerns if this device is dropped, falls out of the van or gets a soaking. It’s fully rugged and tested to MIL-STD-810G standards and can survive drops from a height of 2.1m. For those working in cold temperatures, such as frozen and chilled food delivery drivers, the operational temperature range of the device is from -20° to +50°C.

The IT support team will also love this new mobile worker companion. The TOUGHBOOK N1 Flat is Android Enterprise ready and has the support of Panasonic Complete Android Services and Security (COMPASS) – offering everything needed to configure, deploy and manage TOUGHBOOK rugged Android tablets and handhelds securely in the business across the full lifecycle of the solution.

In the busy world of last mile delivery, couriers and logistics, mobile workers need a device that is intuitive to use and tough enough to stand up to the every day knocks and scrapes of the challenging work environment. The TOUGHBOOK N1 Flat is that ideal rugged device from navigating to the next drop-off, through to scanning the barcode, capturing a signature or taking photos of safe delivery. It looks set to become their new best friend.

similar news

TOUGHBOOK N1 gets powerful refresh

 

 

Technology to Support the Last Mile

Posted on by David Priestman

That last mile in the delivery supply chain is one of the toughest for businesses to master. These days we have all become used to receiving our deliveries at the place of our choosing – home, work or a drop-off smartlocker. All these options mean that delivery drivers, logistics and warehouse workers are now busier and more in demand than ever.

They can often be seen lugging around a bulky handheld device to help them manage their day-to-day supply chain challenges. You will have seen them squinting to read the screen in bright sunlight or bad weather, stabbing clumsily at the display to register something on the app – all while trying to juggle the device and their delivery. But they rely on the technology for their work schedule and recording every aspect of the delivery. There is good news for delivery drivers as they will have a new technology best friend with the introduction of the TOUGHBOOK N1 Flat handheld device.

It’s a flat version of Panasonic’s already popular TOUGHBOOK N1 rugged Android handheld. It has an integrated camera-based barcode scanner that can recognise a variety of different barcode types and is one of the thinnest and lightest handheld devices in the 4.7″ category – making it ideal for mobile workers in the postal and courier services, transportation and logistics. With its handy form, the device can be easily paired via Bluetooth as part of a dedicated scanning solution, for example, for those using wearable barcode readers in a warehouse.

Delivery workers will also love it because there will be no more struggling to read the screen and record information. The HD capacitive multi-touch daylight readable display is designed for use by workers in bright sunlight or in the rain and those wearing gloves. The device can also be used with an optional Pen, for more accurate signature recording and recognition capabilities.

For those that need to capture documents or use a webcam, there is an 8MP rear and 5MP front camera. Its communication capabilities are also unrivalled in the rugged handheld market with voice and data and roaming WiFi options.

It doesn’t matter how busy the schedule, the device is designed to operate for up to 12 hours with user warm swap battery functionality. It runs the Android 11 operating system with long-term security updates and is equipped with Qualcomm Octa Core processor with a 4GB of RAM memory and 64GB of Flash storage.

And there are no concerns if this device is dropped, falls out of the van or gets a soaking. It’s fully rugged and tested to MIL-STD-810G standards and can survive drops from a height of 2.1m. For those working in cold temperatures, such as frozen and chilled food delivery drivers, the operational temperature range of the device is from -20° to +50°C.

The IT support team will also love this new mobile worker companion. The TOUGHBOOK N1 Flat is Android Enterprise ready and has the support of Panasonic Complete Android Services and Security (COMPASS) – offering everything needed to configure, deploy and manage TOUGHBOOK rugged Android tablets and handhelds securely in the business across the full lifecycle of the solution.

In the busy world of last mile delivery, couriers and logistics, mobile workers need a device that is intuitive to use and tough enough to stand up to the every day knocks and scrapes of the challenging work environment. The TOUGHBOOK N1 Flat is that ideal rugged device from navigating to the next drop-off, through to scanning the barcode, capturing a signature or taking photos of safe delivery. It looks set to become their new best friend.

similar news

TOUGHBOOK N1 gets powerful refresh

 

 

Dexterity and Sumitomo partner in Japan

Posted on by David Priestman

Dexterity, the creator of full capability robot solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with the Sumitomo Corporation to deploy 1,500 Dexterity-powered robots in warehouses across Japan.

Sumitomo Corporation, a Japan-based Fortune 500 multinational, signed an exclusive distributorship agreement in Japan with Dexterity to push into the Robots as a Service (RaaS) business in Japanese warehouses. Prior to signing this distribution agreement, Sumitomo invested in Dexterity in 2020 through Presidio Ventures Inc., Sumitomo’s US-based corporate venture capital arm.

Using Dexterity’s SaaS-based robotic intelligence platform, will help customer benefit from full task robots – standard industrial robot arms equipped with Dexterity’s intelligence software that helps them solve the toughest to automate jobs in the warehouse. Dexterity’s full-stack robotic platform provides robots machine learning-enforced capabilities to help them build multi-SKU pallets on the fly, singulate and induct messy flows of parcels and bags, as well as picking and packing easily damaged items like bread and cake.

To date, Dexterity’s engineers have developed, tested, and overseen the installation of all its robots, resulting in more than 40 million goods picked in production at warehouses across the US.

Working together with Sumitomo will expand access to full task robots in Japan and ensure these systems will fit within existing Japanese warehouse workflows.

“The full task robots we have deployed have only increased demand for flexible automation that can operate in existing workflows and infrastructure,” said Dexterity CEO Samir Menon. “Partnering with Sumitomo will accelerate Dexterity’s customers in getting FTE robot systems up and running in their facilities.”

In addition to working with Dexterity to deploy robots with Japanese customers, Sumitomo will also work with Dexterity to open a demo facility in Japan. Opening in October 2022, the facility will demonstrate to Japanese supply chain leaders how inbound and outbound materials at a warehouse can be connected with intelligent robots.

Sumitomo plans to deploy Dexterity’s parcel singulation and induction solution with its first Japanese customer by Q1 2023.

The announcement follows news that Dematic, one of the premier providers of supply chain solutions, has partnered with Dexterity to expand deployments in North America and Europe.

Dexterity and Sumitomo partner in Japan

Posted on by David Priestman

Dexterity, the creator of full capability robot solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with the Sumitomo Corporation to deploy 1,500 Dexterity-powered robots in warehouses across Japan.

Sumitomo Corporation, a Japan-based Fortune 500 multinational, signed an exclusive distributorship agreement in Japan with Dexterity to push into the Robots as a Service (RaaS) business in Japanese warehouses. Prior to signing this distribution agreement, Sumitomo invested in Dexterity in 2020 through Presidio Ventures Inc., Sumitomo’s US-based corporate venture capital arm.

Using Dexterity’s SaaS-based robotic intelligence platform, will help customer benefit from full task robots – standard industrial robot arms equipped with Dexterity’s intelligence software that helps them solve the toughest to automate jobs in the warehouse. Dexterity’s full-stack robotic platform provides robots machine learning-enforced capabilities to help them build multi-SKU pallets on the fly, singulate and induct messy flows of parcels and bags, as well as picking and packing easily damaged items like bread and cake.

To date, Dexterity’s engineers have developed, tested, and overseen the installation of all its robots, resulting in more than 40 million goods picked in production at warehouses across the US.

Working together with Sumitomo will expand access to full task robots in Japan and ensure these systems will fit within existing Japanese warehouse workflows.

“The full task robots we have deployed have only increased demand for flexible automation that can operate in existing workflows and infrastructure,” said Dexterity CEO Samir Menon. “Partnering with Sumitomo will accelerate Dexterity’s customers in getting FTE robot systems up and running in their facilities.”

In addition to working with Dexterity to deploy robots with Japanese customers, Sumitomo will also work with Dexterity to open a demo facility in Japan. Opening in October 2022, the facility will demonstrate to Japanese supply chain leaders how inbound and outbound materials at a warehouse can be connected with intelligent robots.

Sumitomo plans to deploy Dexterity’s parcel singulation and induction solution with its first Japanese customer by Q1 2023.

The announcement follows news that Dematic, one of the premier providers of supply chain solutions, has partnered with Dexterity to expand deployments in North America and Europe.

DP World tech expert honoured

Posted on by David Priestman

DP World’s Que Tran, Regional Chief Information Officer and Head of IT for Europe, has been named among the top 30 Leading Business and Technology Executives by the CIO 100 for 2022.

This is the third consecutive year that Que has made the CIO 100’s top 30, which recognises the best and brightest CIOs and technology leaders in the UK, celebrating their digital transformation achievements

Since joining DP World in 2017, Que has been instrumental in helping the business to reimagine the future, introducing step-change terminal handling innovations designed to streamline its global network of ports and terminals, and keep trade flowing.

Que has also played an active role championing the role of automation in DP World’s European operations, driving the future of sustainable, safe and efficient world trade.

The judges also recognised Que’s commitment to developing future talent both inside and outside of the IT industry. Que is a CIO UK mentor, helping to develop the rising stars of the UK IT sector, and he’s also a volunteer with the Young Women’s Trust where he helps young women with writing CVs and job applications.

Rashid Abdulla, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, DP World Europe, said: “Que should be incredibly proud of his achievement – to be named in the top 30 for three consecutive years demonstrates the immense value, insight and innovation he brings to DP World, logistics, and the IT industry. On behalf of all of DP World, I offer my warm congratulations to Que and I thank him for his tireless dedication to introduce positive change to our operations.”

Que Tran, Regional Chief Information Officer and Head of IT, DP World Europe, said: “It truly is an honour to be named among the top 30 Leading Business and Technology Executives in the 2022 CIO 100. The logistics sector is at an exciting point as it tries to operate more efficiently, sustainably and safely than ever before. I’m proud of the work that we’re doing at DP World, using automation and other technologies, enabling people and businesses to trade globally, seamlessly.”

 

DP World tech expert honoured

Posted on by David Priestman

DP World’s Que Tran, Regional Chief Information Officer and Head of IT for Europe, has been named among the top 30 Leading Business and Technology Executives by the CIO 100 for 2022.

This is the third consecutive year that Que has made the CIO 100’s top 30, which recognises the best and brightest CIOs and technology leaders in the UK, celebrating their digital transformation achievements

Since joining DP World in 2017, Que has been instrumental in helping the business to reimagine the future, introducing step-change terminal handling innovations designed to streamline its global network of ports and terminals, and keep trade flowing.

Que has also played an active role championing the role of automation in DP World’s European operations, driving the future of sustainable, safe and efficient world trade.

The judges also recognised Que’s commitment to developing future talent both inside and outside of the IT industry. Que is a CIO UK mentor, helping to develop the rising stars of the UK IT sector, and he’s also a volunteer with the Young Women’s Trust where he helps young women with writing CVs and job applications.

Rashid Abdulla, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, DP World Europe, said: “Que should be incredibly proud of his achievement – to be named in the top 30 for three consecutive years demonstrates the immense value, insight and innovation he brings to DP World, logistics, and the IT industry. On behalf of all of DP World, I offer my warm congratulations to Que and I thank him for his tireless dedication to introduce positive change to our operations.”

Que Tran, Regional Chief Information Officer and Head of IT, DP World Europe, said: “It truly is an honour to be named among the top 30 Leading Business and Technology Executives in the 2022 CIO 100. The logistics sector is at an exciting point as it tries to operate more efficiently, sustainably and safely than ever before. I’m proud of the work that we’re doing at DP World, using automation and other technologies, enabling people and businesses to trade globally, seamlessly.”

 

Garbe realises two locations for Picnic

Posted on by David Priestman

As part of a strategic partnership with Picnic GmbH, Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH is developing two new logistics properties for the online supermarket in Kaltenkirchen (pictured), north of Hamburg, and in Falkensee near Berlin.

“At both locations, we are creating a total of about 46,500 sq m of new space for Picnic, supporting the company’s growth,” says Jan Dietrich Hempel, Managing Director of Garbe Industrial Real Estate. In 2018, the online supermarket was launched in Germany and initially focused on North Rhine-Westphalia. “We are now expanding to all regions in Germany,” confirms Frederic Knaudt from the founding team of Picnic Germany. “These include modern logistics centres and hundreds of last-mile properties.”

It was only in February that the Hamburg-based project developer acquired a 44,000 sq m brownfield site at Kaltenkirchen in the district of Segeberg in Schleswig-Holstein and then extensively revitalised the area. The site is located in the Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck city triangle, on the northern edge of the Hamburg metropolitan region. In just a few minutes, you can reach the A7 motorway, which connects Kaltenkirchen with Flensburg to the north and with Hamburg and Hanover to the south. There is also a direct connection to the public transport system.

A logistics property with a total area of 25,500 sq m will be built there by Garbe Industrial Real Estate and Graubner Holding GmbH in a joint venture. According to current plans, construction work is to begin in October. Completion is scheduled for July 2023. Together, the two joint venture partners are investing around €39m in the project.

The new building will be equipped with 24 dock levellers and four ground-level sectional doors. Parking spaces for 106 cars and eight trucks are provided in the outdoor area. Great importance is attached to sustainability. In addition to energy-saving LED lighting, a photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof of the property to generate renewable energy. In addition, certification according to the Gold Standard of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) is being sought.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is realising the second location for Picnic in Falkensee, Brandenburg, on the western outskirts of Berlin. Last year, the project developer secured a plot of land of around 36,000 sq m in the Falkensee South industrial park. The go-ahead for the construction of the planned logistics centre, which will cover almost 21,000 sq m, is also scheduled for October. The property, in which Garbe is investing a total of around €23m, is scheduled for completion in June 2023.

“Our expectation of fully leasing Falkensee during the construction period has been fulfilled,” says Jan Dietrich Hempel. “Due to the proximity to Berlin and Potsdam, logistics space is in high demand in this region.” In addition, the site has an excellent location in the industrial park. For example, the distance to the border of the Berlin district of Spandau is only about 800m as the crow flies. Falkensee is connected to the national trunk road network via the B 5, which connects the capital with Hamburg, and the Berlin ring road. The regional train station with direct connections to the centre of Berlin is only 500m away.

“Berliners and Brandenburgers can look forward to fresh food at the lowest prices and free delivery,” explains Frederic Knaudt. “The groceries are picked in Falkensee, taken to the last-mile locations and from there delivered to customers’ homes in our electric vans.” To ensure smooth handling, the new building in Falkensee will be equipped with 20 ramp gates and four ground-level gates. In addition, cold storage and deep-freeze rooms will be integrated in the hall area in order to be able to store temperature-controlled foodstuffs properly in compliance with all specifications. Parking spaces for 144 cars are to be created in the outdoor area. Frederic Knaudt: “With the commissioning, we will create around 200 new jobs in Falkensee and around 150 in Kaltenkirchen.”

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is aiming for DGNB Gold certification for the property in Falkensee. As a significant sustainability measure, a photovoltaic system will be installed on the entire roof area. In addition, extensive species protection measures were carried out and, among other things, sand lizards were relocated to a replacement habitat.

Garbe realises two locations for Picnic

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As part of a strategic partnership with Picnic GmbH, Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH is developing two new logistics properties for the online supermarket in Kaltenkirchen (pictured), north of Hamburg, and in Falkensee near Berlin.

“At both locations, we are creating a total of about 46,500 sq m of new space for Picnic, supporting the company’s growth,” says Jan Dietrich Hempel, Managing Director of Garbe Industrial Real Estate. In 2018, the online supermarket was launched in Germany and initially focused on North Rhine-Westphalia. “We are now expanding to all regions in Germany,” confirms Frederic Knaudt from the founding team of Picnic Germany. “These include modern logistics centres and hundreds of last-mile properties.”

It was only in February that the Hamburg-based project developer acquired a 44,000 sq m brownfield site at Kaltenkirchen in the district of Segeberg in Schleswig-Holstein and then extensively revitalised the area. The site is located in the Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck city triangle, on the northern edge of the Hamburg metropolitan region. In just a few minutes, you can reach the A7 motorway, which connects Kaltenkirchen with Flensburg to the north and with Hamburg and Hanover to the south. There is also a direct connection to the public transport system.

A logistics property with a total area of 25,500 sq m will be built there by Garbe Industrial Real Estate and Graubner Holding GmbH in a joint venture. According to current plans, construction work is to begin in October. Completion is scheduled for July 2023. Together, the two joint venture partners are investing around €39m in the project.

The new building will be equipped with 24 dock levellers and four ground-level sectional doors. Parking spaces for 106 cars and eight trucks are provided in the outdoor area. Great importance is attached to sustainability. In addition to energy-saving LED lighting, a photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof of the property to generate renewable energy. In addition, certification according to the Gold Standard of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) is being sought.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is realising the second location for Picnic in Falkensee, Brandenburg, on the western outskirts of Berlin. Last year, the project developer secured a plot of land of around 36,000 sq m in the Falkensee South industrial park. The go-ahead for the construction of the planned logistics centre, which will cover almost 21,000 sq m, is also scheduled for October. The property, in which Garbe is investing a total of around €23m, is scheduled for completion in June 2023.

“Our expectation of fully leasing Falkensee during the construction period has been fulfilled,” says Jan Dietrich Hempel. “Due to the proximity to Berlin and Potsdam, logistics space is in high demand in this region.” In addition, the site has an excellent location in the industrial park. For example, the distance to the border of the Berlin district of Spandau is only about 800m as the crow flies. Falkensee is connected to the national trunk road network via the B 5, which connects the capital with Hamburg, and the Berlin ring road. The regional train station with direct connections to the centre of Berlin is only 500m away.

“Berliners and Brandenburgers can look forward to fresh food at the lowest prices and free delivery,” explains Frederic Knaudt. “The groceries are picked in Falkensee, taken to the last-mile locations and from there delivered to customers’ homes in our electric vans.” To ensure smooth handling, the new building in Falkensee will be equipped with 20 ramp gates and four ground-level gates. In addition, cold storage and deep-freeze rooms will be integrated in the hall area in order to be able to store temperature-controlled foodstuffs properly in compliance with all specifications. Parking spaces for 144 cars are to be created in the outdoor area. Frederic Knaudt: “With the commissioning, we will create around 200 new jobs in Falkensee and around 150 in Kaltenkirchen.”

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is aiming for DGNB Gold certification for the property in Falkensee. As a significant sustainability measure, a photovoltaic system will be installed on the entire roof area. In addition, extensive species protection measures were carried out and, among other things, sand lizards were relocated to a replacement habitat.

UniCarriers wins cold chain award

Posted on by David Priestman

UniCarriers has won the Materials Handling Equipment Provider of the Year Award at the recent TCS&D Awards 2022.

Held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, the TCS&D Awards recognises individuals and companies achievements within the Cold Chain sector, where over 400 industry colleagues were in attendance.

“We are delighted to win the TCS&D MHE Provider of the Year Award,” says UniCarriers UK National Sales Manager, Mark Wakeman. “At UniCarriers we are committed to delivering high-quality, state-of-the-art equipment, whilst providing a range of modifications to optimise truck performance in frozen & chilled stores, meaning our customers can focus on the job, instead of concerns about equipment and staff’.

As the UK’s active and growing forklift provider for frozen and chilled operations, UniCarriers offers a full range of forklift trucks optimised for use in temperature-controlled areas. The state-of-the-art heated cold store cabins, high-capacity batteries, quality steel, and leading ergonomic design, combine for optimum performance. Of course, the truck is not the only TCS&D star – UniCarriers solutions and levels of service not only meets, but also exceeds customer expectations.

Frozen & chilled stores are an essential part of the modern logistics chain, but they are also expensive to run  and challenging to operate. UniCarriers works closely with its customers to find the right equipment to improve the efficiency of their operations and remains alongside them every step of the way. It’s not just business, it’s about building relationships. This TCS&D Award is a fantastic acknowledgement of the work carried out every day by UniCarriers expert sales, and service teams.

“UniCarriers’ focus will always be on providing the best frozen and chilled solution for each and every customer,” says Wakeman. “Whichever contract or short-term hire option our customers choose, they find that what really sets UniCarriers apart is our dedication to providing excellent bespoke equipment, solutions, and service throughout the relationship.”

 

UniCarriers wins cold chain award

Posted on by David Priestman

UniCarriers has won the Materials Handling Equipment Provider of the Year Award at the recent TCS&D Awards 2022.

Held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, the TCS&D Awards recognises individuals and companies achievements within the Cold Chain sector, where over 400 industry colleagues were in attendance.

“We are delighted to win the TCS&D MHE Provider of the Year Award,” says UniCarriers UK National Sales Manager, Mark Wakeman. “At UniCarriers we are committed to delivering high-quality, state-of-the-art equipment, whilst providing a range of modifications to optimise truck performance in frozen & chilled stores, meaning our customers can focus on the job, instead of concerns about equipment and staff’.

As the UK’s active and growing forklift provider for frozen and chilled operations, UniCarriers offers a full range of forklift trucks optimised for use in temperature-controlled areas. The state-of-the-art heated cold store cabins, high-capacity batteries, quality steel, and leading ergonomic design, combine for optimum performance. Of course, the truck is not the only TCS&D star – UniCarriers solutions and levels of service not only meets, but also exceeds customer expectations.

Frozen & chilled stores are an essential part of the modern logistics chain, but they are also expensive to run  and challenging to operate. UniCarriers works closely with its customers to find the right equipment to improve the efficiency of their operations and remains alongside them every step of the way. It’s not just business, it’s about building relationships. This TCS&D Award is a fantastic acknowledgement of the work carried out every day by UniCarriers expert sales, and service teams.

“UniCarriers’ focus will always be on providing the best frozen and chilled solution for each and every customer,” says Wakeman. “Whichever contract or short-term hire option our customers choose, they find that what really sets UniCarriers apart is our dedication to providing excellent bespoke equipment, solutions, and service throughout the relationship.”

 

Subscribe

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