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Day: 28 November 2022

Smooth docking at Evri superhub

Posted on by David Priestman

As one of the UK’s largest delivery companies, Evri sorts and delivers millions of parcels every day. With ambitions of adding greater capacity to its nationwide network and strengthening its regional operations, the company – formerly known as Hermes – committed to creating a third superhub.

Situated on a 42-acre site in Barnsley, the 340,000 sq ft facility is the largest of its kind in Europe and represents a £60m investment by the firm. Responding to the growing demand generated by online shopping, the automated parcel distribution hub will take Evri’s national capacity to 4.2 million parcels per day.

A key aspect of the building is the 163 docking bays; lining two sides of the superhub, they provide the entry and exit points for every one of the 1.1 million parcels making their way through the facility each day during peak periods. This high volume of parcel traffic makes the vehicle docks an integral component in smooth and efficient parcel distribution.

Efficient doors for Evri

To equip the superhub with the docking solutions it required, Evri turned to long-term partner Assa Abloy Entrance Systems for a range of expertly designed systems. Centred around the OH1042P Insulated Panel Door, the solution for each loading bay also benefits from a DS6060P Mechanical Curtain Dock Shelter and a DL6120T Telescopic Lip Dock Leveller.

Providing a reliable, robust and well-insulated operational entrance, the OH1042P Insulated Panel Sectional Doors used in each bay maximise free space by opening vertically, or up and over ceilings, conveyors or mezzanines as required. Paired with a hard-wearing twin-ram hydraulic Teledock which ensures an adjustable, ergonomic and seamless contact between vehicle and dock, Evri’s team can get to work loading and unloading vehicles at each dock quickly, safely and easily.

Surrounding each dock system is the Mechanical Shelter, which provides weather protection during the loading and unloading process. For staff, this creates a safer and more comfortable working environment internally, while adding greater protection to parcels, ultimately improving standards through Evri’s processes.

For a long-term solution, however, several variants needed to be considered. From everyday high-volume use through to differing trailer types which will be regularly docking in the bays, the experienced Assa Abloy Entrance Systems team tailored each product specifically to Evri’s requirements.

Reduced window size

On the doors themselves, window sizes were reduced to limit the potential of accidental impact damage; buffers were modified to provide more robust protection to the building fabric and docking equipment; and the levellers and shelters themselves were adapted to accommodate different trailer bed designs and those of varying heights and widths – a crucially important consideration at a time when new trailer types are being introduced to improve vehicle efficiency.

Elsewhere on Evri’s 42-acre site in Barnsley, a dedicated Vehicle Maintenance Unit is regularly servicing and maintaining the fleet which moves parcels between hubs. Here, Assa Abloy Entrance Systems provided the 1042P Sectional Doors in level access arrangement. As well as maximising the opening area for vehicles to drive through, the doors also house larger windows, allowing more natural light inside the building whilst enhancing visibility of the yard. Simple, practical solutions designed to create safer and more comfortable environments for the superhub’s maintenance engineers.

Future-proofing smooth operations

Now Evri’s super hub is fully operational, the next challenge lies in keeping every door system and dock operating smoothly. Afterall, they’re the start and end of each parcel’s journey through the facility and need to remain operational round the clock.

Besides ensuring precisely designed, crafted and installed engineered solutions, Assa Abloy Entrance Systems is delivering a service and maintenance programme. Combined, this approach reduces lifecycle cost over the complete operational life of each door system, cuts the potential for unforeseen downtime and equips Evri with entrance systems they can rely on day after day.

As part of the service and maintenance programme, Assa Abloy Entrance Systems says it takes a two-pronged approach. Firstly, it schedules planned preventative maintenance at set periods and will see every opening asset on site serviced to keep them operating as expected. Secondly, the company provides immediate hands-on support when the unexpected happens, ensuring any system faults are quickly resolved by expert engineers.

Philip Whiteley, of Assa Abloy Entrance Systems, said: “Through our work with Evri, we have helped them to fulfil their ambitions of creating a major element of their nationwide distribution infrastructure which is able to cope with significantly heightened capacity. With the latest entrance systems in place, they can process more parcels more quickly than ever.

“We’re excited to be continuing our work with Evri over the coming years as we provide regular servicing and maintenance which will keep things running smoothly and, ultimately, reduce costs over their entire service life.”

 

Smooth docking at Evri superhub

Posted on by David Priestman

As one of the UK’s largest delivery companies, Evri sorts and delivers millions of parcels every day. With ambitions of adding greater capacity to its nationwide network and strengthening its regional operations, the company – formerly known as Hermes – committed to creating a third superhub.

Situated on a 42-acre site in Barnsley, the 340,000 sq ft facility is the largest of its kind in Europe and represents a £60m investment by the firm. Responding to the growing demand generated by online shopping, the automated parcel distribution hub will take Evri’s national capacity to 4.2 million parcels per day.

A key aspect of the building is the 163 docking bays; lining two sides of the superhub, they provide the entry and exit points for every one of the 1.1 million parcels making their way through the facility each day during peak periods. This high volume of parcel traffic makes the vehicle docks an integral component in smooth and efficient parcel distribution.

Efficient doors for Evri

To equip the superhub with the docking solutions it required, Evri turned to long-term partner Assa Abloy Entrance Systems for a range of expertly designed systems. Centred around the OH1042P Insulated Panel Door, the solution for each loading bay also benefits from a DS6060P Mechanical Curtain Dock Shelter and a DL6120T Telescopic Lip Dock Leveller.

Providing a reliable, robust and well-insulated operational entrance, the OH1042P Insulated Panel Sectional Doors used in each bay maximise free space by opening vertically, or up and over ceilings, conveyors or mezzanines as required. Paired with a hard-wearing twin-ram hydraulic Teledock which ensures an adjustable, ergonomic and seamless contact between vehicle and dock, Evri’s team can get to work loading and unloading vehicles at each dock quickly, safely and easily.

Surrounding each dock system is the Mechanical Shelter, which provides weather protection during the loading and unloading process. For staff, this creates a safer and more comfortable working environment internally, while adding greater protection to parcels, ultimately improving standards through Evri’s processes.

For a long-term solution, however, several variants needed to be considered. From everyday high-volume use through to differing trailer types which will be regularly docking in the bays, the experienced Assa Abloy Entrance Systems team tailored each product specifically to Evri’s requirements.

Reduced window size

On the doors themselves, window sizes were reduced to limit the potential of accidental impact damage; buffers were modified to provide more robust protection to the building fabric and docking equipment; and the levellers and shelters themselves were adapted to accommodate different trailer bed designs and those of varying heights and widths – a crucially important consideration at a time when new trailer types are being introduced to improve vehicle efficiency.

Elsewhere on Evri’s 42-acre site in Barnsley, a dedicated Vehicle Maintenance Unit is regularly servicing and maintaining the fleet which moves parcels between hubs. Here, Assa Abloy Entrance Systems provided the 1042P Sectional Doors in level access arrangement. As well as maximising the opening area for vehicles to drive through, the doors also house larger windows, allowing more natural light inside the building whilst enhancing visibility of the yard. Simple, practical solutions designed to create safer and more comfortable environments for the superhub’s maintenance engineers.

Future-proofing smooth operations

Now Evri’s super hub is fully operational, the next challenge lies in keeping every door system and dock operating smoothly. Afterall, they’re the start and end of each parcel’s journey through the facility and need to remain operational round the clock.

Besides ensuring precisely designed, crafted and installed engineered solutions, Assa Abloy Entrance Systems is delivering a service and maintenance programme. Combined, this approach reduces lifecycle cost over the complete operational life of each door system, cuts the potential for unforeseen downtime and equips Evri with entrance systems they can rely on day after day.

As part of the service and maintenance programme, Assa Abloy Entrance Systems says it takes a two-pronged approach. Firstly, it schedules planned preventative maintenance at set periods and will see every opening asset on site serviced to keep them operating as expected. Secondly, the company provides immediate hands-on support when the unexpected happens, ensuring any system faults are quickly resolved by expert engineers.

Philip Whiteley, of Assa Abloy Entrance Systems, said: “Through our work with Evri, we have helped them to fulfil their ambitions of creating a major element of their nationwide distribution infrastructure which is able to cope with significantly heightened capacity. With the latest entrance systems in place, they can process more parcels more quickly than ever.

“We’re excited to be continuing our work with Evri over the coming years as we provide regular servicing and maintenance which will keep things running smoothly and, ultimately, reduce costs over their entire service life.”

 

Black Friday returns up 60%

Posted on by David Priestman

Following the Black Friday weekend, retail returns specialist ZigZag Global’s proprietary data has revealed interesting consumer trends. The headline is that global returns for Black Friday weekend were up 60% from the same period in 2021 as shoppers looked to spread the cost of Christmas during a time of economic downturn.

Full data released by ZigZag indicates:

  • Global returns for Black Friday weekend were up 60% from the same period in 2021
  • UK returns for Black Friday weekend were up 8% from the same period in 2021.
  • Sunday had the biggest jump in returns in the UK, with people returning 24% more on Sunday 27th November than they did on the Sunday after Black Friday in 2021
  • Germany had one of the biggest return weekends in Europe, with 88% more returns flowing back to retailers over the weekend compared to 2021
  • The value of goods returned over this week rose by 44% compared to last year globally
  • The value of goods returned over this week rose by 5% compared to last year in the UK
  • 488% increase in returns handed into lockers in the UK
  • Padded coats, leggings, and bags were the most returned items this weekend as consumers seek to wrap up warm on a budget this winter
  • Liverpool saw the biggest drop in returns in the UK, with returns volumes in 2022 only 49% of that in 2021
  • Leeds (45%), Global (54%), and Bristol (56%) all saw significant jumps in their returns this weekend
  • The UK and France sent back more items per returning order this year than in 2021, although the world average actually dropped. With less items coming back per return parcel
  • People were more than happy to pay for returns after securing their discounted goods as paid returns were up 159% this year in the UK
  • The cheapest item returned was only £0.10 – a light-up decorative eucalyptus tree.

Black Friday reinvented

Al Gerrie, CEO & Co-founder of ZigZag Global, comments: “Black Friday has been reinvented yet again this year and 2022 shows that we’re more determined than ever to bag a bargain. One thing is for certain: by spreading the Black Friday deals across the month of November, retailers are doubling down on every effort to combat consumer concerns around the cost-of-living crisis and the potential impact this might have on anticipated Christmas spending budgets.

“However, if the trends in returns tell us anything, we can see that the shoppers are becoming more discerning with the purchases they choose to hold onto, and those they choose to send back. There has been a significant jump in global returns compared to last year’s Black Friday weekend which is up 60% for global returns and 8% in the UK.

“The increase in returns is because shoppers are buying multiple items and being more considerate of returning items they don’t want. There is also an interesting trend in the value of the returned items being higher than last year – again pointing towards a more frugal shopper this year.

“The data also shows a significant increase in the number of paid returns this Black Friday – which are up 159% this year in the UK – whilst free returns have dropped. This reflects retailers’ recent decisions to start charging customers for returns, and is a healthy sign for retailers looking to recoup profit on the returns journey.

“Alongside this, UK customers are actively adopting more sustainable practices regarding their returns, with 79% opting for a paperless return when it is offered and an increased likelihood – almost five times more – of returning via a locker this year. Overall, paperless returns were requested 64% more globally this year compared to 2021.

“With such a drastic change around the largest consumer event of the year, it is our hope that consumers continue to adopt these sustainable practices all year-round.”

Black Friday returns up 60%

Posted on by David Priestman

Following the Black Friday weekend, retail returns specialist ZigZag Global’s proprietary data has revealed interesting consumer trends. The headline is that global returns for Black Friday weekend were up 60% from the same period in 2021 as shoppers looked to spread the cost of Christmas during a time of economic downturn.

Full data released by ZigZag indicates:

  • Global returns for Black Friday weekend were up 60% from the same period in 2021
  • UK returns for Black Friday weekend were up 8% from the same period in 2021.
  • Sunday had the biggest jump in returns in the UK, with people returning 24% more on Sunday 27th November than they did on the Sunday after Black Friday in 2021
  • Germany had one of the biggest return weekends in Europe, with 88% more returns flowing back to retailers over the weekend compared to 2021
  • The value of goods returned over this week rose by 44% compared to last year globally
  • The value of goods returned over this week rose by 5% compared to last year in the UK
  • 488% increase in returns handed into lockers in the UK
  • Padded coats, leggings, and bags were the most returned items this weekend as consumers seek to wrap up warm on a budget this winter
  • Liverpool saw the biggest drop in returns in the UK, with returns volumes in 2022 only 49% of that in 2021
  • Leeds (45%), Global (54%), and Bristol (56%) all saw significant jumps in their returns this weekend
  • The UK and France sent back more items per returning order this year than in 2021, although the world average actually dropped. With less items coming back per return parcel
  • People were more than happy to pay for returns after securing their discounted goods as paid returns were up 159% this year in the UK
  • The cheapest item returned was only £0.10 – a light-up decorative eucalyptus tree.

Black Friday reinvented

Al Gerrie, CEO & Co-founder of ZigZag Global, comments: “Black Friday has been reinvented yet again this year and 2022 shows that we’re more determined than ever to bag a bargain. One thing is for certain: by spreading the Black Friday deals across the month of November, retailers are doubling down on every effort to combat consumer concerns around the cost-of-living crisis and the potential impact this might have on anticipated Christmas spending budgets.

“However, if the trends in returns tell us anything, we can see that the shoppers are becoming more discerning with the purchases they choose to hold onto, and those they choose to send back. There has been a significant jump in global returns compared to last year’s Black Friday weekend which is up 60% for global returns and 8% in the UK.

“The increase in returns is because shoppers are buying multiple items and being more considerate of returning items they don’t want. There is also an interesting trend in the value of the returned items being higher than last year – again pointing towards a more frugal shopper this year.

“The data also shows a significant increase in the number of paid returns this Black Friday – which are up 159% this year in the UK – whilst free returns have dropped. This reflects retailers’ recent decisions to start charging customers for returns, and is a healthy sign for retailers looking to recoup profit on the returns journey.

“Alongside this, UK customers are actively adopting more sustainable practices regarding their returns, with 79% opting for a paperless return when it is offered and an increased likelihood – almost five times more – of returning via a locker this year. Overall, paperless returns were requested 64% more globally this year compared to 2021.

“With such a drastic change around the largest consumer event of the year, it is our hope that consumers continue to adopt these sustainable practices all year-round.”

Parksons Packaging makes senior appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Parksons Packaging, a leading folding carton group of companies, headquartered in India, has appointed Malcolm Farnan as Executive Vice President of Global Marketing. Based in the UK, Farnan will be responsible for global sales force operations, strategy, product & category marketing, and innovation & design for Parksons.

Farnan has a wealth of experience in value-added packaging along with a global understanding and customer insight of branded consumer, healthcare & specialty sectors. He was previously working as senior vice president of global sales & marketing at Multi Packaging Solutions (part of the WestRock packaging group). He has also worked in senior sales & marketing roles with Netherlands- based Clondalkin packaging group.

Farnan is a veteran of the packaging business, and has led several initiatives including business development with key end users in consumer and healthcare markets, sales force effectiveness and establishment of multiple CRM platforms, design hubs and innovation resources. He also has significant operating experience in the APAC, North American and European regions.

A Fellow of the UK Chartered Institute of Marketing, he holds a degree in Business Management and an MBA in Strategic Marketing. He has also completed his post graduate Diplomas in both Management Systems and International Marketing.

Siddharth Kejriwal, Chief Executive Officer of Parksons Packaging, said: “We are delighted to welcome Malcolm to our senior management team. We have known Malcolm for several years and believe that his knowledge and inputs will drive the growth of the Parksons Packaging business globally. Malcolm’s experience in developing appropriate strategies and resources will be of huge benefit to Parksons and to our customers.”

Booking platform receives new funding

Posted on by David Priestman

The technical development of further innovations at Modility, the booking and brokerage platform for Combined Transport, has received funding from the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) in the context of its ‘Future Rail Freight Transport’ programme. The funding will be used to accelerate the development and integration of new features and thus attract new customer segments on the supply and demand side. The project will run until October 2024.

Managing Director Hendrik-Emmanuel Eichentopf considers the funding of Modility to be a recognition of the positive development over the past months. “Since the market launch in March 2021, we have made tremendous progress with Modility. The successful pilot phase as well as increasing user and booking numbers have shown the great demand and potential for our solution in the market. With the new funding, we can now take Modility to the next level in terms of functionality and thus facilitate the switch to more climate-friendly CT for our users.”

The BMDV also funded the pilot phase of Modility as part of the ‘Future Rail Freight Transport’ programme.

Technical innovations

The objective of the demonstrator project that has now started is to attract additional customer segments on the supply and demand side through new innovations. “During the pilot phase, we spoke to a range of different companies that would like to use Modility but have very specific requirements,” says Eichentopf. “We have to take these into account to ensure that our online platform can be used in day-to-day operations and becomes a market standard.”

Therefore, Modility has scheduled the implementation of three sets of measures which consist of functional and modular innovations as well as market opening actions. Specifically, this involves more precise illustration of transport prices and available train capacities, acceleration and simplification of the booking process, and mapping of processes for major client organisations. In addition, it will implement an option for the technical integration of other transport platforms.

Platform continually growing

Since its official market launch in March 2021, Modility has been growing continuously. As of today, 40 train operators are already registered, offering a range of more than 650 bookable rail connections throughout Europe with around 2,500 departures per week via the portal. In total, Modility has more than 350 users registered on its platform.

“We are increasingly noticing that with the growing range of transport options at Modility, we are not only an information site, but also a matchmaker between supply and demand,” states Eichentopf. The company exceeded its targeted booking volume in the four-digit range for this year. In 2023, it should continue to grow – also with the help of the new funding.

Booking platform receives new funding

Posted on by David Priestman

The technical development of further innovations at Modility, the booking and brokerage platform for Combined Transport, has received funding from the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) in the context of its ‘Future Rail Freight Transport’ programme. The funding will be used to accelerate the development and integration of new features and thus attract new customer segments on the supply and demand side. The project will run until October 2024.

Managing Director Hendrik-Emmanuel Eichentopf considers the funding of Modility to be a recognition of the positive development over the past months. “Since the market launch in March 2021, we have made tremendous progress with Modility. The successful pilot phase as well as increasing user and booking numbers have shown the great demand and potential for our solution in the market. With the new funding, we can now take Modility to the next level in terms of functionality and thus facilitate the switch to more climate-friendly CT for our users.”

The BMDV also funded the pilot phase of Modility as part of the ‘Future Rail Freight Transport’ programme.

Technical innovations

The objective of the demonstrator project that has now started is to attract additional customer segments on the supply and demand side through new innovations. “During the pilot phase, we spoke to a range of different companies that would like to use Modility but have very specific requirements,” says Eichentopf. “We have to take these into account to ensure that our online platform can be used in day-to-day operations and becomes a market standard.”

Therefore, Modility has scheduled the implementation of three sets of measures which consist of functional and modular innovations as well as market opening actions. Specifically, this involves more precise illustration of transport prices and available train capacities, acceleration and simplification of the booking process, and mapping of processes for major client organisations. In addition, it will implement an option for the technical integration of other transport platforms.

Platform continually growing

Since its official market launch in March 2021, Modility has been growing continuously. As of today, 40 train operators are already registered, offering a range of more than 650 bookable rail connections throughout Europe with around 2,500 departures per week via the portal. In total, Modility has more than 350 users registered on its platform.

“We are increasingly noticing that with the growing range of transport options at Modility, we are not only an information site, but also a matchmaker between supply and demand,” states Eichentopf. The company exceeded its targeted booking volume in the four-digit range for this year. In 2023, it should continue to grow – also with the help of the new funding.

Inventory – the Next Normal

Posted on by David Priestman

A new survey suggests that a single view of inventory is becoming increasingly important in retail logistics.

At its 2022 ‘European Exchange’ customer conference – this year staged in Berlin – supply chain software leader Manhattan Associates Inc. revealed the findings of its latest international research, ‘Recalibrating For The Next Normal’. It described a retail landscape where the lines between physical and digital commerce are becoming increasingly opaque and complicated.

“Shopping habits have changed forever,” commented Henri Seroux, SVP EMEA at Manhattan Associates. “There can be no return to the status quo, with 83% of retailers now claiming they operate a level of interconnection between their online and in-store functions.”

“As the retail industry recalibrates for this next normal, the ability to navigate disruption, while enhancing the physical and digital customer experience will become increasingly important; as will the technologies that allow retailers to fulfil in-store and online orders in an agile, sustainable and profitable fashion,” Seroux continued.

Single view of inventory

When it comes to fulfilment, the ‘one size fits all’ approach no longer works and retailers are reacting to this. Natalie Berg, retail analyst, author and founder of NBK Retail commented: “While the vast majority of surveyed retailers stated that they have a level of interconnection between their online and in-store functions (83%), only around half are offering buy in-store and return online (50%), or buy online and return in-store (46%). And, only 6% of retailers believed that they had an accurate overview of their inventory across their entire business (in-store and online) 100% of the time.

“Shoppers today expect to shop on their own terms with more than a third (34%) considering click & collect to be the most important delivery method, followed by contactless/curbside pickup at 19%. This finding highlights the importance of offering consumers choice when it comes to fulfilment options and the need for a retailer to possess a single view of inventory, as keeping that all important customer promise just got a whole lot more complicated,” Berg added.

Almost a quarter of consumers (24%) now expect shop assistants to be able to check availability in a nearby store if a product is out of stock, or order that product for home delivery or collection, highlighting the blending of the physical and digital retail spaces.

Seroux continued: “40% of consumers still favour traditional sales checkout in-store, whereas, 19% would like to use more digital methods such as self-checkout on the shop floor with a shop assistant via a mobile device (8%). Interestingly, almost two-thirds (63%) of retailers agreed that checking stock availability was the most important customer-facing duty performed by their shop assistants in 2022.

“Over the last decade bricks & mortar spaces were seen as liabilities in a digital era. However, the perception of the physical store has been fundamentally changed by the impact of the pandemic.

“Today, many retailers are evaluating the roles of their stores, recognising their added value as strategic hubs for online sales, not least as a fulfilment hub for click & collect, returns, endless aisles, same-day delivery and more. While digitalisation and frictionless shopping are certainly two of the big winners from the pandemic, the research shows that we should not be too quick to discount the importance of human interaction or the role of the physical store in the era of digital commerce,” finished Seroux.

Key research findings:

• 51% of consumers reported environmental/sustainability efforts were important to them in shopping
• 26% of retailers believe creating a more environmentally aware and sustainable supply chain is one of their top three priorities for 2023
• 74% of surveyed retailers provide shop assistants with handheld devices that show a consolidated view of inventory across the network
• If a return is made in-store 99% of retailers make the product available for resale with 38% making it available online, 25% putting it on the shop floor and 27% doing both
• 68% of retailers reported that they were now operating micro-fulfilment strategies in efforts to service the numerous channels used by today’s hybrid consumers
• 65% would like to have a choice of couriers and delivery dates, and 18% would like a choice of couriers with different cost options

• Survey: 3,500 adult (18+ years’ old) consumers and 700 management or senior-level retailer respondents, representing Tier 1 retail organisations (generating more than $100m in annual revenue) were surveyed, in France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, UK and USA.

Inventory – the Next Normal

Posted on by David Priestman

A new survey suggests that a single view of inventory is becoming increasingly important in retail logistics.

At its 2022 ‘European Exchange’ customer conference – this year staged in Berlin – supply chain software leader Manhattan Associates Inc. revealed the findings of its latest international research, ‘Recalibrating For The Next Normal’. It described a retail landscape where the lines between physical and digital commerce are becoming increasingly opaque and complicated.

“Shopping habits have changed forever,” commented Henri Seroux, SVP EMEA at Manhattan Associates. “There can be no return to the status quo, with 83% of retailers now claiming they operate a level of interconnection between their online and in-store functions.”

“As the retail industry recalibrates for this next normal, the ability to navigate disruption, while enhancing the physical and digital customer experience will become increasingly important; as will the technologies that allow retailers to fulfil in-store and online orders in an agile, sustainable and profitable fashion,” Seroux continued.

Single view of inventory

When it comes to fulfilment, the ‘one size fits all’ approach no longer works and retailers are reacting to this. Natalie Berg, retail analyst, author and founder of NBK Retail commented: “While the vast majority of surveyed retailers stated that they have a level of interconnection between their online and in-store functions (83%), only around half are offering buy in-store and return online (50%), or buy online and return in-store (46%). And, only 6% of retailers believed that they had an accurate overview of their inventory across their entire business (in-store and online) 100% of the time.

“Shoppers today expect to shop on their own terms with more than a third (34%) considering click & collect to be the most important delivery method, followed by contactless/curbside pickup at 19%. This finding highlights the importance of offering consumers choice when it comes to fulfilment options and the need for a retailer to possess a single view of inventory, as keeping that all important customer promise just got a whole lot more complicated,” Berg added.

Almost a quarter of consumers (24%) now expect shop assistants to be able to check availability in a nearby store if a product is out of stock, or order that product for home delivery or collection, highlighting the blending of the physical and digital retail spaces.

Seroux continued: “40% of consumers still favour traditional sales checkout in-store, whereas, 19% would like to use more digital methods such as self-checkout on the shop floor with a shop assistant via a mobile device (8%). Interestingly, almost two-thirds (63%) of retailers agreed that checking stock availability was the most important customer-facing duty performed by their shop assistants in 2022.

“Over the last decade bricks & mortar spaces were seen as liabilities in a digital era. However, the perception of the physical store has been fundamentally changed by the impact of the pandemic.

“Today, many retailers are evaluating the roles of their stores, recognising their added value as strategic hubs for online sales, not least as a fulfilment hub for click & collect, returns, endless aisles, same-day delivery and more. While digitalisation and frictionless shopping are certainly two of the big winners from the pandemic, the research shows that we should not be too quick to discount the importance of human interaction or the role of the physical store in the era of digital commerce,” finished Seroux.

Key research findings:

• 51% of consumers reported environmental/sustainability efforts were important to them in shopping
• 26% of retailers believe creating a more environmentally aware and sustainable supply chain is one of their top three priorities for 2023
• 74% of surveyed retailers provide shop assistants with handheld devices that show a consolidated view of inventory across the network
• If a return is made in-store 99% of retailers make the product available for resale with 38% making it available online, 25% putting it on the shop floor and 27% doing both
• 68% of retailers reported that they were now operating micro-fulfilment strategies in efforts to service the numerous channels used by today’s hybrid consumers
• 65% would like to have a choice of couriers and delivery dates, and 18% would like a choice of couriers with different cost options

• Survey: 3,500 adult (18+ years’ old) consumers and 700 management or senior-level retailer respondents, representing Tier 1 retail organisations (generating more than $100m in annual revenue) were surveyed, in France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, UK and USA.

Indonesian cement manufacturer installs palletiser

Posted on by David Priestman

PT SemenTonasa ‘s plant on the island of Bali has commissioned BEUMER Group to supply a palletising system for 40 and 50kg bags. This enables the manufacturer to accelerate processes and relieve its personnel of heavy physical work. Installation and commissioning is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2022.

PT Semen Tonasa is part of Semen Indonesia Group, the largest cement manufacturer in Southeast Asia. In Indonesia alone, the group has a market share of more than 50%. At its Celukan Bawang plant on the island of Bali, employees stack the 40 and 50kg cement bags on pallets, which are then fed into the packaging system.

Reliable palletiser

A forklift truck takes the palletised and packaged stacks and loads them onto the loading spaces of the trucks. For the personnel, this is not only physically very strenuous, but also takes a lot of time. In order to accelerate this process and relieve the personnel, PT Semen Tonasa has commissioned BEUMER Group to supply a layer palletiser.

The cement manufacturer has opted for the palletiser of the system supplier, because the system exactly complies with the required technical specifications. Very good stack quality and reliability are characteristics of the palletiser. A multi-program interface includes all common packing patterns, and can be individually adjusted to the different requirements of the building materials industries.

Global influences such as delivery bottlenecks, shortages of raw materials and logistics problems continue to massively disrupt the supply chains. Nevertheless, the system provider will be able to send the machine to the customer in seven months. The target is to install and commission the machine in the third quarter of 2022.

www.beumer.com

 

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