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Month: November 2022

The three biggest risks in logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

A survey series by the Logistics Hall of Fame in cooperation with the logistics insurance broker Schunk Group looks at the current risks facing the logistics industry and how companies are preparing against them.

Logistics is a volatile business worldwide. More than ever, current trends and global political developments are creating new challenges and putting pressure on supply chains. But which risks are decisive and demand a rethink for the future? The first survey as part of a new survey series, which the Logistics Hall of Fame has initiated together with the Schunk Group, shows a clear result: The ongoing shortage of skilled workers, cybercrime and supply chain disruptions are currently causing the most problems for the logistics industry in the DACH region.

According to the respondents, the biggest risks currently confronting the logistics industry worldwide are the shortage of skilled workers (71.8%), followed by cybercrime (64.1%) and, in third place, supply chain disruptions (48.7%).

The picture is similar when it comes to the specific risks to the individual company. Here, the shortage of skilled workers also occupies first place in the individual risk ranking (62.5%). However, supply chain interruptions (47.5%) rank ahead of cybercrime (45%).

Political risks (43.6%) and climate change (18%) followed as general dangers, as did political risks (37.5%) when asked about their own companies. In contrast, business interruptions, the outbreak of a pandemic, market changes and loss of reputation played a lesser role.

“Topical issues such as supply chain problems and a shortage of skilled workers dominate the logistics risk ranking, but logistics executives have also realised that data-driven business models in logistics offer more and more gateways for cyber criminals to infiltrate logistics chains, reroute flows of goods or paralyse operations,” says Thomas Wicke, Managing Director of the Schunk Group.

“However, the fact that cyber attacks can become a problem for companies of all sizes is often forgotten or ignored. Even for small companies, damage in the millions can quickly occur. That’s why it’s important to be well protected against the effects of the risks.”

To fight the risks, the executives surveyed specified a number of ongoing measures, including early employee retention activities, comprehensive training programmes, work on top employer branding, and the formation of task forces to motivate in-house staff and recruit external forces, among others.

“Existing measures can be supported by suitable solutions that pay off in retaining employees and increasing employer attractiveness,” says Wicke, describing the possible approach. To protect against cybercrime, companies said they consciously invest in IT security, regularly hack themselves to detect security vulnerabilities, purchase monitoring systems, and secure processes and install regular backups.

The survey, which involves an executive C-level panel of selected managing directors, board members and entrepreneurs from the Logistics Hall of Fame network and the Schunk Group, will be conducted quarterly in the future on changing topics.

Interested parties can be added to the distribution list by sending an e-mail to stefanie.nonnenmann@impact.mp. The survey shows the current mood in the logistics industry and is not representative of the industry as a whole.

Background: The Logistics Hall of Fame was founded in 2003 and honours leading figures who have made outstanding efforts to promote the further development of logistics and supply chain management. This eternal pantheon is also designed to remind future generations of the achievements of these individuals in the service of logistics. The aim of the Logistics Hall of Fame is to act as a worldwide platform to publicise the performance capability of logistics and its importance for society. The Logistics Hall of Fame also presents the TRATON Logistics Leader of the Year Award to current pacesetters in logistics. It is sponsored by TRATON SE.

In addition, the Logistics Hall of Fame recognises innovative logistics projects by humanitarian organisations with the Lynn C. Fritz Medal for Excellence in Humanitarian Logistics. The donor is the Fritz Institute. The Logistics Hall of Fame is a non-profit initiative supported by the world of politics, associations, the logistics industry and logistics science. The patron is Dr. Volker Wissing, German Federal Minister for Digital and Transport.

The three biggest risks in logistics

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A survey series by the Logistics Hall of Fame in cooperation with the logistics insurance broker Schunk Group looks at the current risks facing the logistics industry and how companies are preparing against them.

Logistics is a volatile business worldwide. More than ever, current trends and global political developments are creating new challenges and putting pressure on supply chains. But which risks are decisive and demand a rethink for the future? The first survey as part of a new survey series, which the Logistics Hall of Fame has initiated together with the Schunk Group, shows a clear result: The ongoing shortage of skilled workers, cybercrime and supply chain disruptions are currently causing the most problems for the logistics industry in the DACH region.

According to the respondents, the biggest risks currently confronting the logistics industry worldwide are the shortage of skilled workers (71.8%), followed by cybercrime (64.1%) and, in third place, supply chain disruptions (48.7%).

The picture is similar when it comes to the specific risks to the individual company. Here, the shortage of skilled workers also occupies first place in the individual risk ranking (62.5%). However, supply chain interruptions (47.5%) rank ahead of cybercrime (45%).

Political risks (43.6%) and climate change (18%) followed as general dangers, as did political risks (37.5%) when asked about their own companies. In contrast, business interruptions, the outbreak of a pandemic, market changes and loss of reputation played a lesser role.

“Topical issues such as supply chain problems and a shortage of skilled workers dominate the logistics risk ranking, but logistics executives have also realised that data-driven business models in logistics offer more and more gateways for cyber criminals to infiltrate logistics chains, reroute flows of goods or paralyse operations,” says Thomas Wicke, Managing Director of the Schunk Group.

“However, the fact that cyber attacks can become a problem for companies of all sizes is often forgotten or ignored. Even for small companies, damage in the millions can quickly occur. That’s why it’s important to be well protected against the effects of the risks.”

To fight the risks, the executives surveyed specified a number of ongoing measures, including early employee retention activities, comprehensive training programmes, work on top employer branding, and the formation of task forces to motivate in-house staff and recruit external forces, among others.

“Existing measures can be supported by suitable solutions that pay off in retaining employees and increasing employer attractiveness,” says Wicke, describing the possible approach. To protect against cybercrime, companies said they consciously invest in IT security, regularly hack themselves to detect security vulnerabilities, purchase monitoring systems, and secure processes and install regular backups.

The survey, which involves an executive C-level panel of selected managing directors, board members and entrepreneurs from the Logistics Hall of Fame network and the Schunk Group, will be conducted quarterly in the future on changing topics.

Interested parties can be added to the distribution list by sending an e-mail to stefanie.nonnenmann@impact.mp. The survey shows the current mood in the logistics industry and is not representative of the industry as a whole.

Background: The Logistics Hall of Fame was founded in 2003 and honours leading figures who have made outstanding efforts to promote the further development of logistics and supply chain management. This eternal pantheon is also designed to remind future generations of the achievements of these individuals in the service of logistics. The aim of the Logistics Hall of Fame is to act as a worldwide platform to publicise the performance capability of logistics and its importance for society. The Logistics Hall of Fame also presents the TRATON Logistics Leader of the Year Award to current pacesetters in logistics. It is sponsored by TRATON SE.

In addition, the Logistics Hall of Fame recognises innovative logistics projects by humanitarian organisations with the Lynn C. Fritz Medal for Excellence in Humanitarian Logistics. The donor is the Fritz Institute. The Logistics Hall of Fame is a non-profit initiative supported by the world of politics, associations, the logistics industry and logistics science. The patron is Dr. Volker Wissing, German Federal Minister for Digital and Transport.

Goplasticpallets.com makes key senior appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Goplasticpallets.com, the responsible plastic pallet company, has made a key senior appointment to help facilitate the next chapter of the organisation’s growth. Lee Denyer has joined the company as Finance Director.

In this newly created role, Denyer’s remit will encompass all financial aspects of company strategy, monitoring business performance, optimising existing processes and developing new ones. He arrives at goplasticpallets.com after spending 12 years at aerospace and defence giant L3Harris, where he most recently held the role of Head of Finance. Earlier in his career, Denyer enjoyed spells at food manufacturer Kate’s Cakes, as well as Parker Hannifin, a global leader in motion and control technologies.

Denyer completes a strong senior leadership team – spearheaded by Managing Director Jim Hardisty – who will focus on overseeing goplasticpallets.com’s future development plans, which includes adding to its existing portfolio of innovative and sustainable products. The company already supports a number of household names across multiple sectors – including retail, food and agriculture, automotive and pharmaceuticals – whilst also working closely with supply chain and automation professionals to increase efficiencies.

Commenting on the appointment, Hardisty said: “We are thrilled to add someone of Lee’s calibre and experience to our senior management team. After a period of sustained growth, we have a number of exciting plans in place that will push the business forward even further. Lee will play a fundamental role in helping us to achieve our goals as we embark on the next chapter of goplasticpallets.com’s journey.”

Denyer said: “This is a fantastic time to be joining the talented team at goplasticpallets.com. I will be responsible for ensuring the company is in the best position possible to take advantage of new opportunities and that our internal processes and systems match our ambitious growth plans. I cannot wait to get started and make a positive impact across the business.”

 

Partnership increases transparency of shipping emissions

Posted on by David Priestman

PortXchange Products B.V., one of the leading tech start-ups in the maritime domain for predictable and sustainable shipping, has formed a long-term global partnership with BigMile, supplier of software for calculating and analysing transport-related CO2 emissions. Through their combined efforts, the two companies will provide digital solutions to increase transparency of shipping emissions in port areas.

With the growing pressure on the shipping and logistics industries to reduce the emissions footprint, ports are emerging as critical players to drive sustainability efforts. However, most ports currently lack the necessary means to track emissions, which is the first step in developing decarbonisation strategies to meet the ambitious reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

By working together, PortXchange and BigMile are ideally positioned to equip ports worldwide with a unique digital service that will allow them to monitor emissions from vessels, road, and rail transport, and help them quantify the impact of their sustainability programmes. “We are excited to partner up with BigMile – the leader in CO2 footprint standardisation – and to contribute our vast experience in the maritime industry to this collaboration,” said Sjoerd de Jager (pictured, right), Managing Director of PortXchange.

Enhancing decarbonisation through digitalisation

Although most shipping emissions occur during the voyage, their negative impact is most directly noticeable in ports because these are usually located close to cities. In fact, around 230 million people are directly exposed to shipping emissions in the world’s top one hundred ports. Digitalisation can significantly enhance decarbonisation efforts by providing means to  calculate and monitor emissions and subsequently implement measures and interventions to reduce emissions.

“With our flagship product called PortXchange Synchronizer, we offer a solution that allows vessels to optimise their sailing speed for just-in-time (JIT) arrival at the port. This reduces fuel consumption during the voyage and avoids unnecessary waiting time at anchorage, which leads to lower emissions in the port area,” continued de Jager.

“Port authorities can play a significant role in facilitating JIT arrival by supporting data-sharing initiatives and offering incentive schemes such as JIT-induced port fee discounts. There are several examples of such schemes currently being trialled, including at the ports in Rotterdam, Los Angeles Long Beach, Singapore, and Esbjerg. Thanks to the insights provided by the combined digital service from BigMile and PortXchange, the effectiveness of these measures becomes transparent. These insights are critical to underpin the investment strategies for these measures,” he added.

Supporting targeted decisions

“In this collaboration, our aim together with PortXchange is to encourage and facilitate ports worldwide to map their current footprint so that they can then make targeted decisions to reduce emissions in and around the port. These measures can be either operational, such as optimising the sailing speed as Sjoerd already mentioned, or strategic in nature, because the multi-modal split of emissions creates a more comprehensive picture of where transport emissions come from. This allows ports to take a holistic approach to port call decarbonisation,” stated Jan Pronk (pictured, left), Managing Director of BigMile.

Strategic measures could include electrification and the construction of shore power systems, he explains: “Shore power systems can potentially be an important part of the energy transition. If ships turn off their generators and use shore power when they are at the quay, they are a lot less polluting. The BigMile and PortXchange platform can provide insight into how much air pollution a shore power connection can prevent. Right now, ports are facing strategic choices about whether – and if so, where – to install shore power systems.”

BigMile and PortXchange are currently working on their first implementation of this digital service in the Port of Rotterdam. The service will also become available to other ports by the end of 2022.

Partnership increases transparency of shipping emissions

Posted on by Keith McKinley

PortXchange Products B.V., one of the leading tech start-ups in the maritime domain for predictable and sustainable shipping, has formed a long-term global partnership with BigMile, supplier of software for calculating and analysing transport-related CO2 emissions. Through their combined efforts, the two companies will provide digital solutions to increase transparency of shipping emissions in port areas.

With the growing pressure on the shipping and logistics industries to reduce the emissions footprint, ports are emerging as critical players to drive sustainability efforts. However, most ports currently lack the necessary means to track emissions, which is the first step in developing decarbonisation strategies to meet the ambitious reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

By working together, PortXchange and BigMile are ideally positioned to equip ports worldwide with a unique digital service that will allow them to monitor emissions from vessels, road, and rail transport, and help them quantify the impact of their sustainability programmes. “We are excited to partner up with BigMile – the leader in CO2 footprint standardisation – and to contribute our vast experience in the maritime industry to this collaboration,” said Sjoerd de Jager (pictured, right), Managing Director of PortXchange.

Enhancing decarbonisation through digitalisation

Although most shipping emissions occur during the voyage, their negative impact is most directly noticeable in ports because these are usually located close to cities. In fact, around 230 million people are directly exposed to shipping emissions in the world’s top one hundred ports. Digitalisation can significantly enhance decarbonisation efforts by providing means to  calculate and monitor emissions and subsequently implement measures and interventions to reduce emissions.

“With our flagship product called PortXchange Synchronizer, we offer a solution that allows vessels to optimise their sailing speed for just-in-time (JIT) arrival at the port. This reduces fuel consumption during the voyage and avoids unnecessary waiting time at anchorage, which leads to lower emissions in the port area,” continued de Jager.

“Port authorities can play a significant role in facilitating JIT arrival by supporting data-sharing initiatives and offering incentive schemes such as JIT-induced port fee discounts. There are several examples of such schemes currently being trialled, including at the ports in Rotterdam, Los Angeles Long Beach, Singapore, and Esbjerg. Thanks to the insights provided by the combined digital service from BigMile and PortXchange, the effectiveness of these measures becomes transparent. These insights are critical to underpin the investment strategies for these measures,” he added.

Supporting targeted decisions

“In this collaboration, our aim together with PortXchange is to encourage and facilitate ports worldwide to map their current footprint so that they can then make targeted decisions to reduce emissions in and around the port. These measures can be either operational, such as optimising the sailing speed as Sjoerd already mentioned, or strategic in nature, because the multi-modal split of emissions creates a more comprehensive picture of where transport emissions come from. This allows ports to take a holistic approach to port call decarbonisation,” stated Jan Pronk (pictured, left), Managing Director of BigMile.

Strategic measures could include electrification and the construction of shore power systems, he explains: “Shore power systems can potentially be an important part of the energy transition. If ships turn off their generators and use shore power when they are at the quay, they are a lot less polluting. The BigMile and PortXchange platform can provide insight into how much air pollution a shore power connection can prevent. Right now, ports are facing strategic choices about whether – and if so, where – to install shore power systems.”

BigMile and PortXchange are currently working on their first implementation of this digital service in the Port of Rotterdam. The service will also become available to other ports by the end of 2022.

Conker makes five new appointments

Posted on by David Priestman

Conker, which provides rugged, wearable and scannable devices for mobile workforces, is expanding yet again with the appointment of five new staff members and a head of team promotion.

Lwazi Sibiya joins Conker in the role of business development executive. With a strong consultative approach and a firm belief in the importance of customer-centricity in service-driven sectors, Sibiya comments: “I am delighted to join Conker with its reputation for outstanding customer service.”

Keshny Naidu has over 20 years’ experience in client relationship management and has been appointed business development executive for the retail and wholesale sectors. She comments: “Joining Conker is a great opportunity to add value to this forward-thinking device specialist. I am looking forward to a new challenge and working closely with retail and wholesale businesses to understand the demands of their environment.”

Dannida Katzen will also be coming on board as business development executive. Outlining her approach to the role, Katzen says: “I am dedicated to bringing successful and practical methods and solutions to my work with new customers. I love working for this cutting-edge company as its core values are extremely client-centric.”

Joining the team as an account manager, Marie-Lousie Du Toit explains what she is looking forward to in her new role: “I believe that attention to detail is a key component of being a trusted adviser and I am excited to bring my relationship-building skills to Conker.”

Jacqueline Mostert, new key accounts manager, has over 10 years’ experience in the client consultative space and comments: “I am driven by a passion for people, building trustful relationships and making a difference to my customers’ tech experience.”

In addition to the new hires, Taryn Ward has been promoted to Head of Business Development. She comments: “I am excited to be part of Conker’s growth journey. Working with a team that is passionate about finding solutions that help our customers maximise their business efficiencies and productivity is extremely rewarding.”

2023 is set to be another busy year for Conker and the expanding team will be crucial to support Conker’s continued growth. Conker CEO James Summers adds: “We are delighted to celebrate Taryn’s promotion and welcome Lwazi, Keshny, Dannida, Jacqueline and Marie-Louise to Conker. It’s great to meet new team members who are fully engaged with our mission to help companies match with the perfect tech for the job at hand and who will help in our continued growth.”

Overcoming Peak Challenges in Skechers’ Chinese DC

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics Business has been granted exclusive access to Skechers’ Chinese DC fulfilment centre, 100km outside of Shanghai, where Libiao Robotics has deployed a comprehensive automated solution to enable the FMCG retailer overcome a considerable spike in orders around the annual ‘Singles Day’ online shopping frenzy.

Eric Chow, Senior MHE Manager at Skechers’ Shu-Jo eCommerce fulfilment centre talks with Logistics Business editor Peter MacLeod about the challenges and solutions of scaling up, whilst Ronan Shen, overseas sales director of Libiao Robotics takes us for an entertaining and informative walk through the DC, highlighting some of the automation his company has brought to the facility.

Skechers’ Chinese DC

Furthermore, Shen describes his company’s ambitions to service global markets, in particular Europe.

CLICK HERE to watch this exclusive Logistics Business webinar.

In Spring 2024 LiBiao’s range of autonomous sortation robots will be on display at two important European trade fairs. Logistics professionals can discover the many ways that LiBiao technology can benefit their business by visiting the company’s stand at LogiMAT (Stuttgart, Germany, March 19-21st).

LiBiao is a global pioneer of intelligent sorting robots, and one of the world’s leading suppliers of flexible intelligent sorting solutions, creating the world’s first portable, modular and automated unit sorting system. The company integrates logistics automation, research and development, production and sales of intelligent equipment.

Since its establishment, LiBiao has always specialized in the development and innovation of logistics automation technology, emphasizing original intelligent technology, independent system bottom layer and application development. All of its products are independently researched and developed, and the company has accumulated over 100 exclusive invention patents. With the sorting robot series as the core, and the automatic control system, automatic scanning and weighing system, intelligent charging system as supporting components, LiBiao has gradually built up a rich product ecosystem for intelligent logistics applications.

read more

Case Study: It’s a Shoe-in at Skechers EDC

 

 

Overcoming Peak Challenges in Skechers’ Chinese DC

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics Business has been granted exclusive access to Skechers’ Chinese DC fulfilment centre, 100km outside of Shanghai, where Libiao Robotics has deployed a comprehensive automated solution to enable the FMCG retailer overcome a considerable spike in orders around the annual ‘Singles Day’ online shopping frenzy.

Eric Chow, Senior MHE Manager at Skechers’ Shu-Jo eCommerce fulfilment centre talks with Logistics Business editor Peter MacLeod about the challenges and solutions of scaling up, whilst Ronan Shen, overseas sales director of Libiao Robotics takes us for an entertaining and informative walk through the DC, highlighting some of the automation his company has brought to the facility.

Skechers’ Chinese DC

Furthermore, Shen describes his company’s ambitions to service global markets, in particular Europe.

CLICK HERE to watch this exclusive Logistics Business webinar.

In Spring 2024 LiBiao’s range of autonomous sortation robots will be on display at two important European trade fairs. Logistics professionals can discover the many ways that LiBiao technology can benefit their business by visiting the company’s stand at LogiMAT (Stuttgart, Germany, March 19-21st).

LiBiao is a global pioneer of intelligent sorting robots, and one of the world’s leading suppliers of flexible intelligent sorting solutions, creating the world’s first portable, modular and automated unit sorting system. The company integrates logistics automation, research and development, production and sales of intelligent equipment.

Since its establishment, LiBiao has always specialized in the development and innovation of logistics automation technology, emphasizing original intelligent technology, independent system bottom layer and application development. All of its products are independently researched and developed, and the company has accumulated over 100 exclusive invention patents. With the sorting robot series as the core, and the automatic control system, automatic scanning and weighing system, intelligent charging system as supporting components, LiBiao has gradually built up a rich product ecosystem for intelligent logistics applications.

read more

Case Study: It’s a Shoe-in at Skechers EDC

 

 

Pharma container available for demonstration

Posted on by David Priestman

Tower Cold Chain’s latest product for smaller pharmaceutical shipments, the KTEvolution container offering protection, security, and visibility in a small box, is now available for demonstration globally, at the company’s Centres of Excellence in the EMEA, APAC and Americas regions.

The KTEvolution is the most recent addition to the temperature-controlled specialist’s product range and is available in 26-litre and 57-litre options, offering a new lightweight and cost-effective solution for the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Demonstrations will be held at Tower’s three Centres of Excellence in Reading (UK), Philadelphia (US) and Singapore where customers and prospects can gain tangible insights and observe the KTE’s benefits and features in real-time.

Hosted by Tower’s sales team, customers will have unmediated access to experts during the demonstration process and can ask detailed questions to help inform purchase decisions. Upon request, customers can also book a demonstration at their own location, where a Tower Cold Chain sales representative can organise a suitable date and time for customers within one working day.

This complementary offer comes after the KTEvolution’s successful debut at LogiPharma and CPHI Frankfurt in 2022.

Niall Balfour, CEO, Tower Cold Chain, says: “We have seen a significant interest following this year’s exhibition season, after showcasing the KTEvolution for the first time. The KTEvolution fills a gap in the cold chain market and provides a more compact, light-weight option that we feel many industries, customers and patients will be able to benefit from.

“We have found in-person demonstrations to be far more beneficial to our customers as they allow for a more in-depth insight into Tower’s products. We are delighted to be able to offer this service for the KTEvolution.”

The reduced weight and easy-to-handle nature of the KTEvolution makes it an ideal option for smaller shipments such as direct-to-patient, samples shipment, and last-mile deliveries.

The KTEvolution range will be available across a full temperature range, capable of transporting pharmaceuticals, life-science, and biotech products that require an internal temperature of -80°C, -60°C, -20°C, +5°C, +20°C and can provide 120+ hours of insulation without requiring any external power source or intervention.

Pharma container available for demonstration

Posted on by David Priestman

Tower Cold Chain’s latest product for smaller pharmaceutical shipments, the KTEvolution container offering protection, security, and visibility in a small box, is now available for demonstration globally, at the company’s Centres of Excellence in the EMEA, APAC and Americas regions.

The KTEvolution is the most recent addition to the temperature-controlled specialist’s product range and is available in 26-litre and 57-litre options, offering a new lightweight and cost-effective solution for the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Demonstrations will be held at Tower’s three Centres of Excellence in Reading (UK), Philadelphia (US) and Singapore where customers and prospects can gain tangible insights and observe the KTE’s benefits and features in real-time.

Hosted by Tower’s sales team, customers will have unmediated access to experts during the demonstration process and can ask detailed questions to help inform purchase decisions. Upon request, customers can also book a demonstration at their own location, where a Tower Cold Chain sales representative can organise a suitable date and time for customers within one working day.

This complementary offer comes after the KTEvolution’s successful debut at LogiPharma and CPHI Frankfurt in 2022.

Niall Balfour, CEO, Tower Cold Chain, says: “We have seen a significant interest following this year’s exhibition season, after showcasing the KTEvolution for the first time. The KTEvolution fills a gap in the cold chain market and provides a more compact, light-weight option that we feel many industries, customers and patients will be able to benefit from.

“We have found in-person demonstrations to be far more beneficial to our customers as they allow for a more in-depth insight into Tower’s products. We are delighted to be able to offer this service for the KTEvolution.”

The reduced weight and easy-to-handle nature of the KTEvolution makes it an ideal option for smaller shipments such as direct-to-patient, samples shipment, and last-mile deliveries.

The KTEvolution range will be available across a full temperature range, capable of transporting pharmaceuticals, life-science, and biotech products that require an internal temperature of -80°C, -60°C, -20°C, +5°C, +20°C and can provide 120+ hours of insulation without requiring any external power source or intervention.

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