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Day: 2 March 2023

Innovative Modular Diverter, Sorter Modules

Posted on by David Priestman

An innovative high-capacity, multi-directional diverter and a compact 90° diverter and sorter module will take centre stage on Itoh Denki’s stand (no. C017) at the 2023 Semaine de l’Innovation du Transport et de la Logistique (SITL) event in Paris from 28-30 March.

The Multi-Angle Ball Sorter (MABS) boasts patented rotating ball transfer technology, which allows products to be diverted to at any angle on both the left and right. It can handle up to 4,300 units per hour of up to 30kg in weight and is suitable for integration into any type of conveyor system. It is powered solely by 24V DC technology, helping to optimise safety when compared with pneumatically powered systems.

Available in a total of five sizes, MABS can be rapidly reconfigured to suit the requirements of changing set-ups, with up to eight units able to operate in tandem where larger transfer zones are needed. MABS’ high throughput, versatility and compact footprint make it ideal for a vast range of warehousing, e-commerce and intralogistics applications.

Also on show will be the F-RAT NX compact – the only diverter of its type on the market which is able to transfer products at a 90° angle on both sides of the conveyor line without needing to raise the product between the entry and exit. Not only does this make for smoother transfers, but conveyor design is simplified too. Again powered by 24V DC power, the need for pneumatic systems is negated, while the F-RAT comes in a range of sizes.

MABS and F-RAT NX can be combined with ZPA (zero pressure accumulation) conveyors to deliver precise positioning of products and smooth transfer. These attributes make them perfect for any application requiring high throughput alongside optimised quality and safety.

Etienne Vuillard of Itoh Denki explained: “The modern warehouse and distribution facility demands not just high throughput, but unstinting performance when it comes to safety and overall quality of handling. Alongside this, requirements from the sortation line in terms of volume and product type can change rapidly. This means modular, DC-powered systems, able to be rapidly reconfigured, are likely to be attractive to specifiers and system designers. Itoh Denki has been a pioneer of modular sorting and diverting technology for many years and both the MABS and F-RAT combine the qualities for which we have become renowned – speed, versatility, accuracy and safety. The SITL event will welcome leading decision-makers in the sector from across France, and beyond, and we anticipate strong interest in both ranges from visitors to our stand seeking to maximise productivity and enjoy a rapid return on their investment.”

Itoh Denki is a pioneer and leader in motorised roller-based conveyor and sorting solutions for automated intralogistics.

Innovative Modular Diverter, Sorter Modules

Posted on by Keith McKinley

An innovative high-capacity, multi-directional diverter and a compact 90° diverter and sorter module will take centre stage on Itoh Denki’s stand (no. C017) at the 2023 Semaine de l’Innovation du Transport et de la Logistique (SITL) event in Paris from 28-30 March.

The Multi-Angle Ball Sorter (MABS) boasts patented rotating ball transfer technology, which allows products to be diverted to at any angle on both the left and right. It can handle up to 4,300 units per hour of up to 30kg in weight and is suitable for integration into any type of conveyor system. It is powered solely by 24V DC technology, helping to optimise safety when compared with pneumatically powered systems.

Available in a total of five sizes, MABS can be rapidly reconfigured to suit the requirements of changing set-ups, with up to eight units able to operate in tandem where larger transfer zones are needed. MABS’ high throughput, versatility and compact footprint make it ideal for a vast range of warehousing, e-commerce and intralogistics applications.

Also on show will be the F-RAT NX compact – the only diverter of its type on the market which is able to transfer products at a 90° angle on both sides of the conveyor line without needing to raise the product between the entry and exit. Not only does this make for smoother transfers, but conveyor design is simplified too. Again powered by 24V DC power, the need for pneumatic systems is negated, while the F-RAT comes in a range of sizes.

MABS and F-RAT NX can be combined with ZPA (zero pressure accumulation) conveyors to deliver precise positioning of products and smooth transfer. These attributes make them perfect for any application requiring high throughput alongside optimised quality and safety.

Etienne Vuillard of Itoh Denki explained: “The modern warehouse and distribution facility demands not just high throughput, but unstinting performance when it comes to safety and overall quality of handling. Alongside this, requirements from the sortation line in terms of volume and product type can change rapidly. This means modular, DC-powered systems, able to be rapidly reconfigured, are likely to be attractive to specifiers and system designers. Itoh Denki has been a pioneer of modular sorting and diverting technology for many years and both the MABS and F-RAT combine the qualities for which we have become renowned – speed, versatility, accuracy and safety. The SITL event will welcome leading decision-makers in the sector from across France, and beyond, and we anticipate strong interest in both ranges from visitors to our stand seeking to maximise productivity and enjoy a rapid return on their investment.”

Itoh Denki is a pioneer and leader in motorised roller-based conveyor and sorting solutions for automated intralogistics.

Automation: Driving Force to Supply Chain Efficiency

Posted on by David Priestman

Robert Branigan, vice president of international distribution and logistics at Wonder, says that automation is the driving force to improving supply chain efficiency.

With advancements in technology benefitting consumers and businesses alike, increased automation will be one of the key supply chain trends in the coming years. This implementation is gathering momentum, and being agile is key to businesses meeting customer demand in the ecommerce era. However, there are complexities when introducing any type of automation. Considerations from choosing the right system and partner, to the implementation and meeting performance expectations must be taken into account.

Why automate supply chain operations

The requirement for automation comes down to providing customers with the level of service they demand to enable a customer-centric supply chain. Systems need to operate relative to the order sizes to enable efficiencies. Therefore, there needs to be an understanding of how to best make use of automation, and more so in markets with lower product margins. It is important for supply chains to allow next-day delivery to be achieved which is now common practice and within standard expectations, and automation can support this.

Understanding the challenges of automation

Businesses need to undertake a process of due diligence to ensure they understand their precise requirements and select the correct type of automation. It is essential businesses install the right automation system. If a system doesn’t deliver as intended, it could be hugely problematic and disruptive to a business, and consequently, impact customer service. There are usually limited options to recover and maintain order flows if automation fails. This can ultimately put pressure on businesses, as consumers will shop elsewhere if the desired levels of customer service aren’t provided.
The less complex back-office systems are, the better automation also becomes. Back-office systems need to be integrated and robust to enable an efficient process from receipt confirmation to despatch and customer delivery.

Consumer demand is driving automation

Consumer demand has played a pivotal role in the introduction of automation. The B2B market in the UK is already saturated, so growth projections will ultimately come from B2C demand.
At each stage of the modern supply chain, automating any steps in the process which are prone to errors is key to supporting the needs of customers. This can help break down silos between supply chain links. E-commerce has accelerated the requirement of businesses going down the automation route and the pandemic has further increased this. As such, businesses became more interested in automated systems to remain competitive.

Upskilling staff

Automation brings a different way of planning, ensuring it is optimised and how it can impact processes within other parts of the business. It creates opportunities for businesses, due to it requiring a different level of skill and provides the opportunity for warehouse operatives to learn new skills and further progress their careers. Businesses will get the best out of automation by, for example, hiring planning managers with highly developed analytical skills that also understand general business dynamics. To drive efficiencies, operations managers need to understand more about material flows. Systems superusers also need the ability and knowledge to avoid disruption and understand exactly how everything works to include any other associated equipment, from conveyors to packing machines.

Utilising the power of automation to improve supply chain efficiencies

Although there are many factors for companies to consider when introducing automation in supply chain operations, the most important one is whether it will deliver, and also support, long-term strategic plans. At Wonder, we understand the benefits of harnessing supply chain automation. That’s why we’ve invested £8m in a state-of-the-art automated warehouse robotic system and distribution centre (DC) reconfiguration at our Milton Keynes headquarters. Our AutoStore system enables increased stock availability within one central location and a faster order turnaround time for all customer channels. It also allows for greater capacity to handle a larger number of customer orders and an extended next day delivery cut-off to 9pm for B2C customers.

Automation: Driving Force to Supply Chain Efficiency

Posted on by David Priestman

Robert Branigan, vice president of international distribution and logistics at Wonder, says that automation is the driving force to improving supply chain efficiency.

With advancements in technology benefitting consumers and businesses alike, increased automation will be one of the key supply chain trends in the coming years. This implementation is gathering momentum, and being agile is key to businesses meeting customer demand in the ecommerce era. However, there are complexities when introducing any type of automation. Considerations from choosing the right system and partner, to the implementation and meeting performance expectations must be taken into account.

Why automate supply chain operations

The requirement for automation comes down to providing customers with the level of service they demand to enable a customer-centric supply chain. Systems need to operate relative to the order sizes to enable efficiencies. Therefore, there needs to be an understanding of how to best make use of automation, and more so in markets with lower product margins. It is important for supply chains to allow next-day delivery to be achieved which is now common practice and within standard expectations, and automation can support this.

Understanding the challenges of automation

Businesses need to undertake a process of due diligence to ensure they understand their precise requirements and select the correct type of automation. It is essential businesses install the right automation system. If a system doesn’t deliver as intended, it could be hugely problematic and disruptive to a business, and consequently, impact customer service. There are usually limited options to recover and maintain order flows if automation fails. This can ultimately put pressure on businesses, as consumers will shop elsewhere if the desired levels of customer service aren’t provided.
The less complex back-office systems are, the better automation also becomes. Back-office systems need to be integrated and robust to enable an efficient process from receipt confirmation to despatch and customer delivery.

Consumer demand is driving automation

Consumer demand has played a pivotal role in the introduction of automation. The B2B market in the UK is already saturated, so growth projections will ultimately come from B2C demand.
At each stage of the modern supply chain, automating any steps in the process which are prone to errors is key to supporting the needs of customers. This can help break down silos between supply chain links. E-commerce has accelerated the requirement of businesses going down the automation route and the pandemic has further increased this. As such, businesses became more interested in automated systems to remain competitive.

Upskilling staff

Automation brings a different way of planning, ensuring it is optimised and how it can impact processes within other parts of the business. It creates opportunities for businesses, due to it requiring a different level of skill and provides the opportunity for warehouse operatives to learn new skills and further progress their careers. Businesses will get the best out of automation by, for example, hiring planning managers with highly developed analytical skills that also understand general business dynamics. To drive efficiencies, operations managers need to understand more about material flows. Systems superusers also need the ability and knowledge to avoid disruption and understand exactly how everything works to include any other associated equipment, from conveyors to packing machines.

Utilising the power of automation to improve supply chain efficiencies

Although there are many factors for companies to consider when introducing automation in supply chain operations, the most important one is whether it will deliver, and also support, long-term strategic plans. At Wonder, we understand the benefits of harnessing supply chain automation. That’s why we’ve invested £8m in a state-of-the-art automated warehouse robotic system and distribution centre (DC) reconfiguration at our Milton Keynes headquarters. Our AutoStore system enables increased stock availability within one central location and a faster order turnaround time for all customer channels. It also allows for greater capacity to handle a larger number of customer orders and an extended next day delivery cut-off to 9pm for B2C customers.

Schmidt Named CEO of Beumer USA

Posted on by David Priestman

BEUMER Corporation, the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Beckum, Germany-based BEUMER Group, today named Markus Schmidt as president and chief executive officer. Schmidt joins the company effective immediately. BEUMER Group is pleased to welcome a seasoned leader with a proven track record of collaborative partnerships.

With more than 30 years of industry experience and 18 years of executive experience, Schmidt brings to BEUMER decades of expertise in intralogistics automation, market segment-oriented strategy, understanding of the unique challenges facing operations throughout North America and a dedication to collaboration with both internal and external partners. Schmidt’s leadership style and commitment to excellence align perfectly with the company’s vision and values.

As the new CEO, Schmidt will work closely with the talented team at BEUMER Corporation to build on the company’s strong legacy and drive continued growth and success. The company is committed to delivering innovative solutions and world-class service to customers, while prioritizing safety, quality and sustainability.

“We are pleased to have Markus join BEUMER to lead our North American operations,” said Rudolf Hausladen, CEO of the BEUMER Group. “Markus’ expertise in intralogistics automation coupled with strategic leadership within multinational organizations will enhance our sustainable success by creating valuable solutions for our customers in Canada, the United States and Mexico.”

“I’m honoured to join the BEUMER team at such a crucial time for our industry, said Markus Schmidt, incoming CEO at BEUMER Corporation. “As the industry faces exceptional growth, technological advancements and a continuing e-commerce surge, I look forward to working with the exceptional North American team to provide solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency and create unparalleled customer value across the many markets we serve.”

Schmidt earned his diploma from the University of Cologne (Germany) and has sought advanced education focused on leadership development at the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business and the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland).

New LCL Services from Asia to Western Europe

Posted on by David Priestman

Cargo-partner has once again expanded its range of LCL solutions (less than container load) and introduced new weekly sea freight consolidation services from China and India to Rotterdam, serving various destinations in Western Europe.

As ports and warehouses in Northern Europe are still facing heavy congestions and service issues, cargo-partner has recognized the need to provide more flexibility to its customers and expand its range of services in the region. To combat these challenges, the logistics provider has introduced new weekly LCL services from the key Asian gateways Shanghai, Shenzhen and Nhava Sheva to Western Europe via the port of Rotterdam. The new services allow for more flexible planning and considerable time savings compared to transit via German main ports.

“Many of our customers are currently facing cost pressure and looking for a reliable solution for their import shipments from Asia – especially for destinations in Western Europe, which are typically very competitive,” explains Felix Miletich, Corporate Director Product Management Sea Cargo LCL at cargo-partner. “With our LCL services via Rotterdam, we can provide a stable alternative to congested ports in Northern Europe and achieve synergies on the last mile for shipments from various origins.”

One of many cargo-partner-owned consolidation services

The service via Rotterdam is one of many sea freight consolidation services that are fully controlled by cargo-partner, ensuring high flexibility and minimal risk of damages for the logistics provider’s customers. cargo-partner’s door-to-door solutions include pre-and on-carriage by road, customs clearance and comprehensive logistics services through the company’s European warehouse network.

After deconsolidation at a dedicated warehouse in Rotterdam, customers benefit from fixed truck departures at least once per week for deliveries throughout Europe. While the service mainly targets Western European countries like Germany, Belgium, Sweden, the UK, Ireland and Spain, it can also provide an interesting alternative for customers in Central European destinations such as Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Strategic focus on LCL and Western Europe

As one of the leading providers of LCL transports in Central and Eastern Europe, cargo-partner operates its own weekly LCL consolidation lines from more than 20 Asian and East-Mediterranean countries to its Ljubljana hub. In addition, the company will also continue to service Germany with its “Adria Express” service connecting Asia to Europe via Koper, Rijeka and Trieste. Another well-established, cargo-partner-owned LCL consolidation service links China and Germany by rail, using Duisburg as a regional gateway for east- and westbound transport.

Looking ahead, the logistics provider has placed a strategic focus on strengthening its network in Western Europe, with the new LCL service via Rotterdam representing just one aspect of cargo-partner’s growing portfolio or air, sea, road transport and warehousing solutions in the region.

cargo-partner is a privately owned full-range info-logistics provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of air, sea, land transport and warehousing solutions. With 40 years of expertise in information technology and supply chain optimization, the company designs tailor-made services for a wide range of industries to create competitive benefits for its customers all around the world. Founded in 1983, cargo-partner generated a turnover of 1.8 billion euro in 2021 and an estimated 2.05 billion euro in 2022 and currently employs 4,000 people worldwide.

ek robotics’ New Commissioning & Layout Engineer

Posted on by David Priestman

ek robotics are delighted to welcome Simon Kirby to the UK team as the new Commissioning & Layout Engineer. Simon (pictured) brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously spent 8 years working in the Materials Handling Equipment industry.

In his previous role, after four years as a Service Engineer, he progressed into the Logistics Solutions Department where he specialised in commissioning Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).

“I am really pleased to be joining the ek robotics team and I can’t wait to get started,” commented Simon. “My role here will be based nationwide across the UK and in Ireland, where I will be heavily involved in the designing, implementation, and installation of AGV systems for our customers.”

He added: “I had a wonderful 8 years or so at my previous employer and I leave very happy with my time there, however, the opportunity to come to ek robotics was too good to turn down. The company is accustomed to a wide, diverse range of AGVs which I am excited to be involved in, but I’m also looking forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of ek robotics.”

Chris Price, Managing Director of ek robotics UK, said: “We are thrilled to have Simon as part of the team, and we are looking forward to having his skillset within the business. We wanted to bring someone on board who had solid experience and Simon has that in abundance – I’m sure he will be an excellent addition to the team.”

ek robotics is a leading manufacturer and system integrator of innovative high-tech transport robotics for production and warehouse logistics. At six locations in Europe (Rosengarten, Germany, Headquarters), Reutlingen (Germany), Milan (Italy), Prague (Czech Republic), Buckingham (UK), and Budapest (Hungary), the transport robotics specialist with more than 300 employees creates intelligent, networked and flexible transport solutions for the fully automated, in-plant material flow of its global customers. With more than 60 years of experience in design, development, manufacturing, integration, turnkey delivery, and support throughout the entire lifecycle of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), ek robotics is among the technical elite in this fast-growing industry of the future.

ek robotics’ New Commissioning & Layout Engineer

Posted on by David Priestman

ek robotics are delighted to welcome Simon Kirby to the UK team as the new Commissioning & Layout Engineer. Simon (pictured) brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously spent 8 years working in the Materials Handling Equipment industry.

In his previous role, after four years as a Service Engineer, he progressed into the Logistics Solutions Department where he specialised in commissioning Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).

“I am really pleased to be joining the ek robotics team and I can’t wait to get started,” commented Simon. “My role here will be based nationwide across the UK and in Ireland, where I will be heavily involved in the designing, implementation, and installation of AGV systems for our customers.”

He added: “I had a wonderful 8 years or so at my previous employer and I leave very happy with my time there, however, the opportunity to come to ek robotics was too good to turn down. The company is accustomed to a wide, diverse range of AGVs which I am excited to be involved in, but I’m also looking forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of ek robotics.”

Chris Price, Managing Director of ek robotics UK, said: “We are thrilled to have Simon as part of the team, and we are looking forward to having his skillset within the business. We wanted to bring someone on board who had solid experience and Simon has that in abundance – I’m sure he will be an excellent addition to the team.”

ek robotics is a leading manufacturer and system integrator of innovative high-tech transport robotics for production and warehouse logistics. At six locations in Europe (Rosengarten, Germany, Headquarters), Reutlingen (Germany), Milan (Italy), Prague (Czech Republic), Buckingham (UK), and Budapest (Hungary), the transport robotics specialist with more than 300 employees creates intelligent, networked and flexible transport solutions for the fully automated, in-plant material flow of its global customers. With more than 60 years of experience in design, development, manufacturing, integration, turnkey delivery, and support throughout the entire lifecycle of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), ek robotics is among the technical elite in this fast-growing industry of the future.

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