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Month: March 2023

Strong Partnership for Production Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

cts GmbH, the automation specialist from Burgkirchen in Upper Bavaria, Germany, has entered into a long-term and strategic partnership for production logistics with the robotics company Magazino GmbH from Munich. Magazino complements the cts logistics portfolio with the supply chain robot “SOTO” which brings materials to the assembly line, just-in-time and completely autonomously. The range of mobile robots is thus extended by an additional option. Together, the companies offer solutions that further drive the development towards a living “Smart Factory”.

The SOTO robot combines these elementary logistical process steps into a single, fully autonomous solution: picking up KLTs of different sizes from a warehouse or into one, autonomously transporting multiple KLTs from source to sink, and exchanging containers at machines or delivering them to line-side flow racks at different heights. The combination of these capabilities clearly sets the SOTO robot apart from the market environment and enables true end-to-end automation in material handling for the first time.

Cooperation between cts and Magazino

“We are pleased to have Magazino as a technology partner in the field of production logistics. The industry is constantly facing new challenges that make it necessary to develop innovative solutions. We can offer our customers an overall concept tailored to their needs thanks to our high level of expertise and extensive experience,” reports Alfred Pammer, Head of Sales and Marketing at cts GmbH.

“Working with a strong integration partner like cts GmbH provides our customers with a reliable service in planning, commissioning and support. With this support, the SOTO solution as a complete package becomes an economical and reliable tool in production,” added Andreas Marx, Senior Partner Manager at Magazino GmbH. “We are very pleased to have cts GmbH as a first class partner at our customers’ side.”

Magazino develops and builds intelligent, mobile robots that perceive their environment and make decisions themselves. The autonomous robots work in parallel with humans and make processes in the areas of e-commerce, fashion and production logistics more flexible and efficient. Magazino has grown steadily in recent years and now employs 120 people at its Munich site. Magazino’s investors include Jungheinrich AG, Körber AG, Zalando and Fiege Logistik.

Podcast: Transport Management: Data & Delivery

Posted on by David Priestman

The second episode of our Podcast series, ‘Logistics Business Conversations’, is now available free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all other podcast distribution platforms – just search for Logistics Business Conversations.

Digitization, with data alongside, is an exciting journey that is now all pervasive. Learn about visibility, business intelligence, pain points, solutions, handling data, customer needs and price optimisation. Embrace disruption as Peter MacLeod, Editor of Logistics Business magazine, chats to Robert Jordan, CEO of the iFactory.

Listen anytime on your preferred platform or by clicking here. Watch our recent Webinars or listen to any of our Podcasts here.

This episode is sponsored by Jungheinrich UK

Outdoor/Indoor Autonomous Logistics Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Exail, a leading high-tech industrial group specializing in cutting-edge robotics technologies, introduces its new autonomous outdoor and indoor forklift truck, the Alvin FT. Easily integrated within existing infrastructures, the Alvin FT is a modular forklift that can handle loads up to 2.5t and up to 6 meters. Its standard forks can be replaced by spur, clamp, conveyor, or other specific and customizable interfaces for more versatility.

Equipped with advanced perception sensors for smart and secure autonomous navigation, the Alvin FT Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) ensures logistics flow continuity 24/7 in all weather conditions and is perfectly suited for extremely accurate and safe handling, stacking, shelving, storage and supply operations.

Autonomous Logistics

“By supporting the handling and stacking of goods up to 6 meters, our new Alvin FT solution offers up to 75% operational gain and answers the major challenges faced by the logistics industry such as labour shortage, drudgery and an increasing volume of goods needed to be transported, while also reducing the overall carbon footprint of logistics operations.” Explains Luc Nicolas, Head of Sales Industrials Robotics at Exail.

Autonomous Forklift

Exail’s Alvin FT comes with a user-friendly supervision software that offers efficient mission planning and management, real-time installation status (map, roads, load pick-up and drop-off areas, vehicles status) as well as a stock management feature able to interface with clients own WMS/ERP.

Exail is a leading high-tech industrial company specializing in cutting-edge robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace and photonics technologies. With a strong entrepreneurial culture, Exail delivers unrivaled performance, reliability and safety to its civil and defense clients operating in severe environments. From the deep sea to outer space, Exail expands their capabilities with a full range of robust in-house manufactured components, products and systems. Employing a workforce of 1500 people worldwide, the company benefits from a global footprint and conducts its business in over 80 countries. Exail was formed by ECA Group and iXblue joining forces in 2022. It is a subsidiary of Exail Technologies, a family-owned company specialized in high-technology.

Telematics for Truck Racing Championship

Posted on by David Priestman

VisionTrack is extending its longstanding partnership with the British Truck Racing Championship (BTRC) for a further year. As official video telematics provider, the company will deliver an advanced vehicle camera solution for all competing trucks in Division 1 and Division 2 of the BTRC. Teaming up with Truck Sport UK, VisionTrack will support race activity management throughout the seven-round event, as well as providing high-quality footage for broadcast and media opportunities.

VisionTrack will be using a three-channel system, utilising forward-facing, rear-view and in-cab cameras, so race officials can access a substream feed that downloads footage within seconds to speed-up in-race investigations. This will work alongside livestream video from each truck that assists with the management of on/off track race compliance, while HD video will also be available during and post-race for livestream broadcasting, media clips and a TV highlights programme.

Mark Turner, Sporting Manager of British Automobile Racing Club Limited commented: “The British Automobile Racing Club and British Truck Racing Championship (BTRC) are delighted to continue our valued partnership with VisionTrack. As the motorsport industry continues to evolve, providing officials with the information that they need to make the right decisions is paramount. We have worked hand-in-hand with VisionTrack to give officials a system that puts them in control of what footage they want and allows them to quickly assess on track incidents.”

Dean Leonard, Vice President of Technical Services at VisionTrack said: “We are excited to be the official video telematics provider for the British Truck Racing Championship for the third year running. Our advanced camera solution is again helping Truck Sport UK to maintain the highest levels of race safety, while providing action-packed content that will attract new fans to this exciting motorsport. I will again be on-hand throughout the competition to support the judicial team within race control and ensure they can access the video and data they require.”

VisionTrack is a leading global provider of AI video telematics and connected fleet data. The company’s advanced vehicle camera solutions are underpinned by a device-agnostic, multi-award-winning IoT platform, Autonomise.ai. The company’s unique approach is helping tackle some of the most complex challenges faced by the fleet, road transport and insurance sectors, providing the operational insight, business intelligence and enriched vehicle data needed to make strategic mobility decisions.

Transporeon’s Raft of Platform Innovations

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading transportation management platform Transporeon today announced a raft of platform innovations. Fully integrated into its neutral platform that serves the entire industry, the new capabilities will help its network of +1,400 shippers and +158,000 carriers and logistic service providers to enhance adaptability, collaboration and sustainability, enabling them to thrive in today’s world in motion.

Stephan Sieber, CEO of Transporeon, said: “We’re thrilled to launch these latest platform innovations. Our focus has always been on delivering cutting-edge, comprehensive solutions for the industry. Solutions that don’t just solve challenges within companies, but more importantly between companies and across the entire sector. This is a testament to that commitment.”

Aimed at companies with a diverse shipping profile, Transport Operations enables teams to easily combine legs and modes across FTL, LTL, FCL and LCL, while maintaining end-to-end control. Natively integrated with the company’s Visibility Hub, the result is full transparency that’s embedded into logistics teams’ daily operations, instead of being siloed away. Crucially, Transport Operations also offers shippers a self-service shipment routing guide with preferential cascading ranks to fully automate the transport assignment process. This significantly simplifies the complex process of moving freight globally.

Nick Poels, leading the Transport Execution Tribe at Transporeon, added: “Transport Operations is a gamechanger for logistics teams, empowering them to move, manage and monitor multi-mode and multi-leg freight globally. This elevates their role from data clerks to transportation operators, giving companies a holistic view of current and future priorities and enabling them to transition from reactive firefighting to proactive productivity.”

Digital Transport Documents is Transporeon‘s solution that provides advanced digital signatures at scale. It unlocks time and cost savings by digitalising clunky manual processes and providing a comprehensive audit trail. Crucially, the launch of Digital Transport Documents anticipates 2026 EU regulation, which will make electronic consignment notes (eCMR) mandatory for all road transportation of goods. It’s designed for companies that need to ensure watertight regulatory compliance, but also want to harness the wider benefits of electronic transport documents – with capabilities that go far beyond a standalone eCMR solution.

Gerry Daalhuisen, leading the Dock Scheduling and Yard Management Tribe at Transporeon, explains: “The future of transportation is paperless. This is so much more than just sending a document in PDF by email. Instead, the document acts as an enabler to connect parties digitally and share information in real time. Advanced digital signatures haven’t been widely adopted yet, largely because of the ongoing disconnect between companies. Hosted on Transporeon’s platform – with the backing of the largest network of shippers, carriers, forwarders and retailers – Digital Transport Documents has the scale needed to finally take this technology mainstream, increasing the number of parties that will be truly paperless.”

Carbon Visibility

Since July 2022, Carbon Visibility has pioneered environmental impact measurement in logistics and transportation. It enables users to precisely measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions using primary data and is fully accredited and compliant with the Global Logistics Emissions Council Framework. Released today, updates to Carbon Visibility will also enable fleet operators – who previously did not have access – to share transport and telematics data and use the accredited reporting tool for no additional cost. What’s more, Transporeon is adding new methodologies of calculation to the solution, based on primary fuel consumption data.

Jakob Muus, leading the Sustainability Tribe at Transporeon, explained: “New updates to Carbon Visibility are crucial to enhancing the sustainability of the transportation and logistics sectors. For fleet operators, being able to report fuel consumption using trusted, primary data is essential to helping them decarbonise and win the long-term support of customers. This forms the foundation for future Transporeon innovations, which will enable users to manage and lower emissions. Watch this space!”

Transporeon Next
The above innovations will be unveiled at Transporeon NEXT, the company’s new flagship online event (28-30 March 2023). Register here to see the agenda and join the event:

Enersys Unveils Solutions at LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

EnerSys® (NYSE:ENS), a global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, is committed to putting its customers first by showcasing the Company’s latest solutions to empower their operational success in a changing world in Hall 10, Stand B09 at LogiMAT 2023. From traditional flooded lead acid to advanced Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) and Lithium-ion battery technology as well as the latest charging systems and battery management tools to the largest network of service providers, EnerSys® provides a complete, turnkey portfolio of solutions that can be tailored to meet the customer’s exclusive power demands. LogiMAT® 2023 will take place from April 25 to 27 at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre in Germany, one of Europe’s largest international trade fairs for intralogistics solutions and process management.

“When engineering our products, we try to place ourselves in our customers’ shoes and develop solutions that will help address their operational pain points which often include scheduling disruptions due to labour issues, productivity inefficiencies from limited battery options and a general lack of knowledge on how to right-size their fleet,” said Harold Vanasse, Senior Director of Marketing, Motive Power Global at EnerSys®. “As we all know, no two operations are the same. It’s no longer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ battery industry and that is why we’ve created our exclusive EnSite™ modelling software. It eliminates the guesswork with data-driven, actionable intelligence that identifies the ideal battery and charging combination to optimize a customer’s operations.”

In addition to the Company’s signature line of sustainable, virtually maintenance-free NexSys® TPPL and NexSys® iON batteries and legacy lead acid battery solutions, an onsite wireless charging setup will also be showcased on the EnerSys® booth in Hall 10, Stand B09. The full array of EnerSys® battery management tools, including the Wi-iQ® battery monitoring device, the Truck iQ™ smart battery dashboard, and the E-Connect® mobile app will be other focal points at this year’s show. The Company’s elite team of experts will also be available to discuss how its proprietary EnSite™ modelling software can be the first step to enhanced productivity and a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

EnerSys®, a global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, manufactures and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. Energy Systems, which combine enclosures, power conversion, power distribution and energy storage, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies, and numerous applications. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles requiring stored energy solutions. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. With the NorthStar acquisition, EnerSys has solidified its position as the market leader for premium Thin Plate Pure Lead batteries which are sold across all three lines of business.

 

SnapControl – Warehouse Automation Connectivity

Posted on by David Priestman

Synergy, the experts behind cloud-based WMS software SnapFulfil, have unveiled a breakthrough tech solution that orchestrates all automation devices and robotic systems within the warehouse from one centralized and convenient platform. As a multiagent, rather than just a point solution, SnapControl brings a more uniform approach to automation, which also makes this pioneering orchestration platform completely device and technology agnostic.

Synergy has successfully delivered the solution in an expanding customer DC, featuring AMRs and automated packaging systems, where SnapControl was deployed in just weeks, without major software upheavals. This deployment is the first of many as more businesses explore the need for many different types of automation in their warehouses.

Rich Pirrotta, Group CEO said: “As businesses adopt new technologies and automation to mitigate labour challenges and make warehouses more efficient and productive, the ability to rapidly integrate and operate these investments is critical. Synergy is one of the very few WMS providers with an integrated, holistic and high value solution that can be deployed quickly, cost effectively and with minimum disruption.”

SnapControl orchestrates the prioritization of work, automatically allocates tasks and workflows, evaluates which robotic devices best match specific operations, and enables data capture to assess the value each device yields – all with a low total cost of ownership and rapid time to value. Equally, it connects to all types of devices, including RF, AMRs, Conveyors, Palletizers, Putwalls, ASRS, etc, plus in any possible transport method (API, CSV, etc,) – and if one type stops working, you can switch over to another device quickly and in real-time. SnapControl uniquely promotes bi-directional MQTT (MQ Telemetry Transport) messaging and conversational decision-making between the WMS and remote warehouse devices, which typically have a small code footprint and minimal network bandwidth.

“In other words, SnapControl speaks to the devices and the devices talk back, enabling the most efficient warehouse decisions to be made automatically,” explained Pirrotta.

Consequently, it’s an ideal solution for mixed portfolio and multiple vendors offering both AMRs and other autonomous/manual systems, plus it works hand in hand with SnapFulfil and any other incumbent WMS, OMS or e-commerce front end system – both in the cloud or locally. This latest technological differentiator from Synergy facilitates a much more efficient and adaptable warehouse that accelerates integration and gives customers the freedom to choose automation and robotic devices that best fit specific operational needs and can futureproof the business and workforce needs. Additional benefits due to the power of SnapFulfil’s Tier 1 WMS rules engine functionality include the capacity to make adjustments for expiry dates and traceability, create buffers for delaying tasks and manage exceptions without downtime.

Pirrotta concludes: “Single point integrations prolong onboarding time, slow growth and often operate within ineffective and separate silos. In today’s especially challenging times the ability to rapidly augment and orchestrate your technology investments, without unnecessary service fees, has never been more important. It’s now mission critical to harness control with 24/7 visibility from one centralized system.”

To download a free handy guide explaining multiagent orchestration and its many benefits visit here.

New Distribution Centre has Latest Automation

Posted on by David Priestman

Ground was recently broken for a new distribution centre where Dematic is set to supply the latest warehouse automation technology to parent company KION Group at its site in Kahl am Main near Aschaffenburg, Germany.

When completed in roughly two years, brands within KION Group will use the facility for delivering spare parts across Europe. The goal is to ensure more efficient customer deliveries. Dematic is scheduled to install a highly dynamic Dematic Multishuttle® with 110,000 storage locations and 150 shuttles to handle automatic storage and retrieval. In addition, US-headquartered company is building a 6-aisle, scalable high-bay warehouse with a silo design and almost 24,000 pallet spaces. Fellow KION Group brand, Linde Material Handling, will supply several autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

“This new, highly automated spare parts warehouse is a flagship project for both Dematic and the entire KION Group and a prime example of our combined strengths in terms of our own technologies within KION,” explains Andrea Campora, Senior Vice President at Dematic EMEA, adding, “Dematic and Linde plan to share the site when it is ready. It will result in a closer integration with employees from different areas benefiting from each other’s expertise.” While Dematic is a specialist in the Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) segment at KION, Linde has expertise in the Industrial Trucks & Services (ITS) segment.

In addition to more efficient processes, the new spare parts warehouse offers other benefits. “The logistics centre allows us to expand our production capacities, makes us less dependent on external supply chains, and lays the foundation for growing our business in German-speaking regions and beyond,” says Campora.

The new facility is also anticipated to create a near 100% spare parts availability. Dematic is expecting higher customer satisfaction through faster deliveries. Thanks to the environmentally friendly construction and a photovoltaic system, the CO2 savings also help to make the site as climate neutral as possible.

The new warehouse’s multishuttle is capable of handling different container type sizes to automatically store and retrieve goods. Items that are too large for totes and that cannot be stored in the multishuttle are packed onto pallets and stored in one of the six high-bay warehouse aisles. A special feature of the facility is that the multishuttle will be installed on a steel structure approximately five meters high. Picking workstations, packing stations, and other operational areas will be located under this massive platform. Smooth and automated material flow will be ensured by electric floor conveyors and modular conveyor systems from Dematic along with AMRs from Linde MH.

“The increased level of service allows the system to process orders that arrive by 4 pm on the same day,” Campora explains, adding, “These orders can then be in transit or already on-site the following day.”

The project once again underlines the close cooperation and comprehensive solution expertise under the umbrella of the KION Group. The ground-breaking ceremony took place at the end of February, and completion and joint move-in are projected for early 2025.

“Completion of this project is a milestone naturally internally for KION’s strategic goals, but the positive impact of this new facility will be felt by all of our customers and that is the way it should be – for the benefit of our customers,” sums up Campora.

Dematic designs, builds, and supports intelligent automated solutions empowering and sustaining the future of commerce for its customers in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. With research and development engineering centres, manufacturing facilities, and service centres located in more than 35 countries, the Dematic global network of over 11,000 employees has helped achieve approximately 8,000 worldwide customer installations for some of the world’s leading brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION Group, one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial trucks and supply chain solutions.

Successful Through Tradition for Beumer

Posted on by David Priestman

FAM Group has been part of the Beumer Group since May 2022. FAM plans, designs and manufactures turnkey plant and systems to extract, transport, load and store minerals, raw materials and goods. Through this acquisition, Beumer Group has considerably strengthened its market position in the minerals and mining sectors. But what is FAM?

FAM Group is a globally active manufacturer of conveyor systems which has its headquarters in Magdeburg. The mid-sized company is one of the world’s leading full-range bulk handling and processing equipment suppliers. The company’s journey started with the construction of steam engines in the mid-19th century. Over a period of just a few decades starting in the 1830s, Magdeburg witnessed the growth of one of Germany’s major industrial centres. In the early 20th century, the industrial areas in and around Magdeburg continued to grow. Increasing numbers of technical innovations first saw the light of day here – for example, the first double-portal excavators for coal mining, which were developed and built by the company.

During the Second World War, and more precisely on 16th January 1945, Magdeburg was almost completely destroyed for the second time in its history. Due to the changed political circumstances, Magdeburger Maschinenfabriken – as FAM was called at the time – became a state-owned company. Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, industry in Magdeburg and the mechanical engineering sector in the area underwent a deep-seated structural change. The majority of the businesses in the area were unable to keep pace. FAM Förderanlagen Magdeburg, which was the new name of the company, was more fortunate: In 1993, it was privatized and able to make a fresh start.

A difficult period of modernization followed. FAM stayed the course and developed from being a component manufacturer and supplier to become a general contractor offering custom-built conveyor solutions. Nowadays, the provider supplies state-of-the-art machines for the extraction, handling and preparation of raw materials. FAM is one of the global market leaders in its sector. The company stands out for its impressive, high-level engineering expertise. In this way, FAM is successfully continuing the tradition of mechanical engineering in Magdeburg. The Group has subsidiaries around the globe. It has customers in more than 80 countries. These rely on the bulk materials handling equipment, loading systems and opencast mining technology from Magdeburg to transport raw materials or extend port facilities. FAM offers consulting, planning, development, design engineering, assembly and commissioning services, all from a single supplier. However, the company’s range of activities also includes quality management and monitoring, maintenance, conversions and service.

In addition to expanding the BEUMER Group’s portfolio, FAM Group’s expertise and global positioning also complement Beumer’s competence in the planning of plant and equipment projects. The company brings planning, engineering, and the entire value chain to the Beumer Group, as well as aftersales service.

Build-to-suit Warehouse Unit Agreed

Posted on by David Priestman

Prologis, a leading developer of logistics property, has signed an agreement with Hankook Tyre UK Ltd, to provide a new build-to-suit warehouse unit at Prologis Apex Park, in Daventry.

Hankook Tire & Technology is one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers and its UK subsidiary has used the location of Daventry, including Apex Park, as its main distribution hub. The company has agreed terms to take DC9, a brand new, high spec unit comprising 357,221 sq. ft. on a 22-acre site on the park. Construction is scheduled to complete in early 2024.

Since entering the highly competitive UK tyre market in 1993, Hankook has been recognised as an industry leader – in product performance, innovation, productivity and sustainability. This new development forms part of the organisation’s plans to continue to grow its UK business.

Prologis Apex Park is part of a thriving employment area on the northern edge of Daventry in Northamptonshire. The site, which sits within the logistics ‘golden triangle’ at the heart of the UK’s motorway and rail network, has convenient access to the A45, M1 and M45, as well as the rail freight facilities located at nearby Prologis RFI DIRFT. Other Prologis customers at Apex Park include Toolstation, JD Wetherspoon, Hellmann Logistics, Optima Logistics and Cummins.

Construction of DC9 at Apex Park for Hankook is another example of Prologis’ ability to offer customer-centric development – with the unit size and specification tailored to meet Hankook’s requirements from the outset.

James Straw, Associate, Capital Deployment and Leasing at Prologis UK, said: “Hankook has been a customer of ours at Apex Park for a number of years and so it’s fantastic to be able to work with the business to provide a new state of the art logistics facility for their future growth and expansion. At Prologis we have a strong track record of delivering build to suit projects and are constantly looking at ways to improve our buildings. We are delighted to be delivering a building which will meet Hankook’s high expectations both operationally and from a sustainability perspective. Construction will soon be underway and like Hankook, we can’t wait to see DC9 come out of the ground.”

Chang Yool Han, Managing Director of Hankook Tyre UK, said: “Apex Park was the obvious choice for our growth as it meant we were able to provide continuity for our existing staff, and execute our growth in the utmost sustainable and ecofriendly manner plus it serves as an excellent central location for the UK market that we supply. We have been working with our advisors Drake & Partners and Excello Law for a significant period to understand our current and future requirements to grow the business and Prologis have also worked closely with us to accommodate what we need. Moving into DC9 is a significant step on our growth journey and we are looking forward to working with Prologis further”.

DC9 at Prologis Apex Park is due to start imminently, with completion expected in early 2024. Prologis were advised by ILP Partners, Cushman & Wakefield and Colliers. Hankook was advised by Drake & Partners.

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