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Day: 17 April 2023

Flooring ‘Revolution’ for Warehouse Robots

Posted on by David Priestman

Hi-Level Mezzanines is launching Hi-Tile, an innovative robot-ready flooring system that meets the demands of the booming global logistics automation sector. Hi-Tile uses robust interlocking 7mm textured PVC tiles to create what it describes as the most durable, cost-effective flooring on the market.

Hi-Tile’s high point load, electrostatic resistance and anti-slip surface make it an ideal partner to robotics solutions. It is already in use by Geek+ Robotics and with Locus’ Directed Picking technology.

“The tile option is a great way to create a perfect floor very, very quickly,” says Simon Houghton of Geek+ Robotics.

“Hi-Tile is the cost-effective solution the market has been waiting for,” adds Chris Baxter, Hi-Level Mezzanines Sales Director.

Hi-Tile is being successfully used by clients including High Street retailers, supermarkets, 3PLs, specialist logistics firms and e-commerce wholesalers. Installations range from 200 to 9,000 sq m for warehousing, production, automation and robotics environments.

The right time

Launch of Hi-Tile comes at just the right time. The global logistics automation market was valued at £30.16 bn and is expected to reach over £93.11 bn by 2027, according to UK Manufacturing, which credits the demand for industrial robots as driving much of that growth. Warehouse automation experts expect to see an increase in adoption over the next five  years, driven by the ongoing labour shortage, a more integrated warehouse and the introduction of better and more affordable solutions.

Hi-Tile is not only half the price of steel plates on timber board, it is also moisture resistant so avoids the cracking and blistering seen with epoxy resin floors. Minimal subfloor preparation is required, so Hi-Tile flooring can be installed over uneven or damp slabs. With a 10-year wearability warranty, it is described by Hi-Level Mezzanines as an outstanding improvement on brittle phenolic (laminate) decking panels.

More advantages include a range of 11 colours so clients can demarcate particular areas of floor for walkways or storage areas, or for health and safety reasons. Hi-Tile is quick to install and easy to clean and maintain. Made of 100% recyclable PVC, it also has green credentials.

Created by Hi-Level Mezzanines’ structural engineers, the innovative Hi-Tile system was tested with a global robot provider in China – with 68,000 cycles on a 150kg payload – and a leading supermarket chain in the UK. Hi-Level Mezzanines then acquired sole rights to sell it for use with robotics on mezzanines in the UK and mainland Europe.

 

Flooring ‘Revolution’ for Warehouse Robots

Posted on by David Priestman

Hi-Level Mezzanines is launching Hi-Tile, an innovative robot-ready flooring system that meets the demands of the booming global logistics automation sector. Hi-Tile uses robust interlocking 7mm textured PVC tiles to create what it describes as the most durable, cost-effective flooring on the market.

Hi-Tile’s high point load, electrostatic resistance and anti-slip surface make it an ideal partner to robotics solutions. It is already in use by Geek+ Robotics and with Locus’ Directed Picking technology.

“The tile option is a great way to create a perfect floor very, very quickly,” says Simon Houghton of Geek+ Robotics.

“Hi-Tile is the cost-effective solution the market has been waiting for,” adds Chris Baxter, Hi-Level Mezzanines Sales Director.

Hi-Tile is being successfully used by clients including High Street retailers, supermarkets, 3PLs, specialist logistics firms and e-commerce wholesalers. Installations range from 200 to 9,000 sq m for warehousing, production, automation and robotics environments.

The right time

Launch of Hi-Tile comes at just the right time. The global logistics automation market was valued at £30.16 bn and is expected to reach over £93.11 bn by 2027, according to UK Manufacturing, which credits the demand for industrial robots as driving much of that growth. Warehouse automation experts expect to see an increase in adoption over the next five  years, driven by the ongoing labour shortage, a more integrated warehouse and the introduction of better and more affordable solutions.

Hi-Tile is not only half the price of steel plates on timber board, it is also moisture resistant so avoids the cracking and blistering seen with epoxy resin floors. Minimal subfloor preparation is required, so Hi-Tile flooring can be installed over uneven or damp slabs. With a 10-year wearability warranty, it is described by Hi-Level Mezzanines as an outstanding improvement on brittle phenolic (laminate) decking panels.

More advantages include a range of 11 colours so clients can demarcate particular areas of floor for walkways or storage areas, or for health and safety reasons. Hi-Tile is quick to install and easy to clean and maintain. Made of 100% recyclable PVC, it also has green credentials.

Created by Hi-Level Mezzanines’ structural engineers, the innovative Hi-Tile system was tested with a global robot provider in China – with 68,000 cycles on a 150kg payload – and a leading supermarket chain in the UK. Hi-Level Mezzanines then acquired sole rights to sell it for use with robotics on mezzanines in the UK and mainland Europe.

 

Costa Rican Logistics Company Implements WMS

Posted on by David Priestman

Infor, the industry cloud company, has announced that Grupo Servica, a logistics company in Costa Rica, has selected Infor WMS warehouse management solution. Grupo Servica is adopting Infor to manage logistical operations and continue its steady growth while increasing customer services.

Sales and implementation will be done by Cerca Technology, Infor’s distribution partner with more than 30 years of experience in helping companies digitise their supply chains.

Grupo Servica was founded more than 46 years ago in Costa Rica and has a modern warehouse and transport infrastructure, with an area of more than 22,000 sq m in warehouses, 30,000 sq m in yards, more than 60 transport vehicles and more than 8,000 SKUs. The company is focused on providing solutions for the logistics chain to import and export companies with personalised, reliable and competitive services. Grupo Servica has a fiscal warehouse, where it receives imported products and does the nationalisation process. It also has a distribution centre with 80 employees dedicated to services in the supply chain.

“Our goal is to support productive sectors that are an important part of the growth of Costa Rica’s economy. We identify needs and offer highly efficient services. We will continue with our support to companies´ growth,” says Gabriela Corrales, project manager at Grupo Servica.

The company already had a warehouse management system that was not as robust as needed to support its operations and customers. Due to its steady growth and new customers, Grupo Servica needed a world-class solution, so it selected Infor WMS.

Implementation will take place in the fiscal warehouse and distribution centre, initially in two categories, food and hygiene, where Infor WMS will be focused in providing more flexibility in the planning process and order management. Grupo Servica  also expects to improve control of cargo containers in the fiscal warehouse from receipt to delivery.

“Infor WMS will help Grupo Servica face current and future challenges in the operation, developing capacities to deal with customers´ complexities, managing information in real time, with a new solution platform to fulfil all delivery requirements and omnichannel challenges,” says Paola Quiroga, sales manager at Cerca Technology.

“New functionalities will enable Grupo Servica to continue growing and strengthening their service portfolio for customers. Cerca Technology has more than 300 successful implementations with more than 100 customers in Latin America. We aim to turn Grupo Servica into a new success story.”

Adriana Gutierrez, Infor Latin America channel director, said: “Infor WMS has once again been recognised as a Leader in Gartner’s latest Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems, and is designed to help companies such as Grupo Servica improve processes. Infor WMS enables companies to boost their profitability, reduce costs with more visibility into their logistics operations, helping customers on their paths to digitalisation. It is the best decision a company can make for innovation and digital transformation.”

 

Costa Rican Logistics Company Implements WMS

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Infor, the industry cloud company, has announced that Grupo Servica, a logistics company in Costa Rica, has selected Infor WMS warehouse management solution. Grupo Servica is adopting Infor to manage logistical operations and continue its steady growth while increasing customer services.

Sales and implementation will be done by Cerca Technology, Infor’s distribution partner with more than 30 years of experience in helping companies digitise their supply chains.

Grupo Servica was founded more than 46 years ago in Costa Rica and has a modern warehouse and transport infrastructure, with an area of more than 22,000 sq m in warehouses, 30,000 sq m in yards, more than 60 transport vehicles and more than 8,000 SKUs. The company is focused on providing solutions for the logistics chain to import and export companies with personalised, reliable and competitive services. Grupo Servica has a fiscal warehouse, where it receives imported products and does the nationalisation process. It also has a distribution centre with 80 employees dedicated to services in the supply chain.

“Our goal is to support productive sectors that are an important part of the growth of Costa Rica’s economy. We identify needs and offer highly efficient services. We will continue with our support to companies´ growth,” says Gabriela Corrales, project manager at Grupo Servica.

The company already had a warehouse management system that was not as robust as needed to support its operations and customers. Due to its steady growth and new customers, Grupo Servica needed a world-class solution, so it selected Infor WMS.

Implementation will take place in the fiscal warehouse and distribution centre, initially in two categories, food and hygiene, where Infor WMS will be focused in providing more flexibility in the planning process and order management. Grupo Servica  also expects to improve control of cargo containers in the fiscal warehouse from receipt to delivery.

“Infor WMS will help Grupo Servica face current and future challenges in the operation, developing capacities to deal with customers´ complexities, managing information in real time, with a new solution platform to fulfil all delivery requirements and omnichannel challenges,” says Paola Quiroga, sales manager at Cerca Technology.

“New functionalities will enable Grupo Servica to continue growing and strengthening their service portfolio for customers. Cerca Technology has more than 300 successful implementations with more than 100 customers in Latin America. We aim to turn Grupo Servica into a new success story.”

Adriana Gutierrez, Infor Latin America channel director, said: “Infor WMS has once again been recognised as a Leader in Gartner’s latest Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems, and is designed to help companies such as Grupo Servica improve processes. Infor WMS enables companies to boost their profitability, reduce costs with more visibility into their logistics operations, helping customers on their paths to digitalisation. It is the best decision a company can make for innovation and digital transformation.”

 

Synergy Expands Into UAE

Posted on by David Priestman

WMS technology innovator Synergy Logistics is expanding its global operations having secured its first customer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dubai based specialist, Automyze Fulfilment Centre, established in 2017, has onboarded technologically advanced, cloud-based SnapFulfil into its newly expanded 25,000 sq ft warehouse. The initial SaaS contract includes 45 licensed users.

Automyze specialises in start-ups and SME brands positioned for significant growth and currently shifts an average 18,000 units a month. However, with its ambitious target to double this over the next six months, it required a WMS with the flexibility and scalability to adapt and grow with its and its customers’ strategic expansions.

Automyze founder and CEO, Muhammad Manji, said: “We are an ambitious 3PL looking to give our clients scalable fulfilment solutions, whether that be small picks for e-commerce businesses, marketplace fulfilment or larger retail distribution. Consequently, we are excited to implement a Tier 1 WMS that will allow us to expand while maintaining our bespoke services.

“SnapFulfil is a well-established WMS that has been designed by people who understand warehousing logistics and in particular 3PLs. The software’s agility, configurability and capacity to grow with us makes Synergy a good cultural fit as a trusted technology partner.”

The proven flexibility of SnapFulfil’s solution means Automyze will now have accurate and consistent control of inventory and outbound processes, as well as returns, which will help it deliver a first-class service experience for its clients and their customers. The live data functionality will also help maximise performance and cost savings, plus have a tangible impact on strategic growth.

Synergy Logistics’ CEO, Tony Dobson, said: “We are delighted to be working with Automyze, who share our vision for rapid growth and we look forward to helping them meet their ambition in the 3PL sector. The UAE is a dynamic market and one in which we are confident Synergy’s fulfilment tech solutions will prosper.”

A key attraction of SnapFulfil for Automyze was its Application Programme Interface (API) friendly and robust pathway that meets the challenges of B2C and DTC omni-channel fulfilment. However, identifying the solution is just half of the challenge. Delivering it while continuing to satisfy existing customer requirements – without incurring custom coding costs and delays for new clients – is a different matter.

“The fact SnapFulfil is tailored to the specific challenges faced by 3PLs was what set it apart. The self-configurability of the software means that once our teams have been trained, we can manage everything in-house, from new customer onboarding to process changes and flexible billing management,” concluded Muhammad.

Synergy Expands Into UAE

Posted on by David Priestman

WMS technology innovator Synergy Logistics is expanding its global operations having secured its first customer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dubai based specialist, Automyze Fulfilment Centre, established in 2017, has onboarded technologically advanced, cloud-based SnapFulfil into its newly expanded 25,000 sq ft warehouse. The initial SaaS contract includes 45 licensed users.

Automyze specialises in start-ups and SME brands positioned for significant growth and currently shifts an average 18,000 units a month. However, with its ambitious target to double this over the next six months, it required a WMS with the flexibility and scalability to adapt and grow with its and its customers’ strategic expansions.

Automyze founder and CEO, Muhammad Manji, said: “We are an ambitious 3PL looking to give our clients scalable fulfilment solutions, whether that be small picks for e-commerce businesses, marketplace fulfilment or larger retail distribution. Consequently, we are excited to implement a Tier 1 WMS that will allow us to expand while maintaining our bespoke services.

“SnapFulfil is a well-established WMS that has been designed by people who understand warehousing logistics and in particular 3PLs. The software’s agility, configurability and capacity to grow with us makes Synergy a good cultural fit as a trusted technology partner.”

The proven flexibility of SnapFulfil’s solution means Automyze will now have accurate and consistent control of inventory and outbound processes, as well as returns, which will help it deliver a first-class service experience for its clients and their customers. The live data functionality will also help maximise performance and cost savings, plus have a tangible impact on strategic growth.

Synergy Logistics’ CEO, Tony Dobson, said: “We are delighted to be working with Automyze, who share our vision for rapid growth and we look forward to helping them meet their ambition in the 3PL sector. The UAE is a dynamic market and one in which we are confident Synergy’s fulfilment tech solutions will prosper.”

A key attraction of SnapFulfil for Automyze was its Application Programme Interface (API) friendly and robust pathway that meets the challenges of B2C and DTC omni-channel fulfilment. However, identifying the solution is just half of the challenge. Delivering it while continuing to satisfy existing customer requirements – without incurring custom coding costs and delays for new clients – is a different matter.

“The fact SnapFulfil is tailored to the specific challenges faced by 3PLs was what set it apart. The self-configurability of the software means that once our teams have been trained, we can manage everything in-house, from new customer onboarding to process changes and flexible billing management,” concluded Muhammad.

Hugo Beck Showcases Ecommerce Packaging

Posted on by Keith McKinley

One of the world’s leading specialists of horizontal packaging solutions, Hugo Beck, is exhibiting its latest range of film and paper packaging machines for e-commerce, mail order and logistics at the LogiMAT show, held at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre on 25th – 27th April 2023.

Hugo Beck will use Europe’s biggest intralogistics exhibition to demonstrate three machines from its e-commerce range, highlighting the company’s ability to meet sector-specific demands for both sustainable film and paper packaging.

Visitors to Booth 4G61 in Hall 4 will see the Hugo Beck paper e-com fit on display, tailored specifically for e-commerce and mail order applications using a minimum of paper to package goods. The machine is suitable for the direct dispatch of individual goods, packing groups of products, or meeting the complex requirements of returned goods packaging. With the paper e-com fit, the shipping bag size is automatically adapted to the varying product dimensions in length and width during production, meaning different product sizes can be packaged in a jumble. Both uncoated and coated recyclable papers can be used for producing precisely fitting paper bags with two sewn sides plus a top overlap.

Timo Kollmann, Managing Director at Hugo Beck, said: “LogiMAT is the perfect show for us to demonstrate how Hugo Beck’s technology has evolved to meet the needs of today’s logistics and e-commerce sector. With the sudden rise in demand for paper-based packaging, the paper e-com fit highlights our ability to innovate and stay ahead, offering solutions that can process alternative materials.”

The second machine on the Hugo Beck stand provides the ideal solution for applications where film is required or preferred. The servo X e-com fit machine ensures products are packed with the lowest amount of material needed, automatically adjusting the film bags with four sealed sides to the product’s length and width.

“After a particularly successful year for the Hugo Beck servo X e-com fit, we’re excited to be taking it on the road, showcasing to visitors how we are meeting the shift in demand for sustainable film packaging. The servo X e-com machine range is capable of processing a wide range of recyclable material types, from PE flat films from 30 to 100 μm thickness, through to recycled content films which can often contain for example up to 80 per cent and more PCR material,” said Kollmann.

Moreover, the LogiMAT show will lead the way as Hugo Beck debuts its brand new flexo paper packaging solution for the first time this year. As a hybrid variant of the company’s flexo machine series for paper and film, attendees will be the first to see the new machine for paper packaging in public – witnessing exclusive demonstrations of its capabilities. Championing the company’s commitment to develop innovative, flexible solutions, the new solution is industry diverse, from e-commerce and logistics through to many others.

Members of the Hugo Beck sales team will be available to discuss customer-specific requirements, including its diverse automation solutions. Offering support through the entire automation process, project planning and manufacture right through to integration into existing packaging lines, LogiMAT visitors can find out more about Hugo Beck’s robots and handling systems such as automatic feeding, portals, grouping solutions, stacking and counting devices and cross pushers.

 

Hugo Beck Showcases Ecommerce Packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

One of the world’s leading specialists of horizontal packaging solutions, Hugo Beck, is exhibiting its latest range of film and paper packaging machines for e-commerce, mail order and logistics at the LogiMAT show, held at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre on 25th – 27th April 2023.

Hugo Beck will use Europe’s biggest intralogistics exhibition to demonstrate three machines from its e-commerce range, highlighting the company’s ability to meet sector-specific demands for both sustainable film and paper packaging.

Visitors to Booth 4G61 in Hall 4 will see the Hugo Beck paper e-com fit on display, tailored specifically for e-commerce and mail order applications using a minimum of paper to package goods. The machine is suitable for the direct dispatch of individual goods, packing groups of products, or meeting the complex requirements of returned goods packaging. With the paper e-com fit, the shipping bag size is automatically adapted to the varying product dimensions in length and width during production, meaning different product sizes can be packaged in a jumble. Both uncoated and coated recyclable papers can be used for producing precisely fitting paper bags with two sewn sides plus a top overlap.

Timo Kollmann, Managing Director at Hugo Beck, said: “LogiMAT is the perfect show for us to demonstrate how Hugo Beck’s technology has evolved to meet the needs of today’s logistics and e-commerce sector. With the sudden rise in demand for paper-based packaging, the paper e-com fit highlights our ability to innovate and stay ahead, offering solutions that can process alternative materials.”

The second machine on the Hugo Beck stand provides the ideal solution for applications where film is required or preferred. The servo X e-com fit machine ensures products are packed with the lowest amount of material needed, automatically adjusting the film bags with four sealed sides to the product’s length and width.

“After a particularly successful year for the Hugo Beck servo X e-com fit, we’re excited to be taking it on the road, showcasing to visitors how we are meeting the shift in demand for sustainable film packaging. The servo X e-com machine range is capable of processing a wide range of recyclable material types, from PE flat films from 30 to 100 μm thickness, through to recycled content films which can often contain for example up to 80 per cent and more PCR material,” said Kollmann.

Moreover, the LogiMAT show will lead the way as Hugo Beck debuts its brand new flexo paper packaging solution for the first time this year. As a hybrid variant of the company’s flexo machine series for paper and film, attendees will be the first to see the new machine for paper packaging in public – witnessing exclusive demonstrations of its capabilities. Championing the company’s commitment to develop innovative, flexible solutions, the new solution is industry diverse, from e-commerce and logistics through to many others.

Members of the Hugo Beck sales team will be available to discuss customer-specific requirements, including its diverse automation solutions. Offering support through the entire automation process, project planning and manufacture right through to integration into existing packaging lines, LogiMAT visitors can find out more about Hugo Beck’s robots and handling systems such as automatic feeding, portals, grouping solutions, stacking and counting devices and cross pushers.

 

Mounting Solutions Provider at LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

Havis, a global provider of technology mobility and mounting solutions, is exhibiting at LogiMAT 2023 at Booth G32 in Hall 4, where visitors can discover its expansive range of industry-leading solutions for transportation & logistics, warehouse & distribution and more.

As a long-standing strategic partner of leading technology providers such as Zebra, Panasonic, Dell and Getac, Havis boasts an impressive range of technology mounting, docking and charging solutions. From the kerbside and front of store to the warehouse and last mile, Havis solutions enable the technology to keep businesses moving forward.

At Booth G32, Havis is offering an exclusive first look at its new MD-501-K Rugged Mounting Solution. With a lightweight, durable design, Havis says the MD-501-K is extremely versatile and allows for multiple mounting configurations. The MD-501-K features easy-to-use knobs that allow the user to adjust the mount quickly and easily with no tools required. Havis believes this feature is a game-changer for the warehousing, material handling & logistics industries, making it faster and simpler than ever before to customise a device and keep it securely mounted in any position.

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Improved Vacuum Grippers from COVAL

Posted on by David Priestman

COVAL offers manufacturers a range of vacuum grippers suitable for handling of parts of various sizes, weights, and materials. This gripper range has been extended with the latest CMS HD series multistage vacuum pumps, developed by COVAL.

COVAL’s range of vacuum grippers is based on two complementary solutions. The CVGL is characterised by its lightness and great adaptability. It is available as standard in several lengths, power ratings, and gripping interfaces.

The MVG, on the other hand, offers the possibility of configuring the gripper to allow it to be perfectly adapted to each application by determining the length, width, gripping interface, and vacuum generator while guaranteeing extreme lightness. It offers a tailored solution that integrates perfectly with handling robots.

COVAL’s new generation of vacuum grippers now incorporate the latest CMS HD series of vacuum pumps. These pumps have a heavy-duty design for high reliability even in harsh environments (IP65), capable of ensuring 50 million cycles. A factor of the pump’s longevity is their modular design which allows specific configurations and targeted maintenance of specific parts to optimise repairability. As a result, the new generation of CMS HD multistage pumps adds to the vacuum grippers’ reliability and adaptability.

Vacuum Grippers Become Intelligent

The new COVAL vacuum grippers offer a choice of three multistage vacuum pump configurations, depending on the needs of the integrator or end user: non-piloted, piloted, and communicating. The communicating configuration, which makes the vacuum grippers easier to use and parameterise, is obtained by integrating the CMS HD VX version of the multistage pump.

The VX pump version features an IO-Link communication interface, compliant with the international IEC 61131-9 standard, for fast and cost-effective installation, continuous diagnostics, centralised parameterisation, and efficient communication with higher-level protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, etc.). It can also support a Human Machine Interface (HMI) with NFC interface, enabling the operator to read and modify setup parameters and diagnostics from a mobile device (Android or iOS) using the dedicated COVAL Vacuum Manager app.

With these pump capabilities, the new generation of COVAL vacuum grippers become even more versatile and perfectly compatible with the robot systems at the heart of Industry 4.0.

Thanks to their great modularity and ease of integration in all contexts, CVGL and MVG vacuum grippers can be found in many industries: packaging, plastic, metal, and wood for handling porous and non-porous objects.

 

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