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Day: 10 May 2023

Modular, Scalable Shuttle Warehouse: Upstream

Posted on by David Priestman

The GEBHARDT Intralogistics Group presents its latest product in storage systems: the ‘Upstream’ shuttle warehouse. The system convinces by virtue of its modularity, flexible scalability and high maintainability. The product novelty was to be seen for the first time at the LogiMAT in Stuttgart and inspired many interested people at the GEBHARDT booth.

Supply chains and sales markets have experienced strong dynamics in recent years and require flexible and scalable solutions. GEBHARDT has responded to these needs and introduced the new GEBHARDT Upstream warehouse concept. With its novel concept, GEBHARDT Upstream revolutionises shuttle warehouses and focuses on modularity at all levels. The system can take up dimensions of up to 100 m in length, 18 m in height, and any number of aisles, and can carry container weights of up to 50 kg. Thanks to its modular design, GEBHARDT Upstream can be expanded at any time. The commissioning time is only six months, depending on the project size and geometry.

The storage system consists of three actively moving components: the shuttle GEBHARDT StoreBiter® OLS X, the bot GEBHARDT StoreDiver and the workstation GEBHARDT SimplePick Flexible. Established GEBHARDT storage technology is used, but lifters and conventional conveyor technology are not.

The basis of the system is the GEBHARDT OLS X shuttle warehouse with horizontal roaming and a grid stored above it. The GEBHARDT StoreBiter® OLS X takes over the storage and retrieval within the warehouse and transfers the containers via transfer stations between the rack rows to the GEBHARDT StoreDiver robots. Through direct access to the containers, the transfer system enables sequence-accurate delivery to the workstations and thus creates highly efficient access zones without container waiting times. Thanks to the GEBHARDT SimplePick Flexible workstation, several orders can be processed simultaneously, and short container change times make dynamic order processing possible.

The greatest possible ease of maintenance for maintenance personnel and the elimination of complex pre-zone conveyor technology make GEBHARDT Upstream particularly user-friendly.

GEBHARDT Upstream uses proven fire protection concepts for automatic small parts storage, eliminating the need for cost-intensive CO2 systems. In addition, ultracaps with 48 V power supply ensure the highest possible system safety. GEBHARDT Upstream also builds on forward-looking technologies in terms of sustainability: By eliminating classic conveyor technology and vertical conveyors, only required containers are moved. The OLS X shuttles and robots are equipped with durable ultracap technology that enables 24/7 operation. This removes the need for lithium or lead batteries. With these measures, GEBHARDT Upstream consciously and future-oriented focuses on sustainable and efficient warehousing in intralogistics.

Already in its third generation, the name GEBHARDT is closely associated with innovative intralogistics solutions. The portfolio offers flexible, modular products, end-to-end concepts, and complete solutions for warehouse automation and software applications. GEBHARDT develops, manufactures, and installs customised solutions for in-plant logistics in the retail & e-commerce, food & beverage, automotive, healthcare, contract logistics, fashion & consumer goods and industrial sectors.

Modular, Scalable Shuttle Warehouse: Upstream

Posted on by David Priestman

The GEBHARDT Intralogistics Group presents its latest product in storage systems: the ‘Upstream’ shuttle warehouse. The system convinces by virtue of its modularity, flexible scalability and high maintainability. The product novelty was to be seen for the first time at the LogiMAT in Stuttgart and inspired many interested people at the GEBHARDT booth.

Supply chains and sales markets have experienced strong dynamics in recent years and require flexible and scalable solutions. GEBHARDT has responded to these needs and introduced the new GEBHARDT Upstream warehouse concept. With its novel concept, GEBHARDT Upstream revolutionises shuttle warehouses and focuses on modularity at all levels. The system can take up dimensions of up to 100 m in length, 18 m in height, and any number of aisles, and can carry container weights of up to 50 kg. Thanks to its modular design, GEBHARDT Upstream can be expanded at any time. The commissioning time is only six months, depending on the project size and geometry.

The storage system consists of three actively moving components: the shuttle GEBHARDT StoreBiter® OLS X, the bot GEBHARDT StoreDiver and the workstation GEBHARDT SimplePick Flexible. Established GEBHARDT storage technology is used, but lifters and conventional conveyor technology are not.

The basis of the system is the GEBHARDT OLS X shuttle warehouse with horizontal roaming and a grid stored above it. The GEBHARDT StoreBiter® OLS X takes over the storage and retrieval within the warehouse and transfers the containers via transfer stations between the rack rows to the GEBHARDT StoreDiver robots. Through direct access to the containers, the transfer system enables sequence-accurate delivery to the workstations and thus creates highly efficient access zones without container waiting times. Thanks to the GEBHARDT SimplePick Flexible workstation, several orders can be processed simultaneously, and short container change times make dynamic order processing possible.

The greatest possible ease of maintenance for maintenance personnel and the elimination of complex pre-zone conveyor technology make GEBHARDT Upstream particularly user-friendly.

GEBHARDT Upstream uses proven fire protection concepts for automatic small parts storage, eliminating the need for cost-intensive CO2 systems. In addition, ultracaps with 48 V power supply ensure the highest possible system safety. GEBHARDT Upstream also builds on forward-looking technologies in terms of sustainability: By eliminating classic conveyor technology and vertical conveyors, only required containers are moved. The OLS X shuttles and robots are equipped with durable ultracap technology that enables 24/7 operation. This removes the need for lithium or lead batteries. With these measures, GEBHARDT Upstream consciously and future-oriented focuses on sustainable and efficient warehousing in intralogistics.

Already in its third generation, the name GEBHARDT is closely associated with innovative intralogistics solutions. The portfolio offers flexible, modular products, end-to-end concepts, and complete solutions for warehouse automation and software applications. GEBHARDT develops, manufactures, and installs customised solutions for in-plant logistics in the retail & e-commerce, food & beverage, automotive, healthcare, contract logistics, fashion & consumer goods and industrial sectors.

Dock Shelter Manufacturing for European Customers

Posted on by David Priestman

Rite-Hite, one of the leading manufacturers of loading bay and health and safety equipment, is to start manufacturing the Eclipse Dock Shelter at its German facility in Volkmarsen, increasing availability, reducing delivery times and supply chain challenges, and providing a more sustainable option for its European customers.

Providing a tight, consistent seal all the way up trailer sides, across the top, and at the corners, the Eclipse Dock Shelter blocks both light and seals gaps for a dark, environmentally-secure dock. More than this, the seal also prevents unwanted airflow from entering the warehouse environment, while keeping the conditioned air inside, thus saving significantly on the cost of wasted energy.

In addition to the energy saving benefits, the dock shelter also helps to protect people, materials and goods by preventing wind (and therefore dust and grit), rain, snow and pests from entering the interior of the building through the dock.

The top of the Eclipse is equipped with an exclusive weighted head curtain that applies 100 pounds of pressure across the full width of the trailer top, which keeps the curtain in constant contact with the trailer. The corners work in tandem with the weighted header to seal the gaps that ordinary shelters don’t address.

Thorsten Mauritz, the Marketing Manager for Rite-Hite Europe, says the move brings manufacturing closer to its European customers: “It signals both our ongoing investment in our manufacturing capability, and our focus on supporting our customers in chieving their sustainability targets,” he says.

“By near-shoring in this way, we can not only reduce any current and future supply chain challenges, but also accelerate production and delivery times for our European customers. It is one of a series of announcements regarding investment in our European manufacturing capability that we expect to make in the coming months.”

Based in the centre of Germany in Volkmarsen, the facility manufacturing the Eclipse is equipped with the latest technology including robotic welding systems that vastly accelerate the rate of production, aimed at meeting the growing demands within the European and international markets. The latest equipment from the facility is supported by a Lean manufacturing process which aims to provide optimum efficiency and productivity, whilst minimising energy wastage.

Dock Shelter Manufacturing for European Customers

Posted on by David Priestman

Rite-Hite, one of the leading manufacturers of loading bay and health and safety equipment, is to start manufacturing the Eclipse Dock Shelter at its German facility in Volkmarsen, increasing availability, reducing delivery times and supply chain challenges, and providing a more sustainable option for its European customers.

Providing a tight, consistent seal all the way up trailer sides, across the top, and at the corners, the Eclipse Dock Shelter blocks both light and seals gaps for a dark, environmentally-secure dock. More than this, the seal also prevents unwanted airflow from entering the warehouse environment, while keeping the conditioned air inside, thus saving significantly on the cost of wasted energy.

In addition to the energy saving benefits, the dock shelter also helps to protect people, materials and goods by preventing wind (and therefore dust and grit), rain, snow and pests from entering the interior of the building through the dock.

The top of the Eclipse is equipped with an exclusive weighted head curtain that applies 100 pounds of pressure across the full width of the trailer top, which keeps the curtain in constant contact with the trailer. The corners work in tandem with the weighted header to seal the gaps that ordinary shelters don’t address.

Thorsten Mauritz, the Marketing Manager for Rite-Hite Europe, says the move brings manufacturing closer to its European customers: “It signals both our ongoing investment in our manufacturing capability, and our focus on supporting our customers in chieving their sustainability targets,” he says.

“By near-shoring in this way, we can not only reduce any current and future supply chain challenges, but also accelerate production and delivery times for our European customers. It is one of a series of announcements regarding investment in our European manufacturing capability that we expect to make in the coming months.”

Based in the centre of Germany in Volkmarsen, the facility manufacturing the Eclipse is equipped with the latest technology including robotic welding systems that vastly accelerate the rate of production, aimed at meeting the growing demands within the European and international markets. The latest equipment from the facility is supported by a Lean manufacturing process which aims to provide optimum efficiency and productivity, whilst minimising energy wastage.

Air Shipment Visibility Enhanced by Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Descartes Systems Group has announced that Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways, has further automated air shipment cargo processes using Descartes’ next generation Internet of Things (IoT) Bluetooth® Low Energy solution, integrated with Jettainer’s unit load device (ULD) management services. The combined solutions expand Etihad Cargo’s ability to improve ground processes at cargo and ULD handling and to gain data-driven insights into the transport and ambient conditions of air cargo in transit.

“At Etihad Cargo, we’re continuing to invest in technology and innovation to make air cargo handling more efficient, smarter and faster, and this includes the usage and management of our ULD fleet” said Thomas Schürmann, Head of Cargo Operations & Delivery at Etihad Cargo. “The addition of Descartes’ next generation IoT devices to our ULD fleet provides true operational value for us. Etihad Cargo expects to reduce the number of lost ULDs – those that lose their trail somewhere at the airport, at the ground handling agent or the forwarder – by being able to tell exactly where they were last seen. We furthermore expect to simplify ground processes, for example, by reducing the time and effort spent on stock take.”

“As part of our premium product, ULD Select, the combination of our sophisticated ULD management solution with Descartes’ next generation IoT devices can be a powerful boost to our service. The technology can provide our valued customers like Etihad Cargo insights into the conditions of their freight, give access to detailed location information, facilitate ULD processing on the ground, and thus further improve asset utilization,” said Ram Krishnaswamy, General Manager Middle East, Africa, & Indian Subcontinent at Jettainer. “Jettainer embraces innovation and digitalization, and this is exactly what we experience with Descartes as the leading technical provider in the field of Bluetooth® Low Energy tracking solutions. Potential benefits are not limited to ULD processing, we also see value in streamlining export, transit and import cargo processes and will explore this further with our customers and partners.

Descartes’ next generation IoT Bluetooth® Low Energy ULD tracking uses Bluetooth® tags affixed to containers or pallets, mobile applications and mesh networks to automate end-to-end tracking of assets. Bluetooth® tags affixed to ULDs prior to loading enable easy access to real-time location information, shipment-level condition data, such as temperature, light, humidity and movement, and chain of custody detail that indicates whose custody assets are in at any given time. Tags can also be added to any ground service equipment, like dollies, for full control over a carrier’s equipment.

“We’re pleased to help Etihad Cargo optimize the use of its ULD fleet with richer visibility at both the asset and shipment level,” said Scott Sangster, General Manager, Logistics Service Providers at Descartes. “ULDs are the backbone of the air cargo supply chain and, with coverage in over 1,300 reader locations and 200 airports worldwide, Descartes’ innovations in IoT-based tracking and advanced network capabilities are helping airlines access the status of their ULDs anytime, anywhere—through any internet-enabled device.”

Air Shipment Visibility Enhanced by Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Descartes Systems Group has announced that Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways, has further automated air shipment cargo processes using Descartes’ next generation Internet of Things (IoT) Bluetooth® Low Energy solution, integrated with Jettainer’s unit load device (ULD) management services. The combined solutions expand Etihad Cargo’s ability to improve ground processes at cargo and ULD handling and to gain data-driven insights into the transport and ambient conditions of air cargo in transit.

“At Etihad Cargo, we’re continuing to invest in technology and innovation to make air cargo handling more efficient, smarter and faster, and this includes the usage and management of our ULD fleet” said Thomas Schürmann, Head of Cargo Operations & Delivery at Etihad Cargo. “The addition of Descartes’ next generation IoT devices to our ULD fleet provides true operational value for us. Etihad Cargo expects to reduce the number of lost ULDs – those that lose their trail somewhere at the airport, at the ground handling agent or the forwarder – by being able to tell exactly where they were last seen. We furthermore expect to simplify ground processes, for example, by reducing the time and effort spent on stock take.”

“As part of our premium product, ULD Select, the combination of our sophisticated ULD management solution with Descartes’ next generation IoT devices can be a powerful boost to our service. The technology can provide our valued customers like Etihad Cargo insights into the conditions of their freight, give access to detailed location information, facilitate ULD processing on the ground, and thus further improve asset utilization,” said Ram Krishnaswamy, General Manager Middle East, Africa, & Indian Subcontinent at Jettainer. “Jettainer embraces innovation and digitalization, and this is exactly what we experience with Descartes as the leading technical provider in the field of Bluetooth® Low Energy tracking solutions. Potential benefits are not limited to ULD processing, we also see value in streamlining export, transit and import cargo processes and will explore this further with our customers and partners.

Descartes’ next generation IoT Bluetooth® Low Energy ULD tracking uses Bluetooth® tags affixed to containers or pallets, mobile applications and mesh networks to automate end-to-end tracking of assets. Bluetooth® tags affixed to ULDs prior to loading enable easy access to real-time location information, shipment-level condition data, such as temperature, light, humidity and movement, and chain of custody detail that indicates whose custody assets are in at any given time. Tags can also be added to any ground service equipment, like dollies, for full control over a carrier’s equipment.

“We’re pleased to help Etihad Cargo optimize the use of its ULD fleet with richer visibility at both the asset and shipment level,” said Scott Sangster, General Manager, Logistics Service Providers at Descartes. “ULDs are the backbone of the air cargo supply chain and, with coverage in over 1,300 reader locations and 200 airports worldwide, Descartes’ innovations in IoT-based tracking and advanced network capabilities are helping airlines access the status of their ULDs anytime, anywhere—through any internet-enabled device.”

Extra Power for Intensive Applications

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark has given the PPFXS20 electric low-lift truck with integrated operator platform a face-lift for intensive applications. In the process, the materials handling vehicles specialist has not only improved the ergonomics and user-friendliness of the truck, but also the performance: for particularly intensive operations, the low-lift trucks are now also available with lithium-ion technology.

The PPFXS20 with a load capacity of two tons has an integrated operator platform with padded side walls. This provides the operator with maximum comfort, especially on longer journeys. The low-lift truck is thus ideal for use in the transport of goods by road, the loading and unloading of trucks via ramps as well as for the order picking of a wide variety of goods in industry, trade, and distribution.

Powerful and safe

The PPFXS20 is equipped with a maintenance-free and enclosed 1.6 kW three-phase traction motor. This provides powerful acceleration and high speeds of up to 10 km/h. The powerful 2.2 kW lift motor guarantees maximum efficiency when lifting and lowering loads. Thanks to the high battery capacity of 375 Ah for the lead-acid battery, the pallet truck achieves optimum battery life. The pallet truck is available with side battery change as standard. The quick and easy battery replacement via a roller bed guarantees high availability of the truck. For particularly demanding applications or for multi-shift operation, the PPFXS20 is also optionally available with a 205 Ah lithium-ion battery. The Li-Ion battery can be recharged at any time and within a very short time – for example during breaks – without damaging the battery or shortening its service life. Recharging the battery is possible at any 230-volt socket. In just 10 minutes, 7 % of the battery capacity can be recharged. This reduces the downtime that would be necessary to change the battery. After only three hours, the battery is fully charged again. Li-Ion technology not only increases productivity, but also saves costs for maintenance, infrastructure, and replacement batteries. This makes a Li-Ion vehicle worthwhile for anyone who wants to operate a maintenance-free, long-lasting, and fast-charging battery with a high safety standard.

Improved ergonomics ensure intuitive operation

For handling work and horizontal transport over long distances, the generous side access with an opening range of 445 mm enables the operator to climb up and down from the vehicle quickly and safely. While driving, the operator can comfortably lean against the padded backrest of the generously designed operator’s platform. The operator’s platform is fully suspended and guarantees vibration-free operation so that the operator can concentrate fully on his work. The ergonomic tiller is height adjustable.

All controls can be operated intuitively and without fatigue by both left- and right-handed operators. The rounded fork tips allow safe and speedy threading into the pallet and thus contribute to a high turnover of goods. The all-electric power steering is smooth. This allows the vehicle to be manoeuvred precisely and safely even in the tightest of spaces, for example in narrow racking aisles. For greater safety when cornering, the automatic reduction of the driving speed is proportional to the steering angle. This reduces the centrifugal forces acting on the operator.

Extra Power for Intensive Applications

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark has given the PPFXS20 electric low-lift truck with integrated operator platform a face-lift for intensive applications. In the process, the materials handling vehicles specialist has not only improved the ergonomics and user-friendliness of the truck, but also the performance: for particularly intensive operations, the low-lift trucks are now also available with lithium-ion technology.

The PPFXS20 with a load capacity of two tons has an integrated operator platform with padded side walls. This provides the operator with maximum comfort, especially on longer journeys. The low-lift truck is thus ideal for use in the transport of goods by road, the loading and unloading of trucks via ramps as well as for the order picking of a wide variety of goods in industry, trade, and distribution.

Powerful and safe

The PPFXS20 is equipped with a maintenance-free and enclosed 1.6 kW three-phase traction motor. This provides powerful acceleration and high speeds of up to 10 km/h. The powerful 2.2 kW lift motor guarantees maximum efficiency when lifting and lowering loads. Thanks to the high battery capacity of 375 Ah for the lead-acid battery, the pallet truck achieves optimum battery life. The pallet truck is available with side battery change as standard. The quick and easy battery replacement via a roller bed guarantees high availability of the truck. For particularly demanding applications or for multi-shift operation, the PPFXS20 is also optionally available with a 205 Ah lithium-ion battery. The Li-Ion battery can be recharged at any time and within a very short time – for example during breaks – without damaging the battery or shortening its service life. Recharging the battery is possible at any 230-volt socket. In just 10 minutes, 7 % of the battery capacity can be recharged. This reduces the downtime that would be necessary to change the battery. After only three hours, the battery is fully charged again. Li-Ion technology not only increases productivity, but also saves costs for maintenance, infrastructure, and replacement batteries. This makes a Li-Ion vehicle worthwhile for anyone who wants to operate a maintenance-free, long-lasting, and fast-charging battery with a high safety standard.

Improved ergonomics ensure intuitive operation

For handling work and horizontal transport over long distances, the generous side access with an opening range of 445 mm enables the operator to climb up and down from the vehicle quickly and safely. While driving, the operator can comfortably lean against the padded backrest of the generously designed operator’s platform. The operator’s platform is fully suspended and guarantees vibration-free operation so that the operator can concentrate fully on his work. The ergonomic tiller is height adjustable.

All controls can be operated intuitively and without fatigue by both left- and right-handed operators. The rounded fork tips allow safe and speedy threading into the pallet and thus contribute to a high turnover of goods. The all-electric power steering is smooth. This allows the vehicle to be manoeuvred precisely and safely even in the tightest of spaces, for example in narrow racking aisles. For greater safety when cornering, the automatic reduction of the driving speed is proportional to the steering angle. This reduces the centrifugal forces acting on the operator.

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