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Day: 7 June 2023

Food Logistics Operator Equips Warehouse

Posted on by David Priestman

Choví, the sauce manufacturer, breaks into the food logistics sector with the creation of Choví Logistics, for whom AR Racking has installed a combination of dry and cold storage systems in its new logistics platform in Massalavés, Valencia.

The new business unit of Choví, dedicated to logistics and which operates as a supplier for other companies in the food sector, entrusted AR Racking to maximise the productivity of its new 8,000 m2 warehouse. The AR Racking team has manufactured and designed a comprehensive storage solution, combining a selective storage system, adjustable pallet racking, and a compact system, live pallet racking.

Adjustable pallet racking, which is highly versatile, resistant to all types of loads and allowing direct access, stores 5,400 pallets. For its part, live pallet racking, with its high-density storage and with an incline and rollers to facilitate the movement of the load, has a capacity for 1,200 positions. The height of the racking is 11,000 mm, with the top level at 10,500 mm. “Our service is comprehensive, going beyond the mere manufacture and installation of racking. Together with the customer, we believed that the combination of an adjustable pallet racking system and a compact one would more effectively meet the stock rotation needs of the different products”, commented Javier Miquel, AR Racking Sales Representative.

What’s more, around 2,000 m2 of the total area of the warehouse is dedicated to cold storage of between 3ºC and 5ºC. In any case, AR Racking’s galvanised racking guarantees the optimum storage of food thanks to its resistance to extreme temperatures.

According to David Moyá, Managing Director of Choví Logistics, “we now have a warehouse worthy of our experience in the food sector and that can meet our customers’ logistics needs”. The Valencian company has been striving for years to reach new markets and diversify its portfolio.

AR Racking is part of the Arania Group, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

Food Logistics Operator Equips Warehouse

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Choví, the sauce manufacturer, breaks into the food logistics sector with the creation of Choví Logistics, for whom AR Racking has installed a combination of dry and cold storage systems in its new logistics platform in Massalavés, Valencia.

The new business unit of Choví, dedicated to logistics and which operates as a supplier for other companies in the food sector, entrusted AR Racking to maximise the productivity of its new 8,000 m2 warehouse. The AR Racking team has manufactured and designed a comprehensive storage solution, combining a selective storage system, adjustable pallet racking, and a compact system, live pallet racking.

Adjustable pallet racking, which is highly versatile, resistant to all types of loads and allowing direct access, stores 5,400 pallets. For its part, live pallet racking, with its high-density storage and with an incline and rollers to facilitate the movement of the load, has a capacity for 1,200 positions. The height of the racking is 11,000 mm, with the top level at 10,500 mm. “Our service is comprehensive, going beyond the mere manufacture and installation of racking. Together with the customer, we believed that the combination of an adjustable pallet racking system and a compact one would more effectively meet the stock rotation needs of the different products”, commented Javier Miquel, AR Racking Sales Representative.

What’s more, around 2,000 m2 of the total area of the warehouse is dedicated to cold storage of between 3ºC and 5ºC. In any case, AR Racking’s galvanised racking guarantees the optimum storage of food thanks to its resistance to extreme temperatures.

According to David Moyá, Managing Director of Choví Logistics, “we now have a warehouse worthy of our experience in the food sector and that can meet our customers’ logistics needs”. The Valencian company has been striving for years to reach new markets and diversify its portfolio.

AR Racking is part of the Arania Group, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

IFOY Test Report: Jungheinrich PowerCube

Posted on by David Priestman

We turn our attention to the Jungheinrich PowerCube as we continue our look at all the IFOY Award finalists ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd.

IFOY category: Intralogistics Robot

More efficient, faster and extremely flexible – as an automated compact storage system for containers, Jungheinrich says the PowerCube sets new standards in warehousing. Through vertical stacking of containers and time-saving storage, retrieval and transfer with high-performance lithium-ion shuttles, the easy-to-integrate warehouse solution ensures efficient processes, impressive space utilisation and a maximum increase in profitability in the era of e-commerce and just-in-time delivery.

IFOY Test Report

Since the storage and retrieval units of the PowerCube automatic compact tote storage system do not drive on top of the tote rack but underneath it, the height of the individual tote stacks can be easily adapted to the respective building infrastructure. Accordingly, it is possible to react to obstacles and, for example, adapt sloping roof shapes to the racking system, which can be up to 12m high.

Another important feature results from the 2D track system on which the shuttles perform their service. The system can be installed on standard industrial floors in accordance with DIN 18202, and floor unevenness can be levelled with levelling feet according to standards.

The maximum load of a container stack is 750kg. Containers designed for the application are used, which can take a load of up to 50kg. The maximum interior size of the containers is designed to allow the transport of standard KLTs (length x width x height: 600 x 400 x 290mm). Jungheinrich might roll out further container dimensions in the future. The PowerCube system containers are compatible with other automation solutions from the manufacturer and can also be used outside the compact storage system with the help of externally connected conveyor technology. Storage and retrieval stations or picking workstations have been implemented accordingly, but could only be visually inspected during the IFOY TEST DAYS, as could the entire system.

The newly developed shuttles move through the plant at a maximum speed of 4m/s and an acceleration of up to 2 m/s/s. The vehicles are designed for the simultaneous transport of two containers. In doing so, the shuttles are able to move automatically at the level below the rack. Since the shuttles operate at floor level, no platform is required to perform maintenance work.

With the help of appropriate relocations, the shuttles reach the containers required to process an order. During the relocations, which are limited due to the storage strategies used, another feature comes into play: The potential energy of the lifted container stacks is used for shuttle recuperation.

Shuttle charging stations are located at the workstations, but can also be installed at other locations within the plant. A fast-charging function creates the conditions for 24/7 operation of the warehouse system. A central element of the vehicles, the number of which can be adapted to the throughput requirements of the respective operator due to their scalability, is the lifting platform. This is shaped in such a way that the container is picked up positively and safely. Any positioning tolerances of the shuttle in both directions of transport can be compensated for by means of a compensation mechanism. As a result, reliable container handling is guaranteed at all times.

IFOY test verdict: Perfect use of space and time: This is how Jungheinrich defines the demands placed on the automated, compact and scalable PowerCube system. The pilot application, a retail company from Switzerland, will show whether the expectations are met. In any case, the potential is there.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The market share of compact vertical storage systems has grown steadily over the past 10 years due to their broad applicability in production and retail with low storage space consumption. With the PowerCube, Jungheinrich is addressing a customer segment where storage heights of up to 12m with a variable height profile are desired, e.g., due to sloping ceilings. Since this applies to many existing buildings, the market potential of the solution is high. The economic efficiency is said to be given already from approximately 100 sq m storage area. The first pilot systems are currently being implemented.

Customer benefit: Due to the larger and more flexible warehouse height compared to market leader AutoStore, the PowerCube solution can achieve even better space utilisation. The robots operating underneath the store can transport up to two totes at higher speeds, making them more efficient. They can transfer totes more directly and with shorter access times (approximately two to three minutes) to output stations or conveyor systems. Maintenance is user-friendly at floor level. The installation time of less than six months is good but not exceptional, but extensions can be made almost without interruption during operation. Installation is possible without levelling the floor and different container heights can also be used.

Novelty / Innovation: Although the principle of the vertical compact storage system is not new and no serious differences to AutoStore are to be expected in terms of key figures such as compactness, throughput, costs and energy consumption, access from below is an innovation that permits new forms of use such as variable ceiling height and significantly higher storage bays and simplifies maintenance. Technical innovations in detail are the container loading weight of 50kg, an intelligently designed flap mechanism to hold the container stack in the shaft, a mechanical tolerance compensation for the container pick-up, and a quick-charge function for 24/7 operation of the robots without downtime.

Functionality / Type of implementation: PowerCube is a well thought out and high-quality solution with many potentials beyond the capabilities of AutoStore. The bins have been purposefully redesigned for the solution. Due to the operation from below, the maximum container stack weight is limited to 750kg, though. Energy recovery by the robots takes place during access. However, the system could only be inspected mechanically, not in operation. Use for refrigerated and frozen areas is in the works.

Verdict: The PowerCube vertical storage system, which has been implemented to a very high standard of quality, impresses with the possibility of flexible use of space thanks to variable heights of up to 12m and the use of the robots underneath the storage area, which results in easier maintenance and many options for dispensing goods from the system as well as a connection option to conveyor technology. A high throughput is achieved by the simultaneous pick-up of up to two totes with a load of 50kg each by one robot and its high speed.

Market relevance ++
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

 

IFOY Test Report: Jungheinrich PowerCube

Posted on by David Priestman

We turn our attention to the Jungheinrich PowerCube as we continue our look at all the IFOY Award finalists ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd.

IFOY category: Intralogistics Robot

More efficient, faster and extremely flexible – as an automated compact storage system for containers, Jungheinrich says the PowerCube sets new standards in warehousing. Through vertical stacking of containers and time-saving storage, retrieval and transfer with high-performance lithium-ion shuttles, the easy-to-integrate warehouse solution ensures efficient processes, impressive space utilisation and a maximum increase in profitability in the era of e-commerce and just-in-time delivery.

IFOY Test Report

Since the storage and retrieval units of the PowerCube automatic compact tote storage system do not drive on top of the tote rack but underneath it, the height of the individual tote stacks can be easily adapted to the respective building infrastructure. Accordingly, it is possible to react to obstacles and, for example, adapt sloping roof shapes to the racking system, which can be up to 12m high.

Another important feature results from the 2D track system on which the shuttles perform their service. The system can be installed on standard industrial floors in accordance with DIN 18202, and floor unevenness can be levelled with levelling feet according to standards.

The maximum load of a container stack is 750kg. Containers designed for the application are used, which can take a load of up to 50kg. The maximum interior size of the containers is designed to allow the transport of standard KLTs (length x width x height: 600 x 400 x 290mm). Jungheinrich might roll out further container dimensions in the future. The PowerCube system containers are compatible with other automation solutions from the manufacturer and can also be used outside the compact storage system with the help of externally connected conveyor technology. Storage and retrieval stations or picking workstations have been implemented accordingly, but could only be visually inspected during the IFOY TEST DAYS, as could the entire system.

The newly developed shuttles move through the plant at a maximum speed of 4m/s and an acceleration of up to 2 m/s/s. The vehicles are designed for the simultaneous transport of two containers. In doing so, the shuttles are able to move automatically at the level below the rack. Since the shuttles operate at floor level, no platform is required to perform maintenance work.

With the help of appropriate relocations, the shuttles reach the containers required to process an order. During the relocations, which are limited due to the storage strategies used, another feature comes into play: The potential energy of the lifted container stacks is used for shuttle recuperation.

Shuttle charging stations are located at the workstations, but can also be installed at other locations within the plant. A fast-charging function creates the conditions for 24/7 operation of the warehouse system. A central element of the vehicles, the number of which can be adapted to the throughput requirements of the respective operator due to their scalability, is the lifting platform. This is shaped in such a way that the container is picked up positively and safely. Any positioning tolerances of the shuttle in both directions of transport can be compensated for by means of a compensation mechanism. As a result, reliable container handling is guaranteed at all times.

IFOY test verdict: Perfect use of space and time: This is how Jungheinrich defines the demands placed on the automated, compact and scalable PowerCube system. The pilot application, a retail company from Switzerland, will show whether the expectations are met. In any case, the potential is there.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The market share of compact vertical storage systems has grown steadily over the past 10 years due to their broad applicability in production and retail with low storage space consumption. With the PowerCube, Jungheinrich is addressing a customer segment where storage heights of up to 12m with a variable height profile are desired, e.g., due to sloping ceilings. Since this applies to many existing buildings, the market potential of the solution is high. The economic efficiency is said to be given already from approximately 100 sq m storage area. The first pilot systems are currently being implemented.

Customer benefit: Due to the larger and more flexible warehouse height compared to market leader AutoStore, the PowerCube solution can achieve even better space utilisation. The robots operating underneath the store can transport up to two totes at higher speeds, making them more efficient. They can transfer totes more directly and with shorter access times (approximately two to three minutes) to output stations or conveyor systems. Maintenance is user-friendly at floor level. The installation time of less than six months is good but not exceptional, but extensions can be made almost without interruption during operation. Installation is possible without levelling the floor and different container heights can also be used.

Novelty / Innovation: Although the principle of the vertical compact storage system is not new and no serious differences to AutoStore are to be expected in terms of key figures such as compactness, throughput, costs and energy consumption, access from below is an innovation that permits new forms of use such as variable ceiling height and significantly higher storage bays and simplifies maintenance. Technical innovations in detail are the container loading weight of 50kg, an intelligently designed flap mechanism to hold the container stack in the shaft, a mechanical tolerance compensation for the container pick-up, and a quick-charge function for 24/7 operation of the robots without downtime.

Functionality / Type of implementation: PowerCube is a well thought out and high-quality solution with many potentials beyond the capabilities of AutoStore. The bins have been purposefully redesigned for the solution. Due to the operation from below, the maximum container stack weight is limited to 750kg, though. Energy recovery by the robots takes place during access. However, the system could only be inspected mechanically, not in operation. Use for refrigerated and frozen areas is in the works.

Verdict: The PowerCube vertical storage system, which has been implemented to a very high standard of quality, impresses with the possibility of flexible use of space thanks to variable heights of up to 12m and the use of the robots underneath the storage area, which results in easier maintenance and many options for dispensing goods from the system as well as a connection option to conveyor technology. A high throughput is achieved by the simultaneous pick-up of up to two totes with a load of 50kg each by one robot and its high speed.

Market relevance ++
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

 

Pakistan-Australia Direct Shipping Service

Posted on by David Priestman

Pakistan International Container Terminal Limited (PICT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) subsidiary operating at the Port of Karachi, has partnered with Singaporean shipping line SeaLead to establish a direct service between Pakistan and Australia.

Calling regional ports across Malaysia, Australia and Pakistan, the newly launched ASI service enables easy and efficient connection between markets in South Asia and Australia. With the arrival of the service at the Port of Karachi, PICT looks to strengthen trade patronage with global customers and cater to growing trade demands. The ASI service will substantially benefit importers and exporters through the faster and more cost-efficient route that provides direct access to Asian and Australian ports, and eventually allow new businesses and growth areas to emerge within the associated economies.

“We look to provide unmatched supply chain solutions to local and global trade stakeholders. Through our partnership with SeaLead, customers in both Pakistani and Australian markets will benefit through direct port linkages that enable economies to grow,” explains Khurram Aziz Khan, PICT chief executive officer. PICT will remain resilient in its efforts to make this collaboration a successful venture for all stakeholders.”

The ASI service, which handles both shipper-owned and carrier-owned containers, is also expected to provide PICT’s trade allies with a competitive edge within the industry. With Pakistan as a commercial hub connecting several geographical regions, the PICT-SeaLead partnership will boost the country’s foreign trade through the enhanced and efficient access to and from Australian markets.

Operating Berths 6 to 9 at the East Wharf of the Karachi Port, Pakistan International Container Terminal is the preferred terminal for the Indian subcontinent trade routes. The common-use terminal offers excellent connections to Central Asia, Afghanistan, and the Western China hinterlands.

Headquartered and established in 1988 in Manila, Philippines, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is in the business of port development, management and operations. ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects are located in developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Independent with no shipping or consignee-related interests, ICTSI works and transacts transparently with all stakeholders of the supply chain. ICTSI continues to receive global acclaim for its public-private partnerships, which are focused on sustainable development, and supported by corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Pakistan-Australia Direct Shipping Service

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Pakistan International Container Terminal Limited (PICT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) subsidiary operating at the Port of Karachi, has partnered with Singaporean shipping line SeaLead to establish a direct service between Pakistan and Australia.

Calling regional ports across Malaysia, Australia and Pakistan, the newly launched ASI service enables easy and efficient connection between markets in South Asia and Australia. With the arrival of the service at the Port of Karachi, PICT looks to strengthen trade patronage with global customers and cater to growing trade demands. The ASI service will substantially benefit importers and exporters through the faster and more cost-efficient route that provides direct access to Asian and Australian ports, and eventually allow new businesses and growth areas to emerge within the associated economies.

“We look to provide unmatched supply chain solutions to local and global trade stakeholders. Through our partnership with SeaLead, customers in both Pakistani and Australian markets will benefit through direct port linkages that enable economies to grow,” explains Khurram Aziz Khan, PICT chief executive officer. PICT will remain resilient in its efforts to make this collaboration a successful venture for all stakeholders.”

The ASI service, which handles both shipper-owned and carrier-owned containers, is also expected to provide PICT’s trade allies with a competitive edge within the industry. With Pakistan as a commercial hub connecting several geographical regions, the PICT-SeaLead partnership will boost the country’s foreign trade through the enhanced and efficient access to and from Australian markets.

Operating Berths 6 to 9 at the East Wharf of the Karachi Port, Pakistan International Container Terminal is the preferred terminal for the Indian subcontinent trade routes. The common-use terminal offers excellent connections to Central Asia, Afghanistan, and the Western China hinterlands.

Headquartered and established in 1988 in Manila, Philippines, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is in the business of port development, management and operations. ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects are located in developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Independent with no shipping or consignee-related interests, ICTSI works and transacts transparently with all stakeholders of the supply chain. ICTSI continues to receive global acclaim for its public-private partnerships, which are focused on sustainable development, and supported by corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Direct to Consumer Fulfilment Provider in UK

Posted on by Keith McKinley

One of Europe’s leading direct to consumer e-commerce fulfilment provider companies, Alaiko, is expanding into the UK, setting up a flagship fulfilment centre in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. Unlike other logistics providers, Alaiko is a tech-first fulfilment company. It enables shops to manage e-commerce operations from start to finish, using its unique platform, the Alaiko Logistics Operating System®, along with industry leading warehouse technology and robotics to pick, pack and ship orders and process returns. Alaiko will provide British e-commerce businesses with a unique fulfilment option and allow them to seamlessly scale their business domestically and across Europe.

Alaiko recognises the huge growth potential for e-commerce businesses in the UK, which is home to Europe’s largest e-commerce market, with almost 50 million customers. In the wake of Brexit, British businesses have struggled to import and export internationally, facing customs backlogs and increased shipping costs. With its UK expansion alongside its EU fulfilment capabilities, Alaiko creates channels for British businesses to trade and operate in Europe and the UK, empowering mid-size businesses to win market share against large companies. Outsourcing through Alaiko provides faster delivery times and simplified returns management through the growing network of fulfilment centres throughout Europe. Products can be stored in the EU and shipped directly to enable fast national and cross-border shipping to avoid customs bottlenecks.

“As a global DTC brand, we work with various fulfilment providers in different regions. Alaiko stands out with its tech-first approach of modern warehousing and its software that leads to highly efficient operations. With the launch of the UK warehouse, we expect an even better experience for our customers in the UK and to grow our business faster,” said Jan Sapper, CEO of Paperlike.

In a first for the DTC market, Alaiko’s unique software offering combines processing and logistics in an end-to-end solution. The current tech landscape for DTC e-commerce brands is fragmented, with suppliers forced to patch together different solutions. Alaiko’s industry-leading platform offers brands full transparency and control across the whole supply chain. Once an order is received, Alaiko uses automation and robotics to enable picking, packing and shipping with efficiency and precision, and businesses can follow and manage this entire process in real time. Seamless communication for tracking and self-service options enable brands to focus on growth while offering a great customer experience. Where real-time tracking, fast delivery, and easy returns were once exclusive to e-commerce giants, Alaiko levels the playing field by making this possible for SMEs.

Unlike other third-party logistics providers, Alaiko also empowers brands to increase sales through its track and trace offering. Alaiko’s delivery tracking emails, which typically have very high open rates, do not redirect customers to third-party sites like delivery providers’. Instead, they send customers to a dedicated tracking page in the brand’s online shop. This allows e-commerce brands not only to trace the traffic of their link, but also to retarget customers with personalised marketing.

Moritz Weisbrodt, CEO, Alaiko, commented, ‘Alaiko’s UK launch is an exciting growth step and we see huge potential in this market for brands looking for a more effective way to deliver for their customers. We’re looking forward to facilitating warehouse and logistics for UK and EU customers. We believe that the people scaling an e-commerce brand deserve the best tools at their fingertips to run a business effectively and look after their customers. This is why we created an intuitive, industry-leading service; we run the logistics so that businesses can focus on the growth’.

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