Subscribe

Day: 8 June 2023

IFOY Test Report: Jungheinrich addedVIEW

Posted on by David Priestman

As we move closer towards the moment when the IFOY Awards are handed out in Dortmund on June 22nd, we continue our look at all of the 2023 finalists and share the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our next entry is the second from Jungheinrich AG, its addedVIEW fork camera with barcode scanning.

The Jungheinrich addedVIEW fully digital fork camera with barcode scanning reduces storage/retrieval errors in the warehouse. It prevents incorrectly recorded goods or storage locations in the warehouse management system (WMS) and thus unplanned search times, returns or loss of goods.

IFOY category: Special of the Year

IFOY Test Report

In technical terms, the device is the first fully digital fork camera in series production, with full HD resolution, broadband automotive Ethernet data transmission and software for transferring the results to any WMS. For the Jungheinrich WMS, the product is equipped with additional intelligence that, with the help of coloured overlays in the camera image, makes it possible to recognise whether the correct or incorrect barcode is located in front of the fork as it passes by. In addition, an acknowledgement button is located near the steering wheel. This keeps the forklift driver’s hands on the controls of the industrial truck. The driver does not have to reach for the scanner, scan and put the mobile device back every time.

Scanning on-site at the storage compartment and/or the goods avoids scanning incorrect barcodes from a list at the rack foot, ensuring the WMS always receives correct data and avoiding incorrect deliveries. The high-resolution, digitally enhanced image allows labels to be read at high altitudes, bypassing the need to unstack incorrect merchandise.

By scanning with the fork-mounted camera, the location of the goods movement and the location of the scan coincide. This drastically reduces putaway/retrieval errors. Examples include putting away wrong goods but scanning the “right” barcode expected by the WMS, or taking out wrong goods but scanning the “right” barcode expected by the WMS. The camera, data transmission, image processing, forwarding to the WMS and, as in the case of Jungheinrich, the WMS itself were all newly developed or expanded – into an integrated series solution.

IFOY test verdict: The integrated series solution is unique on the market, because the addedVIEW fork camera with barcode scanning gets to the root of a previously unsolvable basic problem in logistics and offers a practical and effective solution. The previously described problem of incorrect storage is particularly pronounced in reach trucks, as mix-ups can occur in high-bay warehouses due to the large number of uniform storage locations and the low clarity in the upper rack levels. Depending on the type, 20-40% of reach trucks have tine cameras, are connected to a WMS via a radio data terminal and use handheld scanners for posting. These industrial truck operators will benefit from the innovation. But forklift drivers will also benefit from the image quality and the ergonomic acknowledgement function on the steering wheel.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The management of goods on pallets or similar in larger warehouses with the help of reach trucks and barcodes concerns a very large area of logistics, which is why the market relevance is considered to be high. The presented digital camera-based system represents an enormous step towards the improvement of such systems, as errors are largely eliminated, positioning is supported and a large time-saving potential is associated with it.

Customer benefit: Users of the addedVIEW fork camera benefit in a very direct way from this system, which goes well beyond the camera itself by integrating it into the warehouse management system (WMS). Manual barcode scanning is no longer necessary, as direct identification of the barcodes is made possible by the high resolution of the camera. The comparison with the WMS, implemented in the background, provides direct information about the correctness of the goods or storage location. Thus, faulty storage or retrieval is reduced to a minimum or can be practically excluded. Furthermore, there are no wrong trips or unnecessary times in which incorrectly stored goods have to be searched for. All in all, this can result in a significant increase in the efficiency of the warehouse system for the user.

Novelty / Innovation: The integrated solution of a digital camera presented by Jungheinrich combines visual use with the possibility of scanning barcodes and processing them in the WMS for the first time in the field of material handling equipment. Although the individual technologies do not represent a novelty in themselves, the combination in this exemplary implementation is to be regarded as highly innovative. The challenges in the development, which in some respects reside in the details, were systematically solved. One example is the realised data transmission via the automotive Ethernet cable, which was applied to the variable geometry of the mast and which, with a total length of 30m, nevertheless guarantees a safe and fast transmission.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The components of the implemented system appear in a very robust design and thus meet requirements for durability in operation. The camera is mounted on the inside of the fork, which makes damage unlikely. Likewise, the transmission cable appears to be more than able to withstand the constant bending loads due to its specially developed design.

Verdict: The addedVIEW fork camera is convincing in every respect. Its market lead is clear.

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

IFOY Test Report: Jungheinrich addedVIEW

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As we move closer towards the moment when the IFOY Awards are handed out in Dortmund on June 22nd, we continue our look at all of the 2023 finalists and share the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our next entry is the second from Jungheinrich AG, its addedVIEW fork camera with barcode scanning.

The Jungheinrich addedVIEW fully digital fork camera with barcode scanning reduces storage/retrieval errors in the warehouse. It prevents incorrectly recorded goods or storage locations in the warehouse management system (WMS) and thus unplanned search times, returns or loss of goods.

IFOY category: Special of the Year

IFOY Test Report

In technical terms, the device is the first fully digital fork camera in series production, with full HD resolution, broadband automotive Ethernet data transmission and software for transferring the results to any WMS. For the Jungheinrich WMS, the product is equipped with additional intelligence that, with the help of coloured overlays in the camera image, makes it possible to recognise whether the correct or incorrect barcode is located in front of the fork as it passes by. In addition, an acknowledgement button is located near the steering wheel. This keeps the forklift driver’s hands on the controls of the industrial truck. The driver does not have to reach for the scanner, scan and put the mobile device back every time.

Scanning on-site at the storage compartment and/or the goods avoids scanning incorrect barcodes from a list at the rack foot, ensuring the WMS always receives correct data and avoiding incorrect deliveries. The high-resolution, digitally enhanced image allows labels to be read at high altitudes, bypassing the need to unstack incorrect merchandise.

By scanning with the fork-mounted camera, the location of the goods movement and the location of the scan coincide. This drastically reduces putaway/retrieval errors. Examples include putting away wrong goods but scanning the “right” barcode expected by the WMS, or taking out wrong goods but scanning the “right” barcode expected by the WMS. The camera, data transmission, image processing, forwarding to the WMS and, as in the case of Jungheinrich, the WMS itself were all newly developed or expanded – into an integrated series solution.

IFOY test verdict: The integrated series solution is unique on the market, because the addedVIEW fork camera with barcode scanning gets to the root of a previously unsolvable basic problem in logistics and offers a practical and effective solution. The previously described problem of incorrect storage is particularly pronounced in reach trucks, as mix-ups can occur in high-bay warehouses due to the large number of uniform storage locations and the low clarity in the upper rack levels. Depending on the type, 20-40% of reach trucks have tine cameras, are connected to a WMS via a radio data terminal and use handheld scanners for posting. These industrial truck operators will benefit from the innovation. But forklift drivers will also benefit from the image quality and the ergonomic acknowledgement function on the steering wheel.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The management of goods on pallets or similar in larger warehouses with the help of reach trucks and barcodes concerns a very large area of logistics, which is why the market relevance is considered to be high. The presented digital camera-based system represents an enormous step towards the improvement of such systems, as errors are largely eliminated, positioning is supported and a large time-saving potential is associated with it.

Customer benefit: Users of the addedVIEW fork camera benefit in a very direct way from this system, which goes well beyond the camera itself by integrating it into the warehouse management system (WMS). Manual barcode scanning is no longer necessary, as direct identification of the barcodes is made possible by the high resolution of the camera. The comparison with the WMS, implemented in the background, provides direct information about the correctness of the goods or storage location. Thus, faulty storage or retrieval is reduced to a minimum or can be practically excluded. Furthermore, there are no wrong trips or unnecessary times in which incorrectly stored goods have to be searched for. All in all, this can result in a significant increase in the efficiency of the warehouse system for the user.

Novelty / Innovation: The integrated solution of a digital camera presented by Jungheinrich combines visual use with the possibility of scanning barcodes and processing them in the WMS for the first time in the field of material handling equipment. Although the individual technologies do not represent a novelty in themselves, the combination in this exemplary implementation is to be regarded as highly innovative. The challenges in the development, which in some respects reside in the details, were systematically solved. One example is the realised data transmission via the automotive Ethernet cable, which was applied to the variable geometry of the mast and which, with a total length of 30m, nevertheless guarantees a safe and fast transmission.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The components of the implemented system appear in a very robust design and thus meet requirements for durability in operation. The camera is mounted on the inside of the fork, which makes damage unlikely. Likewise, the transmission cable appears to be more than able to withstand the constant bending loads due to its specially developed design.

Verdict: The addedVIEW fork camera is convincing in every respect. Its market lead is clear.

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

Modern Warehouse at Avonmouth Logistics Park

Posted on by David Priestman

St. Modwen Logistics, one of the UK’s leading logistics developers and managers and a Blackstone portfolio company, has delivered three new sustainable, modern warehouse units totalling 157,000 sq.ft at St. Modwen Park Access 18 Avonmouth, adding to the c. 1 million sq.ft of space already delivered to meet local demand.

The three units comprise c. 44,000, 50,000 and 63,000 sq.ft respectively and make up the only mid-box size scheme to be built in the region this year. Each unit is built to St. Modwen Logistics’ ‘Swan Standard’ of sustainable construction, achieving an EPC ‘A’ rating and targeting an ‘Excellent’ accreditation from BREEAM, the leading real estate sustainability body. St. Modwen’s commitment to delivering sustainable warehousing enables occupiers to meet their own ESG targets whilst also lowering their operational energy costs.

Peter Davies, Development Director, St. Modwen Logistics commented: “At a time when demand is outstripping supply nationally, we are excited to have delivered the only mid-box warehouse scheme in the South West here at Access 18, Avonmouth. The Park is a successful hub for both growing businesses in the region and the traditional big players, with over one million sq ft of space already delivered, including bespoke ‘build-to-suit’ facilities and flexible logistics space. The latest phase delivers even more best-in-class, sustainable warehouse space and supports a diverse mix of employment to support the growth of both local and national businesses.”

Councillor Donald Alexander, Bristol City Councillor for Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston, added: “I was delighted to visit Access 18 today and their new state-of-the-art units are very impressive. I really appreciate the work that St. Modwen Logistics are doing to bring quality jobs to my ward and beyond.”

Access 18 Avonmouth is located just seven miles from the centre of Bristol and two miles from junction 18 off the M5, providing excellent connectivity by road, with Bristol Airport and Avonmouth Docks offering easy access to international markets via air and sea.

The Park is already home to a mix of national distribution firms and growing local businesses, with three existing occupiers having recently expanded their footprint on the site. Infrared heating manufacturer Herschel Infrared has almost doubled its space at the Park, signing for an additional 10,000 sq ft previously occupied by Auto Windscreens who in turn expanded in December 2022 to take two units totalling 14,000 sq ft. Plant-Ex, an international food ingredients company, has also signed for its latest c.6,000 sq ft unit. Since first moving to the Park in 2018, the company has experienced rapid growth which has seen their footprint on the site multiply six-fold from 6,000 sq ft to 38,000 sq ft across four units.

With the latest phase of development now complete, attention will now turn to future projects with more than 370,000 sq ft set to be delivered across three units as part of the next tranche of activity. Two buildings measuring c. 215,000 sq.ft and 103,000 sq.ft will target practical completion in the final quarter of 2024, whilst an additional unit of c.52,000 sq.ft will follow in the first quarter of 2025 to further support the next wave of growing businesses in the region.

St. Modwen is a property developer owned by Blackstone focused on logistics and housebuilding. St. Modwen Logistics develops and manages urban and big box warehouses for customers including global logistics and e-commerce organisations as well as significant national and regional enterprises.

Transport SMEs Boost Investment and Recruitment

Posted on by David Priestman

Transport SMEs are ready to ramp-up investment, with fresh spending on assets and expanded workforces, Paragon Bank research has found.

Published today in ‘An SME Led Recovery’, a survey of transport SMEs from across the UK identified growing expectations for cashflow to improve – leading to increased investment by businesses in their operations. The first in a series of quarterly research reports that will track the sector, An SME Led Recovery details the performance, plans and ambitions of SMEs, highlighting the central role they play in the UK economy.

Cashflow and turnover set to improve

Conducted for Paragon by Opinium, the research found that 45% of transport SMEs predict that their cashflow will improve substantially over the next three months, rising to 49% over the next six months and 51% over the next year. Only 23% of SMEs had seen their cashflow improve over the previous three months.

Similarly, turnover is also set to improve – 44% of businesses reported rising turnover levels during the first quarter of the year, with 47% expecting turnover to improve further during the second quarter, compared to 27% that forecast a fall.

Investment on the increase

Just under a third of transport SMEs (29%) will use the increased cashflow and financing to increase investment in their businesses, with 55% planning to maintain current investment levels and only 13% expected to reduce spending. The renewed investment will also see the number of transport SMEs investing in electric vehicles rise from 18% in the last six months to 53% across the next six – the same proportion as those set in invest in traditional fuel vehicles.

• Recruitment: 27% > 51%
• HGVs: 25% > 53%
• LCVs 20% > 53%
• Electric Vehicles: 18% > 53%
• Equipment: 13% > 55%
• Machinery: 13% > 47%

SMEs are also planning to boost their operations by increasing their work force, with 29% of businesses planning to recruit over the next six months and 20% planning on reductions.

Confidence strong in business prospects

Transport SMEs expressed confidence in their prospects for their own businesses and the sector in which they operate but were less confident about the macro environment. Over half said they were confident in their own business (55%) and their sector (58%) in the next three months, compared to 15% and 13% respectively that were not confident. Confidence was less strong in the UK economy, with only 39% of transport SMEs surveyed expressing confidence.

SMEs seek finance

The research also found that 44% of transport SMEs sought additional financing over the last three months, with 52% of those businesses seeking over £100,000. While 5% of this group received no additional financing, 17% received some of the finance they were seeking, and the remaining 22% received all the financing they sought.

Writing in ‘An SME Led Recovery’ on the research findings Dale Trenam, Paragon’s Head of Transport, said: “When the UK economy returns to growth, it will be thanks to the dedication and skill of SMEs – and transport SMEs are set to play a vital role in this process.

“Published today in our report, An SME Led Recovery, newly commissioned data finds that transport SMEs are confident, investing and looking to the future – creating the conditions necessary for the economy to bounce back. With the positive news that transport SMEs are planning to invest and grow their operations, it is vital that they can access the funding they need to achieve their goals and fulfil their role in driving forward economic recovery. As SME lending specialists, the Paragon team works with businesses daily – providing us with a first-hand understanding of not only the sector, but also the requirements of individual businesses. By doing so we can develop bespoke deals to ensure that transport SMEs can acquire the assets they need in a way that supports their growth plans.”

Paragon Bank PLC a subsidiary of the Paragon Banking Group PLC which is a FTSE 250 company based in Solihull in the West Midlands. Established in 1985, Paragon Banking Group PLC has over £14 billion of assets under management, helping more than 340,000 customers to achieve their ambitions.

Transport SMEs Boost Investment and Recruitment

Posted on by David Priestman

Transport SMEs are ready to ramp-up investment, with fresh spending on assets and expanded workforces, Paragon Bank research has found.

Published today in ‘An SME Led Recovery’, a survey of transport SMEs from across the UK identified growing expectations for cashflow to improve – leading to increased investment by businesses in their operations. The first in a series of quarterly research reports that will track the sector, An SME Led Recovery details the performance, plans and ambitions of SMEs, highlighting the central role they play in the UK economy.

Cashflow and turnover set to improve

Conducted for Paragon by Opinium, the research found that 45% of transport SMEs predict that their cashflow will improve substantially over the next three months, rising to 49% over the next six months and 51% over the next year. Only 23% of SMEs had seen their cashflow improve over the previous three months.

Similarly, turnover is also set to improve – 44% of businesses reported rising turnover levels during the first quarter of the year, with 47% expecting turnover to improve further during the second quarter, compared to 27% that forecast a fall.

Investment on the increase

Just under a third of transport SMEs (29%) will use the increased cashflow and financing to increase investment in their businesses, with 55% planning to maintain current investment levels and only 13% expected to reduce spending. The renewed investment will also see the number of transport SMEs investing in electric vehicles rise from 18% in the last six months to 53% across the next six – the same proportion as those set in invest in traditional fuel vehicles.

• Recruitment: 27% > 51%
• HGVs: 25% > 53%
• LCVs 20% > 53%
• Electric Vehicles: 18% > 53%
• Equipment: 13% > 55%
• Machinery: 13% > 47%

SMEs are also planning to boost their operations by increasing their work force, with 29% of businesses planning to recruit over the next six months and 20% planning on reductions.

Confidence strong in business prospects

Transport SMEs expressed confidence in their prospects for their own businesses and the sector in which they operate but were less confident about the macro environment. Over half said they were confident in their own business (55%) and their sector (58%) in the next three months, compared to 15% and 13% respectively that were not confident. Confidence was less strong in the UK economy, with only 39% of transport SMEs surveyed expressing confidence.

SMEs seek finance

The research also found that 44% of transport SMEs sought additional financing over the last three months, with 52% of those businesses seeking over £100,000. While 5% of this group received no additional financing, 17% received some of the finance they were seeking, and the remaining 22% received all the financing they sought.

Writing in ‘An SME Led Recovery’ on the research findings Dale Trenam, Paragon’s Head of Transport, said: “When the UK economy returns to growth, it will be thanks to the dedication and skill of SMEs – and transport SMEs are set to play a vital role in this process.

“Published today in our report, An SME Led Recovery, newly commissioned data finds that transport SMEs are confident, investing and looking to the future – creating the conditions necessary for the economy to bounce back. With the positive news that transport SMEs are planning to invest and grow their operations, it is vital that they can access the funding they need to achieve their goals and fulfil their role in driving forward economic recovery. As SME lending specialists, the Paragon team works with businesses daily – providing us with a first-hand understanding of not only the sector, but also the requirements of individual businesses. By doing so we can develop bespoke deals to ensure that transport SMEs can acquire the assets they need in a way that supports their growth plans.”

Paragon Bank PLC a subsidiary of the Paragon Banking Group PLC which is a FTSE 250 company based in Solihull in the West Midlands. Established in 1985, Paragon Banking Group PLC has over £14 billion of assets under management, helping more than 340,000 customers to achieve their ambitions.

IAG Cargo Launches Service to Cincinnati

Posted on by David Priestman

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (BA and Iberia), today announces it will be starting a new direct service between London-Heathrow and Cincinnati, Ohio for the first time in its history.

From 5th June, IAG Cargo customers are now able to export and import vital goods between London-Heathrow and Cincinnati, Ohio five days week during the summer months, and four times a week during the winder period. The route will be essential for the movement of e-commerce, a key source of revenue for the U.S generating $272.6 billion of revenue in the first quarter of 2023.

Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo said: “The transatlantic corridor is one of the world’s most important trade lanes, and a vital part of our network and so we’re pleased to support our customers with a new route to Cincinnati. With this direct route from one of our key hubs, London, customers can benefit from our wider network that spans across six continents to transport the regions high in demand imports and exports.”

This new route supports IAG Cargo’s increased schedule into the United States, where the company now serves 27 US destinations. Popular items shipped across this trade lane have included high volumes of automotive parts from Southeast Asia, transferred via Europe, into the United States, as well as sporting equipment, food and drink and ecommerce items like home office equipment.

IAG Cargo is the single business created following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in April 2011. Following the integration of additional airlines into the business, including Aer Lingus, Vueling and bmi, IAG Cargo now covers a global network.

In 2022 IAG Cargo had a commercial revenue of €1,615 million. Its parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), is one of the world’s largest airline groups with 558 aircraft at 31st December 2022.

IAG Cargo Launches Service to Cincinnati

Posted on by Keith McKinley

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (BA and Iberia), today announces it will be starting a new direct service between London-Heathrow and Cincinnati, Ohio for the first time in its history.

From 5th June, IAG Cargo customers are now able to export and import vital goods between London-Heathrow and Cincinnati, Ohio five days week during the summer months, and four times a week during the winder period. The route will be essential for the movement of e-commerce, a key source of revenue for the U.S generating $272.6 billion of revenue in the first quarter of 2023.

Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo said: “The transatlantic corridor is one of the world’s most important trade lanes, and a vital part of our network and so we’re pleased to support our customers with a new route to Cincinnati. With this direct route from one of our key hubs, London, customers can benefit from our wider network that spans across six continents to transport the regions high in demand imports and exports.”

This new route supports IAG Cargo’s increased schedule into the United States, where the company now serves 27 US destinations. Popular items shipped across this trade lane have included high volumes of automotive parts from Southeast Asia, transferred via Europe, into the United States, as well as sporting equipment, food and drink and ecommerce items like home office equipment.

IAG Cargo is the single business created following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in April 2011. Following the integration of additional airlines into the business, including Aer Lingus, Vueling and bmi, IAG Cargo now covers a global network.

In 2022 IAG Cargo had a commercial revenue of €1,615 million. Its parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), is one of the world’s largest airline groups with 558 aircraft at 31st December 2022.

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.