Subscribe

Month: June 2023

Innovations to Orchestrate End-to-End Supply Chain

Posted on by Keith McKinley

At its annual customer community conference Kinexions, Kinaxis Inc., a leading provider of supply chain management solutions, unveiled new product innovations spanning the end-to-end supply chain. Delivered during the Day One keynote, these innovations aim to empower businesses with the transparency, control and agility they need to navigate today’s volatile business landscape.

“The days of the cascaded flow of information passed down between teams are long behind us,” said John Sicard, President and CEO at Kinaxis. “Today, CEOs and boards of directors are demanding their supply chains operate in real time and with one view of information across planning and execution. The innovations we announced today make it easier for teams to collaborate and make decisions, as well as narrow the gap between planning and execution, to create both resiliency and efficiency at scale.”

End-to-End Supply Chain Orchestration

The product innovations unveiled include:
• Enterprise Scheduling, the first and only scheduling tool on the market to allow companies to create and manage a globally integrated production scheduling strategy that accounts for all plant layouts. Leveraging industry best practices, Enterprise Scheduling allows companies to orchestrate production across sites and create a comprehensive, feasible and efficient manufacturing schedule.
• Supply Chain Execution (formerly MPO) capabilities, including transportation management, order management and returns management, are now integrated with Supply Chain Planning, eliminating the siloes that exist between planning and execution. These new capabilities will empower businesses to drive supply chain orchestration from plan through delivery across all horizons, whether managing multi-year or down-to-the-second execution.
• Sustainable Supply Chain, a new solution that allows companies to embed emissions factors (including Scope 3 emissions) directly into RapidResponse® to design scenarios that will estimate, project and simulate supply chain related CO2e in real time. Not only does Sustainable Supply Chain create visibility into emissions data, but it also empowers planners to understand its impact in seconds.
• New intuitive features within Demand.AI, an advanced application within Planning.AI, will allow companies to better understand how both internal and external factors are influencing demand for their products and be able to quickly adjust plans to take advantage of these changes. Planning.AI is an analytical approach and part of the Kinaxis RapidResponse platform.

“Kinaxis has continually been on the cutting edge of what is needed and possible for supply chains,” said Robert Kugel, SVP and Research Director at Ventana Research. “The introduction of Enterprise Scheduling, Sustainable Supply Chain, and new AI capabilities for Demand Planning, are major improvements for companies. It furthers their ability to have transparency, control, and agility within their supply chains, equipping them with that they need to manage today’s disruptions.”

In addition to Planning.AI, Kinaxis is working to bring future innovation to supply chains as the only supply chain management company and industry partner of the National Science Foundation AI Institute for Advances in Optimisation (AI4OPT).

“Supply chains are growing increasingly larger, and they are expected to be more resilient and sustainable than ever before,” said Pascal Van Hentenryck, Director of AI4OPT. “As a leader in the field, Kinaxis is ideally positioned to understand these fundamental challenges through their RapidResponse technology. Kinaxis, in collaboration with AI4OPT, is exploring how the fusion of machine learning and optimisation may bring a step change in capabilities for the next generation of supply chain management systems.”

Pascal Van Hentenryck is the A. Russell Chandler III Chair and Professor, and the associate chair of innovation and entrepreneurship in Technology at the H. Milton Steward School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Everyday volatility and uncertainty demand quick action. Kinaxis® delivers the agility to make fast, confident decisions across integrated business planning and the digital supply chain. People can plan better, live better and change the world. Trusted by innovative brands, we combine human intelligence with AI and concurrent planning to help companies plan for any future, monitor risks and opportunities and respond at the pace of change. Powered by an extensible, cloud-based platform, Kinaxis delivers industry-proven applications so everyone can know sooner, act faster and remove waste.

Innovations to Orchestrate End-to-End Supply Chain

Posted on by David Priestman

At its annual customer community conference Kinexions, Kinaxis Inc., a leading provider of supply chain management solutions, unveiled new product innovations spanning the end-to-end supply chain. Delivered during the Day One keynote, these innovations aim to empower businesses with the transparency, control and agility they need to navigate today’s volatile business landscape.

“The days of the cascaded flow of information passed down between teams are long behind us,” said John Sicard, President and CEO at Kinaxis. “Today, CEOs and boards of directors are demanding their supply chains operate in real time and with one view of information across planning and execution. The innovations we announced today make it easier for teams to collaborate and make decisions, as well as narrow the gap between planning and execution, to create both resiliency and efficiency at scale.”

End-to-End Supply Chain Orchestration

The product innovations unveiled include:
• Enterprise Scheduling, the first and only scheduling tool on the market to allow companies to create and manage a globally integrated production scheduling strategy that accounts for all plant layouts. Leveraging industry best practices, Enterprise Scheduling allows companies to orchestrate production across sites and create a comprehensive, feasible and efficient manufacturing schedule.
• Supply Chain Execution (formerly MPO) capabilities, including transportation management, order management and returns management, are now integrated with Supply Chain Planning, eliminating the siloes that exist between planning and execution. These new capabilities will empower businesses to drive supply chain orchestration from plan through delivery across all horizons, whether managing multi-year or down-to-the-second execution.
• Sustainable Supply Chain, a new solution that allows companies to embed emissions factors (including Scope 3 emissions) directly into RapidResponse® to design scenarios that will estimate, project and simulate supply chain related CO2e in real time. Not only does Sustainable Supply Chain create visibility into emissions data, but it also empowers planners to understand its impact in seconds.
• New intuitive features within Demand.AI, an advanced application within Planning.AI, will allow companies to better understand how both internal and external factors are influencing demand for their products and be able to quickly adjust plans to take advantage of these changes. Planning.AI is an analytical approach and part of the Kinaxis RapidResponse platform.

“Kinaxis has continually been on the cutting edge of what is needed and possible for supply chains,” said Robert Kugel, SVP and Research Director at Ventana Research. “The introduction of Enterprise Scheduling, Sustainable Supply Chain, and new AI capabilities for Demand Planning, are major improvements for companies. It furthers their ability to have transparency, control, and agility within their supply chains, equipping them with that they need to manage today’s disruptions.”

In addition to Planning.AI, Kinaxis is working to bring future innovation to supply chains as the only supply chain management company and industry partner of the National Science Foundation AI Institute for Advances in Optimisation (AI4OPT).

“Supply chains are growing increasingly larger, and they are expected to be more resilient and sustainable than ever before,” said Pascal Van Hentenryck, Director of AI4OPT. “As a leader in the field, Kinaxis is ideally positioned to understand these fundamental challenges through their RapidResponse technology. Kinaxis, in collaboration with AI4OPT, is exploring how the fusion of machine learning and optimisation may bring a step change in capabilities for the next generation of supply chain management systems.”

Pascal Van Hentenryck is the A. Russell Chandler III Chair and Professor, and the associate chair of innovation and entrepreneurship in Technology at the H. Milton Steward School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Everyday volatility and uncertainty demand quick action. Kinaxis® delivers the agility to make fast, confident decisions across integrated business planning and the digital supply chain. People can plan better, live better and change the world. Trusted by innovative brands, we combine human intelligence with AI and concurrent planning to help companies plan for any future, monitor risks and opportunities and respond at the pace of change. Powered by an extensible, cloud-based platform, Kinaxis delivers industry-proven applications so everyone can know sooner, act faster and remove waste.

Digital Transformation of Operations Reshape Worker Experience

Posted on by David Priestman

Today, at its Beyond conference, Samsara Inc. (NYSE:IOT), announced product innovations designed to reshape the worker experience for organizations managing complex physical operations. The conference, which runs June 21-23rd in Austin, Texas, is one of the largest gatherings of leaders and innovators across physical operations, a wide range of industries all powered by frontline workforces who are vital to keeping the global economy running.

The digital-first tools showcased by Samsara today – from Virtual Coach, a new coaching aid that reaches drivers when and where they need it, to Mobile Experience Management, a lifeline for workers in the field to get help from the back office – empower employees with personalized, connected, and integrated experiences to help them operate more safely and efficiently.

“We have had tremendous momentum as our AI-powered platform drives real business impact for our customers,” said Sanjit Biswas, CEO and co-founder of Samsara. “Our customers’ frontline workers keep the world running – from the construction crews and field service technicians, to loading dock workers and truck drivers. With ongoing labour shortages and the next generation of the workforce demanding digital tools, we are helping make these jobs easier, safer, and more efficient. The next wave of digital transformation is happening now.”

Empowering workers with personalized, connected, and integrated experiences Serving tens of thousands of organizations across North America and Europe, Samsara’s customer base crosses a diverse set of industries and includes many of the world’s biggest construction, transportation, waste management, and wholesale and retail companies. Samsara’s Connected Operations™ Cloud is already contributing dramatic improvements to workers in these industries – using AI to prevent over 120,000 crashes in 2022 alone, and digitizing more than 23 million documents to save thousands of hours of paperwork. Today, Samsara has announced new innovations that continue reshaping the worker experience and driving results, which include:
● Mobile Experience Management (MEM): Workers doing demanding jobs in the field need mobile devices to be a lifeline, not a distraction. MEM is a software solution that simplifies mobile management at scale so workers stay safe, connected, and productive. With MEM, employees can get customized support – like remote training and live troubleshooting – through their mobile devices, all while keeping them safe by reducing unnecessary digital distractions.
● Virtual Coach: Improving road safety requires timely insights to inform the coaching of risky driving behaviour. Instead of drivers having to wait for in-person feedback, Virtual Coach empowers them to self-coach directly from the Samsara Driver App anywhere, anytime. This
makes it easy for managers to personalize coaching experiences at scale, improving both road safety as well as driver engagement and retention.
● Smart Trailer and Asset Tracking solutions: Powerful insights from trailers and assets – such as utilization, temperature, and location – are hard to act upon when they live in siloed systems. With next-generation Asset Gateways, Samsara can connect and extend this visibility to drive better outcomes. The new Find My Asset feature allows managers to quickly find lost or stolen high-value unpowered assets – saving substantial time and money. In addition, a new two-way cloud integration with Thermo King’s TracKing® Telematics makes it possible for customers to not only monitor, but remotely control, their Thermo King reefers from the Samsara dashboard.
● Data Connectors: Driving better business outcomes is challenging when your data lives in separate, third-party platforms that aren’t able to work together. With new data connectors including Fivetran, Kafka, and Power BI, Samsara data is easily streamed to power business
applications and workflows. This holistic visibility empowers everyone within your organization to make data-driven decisions and improve the bottom line.

“We know that data is essential in today’s environment to drive better business outcomes – whether that’s lowering emissions, preventing accidents, or automating workflows. Empowering the people within your organization with the right digital tools is critical to achieving these outcomes,” explained Jeff Hausman, Chief Product Officer at Samsara. “All of our announcements made today are reshaping this worker
experience for customers and enabling them to achieve meaningful digital transformation of physical operations, now.”

Mobile Experience Management is now available for purchase in early access for customers across the U.S. and Canada. Virtual Coach is now available in beta for global customers.

Also at Beyond ‘23, Biswas announced Samsara Ventures – a new investment fund to support visionary companies building innovative solutions throughout the connected operations ecosystem. Samsara Ventures focuses on portfolio companies that are aligned with Samsara’s mission to increase the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the operations that power the global economy. Along with monetary
investments, Samsara Ventures will provide mentorship from Samsara’s leadership team, access to Samsara’s community of customers and ecosystem partners, and the unique opportunity to build and scale solutions in connection with Samsara’s Connected Operations Cloud.

“Physical operations industries are the backbone of our economy, and Samsara has been innovating from the start to help these organizations succeed,” said Biswas. “We’re excited to extend our commitment to the connected operations ecosystem with Samsara Ventures. Beyond investing in industry-wide innovation, we also recognize how valuable these advancements can be for our customers, who are often looking for solutions to many of the challenges these companies are solving for.”

IFOY Test Report: Volume DIVE

Posted on by David Priestman

Our penultimate look at all the finalists ahead of the IFOY Awards ceremony in Dortmund on Thursday June 22nd brings the DIVE storage and packing system from Volume Lagersysteme GmbH under the microscope.

Volume DIVE is a patented robotics-based storage and picking system for standard Euro bins and beverage crates, developed for quick commerce. The throughput can be flexibly scaled up to 4,000 bins/h. Instead of long restacking, they can be accessed quickly. Lifters are not required, as the robots can place the bins directly on the floor. In the smallest version, Volume DIVE takes up only 16 sq m. The individual modules fit through any normal store door.

IFOY category: Intralogistics Robot

IFOY Test Report

Volume DIVE is a newly developed storage and picking system for urban retail and delivery services. Despite its compactness, fast access to each container is possible with minimal restacking. This creates the conditions for a throughput of up to 4,000 totes per hour. This makes the development suitable for quick-commerce applications, but also an alternative for e-commerce and classic miniload applications. The system consists of the mobile robot (Snapper), the rack (Speedrack) and the load carriers (standard euro containers or beverage crates).

The Speedrack is made up of several modules of 48 small containers each and can be extended as required. Heights of up to 14m are possible. Fire protection can be ensured by sprinklers on the moving levels. Levelling via adjustable feet allows the system to be erected on any floor. The lithium-ion Snapper, the battery supplied with power without contact at charging stations, travels at up to 3m/s and can store and retrieve containers across the entire level. With the aid of a 360° rotating gripper unit, the robot can pick up or deliver totes with or without recessed grips on all four sides, at any position including the floor. Due to the stacking height of three load carriers, stock is only transferred once on average.

Standard beverage crates and euro containers in sizes 300×200, 400x300mm (weight: up to 25kg) and 600x400mm (weight: up to 35kg) can be used as load carriers. Containers of different heights can be stocked within a tower, as can loading aids already available to the operator. There are no restrictions due to picking ports, as containers can be loaded and unloaded at any balcony position in the warehouse. Transfer to conveyor systems is possible, but not necessary. Volume DIVE can be used as a small parts storage and picking system for slow-moving C-items up to the handling of A-items. This makes the new development an alternative to miniloads with stacker cranes or shuttles. The integration into containers enables further applications.

An extension in length, width and height can be realized. The performance can be scaled by the number of snappers. Due to the access times, Volume DIVE is the suitable storage system when a C-item seasonally becomes an A-item. The setup is simple. The material can be brought in through normal doors, so Volume DIVE can be used in existing retail stores, for example. Due to the start-up on a weekend, for example, the future operator is not impaired in his regular operations.

IFOY test verdict: Volume DIVE is a patented robotics-based storage and picking system for standard euro containers and beverage crates. Throughput can be scaled up to 4,000 totes per hour. Three totes are stacked on top of each other on one shelf level. This eliminates time-consuming restacking of the totes. Lifters are not required, as the robots can place the totes directly on the floor. In the smallest version, Volume DIVE occupies an area of just 16 sq m. The modules fit through any normal store door. Existing standard containers can be used and are allowed to leave the system.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: Volume DIVE can come up with an extraordinary range of application areas. In addition to the typical applications in retail and production, it can also be used as a micro-hub in urban areas or nano-storage in boutiques, as a container-based material store on construction sites or as a refrigerated beverage storage facility, as well as a module for sorting empty goods. The scalability, flexibility and modularity, from the smallest warehouse with a footprint of 16 sq m to large warehouses, from room heights up to 14m, as well as the extremely short assembly time, leads to expect a high market relevance. Initial customer solutions have been reported with an ROI of less than one year.

Customer benefit: Due to its modular design, the system can offer maximum flexibility and scalability, both in terms of size and shape of the warehouse and in terms of performance characteristics. Unlike the market leader in compact vertical storage systems, AutoStore, Volume DIVE operates with picking robots on different levels, allowing both short access times of up to six seconds and high throughputs of up to 6,000 accesses per hour simultaneously. The pick robots themselves are said to be less expensive than AutoStore. Volume DIVE can be operated with any standard Euro containers of various heights and even beverage crates, which can also be used outside the system. Set-up time is extremely short, at one weekend, and add-ons can be made on the fly.

Novelty / Innovation: Despite similarities to well-known vertical storage systems, significant innovations have been implemented in terms of technology and process design. The pick robots have a 360° swivelling gripper with universal gripping fingers for standard Euro containers and beverage crates weighing up to 35kg, which can be placed anywhere around the warehouse system or transferred to conveyor systems or AGVs. The extreme modularity enables fast commissioning, any warehouse geometry with heights up to 14m, and scalable performance values depending on the number of robots. Sprinkler systems can be installed in every intermediate level, which is impossible with comparable vertical storage systems.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The technical implementation is of high quality and yet cost-effective. The very reliable and universal gripping mechanism, which could be tested with different containers, is to be emphasised. The robots are said to be able to act very quickly at up to 3m/s and can also be used down to -20°C in the freezer range. However, the rotating wheels of the undercarriage could be aware factor and affect the robustness. The system only requires a 230V electric power.

Verdict: Volume DIVE is a very versatile, flexible, and highly scalable automatic small parts storage solution. The very fast access times, the use of a wide variety of standard containers and beverage crates, the flexible placement and pick-up of containers around the entire system, the modular design and the quick and easy start-up over the weekend make the system suitable for an exceptionally wide range of applications.

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

IFOY Test Report: Volume DIVE

Posted on by David Priestman

Our penultimate look at all the finalists ahead of the IFOY Awards ceremony in Dortmund on Thursday June 22nd brings the DIVE storage and packing system from Volume Lagersysteme GmbH under the microscope.

Volume DIVE is a patented robotics-based storage and picking system for standard Euro bins and beverage crates, developed for quick commerce. The throughput can be flexibly scaled up to 4,000 bins/h. Instead of long restacking, they can be accessed quickly. Lifters are not required, as the robots can place the bins directly on the floor. In the smallest version, Volume DIVE takes up only 16 sq m. The individual modules fit through any normal store door.

IFOY category: Intralogistics Robot

IFOY Test Report

Volume DIVE is a newly developed storage and picking system for urban retail and delivery services. Despite its compactness, fast access to each container is possible with minimal restacking. This creates the conditions for a throughput of up to 4,000 totes per hour. This makes the development suitable for quick-commerce applications, but also an alternative for e-commerce and classic miniload applications. The system consists of the mobile robot (Snapper), the rack (Speedrack) and the load carriers (standard euro containers or beverage crates).

The Speedrack is made up of several modules of 48 small containers each and can be extended as required. Heights of up to 14m are possible. Fire protection can be ensured by sprinklers on the moving levels. Levelling via adjustable feet allows the system to be erected on any floor. The lithium-ion Snapper, the battery supplied with power without contact at charging stations, travels at up to 3m/s and can store and retrieve containers across the entire level. With the aid of a 360° rotating gripper unit, the robot can pick up or deliver totes with or without recessed grips on all four sides, at any position including the floor. Due to the stacking height of three load carriers, stock is only transferred once on average.

Standard beverage crates and euro containers in sizes 300×200, 400x300mm (weight: up to 25kg) and 600x400mm (weight: up to 35kg) can be used as load carriers. Containers of different heights can be stocked within a tower, as can loading aids already available to the operator. There are no restrictions due to picking ports, as containers can be loaded and unloaded at any balcony position in the warehouse. Transfer to conveyor systems is possible, but not necessary. Volume DIVE can be used as a small parts storage and picking system for slow-moving C-items up to the handling of A-items. This makes the new development an alternative to miniloads with stacker cranes or shuttles. The integration into containers enables further applications.

An extension in length, width and height can be realized. The performance can be scaled by the number of snappers. Due to the access times, Volume DIVE is the suitable storage system when a C-item seasonally becomes an A-item. The setup is simple. The material can be brought in through normal doors, so Volume DIVE can be used in existing retail stores, for example. Due to the start-up on a weekend, for example, the future operator is not impaired in his regular operations.

IFOY test verdict: Volume DIVE is a patented robotics-based storage and picking system for standard euro containers and beverage crates. Throughput can be scaled up to 4,000 totes per hour. Three totes are stacked on top of each other on one shelf level. This eliminates time-consuming restacking of the totes. Lifters are not required, as the robots can place the totes directly on the floor. In the smallest version, Volume DIVE occupies an area of just 16 sq m. The modules fit through any normal store door. Existing standard containers can be used and are allowed to leave the system.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: Volume DIVE can come up with an extraordinary range of application areas. In addition to the typical applications in retail and production, it can also be used as a micro-hub in urban areas or nano-storage in boutiques, as a container-based material store on construction sites or as a refrigerated beverage storage facility, as well as a module for sorting empty goods. The scalability, flexibility and modularity, from the smallest warehouse with a footprint of 16 sq m to large warehouses, from room heights up to 14m, as well as the extremely short assembly time, leads to expect a high market relevance. Initial customer solutions have been reported with an ROI of less than one year.

Customer benefit: Due to its modular design, the system can offer maximum flexibility and scalability, both in terms of size and shape of the warehouse and in terms of performance characteristics. Unlike the market leader in compact vertical storage systems, AutoStore, Volume DIVE operates with picking robots on different levels, allowing both short access times of up to six seconds and high throughputs of up to 6,000 accesses per hour simultaneously. The pick robots themselves are said to be less expensive than AutoStore. Volume DIVE can be operated with any standard Euro containers of various heights and even beverage crates, which can also be used outside the system. Set-up time is extremely short, at one weekend, and add-ons can be made on the fly.

Novelty / Innovation: Despite similarities to well-known vertical storage systems, significant innovations have been implemented in terms of technology and process design. The pick robots have a 360° swivelling gripper with universal gripping fingers for standard Euro containers and beverage crates weighing up to 35kg, which can be placed anywhere around the warehouse system or transferred to conveyor systems or AGVs. The extreme modularity enables fast commissioning, any warehouse geometry with heights up to 14m, and scalable performance values depending on the number of robots. Sprinkler systems can be installed in every intermediate level, which is impossible with comparable vertical storage systems.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The technical implementation is of high quality and yet cost-effective. The very reliable and universal gripping mechanism, which could be tested with different containers, is to be emphasised. The robots are said to be able to act very quickly at up to 3m/s and can also be used down to -20°C in the freezer range. However, the rotating wheels of the undercarriage could be aware factor and affect the robustness. The system only requires a 230V electric power.

Verdict: Volume DIVE is a very versatile, flexible, and highly scalable automatic small parts storage solution. The very fast access times, the use of a wide variety of standard containers and beverage crates, the flexible placement and pick-up of containers around the entire system, the modular design and the quick and easy start-up over the weekend make the system suitable for an exceptionally wide range of applications.

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

IFOY Test Report: STILL PXV

Posted on by David Priestman

The second IFOY Award 2023 entry for STILL is its PXV vertical order picker. We take a closer look at it as we race towards Thursday’s winner announcement in Dortmund.

The PXV vertical order picker inspires with performance, reach height, safety and comfort in a new dimension. Whether in wide or narrow aisle warehouses, employees can pick loads at working heights of up to 14.5m.

IFOY category: Warehouse Truck “highlifter”

IFOY Test Report

With its PXV, STILL launches a new generation of high-lift order pickers that fits into the current development. Megatrends such as urbanisation, increasing e-commerce and retail logistics require more storage space, but there is no room to expand warehouses. The gain lies in storage densification, i.e., narrower aisles and higher storage.

With the successor to the EK-X, STILL is literally reaching for higher ground. With a reach height of 14.5m, the new high-lift order picker makes it 2.5m higher than its predecessor. A plus that in practice corresponds to two storage levels. To enable this gripping height, the chassis has been modified. The design is much stiffer and features stronger profiles. The new, V-shaped chassis can be better adapted to the width of the cab and improves steering behaviour.

In addition to more efficient use of space and higher storage density, STILL engineers have addressed ergonomics and operator comfort. A significant improvement can be found in the lift mast. There, the central free lift cylinder has been replaced by two cylinders positioned behind the mast profiles. The operator’s view is thus significantly better. As an option, the free stroke can even be dispensed with. With this unique option, a triple mast reaches the highest position much faster  ̶  without interruptions and with significantly more comfort for the operator. Especially in combination with the iGo pilot navigation assistance system, this can provide significant benefits in practice.

The display is also new, at least for the high-lift order pickers. STILL has already used it on the MX-X and RX series, increasing uniformity and ease of use. In the IFOY test, the display is mounted on the mast side of the truck. If desired, the display can also be mounted on the fork side.

During the driving impression, the IFOY test team noticed that the PXV is much smoother to operate compared to the EK-X. The truck vibrates less, is quieter and this gives additional safety during operation. In addition, the truck lifts faster and is easier to position. The new silver-grey colour scheme of the cabin also makes the workplace seem much more spacious. The PXV is faster and easier to position on the induction wire. The display helps with colour coding and good signalling. Lifting and lowering speeds are higher.

The IFOY truck has a Li-ion battery and the integrated easy charging system for quick and easy connection of the stacker to the charger. Compared to the previous model, the number of practical storage options has increased. There is even an integrated waste bin. The outward-sloping doors, already familiar from the EK-X, make it easier for order pickers to pick deeper into the racks. On the PXV, the doors are reinforced and available for retrofitting.

Unique to this type of truck is the ability to activate the main and initial strokes simultaneously. This allows for higher throughput. Thanks to the easy-touch function, the initial lift can be activated with just one touch of a button. The fork then automatically lowers to a pre-set level while the picker is already picking the next order.

IFOY test verdict: The STILL PXV is a comfortable truck that can be easily adapted to changing conditions. The truck is quieter, more powerful and offers a more comfortable workplace than its predecessor. The improved visibility on the mast side is unique for high-lift order pickers, while the free-lift models provide faster and jerk-free operation without mast transitions.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The ever-increasing shift towards e-commerce and goods handling in the retail sector in general are leading to increasingly greater storage heights and increasing demands on the performance of order-picking tasks. The STILL PXV achieves new records with its characteristics to meet these requirements, which means that it is highly relevant to the market.

Customer benefit: Maximising handling performance, comfort and flexibility is what STILL’s new PXV stands for, leaving hardly any wish unanswered. The unique maximum picking height of 14.5m for the model without free lift opens up new possibilities in terms of warehouse height and thus space utilisation. Flexible use across warehouses is also possible with variants with free lift, to name just one of the numerous configuration options. With the large dimensions, customers can still benefit from the high travel and lifting speeds for high-performance operation. In addition, the STILL assistance systems, iGo pilot navigation and safety can further optimise time savings while ensuring a high level of safety in the workflow.

Novelty / Innovation: The main innovation with the PXV is simply the technical data, which sets new standards for order pickers and thus broadens the horizon for warehouse design. The highly efficient operation at this picking height is unique on the market. In addition, the innovations lie in the implementation of assistance systems, which considerably simplify compartment approaches, make driving and lifting movements safer and order picking more comfortable.

Functionality / Type of implementation: With the proper finish of the entire machine, STILL lives up to its reputation and shows with the PXV that development has not yet come to an end. The configuration options of the model series are diverse and go as far as aspects of sustainability, whereby the trucks can be prepared accordingly for refurbishing so that configuration changes are easily possible. A regenerative lowering movement is standard, in addition to a variety of options that are available.

Verdict: An order picker with new maxima that can compete at the top of this category.

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

 

IFOY Test Report: STILL PXV

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The second IFOY Award 2023 entry for STILL is its PXV vertical order picker. We take a closer look at it as we race towards Thursday’s winner announcement in Dortmund.

The PXV vertical order picker inspires with performance, reach height, safety and comfort in a new dimension. Whether in wide or narrow aisle warehouses, employees can pick loads at working heights of up to 14.5m.

IFOY category: Warehouse Truck “highlifter”

IFOY Test Report

With its PXV, STILL launches a new generation of high-lift order pickers that fits into the current development. Megatrends such as urbanisation, increasing e-commerce and retail logistics require more storage space, but there is no room to expand warehouses. The gain lies in storage densification, i.e., narrower aisles and higher storage.

With the successor to the EK-X, STILL is literally reaching for higher ground. With a reach height of 14.5m, the new high-lift order picker makes it 2.5m higher than its predecessor. A plus that in practice corresponds to two storage levels. To enable this gripping height, the chassis has been modified. The design is much stiffer and features stronger profiles. The new, V-shaped chassis can be better adapted to the width of the cab and improves steering behaviour.

In addition to more efficient use of space and higher storage density, STILL engineers have addressed ergonomics and operator comfort. A significant improvement can be found in the lift mast. There, the central free lift cylinder has been replaced by two cylinders positioned behind the mast profiles. The operator’s view is thus significantly better. As an option, the free stroke can even be dispensed with. With this unique option, a triple mast reaches the highest position much faster  ̶  without interruptions and with significantly more comfort for the operator. Especially in combination with the iGo pilot navigation assistance system, this can provide significant benefits in practice.

The display is also new, at least for the high-lift order pickers. STILL has already used it on the MX-X and RX series, increasing uniformity and ease of use. In the IFOY test, the display is mounted on the mast side of the truck. If desired, the display can also be mounted on the fork side.

During the driving impression, the IFOY test team noticed that the PXV is much smoother to operate compared to the EK-X. The truck vibrates less, is quieter and this gives additional safety during operation. In addition, the truck lifts faster and is easier to position. The new silver-grey colour scheme of the cabin also makes the workplace seem much more spacious. The PXV is faster and easier to position on the induction wire. The display helps with colour coding and good signalling. Lifting and lowering speeds are higher.

The IFOY truck has a Li-ion battery and the integrated easy charging system for quick and easy connection of the stacker to the charger. Compared to the previous model, the number of practical storage options has increased. There is even an integrated waste bin. The outward-sloping doors, already familiar from the EK-X, make it easier for order pickers to pick deeper into the racks. On the PXV, the doors are reinforced and available for retrofitting.

Unique to this type of truck is the ability to activate the main and initial strokes simultaneously. This allows for higher throughput. Thanks to the easy-touch function, the initial lift can be activated with just one touch of a button. The fork then automatically lowers to a pre-set level while the picker is already picking the next order.

IFOY test verdict: The STILL PXV is a comfortable truck that can be easily adapted to changing conditions. The truck is quieter, more powerful and offers a more comfortable workplace than its predecessor. The improved visibility on the mast side is unique for high-lift order pickers, while the free-lift models provide faster and jerk-free operation without mast transitions.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The ever-increasing shift towards e-commerce and goods handling in the retail sector in general are leading to increasingly greater storage heights and increasing demands on the performance of order-picking tasks. The STILL PXV achieves new records with its characteristics to meet these requirements, which means that it is highly relevant to the market.

Customer benefit: Maximising handling performance, comfort and flexibility is what STILL’s new PXV stands for, leaving hardly any wish unanswered. The unique maximum picking height of 14.5m for the model without free lift opens up new possibilities in terms of warehouse height and thus space utilisation. Flexible use across warehouses is also possible with variants with free lift, to name just one of the numerous configuration options. With the large dimensions, customers can still benefit from the high travel and lifting speeds for high-performance operation. In addition, the STILL assistance systems, iGo pilot navigation and safety can further optimise time savings while ensuring a high level of safety in the workflow.

Novelty / Innovation: The main innovation with the PXV is simply the technical data, which sets new standards for order pickers and thus broadens the horizon for warehouse design. The highly efficient operation at this picking height is unique on the market. In addition, the innovations lie in the implementation of assistance systems, which considerably simplify compartment approaches, make driving and lifting movements safer and order picking more comfortable.

Functionality / Type of implementation: With the proper finish of the entire machine, STILL lives up to its reputation and shows with the PXV that development has not yet come to an end. The configuration options of the model series are diverse and go as far as aspects of sustainability, whereby the trucks can be prepared accordingly for refurbishing so that configuration changes are easily possible. A regenerative lowering movement is standard, in addition to a variety of options that are available.

Verdict: An order picker with new maxima that can compete at the top of this category.

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

 

Prologis UK Appoints New Director

Posted on by David Priestman

Darren Freed has joined Prologis UK as a Director within the Real Estate and Customer Service team in a newly created role for the company. He joins the UK’s leading owner, developer and investor of logistics property with 20 years of experience in asset and fund management.

Previously employed by Aviva Investors as a Director of Real Assets, Freed successfully repositioned assets totalling £2bn assets under management across Aviva Investors’ real estate business.

Specialising in commercial real estate development and JV stakeholder management, he was previously responsible for managing a range of asset classes in UK real estate and running a team of asset managers across a variety of funds.

His new role will create and execute strategies to maximise income and capital returns and his experience will grow Prologis UK’s Asset Management team, with a focus on deployment of strategic business planning, placemaking, and value-add opportunities.

Freed will also deploy these skills to ensure assets earmarked for redevelopment are capable of being converted to sites ready for capital deployment. This will target lifecycle asset management through repositioning older assets and working with the variety of stakeholders to drive occupancy, value, and NOI improvements.

Prior to Aviva, Freed was formerly at Hammerson and JLL. Darren is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prologis, Inc. is a global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At March 31, 2023, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (113 million square meters) in 19 countries. Prologis leases modern logistics facilities to a diverse base of approximately 6,600 customers principally across two major categories: business-to-business and retail/online fulfilment.

Enhanced Processes for Spanish 3PL Operator

Posted on by David Priestman

Third-party logistics operator Factor 5 recently commissioned a goods-to-person solution featuring an AutoStore™ automated storage and picking system provided by intelligent automation solution provider Dematic. The solution enhances its order process for perfumes and cosmetics products with the aim of boosting sales and strengthening its ability to compete in the long term. The solution went live this past March at Factor 5’s Alovera site northeast of Madrid.

Headquartered in Spain’s mid-section in Guadalajara, with 2,000 employees and over 400,000 square meter of warehouse space, Factor 5 is one of Spain’s leading third-party logistics operators.

According to Maria de Jesús, the Supply Chain director at Factor 5, Dematic was selected for its flexibility, global reach and reliability. “We wanted an international technology partner who could offer us a selection of solutions that meet the needs of customers looking to transform their supply chains and looking for increasingly efficient and scalable logistics operations to reduce costs and accommodate growth of online sales. And we wanted a solid service partner who would be there for us to support our own growth projections for the coming years.”

Factor 5 opted for a modular automation solution from Dematic, which features a high-performance storage system that is easily scalable, has very low energy consumption and provides excellent inventory security. The solution significantly reduces the amount of space required for storage and improves order preparation process times. The project got underway in March 2022 and was completed in just under 12 months.

Dematic Software manages and runs the entire automated system. The AutoStore™ automated storage and picking system includes nearly 4,400 containers for storage and seven R5 robots for collecting and delivering the containers with the requested items to one of five workstations where operators collect the items to complete orders. The goods-to-person concept is anticipated to substantially increase productivity as Factor 5 employees no longer need to cover long distances to collect individual order items.

“Our goal has been twofold with this project. Of course, we wanted to deliver a robust solution to Factor 5 that meets their requirements from top to bottom, but we also wanted to establish a strong relationship with them that provides added value where they view Dematic as a reliable technology partner for the long term”, explains Sonia Bello, Sales Director at Dematic Iberia.

Santiago de Vicente, CEO at Factor 5, states, “We are convinced that the Dematic solution perfectly meets our business needs, and as we face an increasingly complex market, Dematic can provide advanced and structured technology solutions to support our company’s growth and development in the years to come.”

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

Enhanced Processes for Spanish 3PL Operator

Posted on by David Priestman

Third-party logistics operator Factor 5 recently commissioned a goods-to-person solution featuring an AutoStore™ automated storage and picking system provided by intelligent automation solution provider Dematic. The solution enhances its order process for perfumes and cosmetics products with the aim of boosting sales and strengthening its ability to compete in the long term. The solution went live this past March at Factor 5’s Alovera site northeast of Madrid.

Headquartered in Spain’s mid-section in Guadalajara, with 2,000 employees and over 400,000 square meter of warehouse space, Factor 5 is one of Spain’s leading third-party logistics operators.

According to Maria de Jesús, the Supply Chain director at Factor 5, Dematic was selected for its flexibility, global reach and reliability. “We wanted an international technology partner who could offer us a selection of solutions that meet the needs of customers looking to transform their supply chains and looking for increasingly efficient and scalable logistics operations to reduce costs and accommodate growth of online sales. And we wanted a solid service partner who would be there for us to support our own growth projections for the coming years.”

Factor 5 opted for a modular automation solution from Dematic, which features a high-performance storage system that is easily scalable, has very low energy consumption and provides excellent inventory security. The solution significantly reduces the amount of space required for storage and improves order preparation process times. The project got underway in March 2022 and was completed in just under 12 months.

Dematic Software manages and runs the entire automated system. The AutoStore™ automated storage and picking system includes nearly 4,400 containers for storage and seven R5 robots for collecting and delivering the containers with the requested items to one of five workstations where operators collect the items to complete orders. The goods-to-person concept is anticipated to substantially increase productivity as Factor 5 employees no longer need to cover long distances to collect individual order items.

“Our goal has been twofold with this project. Of course, we wanted to deliver a robust solution to Factor 5 that meets their requirements from top to bottom, but we also wanted to establish a strong relationship with them that provides added value where they view Dematic as a reliable technology partner for the long term”, explains Sonia Bello, Sales Director at Dematic Iberia.

Santiago de Vicente, CEO at Factor 5, states, “We are convinced that the Dematic solution perfectly meets our business needs, and as we face an increasingly complex market, Dematic can provide advanced and structured technology solutions to support our company’s growth and development in the years to come.”

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

Subscribe

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