Subscribe

Month: July 2023

Yale Add-ons Help Optimise Warehouse Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

Yale Lift Truck Technologies has launched two specially engineered operator assistance options to support warehouse safety and intralogistics operations. Available via its Special Products Engineering Department (SPED), the Reverse Speed System and Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights, can be fitted to selected Yale® electric lift truck models and may help to optimise operational safety and efficiency.

“Yale Lift Truck Technologies is focused on producing technology-enabled lift trucks for warehouse and intralogistics operations that support productivity, efficiency, and reduced costs,” says Robert O’Donoghue, Vice President Marketing and Solutions EMEA, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “Intralogistics operations can stay competitive, by adopting the latest technologies. The new forklift add-on solutions provide a way for warehouses to specify reliable equipment that is designed to meet their application and operators’ requirements.”

The patent-pending Reverse Speed System is available for Yale electric lift trucks, which are well suited to indoor warehouse operations. As an operator assistance option, it is suitable for use in warehouses across many industries, such as food distribution, beverage manufacturing, or auto parts distribution. However, it may be particularly useful where high numbers of temporary or agency staff are employed, such as in retail and e-commerce warehouses, or third-party logistics (3PL) operations.

The system includes a sensor next to the rear drive handle, which detects when a hand is positioned on the handle. When the sensor is activated, it allows the truck to reach full reverse speed. If the sensor is not activated the reverse speed is limited to 2 km/h. Holding the handle encourages the operator to look in the direction of travel whilst reversing which is standard practice and important for keeping clear of pedestrians and objects in the path of travel. When the sensor is activated, the forward speed is limited to 8 km/h to minimise operator bypass of the system.

“Warehouses may find that the Reverse Speed System can help to enhance efficiency and productivity, keeping lift trucks and the operation moving, whilst supporting safety,” says Robert. “Certain operations may also benefit from the new Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights option.”

These compact LED lights can be front and/or rear mounted on most Yale electric forklifts, and are direction activated. They work in a similar way to ‘spot’ pedestrian lights, except that they display a dynamic, repeating, “progressively flashing” blue arrow pattern on the floor. This pattern provides visible indication to nearby pedestrians or truck operators that a lift truck is approaching, as well as indicating what direction it is approaching from.

“Fast paced intralogistics operations may have a high number of pedestrians who could potentially benefit from this solution,” says Robert. “Equally, it may be useful in warehouses where there are blind corners, cross aisles, or unloading operations with sub-optimal visibility conditions.”

This option may also support operational efficiency as it helps minimise the risk of disruption due to potential incidents. It may also help minimise the risk of damage to stock and infrastructure, and the associated costs.

For intralogistics operations and warehouses that operate lift trucks outdoors, either in loading or storage areas, Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights can also be supplied with selected Yale internal combustion forklifts. However, operations must take into account the fact that LED lights can be completely invisible in brightly lit conditions, such as in daylight.

“Yale Lift Truck Technologies is continually responding to ever-changing market conditions and demands,” adds Robert. “This is one example where we have provided solutions for the differing needs of our warehouse customers.”

Yale and its network of Dealer Partners are focused on customer success and supporting productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the fast-changing intralogistics industry. Both new add-ons are available to order from independent Yale dealers internationally.

Polish Sales Partner for Electric Tugs

Posted on by David Priestman

OMV Polska, a member of the VECAR Group, which supports companies in warehouse and production logistics, has become an authorised sales partner of UK-based MasterMover, a leading manufacturer of electric tug solutions. The partnership will see OMV Polska add the full range of MasterMover electric tugs and tows to its product range, giving manufacturers, logistics operators and retailers access to compact, powerful material handling equipment for moving wheeled loads.

In addition, OMV will provide full repair and maintenance services to its customers using MasterMover products, delivering both regular servicing and responding to any repair requirements.

MasterMover electric tugs are used around the world by industrial manufacturers to move equipment, products and materials. The company offers the widest range of solutions in the market, with machines available to move loads up to 30,000kg. The innovative MultiLink technology can also be used to move heavier loads, by synchronising the use of multiple electric tugs, operated by a single operator via remote control.

The company offers pedestrian-operated, remote control and fully autonomous load movement solutions (AGV) to customers across industrial manufacturing, retail and logistics, around the world.

“OMV Polska offers our customers a range of products and services, working closely with customers to drive efficient operators in their warehouse and production logistics,” said Klaudiusz Ziemniecki, CEO, OMV Polska. “Adding the MasterMover range of electric tugs to our product portfolio allows us to offer our customers the ideal material handling solution for moving wheeled loads, and complements our existing portfolio of products extremely well.”

Launched in 2005, OMV Polska is part of the Italian-based VECAR Group, helping customers arrange the world of warehouse and production logistics. The company is an authorised dealer of CESAB forklift trucks, from hand pallet trucks, through electric and engine trucks, to towing solutions and low-level order pickers. Besides that, the company supports customers in designing, installing and servicing warehouse racks.

The OMV Polska product portfolio is complemented by a range of other products and truck services offered to customers across Poland.

“Working with high-quality partners such as OMV Polska is a key part of our strategy. We’re delighted to add the company to our growing network of partners around the world and look forward to collaborating across a range of opportunities. The OMV Polska team very much match our own culture, being open to flexibility and innovation, and proactively supporting customers and responding to their needs,” said Group Marketing Director, Jonathan Dolby.

“Electric tugs and tows are the ideal solution for moving heavy loads on wheels, and in many applications, allow manufacturers to operate far more safely and far more efficiently than would be possible when other more traditional material equipment is used,” he added. “We’re confident OMV Polska customers, and others in the Polish market, will be excited about the range of safety, efficiency and flexibility benefits that come with using best-in-class electric tugs.”

MasterMover electric tugs connect securely to the load being moved, with a variety of coupling options available. They are simple to operate and require no operator license, and with a range of safety features built in as standard, ensuring a safe working environment through the controlled movement of loads, protecting employees and eliminating manual handling – which often leads to accidents and injury.

“We see many applications where keeping the load on the ground offers manufacturers many safety and efficiency benefits, along with less disruption impacting to operational processes,” commented Ziemniecki. “We’re delighted to be able to offer such a high-quality solution. We have found the MasterMover team to be highly knowledgeable, responsive and great to work with, and we look forward to the relationship growing further over the coming years.”

In particular, we have been impressed with the quality of the products available from MasterMover. I am sure our customers benefit greatly from electric tug solutions across many applications and industry sectors.”

 

Fortna Announces Latest OptiSlot DC

Posted on by David Priestman

FORTNA, a leading automation and software company for the full logistics value chain, has announced the latest release of its intelligent slotting optimization software, FORTNA OptiSlot DC™, release 13.1. Driven by client feedback, industry research and domain expertise, the new release optimizes the software experience with expanded usability.

FORTNA OptiSlot release 13.1 enables businesses to easily expand the use of the solution through language and usability improvements. The first expansion is for businesses growing in additional geographies with a simple system language change for Spanish and German in addition to the previously supported English version. Additional release highlights include visibility and decision-making support, powered by dynamic, custom comparative reporting. With enhanced comparative reporting, users can easily customize reports in real time to display and analyze scenarios and highlight key metrics for solution selection, buy-in and delivery. Other software improvements include automatic project back-ups set to queue before and after significant strategy adjustments, API updates for users employing advanced scripting capabilities and error proofing to eliminate challenges before they occur.

“Today’s distribution environment is unpredictable,” says Jordan Mitchell, Senior Director, Product Management, FORTNA. “Balancing limited resources and inventory with demand while being profitable proves challenging. It is imperative that intelligent software, like FORTNA OptiSlot, provides supply chain professionals with an intuitive solution to adapt and optimize distribution operations to satisfy customer demands effectively.”

FORTNA OptiSlot release 13.1 launches a broader user experience initiative to make slotting an efficient process, supporting an essential step in clients’ digital transformation initiatives around the world.

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services

3PL Welcomes Plan for UK-Türkiye FTA

Posted on by David Priestman

As a market leader in overland trailer services between Türkiye and the UK, Davies Turner welcomes today’s news that the UK and Türkiye have committed to negotiate an updated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) designed to deepen the trade relationship between the two countries.

Tariff-free arrangements like the one signed in 2020, which was rolled over from when the UK left the EU, covering goods, but not areas such as services, digital and data, support the trading relationship between the UK and Türkiye, and bring benefits to UK importers and exporters, as well as the freight forwarding and logistics companies that manage their supply chains.

That’s the opinion of Alan Williams, company director, who adds that a new broader deal could boost trade and help businesses maximise opportunities in this area.

As a major facilitator of trade between the two countries, Davies Turner operates multiple daily two-way overland and multimodal trailer services between the UK and Türkiye in a long-standing partnership with Istanbul-based Ekol, one of the country’s largest freight and warehousing operators.

UK-Türkiye FTA

Williams adds: “The tariff-free trading agreement signed in 2020, along with the problems in long distance supply chains, which have increasingly prompted traders to turn to Türkiye as an alternative source of supply to countries in Asia, has had a major impact on the uptick in trading volumes between the two countries over the last two years. In welcoming the news, we would also be delighted to provide input into any consultation that is conducted ahead of the start of negotiations, which is expected in 2024.”

Storage Systems Boost Capacity of UK 3PL

Posted on by David Priestman

AR Racking has designed and installed the new warehouse for a leading 3PL operator in the technology sector specialised in servicing e-commerce companies. The intralogistics solution storage systems specialist will boost the competitiveness of the new centre in Bradford, West Yorkshire of one of the leading logistics operators.

With its comprehensive management approach, AR Racking has equipped the warehouse with US standard very narrow aisle (VNA) and adjustable pallet racking with up to a load capacity of 1,000 kg, reaching the figure of 12,000 pallet positions. In addition, 3,000 picking levels have been integrated in the racking that have generated a storage capacity of 28,000 cartons.

The systems installed by AR Racking are totally scalable and allow the incorporation of accessories that adapt to the storage requirements and unit loads. In this case, sprinklers, sprinkler-protected beams, mesh panels, frame protectors and upright protectors have been incorporated in the racking.

The customer transmitted to AR Racking the importance of the need for a warehouse with a faster time to market and precise control of delivery of the right products in the right place at the right time. For the 3PL, agility and total control in the supply chain have been key to its growth since starting back in 1997. Thanks to AR Racking’s technical-sales team, the logistics operator specialised in technology and e-commerce sectors will be able to more effectively offer smart international supply chain solutions to retailers, brands and manufacturers.

AR Racking UK, based in Slough, is specialised in large storage projects, which it manages comprehensively from the manufacture through to the final installation of industrial racking exploiting the turnkey project concept to the maximum.

AR Racking is part of Grupo Arania, 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.

Flower Shipments Surge in Wedding Season

Posted on by David Priestman

As it warms up in the Northern Hemisphere, Emirates SkyCargo is scaling up its cool chain capacity for perishables, preparing for a busy summer season of weddings and outdoor events. As the demand for decorative floral arrangements increases, May 2023 saw Emirates SkyCargo transport 3,590 tonnes of time- and temperature-sensitive fresh cut flowers, a 20% rise from the same period last year.

Ecuador and Kenya are the top two export origin locations; Ecuador in particular has experienced a steady rise in flower trade in recent years, increasing its exports with Emirates SkyCargo by 21% in May this year, compared to 2022. The Netherlands, a country that plays a major role in the world’s flower trade, remains in both the top three export origins and import locations. Other key import locations for this commodity include the UAE and Australia, with Saudi Arabia rounding out the top four.

Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President – Product and Innovation, Emirates SkyCargo, said, “We are seeing an increased demand for fresh flowers as the wedding season in the Northern Hemisphere reaches its peak, and a corresponding spike in demand for logistics capabilities to protect perishables. Leveraging our industry-leading temperature-controlled technology, facilities, equipment and expert personnel, Emirates Fresh continues to offer our global customers reliable freshness, whether it’s beautiful blooms for that special day or fresh produce for the garden barbeque. With 500 to 600 tonnes of perishables transported on Emirates SkyCargo flights every day, we are proud to be the partner of choice that connects the global agriculture community with their customers all over the world.”

22,500 tonnes of perishable commodities every month

Perishables are the carrier’s largest business by tonnage carried, uplifting an average of 22,500 tonnes of perishable commodities every month. Ranging from freshly picked mangoes from Pakistan, to salmon from Norway and brilliant blooms from Kenya, Emirates SkyCargo transports goods rapidly and efficiently across its global network of over 140 destinations.

Fresh cut flowers dominate as the leading perishable category transported by SkyCargo with chilled meat and fresh fruits rounding out the top three perishable product categories, as air cargo enables temperate-safe and rapid transit from farm to shop in as little as 24-48 hours.

Door-to-door cool chain delivered at scale via Dubai

As temperatures rise and summer produce is harvested, cool chain logistics play an essential role in keeping high-demand perishable produce fresh and high quality for consumers worldwide.

Emirates’ dedicated cool-chain handling capabilities have been developed with a focus on fast connection times and high-quality transfers. Its dual airport hub in Dubai is world’s largest and most technologically advanced cargo handling facility, offering a three-hour, air-to-air transfer service. Handling over 8,000 shipments per day, the facility has over 15,000m² of dedicated storage for temperature-sensitive goods, including perishables.

Uniquely positioned between east and west, approximately 1/3 of the world’s population can be served from Dubai within a 4-hour flight range. Emirates’ vast network of destinations, meanwhile, also give customers the choice of multiple flights per day to many locations across both freighter and passenger aircraft belly-hold capacity.

Emirates Fresh, SkyCargo’s perishable-oriented service offers three different options for customers to choose the appropriate level of temperature protection for their cargo. This ranges from produce with a higher tolerance for temperature fluctuations, to high-end perishables that require active cool dollies for ramp protection. Customers can track and trace their shipments and view temperature monitoring data online at every step, as well as make short-notice direct bookings, thanks to SkyCargo’s ecommerce platform.

Mapping Audit Reduces Facility Noise

Posted on by David Priestman

Dematic has just launched its Noise Reduction portfolio worldwide, a comprehensive set of solutions to address loud work environments across supply chain facilities. The offering includes before and after 3D noise mapping audits throughout a facility, enhanced rollers, slats, and belt conveyors that can reduce noises at their source by up to 15 decibels.

“The well-being of our customers and their employees is a high priority that includes protecting hearing when working in loud environments like distribution centres,” says Andy Randles, senior director, Global Lifecycle Support. “By implementing this portfolio of technology, our customers can take the noise levels down in their facilities from a concert hall to a classroom chat. It’s a huge step forward in improving work environments.”

To diagnose noise levels, Dematic uses 3D noise mapping to conduct on-site testing at customer facilities that visually identifies acoustic hazards, similar to the way a heatmap identifies temperature hazards. Dematic then builds a noise model to simulate how upgrading equipment would reduce noise levels. The company recommends upgrades and installs quiet rollers, slats and conveyors as needed. Dematic conducts a second test after installation to demonstrate the difference before and after the upgrade was made.

“We’re proud to provide such a comprehensive noise reduction portfolio,” says Randles. “Reducing noise levels in facilities is not only meaningful for worker health and safety, but also to job satisfaction. We’ve heard from customers that morale and productivity among workers goes up when noise levels are lower.”

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately 22 million workers in the US are exposed to noise loud enough to damage their hearing each year. Similarly, studies in Europe have found up to 30 million workers are exposed to occupational noise that endangers their hearing. Results of research studies like these, underscore the importance of furthering technology and solutions that protect worker hearing and improve safety.

The new portfolio continues Dematic’s focus on reducing noise levels in customer facilities so workers can better communicate and hear safety sounds. In 2022, Dematic introduced new noise reduction features on its linear sorter that included quiet shoes, merge wedges and slider belts.

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.

Humber Freeport Aims to Generate Investment

Posted on by David Priestman

Humber Freeport in the UK has launched with a mission to drive hundreds of millions of pounds of investment. The freeport will attempt to harness the unique potential and location of the Humber to stimulate economic growth, skills development and inward investment in both established and emerging industries.

Huge opportunities for investment in the logistics, advanced manufacturing, chemicals, technology and renewable energy industries have already been identified.

Humber Freeport was officially launched at a VIP event at Associated British Ports’ Pump House at Hull’s Alexandra Dock. The event, attended by leading figures from the public and private sectors, marked the establishment of the Humber Freeport Company Ltd.

Speaking at the event, Humber Freeport Chair Simon Bird said: “The Humber Freeport has an outstanding and potentially unique opportunity to be not merely a source for economic growth, but the primary vehicle for the delivery of the Government’s levelling up agenda in the Humber. The Freeport will seek to secure hundreds of millions of pounds of private sector investment and the final business case conservatively estimates that such investment will create at least 7,000 new, mostly skilled, jobs. This investment will have a transformative effect in lifting the prospects of the region.”

Bird outlined the benefits freeport status brings to companies investing in the tax and customs sites within the Freeport footprint on both banks of the Humber Estuary. Humber Freeport comprises of three defined tax sites – Hull East; Able Marine Energy Park and Immingham, on the south bank of the Humber; and Goole – each of which offers incentives for businesses operating within the zones.

Benefits include land tax relief, business rate relief, enhanced capital allowances and National Insurance contribution relief for employers. Bird said investors also benefit from, “assumed permitted development rights to speed up the planning process” and that “when added to being adjacent to high-quality port operations, the offer becomes even more appealing.”

He was joined as a speaker at the launch event by Michael Green, Head of Freeports at the Department for Business and Trade. Green added, “Freeports represent a generational shift. Inward investment is hugely important for job creation and regeneration and we are looking to build on the UK’s centres of excellence with targeted Government support.”

Bathroom Retailer Opts for Fulfilment Solution

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Deposco, the omnichannel fulfilment supply chain solutions platform for brand owners, retailers, ecommerce, and 3PL companies, has signed Easy Bathrooms as a new customer.

Easy Bathrooms is on a steep growth path in the UK. With 135 stores in action today and a further 65 set to open soon, the company needed a fulfilment solution that could keep up with its plans for rapid expansion. Deposco’s end-to-end omnichannel planning and fulfilment solution was the perfect fit.

The Deposco solution will help Easy Bathrooms manage its 350,000 square foot warehouse more efficiently, provide an accurate, real-time view of inventory to quickly satisfy customer orders, and remove a raft of manual processes across the business.

“We chose to work with Deposco because they understand our business and demonstrated the knowledge to support our growth objectives,” said Craig Waddington, Founder and CEO of Easy Bathrooms. ”The Deposco solution will give us the control, visibility and accuracy we need to continue to deliver a great customer experience, through enabling our warehouse to operate more efficiently. This will free us to focus on growing the Easy Bathrooms retail footprint.”

The roll-out of the Deposco solution at Easy Bathrooms is set to be completed within a 90-day timeframe. Once fully implemented, the Deposco solution is expected to prove to be a vehicle to grow the business and make products available to customers at optimum price and availability levels.

Easy Bathrooms will initially deploy one element of the overall Deposco solution, its Warehouse Management System (WMS), ready for peak season trading later this year. Over the medium term, Easy Bathrooms and Deposco plan to work together to achieve complete visibility of inventory and generate management information across the operation before going on to drive further operational benefits.

Longer term, Easy Bathrooms is looking for the Deposco solution to help them assimilate new stores into their portfolio; expand their product range; and launch new channels to market to better serve new business opportunities.

Will Lovatt, Vice President and General Manager, Europe at Deposco said: “We are proud to be supporting Easy Bathrooms on their journey to becoming the UK’s premier bathroom retailer. Their energy and drive to deliver fabulous results are well matched to the culture at Deposco. We’re loving the opportunity to innovate together to fulfil orders for a greater number of new Easy Bathrooms customers as effectively as possible.”

Deposco’s Bright Suite of omnichannel fulfilment supply chain applications is how fast-growing companies rapidly scale their warehouse management and order management operations. So, they can see what inventory they’ve got, where it is, and where to position it to fulfill demand when It’s Grow Time™. It’s the only solution that provides this much actionable insight into both your supply chain and the broader marketplace. Streamlined into One Solution, One Focus, One Team.

TecPlata Welcomes ZIM’s Patagonia Express

Posted on by Keith McKinley

TecPlata, International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) cargo handling operations at the La Plata Port adjacent to Buenos Aires in Argentina, received the inaugural call of Zim Integrated Shipping Services’ (ZIM) Patagonia Express Service (PES) that connects Argentinian trade to the United States and the Caribbean Gulf, among other destinations.

ZIM’s newly launched service links Argentina to the Caribbean and the US Gulf Coast through the ports of Kingston, a major Caribbean hub, and Houston in the Gulf of Mexico. The service marked its inaugural call at TecPlata with the arrival of the 1,000-TEU boxship Contship Key, and with its present network set up, is expected to call TecPlata every 45 days. The maritime service from La Plata to Kingston and Houston provides a reliable and efficient connection for Argentinian foreign trade, offering commercial opportunities that promote economic growth in the region.

“We are pleased to receive the Contship Key at TecPlata and start this new connection with the North American gulf coast. This strategic alliance with ZIM enables us to offer new services and logistics distribution to our clients. We are confident that this service will strengthen TecPlata’s position as a strategic trade port on the East Coast of South America,” said Juan Pablo Trujillo, TecPlata chief executive officer.

TecPlata takes great pride in delivering new opportunities to clients through this service, which takes advantage of the terminal’s modern port infrastructure and world-class standard of operation. ZIM’s arrival in TecPlata further expands the connectivity of La Plata beyond the Latin America region.

In October 2008, TecPlata S.A. was granted a 30-year concession to build and operate an all-purpose port terminal in the greater Buenos Aires area in Argentina by the Consorcio de Gestion del Puerto La Plata. Built with an investment of US$450 million, TecPlata is Argentina’s most modern container terminal with an initial capacity of 450,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) capacity, and capable of being extended of up to 1 million TEUs in the second phase.

Subscribe

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