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Month: July 2023

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

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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