Subscribe

Day: 24 January 2024

Gaining Marginal Advantages in Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Few industries understand the importance of efficiency as profoundly as supply chain and logistics operators. In fact, the entire business model hinges on eking out incremental enhancements that collectively yield substantial benefits, say BluQube.

Numerous strategies in the logistics sector, such as reverse logistics, process automation, inventory management, and technological innovations, are widely acknowledged and documented.

Yet, for all the focus on operational effectiveness and efficiency, non-core back-office functions like accounting systems often receive less attention. Here a more ‘make-do’ approach can prevail which runs counter to the DNA of organisations that rightly have inefficient practices in their crosshairs.

Logistics companies’ accounting function today extends beyond the mere handling of invoices and billing. Just as sophisticated logistics software provides managers with comprehensive insights into the supply chain, modern accounting software offers a holistic view of operational data. This can be invaluable in equipping organisations with the necessary insights to react promptly and identify efficiencies that can help mitigate ongoing challenges.

Unleashing Resources

Just as the finance department never operates in a silo, financial software needs to be able to work with the necessary programmes and processes to be truly effective. Interoperable software streamlines information exchange with third-party providers, eliminating the need for manual integration and significantly saving time. Inputting information once automatically replicates it across all organisational systems, reducing data discrepancies and time-consuming tasks. This efficiency proves vital for overcoming challenges posed by disparate systems, contributing to the overall health of logistics organisations in times of shortages and heightened competition.

Automation and Employee Satisfaction

Interoperable systems, like any form of automation, liberates employees from monotonous or formulaic tasks, fostering job satisfaction and fulfilment. This liberated time allows organisations to reallocate resources to more strategic areas, enhancing overall productivity.

Empowering Data-Driven Decisions

Effective interaction with data from various business areas transforms financial software into a powerful performance insight and decision support mechanism. It aids in identifying production roadblocks and extracting broader business information for flash reports, saving considerable time compared to manual data collation and report writing. Organisations embracing this approach gain valuable insights that inform their strategy, giving them a competitive edge over those with siloed systems.

Futureproofing Amid Uncertainty

In a world of geopolitical and economic uncertainties, where demand fluctuates rapidly, crafting the ideal supply chain can be daunting. However, system interoperability plays a pivotal role in supporting organisations’ agility and flexibility. It facilitates seamless integration of new automation solutions into existing networks, enabling data sharing without the complexities of merging disparate systems or dismantling existing infrastructure.

As interoperability gains traction in the realm of logistics software and automation solutions, organisations gain the freedom to curate their warehouse or logistics infrastructure from a diverse range of specialised providers, ensuring that each component meets its unique requirements. This approach contrasts with generic solutions that often fall short in functionality and performance.

This enhanced level of customisation and choice fosters a more resilient and adaptable supply chain, allowing organisations to respond promptly to demand shifts, seamlessly integrate new technologies, and optimise operations across the entire supply chain. System interoperability empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of modern logistics with agility and resilience.

Marginal Advantages

While interoperability may not be a groundbreaking software function, its growing significance in addressing challenges and enhancing efficiency is undeniable. It eradicates data silos, liberates staff, improves visibility, and transforms performance insight into a robust decision-support mechanism. Professionals seeking system upgrades should prioritise interoperability and future requirements, recognising that even small changes can yield significant impacts in the quest for logistics efficiency.

Gaining Marginal Advantages in Logistics

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Few industries understand the importance of efficiency as profoundly as supply chain and logistics operators. In fact, the entire business model hinges on eking out incremental enhancements that collectively yield substantial benefits, say BluQube.

Numerous strategies in the logistics sector, such as reverse logistics, process automation, inventory management, and technological innovations, are widely acknowledged and documented.

Yet, for all the focus on operational effectiveness and efficiency, non-core back-office functions like accounting systems often receive less attention. Here a more ‘make-do’ approach can prevail which runs counter to the DNA of organisations that rightly have inefficient practices in their crosshairs.

Logistics companies’ accounting function today extends beyond the mere handling of invoices and billing. Just as sophisticated logistics software provides managers with comprehensive insights into the supply chain, modern accounting software offers a holistic view of operational data. This can be invaluable in equipping organisations with the necessary insights to react promptly and identify efficiencies that can help mitigate ongoing challenges.

Unleashing Resources

Just as the finance department never operates in a silo, financial software needs to be able to work with the necessary programmes and processes to be truly effective. Interoperable software streamlines information exchange with third-party providers, eliminating the need for manual integration and significantly saving time. Inputting information once automatically replicates it across all organisational systems, reducing data discrepancies and time-consuming tasks. This efficiency proves vital for overcoming challenges posed by disparate systems, contributing to the overall health of logistics organisations in times of shortages and heightened competition.

Automation and Employee Satisfaction

Interoperable systems, like any form of automation, liberates employees from monotonous or formulaic tasks, fostering job satisfaction and fulfilment. This liberated time allows organisations to reallocate resources to more strategic areas, enhancing overall productivity.

Empowering Data-Driven Decisions

Effective interaction with data from various business areas transforms financial software into a powerful performance insight and decision support mechanism. It aids in identifying production roadblocks and extracting broader business information for flash reports, saving considerable time compared to manual data collation and report writing. Organisations embracing this approach gain valuable insights that inform their strategy, giving them a competitive edge over those with siloed systems.

Futureproofing Amid Uncertainty

In a world of geopolitical and economic uncertainties, where demand fluctuates rapidly, crafting the ideal supply chain can be daunting. However, system interoperability plays a pivotal role in supporting organisations’ agility and flexibility. It facilitates seamless integration of new automation solutions into existing networks, enabling data sharing without the complexities of merging disparate systems or dismantling existing infrastructure.

As interoperability gains traction in the realm of logistics software and automation solutions, organisations gain the freedom to curate their warehouse or logistics infrastructure from a diverse range of specialised providers, ensuring that each component meets its unique requirements. This approach contrasts with generic solutions that often fall short in functionality and performance.

This enhanced level of customisation and choice fosters a more resilient and adaptable supply chain, allowing organisations to respond promptly to demand shifts, seamlessly integrate new technologies, and optimise operations across the entire supply chain. System interoperability empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of modern logistics with agility and resilience.

Marginal Advantages

While interoperability may not be a groundbreaking software function, its growing significance in addressing challenges and enhancing efficiency is undeniable. It eradicates data silos, liberates staff, improves visibility, and transforms performance insight into a robust decision-support mechanism. Professionals seeking system upgrades should prioritise interoperability and future requirements, recognising that even small changes can yield significant impacts in the quest for logistics efficiency.

Automated Storage System for Cable Drums

Posted on by David Priestman

Lödige Industries, a global supplier of logistics systems, has recently completed the installation of an automated storage and retrieval system at The Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd. (HK Electric)’s Electric Tower in Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong Island. The system incorporates an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) to efficiently handle heavy cable drums and transformers. This innovative solution not only maximises warehouse space utilisation and enhances safety, but it also improves material handling efficiency and streamlines inventory management processes. With the ability to control, retrieve, and monitor cable drum storage, the system provides a solid foundation for future expansion and evolution of the company.

Lighting up homes and businesses of Hong Kong since 1890, HK Electric has a long record of providing a safe and highly reliable electricity supply at a reasonable price to customers on Hong Kong and Lamma islands. Remarkably, the electricity supply rating of HK Electric has been maintained at higher than 99.999% since 1997, a record that excels many top cities in the world. This outstanding accomplishment places the company among the world’s leading performers in this regard. To consistently deliver such stable and dependable services, the implementation of modern storage systems that align with the ever-evolving demands of the industry is imperative.

As the available storage area of 800 m² is not extendable, a multi-storey solution was required to meet the growing demand. At the same time, the cable drums, weighing in at 5.3 tons each are susceptible to damage if stored incorrectly. Retrieval and stock tracking posed an additional challenge. The new fully automated 4-level system serviced by an ETV enables the customer to store significantly more stock on the same footprint in a safe and damage-free manner. Up to 293 storage positions can now be managed in the warehouse.

The customised system is comprised of high-quality hardware components such as powered decks and conveyors, as well as intelligent control software. With the introduction of automated processes, physically difficult manual labour for transporting and storing drums is significantly reduced. In conjunction, these provide HK Electric with real-time visibility and control over inventory, while improving work routines for staff.

Alan So, Head of Commercial Services at HK Electric, comments: “Health and Safety is always among HK Electric’s top priorities. We have been promoting automation and innovation as tools to improve productivity and safety in our business activities. Our cable drum inventory management has become more efficient thanks to our cooperation with Lödige Industries. The new automated ETV system helps optimise storage density and safety”, he continues. “Lödige Industries provided support at every step, from planning, permits, construction, testing to training. The system now gives us control over drum storage, retrieval, and visibility, optimizing our storage space. It also provides a foundation to build upon for future growth and changing needs.”

Joman Chong, General Manager of the BPS Global Group that was involved in the project, also confirms: “By working hand-in-hand with Lödige, we presented HK Electric with an all-encompassing solution that revolutionizes their approach to inventory management and storage optimization. We eagerly anticipate further strengthening our collaboration with Lödige as we jointly develop our businesses.”

Lödige Industries is a leading global supplier of logistics systems, with a focus on moving heavy goods. “The energy sector is a new industry in which we have now been able to demonstrate our expertise in solving complex material handling requirements for the first time”, says Nicholas Tripptree, Managing Director for Asia-Pacific, for Lödige Industries. “The project for HK Electric has shown that our in-depth and wide-ranging knowledge of transporting heavy goods is transferable to the challenges in other industries so that we can successfully design and implement projects with similar requirements for customers in a variety of sectors,” he adds.

Automated Storage System for Cable Drums

Posted on by David Priestman

Lödige Industries, a global supplier of logistics systems, has recently completed the installation of an automated storage and retrieval system at The Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd. (HK Electric)’s Electric Tower in Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong Island. The system incorporates an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) to efficiently handle heavy cable drums and transformers. This innovative solution not only maximises warehouse space utilisation and enhances safety, but it also improves material handling efficiency and streamlines inventory management processes. With the ability to control, retrieve, and monitor cable drum storage, the system provides a solid foundation for future expansion and evolution of the company.

Lighting up homes and businesses of Hong Kong since 1890, HK Electric has a long record of providing a safe and highly reliable electricity supply at a reasonable price to customers on Hong Kong and Lamma islands. Remarkably, the electricity supply rating of HK Electric has been maintained at higher than 99.999% since 1997, a record that excels many top cities in the world. This outstanding accomplishment places the company among the world’s leading performers in this regard. To consistently deliver such stable and dependable services, the implementation of modern storage systems that align with the ever-evolving demands of the industry is imperative.

As the available storage area of 800 m² is not extendable, a multi-storey solution was required to meet the growing demand. At the same time, the cable drums, weighing in at 5.3 tons each are susceptible to damage if stored incorrectly. Retrieval and stock tracking posed an additional challenge. The new fully automated 4-level system serviced by an ETV enables the customer to store significantly more stock on the same footprint in a safe and damage-free manner. Up to 293 storage positions can now be managed in the warehouse.

The customised system is comprised of high-quality hardware components such as powered decks and conveyors, as well as intelligent control software. With the introduction of automated processes, physically difficult manual labour for transporting and storing drums is significantly reduced. In conjunction, these provide HK Electric with real-time visibility and control over inventory, while improving work routines for staff.

Alan So, Head of Commercial Services at HK Electric, comments: “Health and Safety is always among HK Electric’s top priorities. We have been promoting automation and innovation as tools to improve productivity and safety in our business activities. Our cable drum inventory management has become more efficient thanks to our cooperation with Lödige Industries. The new automated ETV system helps optimise storage density and safety”, he continues. “Lödige Industries provided support at every step, from planning, permits, construction, testing to training. The system now gives us control over drum storage, retrieval, and visibility, optimizing our storage space. It also provides a foundation to build upon for future growth and changing needs.”

Joman Chong, General Manager of the BPS Global Group that was involved in the project, also confirms: “By working hand-in-hand with Lödige, we presented HK Electric with an all-encompassing solution that revolutionizes their approach to inventory management and storage optimization. We eagerly anticipate further strengthening our collaboration with Lödige as we jointly develop our businesses.”

Lödige Industries is a leading global supplier of logistics systems, with a focus on moving heavy goods. “The energy sector is a new industry in which we have now been able to demonstrate our expertise in solving complex material handling requirements for the first time”, says Nicholas Tripptree, Managing Director for Asia-Pacific, for Lödige Industries. “The project for HK Electric has shown that our in-depth and wide-ranging knowledge of transporting heavy goods is transferable to the challenges in other industries so that we can successfully design and implement projects with similar requirements for customers in a variety of sectors,” he adds.

Subscribe

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