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Day: 13 March 2024

Navigating Supply Chain Disruption

Posted on by David Priestman

Supply chain disruption: how to navigate ‘never normal’ distribution networks, by Andy Grygiel (pictured), CMO at project44.

Today, managing an organisation’s supply chain can feel like an impossible task. Modern multi-tier logistics networks are spread between hundreds of suppliers across multiple continents—under this globalised model, businesses enjoy maximised distribution efficiency when all is well. However, with supply chains rarely running normally, they also suffer damaged transparency, resilience, and reputation at the slightest setback.

Unfortunately, growing numbers of high-profile supply chain disruptions—from the Ever Given container ship running aground in the Suez Canal to attacks on trade vessels by Houthi rebels in Yemen—show that organisations’ logistics systems require greater support than ever. Let’s explore the potential effects of these often-unforeseen challenges on your business and consumers, and how intelligent supply chain technology can help mitigate them.

Overcoming extreme weather as soon as it occurs

Weather forecasts aren’t simply there to help you decide whether you need to carry an umbrella—they also play a key role in worldwide trade. And as climate change triggers an increased number of extreme weather events, organisations today rely on weather condition data to ensure their supply chains continue to run smoothly. But access to this information is only the first step. Without the capacity to then quickly reroute vessels to reduce delays in trade routes, these events become increasingly difficult to overcome.

Take recent developments in the Panama Canal. This crucial maritime trade conduit, connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific, is responsible for 40% of worldwide vessel traffic. It’s also grappling with persistent drought conditions that have reduced its capacity by as much as 30%, leading to lengthy trade disruptions and reductions. The immediate cause is the naturally occurring El Niño warm-weather phenomenon. However, scientists also now believe that widespread climate change is behind prolonged dry spells and even higher temperatures in the Panama region.

Similarly disruptive weather events are taking place right across the globe. So, businesses need intelligent, high-velocity supply chain platforms to help them accordingly adapt their routes and make sure trade remains as seamless as possible. For instance, if severe weather impacts a city during the holidays, visibility into last mile solutions with real-time predicted ETAs will allow companies to make re-routing decisions faster. Then, they can alert their customers as soon as possible which helps to reduce support calls and increase overall customer satisfaction.

Reacting in real-time to unforeseeable obstacles

Unfortunately, there will also be occasions in which supply chain disruptions simply can’t be anticipated. You may have seen recent headlines of the attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on container vessels in the Bab al-Mandeb, a strait that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, November 2023’s cyberattacks on Australian shipping ports offers another example of unpredictable events faced by organisations.

These crises underscore the importance of visibility, agility, flexibility, and resilience, all of which are powered by advanced supply chain technology. Simple location tracking of vessels is no longer sufficient; today, you need to be able to visualise which shipments and orders on which vessels are impacted by disruptions, plan a safe alternative route, and view and transmit an updated ETA to customers.

Let’s use the conflict in the Red Sea as an example. Businesses using a high-velocity platform not only benefit from real-time insights into vessels affected. They can also adapt their inventory management and downstream planning to limit stock outs. Improve operational efficiency by rerouting shipments to avoid putting vessels in danger and strategize on the most effective new shipping lines to use. Minimise costs by identifying and mitigating penalties and fees that occur because of upstream disruption. And, perhaps most importantly, boost customer satisfaction with transparent, proactive communication on delays to reset delivery expectations.

The importance of faster, more informed decision-making

Numerous recent supply chain disruptions have become global news stories. However, their publicity doesn’t always mean that customers will be any more sympathetic if goods are delayed, and regularly late deliveries can damage brand reputations. Organisations must harness competitive advantages—such as intelligent supply chain software—to stand out from the crowd and provide exceptional customer experiences. From avoiding any added costs that are usually passed on to customers to ensuring that goods arrive as soon as possible, the world’s leading shippers, carriers, and LSPs are now using advanced digital tools to transform supply chain operations from a cost centre to a revenue generator.

Ultimately, supply chains are never ‘normal’. Extreme weather events, unforeseeable geopolitical disruptions, and rapid technological evolutions mean organisations may never be able to expect their logistical operations to work smoothly every day. Instead, wielding all the available intelligence tools now at their disposal is the closest they can get to a frictionless, straightforward supply chain—and consistently delighted customers.

read more

Industry View: Secure Your Supply Chain Now to Beat Disruption

 

Navigating Supply Chain Disruption

Posted on by David Priestman

Supply chain disruption: how to navigate ‘never normal’ distribution networks, by Andy Grygiel (pictured), CMO at project44.

Today, managing an organisation’s supply chain can feel like an impossible task. Modern multi-tier logistics networks are spread between hundreds of suppliers across multiple continents—under this globalised model, businesses enjoy maximised distribution efficiency when all is well. However, with supply chains rarely running normally, they also suffer damaged transparency, resilience, and reputation at the slightest setback.

Unfortunately, growing numbers of high-profile supply chain disruptions—from the Ever Given container ship running aground in the Suez Canal to attacks on trade vessels by Houthi rebels in Yemen—show that organisations’ logistics systems require greater support than ever. Let’s explore the potential effects of these often-unforeseen challenges on your business and consumers, and how intelligent supply chain technology can help mitigate them.

Overcoming extreme weather as soon as it occurs

Weather forecasts aren’t simply there to help you decide whether you need to carry an umbrella—they also play a key role in worldwide trade. And as climate change triggers an increased number of extreme weather events, organisations today rely on weather condition data to ensure their supply chains continue to run smoothly. But access to this information is only the first step. Without the capacity to then quickly reroute vessels to reduce delays in trade routes, these events become increasingly difficult to overcome.

Take recent developments in the Panama Canal. This crucial maritime trade conduit, connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific, is responsible for 40% of worldwide vessel traffic. It’s also grappling with persistent drought conditions that have reduced its capacity by as much as 30%, leading to lengthy trade disruptions and reductions. The immediate cause is the naturally occurring El Niño warm-weather phenomenon. However, scientists also now believe that widespread climate change is behind prolonged dry spells and even higher temperatures in the Panama region.

Similarly disruptive weather events are taking place right across the globe. So, businesses need intelligent, high-velocity supply chain platforms to help them accordingly adapt their routes and make sure trade remains as seamless as possible. For instance, if severe weather impacts a city during the holidays, visibility into last mile solutions with real-time predicted ETAs will allow companies to make re-routing decisions faster. Then, they can alert their customers as soon as possible which helps to reduce support calls and increase overall customer satisfaction.

Reacting in real-time to unforeseeable obstacles

Unfortunately, there will also be occasions in which supply chain disruptions simply can’t be anticipated. You may have seen recent headlines of the attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on container vessels in the Bab al-Mandeb, a strait that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, November 2023’s cyberattacks on Australian shipping ports offers another example of unpredictable events faced by organisations.

These crises underscore the importance of visibility, agility, flexibility, and resilience, all of which are powered by advanced supply chain technology. Simple location tracking of vessels is no longer sufficient; today, you need to be able to visualise which shipments and orders on which vessels are impacted by disruptions, plan a safe alternative route, and view and transmit an updated ETA to customers.

Let’s use the conflict in the Red Sea as an example. Businesses using a high-velocity platform not only benefit from real-time insights into vessels affected. They can also adapt their inventory management and downstream planning to limit stock outs. Improve operational efficiency by rerouting shipments to avoid putting vessels in danger and strategize on the most effective new shipping lines to use. Minimise costs by identifying and mitigating penalties and fees that occur because of upstream disruption. And, perhaps most importantly, boost customer satisfaction with transparent, proactive communication on delays to reset delivery expectations.

The importance of faster, more informed decision-making

Numerous recent supply chain disruptions have become global news stories. However, their publicity doesn’t always mean that customers will be any more sympathetic if goods are delayed, and regularly late deliveries can damage brand reputations. Organisations must harness competitive advantages—such as intelligent supply chain software—to stand out from the crowd and provide exceptional customer experiences. From avoiding any added costs that are usually passed on to customers to ensuring that goods arrive as soon as possible, the world’s leading shippers, carriers, and LSPs are now using advanced digital tools to transform supply chain operations from a cost centre to a revenue generator.

Ultimately, supply chains are never ‘normal’. Extreme weather events, unforeseeable geopolitical disruptions, and rapid technological evolutions mean organisations may never be able to expect their logistical operations to work smoothly every day. Instead, wielding all the available intelligence tools now at their disposal is the closest they can get to a frictionless, straightforward supply chain—and consistently delighted customers.

read more

Industry View: Secure Your Supply Chain Now to Beat Disruption

 

Pallets RFID Tagged in Smart Approach

Posted on by David Priestman

In an industry first for the UK, The Pallet LOOP today announces that each reusable green pallet it produces and puts into the sector will be fitted with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag – a move that is set to generate huge amounts of data about the movement of pallets and associated building materials nationwide as they pass through the supply chain.

Equipping each of its pallet with an RFID tag, containing a small chip, will give The Pallet LOOP the ability to scan pallets in and out of its production and collection sites nationwide. For The Pallet LOOP, this investment will give the business accurate, up to date information about the number of pallets issued to customers and, more importantly, collection and recovery rates. Crucially, for users of The Pallet LOOP, the information will also prove invaluable – revealing fascinating insights about the financial and carbon savings they are achieving. Long-term, all building products users through the construction supply chain could access information about pallet and associated product dwell times, setting them on a course to achieving greater efficiencies.

As part of its offer, The Pallet LOOP provides all its customers with access to a special reporting platform, where they can view and download information about the number of pallets returned and the money saved on collections versus disposal via a skip. The system also provides information about the amount of carbon saved and trees repurposed, which can be used in sustainability reporting. This data can be automatically e-mailed to customers or can be generated manually – depending on requirements.

The Pallet LOOP’s RFID technology is being supplied by MiTEQ – a specialist business providing fully integrated automation and tracking solutions using RFID technology. The Pallet LOOP has ordered more than a million tags for the circular economy pallets it is producing, which are due to hit the building materials supply chain in the coming months.

Commenting, Steve Ottaway, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at The Pallet LOOP said: “When we launched The Pallet LOOP, our main objective was to solve the problem of pallet waste by providing a range of pallets that are stronger, standardised in their design, and suitable for reuse. However, we also knew there was an opportunity to make our pallets smarter. In supply chain management and logistics, data has always been king. That’s now also the case for sustainability – with companies needing facts and figures to incorporate into their ESG work and annual reports. LOOP customers already using our PowerBI reporting platform love the detail it provides about the single use pallets we are collecting from their sites. This information will be further enriched when our green pallets, tagged with MiTEQ’s RFID technology, hit the market.”

Alex Whiting, Managing Director for MiTEQ, said “The Pallet LOOP’s investment in RFID is a testament to the power of the technology, not only for managing millions of assets within the business but to supporting a longer-term sustainability goal to reduce wastage and create a stronger circular economy that delivers value for customers. MiTEQ’s unique innovation process enabled us to really explore and understand The Pallet LOOP team’s requirements, collaboratively develop a solution and test it. We are now excited to deploy it into the market.”

Once fitted to the pallets, MiTEQ RFID labels – which are robust, waterproof and abrasion resistant – can be read either by a hand-held or a static scanner employed at manufacturing and repatriation sites. Tags utilise unique ID numbers for the pallet, which allow for the tracking of customer shipments, pallet returns and to identify where the pallet was made and originally delivered. The system can scan and read multiple tags simultaneously, from a distance of at least three metres, enabling The Pallet LOOP to quickly scan pallets in and out, on vehicles, or in stacks on site.

read more

Sustainable packaging closes the loop on plastic waste

 

Globalization at Record High, says DHL Report

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business today released the new DHL Global Connectedness Report 2024, the most comprehensive available analysis of globalization’s state and trajectory. It tracks how flows of trade, capital, information, and people move around the world and measures the globalization of 181 countries and territories.

The report reveals that globalization reached a record high in 2022 and remained close to that level in 2023 – despite a series of global shocks over the past decade, including the Covid-19 pandemic, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the U.S. – China trade conflict, and the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. The evidence strongly rebuts the notion that the growth of global flows has gone into reverse. Trade growth played a crucial role in boosting global connectedness. The share of global output traded internationally was back to a record high level in 2022. After a slowdown in 2023, trade growth is forecast to accelerate in 2024. The globalization of information flows has been especially strong over the past two decades, even though the latest data show a stall in their growth, partly due to less research collaboration between the U.S. and China. Corporate globalization is rising, with companies expanding their international presence and earning more sales abroad.

At the launch of the DHL Global Connectedness Report, John Pearson, CEO DHL Express, said: “The most recent findings of the DHL Global Connectedness Report unequivocally dispel the notion of globalization reversing course. Far from being a mere buzzword, globalization is an influential force that has profoundly reshaped our world and has further great potential. Expanding markets and fostering opportunities empower individuals, businesses, and entire nations to flourish in unique ways. Embracing globalization allows us and our customers to forge a promising future, fostering an increasingly interconnected world, more prosperous for all – and poised for further growth.”

The report affirms the considerable potential to continue growing global flows. It pegs the world’s current level of globalization at only 25%, on a scale from 0% (meaning no flows cross national borders) to 100% (borders and distance have ceased to matter at all).

Ranking of most globalized countries

Singapore achieves the number one spot. The Netherlands and Ireland rank the second and third. 143 countries became more globally connected, while only 38 saw their levels of connectedness decline. Further evidence shows that Europe is the world’s most globally connected region, followed by North America and the Middle East & North Africa.

“Singapore has invested heavily in strengthening our physical and digital connectivity to the world because trade is our lifeblood. We continue to enhance our connectivity and trade links to remain a critical and trusted node in global supply chains, facilitating international trade and flows of capital, information and talent. We look forward to partnering with global companies seeking a launchpad for business growth and supply chain expansion in Asia-Pacific and beyond,” said Ih-Ming Chan, Executive Vice President, Singapore Economic Development Board.

U.S. – China ties diminish, and Russia shows unprecedented decline

The DHL Global Connectedness Report also shows that U.S.-China ties continue to diminish, with the shares of both countries’ flows involving each other decreasing by about one-quarter since 2016. However, both countries remain significantly connected, demonstrating larger flows than almost any other pair of countries. Russia and Europe have decoupled, resulting in Russia facing an unprecedented drop in connectedness, more than twice as much as any previous decline on record among the world’s 20 largest economies. At the same time, the data analysis demonstrates that there is no wider split of the world economy between rival geopolitical blocs.

Globalization has not given way to regionalization

Further, the report shows that predictions of a global shift from globalization to regionalization are not – at least yet – borne out in patterns of international flows. In fact, most international flows are taking place over stable or even longer distances, with a declining share happening inside major geographic regions. In the realm of trade, only North America shows a clear shift to more regionalized trade patterns.

“Deglobalization is still only a risk, not a current reality,” says Steven Altman, Senior Research Scholar and Director of the DHL Initiative on Globalization at NYU Stern’s Center for the Future of Management. “Geopolitical threats and public policy shifts have led many to predict a fracturing of the world economy along geographic or geopolitical lines, or even a retreat from international to domestic business. But the latest data still show that international flows are growing and very few countries are cutting ties with their traditional counterparts. It is important to recognize the resilience of global flows because a lopsided focus on the threats to globalization could make deglobalization a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Published regularly since 2011, the renowned DHL Global Connectedness Report provides reliable findings on globalization trends by analyzing 15 types of international trade, capital, information, and people flows. The 2024 edition is based on almost nine million data points. It ranks the connectedness of 181 countries, accounting for 99.7 percent of the world’s gross domestic product and 98.7 percent of its population. A collection of 181 one-page country profiles provides concise summaries of individual countries’ globalization patterns.

The report was commissioned by DHL and authored by Steven A. Altman and Caroline R. Bastian of New York University Stern School of Business.

read more

DHL Index: Globalisation resilient during pandemic

 

Reliable, Customizable Shuttle System Introduced

Posted on by David Priestman

HWArobotics showcased its high quality, reliable and efficient shuttle automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) technology at the MODEX 2024 supply chain show, in Atlanta, Georgia (March 11-14TH).

The warehousing and logistics robot company has 20 years’ experience in developing and building shuttle robot systems and appeared at MODEX to introduce its comprehensive range of ASRS technology to a North American audience. HWArobotics is looking to expand its customer base in the region and develop new partnerships with distributors, following the successful deployment of its solutions by Canadian 3PL business Darwynn.

Designed to optimize logistics and supply chain management operations, four key HWArobotics product lines were launched in North America, including three tote shuttles and one pallet shuttle, as well as associated cargo lifts, racking, and control software. With system availability of more than 99%, excellent reliability, accuracy, and scalability, HWArobotics customizable shuttle robot systems deliver high throughput for a wide range of industry sectors and can be deployed fast to deliver results quickly.

A whole process intelligent logistics solution

HWArobotics’ warehouse automation experts were on hand at Booth C3885 at this year’s MODEX to demonstrate the company’s products, which use high performance components from European suppliers, including Siemens (Germany), Voestalpine (Austria) and Hilti (Liechtenstein). The stand featured the SLS300, SLS400, and SLS600 series tote shuttles and the FPSS1500 pallet shuttle.

Manufactured using durable, long-lasting core components to create a stable structure, the SLS300 series standard tote shuttle storage system delivers high efficiency and up to 24 hours of continuous operation. Capable of speeds of up to 4 m/s and acceleration of 2 m/s, the SLS300 has single machine capability of up to 120 boxes an hour. Alongside the SLS300, HWArobotics also launched the SLS400 series variable tote shuttle system to the North American market. Offering strong compatibility and flexibility, the robot ASRS solution can mix and store containers of different sizes and can be configured to meet different efficiency requirements.

Reliable, economical and flexible, HWArobotics’ SLS600 3D tote shuttle system meets the needs of low-traffic, high-efficiency environments, such as spare parts, publishing, and ecommerce sites. It has excellent warehouse sharing capabilities as shuttles can realize any change of lane operation, while system capacity can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of shuttles to meet local short-term demand peaks.

Customizable Shuttle System

Also on display at MODEX 2024 was the highly-controllable FPSS1500 series pallet robot shuttle system designed for warehouses and distribution centers. The four-directional solution is an advanced ASRS designed for efficient pallet handling and storage, with global standard CE and UL certification. Specialized all-electric shuttle devices are capable of moving in four directions within the racking structure, providing enhanced versatility and operational efficiency.

The FPSS1500A is designed for room temperature environments across the manufacturing, distribution, food & beverage, and industrial sectors, and the FPSS1500B has been created specifically for cold storage, such as food, medicine and cold chain businesses. Using AI scheduling algorithms, it has achieved swarm intelligence within the PSR system to automatically adjust efficiency based on the number of vehicles and the rack structure.

Alongside its high performance shuttle devices, HWArobotics has a wide portfolio of goods lifts, racking and picking workstations (including robotic picking), for maximum performance and conveying capacity, high positioning accuracy, and sturdy, high tolerance storage.

HWArobotics General Manager, Sky Chen, explains, “We are delighted to have been at MODEX 2024 demonstrating the exceptional range of benefits our tote and pallet shuttle ASRS solutions can deliver. Thank you to the many visitors who visited our stand to learn more about the possibilities our innovative automated warehousing and logistics technology offers to reduce the workload of personnel and deliver efficient and accurate order execution.

“At HWArobotics we are enormously proud of the 20 years’ of experience we have as a pioneer in the field of shuttle robot systems and our exceptional customer service. We have established a base in the US and are excited to enhance the competitiveness of North American businesses with our shuttle ASRS technology. The recent deployment of HWArobotics shuttle systems by Darwynn demonstrates how our technology can be up and running quickly and effectively, automating and optimizing logistics and storage processes. Our strong global customer base, including Bosch UAES, Hisense Hitachi, SONY, iCOOP, Shein, Joyson Safety Systems, JD.com and Forvia, is testament to the capabilities we offer to companies seeking intelligent upgrading of their warehouses and manufacturing plants.”

read more

Automation: Key to Sustainable Warehousing

 

 

Reliable, Customizable Shuttle System Introduced

Posted on by David Priestman

HWArobotics showcased its high quality, reliable and efficient shuttle automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) technology at the MODEX 2024 supply chain show, in Atlanta, Georgia (March 11-14TH).

The warehousing and logistics robot company has 20 years’ experience in developing and building shuttle robot systems and appeared at MODEX to introduce its comprehensive range of ASRS technology to a North American audience. HWArobotics is looking to expand its customer base in the region and develop new partnerships with distributors, following the successful deployment of its solutions by Canadian 3PL business Darwynn.

Designed to optimize logistics and supply chain management operations, four key HWArobotics product lines were launched in North America, including three tote shuttles and one pallet shuttle, as well as associated cargo lifts, racking, and control software. With system availability of more than 99%, excellent reliability, accuracy, and scalability, HWArobotics customizable shuttle robot systems deliver high throughput for a wide range of industry sectors and can be deployed fast to deliver results quickly.

A whole process intelligent logistics solution

HWArobotics’ warehouse automation experts were on hand at Booth C3885 at this year’s MODEX to demonstrate the company’s products, which use high performance components from European suppliers, including Siemens (Germany), Voestalpine (Austria) and Hilti (Liechtenstein). The stand featured the SLS300, SLS400, and SLS600 series tote shuttles and the FPSS1500 pallet shuttle.

Manufactured using durable, long-lasting core components to create a stable structure, the SLS300 series standard tote shuttle storage system delivers high efficiency and up to 24 hours of continuous operation. Capable of speeds of up to 4 m/s and acceleration of 2 m/s, the SLS300 has single machine capability of up to 120 boxes an hour. Alongside the SLS300, HWArobotics also launched the SLS400 series variable tote shuttle system to the North American market. Offering strong compatibility and flexibility, the robot ASRS solution can mix and store containers of different sizes and can be configured to meet different efficiency requirements.

Reliable, economical and flexible, HWArobotics’ SLS600 3D tote shuttle system meets the needs of low-traffic, high-efficiency environments, such as spare parts, publishing, and ecommerce sites. It has excellent warehouse sharing capabilities as shuttles can realize any change of lane operation, while system capacity can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of shuttles to meet local short-term demand peaks.

Customizable Shuttle System

Also on display at MODEX 2024 was the highly-controllable FPSS1500 series pallet robot shuttle system designed for warehouses and distribution centers. The four-directional solution is an advanced ASRS designed for efficient pallet handling and storage, with global standard CE and UL certification. Specialized all-electric shuttle devices are capable of moving in four directions within the racking structure, providing enhanced versatility and operational efficiency.

The FPSS1500A is designed for room temperature environments across the manufacturing, distribution, food & beverage, and industrial sectors, and the FPSS1500B has been created specifically for cold storage, such as food, medicine and cold chain businesses. Using AI scheduling algorithms, it has achieved swarm intelligence within the PSR system to automatically adjust efficiency based on the number of vehicles and the rack structure.

Alongside its high performance shuttle devices, HWArobotics has a wide portfolio of goods lifts, racking and picking workstations (including robotic picking), for maximum performance and conveying capacity, high positioning accuracy, and sturdy, high tolerance storage.

HWArobotics General Manager, Sky Chen, explains, “We are delighted to have been at MODEX 2024 demonstrating the exceptional range of benefits our tote and pallet shuttle ASRS solutions can deliver. Thank you to the many visitors who visited our stand to learn more about the possibilities our innovative automated warehousing and logistics technology offers to reduce the workload of personnel and deliver efficient and accurate order execution.

“At HWArobotics we are enormously proud of the 20 years’ of experience we have as a pioneer in the field of shuttle robot systems and our exceptional customer service. We have established a base in the US and are excited to enhance the competitiveness of North American businesses with our shuttle ASRS technology. The recent deployment of HWArobotics shuttle systems by Darwynn demonstrates how our technology can be up and running quickly and effectively, automating and optimizing logistics and storage processes. Our strong global customer base, including Bosch UAES, Hisense Hitachi, SONY, iCOOP, Shein, Joyson Safety Systems, JD.com and Forvia, is testament to the capabilities we offer to companies seeking intelligent upgrading of their warehouses and manufacturing plants.”

read more

Automation: Key to Sustainable Warehousing

 

 

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