Increased Protection when Forklifts are Reversing

The new “Reverse Assist Radar” system from Linde Material Handling (MH) protects people and prevents damage to goods and infrastructure by detecting moving and stationary objects behind counterbalanced trucks. If there is a risk of a collision, the assistance system very quickly brakes the vehicle to a standstill. The solution ensures high productivity through situation-specific interventions.

“More than half of all accidents involving industrial trucks happen when the vehicle is reversing,” says Fabian Zimmermann, Product Manager Safety Solutions at Linde MH, citing available statistics and drawing attention to a risk that is often underestimated. One of the main reasons is the driver’s limited view to the rear. “The blind spot begins when the angle of vision exceeds 180 degrees. But even before that, people and objects behind the vehicle are not perceived so well.” The Linde Reverse Assist Radar, a sensor-based system that detects both moving and stationary objects located behind the truck in its path of travel, is now available to help.

Forklifts are reversing

A major advantage of this safety solution is its powerful braking performance in the event of danger. If an obstacle is detected, the Linde Reverse Assist Radar brakes the truck to a standstill with a force of up to 3m/s2. The braking effect is calculated according to the lift height, travel speed, steering angle and distance to the obstacle, so it is always adapted to the individual driving and hazard situation. Different lighting conditions do not affect the proper functioning of the system. If the Reverse Assist Radar detects a potential collision, it automatically intervenes and overrides the driving command. “The system provides valuable assistance, especially in hectic situations in the warehouse or when inexperienced forklift drivers are behind the wheel, when material has been placed incorrectly and is in the path of travel or when the driver is distracted,” explains Zimmermann.

Emergency warning only

In the event of a hazard, the system alerts the driver with a series of acoustic signals. If the truck is equipped with an optional 7’’ display, the driver will additionally receive a visual warning and be prompted to check the area behind the vehicle. The detection area is designed to cover the rear width of the truck as standard but can be adjusted to suit individual requirements. “The system only reacts to obstacles in the defined travel path,” continues the product expert. For example, goods or other objects located in a block storage area to the right and left of the path will not cause the system to intervene. This avoids unnecessary disturbances or interruptions.

Another advantage of the Linde Reverse Assist Radar is that it can be combined with other safety assistance solutions. “To minimize risks in the warehouse environment and avoid dangerous situations with industrial trucks, it can make sense to combine different solutions,” explains Zimmermann. These include, for example, the Linde Front Assist Camera, which is based on artificial intelligence and detects dangerous situations involving pedestrians when the truck is moving forward and decelerates the vehicle accordingly. “Our sales organization provides advice and support, because choosing the right solution always depends on the specific situation on site.” Equally important to the Linde safety expert is the impending availability of the Linde Reverse Assist Radar as a retrofit solution.

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Excellent visibility even with bulky loads

 

Pneumatic Rollerbed Loading with Advanced Control Box

Joloda Hydraroll Ltd, material handling expert and global loading and unloading solutions specialist, has introduced an innovative new control box for its range of pneumatic rollerbed systems. The control box has been re-engineered to simplify use and maintenance of the pneumatic rollerbed systems, which are used by transport companies to handle air freight and palletised goods in and out of their vehicles. It promises to help further streamline loading and unloading processes, improve safety measures, lower servicing costs, and minimise vehicle downtime.

Most commonly, pneumatic rollerbed systems are installed in trailers so that freight can be easily rolled in and out without using forklifts. When the roller tracks are lowered, goods are placed directly onto the trailer floor. Up to four sections of roller track are added along the length of the trailer, which can be raised or lowered individually. This helps to ensure cargo is unloaded systematically and safely and prevents load shift if the trailer is on an incline. The control box is installed on the outside of the trailer and is used to raise or lower each section of roller track.

The control box from Joloda Hydraroll comes as standard with a unique AutoDown safety feature. An electronic signal from the vehicle’s brake lights activates an override valve, which releases the air from all sections of the rollerbed. This safety feature automatically lowers the rollers if they are still in the raised position when the vehicle sets off. Whereas the previous model relied on turn vowels (and had to be reset before using the system again), the new control box is only available with push/pull valve operation to improve safety: the push/pull valves are overridden by the AutoDown feature and therefore no longer require resetting.

A new user-friendly design clearly indicates which push/pull lever controls each section of rollertrack, meaning simple and safe use for operators unfamiliar with rollerbed systems. A new magnetic lid ensures the control box is always shut during transit, while a more compact inner design allows the entire internal assembly to be easily removed. This, along with external airline connections, speeds up mounting and demounting for maintenance and servicing of airpipes and valves. The control box’s external dimensions remain the same so components are interchangeable for replacements.

The new control box features on both the Pneumatic Rollertrack system (built directly into the chassis of a truck or trailer by the manufacturer) and the Modular Rollerbed System (retrofitted on top of any flat surface as a floor-on-floor rollerbed solution). Both allow companies to increase handling capacities more efficiently, effectively, and safely.

Arjan Nobel, Global Sales Manager at Joloda Hydraroll, said: “At Joloda Hydraroll, we pride ourselves on our engineering expertise and commitment to customer feedback. We develop and manufacture all aspects of our loading and unloading systems and we are constantly looking for ways to improve them. Our new control box design ensures Joloda Hydraroll’s pneumatic rollerbed solutions are now even easier for our customers to install, control, maintain, and service.”

Currently, there are more than 500,000 manual loading systems in operation worldwide. Customers can easily upgrade to the new control box design or continue to acquire spare parts for their existing models from Joloda Hydraroll.

read more

Joloda Hydraroll Launches in Japan

 

Pneumatic Rollerbed Loading with Advanced Control Box

Joloda Hydraroll Ltd, material handling expert and global loading and unloading solutions specialist, has introduced an innovative new control box for its range of pneumatic rollerbed systems. The control box has been re-engineered to simplify use and maintenance of the pneumatic rollerbed systems, which are used by transport companies to handle air freight and palletised goods in and out of their vehicles. It promises to help further streamline loading and unloading processes, improve safety measures, lower servicing costs, and minimise vehicle downtime.

Most commonly, pneumatic rollerbed systems are installed in trailers so that freight can be easily rolled in and out without using forklifts. When the roller tracks are lowered, goods are placed directly onto the trailer floor. Up to four sections of roller track are added along the length of the trailer, which can be raised or lowered individually. This helps to ensure cargo is unloaded systematically and safely and prevents load shift if the trailer is on an incline. The control box is installed on the outside of the trailer and is used to raise or lower each section of roller track.

The control box from Joloda Hydraroll comes as standard with a unique AutoDown safety feature. An electronic signal from the vehicle’s brake lights activates an override valve, which releases the air from all sections of the rollerbed. This safety feature automatically lowers the rollers if they are still in the raised position when the vehicle sets off. Whereas the previous model relied on turn vowels (and had to be reset before using the system again), the new control box is only available with push/pull valve operation to improve safety: the push/pull valves are overridden by the AutoDown feature and therefore no longer require resetting.

A new user-friendly design clearly indicates which push/pull lever controls each section of rollertrack, meaning simple and safe use for operators unfamiliar with rollerbed systems. A new magnetic lid ensures the control box is always shut during transit, while a more compact inner design allows the entire internal assembly to be easily removed. This, along with external airline connections, speeds up mounting and demounting for maintenance and servicing of airpipes and valves. The control box’s external dimensions remain the same so components are interchangeable for replacements.

The new control box features on both the Pneumatic Rollertrack system (built directly into the chassis of a truck or trailer by the manufacturer) and the Modular Rollerbed System (retrofitted on top of any flat surface as a floor-on-floor rollerbed solution). Both allow companies to increase handling capacities more efficiently, effectively, and safely.

Arjan Nobel, Global Sales Manager at Joloda Hydraroll, said: “At Joloda Hydraroll, we pride ourselves on our engineering expertise and commitment to customer feedback. We develop and manufacture all aspects of our loading and unloading systems and we are constantly looking for ways to improve them. Our new control box design ensures Joloda Hydraroll’s pneumatic rollerbed solutions are now even easier for our customers to install, control, maintain, and service.”

Currently, there are more than 500,000 manual loading systems in operation worldwide. Customers can easily upgrade to the new control box design or continue to acquire spare parts for their existing models from Joloda Hydraroll.

read more

Joloda Hydraroll Launches in Japan

 

Unlock Remarkable Energy Savings with Rollpower

In today’s rapidly evolving logistics landscape, where operational efficiency is paramount, Megadyne Rollpower™ stands as a game-changer. Offering up to 5% energy savings, this cutting-edge belt solution revolutionises logistics operations, ensuring seamless performance and unparalleled reliability.

Power Transmission Solutions

With over six decades of expertise, Megadyne has evolved into a global leader in Power Transmission. Operating across Europe, North America, and Asia, Megadyne provides an extensive range of high-quality products, including thermoset and thermoplastic polyurethane belts, rubber timing and v-belts, pulleys, and complementary accessories—all tailored to meet diverse customer needs.
As a proud member of the Ammega Group, Megadyne aims to be the local partner of choice for sustainable belting solutions. This commitment is upheld through the adoption of the latest technologies in raw materials and collaboration with suppliers who share the same dedication to sustainability.

Designed for Logistics Excellence

Designed with logistics in mind, Megadyne Rollpower™ sets a new standard for performance on roller conveyors in warehousing and manufacturing environments. Its innovative design offers a host of benefits:
• High efficiency: it ensures smooth and quiet running and stable tension over time, fostering a productive, low-noise environment.
• Flexibility and High Performance: with exceptional grip and speeds up to 3 m/s, Megadyne RollpowerTM ensures improved load capacity by increasing the number of ribs.
• Cost savings and minimal maintenance: thanks to its superior wear and abrasion resistance, Megadyne RollpowerTM reduces downtime and expenses, while easy installation streamlines operations.
• Energy saving: reduces the need for idlers and tensioners, ensuring peak performance with minimal slippage.

Engineered to meet the most rigorous industry demands, Megadyne Rollpower™ drives efficiency, cuts costs, and optimises productivity across all aspects of logistics operations, from receiving lines to order picking, sortation, transfers, and diverters.

read this

Megadyne introduces ‘game-changing’ rubber belt

 

Unlock Remarkable Energy Savings with Rollpower

In today’s rapidly evolving logistics landscape, where operational efficiency is paramount, Megadyne Rollpower™ stands as a game-changer. Offering up to 5% energy savings, this cutting-edge belt solution revolutionises logistics operations, ensuring seamless performance and unparalleled reliability.

Power Transmission Solutions

With over six decades of expertise, Megadyne has evolved into a global leader in Power Transmission. Operating across Europe, North America, and Asia, Megadyne provides an extensive range of high-quality products, including thermoset and thermoplastic polyurethane belts, rubber timing and v-belts, pulleys, and complementary accessories—all tailored to meet diverse customer needs.
As a proud member of the Ammega Group, Megadyne aims to be the local partner of choice for sustainable belting solutions. This commitment is upheld through the adoption of the latest technologies in raw materials and collaboration with suppliers who share the same dedication to sustainability.

Designed for Logistics Excellence

Designed with logistics in mind, Megadyne Rollpower™ sets a new standard for performance on roller conveyors in warehousing and manufacturing environments. Its innovative design offers a host of benefits:
• High efficiency: it ensures smooth and quiet running and stable tension over time, fostering a productive, low-noise environment.
• Flexibility and High Performance: with exceptional grip and speeds up to 3 m/s, Megadyne RollpowerTM ensures improved load capacity by increasing the number of ribs.
• Cost savings and minimal maintenance: thanks to its superior wear and abrasion resistance, Megadyne RollpowerTM reduces downtime and expenses, while easy installation streamlines operations.
• Energy saving: reduces the need for idlers and tensioners, ensuring peak performance with minimal slippage.

Engineered to meet the most rigorous industry demands, Megadyne Rollpower™ drives efficiency, cuts costs, and optimises productivity across all aspects of logistics operations, from receiving lines to order picking, sortation, transfers, and diverters.

read this

Megadyne introduces ‘game-changing’ rubber belt

 

Pharma firm Selects Kinaxis to Cure Supply Chain Headaches

Kinaxis® Inc. (TSX: KXS), a global leader in end-to-end supply chain orchestration, has announced that Servier, a global independent pharmaceutical group, has selected Kinaxis to help revolutionize its supply chain planning capabilities with a view to accelerating time to market for its portfolio of life-saving drugs.

One of the world’s preeminent pharmaceutical companies, Servier has nearly 22,000 employees and a presence in 150 countries, with medicines targeting cancers, diabetes, as well as immune-inflammatory, neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, and venous diseases. The company’s unique status as a laboratory governed by a non-profit foundation sees it invest upwards of 20% of its revenue each year from brand-name medicines into research and development, a strategy that has enabled it to accelerate research to discover new treatments faster for the benefits of patients.

As part of the deployment, Kinaxis will enable Servier to plan more effectively and gain end-to-end visibility of its supply chain; a vital requirement as competing jurisdictional regulations, demand variability, and increased global disruptions play havoc with the pharmaceutical industry’s mission to deliver high-quality products to customers at the lowest cost and with the shortest lead time.

“One of Servier’s principal ambitions is to be a resilient, growing, and sustainable company that’s focused on a few areas where we can make the greatest impact globally for patients,” said Xavier Morelon, head of supply chain at Servier. “To do so, we know we should rely on best-in-class partners like Kinaxis which are so critical to helping us become more agile and ensuring our supply chain can enable us to hit this lofty objective.”

Supply Chain Headaches

“From making sure patients have the right medications when they need them to keeping up with regulations, expiry dates, and patent cliffs, no industry can compare to life sciences when it comes to complexity,” said Fabienne Cetre, regional vice president, Central Europe (France, Italy, Spain, Belgium) at Kinaxis. “We’re thrilled to be working with Servier and are confident our deep industry expertise will enable everyone from their C-suite to their planners and analysts to see more clearly through these challenges so that they can focus on what they do best – delivering products to help people live longer and healthier lives.”

With the addition of France’s second largest pharmaceutical company to its growing customer base, Kinaxis continues to cement its leadership within the life sciences industry, which provides the brand-name and generic medicines that countless patients rely on.

Kinaxis’ AI-powered software allows companies to orchestrate their supply chain network end to end, from strategic planning to last-mile delivery. Kinaxis’ technology helps companies that supply the agricultural industry with 40% of the world’s tractors, that keep more than 110 billion teeth clean each year, and that ensures more than 35 million pets are fed nutritious meals each year.

read this:

Kinaxis Drives Digital Transformation for Volvo

 

Cloudy Supply Chain Data

There were many Davids at the Manifest convention. Logistics Business’ David met with 3 namesakes, including Blue Yonder’s Senior Director for Global Retail Industry Strategy.

Blue Yonder is a major global player in supply chain operating systems, offering specific products for WMS, TMS, Warehouse Execution, Order Management (boosted by the acquisition of Yantriks), Demand Planning, Inventory Optimisation and more. With a turnover of $1.28bn, 6000 employees and 167 new customers last year, representing 17% growth, it is a Microsoft Azure cloud computing partner and a division of Panasonic. The company has released a digital cognitive platform, ‘Luminate’, a generative AI capability, ‘Orchestrator’, and a new data cloud service with its partner Snowflake.

Dave Hamilton, pictured, has 30 years’ experience as a specialist in retail logistics in the USA, much of it at Best Buy. I asked him about the recent acquisition of Doddle, a company we spotlighted in our February issue (p6-7). “We’re excited to have them in the group. They’re strong in solving the returns issue and growing in North America now.”

“Snowflake will change how organisations connect their supply chain network,” Hamilton explains. “Currently there is the challenge of middleware (software that lies between an operating system and the applications running on it), but Snowflake eliminates that as it’s permissive, for example if using ERP software. Data is gold. The ability to share it via the cloud, end-to-end, is great.”

Inter-operable Solutions

I asked Hamilton about the interaction of Blue Yonder software applications with IT hardware used in warehousing and distribution. “Best-in-class is what we want,” he replies, “but we don’t have to provide every hardware product.” Customer use cases span applications in planning, DCs, commerce and transport management, in the third party logistics sector, retail or any manufacturing industry.

Of course, you cannot discuss all these areas without mentioning AI. “In problem-solving, generative AI enables the customer to go further,” Hamilton states. This can result in reducing costs or increasing inventory. “Orchestrator (which runs on its Luminate platform) is agile and co-ordinates decision-making.” It factors in all relevant data and context within the supply chain application to optimize and augment user prompts.

“Blue Yonder Orchestrator helps companies bring value to their data, which is where many companies struggle,” said Duncan Angove, CEO, Blue Yonder. “It allows business users to quickly access recommendations, predictive insights, and intelligent decisions to ensure they generate the best outcomes to impact their supply chain positively. In today’s supply chain environment, in which many professionals are nearing retirement age and it’s challenging to retain that institutional knowledge, companies can use Orchestrator as a trusty supply chain assistant that can augment intuition – using the value of the data – to make better and faster decisions.”

Supply Chain Transformation

In the transport management environment FedEx is a major customer. “Our carbon footprint isn’t big, we just sell software, but we can help customers reduce theirs and aid the EV transition,” adds Hamilton. These days WMS is normally co-ordinated with TMS. It should be quick to install. WES looks at tasks and resources in order to plan human and robotic labour. Blue Yonder partner with materials handling equipment suppliers like GreyOrange but remain brand agnostic.

British retail customers include ASDA, M&S, and Sainsbury’s – for whom it has provided inventory planning and other solutions as part of a multi-year supply chain transformation. “We tend to work with tier 1 retailers, plus up-and-coming ones and the sector is as much as 60% of our revenue,” Hamilton reveals, “but we’re putting a lot of attention into 3PLs/LSPs and looking to grow there.”
Innovation leads to an improved customer experience. “We’re a true partner to customers,” he adds. “I’ve sat in their shoes so I can really talk to them. That gives us credibility, but ultimately the product needs to work. Seeing the progress is key. Our teams help provide the value analysis. We should take ours cues from customers and keep our promises in terms of developing products and being future-ready.”

read more

Asda accelerates multi-channel offering with Blue Yonder

 

Cloudy Supply Chain Data

There were many Davids at the Manifest convention. Logistics Business’ David met with 3 namesakes, including Blue Yonder’s Senior Director for Global Retail Industry Strategy.

Blue Yonder is a major global player in supply chain operating systems, offering specific products for WMS, TMS, Warehouse Execution, Order Management (boosted by the acquisition of Yantriks), Demand Planning, Inventory Optimisation and more. With a turnover of $1.28bn, 6000 employees and 167 new customers last year, representing 17% growth, it is a Microsoft Azure cloud computing partner and a division of Panasonic. The company has released a digital cognitive platform, ‘Luminate’, a generative AI capability, ‘Orchestrator’, and a new data cloud service with its partner Snowflake.

Dave Hamilton, pictured, has 30 years’ experience as a specialist in retail logistics in the USA, much of it at Best Buy. I asked him about the recent acquisition of Doddle, a company we spotlighted in our February issue (p6-7). “We’re excited to have them in the group. They’re strong in solving the returns issue and growing in North America now.”

“Snowflake will change how organisations connect their supply chain network,” Hamilton explains. “Currently there is the challenge of middleware (software that lies between an operating system and the applications running on it), but Snowflake eliminates that as it’s permissive, for example if using ERP software. Data is gold. The ability to share it via the cloud, end-to-end, is great.”

Inter-operable Solutions

I asked Hamilton about the interaction of Blue Yonder software applications with IT hardware used in warehousing and distribution. “Best-in-class is what we want,” he replies, “but we don’t have to provide every hardware product.” Customer use cases span applications in planning, DCs, commerce and transport management, in the third party logistics sector, retail or any manufacturing industry.

Of course, you cannot discuss all these areas without mentioning AI. “In problem-solving, generative AI enables the customer to go further,” Hamilton states. This can result in reducing costs or increasing inventory. “Orchestrator (which runs on its Luminate platform) is agile and co-ordinates decision-making.” It factors in all relevant data and context within the supply chain application to optimize and augment user prompts.

“Blue Yonder Orchestrator helps companies bring value to their data, which is where many companies struggle,” said Duncan Angove, CEO, Blue Yonder. “It allows business users to quickly access recommendations, predictive insights, and intelligent decisions to ensure they generate the best outcomes to impact their supply chain positively. In today’s supply chain environment, in which many professionals are nearing retirement age and it’s challenging to retain that institutional knowledge, companies can use Orchestrator as a trusty supply chain assistant that can augment intuition – using the value of the data – to make better and faster decisions.”

Supply Chain Transformation

In the transport management environment FedEx is a major customer. “Our carbon footprint isn’t big, we just sell software, but we can help customers reduce theirs and aid the EV transition,” adds Hamilton. These days WMS is normally co-ordinated with TMS. It should be quick to install. WES looks at tasks and resources in order to plan human and robotic labour. Blue Yonder partner with materials handling equipment suppliers like GreyOrange but remain brand agnostic.

British retail customers include ASDA, M&S, and Sainsbury’s – for whom it has provided inventory planning and other solutions as part of a multi-year supply chain transformation. “We tend to work with tier 1 retailers, plus up-and-coming ones and the sector is as much as 60% of our revenue,” Hamilton reveals, “but we’re putting a lot of attention into 3PLs/LSPs and looking to grow there.”
Innovation leads to an improved customer experience. “We’re a true partner to customers,” he adds. “I’ve sat in their shoes so I can really talk to them. That gives us credibility, but ultimately the product needs to work. Seeing the progress is key. Our teams help provide the value analysis. We should take ours cues from customers and keep our promises in terms of developing products and being future-ready.”

read more

Asda accelerates multi-channel offering with Blue Yonder

 

Custom-made Package Roll Containers for Polish Post

Wanzl has won yet another major order from the Polish postal service. Since last year, Poland’s universal postal service provider has been transporting its parcels in 3,500 containers designed, produced and delivered by Wanzl. The new package roll container is based on the roll container’s previous design, which has now been further optimised. Now it’s perfect for automatic sorting machines because it’s easy to load from above. This is made possible by the folding wire lid, which is folded backwards during loading. The central wire shelf also folds out. The fully enclosed design offers increased anti-theft protection for transported goods. The 4-wing wire mesh door can also be secured with a padlock or a lead seal.

The roll container’s locking mechanism ensures safe loading and unloading. When this is actuated, two feet are extended to prevent the container from rolling away. This feature is particularly advantageous on truck beds. For convenient operation and manoeuvring of the package roll container, employees can manually convert two of the four swivel castors, which are otherwise locked by a directional brake for directional stability, back to swivel castors.

All these tailor-made features result in faster repacking times and faster truck loading. As a result, the Polish postal service is able to make much quicker deliveries between its various distribution centres. It is easier for employees to load and transport the container, whether full or empty, in a more ergonomic way.

Package Roll Containers

Compliance with the short delivery time of just a few months was only possible thanks to the excellent and close cooperation between the various Wanzl teams and the project management team at the Polish postal service. In order to keep transport routes as short as possible and thus ensure more sustainable and punctual deliveries, the new package roll containers were designed in Germany and then manufactured at Wanzl’s Czech site.

read this:

28,000 Package Roll Containers

 

 

Custom-made Package Roll Containers for Polish Post

Wanzl has won yet another major order from the Polish postal service. Since last year, Poland’s universal postal service provider has been transporting its parcels in 3,500 containers designed, produced and delivered by Wanzl. The new package roll container is based on the roll container’s previous design, which has now been further optimised. Now it’s perfect for automatic sorting machines because it’s easy to load from above. This is made possible by the folding wire lid, which is folded backwards during loading. The central wire shelf also folds out. The fully enclosed design offers increased anti-theft protection for transported goods. The 4-wing wire mesh door can also be secured with a padlock or a lead seal.

The roll container’s locking mechanism ensures safe loading and unloading. When this is actuated, two feet are extended to prevent the container from rolling away. This feature is particularly advantageous on truck beds. For convenient operation and manoeuvring of the package roll container, employees can manually convert two of the four swivel castors, which are otherwise locked by a directional brake for directional stability, back to swivel castors.

All these tailor-made features result in faster repacking times and faster truck loading. As a result, the Polish postal service is able to make much quicker deliveries between its various distribution centres. It is easier for employees to load and transport the container, whether full or empty, in a more ergonomic way.

Package Roll Containers

Compliance with the short delivery time of just a few months was only possible thanks to the excellent and close cooperation between the various Wanzl teams and the project management team at the Polish postal service. In order to keep transport routes as short as possible and thus ensure more sustainable and punctual deliveries, the new package roll containers were designed in Germany and then manufactured at Wanzl’s Czech site.

read this:

28,000 Package Roll Containers

 

 

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