Concurrent Planning – Know what’s going on

Concurrent planning and execution can be achieved with the right supply chain software. David Priestman spoke to Tom Rhoads, Global VP of Sales for Kinaxis.

“Focus on quality in order management,” Rhoads declares. “Higher level customer orders require multi-tier inventory management and multimodal TMS. We provide one solution, highly secure with a single code base.” Logistics departments are very lean these days. They need many ways to communicate, in real time. Kinaxis has about 300 customers, many of them third party logistics (3PL/LSP) operators like DSV, Ceva and Geodis, as well as household names like Unilever, P&G and Ford. “We’re number 1 in planning,” Rhoads states.

“Now that memory is cheap we can do a lot more computing than before, so we can be fast and powerful. The speed of connections is key for customers,” he tells me. Kinaxis’ software platform can manage six modes of freight transport, including barge and parcels. The company’s proprietary concurrent supply chain techniques give users end-to-end orchestration capability across time horizons, business processes and organizational boundaries.

Trust in sharing data

“We help customers optimise orders in real time and maximise supply chains by decomposing an order into multiple shipments, from sourcing inventory, using different modes of transport,” Rhoads explains. “They can then take on their own micro supply chains and manage them holistically. We monitor visibility.” Companies should embrace sharing supply chain data, he advises.

Tom Rhoads, Kinaxis

But, as we all know, logistics is a movable beast and things do not always go to plan. There are black swans. What then? “Once a plan is published it’s outdated,” Rhoads accepts. “How can we adapt is the question. The product is already en route, perhaps on a ship. Our execution system can adapt via rapid response planning. Customers can automatically make a new plan, including changes, re-routing, new locations and then synchronising that.”

Create accuracy

“With labour disputes, cyber-attacks and the escalation of conflicts in global hotspots like Eastern Europe and the Middle East all threatening the movement of goods globally, businesses have never had a greater need for supply chain solutions that enable them to prepare for and respond to unexpected disruptions,” Conrad Mandala, senior vice president of global partner organization at Kinaxis, said. “The investments we are making in our PartnerLink program will strengthen our position to capitalize on this demand and deliver on our global growth objectives by ensuring our partner ecosystem has the tools they need to help customers achieve supply chain resiliency no matter what risks appear on the horizon.”

Supply chains need to reduce waste, eliminate buffers and keep costs down. “Just-in-time is the perfect world,” Rhoads informs me. “Consumers want instant gratification, so we must know where inventory is, in real time, optimise sourcing and fulfilment. It’s not about knowing or predicting with regards to inventory. It’s about scenario planning in advance, with pre-defined highways of alternative routes. 80% of our customers automate everything. It’s glass box, not black box – know what’s going on!”

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Webinar: SCM – Striking a Balance between Speed & Accuracy

 

Compact Charging Solution Utilizes Potential

In many warehouses, room is available but not utilized effectively. Every square meter left idle due to inadequate planning represents financial losses for operators. Fronius Perfect Charging’s Project Business Team solves this problem with individualized charging solutions. In collaboration with customers, the charging specialists, design and implement compliant facilities that maximize the full potential for performance and cost optimization.

“Thanks to our compact charging room, companies can now utilize their warehouse areas more efficiently while optimizing their operational processes,” summarizes Stefan Schöftner, Sales Manager at Fronius Perfect Charging Germany. “Our goal is to offer solutions that meet the intralogistical challenges and enable efficient, cost-saving operations for our customers.”

Optimizing space usage

Fronius Perfect Charging’s compact charging room ensures optimal space utilization even in limited intralogistics settings. Based on a flexible modular principle, the system components can be combined and expanded as needed. The benefits are clear: Space savings allow companies to not only use their warehouse areas more efficiently but also reduce operating costs. Additionally, handling efforts are minimized: The right equipment saves time while ensuring user safety and operational efficiency.

“Our solutions offer not only high flexibility and adaptability but can also be tailored to the needs of our customers,” emphasizes Stefan Schöftner. As demand increases and companies grow, their warehouses often need to be enlarged or modified. “Our modular charging solution can be easily dismantled and rebuilt or expanded elsewhere by the user. This offers a huge advantage: If the forklift fleet changes and the charging area needs to be enlarged, the charging station simply grows with it,” adds Schöftner.

Compliant and expandable

Each custom solution is implemented according to applicable standards meeting the highest safety standards for all parties involved. Additionally, Fronius offers training to prevent application errors in advance.

If an operator decides to connect and centrally control its charging infrastructure, this can be done at any time with Charge&Connect – Fronius’ digitalization option. Furthermore, users can easily connect their charging solutions to their own PV system. “This allows for greater independence from the power grid and the use of self-generated solar power for fleet charging. If it turns out that the required space in the warehouse is still too limited, we can also offer charging outdoor solutions,” explains Schöftner.

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Fronius battery charging systems impress with the highest product quality

 

Compact Charging Solution Utilizes Potential

In many warehouses, room is available but not utilized effectively. Every square meter left idle due to inadequate planning represents financial losses for operators. Fronius Perfect Charging’s Project Business Team solves this problem with individualized charging solutions. In collaboration with customers, the charging specialists, design and implement compliant facilities that maximize the full potential for performance and cost optimization.

“Thanks to our compact charging room, companies can now utilize their warehouse areas more efficiently while optimizing their operational processes,” summarizes Stefan Schöftner, Sales Manager at Fronius Perfect Charging Germany. “Our goal is to offer solutions that meet the intralogistical challenges and enable efficient, cost-saving operations for our customers.”

Optimizing space usage

Fronius Perfect Charging’s compact charging room ensures optimal space utilization even in limited intralogistics settings. Based on a flexible modular principle, the system components can be combined and expanded as needed. The benefits are clear: Space savings allow companies to not only use their warehouse areas more efficiently but also reduce operating costs. Additionally, handling efforts are minimized: The right equipment saves time while ensuring user safety and operational efficiency.

“Our solutions offer not only high flexibility and adaptability but can also be tailored to the needs of our customers,” emphasizes Stefan Schöftner. As demand increases and companies grow, their warehouses often need to be enlarged or modified. “Our modular charging solution can be easily dismantled and rebuilt or expanded elsewhere by the user. This offers a huge advantage: If the forklift fleet changes and the charging area needs to be enlarged, the charging station simply grows with it,” adds Schöftner.

Compliant and expandable

Each custom solution is implemented according to applicable standards meeting the highest safety standards for all parties involved. Additionally, Fronius offers training to prevent application errors in advance.

If an operator decides to connect and centrally control its charging infrastructure, this can be done at any time with Charge&Connect – Fronius’ digitalization option. Furthermore, users can easily connect their charging solutions to their own PV system. “This allows for greater independence from the power grid and the use of self-generated solar power for fleet charging. If it turns out that the required space in the warehouse is still too limited, we can also offer charging outdoor solutions,” explains Schöftner.

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Fronius battery charging systems impress with the highest product quality

 

Decarbonize your Supply Chain with Easy Tool

Girteka has recently launched a pioneering tool in the logistics industry known as the Battery Electric Vehicle Insight (BEVI). This tool is uniquely designed to allow businesses to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for their logistics needs without the need of purchasing additional software.

The BEVI stands as the first tool of its kind, providing the opportunity for companies to gain personalized insights into how battery electric trucks can transform their operations. By simply entering the details about their typical routes and vehicle specifications, users will receive a comprehensive report that includes total route distance, estimated energy consumption, and required charging times.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using the BEVI

To access the tool, analyse its potential, and receive insights on electrifying your supply chain, follow these simple steps:
1. Visit our dedicated BEV landing page at www.girteka.eu/electric-trucks
2. Scroll down and enter your planned route information into the BEVI, including the start and end points.
3. Select the type of trailer you would utilize on that route (tilt, reefer).
4. Specify the type of terrain that characterizes your route (mountainous, flat, or a combination of the two).
5. Specify the total weight of the cargo to be transported.
6. Add any required or potential waypoints along your route.
7. Enter the expected duration of loading and unloading procedures.

Tailored Solution One Click Away

Upon completion of these steps, the BEVI will process the inputs and generate a comprehensive report detailing total route distance, estimated energy consumption, required charging times, and locations. This personalized report provides a clear snapshot of what switching to BEVs for your transport needs would look like, making your supply chain more sustainable and efficient.

“With such insights, each company, whether it operates in domestic or cross-border markets, can easily check their options if they were to utilize battery electric trucks on their routes. With support from our dedicated sustainability team, we can work on individual solutions, where we adapt drafted ideas into tangible, optimized, and environmentally sustainable solutions,” describes Remigijus Stugys, Marketing Manager at Girteka.

The transition to electric vehicles represents a significant step forward in the decarbonization of road transport. However, this shift also presents challenges such as infrastructure development, initial investment costs, and operational adjustments. Tools like the BEVI help companies navigate these complexities by demonstrating feasible scenarios and use cases of adopting BEVs, accompanied by solutions tailored to the client’s specific needs and requirements.

Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Logistics

The development and launch of the BEVI underscores a collaborative approach involving customers, manufacturers, and transport companies. “Only through shared efforts and a unified vision can we effectively decarbonize the logistics sector in a way that benefits both our planet and our economies,” states Viktorija Terekė, Head of Sustainability at Girteka.

This tool offers a straightforward, easily accessible way to understand the steps toward the implementation of electric vehicles in daily logistics operations. It is designed to provide businesses with practical data, helping them make informed decisions as part of a broader effort to reduce transport emissions. Together, companies and carriers can take meaningful steps towards decarbonization, recognizing that progress requires collaboration and a series of small, but impactful actions rather than a single solution.

read more

Alliance to Decarbonize Road Freight Transport

 

Decarbonize your Supply Chain with Easy Tool

Girteka has recently launched a pioneering tool in the logistics industry known as the Battery Electric Vehicle Insight (BEVI). This tool is uniquely designed to allow businesses to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for their logistics needs without the need of purchasing additional software.

The BEVI stands as the first tool of its kind, providing the opportunity for companies to gain personalized insights into how battery electric trucks can transform their operations. By simply entering the details about their typical routes and vehicle specifications, users will receive a comprehensive report that includes total route distance, estimated energy consumption, and required charging times.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using the BEVI

To access the tool, analyse its potential, and receive insights on electrifying your supply chain, follow these simple steps:
1. Visit our dedicated BEV landing page at www.girteka.eu/electric-trucks
2. Scroll down and enter your planned route information into the BEVI, including the start and end points.
3. Select the type of trailer you would utilize on that route (tilt, reefer).
4. Specify the type of terrain that characterizes your route (mountainous, flat, or a combination of the two).
5. Specify the total weight of the cargo to be transported.
6. Add any required or potential waypoints along your route.
7. Enter the expected duration of loading and unloading procedures.

Tailored Solution One Click Away

Upon completion of these steps, the BEVI will process the inputs and generate a comprehensive report detailing total route distance, estimated energy consumption, required charging times, and locations. This personalized report provides a clear snapshot of what switching to BEVs for your transport needs would look like, making your supply chain more sustainable and efficient.

“With such insights, each company, whether it operates in domestic or cross-border markets, can easily check their options if they were to utilize battery electric trucks on their routes. With support from our dedicated sustainability team, we can work on individual solutions, where we adapt drafted ideas into tangible, optimized, and environmentally sustainable solutions,” describes Remigijus Stugys, Marketing Manager at Girteka.

The transition to electric vehicles represents a significant step forward in the decarbonization of road transport. However, this shift also presents challenges such as infrastructure development, initial investment costs, and operational adjustments. Tools like the BEVI help companies navigate these complexities by demonstrating feasible scenarios and use cases of adopting BEVs, accompanied by solutions tailored to the client’s specific needs and requirements.

Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Logistics

The development and launch of the BEVI underscores a collaborative approach involving customers, manufacturers, and transport companies. “Only through shared efforts and a unified vision can we effectively decarbonize the logistics sector in a way that benefits both our planet and our economies,” states Viktorija Terekė, Head of Sustainability at Girteka.

This tool offers a straightforward, easily accessible way to understand the steps toward the implementation of electric vehicles in daily logistics operations. It is designed to provide businesses with practical data, helping them make informed decisions as part of a broader effort to reduce transport emissions. Together, companies and carriers can take meaningful steps towards decarbonization, recognizing that progress requires collaboration and a series of small, but impactful actions rather than a single solution.

read more

Alliance to Decarbonize Road Freight Transport

 

Transforming Transport Operations with Mapping Intelligence

Route optimisation has become ever more important in recent years. The rise in ecommerce has created new routing pressures, especially in the last mile; while rising fuel costs, the push towards net zero, load theft have placed the spotlight on using preferred refuelling locations and the need for safe, comfortable parking, especially overnight.

Layering these demands over the traditional goals of controlling costs and meeting tight deadlines has highlighted the limitations of generic mapping and routing solutions. From large HGVs stuck in tiny rural lanes to the damage – and cost – incurred when a HGV hits a low bridge or the risk of compliance breach associated with taking a hazardous load through a tunnel without permission, many transportation companies have learnt the painful lesson of relying on a phone’s satnav.

Consumer mapping technologies may be ubiquitous but they lack the depth of insight required to manage the complexity associated with the commercial movement of goods. As Kate Legnola, Sr. Product Manager, Map Data at Trimble explains, dedicated commercial route mapping technology has been developed to address the very specific demands of transportation fleets, from height and weight restrictions and hazardous materials transport designations to improving driver well-being and safety.

Meeting Operational Goals

Reliance on online maps has become standard for most drivers but effective commercial route optimisation requires far more depth and breadth of insight than the basic, ubiquitous directions that cannot differentiate between a driver in a heavy goods vehicle or a two-seater sports car. Commercial mapping intelligence has evolved beyond simple visualisation on a map to offer a wide range of insights on business and driver behaviour that can significantly enhance fleet management. Complex routing algorithms are used to determine the most efficient routes for delivery or service vehicles by considering factors such as traffic patterns, road permissions, congestion and clean air zones, low bridges, narrow lanes and fuel consumption. Data, including not only construction of new infrastructure, but also any changes in existing restrictions is continually updated following routine bridge and tunnel inspections undertaken by highways authorities to give planners confidence in the safety and legality of the designated route.

Making Transportation Sustainable

Transportation companies can leverage this depth of information to plan based on different priorities, comparing routes based on sustainability, cost and time objectives. The ability to offer clients different routing models provides a competitive advantage by enabling a transport business to demonstrate how it is supporting a client’s sustainability reputation, for example. It is also assisting fleets in future-proofing their operations so they can better serve and meet their sustainability goals. Among them are a better ability to adhere to environmental rules and guidelines, a better understanding of vehicle carbon footprint, a reduction in operating costs with the efficient allocation of vehicles based on electric vehicles thus achieving long-term, sustainable cost reduction.

Boosting Fleet Efficiency

Complex algorithms are used to determine the most efficient routes for delivery or service vehicles by considering factors such as traffic patterns, road permissions, congestion and clean air zones and low bridges.. Route intelligence software can also track dwell time, a perennial problem for all transportation companies. Using precise polygonal geofencing to improve the accuracy of arrival and departure notifications, the overall journey time, including both travel and stop time, is more precise. It is also enabling companies to better understand the overall efficiency and performance of the fleet, information that can help to reduce empty miles, cutting costs and reducing emissions whilst adding revenue.

Keeping Drivers Safe

Indeed, by investing in smart mapping technology, elements such as planning processes will automatically consider drivers’ hours of service (HOS) and can include specific locations for resting and parking to avoid the risk of drivers being compelled to park up on the roadside which is both uncomfortable and unsafe. Further, using intelligent route mapping, transportation companies can optimise loyalty programs and discounts around specific brands of fuel to optimise routes, understand freight spend, and plan routes more efficiently. The routes can be designed around the use of rest stops preferred by drivers wherever possible to ensure they have access to good quality food and showers.

Driver safety can be further enhanced with vehicle specific information throughout the journey especially regarding the trickier problems that can arise during the last mile. Commercial mapping intelligence solutions pinpoint the actual final locations, such as the delivery entrance to the shopping centre rather than the consumer entrance used by the generic mapping solutions. In addition, transportation companies can opt to customise the mapping, overlaying a preferred approach path for specific locations to ensure every driver, however new to the business, has the optimal, safe route to each location, whether that is a store, warehouse or distribution centre.

For transportation companies wrestling daily with the need to mitigate disruption, reduce costs and meet escalating customer demands, intelligent route mapping and routing is becoming a strategic imperative. Companies can no longer afford to rely on traditional manual route planning processes or allow drivers to rely on their own generic mapping systems. The risks of delays, damage and missed opportunities are simply too high.

Intelligent route mapping provides businesses with a chance to improve day to day planning and ensure routes are optimised for each vehicle, taking into account the essential features of weight, size and hazardous materials. It gives the chance to focus on both driver performance and well-being, enabling companies to prioritise access to safe overnight parking and rest stops. Finally, it also delivers vital insight into the intricate interplay of suppliers, processes, and partners that allows transportation companies to optimise operations, intelligently consider innovations in areas such as EVs, and confidently navigate today’s complex marketplace.

read more

3D City Models for Geospatial Transportation Data

 

Sparck Celebrates 100 years of Innovation

This year on June 20th Sparck Technologies, the automated ‘right-size’ boxing specialist, celebrates a century of world-class engineering and innovation. The business has come a long way in a hundred years, from its origins developing the mechanised production of wooden shoes, to a global leader in the design and fabrication of advanced, fit-to-size automated packaging systems for ecommerce applications.

Sparck Technologies’ power to innovate has been a constant throughout its surprising history. Established in The Netherlands as HaDeWe in 1924, the small engineering business displayed its ingenuity early on by moving from repairing windmills to developing and building machines that would revolutionise the production of wooden clogs. And by the 1950’s it had reinvented itself again, boosting the productivity of office workers around the world with its cutting-edge mailroom solutions capable of folding and filling thousands of envelopes per hour.

Its success in developing novel concepts – rethinking mailroom products for desk-top use – went global, setting the pace for future innovation. As part of Quadient for over 30 years, the business continued to tap into its creative DNA, and deep engineering know-how, to push the limits of what’s possible in mailroom and despatch operations, culminating in 2013 with the multiple award-winning development of ‘right-size’ auto-boxing technology. Ecommerce fulfilment would never be the same again.

Using advanced 3D scanning technology to optimally size, create and label each box in one seamless process, Sparck’s CVP Impack can produce 500 boxes per hour, typically replacing up to 20 packing desks, and enabling businesses to grow and flex at peak, even when labour resources are tight. Package volumes are reduced by up to 50%, cutting cardboard usage by 30% and eliminating the need for void fill.

The machine heralded a revolution in ecommerce packaging, with a torrent of international sales that has seen Sparck’s CVP systems supplied, installed and supported in over 15 countries across the globe.

Technological advances have continued apace and in 2019 the CVP-Everest was launched to world-wide acclaim. The machine offered businesses throughput rates of up to 1,100 boxes per hour, with dual input stations and up to three cardboard stock feeds.

Now as an independent company for the last three years, Sparck Technologies continues to innovate, leading the field with advances that deliver huge competitive advantage, including: a high-speed print-on-box facility, the capability to produce ultra-low profile boxes of just 28mm – enabling businesses to benefit from boxes that are letter rate compliant in the USA and most European countries – and most recently auto-induction, which removes the need for an operator, allowing a seamless transit of orders from picking station to packing and despatch.

One hundred years on Sparck Technologies continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in automated postal-related packaging. To date over 220 million ‘right-size’ boxes have been produced on Sparck’s revolutionary fit-to-size packaging machines worldwide.

Today, Sparck Technologies is based in Drachten, a site it has occupied since 1947. From here the business serves a fast-growing international market for highly automated, sustainable packaging solutions suited to the ecommerce sector – packaging automation that can, almost instantaneously, tailor make individual compact, right-size boxes for over 1,100 ecommerce orders an hour. No wastage of materials, no shipped air and only minimal dependency on labour.

What will the next 100 years bring?

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Sparck produces 100-millionth fit-to-size box

 

Körber in Gartner Magic Quadrant for WMS

Körber, a global provider of warehouse management system (WMS) solutions, announced today that it has been positioned as a Leader for its Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems report again this year.

Körber was also recently acknowledged in the 2023 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). The ‘Voice of the Customer’ report, which aggregates user reviews into actionable insights, highlighted Körber with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 41 reviews, with 95% of reviewers willing to recommend Körber as of 31st August 2023. Placed in the upper-right corner of the “Voice of the Customer” grid, Körber was recognized as a Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice.

Körber provides a suite of end-to-end solutions spanning warehouse management, warehouse control, order management, robotics, voice and simulation to empower global businesses to further digitize and automate warehouses to meet today’s extensive supply chain pressures.

“More than 70% of companies state that their supply chain complexity has grown over the past year and more than 80% recognize the supply chain is mission critical,” said Sean Elliott, CTO Software, Körber Business Area Supply Chain. “We view our placement as a Leader in the Gartner® Magic QuadrantTM for Warehouse Management Systems as another milestone in our journey to enable companies to build and future-proof agile, efficient and resilient supply chains.”

As companies scramble to address rising consumer expectations, effective supply chain technology is of vital importance. Körber’s WMS solutions make it possible to meet and exceed their outcomes across all levels of complexity and scale, by catering to the unique needs of small businesses, global enterprises and third-party logistics providers, all driving to meet end consumer expectations. Körber’s comprehensive suite of supply chain solutions combine to ensure businesses have the technology at their fingertips to revolutionize the end-to-end supply chain–from source to doorstep delivery.

Examples include:
• Fabfitfun: US-based subscription business that deployed Körber’s WMS solution to manage enormous order volumes during multiple peak seasons each year.
• Les Grands Chais de France (LGCF): French wine exporting company relies on Körber’s WMS, Warehouse Control System (WCS), Voice and Gamification solutions to accelerate performance at 14 sites.
• Officeworks: Australian store chain offering office supplies, furniture and technology harnessed Körber’s WMS and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) to modernize their supply chain operations.
• REWE International: Austrian food and drugstore retailer deployed Körber’s WMS at 40 locations across Austria and Eastern Europe, bringing maximum flexibility to meet the grocery retail industry’s multi-layered demands.
• Titan Brands: American online retail company joined Körber to optimize the end customer experience through an integrated interplay of Körber’s WMS and Order Management System (OMS).

Supply chains are growing more complex by the day. Körber uniquely provides a broad range of proven end-to-end solutions tailored to help manage the supply chain as a competitive advantage. Fitting any business size, strategy or industry, our customers conquer the complexity of the supply chain thanks to our portfolio of software, voice, and robotics solutions – plus the expertise to tie it all together. Conquer supply chain complexity, with Körber.

read more

Gartner Magic Quadrant Highlight for Intelligent Transport Provider

 

Körber in Gartner Magic Quadrant for WMS

Körber, a global provider of warehouse management system (WMS) solutions, announced today that it has been positioned as a Leader for its Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems report again this year.

Körber was also recently acknowledged in the 2023 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). The ‘Voice of the Customer’ report, which aggregates user reviews into actionable insights, highlighted Körber with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 41 reviews, with 95% of reviewers willing to recommend Körber as of 31st August 2023. Placed in the upper-right corner of the “Voice of the Customer” grid, Körber was recognized as a Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice.

Körber provides a suite of end-to-end solutions spanning warehouse management, warehouse control, order management, robotics, voice and simulation to empower global businesses to further digitize and automate warehouses to meet today’s extensive supply chain pressures.

“More than 70% of companies state that their supply chain complexity has grown over the past year and more than 80% recognize the supply chain is mission critical,” said Sean Elliott, CTO Software, Körber Business Area Supply Chain. “We view our placement as a Leader in the Gartner® Magic QuadrantTM for Warehouse Management Systems as another milestone in our journey to enable companies to build and future-proof agile, efficient and resilient supply chains.”

As companies scramble to address rising consumer expectations, effective supply chain technology is of vital importance. Körber’s WMS solutions make it possible to meet and exceed their outcomes across all levels of complexity and scale, by catering to the unique needs of small businesses, global enterprises and third-party logistics providers, all driving to meet end consumer expectations. Körber’s comprehensive suite of supply chain solutions combine to ensure businesses have the technology at their fingertips to revolutionize the end-to-end supply chain–from source to doorstep delivery.

Examples include:
• Fabfitfun: US-based subscription business that deployed Körber’s WMS solution to manage enormous order volumes during multiple peak seasons each year.
• Les Grands Chais de France (LGCF): French wine exporting company relies on Körber’s WMS, Warehouse Control System (WCS), Voice and Gamification solutions to accelerate performance at 14 sites.
• Officeworks: Australian store chain offering office supplies, furniture and technology harnessed Körber’s WMS and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) to modernize their supply chain operations.
• REWE International: Austrian food and drugstore retailer deployed Körber’s WMS at 40 locations across Austria and Eastern Europe, bringing maximum flexibility to meet the grocery retail industry’s multi-layered demands.
• Titan Brands: American online retail company joined Körber to optimize the end customer experience through an integrated interplay of Körber’s WMS and Order Management System (OMS).

Supply chains are growing more complex by the day. Körber uniquely provides a broad range of proven end-to-end solutions tailored to help manage the supply chain as a competitive advantage. Fitting any business size, strategy or industry, our customers conquer the complexity of the supply chain thanks to our portfolio of software, voice, and robotics solutions – plus the expertise to tie it all together. Conquer supply chain complexity, with Körber.

read more

Gartner Magic Quadrant Highlight for Intelligent Transport Provider

 

Robot Picking just like the real thing

Autonomous, robotic picking of pieces in warehouse order fulfilment relies on sophisticated ‘hand-eye’ coordination. David Schwebel, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Business Development for RightHand Robotics, spoke to David Priestman about the technology at Manifest, Las Vegas.

Massachusetts has always been a hotbed for science and tech. Some of our world’s most beautiful minds come to fruition at MIT and Harvard. So, for industrial robotic picking does this reputation precede itself accurately?

RightHand Robotics, based just outside Boston and founded in 2015, manufacture the most important part of the robotic picking arm – the ‘hand’. This product is called ‘RightPick’. The latest version of this is the RightPick 4 system, which can handle items up to 25% larger and 50% heavier, significantly reducing the need for human intervention. It can be used with various makes of robotic arm and the company collaborate with them on product development.

“We own pick and place and go beyond the limitations of known operations,” David Schwebel (pictured below) tells me. “The product has a broad scope for reach, range and reliability. We want to improve the delivery radius without over-automating, augment brownfield distribution centres and extend their value and longevity. Customers should optimise their DC space before moving.“

Robotic picking is not about replacing people, he argues. “It’s about enabling humans to not be robots. We take the back-breaking lift work. This frees-up staff to add a personal touch to customer order engagement, for example by writing a gift note for the package.”

Pick, place, decant

80% of the company’s sales are channel ones to system integrators such as Vanderlande and Element Logic, with whom is has partner programmes. Historically, RightHand Robotics (RHR) has achieved a mix of sales, with 40% coming from North America and the rest of the world and 60% coming from the EU.

RHR also provides to Movu Robotics the ‘Hand’ (Gripper), the ‘Eye’ (Vision), the ‘Arm’ (UP10e) and the ‘Brain’ (AI / ML software) that is embedded in the eligo presentation station and empowered by the escala shuttle system. What is the snoot, I asked Schwebel. “The Snoot is an extendable mechanism in the middle of our hand (gripper) that allows RHR to engage our myriad of suction cups to the item to be picked; it then retracts the picked item into the grasp of our hand, allowing the item to be safely and quickly moved to its next destination.”

David Schwebel

Pick, place, decant is how the RightPick operates. “That’s meaningless unless the warehouse’s ASRS and conveyors are synched with the picking,” Schwebel explains. “It’s low maintenance. If there is a problem, which is rare, you can cut the power, make a key turn and quickly replace a part. RHR understands that uptime is critical for the end customer (Practitioner), and we have developed our maintenance and repair operations for simple fixes and turn key replacements. For example, if you needed to change out the gripper, it takes less than 25 seconds – disengage the power and air, turn a key, and the entire hand can be changed out for the spare on site.”

Smallest footprint

The RightPick system can provide businesses with vital productivity as part of a lean material handling process. “It has the smallest footprint,” Schwebel points out. “RHR is arm agnostic, and when we use a collaborative arm, the entire footprint needed for a robotic piece picking system is the smallest in the industry.” The system learns as it picks, building a database of knowledge that allows customers to benefit from fleet learning. Each new robot benefits from 100% of the previous experience creating better AI with better analytics, metrics and training data.

read more

Staples Deploy AI-Powered Picking Robots

 

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