EffiBOT Robot with Automatic Coupling

In 2020 Chantiers de l’Atlantique called on Effidence for the first time to assist with the transport of sanitary units for liners. The company, which specializes in the ship market, was looking for a high-capacity AMR to move these heavy loads from the production line to the assembly line in complete autonomy.

That’s why a robotic tugger EffiBOT-T was installed at their Saint-Nazaire, France site. This enabled the company to reduce the number of tedious and repetitive journeys made by one operator, and to relocate him to another job with higher added value.

Four years later, a new AMR was integrated into the shipbuilder’s premises. Satisfied with their first robot, Chantiers de l’Atlantique again called on Effidence for its expertise.

The objective: Reduce the distances covered by the operator (10km/day).
The process: The trailers are filled by the operators at the warehouse. Once this task has been completed, an EffiBOT is called in to retrieve the trailer using a tablet customized for the process.

The robot, equipped with an automatic Hook-A+ hitch, will hook and unhook the trailer without any manual intervention.

A positive collaboration based on trust between the two companies

This second project demonstrates Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s trust in Effidence, as well as the scalability of the robotics company’s solutions. The robots are both connected to the EffiFCS fleet manager, for mission management and activity supervision. This FCS is also connected to the call tablets to send mission orders to the robots. The development of this new Hook-A+ equipment has made it possible to meet the needs of Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Effidence provides innovative robotic solutions to optimize intralogistics flows and order picking applications for key players in industry and logistics. Founded in 2009 by Cédric TESSIER, Effidence offers agile and powerful robotic solutions that adapt to the needs of its customers and their growth: collaborative ‘follow-me’ and autonomous robots to work with or near humans; standalone robots or cooperating fleet type ‘swarm-me’. In 2020, Effidence signed a strategic partnership with the Manitou group to distribute EffiBOT robots in Europe and market Manitou warehouse trucks (stackers, tuggers etc.) robotized using Effidence technology.

read more

Effidence Technologies and Manitou sign Strategic Partnership

 

EffiBOT Robot with Automatic Coupling

In 2020 Chantiers de l’Atlantique called on Effidence for the first time to assist with the transport of sanitary units for liners. The company, which specializes in the ship market, was looking for a high-capacity AMR to move these heavy loads from the production line to the assembly line in complete autonomy.

That’s why a robotic tugger EffiBOT-T was installed at their Saint-Nazaire, France site. This enabled the company to reduce the number of tedious and repetitive journeys made by one operator, and to relocate him to another job with higher added value.

Four years later, a new AMR was integrated into the shipbuilder’s premises. Satisfied with their first robot, Chantiers de l’Atlantique again called on Effidence for its expertise.

The objective: Reduce the distances covered by the operator (10km/day).
The process: The trailers are filled by the operators at the warehouse. Once this task has been completed, an EffiBOT is called in to retrieve the trailer using a tablet customized for the process.

The robot, equipped with an automatic Hook-A+ hitch, will hook and unhook the trailer without any manual intervention.

A positive collaboration based on trust between the two companies

This second project demonstrates Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s trust in Effidence, as well as the scalability of the robotics company’s solutions. The robots are both connected to the EffiFCS fleet manager, for mission management and activity supervision. This FCS is also connected to the call tablets to send mission orders to the robots. The development of this new Hook-A+ equipment has made it possible to meet the needs of Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

Effidence provides innovative robotic solutions to optimize intralogistics flows and order picking applications for key players in industry and logistics. Founded in 2009 by Cédric TESSIER, Effidence offers agile and powerful robotic solutions that adapt to the needs of its customers and their growth: collaborative ‘follow-me’ and autonomous robots to work with or near humans; standalone robots or cooperating fleet type ‘swarm-me’. In 2020, Effidence signed a strategic partnership with the Manitou group to distribute EffiBOT robots in Europe and market Manitou warehouse trucks (stackers, tuggers etc.) robotized using Effidence technology.

read more

Effidence Technologies and Manitou sign Strategic Partnership

 

Bridging the gap between Indoor and Outdoor Logistics

Award winning company Capra Robotics have invented a new solution for achieving smooth and uninterrupted logistics flows facility wide, indoor and outdoor.

For decades, manufacturing companies have invested heavily in optimizing their intralogistics to ensure the smooth flow of materials within their facilities. However, a critical bottleneck arises when moving goods out of one production building and into the next. The transition from indoor to outdoor logistics presents a unique set of challenges for AMRs and AGVs such as crossing the gate, shifting weather conditions, and uneven terrain which results in additional and undesired manual handling. Unfortunately, manual processes place companies at increased risk of errors, increased operational costs, and worst: interrupted value chains.

The heavy reliance on labour puts companies at risk due to historically low unemployment rates and increased labour costs. To stay competitive, scale their business, and maintain conformity to existing process standards, companies need new automated and digitized solutions for a wide range of tasks – and in new domains. To this end, CAPRA ROBOTICS® has emerged as a transformative force in logistics and recently won an RBR50 Innovation Award for its logistics solution.

Bottleneck of Logistics

Whereas intralogistics refers to optimizing and managing the logistical flow of data on and physical material within a facility, CAPRA ROBOTICS® proposes a new concept to describe the process of moving goods across entire facilities in uninterrupted logistics flows: Interlogistics. Interlogistics involves the transfer of goods from the well-controlled indoor environment of a facility to the more unpredictable outside environment with various challenges such as weather conditions, heavy traffic, and challenging terrain when moving goods between buildings.

Because the two environments are worlds apart when it comes to classic automation, this transition is often accompanied by manual processes, which introduce various complications. Manually moving material between production buildings with forklifts increases the risks of errors, damage, and increased operational costs. A lack of real-time tracking contributes to extended lead times while additional labour, storage, and the need for error rectification all contribute to higher costs. Now, however, there is an alternative.

To bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor logistics effectively, businesses must take a holistic approach. The goal is to bring the same level of automation, efficiency, and accuracy that characterizes intralogistics into the realm of interlogistics. While a strategic shift in mindset is a necessity, it requires the appropriate technology. CAPRA ROBOTICS® has created an AMR solution that unifies indoor and outdoor logistics operations by being able to move goods between production units in separate buildings. The unique-looking mobile robot, CAPRA CARRIER, utilizes the latest advances in vision- and AI-based mapping as well as satellite-based positioning to enable both indoor and outdoor navigation.

The solution integrates sophisticated indoor and outdoor navigation systems seamlessly. Indoors, it utilizes an AI-powered VSLAM system alongside PLd-rated industrial radars, facilitating rapid mapping and updating for operation in confined environments. Outdoors, a proprietary Kalman Filter processes data from GNSS signals, Odometry, and IMUs, enabling automatic navigation system switching as the environment changes. This dual navigation system ensures uninterrupted logistics flows across entire facilities.

Uninterrupted Logistics Flows

Automated pick-up and drop-off paired with wireless opportunity charging reduce the need for human intervention, allowing clients to utilize their personnel for tasks that truly require human capabilities and add value. Courtesy of the novel VSLAM system and high-precision docking, the robot supports automated loading and unloading of SLCs, racks, pallets, and customer-specific packaging. The solution has a documented uptime of more than 10 hours and features automated charging, contributing to minimal downtime in operations.

Flexible Payloads

The AMR is designed with advanced material handling capabilities, allowing it to handle a wide range of goods and materials with ease. The system is designed with the flexibility to handle standard load carriers as well as customer- and industry-specific packaging. In effect, the solution supports top deck loads of up to 100 kg., in addition to carts and trailers with a payload of up to 500 kg. Due to its modularity and versatility, a single AMR can reduce the need for manual labour and forklift operations leading to significant increases in productivity and substantial reductions in production costs leading to a payback period as low as 12 months. In addition to being a good financial investment, implementing automation will help companies achieve their long-term business targets as they try to accommodate for growing labor shortage issues.

Interoperability

The solution is accompanied by a universal fleet management system, designed for interoperability and combined indoor-outdoor operations. Tasks generated in a central management system (WMS/MES/ERP) are communicated to the robot via the VDA5050-compliant CAPRA FLEET MANAGER interface. The Fleet controls the overall operation and performance of the robots, monitors the progress and status of its subsystems, and communicates with external systems such as gate controls, light controls, and crossing signals.

The robot and its navigation system have an IP65 rating and are designed to operate in varying climate conditions and effortlessly navigate in strong sunlight, precipitation, low light, and uneven terrain. This allows it to move goods safely and efficiently through even the most challenging and dynamic environments. The combined system is extensively tested and safe for use in busy industrial environments, with multiple safety protocols and features built into the design. The robot features state-of-the-art PLd-certified radar sensors, the most dependable safety sensor for combined indoor and outdoor driving. The radars work in any weather and lighting conditions, can measure several objects simultaneously, and have a response time of less than 100ms for optimal safety.

The transition from intralogistics to interlogistics is a pivotal point in the supply chain that can no longer be ignored. Manually handling goods in and out of production buildings compromises cost-effectiveness and hinders uninterrupted logistics flows. Businesses must adopt a holistic approach to bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor logistics. This approach, which focuses on digital data management, real-time tracking, automated workflow, and data integration, paves the way for a new era of efficiency in logistics, facility-wide.

The future of logistics lies in the seamless flow of goods, information, and automation from before they enter the facility to after they leave. As businesses embrace this holistic approach, they will find themselves better equipped to navigate the challenges of production logistics, leaving behind the errors, inefficiencies, and operational costs that have plagued the past.

read more

More Options with new Tugger Trains

 

Bridging the gap between Indoor and Outdoor Logistics

Award winning company Capra Robotics have invented a new solution for achieving smooth and uninterrupted logistics flows facility wide, indoor and outdoor.

For decades, manufacturing companies have invested heavily in optimizing their intralogistics to ensure the smooth flow of materials within their facilities. However, a critical bottleneck arises when moving goods out of one production building and into the next. The transition from indoor to outdoor logistics presents a unique set of challenges for AMRs and AGVs such as crossing the gate, shifting weather conditions, and uneven terrain which results in additional and undesired manual handling. Unfortunately, manual processes place companies at increased risk of errors, increased operational costs, and worst: interrupted value chains.

The heavy reliance on labour puts companies at risk due to historically low unemployment rates and increased labour costs. To stay competitive, scale their business, and maintain conformity to existing process standards, companies need new automated and digitized solutions for a wide range of tasks – and in new domains. To this end, CAPRA ROBOTICS® has emerged as a transformative force in logistics and recently won an RBR50 Innovation Award for its logistics solution.

Bottleneck of Logistics

Whereas intralogistics refers to optimizing and managing the logistical flow of data on and physical material within a facility, CAPRA ROBOTICS® proposes a new concept to describe the process of moving goods across entire facilities in uninterrupted logistics flows: Interlogistics. Interlogistics involves the transfer of goods from the well-controlled indoor environment of a facility to the more unpredictable outside environment with various challenges such as weather conditions, heavy traffic, and challenging terrain when moving goods between buildings.

Because the two environments are worlds apart when it comes to classic automation, this transition is often accompanied by manual processes, which introduce various complications. Manually moving material between production buildings with forklifts increases the risks of errors, damage, and increased operational costs. A lack of real-time tracking contributes to extended lead times while additional labour, storage, and the need for error rectification all contribute to higher costs. Now, however, there is an alternative.

To bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor logistics effectively, businesses must take a holistic approach. The goal is to bring the same level of automation, efficiency, and accuracy that characterizes intralogistics into the realm of interlogistics. While a strategic shift in mindset is a necessity, it requires the appropriate technology. CAPRA ROBOTICS® has created an AMR solution that unifies indoor and outdoor logistics operations by being able to move goods between production units in separate buildings. The unique-looking mobile robot, CAPRA CARRIER, utilizes the latest advances in vision- and AI-based mapping as well as satellite-based positioning to enable both indoor and outdoor navigation.

The solution integrates sophisticated indoor and outdoor navigation systems seamlessly. Indoors, it utilizes an AI-powered VSLAM system alongside PLd-rated industrial radars, facilitating rapid mapping and updating for operation in confined environments. Outdoors, a proprietary Kalman Filter processes data from GNSS signals, Odometry, and IMUs, enabling automatic navigation system switching as the environment changes. This dual navigation system ensures uninterrupted logistics flows across entire facilities.

Uninterrupted Logistics Flows

Automated pick-up and drop-off paired with wireless opportunity charging reduce the need for human intervention, allowing clients to utilize their personnel for tasks that truly require human capabilities and add value. Courtesy of the novel VSLAM system and high-precision docking, the robot supports automated loading and unloading of SLCs, racks, pallets, and customer-specific packaging. The solution has a documented uptime of more than 10 hours and features automated charging, contributing to minimal downtime in operations.

Flexible Payloads

The AMR is designed with advanced material handling capabilities, allowing it to handle a wide range of goods and materials with ease. The system is designed with the flexibility to handle standard load carriers as well as customer- and industry-specific packaging. In effect, the solution supports top deck loads of up to 100 kg., in addition to carts and trailers with a payload of up to 500 kg. Due to its modularity and versatility, a single AMR can reduce the need for manual labour and forklift operations leading to significant increases in productivity and substantial reductions in production costs leading to a payback period as low as 12 months. In addition to being a good financial investment, implementing automation will help companies achieve their long-term business targets as they try to accommodate for growing labor shortage issues.

Interoperability

The solution is accompanied by a universal fleet management system, designed for interoperability and combined indoor-outdoor operations. Tasks generated in a central management system (WMS/MES/ERP) are communicated to the robot via the VDA5050-compliant CAPRA FLEET MANAGER interface. The Fleet controls the overall operation and performance of the robots, monitors the progress and status of its subsystems, and communicates with external systems such as gate controls, light controls, and crossing signals.

The robot and its navigation system have an IP65 rating and are designed to operate in varying climate conditions and effortlessly navigate in strong sunlight, precipitation, low light, and uneven terrain. This allows it to move goods safely and efficiently through even the most challenging and dynamic environments. The combined system is extensively tested and safe for use in busy industrial environments, with multiple safety protocols and features built into the design. The robot features state-of-the-art PLd-certified radar sensors, the most dependable safety sensor for combined indoor and outdoor driving. The radars work in any weather and lighting conditions, can measure several objects simultaneously, and have a response time of less than 100ms for optimal safety.

The transition from intralogistics to interlogistics is a pivotal point in the supply chain that can no longer be ignored. Manually handling goods in and out of production buildings compromises cost-effectiveness and hinders uninterrupted logistics flows. Businesses must adopt a holistic approach to bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor logistics. This approach, which focuses on digital data management, real-time tracking, automated workflow, and data integration, paves the way for a new era of efficiency in logistics, facility-wide.

The future of logistics lies in the seamless flow of goods, information, and automation from before they enter the facility to after they leave. As businesses embrace this holistic approach, they will find themselves better equipped to navigate the challenges of production logistics, leaving behind the errors, inefficiencies, and operational costs that have plagued the past.

read more

More Options with new Tugger Trains

 

Supply Chain Disruption Eased by Control Tower Satellite Visibility

Viasat, Inc. is working with TCTEC Telecom to provide its powerful satellites for the company’s Long Range (LoRa) Peer-to-Peer technology, which allows vehicle tracking, direct communication between trucks, and alert monitoring.

Headquartered in Londrina, Southern Brazil, TCTEC Telecom operates 81 offices in the country and has over 20 years of experience delivering satellite connectivity for clients in the public and private sectors, spanning a range of industries. In transport, its end-to-end IoT solutions give fleet operators to-the-minute visibility of their supply chain, with real-time indicators, vehicle monitoring, and even fuel auditing to help companies operate more efficiently and lower emissions.

The company has now joined ELEVATE, Viasat’s growth program, ecosystem, and marketplace for ambitious IoT providers, connectivity wholesalers, and manufacturers who want to work with Viasat to use its network and footprint at scale.

As a new member, TCTEC Telecom will be able to access Viasat’s highly reliable satellite connectivity and secure, enterprise-grade network infrastructure to strengthen its capacity and work with Viasat’s ecosystem of partners.

James Grisbrook, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, Viasat Enterprise, said: “The global supply chain market is set to experience a compound annual growth rate of more than 10% between 2020 and 2027, all while tackling significant economic and political headwinds. Access to reliable connectivity and smart technology is going to be vital to meet rising demand – particularly in countries with large rural areas like Brazil. With ELEVATE, we’re excited to work with forward-thinking companies like TCTEC to bring more groundbreaking solutions at speed.”

Augusto Machado, IT Director, TCTEC Telecom said: “TCTEC Telecom is excited about the ELEVATE partnership with Viasat and all the new possibilities that this program can offer. For us, this collaboration means more than just a partnership; it is an opportunity to drive our technology forward and deliver innovative connectivity and communication solutions.

“The ELEVATE program proves to be the ideal platform to achieve this goal. We are ready to join this collaborative journey, overcoming connectivity challenges, and providing continuous innovation to our customers.”

read more

Inmarsat launches initiative to harness industrial IoT

 

Labelling Range Upgraded to meet Linerless Demand

Business technology solutions provider Brother UK has upgraded its range of professional desktop label printers to be compatible with linerless labels, helping partners to meet customers’ sustainability, productivity and cost-efficiency goals.

The new TD-4550D and TD-4420D models are compatible with linerless labelling media, which doesn’t use the non-recyclable glassine lining typically used to protect labelling medium, while offering the fastest print speed of its class at up to 8ips.

Linerless compatibility will help users of the TD-4 range, including food industry, warehousing and retail businesses, to boost sustainability by reducing waste to landfill from discarded backing.
Partners can also help businesses to gain new efficiencies with the upgraded TD-4 line’s linerless operability. The number of labels users can print from one roll increases with linerless, as the thickness of the label is effectively halved without backing paper. This enables users to save time replenishing rolls in devices, and to buy replacement rolls less frequently.

The new TD-4 models will help resellers supporting customers in the food industry with sustainable labelling solutions for applications such as nutrition and allergen labelling for food preparation and distribution, in compliance with legislation including Natasha’s Law.

The devices are also suited to help retailers, where labels are frequently removed and replaced such as with price markdowns. Warehousing and logistics operations can also use the TD-4 range to achieve a more sustainable way to manage Auto-ID systems. Linerless labels also improve health and safety by removing potential slip hazards by taking the backing out of the equation.

Other features include compatibility with the LabelSuite™ design software. The TD-4550D has 203dpi resolution, 8ips print speed and prints up to 104mm width, while the TD-4420D has a resolution of 300dpi, prints at 6ips and widths of up to 108mm. Both devices also have label width detection, auto cut feature and are USB, WiFi and Bluetooth compatible.

Ged Cairns, head of specialist printing solutions (SPS) at Brother UK said: “Many businesses across warehousing, retail and food service sectors are re-appraising their approach to labelling and looking at how they can invest in upgrading to linerless-enabled printing fleets. Our upgraded TD-4 range will help partners to tap into this demand, as businesses seek to enhance productivity, make sustainability gains, reduce waste, and improve health and safety.

“The TD-4 range delivers on linerless capability while offering the full suite of features expected by customers, including fast print speeds and convenient connection options. Continuously investing in, and advancing, our specialist labelling print technology demonstrates how we live for the label.”

read more

Linerless Industrial Printer Improves Productivity

 

Dana Delivers 1,000th Transmission for Kalmar Reachstackers

Dana Incorporated today announced that the company has supplied the 1,000th Spicer® HVT2 powersplit transmission for Kalmar® Eco Reachstackers used in port logistics operations worldwide.

Kalmar has configured the transmission in its lineup of high-efficiency reachstackers since 2015. Testing on equipment in real-world port operations has shown that Kalmar Eco Reachstackers equipped with the Spicer HVT2 reduces fuel consumption by up to 40% while improving productivity by up to 10% when compared with equipment using conventional transmissions.

“The energy transition is a journey, but OEMs and equipment buyers are collaborating with Dana to integrate solutions that assist in reducing their carbon intensity today,” said Jeroen Decleer, President, Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems for Dana Incorporated. “Our collaboration with Kalmar demonstrates how the Spicer HVT2 contributed to reduced fuel consumption and the associated greenhouse gas emissions in a plug-and-play solution that fits within current vehicle design envelopes.”

Spicer HVTs play an integral role in supporting Kalmar reachstackers at major ports around the world, including Australia, Belgium, China, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, and the United States.

Driving Superior Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Spicer HVTs significantly reduce fuel consumption by decreasing engine speeds throughout the duty cycle and at idle when speeds can drop to as low as 600 rpm. Application analysis demonstrates the possibility of further savings without compromising performance through engine downsizing.

The Spicer HVT2 handles up to 235 kW (315 HP) of input power for reachstackers, empty container handlers, and other port material-handling applications. Dana also offers the Spicer HVT1, engineered for 80 to 115 kW (110 to 155 HP) of power input for mid-sized applications such as agriculture and construction telehandlers.

Leading the Decarbonization of Port Equipment

As global ports face stricter government regulations mandating lower emissions, Dana’s drive and motion solutions for reachstackers, empty container handlers, terminal tractors, and large automated guided vehicles (AGVs) provide superior performance, durability, safety, and reduced-carbon operation.

Dana supports the development of electrified mobile port equipment with the Spicer Electrified™ eSP502 e-Transmission, a dual-motor, two-speed powershift transmission providing superior performance at maximum efficiency in a compact package.

Its dual-motor concept enables the use of one or two motors depending on the duty cycle, providing superior efficiency, reducing system costs, and helping vehicles reach higher travel speeds. The eSP502 features a transmission integrated with Dana TM4™ motors, inverters, and a driveline controller in a completely electrified system solution.

In addition to the eSP502, Dana also offers highly engineered Spicer Electrified e-Axles and e-Hub drives, offering port equipment OEMs a range of drivetrain options depending on packaging, duty cycle requirements, and user preferences.

read more

Kalmar celebrates delivery of its 1,000th medium-range G-generation forklift truck

 

Dana Delivers 1,000th Transmission for Kalmar Reachstackers

Dana Incorporated today announced that the company has supplied the 1,000th Spicer® HVT2 powersplit transmission for Kalmar® Eco Reachstackers used in port logistics operations worldwide.

Kalmar has configured the transmission in its lineup of high-efficiency reachstackers since 2015. Testing on equipment in real-world port operations has shown that Kalmar Eco Reachstackers equipped with the Spicer HVT2 reduces fuel consumption by up to 40% while improving productivity by up to 10% when compared with equipment using conventional transmissions.

“The energy transition is a journey, but OEMs and equipment buyers are collaborating with Dana to integrate solutions that assist in reducing their carbon intensity today,” said Jeroen Decleer, President, Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems for Dana Incorporated. “Our collaboration with Kalmar demonstrates how the Spicer HVT2 contributed to reduced fuel consumption and the associated greenhouse gas emissions in a plug-and-play solution that fits within current vehicle design envelopes.”

Spicer HVTs play an integral role in supporting Kalmar reachstackers at major ports around the world, including Australia, Belgium, China, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, and the United States.

Driving Superior Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Spicer HVTs significantly reduce fuel consumption by decreasing engine speeds throughout the duty cycle and at idle when speeds can drop to as low as 600 rpm. Application analysis demonstrates the possibility of further savings without compromising performance through engine downsizing.

The Spicer HVT2 handles up to 235 kW (315 HP) of input power for reachstackers, empty container handlers, and other port material-handling applications. Dana also offers the Spicer HVT1, engineered for 80 to 115 kW (110 to 155 HP) of power input for mid-sized applications such as agriculture and construction telehandlers.

Leading the Decarbonization of Port Equipment

As global ports face stricter government regulations mandating lower emissions, Dana’s drive and motion solutions for reachstackers, empty container handlers, terminal tractors, and large automated guided vehicles (AGVs) provide superior performance, durability, safety, and reduced-carbon operation.

Dana supports the development of electrified mobile port equipment with the Spicer Electrified™ eSP502 e-Transmission, a dual-motor, two-speed powershift transmission providing superior performance at maximum efficiency in a compact package.

Its dual-motor concept enables the use of one or two motors depending on the duty cycle, providing superior efficiency, reducing system costs, and helping vehicles reach higher travel speeds. The eSP502 features a transmission integrated with Dana TM4™ motors, inverters, and a driveline controller in a completely electrified system solution.

In addition to the eSP502, Dana also offers highly engineered Spicer Electrified e-Axles and e-Hub drives, offering port equipment OEMs a range of drivetrain options depending on packaging, duty cycle requirements, and user preferences.

read more

Kalmar celebrates delivery of its 1,000th medium-range G-generation forklift truck

 

Staff Retention and Tech Issues for Warehouse Operations

Manhattan Associates Inc. (NASDAQ: MANH) today announced the findings of its 2024 ‘State of Warehouse Operations’ research in association with Vanson Bourne, highlighting the current challenges and key opportunities ahead for the sector. The full report can be read here.

As the global economy continues to recalibrate after a series of macro-economic and geopolitical events shook it to its core, procurement and supply chain professionals continue to face unique challenges. From labour retention and engagement and environmental concerns to technological advancements, raw material shortages, and the challenge presented by elevated consumer expectations across a myriad of channels, the forces shaping supply chain commerce are strong and varied.

Vanson Bourne interviewed 2,000 supply chain professionals in Spring 2024 across Australia, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. Respondents included both senior management and operational staff, and came from the manufacturing and production, logistics, pharmaceuticals, retail, automotive and CPG sectors.

In terms of the overriding challenges, almost all respondents (97%) believe their warehouse operations IT infrastructure requires at least some modernisation. 84% reported facing difficulties with staff retention, while 73% said the volume of goods passing through warehouses had increased over the past 12 months, exacerbating the problems they were already facing.

However, organisations also remained hopeful about the future, with 75% and 72% expecting Generative AI and robotics (respectively) to play a positive role in improving job satisfaction and functions, through reducing manual operations/increasing automation, and by streamlining workflows and reducing paperwork. As organisations look at ways to simplify operations, meet increased demand and enhance staff experiences, continuous supply chain innovation will be required to tackle emerging risks, while taking full advantage of new opportunities simultaneously.

Below are three key takeaways from the report aimed at helping supply chain professionals to plan a path to future successes:

1. Warehouse operations are becoming more challenging for organisations and ensuring staff feel listened to, engaged and valued is important. A sizeable number of respondents cited staff-related challenges including recruiting/training short-term workers (41%) and ensuring productivity (40%) have grown significantly over the last 12 months.
2. 28% of organisations surveyed highlighted that outdated IT hardware and software was the most pressing challenge they are currently facing. That adds up to a significant amount of fiscal and technological drag for almost a one in three of the companies surveyed.
3. 26% of respondents said they are struggling to manage orders from different channels while 23% said that they were finding it difficult to meet heightened customer expectations on turnaround times.

Henri Seroux, Senior Vice President, EMEA at Manhattan Associates commented: “Warehouses are at the heart of a unified supply chain and centre of the fulfilment universe. Tackling the challenges highlighted in the report are key to the long-term competitiveness and success of companies. The findings underline the importance of looking forward and continuing to incorporate new technologies like micro services and Generative AI, future-proofing supply chains and allowing them to become revenue and customer service drivers in their own right.

“Ultimately, a more unified supply chain strategy creates efficiency, and that in turn creates sustainability, both in terms of economics and environment. And that can only be a good thing for P&Ls as well as the planet,” Seroux finished.

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Integrated Tech Will Help Solve Driver and Skills Shortages, Says Survey

 

AR Data Visualization and Error Analysis in your Pocket

SICK UK unveiled its trailblazing SICK Augmented Reality Assistant (SARA) at Smart Factory Expo 2024 in Birmingham. The intuitive augmented reality app provides data visualization and error analysis by merging machine, sensor and diagnostic information with the real environment using technology most people carry in their pocket.

With the unique SARA app, you can take data from any source and map it into the SARA augmented reality (AR) engine for review on a handheld device, such as a mobile phone, without requiring costly wearable devices or fixed HMIs. SARA provides visibility of information that can’t be seen with the naked eye, taking you directly to the site of the problem that needs maintenance.

Created in response to customer demand, SARA provides access to data and faults at the location where they arise to accelerate commissioning, diagnostic, condition monitoring and maintenance activities. The market-leading engine empowers shop floor staff to diagnose faults and monitor the performance of machines to get the best results.

Skills shortages continue to bite

UK manufacturers and OEMs are experiencing significant skills gaps and the problem is showing no signs of abating. According to the WorldSkills UK Manufacturing Excellence report , published last year, more than half (55%) of manufacturers questioned were experiencing shortages in advanced manufacturing skills and 61% in traditional manufacturing skills. Similarly, the Manufacturing Commission warned in October 2023 that labour shortages and skills gaps in the sector are costing between £7.7 billion and £8.3 billion a year in lost economic output.

With increasing use of automation, it is more important than ever to monitor and maintain machinery and prevent costly stoppages. However, the skills and recruitment problems dogging the industry are particularly acute when it comes to qualified operators and maintenance technicians. As companies require more from employees on the ground, SARA offers the ideal opportunity to upskill existing staff and get new hires up to speed fast, empowering them to carry out more tasks such as machine monitoring and basic maintenance. OEMs and equipment providers also report increasing numbers of callouts as end-users struggle to hire the maintenance staff and operators they require.

The potential applications of SARA for OEMs, equipment providers and manufacturers/end-users are limitless and as SICK UK Data Solutions Consultant Charlie Walker explained to visitors at the SICK stand at Smart Factory Expo 2024, “You can let your imagination do the talking.”

SARA was in action on the SICK stand at Smart Factory Expo 2024 as part of demonstrations of SICK products working in harmony to deliver digital manufacturing solutions. These included one demo on the use of various SICK devices (load detection, line guidance, height measurement, safety laser scanners and barcode readers) to enhance the safety and performance of AGVs, and another showcasing the vertical integration of SICK smart encoders and sensors.

With such a vast range of potential applications, SICK has created various licences (including LiDAR and Robotics variants, in addition to the Base licence) that unlock specific features of SARA to allow users to customize solutions for specific use cases. There are plans to develop further specialist licences in the future.

Charlie Walker, SICK UK Data Solutions Consultant, says, “SARA is a unique application, blending data visualization with the real environment and delivering it via the technology you have in your pocket. Using SARA, teams can reduce the risk of outages, increase machine availability and boost productivity by ensuring equipment is performing optimally.

“SICK’s SARA AR app can be used to bring employees up to speed quickly with equipment, to regularly monitor machines and to enhance safety. Codes can be scanned and linked to relevant documentation to provide access to critical information where and when it is needed. The possibilities and opportunities SARA can bring are vast and we are excited to officially launch it to the UK market to see how companies unleash its potential.”

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Industry View: Tips for Accurate Order Picking

 

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