Implementation of Racking at Swedish Sports Warehouse

Rudells Lagerinredningar, official distributor of AR Racking in Sweden, is proud to announce the successful completion of a key racking installation project for the new MM Sports warehouse in Gothenburg. This project has been efficiently and professionally carried out, meeting the very highest quality and safety standards.

The warehouse, covering 7000 m², has been fully equipped with pallet racking, with a capacity for 7560 pallets. The installation was completed in 4 weeks, with a team of 4 people, led by Erik Rudell from Rudells Lagerinredningar. This implementation was crucial for MM Sports, one of the largest suppliers of dietary supplements in the Nordic region.

MM Sports, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, has stood out in the market since its beginnings in 2002, offering a wide range of products from sportswear through to high quality supplements. Its commitment to quality, service and fast delivery has been key to its success.

The project at the new warehouse of MM Sports presented specific challenges which were addressed with adapted solutions. The racking, with 10.5 metre-high structures, was designed to support loads of up to 650 kg on the first level and 400 kg on the remaining levels. Back stops were installed for pallets on all levels, as well as protections for the uprights and frames, ensuring the safety and integrity of the stored goods.

Implementation of Racking

“The close collaboration between AR Racking, our distributor Rudells Lagerinredningar and the end customer, MM Sports, was key to the successful completion of this project. We are committed to offering storage solutions that meet our customers’ specific needs and that guarantee maximum efficiency in their logistics operations”, said Alberto de la Puente, project leader from AR Racking.

AR Racking is part of Grupo Arania, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

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Development of Modern Warehouse in Sweden

 

Implementation of Racking at Swedish Sports Warehouse

Rudells Lagerinredningar, official distributor of AR Racking in Sweden, is proud to announce the successful completion of a key racking installation project for the new MM Sports warehouse in Gothenburg. This project has been efficiently and professionally carried out, meeting the very highest quality and safety standards.

The warehouse, covering 7000 m², has been fully equipped with pallet racking, with a capacity for 7560 pallets. The installation was completed in 4 weeks, with a team of 4 people, led by Erik Rudell from Rudells Lagerinredningar. This implementation was crucial for MM Sports, one of the largest suppliers of dietary supplements in the Nordic region.

MM Sports, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, has stood out in the market since its beginnings in 2002, offering a wide range of products from sportswear through to high quality supplements. Its commitment to quality, service and fast delivery has been key to its success.

The project at the new warehouse of MM Sports presented specific challenges which were addressed with adapted solutions. The racking, with 10.5 metre-high structures, was designed to support loads of up to 650 kg on the first level and 400 kg on the remaining levels. Back stops were installed for pallets on all levels, as well as protections for the uprights and frames, ensuring the safety and integrity of the stored goods.

Implementation of Racking

“The close collaboration between AR Racking, our distributor Rudells Lagerinredningar and the end customer, MM Sports, was key to the successful completion of this project. We are committed to offering storage solutions that meet our customers’ specific needs and that guarantee maximum efficiency in their logistics operations”, said Alberto de la Puente, project leader from AR Racking.

AR Racking is part of Grupo Arania, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

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Development of Modern Warehouse in Sweden

 

IFOY Award 2024 Winners Announced

Jungheinrich, RAVAS EUROPE, SAFELOG with Mercedes, SSI Schäfer and STILL have been announced as winners of the IFOY Award 2024.

The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Award recognises the best intralogistics products and solutions of the year. With the spin-off award IFOY Start-up of the Year, the Award organisation honours innovative technologies and new developments by founders. The test methodology is regarded as a seal of quality for innovations and newly developed products and solutions. The decision is based on the three-stage audit, consisting of the IFOY test protocol comprising around 80 criteria, the scientific IFOY Innovation Check and the jury test. The decisive factor is that the nominees are not compared with each other, but with their competitors on the market. The IFOY Award is chosen annually by an independent jury of international trade journalists, including Peter MacLeod of Logistics Business, the UK’s only representative on the jury.

Brightpick, Brightpick Autopicker – Start-up of the Year

The IFOY Spin-off Award “Start-up of the Year” goes to Brightpick for the autonomous, mobile picking robot Brightpick Autopicker. The international jury selected the AI-based 2-in-1 robot as the best new development in this market segment.

The Autopicker from Brightpick, a start-up founded in Bratislava in 2021, is the world’s first autonomous mobile picking robot. Brightpick worked closely with its sister company Photoneo on its development. Same founders, similar technology: 3D vision, robotics, AI and software for a functioning warehouse execution system. Autopicker installations with a total of 70 devices can now be found in the USA (headquarters), Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

What’s new about this type of picking: the Autopicker pulls the source tote from the standard rack, which does not require rollers or rails. As the robot moves on to the next storage location, it picks the target tote like a human picker, while taking the picked tote to the next storage location. There must therefore always be an empty space available in which the bin can be placed. The autopicker works with a trolley that picks and consolidates orders independently – without any human intervention.

In technical terms, Autopicker uses a patented design with two bins for this process to pull storage bins (storage tote) from the shelf, pick the items using a robotic gripper arm and place them in an order tote. The big difference to other fulfilment robots is that the autopicker does not have to go to central picking stations. Another advantage is its versatility, as it can be used not only for picking in the rack aisle, but also for other tasks such as pallet picking, warehouse replenishment, dynamic storage, order consolidation, temporary storage and shipping. And if human dexterity is required for picking, for example, the autopicker can also be used for normal goods-to-person picking.

The robots can also reliably pick a wide range of products, including chilled and non-chilled food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, packaged goods, cosmetics, electronics and textiles in plastic packaging. The entire autopicker fleet and the fulfilment process in the warehouse are orchestrated and optimised by the Brightpick intuition software.

IFOY Verdict

The fact that picking takes place while a robot is moving from one location to another without the robot having to return to a “base station” is new and revolutionary. Although an exact measurement during the live assessment at Test Days was not possible, a higher throughput rate and thus a considerable time saving could be confirmed. This leads to a reduction in the number of robots required, which has a positive effect on the return on investment and noticeably reduces picking costs. According to Brightpick, the savings in labour costs are significantly higher than with traditional goods-to-person stations, with higher throughput, easier installation and lower costs. The company claims that picking costs have been halved.

Click here for the original test report, IFOY Innovation Check and pictures

Jungheinrich, EJC 112i – Warehouse Truck Highlifter of the Year

The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Warehouse Truck Highlifter” category goes to the EJC 112i from Jungheinrich. The international jury voted the compact highlifter the best new product in this category.
With its compact design and outstanding performance, the EJC 112i sets a new standard in the entry-level segment and clearly stands out from the competition. Especially in small warehouses with narrow aisles, the high residual capacity enables optimum space utilisation. Together with the small turning radius and user-friendly operation, it is clear why the EJC 112i makes day-to-day work easier for every operator.

The EJC 112i is more than just a further development of its predecessor, but offers an even more compact and manoeuvrable solution thanks to the integrated lithium-ion battery. When designing the truck, Jungheinrich paid particular attention to the high energy density of lithium-ion technology, which stores the same amount of energy in significantly smaller modules. This not only saves space, but also opens up new possibilities in terms of truck size. The result is immediately apparent: the EJC 112i has a smaller L2 size, offers a good view of the fork and has a low overall height. The impressively small turning circle makes manoeuvring effortless, even in tight spaces.

To compensate for the shorter length and lower weight of the lithium-ion battery, the truck has been completely redesigned. The mast profiles have been widened in the side view and the steering arms have been reinforced. The entire chassis is balanced to ensure optimum force equalisation. The result is immediately noticeable when the load is lifted. At the maximum 1,200 kg, the EJC 112i does not move and effortlessly lifts up to 2,900 mm. Up to 3,800 mm, the truck picks up 830 kg and at the maximum lift height of 4,700 mm, 650 kg still remains, all with a load distance of 600 mm.

The increased residual capacity of the EJC 112i optimises space utilisation and minimises floor space requirements, as heavier loads can be stored in higher racks. The IFOY test confirms that the EJC 112i offers the best performance in its class, with exceptionally high lifting and lowering speeds and efficient performance. Thanks to the more powerful pump motor and a better balance between pump power and lift cylinder, the new truck lifts significantly faster than its predecessor and well above the average in this class.

The driving and acceleration speeds have remained almost the same. In the most powerful setting, P3, the EJC 112i achieves a comfortable, even speed of 6.05 km/h with and without a load. The battery capacity and the power of the charger can be adapted to the individual operating conditions and specific energy requirements. The built-in charger can also be easily charged at any socket.

IFOY Verdict

The EJC 112i performed impressively in the IFOY audit, proving its position as the new benchmark in the entry-level pedestrian stacker segment. At the heart of the design in the range is the integrated lithium-ion battery, resulting in an even more compact and manoeuvrable truck with unparalleled residual capacity and outstanding performance. The truck offers noticeably good stability and operates comfortably and predictably.

Click here for the original test report, IFOY Innovation Check and pictures

SAFELOG, mobile transport robots in the Mercedes Factory 46 – Integrated Customer Solution of the Year

The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Integrated Customer Solution” category goes to SAFELOG for its use in the Mercedes Factory 46. The jury selected the future vision of the Mercedes-Benz production system, which was developed and implemented in close cooperation between SAFELOG and the car manufacturer, as the best customer solution of the year.

During the conversion and modernisation of an assembly hall to produce the E- and GLC-Class series at the Sindelfingen site, the focus was on the networking and transparency of all intralogistics supply processes as well as the necessary data acquisition and evaluation. To this end, new technical solutions were jointly developed, and standards implemented. Pick-by-light systems and around 350 AGVs from SAFELOG are used for subsystems such as picking baskets of goods and transporting them to the assembly lines to be supplied. This involved a total distance of 15 km. SAFELOG also supplies the car manufacturer with its entire system in Europe and the USA, which adds up to a total of 3500 AGVs. The family-owned company SAFELOG, with around 260 employees, is not only known for its mobile robotics expertise, but also for its philosophy of “German equipment at a Chinese price”.

The solution nominated for an IFOY Award is the final stage of years of collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and SAFELOG. The main asset is that the AGVs communicate with each other as a swarm. At Factory 46, where the new E-Class is produced, Mercedes-Benz is responsible for the software, while SAFELOG is responsible for the hardware and project implementation. At Mercedes-Benz, Factory 46 stands for the consistent further development of digitalisation and transformation in the automotive industry. Downtimes and cycle times are critical factors in the automotive industry. When a vehicle has to be delivered every 90 seconds, perfection and standards are required. In addition, the AGVs have to drive in such a way that everyone working in the plant interacts harmoniously with the AGVs and there are no panic or uncertainty reactions. To achieve this, the entire hall is networked via statistical pattern recognition using artificial intelligence (AI). The data generated here can be used to predict disruptions in the near future – we are talking about minutes here.

As a digital twin, the real-time monitoring system developed by Mercedes-Benz monitors the location and status of the AGVs to the second. It collects data and displays the information graphically, making the store floor digital and transparent. In the event of faults, an alarm is sent to a maintenance terminal. The IoT data from the AGV LIVE driverless transport system is made available as data products for cross-domain data analyses. In this way, they make a supply chain contribution to the data-driven company.

IFOY Verdict

The use of SAFELOG AGVs at Mercedes-Benz may not be highly innovative, but it offers considerable customer benefits in a highly complex environment. This starts with the low price and the simple and robust implementation and extends to the software ecosystem developed together with Mercedes and an availability of 99.7 to 99.9%. In practice, this means 40 hours less downtime. The cost of one hour of downtime in the automotive industry is estimated at between one and 1.5 million euros. The fact that Mercedes develops and maintains the software and the master control system itself enables the OEM to act independently of licenses and to be as flexible as possible in the event of errors, desired changes and adjustments.

Click here for the original test report, IFOY Innovation Check and pictures

RAVAS EUROPE, iCP Carriage Plate Scale with Weighing in Motion Technology – IFOY Special of the Year

The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Special of the Year” category goes to RAVAS EUROPE for its intelligent fork carriage scale, iCP for short, with Weighing-in-Motion technology. The international jury selected the fork carriage weighing system for calibrated weighing during transportation as the best new development in this segment.

While forklift truck drivers previously had to stop the truck for a few seconds to determine the weight of the load on the forks, the iCP fork carriage scale with Weighing-in-Motion technology from RAVAS enables calibrated weighing during transportation. Without stops, without interrupting work and therefore at lower costs. In addition, drivers can continue to use all attachments, such as rotators and clamps, as usual.

RAVAS has used an existing weighing system as the basis for the new fork carriage weighing system. The intelligence lies in a smart box and intelligent algorithms, which were newly developed by the manufacturer. These algorithms consider the driving speed, the inclination of the mast and any unevenness in the floor. The measurement starts automatically when the pallet is lifted. The weight of the pallet is determined during transportation. The technology combines high-quality, certified sensors with fast electronics and customised software that connects the sensors.

An additional advantage for the driver is that a weighing display – as is still present on the IFOY demo stacker – is no longer required and therefore the view of the working environment is not unnecessarily obstructed. To determine the weight accurately, the truck should preferably drive at a constant speed and on a level floor. A special feature of the Weighing-in-Motion technology is that reliable measurements are generated even on uneven floors, as the software eliminates interfering effects.

There are other reliable systems on the market that dynamically determine the weight of a load, but the RAVAS system is the only system certified by the OIML. This means that Legal for Trade customers can bill based on weight. The OIML is the international organisation for legal metrology and only requires occasional zeroing of the system.

Weighing on the move reduces labour costs and ensures that loads remain within the specified weight limits. This also prevents damage to equipment or goods. If required, the data is forwarded to an ERP or WMS system in real time. The data provides an up-to-date insight into stock levels and can be used, for example, to optimise warehouse management or other systems.

IFOY Verdict

The importance of accurate data in logistics is high and continues to increase. The RAVAS iCP Weighing-in-Motion technology makes work more pleasant for the forklift driver and provides reliable measurements. The need to stop is eliminated. This leads to considerable time and cost savings. Safety is also increased as unnecessary movements and manual handling are avoided. Comparable solutions on the market cannot offer calibration.

Click here for the original test report, IFOY Innovation Check and pictures

SSI SCHÄFER, SSI Piece Picking – Stationary Robot of the Year

The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Stationary Robot” category goes to the fully automated SSI Piece Picking module from SSI SCHAEFER. The international jury selected the piece picking system as the best new development in this segment.

Centrifugal forces due to the rotational movements of an articulated arm robot are a thing of the past with the piece picking system developed by SSI SCHAEFER. Instead, a miniature gantry robot moves the gripper of the piece-picking cell to any position on the source and target containers. With the articulated arm robot, the gripper had a limited operating range and it was no longer possible to gently deposit sensitive goods. The main aim of the new development was to avoid container changeover times. While manual pickers can handle up to 350 picks per hour, the automated solution can handle around 1,200 picks per hour – around four times as many. In three-shift operation, an amortisation period of less than one year is therefore not really surprising.

The focus of the development was not only on the robot itself, but also on the holistic view of the technology, including feeding, removal and safety technology. The robot takes care of everything: fewer interfaces, less communication and no need for an operator. SSI SCHAEFER has also found solutions for typical sources of error, such as problems with gripping or incorrect depositing of products, which are then ejected. A double pick is also detected and put back “on the fly”. In addition, a patented pick point identification system is integrated to ensure that a gripper does not cover a barcode.

As the robot has three target containers available, sequencing is also somewhat more flexible. There is always one position to pick from and at least one position to place in. The source containers can have up to four subdivisions, which means that four products can be offered in one source container.

For the gripping process itself, there is a 2D and a 3D camera whose two images are superimposed. The suction cup itself can also bend or grip sideways in two stages. The weighing tolerance of the system is five grams per 35 kilograms. The parts are moved at a speed of two meters per second.

The SSI piece picking cell is manufactured in Kamen and delivered to the customer in a compact 20-foot container. A first system has already been delivered to the Irish pharmaceutical distributor Uniphar, and an identical cell will follow. Eight piece-picking robots based on articulated arm technology are already in use in Canada. The project is being driven forward by the three SSI SCHAEFER locations in Giebelstadt, Graz and Kamen. SSI SCHAEFER is also offering the robot cell to other general contractors.

IFOY Verdict

The piece-picking ensemble, which made a solid and high-quality impression in the IFOY audit, is suitable for a wide range of applications: cubic, cylindrical, tube-shaped or blister packs. In container format, the system is very compact, can be put into operation at the customer’s premises within a day and pays for itself within one to two years. The gantry robot with suction cups offers maximum flexibility and can handle delicate goods carefully by placing them as close as possible to the base of the container or to goods already in the target container.

Click here for the original test report, IFOY Innovation Check and pictures

STILL, EXV iGo – Mobile Robot of the Year

In the Mobile Robot category, the IFOY 2024 jury awarded the EXV iGo from STILL. The series-based automated pallet truck is the perfect door opener to the world of automated warehouse processes.
First of all, it should be made clear that the EXV iGo automated pallet truck from STILL for production supply and the pre-storage zone, which is manufactured in Chatellerault, France, is a series-production truck and not a project truck. Production follows the standard series processes of the Hamburg-based premium intralogistics company, and the truck already complies with the EN ISO 3691-4 safety standard for industrial trucks. In addition, STILL’s standard service technicians are 100% qualified for this truck following an iGo training course – without the need for robotics experts.

The plan is to build around 1000 EXV iGo units per year. The delivery time is around 15 weeks, the project realisation time from three months upwards. To ensure scalability, great importance was attached to intuitive operation and a user-friendly interface. For simple commissioning, the iGo easy tool was developed to create projects and display logistical flows. Instead of the large iGo Systems control system, iGo Easy now provides the customer with a limited interface whose scope can be easily clicked together and subsequently modified. Expert knowledge is no longer required to quickly install projects with limited complexity. STILL has integrated a simple interface into a complex system, allowing larger projects to pick up where smaller ones leave off.

In addition to commissioning, another focus is service, including maintenance and repair. The Hamburg-based company has gone to great lengths to make the truck service-ready. All trucks have a digital twin on the servers of Kion, STILL’s parent company, and the service technician can find every spare part in his truck the next day.

Technical details: The EXV iGo has a high residual load capacity of up to 1600 kg, can lift goods up to 3.8 m and reaches speeds of up to 7.2 km/h. Despite its design as a stand-alone device for repetitive transport tasks as well as storage and retrieval, the EXV iGo should also impress with process reliability and precision in mixed operation. The machine’s multi-level safety system protects man, machine and load with safety scanners, sensors, visual and acoustic warning devices and emergency stop switches to stop the vehicle immediately if necessary. Dual operation is also easily possible. The vehicle is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be automatically recharged via contacts. The EXV iGo had to undergo the so-called break-and-bumper test, in which obstacles are placed in its path. It drove straight ahead and negotiated bends flawlessly.

IFOY Verdict

The fast commissioning in combination with a new, intuitive, web-based user interface makes the series-based mobile robot a smart door opener to the world of automated warehouse processes. Automation is quick and easy, and users also benefit from the fact that the EXV iGo can be configured, maintained and repaired via the STILL service network. The EXV iGo offers a successful and smart introduction to automated intralogistics processes, particularly for SMEs.

Click here for the original test report, IFOY Innovation Check and pictures

The IFOY Award, which is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, is supported by the Materials Handling and Intralogistics Association and the Robotics + Automation Association within the VDMA. IFOY partners are Messe Dortmund and the world’s leading forklift attachment manufacturer Cascade. The pallet partner of the IFOY Award is CHEP, world market leader in the pooling of pallets and containers. The logistics partner is LTG. The event partner is the HERMES.Wirtschafts.Forum.

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IFOY FINALIST FOCUS: Extension of Hase Safety Gloves’ automated warehouse by STILL

 

Turnkey Solution Maximises Space at new Warehouse

Launched in 1989 as an export freight forwarder, impressive and consistent organic growth combined with several strategic acquisitions has seen Hemisphere Freight Services Ltd evolve in to one of the UK’s largest, independently owned supply chain solutions specialists.

To keep pace with demand for the extensive range of logistics services it provides, Hemisphere recently announced the addition to its property portfolio of a 243,000 sq ft new-build warehouse facility within the Port One Logistics Park development, which is located just outside Ipswich.

And, following a competitive tender process, Toyota Material Handling was awarded the contract to oversee the design and build of the new unit’s racking and storage scheme from start to finish. In addition, Toyota has supplied the fleet of forklift trucks that operates within the new unit and will provide ongoing truck service and maintenance support to ensure that the machines always deliver optimum performance.

“The fact that Toyota could provide a turnkey solution that included supplying a full range of materials handling equipment, designing and constructing our racking system and project managing the installation through the build cycle was very attractive,” explains Hemisphere Freight Services Ltd Director, Craig Perrin. “The term ‘one-stop-shop’ is something of a cliché, but Toyota really did take care of everything. Working with a single-source supplier has several distinct advantages. For example, having one point of contact allowed us to reduce the amount of management time we had to dedicate to the project considerably.

“But, perhaps more importantly, dealing with a ‘turnkey’ partner for the handling equipment and the racking instead of two independent companies, means there is no possibility of an ‘issue’ arising because of a disagreement or misunderstanding between the racking and forklift providers during the fit-out phase of the installation or, indeed, at some point in the future,” Perrin adds.

After consulting with the company’s operations management to get a full understanding of the client’s needs, Toyota decided that a very narrow aisle (VNA) racking configuration – which achieves maximum storage space by simply narrowing the facility’s aisle widths – was clearly the best option for Hemisphere Freight. Toyota was able to design a VNA racking cube that provided a staggering 1800 more pallet locations than any of the other schemes put forward during the tender process by cutting out ‘dead space’ and carefully considering the ideal location within the racking scheme for lift trucks to move between aisles.

“Essentially, Hemisphere Freight wanted a storage system that maximises the new site’s pallet capacity and delivers the flexibility required to cope with the different weight, size and shape of the products that its clients need to store,” says Chris Tarrant, Toyota Material Handling UK’s Storage Solutions Specialist.

The new racking scheme not only meets the company’s present requirements, but it has been designed to be compatible with any significant changes in the nature of the goods stored at the facility without the need to make potentially costly and time-consuming remedial work. Each individual bay on every level within the storage scheme is 3.6 metres wide. This allows an infinitely variable combination of standard-size or Euro-size pallets to be put away within each bay and means costly ‘dead space’ is eliminated throughout the store.

“The design and installation of pallet racking is a significant part of Toyota’s business, but unlike companies whose sole focus is on racking and shelving systems we are not motivated by the need to sell the biggest quantity of metal or make money from the future supply of spare rack parts or racking repairs,” explains Tarrant. “Our single incentive is to deliver the optimum solution for the client. This means getting the ideal number of aisles and the most appropriate aisle widths for the type of products stored and the materials handling equipment deployed and ensuring transfer aisles are sited in the best place,” he adds.

The VNA racking is served by a fleet of Toyota Vector VCE150A articulated man-up combi trucks. Part of Toyota’s extensive range of very narrow aisle warehouse machines, the Vector VCE150A model’s clear open fronted design makes it an ideal machine for pallet handling in high-density warehouses and distribution centres, such as Hemisphere Freight’s new facility.

The forklift’s unique articulated steering system provides excellent manoeuvrability both outside the aisles and, importantly, during the aisle transfer process. In fact, the VCE150A’s ability to pick up and turn pallets in areas where space is highly restricted means it is the only VNA model on the market capable of transferring pallets between the aisles at Hemisphere Freight and therefore the only VNA forklift that enables the extra pallet space delivered by Toyota’s clever racking scheme to be utilised to maximum effect.

Fleet management

The VNA truck fleet is connected to Toyota’s I_Site fleet management tool. I-Site uses Telematics technology to enable each truck to become a communications device capable of transmitting valuable data regarding a forklift’s performance to Hemisphere Freight Services’ management team. For example, any underutilised vehicles or unused capacity will be flagged up so trucks can be swapped around to improve their usage rate and ensure maximum efficiency.

The solution also includes the Toyota Navigation System. This links to Hemisphere Freight’s WMS and provides semi-automated positioning for trucks, maximizing speed to location within the operation and reducing errors in the location of pallets. Hemisphere Freight Services takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously. The company is committed to reducing carbon in the supply chain and, with all the electricity needed to operate the site generated by PV solar panel roofing, the new warehouse will be one of the first carbon neutral logistics facilities in East Anglia.

This meant that energy efficiency was a significant influence on the choice of lift trucks for the new store. Powered by lithium-ion batteries Toyota’s VCE150A delivers class-leading energy performance. The trucks can operate at high intensity for up to five hours on a single hour’s recharge and the power supply can be topped up by simply plugging in to any of the compatible chargers.

This more efficient charging regime means there is no requirement for battery change and removes the need for a dedicated battery charging room. The key benefits that come with this are the freeing up of additional storage space and the environmental benefits of zero emissions and reduced CO2 emissions especially combined with solar energy.

Perrin sums up: “Opening this additional warehouse will enable us to store more products, fulfil orders more efficiently and generally take the headache of logistics away from our clients by providing first-class infrastructure and logistics services that are backed up by a brilliant team of logistics experts. We are determined to play an active part in the growth of the warehousing sector and help drive industry standards up for the benefit of existing and future customers.”

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Industry View: Getting Full Value from Very Narrow Aisle Layouts

 

Turnkey Solution Maximises Space at new Warehouse

Launched in 1989 as an export freight forwarder, impressive and consistent organic growth combined with several strategic acquisitions has seen Hemisphere Freight Services Ltd evolve in to one of the UK’s largest, independently owned supply chain solutions specialists.

To keep pace with demand for the extensive range of logistics services it provides, Hemisphere recently announced the addition to its property portfolio of a 243,000 sq ft new-build warehouse facility within the Port One Logistics Park development, which is located just outside Ipswich.

And, following a competitive tender process, Toyota Material Handling was awarded the contract to oversee the design and build of the new unit’s racking and storage scheme from start to finish. In addition, Toyota has supplied the fleet of forklift trucks that operates within the new unit and will provide ongoing truck service and maintenance support to ensure that the machines always deliver optimum performance.

“The fact that Toyota could provide a turnkey solution that included supplying a full range of materials handling equipment, designing and constructing our racking system and project managing the installation through the build cycle was very attractive,” explains Hemisphere Freight Services Ltd Director, Craig Perrin. “The term ‘one-stop-shop’ is something of a cliché, but Toyota really did take care of everything. Working with a single-source supplier has several distinct advantages. For example, having one point of contact allowed us to reduce the amount of management time we had to dedicate to the project considerably.

“But, perhaps more importantly, dealing with a ‘turnkey’ partner for the handling equipment and the racking instead of two independent companies, means there is no possibility of an ‘issue’ arising because of a disagreement or misunderstanding between the racking and forklift providers during the fit-out phase of the installation or, indeed, at some point in the future,” Perrin adds.

After consulting with the company’s operations management to get a full understanding of the client’s needs, Toyota decided that a very narrow aisle (VNA) racking configuration – which achieves maximum storage space by simply narrowing the facility’s aisle widths – was clearly the best option for Hemisphere Freight. Toyota was able to design a VNA racking cube that provided a staggering 1800 more pallet locations than any of the other schemes put forward during the tender process by cutting out ‘dead space’ and carefully considering the ideal location within the racking scheme for lift trucks to move between aisles.

“Essentially, Hemisphere Freight wanted a storage system that maximises the new site’s pallet capacity and delivers the flexibility required to cope with the different weight, size and shape of the products that its clients need to store,” says Chris Tarrant, Toyota Material Handling UK’s Storage Solutions Specialist.

The new racking scheme not only meets the company’s present requirements, but it has been designed to be compatible with any significant changes in the nature of the goods stored at the facility without the need to make potentially costly and time-consuming remedial work. Each individual bay on every level within the storage scheme is 3.6 metres wide. This allows an infinitely variable combination of standard-size or Euro-size pallets to be put away within each bay and means costly ‘dead space’ is eliminated throughout the store.

“The design and installation of pallet racking is a significant part of Toyota’s business, but unlike companies whose sole focus is on racking and shelving systems we are not motivated by the need to sell the biggest quantity of metal or make money from the future supply of spare rack parts or racking repairs,” explains Tarrant. “Our single incentive is to deliver the optimum solution for the client. This means getting the ideal number of aisles and the most appropriate aisle widths for the type of products stored and the materials handling equipment deployed and ensuring transfer aisles are sited in the best place,” he adds.

The VNA racking is served by a fleet of Toyota Vector VCE150A articulated man-up combi trucks. Part of Toyota’s extensive range of very narrow aisle warehouse machines, the Vector VCE150A model’s clear open fronted design makes it an ideal machine for pallet handling in high-density warehouses and distribution centres, such as Hemisphere Freight’s new facility.

The forklift’s unique articulated steering system provides excellent manoeuvrability both outside the aisles and, importantly, during the aisle transfer process. In fact, the VCE150A’s ability to pick up and turn pallets in areas where space is highly restricted means it is the only VNA model on the market capable of transferring pallets between the aisles at Hemisphere Freight and therefore the only VNA forklift that enables the extra pallet space delivered by Toyota’s clever racking scheme to be utilised to maximum effect.

Fleet management

The VNA truck fleet is connected to Toyota’s I_Site fleet management tool. I-Site uses Telematics technology to enable each truck to become a communications device capable of transmitting valuable data regarding a forklift’s performance to Hemisphere Freight Services’ management team. For example, any underutilised vehicles or unused capacity will be flagged up so trucks can be swapped around to improve their usage rate and ensure maximum efficiency.

The solution also includes the Toyota Navigation System. This links to Hemisphere Freight’s WMS and provides semi-automated positioning for trucks, maximizing speed to location within the operation and reducing errors in the location of pallets. Hemisphere Freight Services takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously. The company is committed to reducing carbon in the supply chain and, with all the electricity needed to operate the site generated by PV solar panel roofing, the new warehouse will be one of the first carbon neutral logistics facilities in East Anglia.

This meant that energy efficiency was a significant influence on the choice of lift trucks for the new store. Powered by lithium-ion batteries Toyota’s VCE150A delivers class-leading energy performance. The trucks can operate at high intensity for up to five hours on a single hour’s recharge and the power supply can be topped up by simply plugging in to any of the compatible chargers.

This more efficient charging regime means there is no requirement for battery change and removes the need for a dedicated battery charging room. The key benefits that come with this are the freeing up of additional storage space and the environmental benefits of zero emissions and reduced CO2 emissions especially combined with solar energy.

Perrin sums up: “Opening this additional warehouse will enable us to store more products, fulfil orders more efficiently and generally take the headache of logistics away from our clients by providing first-class infrastructure and logistics services that are backed up by a brilliant team of logistics experts. We are determined to play an active part in the growth of the warehousing sector and help drive industry standards up for the benefit of existing and future customers.”

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Industry View: Getting Full Value from Very Narrow Aisle Layouts

 

Körber Supply Chain Appoints New CEO of Software 

Edward Auriemma will join Körber on 08 July 2024 as the new Chief Executive Officer of Körber’s supply chain software business, a joint venture with KKR. As the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Körber’s supply chain software business, Edward brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving strategic growth and operational excellence within the technology and supply chain sectors.

Before joining Körber, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of Blue Yonder, a leading provider of supply chain software solutions with over 6,000 employees, where he was instrumental in steering the company’s strategic direction, transforming its go-to-market, and scaling its operations globally. His leadership was pivotal in enhancing Blue Yonder’s global presence and significantly boosting its market standing and financial performance.

Previously, Auriemma (pictured) held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Alight Solutions, where he developed a robust operational and commercial framework that propelled the company through a successful public listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ALIT) and strengthened its market position as a leading provider of integrated digital human capital and business solutions.

Stephan Seifert, Chief Executive Officer of the Körber Group and member of the Advisory Board for the JV comments: “We are delighted to welcome Edward Auriemma to Körber and look forward to working with him to further accelerate the growth and innovation of our supply chain software business. With his deep understanding of the market and customer needs, he will push forward to support our ambition to build a global supply chain software champion, benefiting our customers and our global team.”

“I am honoured to lead the supply chain software business of Körber and build on its formidable legacy of innovation,” says Auriemma. “The business is uniquely positioned to help customers leverage its flexible technology to make their supply chain operations more efficient, and I am excited to drive that mission forward.”

Körber 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, its customers conquer the complexity of supply chains thanks to a portfolio of software, voice, and robotics solutions – plus the expertise to tie it all together.

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Körber in Gartner Magic Quadrant for WMS

 

Hörmann Transdek launch range of Scissor Lifts

A new range of scissor lifts has been launched by Hörmann Transdek which are ideal for loading bay areas, especially in the retail sector where space can be restricted. The new range provides a fast, efficient, and safe way to load and unload trailers with bed heights up to 1590 mm. Suitable for serving vehicles at traditional docks or level access bays, Hörmann Transdek scissor lifts can also be used for moving goods between split levels in factories and warehouses.

Serving both internal and external locations, the unique low profile design scissor lifts are primarily designed to be surface mounted which means there is no need for expensive pits or civils works on site. This reduces costs and unnecessary disruption for the customer and allows for rapid installation, which can be achieved in under one day. The range is available in two sizes: 6 or 9-cage variants offering lifting capacities of up to 3000 Kg, covered pod options can also be provided for external applications.

The lifts are fitted with a gas sprung heavy duty bridge plate which ensures safe and precise bridging between the platform and the trailer, whilst a hydraulic, fixed lead-on ramp with a low gradient provides easy, safe access at ground level. The lifts are operated via a simple set of hand-held controls, from either ground level or within the platform to offer greater flexibility for any application.

CE marked and built in conformity with EN1570 and the Machinery Directive, Hörmann Transdek scissor lifts are built for a lifetime of robust and safe operation. Designed with operator safety as a priority, a range of safety features have been incorporated, including a curtain to prevent access under the platform when it is in a raised position, electronic safety edges fitted around the lift table, a sliding personnel gate and fall protection gates with robust locking mechanisms.

James MacDonald, Business Development Manager for Hörmann Transdek comments, “Our new range of UK manufactured scissor lifts simply remove the headaches logistic professionals face when it comes to lifting and moving goods around their network. They provide a rugged, safe and reliable operation whether loading/unloading vehicles or lifting goods between split levels. Their rapid installation together with their optimal flexibility offer logistics and warehousing operators a truly cost-effective solution for their material and goods handling needs.

“Whilst we expect that the majority of scissor lifts that will be supplied into the market will be surface-mounted, with our unique design we can easily install these into existing pits to accommodate every application. At Transdek we provide the engineering skills and project management expertise to facilitate any site-specific needs and deliver tailored solutions as required, our doors are always open, and we actively encourage clients to visit our UK factory to further see how we can help them.”

To demonstrate the fast and effective operation of the Hörmann Transdek scissor lift the company has produced a short video which is available to view here.

read more

New Scissor Lift Table Adds Value and Peace of Mind

 

Hörmann Transdek launch range of Scissor Lifts

A new range of scissor lifts has been launched by Hörmann Transdek which are ideal for loading bay areas, especially in the retail sector where space can be restricted. The new range provides a fast, efficient, and safe way to load and unload trailers with bed heights up to 1590 mm. Suitable for serving vehicles at traditional docks or level access bays, Hörmann Transdek scissor lifts can also be used for moving goods between split levels in factories and warehouses.

Serving both internal and external locations, the unique low profile design scissor lifts are primarily designed to be surface mounted which means there is no need for expensive pits or civils works on site. This reduces costs and unnecessary disruption for the customer and allows for rapid installation, which can be achieved in under one day. The range is available in two sizes: 6 or 9-cage variants offering lifting capacities of up to 3000 Kg, covered pod options can also be provided for external applications.

The lifts are fitted with a gas sprung heavy duty bridge plate which ensures safe and precise bridging between the platform and the trailer, whilst a hydraulic, fixed lead-on ramp with a low gradient provides easy, safe access at ground level. The lifts are operated via a simple set of hand-held controls, from either ground level or within the platform to offer greater flexibility for any application.

CE marked and built in conformity with EN1570 and the Machinery Directive, Hörmann Transdek scissor lifts are built for a lifetime of robust and safe operation. Designed with operator safety as a priority, a range of safety features have been incorporated, including a curtain to prevent access under the platform when it is in a raised position, electronic safety edges fitted around the lift table, a sliding personnel gate and fall protection gates with robust locking mechanisms.

James MacDonald, Business Development Manager for Hörmann Transdek comments, “Our new range of UK manufactured scissor lifts simply remove the headaches logistic professionals face when it comes to lifting and moving goods around their network. They provide a rugged, safe and reliable operation whether loading/unloading vehicles or lifting goods between split levels. Their rapid installation together with their optimal flexibility offer logistics and warehousing operators a truly cost-effective solution for their material and goods handling needs.

“Whilst we expect that the majority of scissor lifts that will be supplied into the market will be surface-mounted, with our unique design we can easily install these into existing pits to accommodate every application. At Transdek we provide the engineering skills and project management expertise to facilitate any site-specific needs and deliver tailored solutions as required, our doors are always open, and we actively encourage clients to visit our UK factory to further see how we can help them.”

To demonstrate the fast and effective operation of the Hörmann Transdek scissor lift the company has produced a short video which is available to view here.

read more

New Scissor Lift Table Adds Value and Peace of Mind

 

Podcast: Warehouse Automation – Can you afford not to?

Warehouse Automation – Can you afford not to? is the latest episode of our Podcast service, ‘Logistics Business Conversations’. It is now available to listen to on Spotify, Acast, Amazon Audible and other podcast distribution platforms – just search for ‘Logistics Business Conversations’.

Peter MacLeod speaks to Malcolm Porter and Daniel Wood, Automation Sales Managers at Linde Materials Handling. They discuss thoughts on the future of manual forklifts versus the importance of automation, providing you with an understanding of when each should be used. As usual we touch on the impact of labour shortages and the common misconceptions Dan and Malcolm face.

Warehouse automation – can you afford not to?

Hear answers to key questions from these experts, including: how disruption is minimised when introducing automation; what the minimum return on investment is to justify automating; what are the challenges and misconceptions being overcome; what can and cannot be done; what is the total cost of ownership; what are the viable options; what repetitive and mundane tasks can be replaced by automation; what lithium and fast-charge technology is available; how can you plan and simulate before deciding; where to find a good demo site; is automation relatively inflexible.

Listen to any of our Podcast episodes here.

Malcolm Porter, Linde Materials Handling
Dan Wood, Linde

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Logistics Business Conversations, are monthly, topical and exclusive talks with key informative spokespeople from the supply chain industry. Contact us if you would like to appear as a guest or to discuss a bespoke episode for your company.

Read more:

Podcast: Fleet Insurance: Strategies to Control Costs

 

 

 

Yusen Logistics Improves Visibility and Efficiency with DexoryView

Yusen Logistics, a global supply chain solution company, provides businesses with ocean and air freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution services and supply chain management that provide reliability, excellence and value. The company is constantly looking for ways in which it can improve its services to its end customers, including leading electronics manufacturers. Yusen Logistics has implemented a global visibility platform, DexoryView from Dexory, the global leader in AI-powered robotics and visibility solutions.

As a result of the deployment, Yusen Logistics is now able to conduct wall-to-wall scans of its entire warehouse within two hours each day. This process used to take over one and a half weeks each month and over 100 hours of manual labour. Previously, Yusen Logistics carried out two annual wall-to-wall checks of the entire warehouse, but through generating real-time data each day, the company has also been able to remove this task completely, saving an additional 205 hours of work annually.

The implementation of the Dexory technology will play a pivotal role in Yusen Logistics’ efforts in streamlining warehouse operations whilst ensuring seamless order fulfilment processes. Just one of the benefits means it can now analyse the entire warehouse and see how errors impact the overall workflow in the warehouse.

“Yusen Logistics are investing in digitisation and automation to provide our customers with real time visibility of their inventory. The use of robotics and automation helps to optimise our warehouse space, which reduces costs, improves performance and stock accuracy, and removes down time for manual stock takes,” said Darren Felstead, Head of Contract Logistics.

The collaboration between Yusen Logistics and Dexory represents a strategic alignment of expertise and innovation, with both companies at the forefront of transforming the industry. As Yusen Logistics looks ahead, it remains committed to leveraging the latest technologies and forging partnerships that further drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

“Third party logistics providers need to be able to execute on customer strategies and provide innovation and efficiency to drive both theirs and their customers’ businesses forwards,” says Oana Jinga, Chief Commercial and Product Officer and Co-Founder at Dexory. “Together, Dexory and Yusen Logistics are paving the way for a new era of supply chain management, powered by real-time data and our global visibility platform, that further enhance the value provision to their end customers.”

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Autonomous Robots, Data Intelligence

 

 

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