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Month: October 2024

Vanderlande Acquires Siemens Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Vanderlande, a supplier of logistic process automation for the warehousing, airports and parcel sectors, has signed an agreement to acquire Siemens Logistics – a provider of value-added baggage and cargo handling as well as transformational digital solutions for the airport operation of the future – from the company’s current owner Siemens.

The acquisition has received full approval and support from the Supervisory and Management Boards of both Vanderlande and its parent company Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) as well as the Management Board of Siemens. The proposed transaction will significantly enhance customer value by providing accelerated access to advanced technologies, improving global presence for better local service, and creating further customer value through synergies in technology development. With this acquisition, Vanderlande is building a firm foundation for sustainable growth within the wider automated logistics market based on the strong and reliable contribution of its airport business.

The global logistics landscape is undergoing significant change, with increasing demand for efficient, automated systems. Vanderlande, known for its strong presence in airport logistics, recognises the evolving trends in the sector and sees tremendous potential for sustained growth. With passenger travel on the rise and airports investing heavily in modernisation, the long-term market outlook for airport automation is highly positive. Vanderlande recognises Siemens Logistics as a mature, resilient organisation with exceptional, knowledgeable people which has resulted in a robust reputation and decades of trusted relationships with customers.

Andrew Manship, Vanderlande’s President & CEO, says, “Siemens Logistics’ innovative approach and robust business model align perfectly with Vanderlande’s vision for the future. Its forward-thinking and innovative mindset also proves its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. Our customers will benefit from a broader range of solutions and services, enabling them to address their challenges more effectively.”

Cultural synergy

Siemens Logistics, a well-established player in the logistics industry, is widely respected for its deep expertise, resilience and ability to anticipate future market dynamics. With a culture rooted in innovation, Siemens Logistics has built a solid reputation by continuously adapting to emerging trends and delivering exceptional service to its customers. The decades of industry experience, strong customer relationships and a future-focused approach perfectly complement Vanderlande’s mission to innovate and excel.

“As a distinguished provider of solutions for airport logistics, Siemens Logistics enjoys a first-class reputation in the baggage and air-cargo handling areas. Together with Vanderlande and our committed global teams, we look forward to bringing fresh impetus to the airport industry and to supporting our customers’ business with future-oriented technologies,” said Michael Schneider, CEO of Siemens Logistics. “Our innovative portfolio of high-performance hardware and software along with extensive offerings for smart services will perfectly complement Vanderlande’s portfolio and continue to drive automation and digitalization within the industry. A future joint set-up will offer our customers as well as our teams significant development and value-add potential.”
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, and closing is expected during the calendar year 2025.

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The Critical Role of Technology in Supply Chain Resilience

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Over the past year, global supply chains have faced relentless disruptions across multiple fronts, writes Matt Gregory (pictured), Managing Director Northern Europe, Körber Supply Chain Software. Geopolitical tensions, including the prolonged U.S.-China trade disputes, have intensified pressure on supply networks. Meanwhile, natural disasters like Hurricane Helene and Milton have severely impacted transportation and logistics across the U.S. Compounding these issues, the residual effects of the pandemic and evolving health protocols continue to disrupt global shipping and exports, creating delays and unpredictability.

According to findings from Resilinc, overall disruptions in the first half of 2024 increased 30% over the first half of 2023. These combined challenges have exposed weaknesses in supply chains, demanding a more resilient and adaptive approach moving forward. As operational disruptions become more frequent and severe, integrating advanced technologies such as digital twins, IoT and predictive analytics can help companies anticipate, prepare for and adapt to these challenges. By leveraging these innovative tools, businesses can not only mitigate risks but also secure future growth and stability in an increasingly uncertain environment.

Adapting to Thrive

One key technology driving challenge mitigation is a digital twin. A digital twin is a virtual model that mirrors real-world processes, allowing companies to simulate everything from production schedules to transportation status and inventory levels. By doing so, it enables more informed decision-making, optimizing operations and improving overall efficiency. Digital twins also support predictive maintenance by continuously monitoring equipment performance. This proactive approach helps businesses prevent failures and minimize downtime. Moreover, real-time insights from digital twins allow companies to identify inefficiencies within the supply chain and respond swiftly to emerging issues.

Leading companies like Mars and Michelin have successfully integrated digital twin technology. Mars uses it to oversee production processes, preventing overfilling in factories, while Michelin leveraged 80,000 simulations for strategic sourcing, saving €10 million annually in logistics and boosting profit margins by 5%. By investing in digital twins and other technologies that provide real-time data and predictive capabilities, businesses can shift from reactive to proactive supply chain management. This not only builds resilience against disruptions but also prepares organizations to face future challenges with greater agility.

End-to-End Visibility

Achieving end-to-end visibility across supply chains allows businesses to track and monitor every step of the process in real time. With a clear view of operations, companies can make faster, more informed decisions that not only reduce risk but also lead to greater efficiency. This visibility supports cost management and fosters stronger relationships with partners, all while improving the overall customer experience.

IoT technology has become a critical tool for boosting visibility across supply chains. Through the enablement of real-time tracking, devices provide key insights into the movement and condition of goods, allowing businesses to quickly identify and resolve issues such as delays or quality concerns. This proactive approach ensures smoother operations and keeps the supply chain running seamlessly. In the case of extreme weather causing supply chain disruptions, companies with IoT-enabled tracking systems can re-route shipments in real time, minimising delays and maintaining customer satisfaction.

This level of visibility not only improves operational efficiency, but also enhances the overall resilience of the supply chain by enabling rapid response to unforeseen events. By harnessing IoT, organisations can make smarter, data-driven decisions that optimise not only their performance but also reduce vulnerabilities.

Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics, powered by AI, is revolutionising supply chain management by enabling companies to anticipate demand and potential disruptions more accurately. This provides enhanced visibility and performance monitoring, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions that align with their goals. By applying these insights, companies can gain a proactive edge, to help make informed decisions that can optimise their entire supply chain. For example, predictive analytics can forecast demand shifts, enabling businesses to adjust their inventory levels, reduce overstocking and avoid shortages. This can also optimise transportation routes or planned maintenance for equipment before failures occur, reducing downtime and inefficiencies.

The benefits of using predictive analytics across supply chains are endless. This can improve operational agility, allowing companies to respond faster to changes in market conditions, customer demand, or unforeseen disruptions. In addition, this helps businesses lower costs by reducing waste and improving resource allocation, which results in enhanced overall performance. Ultimately, this leads to a more resilient supply chain capable of not only managing risks but also capitalising on new opportunities and driving long-term success.

Looking Ahead

In a world increasingly defined by supply chain disruptions, technology integration is essential for building resilience. Digital twins, IoT and predictive analytics are powerful tools to help organisations maintain end-to-end visibility, enhance decision-making and respond proactively to challenges. By investing in these technologies, companies can strengthen their supply chains and achieve better resilience to meet demands and prepare for future uncertainties.

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Rolls-Royce Supply Chain Issues Strike Again

Posted on by David Priestman

Rolls-Royce is struggling with persistent supply chain issues that are impacting its engine production and maintenance schedules, forcing British Airways (BA) to cancel flights on one of its most popular transatlantic routes. Starting December 12th, British Airways will suspend all flights between London Gatwick and New York’s JFK Airport until March 25, 2025, in response to the engine shortages. The airline cites logistical bottlenecks within Rolls-Royce’s supply chain as a key factor driving this decision.

The supply chain issues stem from a combination of raw material shortages, logistics challenges, and delays in the global delivery of engine components. Rolls-Royce, which supplies engines for BA’s long-haul aircraft, has been unable to meet rising demand due to constraints in sourcing critical materials like titanium and specialized electronic components. The company’s supply chain delays are affecting its ability to deliver new engines and complete necessary maintenance on existing ones, forcing BA to make operational adjustments.

British Airways expressed regret over the cancellation of flights, acknowledging the disruption this will cause for passengers, particularly during the busy holiday season. In a statement, the airline said, “We understand the inconvenience this decision will bring to our customers, but we are committed to minimizing any potential disruptions in our wider network as Rolls-Royce works to resolve the engine supply constraints.”

The logistical issues at Rolls-Royce extend beyond production to affect global transportation networks. Transportation of engine parts from manufacturing centers has been impacted by delays at major ports, compounded by a global shortage of freight space and skilled logistics personnel. This is causing a ripple effect that has slowed the assembly and distribution of engines for critical routes. The logistical logjam has hindered Rolls-Royce’s ability to meet the maintenance schedules BA requires to operate its transatlantic fleet, particularly affecting the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which rely on Rolls-Royce’s fuel-efficient engines.

A Rolls-Royce spokesperson told us: “We take the industry-wide issue that the aerospace supply chain is currently dealing with extremely seriously. We’ve introduced a number of initiatives to reduce the impact on our customers. We’ve already introduced measures that allow us to respond more quickly to issues, such as integrating our Procurement and Supplier Management teams, sharing our own raw material stocks to tackle shortages, and hiring people to work in supplier organisations; one of our most impacted suppliers currently has almost 50 Rolls-Royce supply chain staff dedicated to driving their recovery.”

“These changes are already having a positive impact. So far this year, we’ve increased Trent 1000 supply chain output by a third, making more components available and minimising the time engines spend in our Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centres. We’re confident that these bold changes coupled with our long-term investment plans will provide continuous improvement for our customers. In addition, our first stage Durability Enhancement package for the Trent 1000 is in the final stages of certification and will more than double engine time on wing, while a second package of enhancements will deliver a further improvement of up to 30%.”

“Whilst this is not an MRO capacity issue, we know that demand will increase in the future. So, we have allocated additional investment this year to ensure we can meet that demand, creating some short-term surge capacity and allowing us to approximately double our MRO capacity by 2030. This will ensure scheduled maintenance, such as that of the British Airways Trent 1000 fleet, can be conducted as efficiently as possible.”

To mitigate further disruptions, British Airways is rerouting some aircraft and adjusting maintenance schedules for other key transatlantic routes. However, the Gatwick-JFK route was identified as the most feasible to suspend temporarily, with BA hoping to reinstate the route by late March once supply chain stability is restored.

Impact on Cargo Operations

The supply chain disruptions at Rolls-Royce are not only affecting passenger flights but are also having a notable impact on cargo operations. With fewer engines available for maintenance and replacement, cargo planes that use Rolls-Royce engines are also experiencing delays, exacerbating issues in global logistics.

Cargo flights, particularly those that transport high-value or time-sensitive goods, are now facing potential delays as maintenance timelines for Rolls-Royce-powered planes are stretched. This challenge has introduced additional uncertainty in an already pressured global logistics system, which has seen demand spikes due to increased e-commerce activity and seasonal holiday shipments. The limitations have forced cargo operators to reconfigure routing and adjust freight schedules to minimize disruptions to supply chains reliant on timely delivery.

Moreover, freight forwarding companies that depend on reliable transatlantic cargo services are now dealing with increased costs due to limited cargo space, as fewer available aircraft intensify competition for slots. For businesses relying on air freight to move high-demand items—such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods—these delays can lead to supply shortages, price increases, and missed delivery deadlines.

Broader Implications for the Industry

Industry experts warn that the Rolls-Royce delays reflect broader issues in the aerospace sector, as companies grapple with post-pandemic demand surges and logistics backlogs. With many components needing precision engineering and long-distance shipping, the aerospace industry is especially vulnerable to supply chain breakdowns. Analyst Ian Campbell from Aviation Logistics Group explains, “The challenges Rolls-Royce is facing are significant, as aerospace supply chains are finely tuned. Even minor disruptions can escalate into major logistical challenges.”

This incident is prompting British Airways and other airlines to explore diversifying engine suppliers and maintenance partners to reduce dependency on single sources. It also raises questions about supply chain resilience in the aerospace industry, with many advocating for increased investment in logistics technologies and multi-source supply chains to buffer against future disruptions.

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Sagard NewGen acquires leading provider of SaaS solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Sagard NewGen announces the acquisition of FuturMaster, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider of Supply Chain Planning and Revenue Growth Management solutions, from its founder and Cathay Capital. Sagard NewGen becomes the Group’s majority shareholder alongside the management team and Cathay Capital, who reinvest in the new transaction.

This acquisition aligns with recent trends in the SaaS and supply chain sectors, where private equity and investment firms target companies driving digital transformation. For instance, in December 2022, Thoma Bravo acquired Coupa, a leader in business spend management, to enhance its portfolio of cloud-based solutions supporting operational efficiencies for large enterprises. Similarly, in January 2022, Blackstone invested in Cloudreach, a cloud services provider, to strengthen its capabilities in digital and cloud-based transformation. These deals, like the acquisition of FuturMaster, underscore a strategic focus on leveraging technology to optimize complex, global operations amidst shifting market demands.

FuturMaster, with its Bloom platform, offers a comprehensive suite of SaaS-based solutions for the end-to-end supply chain planning and revenue optimisation of large enterprises and mid-sized companies worldwide. Thanks to cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twin modelling and operational research, FuturMaster enables its customers to better plan for demand, and adapt their operational response by optimising production, distribution and supply plans. This platform is used daily by many leading companies in all sectors, including Heineken, L’Oréal, TotalEnergies and SNCF, in over 90 countries. The group is profitable, with growth of c.30% per year, and generates over €30 million in revenue, over a third of which is generated outside France. It employs nearly 200 people in France, the UK, Singapore and China.

Yacine Zeroual, CEO of FuturMaster, said: ‘We are delighted to begin this new chapter with Sagard NewGen, which shares our ambition to become a global leader in Supply Chain Planning and Revenue Growth Management solutions. With the support of Sagard NewGen and Cathay Capital, and backed by a talented and committed team, we will accelerate our international expansion while continuing to offer our customers innovative solutions to transform their complexity into sustainable competitive advantage in a constantly changing world.’

Bérangère Barbe and Guillaume Lefebvre, Partners at Sagard NewGen, added: ‘We are delighted to support Yacine and his team in the next stages of FuturMaster’s development in Europe and beyond. This project, alongside the management team, is based above all on the continuity of the company’s strategy of product innovation and internationalisation. This transaction, which opens up the capital more widely to the company’s management team, is perfectly in line with Sagard NewGen’s Growth Buyout strategy.’

Jérémie Falzone, Partner at Cathay Capital, stated: ‘Since acquiring a stake in FuturMaster in 2020, we have been proud to support the company, which has successfully developed innovative SaaS-based supply chain management solutions and expanded its business with major companies that are leaders in their sectors. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Sagard NewGen and the company’s management to accelerate FuturMaster’s international growth.’

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Plans for UK Mega-Freight Hub Proceed

Posted on by Will Priestman

The latest addition to England’s burgeoning Logistics Golden Triangle has cleared a critical hurdle, as objections to a substantial logistics park with dedicated rail freight facilities have been formally dismissed. Initial construction is now underway, bringing forward a project that supporters argue is crucial for strengthening supply chain resilience in the region, but which has faced considerable pushback from local communities concerned about its impact.

The West Midlands, often referred to as the heart of the UK’s logistics sector, is strategically positioned to serve as a transit and distribution hub. This new development, located within what’s known as the Golden Triangle — an area linking the M1, M6, and M42 motorways — will provide quick access to approximately 90% of the UK population within a four-hour drive. This makes the region exceptionally attractive for logistics firms, particularly as e-commerce demand continues to accelerate. The terminal, part of a larger trend toward multimodal freight solutions, will have both expansive warehousing and rail access, facilitating a more efficient, carbon-conscious supply chain.

objections to a substantial logistics park dismissed

Local Objections and Environmental Concerns

Despite its economic promise, the project has stirred debate among residents and environmental advocates. Detractors voiced concerns over the environmental and social impact of the terminal, particularly regarding air quality, traffic congestion, noise pollution, and the encroachment on green spaces. With the dismissal of formal objections, some community members feel that their voices have been overlooked.

“Many of us worry about the environmental consequences,” says Amelia Grant, a local resident involved in a campaign opposing the park. “Our area is already under pressure from development, and adding such a large logistics terminal brings issues of traffic, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.” Environmental groups have echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the potential disruption to local ecosystems and calling for a rigorous impact assessment to protect the landscape.

In response, developers have assured the public that they will implement measures to mitigate adverse effects. Plans include extensive landscaping, noise-reducing barriers, and dedicated transport routes designed to minimize congestion on local roads. “Our aim is to ensure that this facility not only benefits the logistics sector but respects the environment and communities around it,” a project spokesperson stated, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable practices.

The Golden Triangle’s Role in the UK Economy

For years, the Golden Triangle has been a focal point for logistics infrastructure in the UK, a sector that has grown exponentially with the rise of online retail. Major retailers and distribution companies are already established in the area, drawn by its accessibility to key markets. This new terminal builds on that legacy, positioned as an asset for both national distribution networks and the post-Brexit trade environment. With rail freight connectivity at the core of the project, developers argue that the park will play a key role in reducing reliance on road transport, cutting emissions, and aligning with the UK’s net-zero goals.

“Rail freight facilities are essential if we are serious about reducing transport emissions,” says Dr. Philip Davies, a logistics expert at the University of Birmingham. “By linking road, rail, and warehousing, we can increase efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of goods transport. The Golden Triangle is already well-suited to this sort of intermodal facility.”

The new terminal will not only bolster the efficiency of regional supply chains but is also expected to generate significant job opportunities in the West Midlands. Project estimates suggest that thousands of jobs, spanning construction, operations, and support roles, could be created. This boost is anticipated to strengthen the local economy, a factor that has swayed some community members to support the project despite reservations.

The Way Forward: Construction and Community Engagement

With initial construction now underway, the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the long-term trajectory of the project. Developers have committed to ongoing dialogue with residents and local authorities to address emerging concerns and ensure transparency as work progresses.

“We are prepared to hold the developers accountable,” says Councillor James Mathers, representing a nearby community. “This project could bring economic benefits, but we must ensure these are not achieved at the expense of our environment and residents’ well-being.”

While the objections may have been dismissed, the community’s concerns underscore the need for a balanced approach to large-scale developments. For England’s Logistics Golden Triangle, the terminal is a strategic and logistical asset with far-reaching potential. Yet, as this project unfolds, the dialogue between economic imperatives and community priorities will likely shape not just the logistics landscape, but the West Midlands itself.

The completion of the logistics park will undoubtedly be watched closely by both industry insiders and environmental advocates, setting a potential precedent for future projects within the UK’s critical logistics sector.

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Enhancing Fashion Logistics with Pouch Sorter Systems

Posted on by David Priestman

Fashion logistics is increasingly shifting to omnichannel operations to meet the needs of retail and e-commerce. The accelerated growth of digital channels during the 2020–2021 pandemic continues today, driven by consumer demand for convenience, delivery flexibility, and ease of comparison. This shift introduces new challenges for fashion logistics companies, particularly in balancing B2C and B2B demands.

Challenges in Omnichannel Fashion Logistics

The expansion into omnichannel operations brings unique challenges. B2C operations focus on fulfilling numerous individual orders quickly, often with an emphasis on premium packaging for high-end items. B2B operations, in contrast, require efficient, high-volume stock replenishment with packaging that suits in-store needs. Additionally, the returns process, especially for e-commerce, can involve handling rates of up to 60%, requiring swift relabeling and repacking to prevent revenue loss.

The Role of Pouch Sorter Systems

Pouch sorter systems use pouches or pockets in an overhead sortation setup to store and transport items, significantly streamlining logistics processes. These systems can decouple picking from order fulfillment by storing items in dynamic buffers, then sorting them into desired sequences through matrix sortation. The pouches then move to either packing buffer lanes or direct unloading stations, creating a flexible system suited for both B2B and B2C requirements.

AutoDrop: Revolutionizing Unloading

New automated technology, such as BEUMER’s AutoDrop, enables automatic unloading from pouches. This system uses a nickel-titanium alloy with shape memory, a material first developed for the medical field, to perform precise, controlled unloading. When an electric current is applied, the alloy contracts to open each pouch; when the current is removed, the alloy returns to its original shape, allowing for a seamless unloading process without complex mechanical components. This design is engineered for durability, capable of handling up to a million cycles with minimal maintenance.

The AutoDrop system unloads items from overhead pouches, dropping them into designated packaging chutes in a controlled sequence. Heavy items are released first to protect fragile ones, which is a valuable feature for fashion logistics where item fragility varies significantly. This automated sequence is especially beneficial for handling the wide range of products in fashion logistics, from heavy textiles to delicate accessories.

Benefits of Pouch Sorter Systems

Pouch sorters enhance efficiency by minimizing human touch points, conserving floor space, and automating key processes. The system’s modular design allows for scalability, with each module capable of processing up to 10,000 items per hour, making it adaptable to the fluctuating demands of high-volume fashion logistics. Additionally, pouch sorters seamlessly handle both shop-friendly bulk orders and individually packed direct-to-consumer parcels, supporting the flexibility required in omnichannel operations.

Beyond sorting, the pouch system enables dynamic buffering, which allows returned items to be quickly reintegrated into inventory after quality checks. This capability is crucial in the fashion industry, where return rates are high and resale speed directly impacts revenue. With the ability to handle both Garments-on-Hanger and flat-pack items, pouch sorters provide a unified solution that addresses the diverse packaging needs of fashion logistics.

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DHL eCommerce Announces New Management

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL eCommerce UK has made two new appointments to its management team, drawing on experience from the retail industry to further align DHL’s services to the evolving eCommerce market.

Julian Harrison joins as CIO, to deliver a technology and data-first strategy to support growth across all areas of the business. Julian has spent 12 years in retail and FMCG businesses including senior tech roles at ASOS and Marks and Spencer. He also held the role of Head of Technology, Fulfilment and Enterprise at Lovehoney where he was responsible for all core operational technology systems.

Working in close collaboration with the IT function, Laurence Sugars takes on the role of VP of Product and Strategy. Laurence joins from Marks and Spencer where he was Senior Head of Product for Food, and prior to that held senior roles at FarFetch and Tesco. He will be responsible for expanding the services DHL offers to consumers and retailers including features within the DHL eCommerce app as well as the Out of Home network.

Both will report to Stuart Hill, CEO, DHL eCommerce, who said “We’ve got significant growth plans so I’m delighted to expand an already strong management team with people who share our ambition and vision for the business and who bring deep retail expertise. Julian and Laurence give us real balance as a board and will enable us to evolve the eCommerce proposition in line with the changing needs of both retailers and shoppers.” 

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Logistics Cyclists raise £225,000 for Transaid

Posted on by David Priestman

The transport and logistics industry has successfully fielded two strong teams of riders to complete Transaid cycle challenges both in the UK and Kenya, raising more than £225,000 towards our projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

Last week a team of 30 pedalled 295 miles from the foothills of Mount Kenya to stunning Lake Victoria in just six days, raising an incredible £165,000 in Transaid’s first cycling fundraiser in the country. This followed just two and a half weeks after a separate group of 40 riders raised £60,000 for a demanding 159-mile, two-day ride battling the elements, from Newcastle to Edinburgh.

The unrestricted funds will be used to support Transaid’s life-saving road safety and access to healthcare projects, which currently span ten countries.

Maddy Matheson, Head of Fundraising for Transaid, says: “Ever since our first Cycle Challenge in Malawi, back in 2006, we’ve enjoyed excellent support from riders across the industry, and this year was no different. We had two fantastic groups, each passionate about our life-saving work. We are so grateful to everyone who participated, whether they were in the saddle, or sponsoring a friend, family member or colleague.”

Peter Whitehead, Managing Director at PF Whitehead Logistics, one of the riders taking part in Cycle Kenya and challenge sponsor, explains: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with a great group of people. I feel very fortunate to have been able to participate, and the opportunity to visit a country where Transaid works brought home the true impact of their road safety and access to health care programmes. I would honestly recommend it to anyone considering signing up for a future ride.”

Participants of the Newcastle to Edinburgh event represented 15 organisations from across the industry, including AAL Shipping, Backhouse Jones, Brigade Electronics, Cold Chain Federation, Columbia Shipmanagement, Dawsongroup Truck and Trailer, Edrington, Elddis Transport, EORI, GXO, Idris Logistics, IVECO, RHA, Stanley Travel, and The Malcolm Group, and was sponsored by Dawsongroup Truck and Trailer, with Stanley Travel providing coach transfers for the group.

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Logistics Workers Embrace AI, Despite Generational Concerns

Posted on by David Priestman

Despite frequent discussions about AI’s potential impact on jobs, the majority of logistics workers are untroubled by automation, according to a recent YouGov survey commissioned by SafetyCulture. The survey, which included responses from over 10,000 workers globally, revealed that two-thirds of logistics professionals feel secure about their roles, viewing AI as an aid rather than a threat. This optimism is particularly evident among older workers, while a generational divide shows that younger employees, especially Gen Z, are more cautious. Fifty-seven percent of Gen Z workers expressed concerns about AI’s influence on job security, in stark contrast to just 10% of Baby Boomers, illustrating how varying levels of experience might influence these views.

The industry is already seeing successful applications of AI, which many workers believe will help tackle labor and skills shortages. Amazon, for example, uses “Robo-Stow”, a robotic arm that aids with heavy lifting, reducing physical strain on employees while increasing efficiency. DHL employs predictive analytics to forecast demand and optimize stock levels, allowing the company to reduce inventory costs and meet customer needs. FedEx’s AI-driven route optimization technology adjusts delivery routes based on real-time data, improving delivery times and fuel efficiency.

However, the study points out dissatisfaction with outdated technology, which impacts productivity. Inefficiencies due to these legacy systems reportedly cost the logistics sector over £1.88 billion annually. Companies like UPS are addressing these challenges by incorporating machine learning into package sorting and route planning, cutting costs and improving workflow efficiency.

Beyond logistics giants, smaller companies are also capitalizing on AI for competitive advantage. Startups in the sector are innovating with autonomous warehouse robotics and smart inventory management tools that use AI to balance stock levels, monitor demand fluctuations, and manage order fulfillment. This trend is not only helping to address labor shortages but is also increasing speed and accuracy, critical for smaller firms facing tighter margins and stiffer competition. These solutions demonstrate how AI can improve efficiency across all company sizes, allowing even small operations to keep pace with industry demands.

SafetyCulture’s findings underscore the importance of modernizing workplace technology, highlighting how AI’s potential can be fully realized only when legacy systems are upgraded. As more companies invest in AI, there is a growing call for tailored training programs that allow employees to leverage new technology confidently. The industry’s shift toward a more tech-enabled environment offers promising benefits for workers, suggesting that while automation grows, so will opportunities for those skilled in using it effectively.

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Parcel+Post Expo 2024: Advanced Robotics Solutions Unveiled

Posted on by David Priestman

After attending the Parcel+Post Expo in Amsterdam, it was made clear, once again, that automation and robotics are central to the future of logistics and e-commerce. The event, which ran until the 24th October, showcased a wide range of innovations aimed at addressing the growing challenges in these sectors, such as increasing parcel volumes and the need for faster, more sustainable operations. Companies from around the world introduced solutions leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics to improve sorting, handling, and warehousing processes.

Among the many notable presentations were the robotics solutions unveiled by Angelini Technologies – Fameccanica. The company introduced three standout systems—Papick, Depax, and ItPick—all designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability in logistics operations. Alessandro Bulfon, CEO of Angelini Technologies – Fameccanica, emphasized the strategic importance of these innovations, stating, “The machines that we have chosen to present at Parcel+Post Expo are representative of the contribution that we can make to the logistics and e-commerce sector with our consolidated know-how. Thanks to their modular nature, speed, precision, and ability to integrate, they can certainly also make an important contribution in terms of efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes applied to logistics.”

new automation and robotics

Papick, a highly efficient automated sorting system, captured attention for its ability to process up to 1,800 parcels per hour with over 98% accuracy, thanks to AI-driven 3D vision and barcode reading technologies. This solution addresses the rising demand for faster and more accurate parcel sorting, particularly within e-commerce and postal sorting centers. Depax, the company’s depalletizing platform, was another key highlight. It uses advanced machine vision to manage the unpredictable nature of palletized goods, processing up to 600 packages per hour and handling weights up to 30 kg. Depax promises to significantly reduce manual labor in warehouses while increasing productivity.

Lastly, ItPick, a modular robotic picking solution, was designed to help streamline order fulfillment and warehouse operations. With its ability to adapt to different layouts and perform both simple and complex picking tasks, ItPick showcased how automation can be flexible and scalable, crucial for industries that need to meet fluctuating demand.

These systems not only enhance efficiency and precision but also represent the broader shift toward sustainable practices within logistics. By automating key tasks and integrating AI-powered systems, companies like Angelini Technologies – Fameccanica are driving greater productivity while reducing waste and energy consumption in logistics operations.

The trends seen at the Parcel+Post Expo reflect the logistics industry’s rapid evolution. As e-commerce continues to grow, businesses are turning to innovative technologies that offer both scalability and sustainability, preparing for a future where automation will play an increasingly dominant role.

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