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Day: 13 November 2024

Navigating Black Friday Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

With Black Friday fast approaching, brands and retailers are in full planning mode, writes Jonny Mocton, CEO at ITD Global.

Officially the biggest shopping day of the year across the globe, Black Friday continues to see sales growing each year. According to Finder’s latest research Brits plan to spend an estimated £3.8 billion on Black Friday and Cyber Monday purchases this year, and despite an unsettled economic climate, analysts are predicting a bumper spend for 2024. So how can retailers prepare for Black Friday, and what can logistic companies do to help them create a seamless customer experience?

Forecast demand

As we all know an efficient customer experience starts with accurate demand forecasting where businesses use existing data from previous years, and current trends such as inflation or changes in consumer behaviour, to predict sales numbers. As in recent years we’re predicting that the 2024 Black Friday sales period will run throughout November and potentially December, giving cautious consumers a longer time period to make their purchases, and also crucially allowing retailers and logistics companies to prevent too much concentration of activity over the Black Friday weekend.

According to IMRG, Black Friday 2024 will see consumers seeking deals earlier, and Experian predict that the early holiday shopping trend will continue to become more pronounced, “with consumers now beginning their end-of-year shopping well before Halloween, seeking to take advantage of early deals and discounts, and spreading out their budget.”

Collaborate with logistic partners

Consumer behaviours and preferences have been changing and reshaping the Black Friday shopping landscape over the last few years. Experian note that online sales are on the rise – “a consistent 1% year-over-year increase in online sales, while in-store sales have seen a 1% decrease.”

Senior account executive at Retail & CPG, Anna Liparoto claims that “it’s easier for consumers to comparison shop for large ticket items online that they might find at a mass retailer or office supply store. Consumers prefer to have larger, bulkier items shipped directly to their home for minimal cost. By shopping online, consumers can save time since they don’t need to wait in checkout lines.”

With this in mind it’s crucial that retailers work in partnership with their logistic partners making sure they’re aware as early as possible of any changes in volume and products, and when key promotional periods will be taking place. Our business model allows retailers to switch carrier providers almost instantly and without penalty, to accommodate changes in delivery demand, making sure that they are getting the best available rates and optimised route planning. This helps our clients to manage high volumes of deliveries efficiently, and ensures packages reach their customers on time, even throughout the peak season.

Enhance customer experience during peak times

While efficient operations are crucial, customer experience remains a key differentiator in the ecommerce space and the peak season is a critical time to make a lasting impression on customers. Whether it’s delivering time-sensitive orders for Black Friday or managing high-volume shipments during the holiday rush, it’s crucial to manage customers’ expectations with realistic delivery dates. Consumers expect transparency and regular communication about their deliveries meaning tech investment is key for retailers and logistics providers. We’ve invested in our own bespoke platform that offers transparent communication regarding delivery times, potential delays, and tracking information.

The impact of returns

Analysts predict that returns strategies will also be crucial for retailers for Black Friday success, as one in every four items purchased during the sale will be returned. Lee Thompson, CEO at Fulfilmentcrowd notes that “when it comes to customer experience, post-purchase will play a critical role, with real-time tracking and hassle-free returns becoming key differentiators.”

Businesses must provide a clear returns policy prominently on their website, making sure it’s easy for customers to find and clearly outlines the steps involved and the timeframes for refunds or exchanges. Delays in processing refunds can frustrate customers and damage a company’s reputation so providing a quick refund is key for retailers.

Laura Morroll, supply chain partner at PWC UK, believes that returns could impact pricing strategies this Black Friday, and adds “the aftermath will pose the same issues it does every year for all parties in the supply chain. It will be interesting to see the impact that charging for returns has on consumer buying as many retailers have introduced it more recently.”

PWC UK’s Consumer Sentiment survey shows that shoppers are feeling more positive thanks to lower inflation and interest rates. Despite this, experts agree that consumers remain cautious to part with their hard-earned cash. As Black Friday approaches, retailers and brands are faced with a number of challenges and opportunities and it is clear that they will have to offer a number of promotional strategies and genuine bargains to stay competitive. However, with strategic planning, strong logistics partnerships, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we believe that businesses can not only survive but thrive during the 2024 peak season.

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Will 2025 be the year we finally Remove Logistics Blind Spots?

Posted on by David Priestman

Yard and facility management have historically been a significant supply chain blind spot, writes Tom Perrone (pictured below), SVP Global Professional Services at project44. Yet, the challenge of moving assets through various warehouses continues to put the delivery of goods at risk. In fact, McKinsey estimates that up to 19% of logistics costs stem from inefficient mid- and last-mile interactions, amounting to an average loss of $95 billion a year.

The reality is that when shippers have assets moving through various warehouses or distribution centres (DC), and a challenge arises, it will undoubtedly impact the final delivery of a shipment. Meanwhile, facilities or DCs often lack visibility into what goods are delivering to their warehouses and the estimated time of those deliveries. Some of these gaps are covered by a warehouse management system (WMS)… but not all.

Due to the manual or outdated processes that yards continue to operate, there is poor collaboration with drivers around delays or appointment scheduling. As a result, shippers experience increased yard overhead costs, extended trailer dwell times, and ultimately missed shipment delivery windows, all of which disrupt supply chain operations increase costs, and negatively impact customer satisfaction.

The impact of ineffective downstream supply chain operations is clear, particularly when you consider that 58% of consumers are unlikely to shop with a retailer who missed their promised delivery date. This highlights that yard management has the potential to determine whether logistics firms win repeat business and expand their customer base beyond this important Golden Quarter. So, how can logistics firms overhaul the manual appointment processes that slow down their operations and hinder customer satisfaction?

Removing logistics blind spots

Effective collaboration between facility personnel and carriers is crucial for smooth yard operations. Without appointment management capabilities in place, for example, facilities can easily become overwhelmed by a flood of phone calls and emails from carriers trying to schedule inbound or outbound pickups, as well as managing labour planning within the facility. This creates bottlenecks and inefficiencies, slowing down overall operations and disrupting productivity.

Investing in a robust yard appointment management solution is now a strategic move that can yield significant benefits, driving operational excellence and competitive advantage in the logistics industry. When crafting logistics strategies for 2025, the three most important factors to consider for optimised yard appointment management includes:

1. Overhaul manual scheduling with automated solutions
To eliminate manual scheduling, site administrators should automate the slot booking process. With advanced scheduling configurations, for example, administrators can set precise parameters for both gate and dock schedules, including custom time blocks, holiday adjustments, and day-based exceptions. Once these are in place, carriers can book slots independently through a self-service system, reducing back-and-forth communication. Additionally, administrators can pre-set automatic bookings for frequent carriers, ensuring a seamless experience for both the facility and its regular visitors.

2. Align labour planning with inbound and outbound schedules
Labour planning is essential to effective yard management, ensuring the right personnel are available at the right time to meet operational demands. When done well, labour planning boosts productivity, reduces costs, and drives overall efficiency. However, achieving this requires real-time data on trailer ETAs, warehouse performance, and inventory levels. Without these insights, warehouses will struggle to accurately track trailer arrivals and departures, leaving them in the dark about early or late arrivals and compromising scheduling accuracy.

3. Utilise real-time ETAs to streamline loading and unloading
Meeting customer demands requires warehouses to prioritise unloading the right trailers at the right time. It all starts with tracking the driver’s ETA en route to the facility. Using smart geofencing, warehouses gain precise visibility into a driver’s real-time location, providing an accurate ETA. Once a driver enters the geofenced area, the warehouse team can see their approach and adjust unloading schedules as needed, even reallocating trailers to new dock doors. This level of insight enables teams to handle unexpected delays, prioritise urgent containers, and keep operations running smoothly, without relying on carrier signals.

Digitalisation is the key to effective yard management

In the complex world of logistics and supply chain management, efficiency and precision are paramount. Fortunately, the evolution of technology continues to shape the future of yard management. This includes the integration of AI and machine learning to predict and optimise yard appointment operations, reduce costs and enhance customer satisfaction. As these technologies continue to advance, so will our capabilities to transform the way yards are managed.

Given that efficient yard appointment operations directly impact delivery times and service levels, solutions to digitise and automate manual processes will play a significant role in enhancing customer satisfaction and strengthening customer relationships.

Next year, logistics companies should prioritise tech investments that enable more streamlined collaboration between facility personnel and carriers, to ensure that shipments are transferred in and out of a facility on time, and exceptions are communicated upstream to the customer. The alternative is continuing to be burdened by constant calls and emails to coordinate appointments – and, above all, face failure to better serve customers.

Temperature Controlled Trailers Ordered Again

Posted on by David Priestman

Fly By Nite, renowned specialists in trucking, logistics and warehousing for the entertainment industry has, for what is now the fourth time, placed its continued trust in Tiger Trailers with a further order which this time comprises temperature controlled trailers, as the operator expands its offering by introducing vehicles aimed at touring orchestras.

Adding temperature controlled trailers to its fleet for the first time enables Fly By Nite Conferences to offer the optimum transport environment for orchestras’ musical instruments by keeping the box vans’ internal temperature to a constant 21 degrees, which mitigates the potential cracking and splitting of these often expensive assets – instruments such as cellos maintaining their sound and also their state of tune if kept at room temperature while in transit.

Richard Brown, Transport Manager at Fly By Nite, says: “Tiger have once again delivered the goods, on time, and to a high standard, this time with specialised temperature controlled trailers that allow us to offer an extra layer of specialism to our orchestral clients. Our fleet remains very busy all year round and we feel we can rely on Tiger’s products and services. These new additions to our fleet should prove an invaluable asset. Thanks to Tom and the rest of the Tiger team along with the guys at LeciTrailer for producing these unique trailers for us.”

Aware of Tiger’s growing reputation in the temperature controlled trailer and rigid bodywork manufacturing sector through its partnership with LeciTrailer of Spain, and the OEM’s ability to design and build entirely bespoke products tailored to each end user’s requirements, Fly By Nite’s new trailers are personalised in various ways, with a 970mm coupling/fifth wheel height, twin hamburger-style rear lights, additional sensors and switches for the interior lighting, a lockable door cam protector, and a unique alloy ramp carrier to accommodate their loading and unloading preferences.

Load securing with delicate and expensive orchestral instruments in mind has also been catered for by Tiger’s design and engineering team, with three rows of horizontal E-tracks at different heights, plus vertical E-tracks from the roof, down each side of the trailer.

Thomas Stott, Key Accounts Manager at Tiger Trailers, comments: “It’s been a pleasure as always for us to work closely with the Fly By Nite team in ensuring that our latest trailers for them meet exactly what they need for the high-profile and time-sensitive work they do. It’s been exciting to develop a different type of product for them, from our proven temperature controlled range, which we have offered since 2020, and it’s great to see on Fly By Nite’s social channels that Tiger-built trailers are delivering instruments, sound equipment, refreshments and other loads to some of the biggest names in global entertainment.”

Fly By Nite has previously ordered 30 straight-frame single-deck articulated box van semi-trailers from Tiger, along with four step-frame variants, and the specialist operator’s four new temperature controlled vehicles from the Cheshire OEM’s refrigerated range have entered straight into service on UK and European orchestral tours.

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Cobots Integrate with NVIDIA Omniverse

Posted on by David Priestman

Delta, a global supplier of power management and a provider of IoT-based smart green solutions, today announced an advancement in robotics simulation. Its flagship product, the D-Bot Series Collaborative Robots (cobots), now integrates with NVIDIA Omniverse — a platform of application programming interfaces (APIs), software development kits, and services that enable developers to harness Universal Scene Description (OpenUSD) for physical AI — and NVIDIA Isaac Sim, a reference simulation platform built on Omniverse for designing and testing robots. This integration empowers developers to achieve real-time, high-fidelity, physically accurate simulations that dramatically enhance the development, testing, and deployment of advanced robotic solutions.

“Integrating with NVIDIA Omniverse and Isaac Sim represents a transformative step forward for the Delta DBot (cobots) and our whole robotics portfolio,” said Michael Mayer-Rosa, Senior Director, Industrial Automation Business Group at Delta Electronics EMEA Region. “By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, our customers can now experience exceptional simulation accuracy and collaborative capabilities, allowing them to bring sophisticated robotic solutions to market faster and with more confidence.”

The integration enables Delta D-Bot users in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare to simulate real-world conditions with unprecedented precision. By minimizing the need for physical prototypes and reducing development costs, companies can shorten their time-to-market, improve product reliability, and accelerate innovation cycles. The photorealistic rendering and AI-powered physics provided by NVIDIA Omniverse and Isaac Sim let developers run highly complex simulations before real-world deployment, reducing risks and improving overall performance.

With Omniverse’s interoperability features and Isaac Sim’s advanced robot simulation tools, Delta D-Bot users can accelerate their development workflows, validate robot software stacks and their associated behaviors in a virtual environment, and realize complex projects faster.

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Bespoke Forklift Solution for Bearings Supplier

Posted on by Keith McKinley

For Bowman International, a leading supplier, manufacturer, and distributor of plain bearings and sintered parts, success had created storage problems. Determined to make the most of its existing Abingdon facilities, the company turned to Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks’ warehousing specialists for a solution.

“Our specific requests were quite unique,” explains Bowman International Managing Director, Paul Mitchell. “We needed to use our cubic capacity to its full advantage. The problem was that by continuing to use our existing stacker with its limited lift height, we would be wasting valuable space. The alternatives were to either acquire an additional building or replace the stacker with an articulated forklift — both at considerable cost. Making that change also posed the risk of disruption because staff would be unfamiliar with how the equipment works. That’s when we called in Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks.”

After carefully assessing the situation, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks came up with a cost-effective combination involving new racking and a bespoke stacker capable of working in very tight, 2.4m aisles and reaching heights of more than 7m. In doing so, this innovative solution maximised the potential storage space and freed up additional space for offices.

Rebecca Foggin, Sales Executive at the Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor takes up the story. “Our engineers were able to configure a stacker with an exceptionally compact junior chassis. Importantly, the AXiA truck we recommended features a lithium-ion battery which not only cuts running costs but can be opportunity charged during breaks, ensuring non-stop availability.”

Summing up, Mitchell said, “The change has proved extremely successful. We were initially concerned that the transition to the new model might slow down our operations, but the opposite was true. The new truck was an immediate success with operators, who love the smooth handling and highly responsive performance. Indeed, the solution delivered by Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has been a success in every way, saving us the cost of acquiring an additional building plus all the associated overheads that would have been incurred. I’ve also been impressed by the ongoing support shown by the Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks team, who have arranged six-monthly visits to inspect the stacker and also provide any additional advice and assistance.”

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Truck Park of the Future will Transform Haulage

Posted on by David Priestman

As Europe aims to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, the haulage industry must accelerate its transformation. Haulage leaders are exploring available funding and innovative solutions to achieve sustainability goals within truck parks. SNAP, a digital marketplace for the haulage industry, has predicted how truck parks will evolve to advance the logistics and haulage industry and its carbon footprint by 2049.

With EV and AI technology set to transform the haulage industry SNAP has predicted that truck parks will need to improve EV infrastructure through offering two separate charge points. One charge point area to allow local drivers to complete quick pitstops, and the second to accommodate overnight charging. The increasing need for electricity as part of the infrastructure needed for EVs will mean parks will need to generate power on-site.

Electricity sourced by wind power will be introduced to support wider sustainability initiatives and enable necessary power. AI optimization of energy needs will also be key to achieving climate goals. By managing energy use efficiently, AI can direct power during peak times and conserve it during low demand, reducing waste and lowering carbon emissions from parks.

Other rapid technological advancements include autonomous trucks, which are set to be on the road as soon as 2026. As the complexities of technology develop, on-site training facilities will be required to support drivers to develop the skills that will become necessary to continue to work in the industry and ensure the talent shortage doesn’t worsen.

To combat the alarming €8.2 billion lost to cargo theft every year across Europe, SNAP has shared how advanced technology will create safer parks:
• 24/7 security, including the use of robot policing, such as dogs and police patrols that provide autonomous surveillance, allowing all areas of truck parks to be monitored, without a human needing to be present.
• Secure entrances and exits that will only be accessed by pre-booked trucks, and monitored via license plate recognition.
• Thermal cameras to detect any unusual activity.
• Facial recognition to detect individuals within the truck parks.
• AI criminal pattern predictions, to anticipate crime.

Matthew Bellamy, managing director at SNAP commented on the predictions. “It is important for haulage leaders to keep their finger on the pulse of industry trends and changes. As technological advancements are accelerating rapidly, decision-makers must explore available funding and leverage the latest technology to improve the safety and well-being of drivers, whilst working towards reducing emissions. We look forward to seeing these recent investments transforming the haulage industry within the next 24 years.”

As seen across various industries, increased adoption of automation will allow humans to take on different roles. To aid the transition into a more automated world, facilities to support mental health and minimise loneliness will also be key. SNAP has revealed how future features of their 2049 truck park would offer a safe and secure environment for all, including:
• Providing an area for drivers to socialize, create communities, and combat loneliness.
• Ensuring secure parking spaces are available, allowing drivers to comfortably take daytime breaks away from their trucks, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Supplying 24/7 automated shops, which use smart payment systems that allow drivers to charge expenses to their companies. Vending machines that will supply hot, and freshly made meals, providing healthy and convenient food options for drivers.

Major recent investments to transform truck parks include €750 million from the IRU advocacy and £16 million from the UK government.

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Pioneering the Future: Logistics Insights for 2025

Posted on by David Priestman

The logistics landscape is poised for transformative changes in 2025, writes Mike Colarossi, head of enterprise sustainability at Avery Dennison.

“The rapid evolution of technology, coupled with lessons from recent global disruptions, is driving a new era of innovation and resilience in the sector. For business leaders, understanding these emerging trends is crucial to navigating the complexities of the modern supply chain and maintaining a competitive edge.”

Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience

“The past few years have underscored the importance of supply chain resilience. In 2025, logistics businesses will need to prioritise building robust and adaptable supply chains capable of withstanding disruptions. This will involve diversifying supplier bases, increasing inventory buffers, and leveraging digital twins to simulate and prepare for various scenarios.
Collaborative platforms will enhance supply chain visibility and coordination. By fostering closer relationships with suppliers and partners, businesses can ensure a more agile response to unforeseen events. Additionally, the emphasis on sustainability will drive the adoption of sustainable logistics practices, such as reducing fuel consumption in the ‘last mile’ by eliminating mis-shipments, using electric vehicles and optimising packaging to reduce waste.

“Businesses that scenario plan effectively will stay the course. The integration of advanced analytics and AI can enhance resilience by enabling predictive maintenance and real-time decision-making. AI can analyse data from various sources to predict potential disruptions, such as weather events or geopolitical tensions, allowing businesses to take proactive measures. This predictive capability will be crucial in maintaining operational continuity and minimising downtime.”

Embracing Technological Advancements

“Artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI are set to evolve logistics by providing unprecedented levels of insight and automation. AI-driven predictive analytics will enable businesses to anticipate demand fluctuations, optimise routes, and manage inventory with remarkable accuracy. Internet of Things (IoT) devices will offer real-time tracking and monitoring of goods, ensuring transparency and efficiency throughout the supply chain.

“To capitalise on AI technology, businesses must start with precise data collection. Attaching RFID-enabled labels and automated sensors to physical goods allows organisations to gather detailed item-level data. When combined with AI, this data empowers organisations to monitor and manage the movement of packages and goods in real-time, optimizing supply chain efficiency and anticipating potential supply chain disruptions. This synergy enables optimised delivery routes, minimises sorting and delivery errors, and provides real-time alerts for any disruptions. The outcome is enhanced efficiency, substantial cost savings, and a reduced environmental footprint through streamlined logistics.

“UPS exemplifies this transformation with its Smart Package Smart Facility initiative. By incorporating RFID-enabled labels and automated sensors, UPS has reduced sorting and delivery errors, ensuring parcels are accurately tracked and delivered, optimising routes, and minimising costs. This approach enhances operational efficiency and contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing emissions, setting new standards in the logistics industry.”

Focusing on Consumer-Centric Strategies

“In 2025, the customer will remain at the heart of logistics strategies. Businesses will need to offer personalised and flexible delivery options to meet diverse consumer preferences. Same-day and next-day delivery services will become the norm, necessitating efficient and responsive logistics networks.

“Data-driven insights will enable businesses to better understand customer behaviour and tailor their services accordingly. Enhanced customer experience will be achieved through seamless communication, real-time updates, and proactive issue resolution. For C-suite executives, prioritising customer-centric strategies will be essential for driving growth and maintaining a competitive edge in the dynamic logistics landscape.

“Furthermore, the continued rise of e-commerce will inevitably shape logistics strategies. As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, businesses will need to invest in robust e-commerce logistics solutions. This includes optimising warehouse operations, improving last-mile delivery, and ensuring a seamless returns process. By focusing on these areas, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.”

Embracing the Future: Thriving in 2025 and Beyond

“The logistics sector in 2025 will be characterised by technological innovation, resilience, and customer-centricity. UK business leaders who embrace these trends and invest in the necessary technologies and strategies will be well-positioned to thrive.”

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