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Month: November 2024

Flexible Printing Solution for Ecommerce Packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

Sealed Air® has launched a new on-demand printing system which delivers late-stage, customised printing on protective packaging.

The new Sealed Air® Brand AutoPrint has been designed to provide logistics and fulfilment operators with a flexible and efficient method of meeting customer demand for personalised on-box branding and messaging.

Alessandra Secchi, Executive Director Digital Packaging Europe at Sealed Air®, explains: “Brands and retailers are increasingly customising ecommerce packaging to engage consumers and drive awareness. Trends such as social media unboxing videos can boost brand visibility and support sales. This creates added challenges for logistics and fulfilment companies, who must manage multiple design templates, as well as planning the ordering and storage of pre-printed boxes.

“AutoPrint solves these challenges. The digital print solution can be easily integrated into a packaging line to directly print customised designs and information onto a closed box. On-demand printing saves storage space, labour resources and the risk of waste from unused pre-printed boxes and labels.”

The new solution from Sealed Air® features a full colour CMYK printer, which automatically adjusts to the height of the box. AutoPrint can print on the top of boxes up to a maximum height of 200cm and 14cm wide. Side printing options are also available, with plans in place to increase the total printing width.

Secchi continues: “AutoPrint can print up to 15 boxes per minute and is compatible with white and brown corrugated boxes. It eliminates the need for on-pack labels and can be configured to switch between different designs. Operators can quickly and easily print premium quality graphics, text and barcodes onto a box. This can meet growing demand for personalised packaging, while also enhancing compliance with the packaging standards that retailers and brands specify for logistics partners.”

Operators can integrate AutoPrint with Sealed Air® Brand I-Pack Automated Void Reduction Packaging system, which is designed to optimise fulfilment and packaging processes by automatically adjusting pack sizes. I-Pack calculates product dimensions in real time to accurately right-size, fold, close and seal corrugated boxes according to the exact size of what is being packaged.

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Industry Calls for Greater Connection Across Global Supply Chains

Posted on by David Priestman

90% of industry professionals say there is an increased need for connection and collaboration across the global supply chain, supported by the transformative power of cloud technology, to improve efficiency, ensure compliance, avoid fines, and reduce overall costs, according to research released today by Loftware. This comes at a time when executives are focused on building more resilient, transparent, and agile supply chains to navigate disruptions and shifting consumer demands.

The global survey, which draws on insights from over 400 supply chain professionals across industries in 55 countries, found that 84% of companies believe it would be beneficial to join an ecosystem where supply chain partners share access, data, and standards to improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and reduce overall costs. Additionally, nearly three-quarters of respondents said the Cloud offers a more flexible and agile framework for streamlining labeling access for trading partners, highlighting the ongoing importance of digital transformation.

“Today’s supply chains are more global and complex, while expectations from business and consumers have increased. This has led to a greater need for connection and collaboration as companies embrace digital transformation to streamline interactions and ensure compliance with suppliers, customers, and their own facilities across the enterprise,” said Josh Roffman, EVP of Marketing at Loftware.

One significant issue for today’s global supply chain lies in maintaining compliance. Customers report continued struggles with streamlining the receipt of inbound goods, resulting in mislabelling and hundreds of millions of dollars in fines. Loftware’s research illustrates the scale of this issue, with 70% of $1 billion+ companies being forced to relabel inbound goods from suppliers and partners, a resource-intensive and costly process. However, 77% of respondents said they believe providing controlled access to labelling would help to solve this issue. Leveraging a connected network that enables publishers and subscribers to gain access to standards, data, labels, and rules can ensure that inbound goods are properly labeled.

The Loftware report also revealed that an increasing number of companies are exploring new ways to guarantee their products, shipments, and data are protected as they travel through today’s global supply chain. As illustrated in Loftware’s survey, 78% of professionals said they believe artificial intelligence can be useful in analyzing data to identify counterfeit goods, while 59% say their company is currently using serialization technology to solve supply chain challenges.

Facilitating digital transparency is a vital step in creating resilient and safer supply chains, so it’s no surprise that 68% flagged cloud technology as playing a crucial role in improving track and trace across their operations. Using cloud technology, digital traceability helps companies to ensure sustainable sourcing, protect consumers, streamline the location of inventory, guarantee on-time delivery to market, and address the growing issue of counterfeiting.

Being able to trace products both upstream and downstream is also vital for managing the product lifecycle and ensuring sustainable sourcing. Digital Product Passports (DPPs) will be key to achieving this. By scanning a product’s digital passport, stakeholders can access information about its origin, ingredients, sustainability practices, and more, enabling them to make more informed choices. According to this research, 54% say DPPs already play a significant role in enhancing supply chain transparency and sustainability within their industry, while 63% expect DPPs to be more widely adopted within the next 3 years.

For more information about the trends identified by Loftware, access the full report here.

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Successful Change Management in Logistics Automation

Posted on by David Priestman

When the new distribution centre is up and running, the ramp-up was successful, and the first items are picked onto pallets or roll containers with the help of highly dynamic COM machines, then the ‘Grand Opening’ is celebrated, everyone involved congratulates each other, and there is a festive atmosphere. Automation works and the days of manual warehouse logistics are a thing of the past.

“In principle, we build a highly automated production facility for and with our customers,” explains Johannes Meißner (pictured below, top picture), Technical Managing Director at WITRON, who has been working in various positions at the company for more than three decades. Customers who have a strong background in manual logistics processes are particularly impressed when they visit the first reference customers. “We transform entire work processes, which is why we need a working change management system for the customer in every phase – design, build, and operate – and that we help to develop right from the start.” Meißner and his colleagues from sales and logistics design have already guided numerous new customers through existing facilities realized by WITRON worldwide. “That’s how a project usually starts,” he explains.

Change management begins with detailed analysis

Double-digit efficiency gains thanks to end-to-end automation from receiving to shipping require new processes. The cooperation with suppliers is changing, transport volumes need to be adapted, master data is gaining importance, packaging designs are becoming more important, employees are being given new areas of responsibility and need different qualifications, stores have to be involved, perhaps even the end customer as an e-commerce purchaser. “We do not only supply software, conveyor technology, and machines – we also support the customer in detail as part of the change management, and even take over the service or the complete system operation if so required. We start by analyzing the products, the internal and external material flow, the vertical and horizontal supply chain in detail, creating transparency for the customer and for us. Together, we define new packaging standards, review master data, and provide support in communicating with suppliers who also have to benefit from this process. We help train logistics employees, explain processes, and provide communication support.”

One example of a successful change process with a supplier is the project for a French food retail customer where the Flow Picking Machinery (FPM) has been implemented for the first time in the fresh food sector. It uses OPM technology but works without stock and builds store-friendly pallets just-in-time for customers. A key factor in the system’s efficiency is the structure of the inbound pallets. “In our case, 45 percent were full pallets or single-item layer pallets, which we can depalletize automatically very well. These are added by uniform case pallets, which are pallets with one type of standard carton boxes or totes containing different items that can also be depalletized automatically. This already gives us an automatic depalletizing rate of almost 65 percent without making any major adjustments. But the goal was more than 80 percent,” remembers Meißner. How can this be achieved? Change and communication. The WITRON logistics experts have defined a strategy with the customer to increase the ratio of uniform case pallets in cooperation with the suppliers, and, at the same time, to reorder complete layer units of fast-moving items from the supplier in the future. “That is a win-win outcome for the retailer and the supplier, as it significantly simplifies the supplier’s logistics,“ says Johannes Meißner happily.

The topic of IT is closely linked to the suppliers. “We build intelligent interfaces to their systems and can also quickly connect to the customers’ or their system providers’ systems in order to use our WITRON WMS Suite. At the same time, we have invested a lot in the UX of our systems in recent months. When employees learn the systems more quickly because operation has become simpler or more intuitive, this has positive impact on process stability, efficiency, and transparency in the warehouse.”

Communication and transparency are crucial

Transparency is a good keyword. Another example of successful change communication is an innovative omni-channel logistics center in Switzerland. In recent years, Migros Verteilbetrieb AG (MVB) in Neuendorf has also increasingly relied on automation in the non-food sector. “Everything used to be manual here – spread over five floors. That is hard to imagine today,” says Alexander Schweizer, Head of Engineering and IT, Migros Verteilbetrieb AG. The main building, which houses the near- and non-food area, supplies more than 700 stores and many thousands of home shopping customers from a range of 100,000+ items per year. On a peak day, WITRON’s OPM, AIO, CPS systems pick more than 470,000 cases. And there were initially concerns among the employees. “Yes, there are concerns because the workers’ tasks will change significantly,” explained the department responsible for the change process openly during one of the first visits at the start of the project. “We take these worries seriously, talk to our colleagues, inform them about the progress of the construction site, about new tasks, and further training opportunities.” An employee app keeps staff constantly informed about developments, while large screens at the entrances visualize future tasks. People play a key role in the logistics processes. Those responsible at Migros Verteilbetrieb in Neuendorf quickly recognized this and professionalized the change management. But also the management board was expected to answer questions.

Enabling intensive exchange with reference customers

“It’s not enough to distribute glossy flyers about the new automated logistics centre. The Swiss did this very well throughout the entire project,” explains Meißner. In his view, it also requires a mind shift on the part of both management and employees in the distribution center. That they will no longer work in a manual warehouse in the future but will be an important part of a high-performance production facility. “Both need to be sensitized. And this starts from the very first visits when the customers are in Parkstein. “In addition, as part of reference visits and workshops, we enable our customers to engage in intensive discussions with the logistics and service managers responsible for the systems we have implemented. Even across national borders and continents. Customers also have a responsibility to change, we support them through all project phases, show them the efficiency gains, but if there is a lack of willingness, then the project won’t be a success and we cancel such deals,” explains Meißner, who gets on a plane after the interview to participate in the opening ceremony of the new Coles logistics center in Australia. It is already the second distribution center that Coles has implemented with WITRON as a lifetime partner. Coles also used to work with conventional warehouses.

Three dimensions as the basis for successful change

However, it is not only in Europe and Australia that customers have understood how a successful change process is handled and the opportunities it brings. Karl Högen (pictured above, bottom picture) has been responsible for the North American business as CEO for many years and knows: “Training is very important. We want a commitment to the system. Customers invest a lot of money and rightly so,” emphasizes the CEO. “After more than 100 realized projects with food retailers, we often know this sector “end-to-end” in detail better than our customers. It is therefore also up to WITRON to show customers weak points in change management.” Karl Högen refers to three dimensions:

1. The technology – both the mechanics and the IT – where customers benefit from WITRON’s extensive design, realization, service, and operating experience as a lifetime partner with overall responsibility.

2. The people in the logistics facilities, but also in the stores who need to be informed and trained.

3. The processes related to suppliers, for example, when it comes to packaging and products.

Högen reflects on projects in the USA: “After the project was completed, there were still five aisles with products that could only be picked manually. Following various discussions with the suppliers, these items could also be fully integrated into the automated process.”

Taking along the people in the distribution centres

The people are the decisive factor for Högen. “There is a global lack of skilled workers and new technologies are helping to compensate for this, but we also have to take people along with us. We have to make it easier for them to no longer have to lift and carry between 12 and 16 tons of goods a day in the dry, fresh, and frozen food areas and communicate that change is also necessary.” New working environments are replacing traditional work areas. Manual picking processes take a back seat or are replaced by service, management, and controlling tasks. And WITRON also had to change, Högen supports Meißner’s statements about new user interfaces. “We are trying to reduce complexity, for example, through better user interfaces, but automation is still more demanding than manual systems,” he explains. Only recently, completely new user interfaces were rolled out for a US customer. “We listen carefully to where the weak points are, where we can improve processes so that automation brings efficiency gains and is enjoyable,” Högen laughs. Or as one of his North American customers used to say: “Our highly automated logistics center is a game changer- in terms of store service, transport costs, and leading-edge jobs for employees.”

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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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