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Day: 17 December 2024

Virtual Warehouse Assistant has Open Ear for Colleagues

Posted on by Keith McKinley

At LogiMAT 2025, Unitechnik will be demonstrating how its warehouse management system will communicate with logistics employees in natural language in the future. In addition, an AI-based cobot from Sereact and the Skypod system from EXOTEC will be demonstrating new approaches to modern warehouse automation live.

Warehouse management system UniWare from system integrator Unitechnik provides a wide range of information, including the current system status, storage location occupancy, fault message history and order progress. The WMS uses dashboards and graphics to visualise all important information so that every UniWare user can access it. In future, all authorised employees will have even easier access to this data by communicating with UniWare in natural language. This is the logical further development of the UniWare-AI control centre assistant presented at the last LogiMAT.

Barrier-free access

“Show me the five most frequent faults in lane 1 in the last month.” “How many order items did we dispatch the day before yesterday?” In future, this or similar questions could be sent to the warehouse management system via the employee’s smartphone headset. The desired information appears on the display in the form of text, speech, graphics or tables. By communicating in natural language, UniWare also makes it possible to provide sophisticated and individual information about the logistics centre’s operations without having to operate the software manually. The manufacturer-independent general contractor will be presenting such a version of UniWare-AI at LogiMAT 2025. Visitors to the trade fair will not only be able to talk to Unitechnik’s automation experts, but also to the warehouse management system itself.

Robotics with AI power

Another special focus at the trade fair is AI-controlled robotics. At the trade fair stand, an intelligent cobot from Sereact will demonstrate how different objects can be recognised and picked automatically. The system shows how modern robotics can be integrated into intralogistics workflows. An additional highlight is the Skypod system from EXOTEC, for which Unitechnik is an integration partner. With its autonomous warehouse robots, it sets new standards in automation and is characterised by scalability, high performance and efficient use of space.

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Chile Port Starts Emission Reduction with Reach Stackers

Posted on by David Priestman

Two Konecranes reach stackers have just started handling containers at the Ultraport terminal in Puerto Angamos, a major port for Chile’s vital copper exports. Ultraport is ramping up efforts to reduce emissions and chose lift trucks featuring Flow Drive, a Konecranes innovation that uses a special transmission to cut fuel consumption without losing performance.

Ultraport has been a Konecranes customer for over a decade, with an extensive fleet that includes over 30 reach stackers and several mobile harbour cranes throughout Chile. They are part of Ultramar, which has installed the first Konecranes Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes on the continent at their Terminal Graneles del Norte (TGN). Ultraport has now continued to lead the way in material handling by introducing the first Flow Drive lift trucks to the region.

“As one of the leading port operators in Chile, we have a responsibility to maintain sustainable business in the region. Because Puerto Angamos plays such a key role in the Chilean economy, we believe it is the ideal location to start our emissions reduction program,” says Nelson Ojeda, Manager of Ultraport Angamos.

“The first Konecranes Flow Drive reach stackers in Latin America are a natural addition to Ultraport’s large Konecranes fleet. Their faith in our technology and expertise convinced them that this is the best solution for their emissions initiative. And we’re proud to work with trusted local distributor Trex to help Ultraport achieve their goals,” says Andres Ramirez, Sales Manager, Konecranes Lift Trucks.

The two new lift trucks are Konecranes SMV 4632 TC5 reach stackers equipped with Flow Drive, an innovative solution utilizing a hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT) to limit power at low speed, reducing wear and carbon emissions while cutting fuel consumption by up to 25% compared to a reach stacker with standard diesel configuration. A number of optional onboard features improve performance and safety while further reducing environmental impact: the Hydraulic Long Life (HLL) filter increases the oil change interval, automated central greasing minimizes mechanical wear and reduces maintenance, and two additional cameras located on the spreader that allow the driver to check the twist locks during the whole operation, while one rear camera aids visibility in reverse maneuvers. TRUCONNECT® Remote Monitoring collects operational diagnostics to help optimize usage and the Premium upgrade adds tire pressure monitoring to maintain stability, further cut fuel consumption and extend tire lifetime.

This delivery is part of Ecolifting™, Konecranes’ vision to increase its handprint – meaning the beneficial environmental impact that can be achieved with our product and service portfolio – while reducing customers’ carbon footprints. From eco-optimizing diesel drives, to hybridization and fully-electrified fleets, we will continue to do more with less.

A strong focus on customers and commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a material handling industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that decarbonize the economy and advance circularity and safety.

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Supply Chain Resilience with Foundational Technical Review

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Logistics Reply, the Reply Group company specializing in innovative supply chain solutions, is pleased to announce that LEA Reply™, its modular and cloud-native platform for supply chain execution, has successfully completed the AWS Foundational Technical Review (FTR). Reinforcing its alignment with Amazon Web Services (AWS) best practices; LEA Reply™ aims to deliver on its commitment to providing secure, scalable, and forward-thinking solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the logistics and supply chain sectors.

The AWS Foundational Technical Review, based on the AWS Well-Architected Framework, reflects a comprehensive review of LEA Reply’s architecture. By meeting AWS’s stringent standards in security, reliability, performance, and operational excellence, Logistics Reply ensures that its platform is built to help customers tackle the complex challenges of modern supply chains. This validation also highlights the platform’s ability to integrate AWS’s capabilities to empower businesses with cutting-edge tools for scalability, data protection, and efficiency.

“The AWS Foundational Technical Review certification is a testament to our commitment to innovation, security, and reliability. said Enrico Nebuloni, Executive Partner at Reply. In a time when cybersecurity is a critical concern, this recognition reassures our customers that LEA Reply™ meets the highest standards of security, scalability, and operational resilience. By leveraging AWS infrastructure and adhering to its best practices, we provide a robust, cloud-native platform designed to handle the complexities of modern supply chains. This milestone strengthens our position as a trusted partner, enabling businesses to mitigate risks, enhance performance, and ensure business continuity with confidence.”

The AWS FTR Validation underscores LEA Reply’s capacity to address core challenges faced by supply chain professionals today:

Resilience: Enhanced security measures protect critical operations and data.
Agility: Scalable solutions that adapt to business growth and market shifts.
Efficiency: Optimized performance through adherence to proven architectural frameworks.
Cost-Effectiveness: Smart cloud resource management ensures value for investment.

By embedding AWS best practices into its DNA, Logistics Reply continues to deliver innovation that empowers supply chain leaders to navigate disruption, seize opportunities, and maintain a competitive edge.

Electric Reach Stacker at Port of Barcelona

Posted on by David Priestman

Hutchison Ports BEST has put into operation at its terminal in the Port of Barcelona the first electric reach stacker in Southern Europe. This new acquisition is part of an ambitious plan to reduce the carbon footprint of the terminal, making it the most sustainable and efficient terminal in southern Europe.

With this move the terminal is beginning to replace equipment that operates with a combustion engine and diesel fuel with all-electric machinery that uses lithium batteries. The incorporation of the electric reach stacker, manufactured by the company Sany, is a significant step towards the decarbonization of the terminal’s operations, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere.

Guillermo Belcastro, CEO of Hutchison Ports BEST, says: “Society in general and consumers in particular are increasingly demanding the sustainable treatment of products from the point of production to their distribution, including the entire supply chain, and here BEST is already a differentiating factor. Currently, each container that passes through the BEST terminal reduces emissions by almost 70% compared to a conventional terminal.”

Positive Environmental Impact

The implementation of this machine will avoid emissions equivalent to 260 tons of CO2e per year thanks to its efficiency and use electricity from 100% renewable sources. This significant reduction in the carbon footprint will benefit air quality in the Port of Barcelona.

Technical and Operational Characteristics

The RS of Sany model SRSC45E5 lifts up to 45 tonnes and stacks up to five containers through its telescopic arm. The BEST terminal uses the RS to handle containers in the area parallel to the railway terminal within the marine terminal, as well as in the Special Area facilitating the storage of both empty and full containers.

Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan

This initiative is part of BEST’s plan to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2040. The arrival of the new equipment, which took place at the end of August, marks an important milestone in this decarbonisation commitment. After a period of testing, the crane is now fully operational. The next step will be the connection of the first container ship to 100% green electricity this September through the On Shore Power Supply (OPS) system, also being the first terminal in Southern Europe to offer this service to its customers.

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Right-Sized Packaging Portfolio Expanded

Posted on by David Priestman

CMC Packaging Automation, a global supplier of sustainable, advanced packaging solutions, today announced the launch of the CMC Genesys Compact, a state-of-the-art addition to its portfolio of right-sized packaging technology. Developed in response to the growing demand for compact, efficient, and easily deployable systems, the CMC Genesys Compact offers a scalable solution designed to seamlessly integrate into both greenfield and brownfield environments, making it an ideal option also for businesses looking to upgrade through automation existing facilities with minimal disruption.

Capable of producing right-sized corrugated boxes at a rate of up to 500 pieces per hour, this new system is tailored for packing both single and multi-line orders without the need for void fillers, significantly reducing material waste and providing a boost to operational efficiency. Unlike its predecessor, the CMC Genesys, this new model does not require the CMC Vary-Tote for product handling. Instead, items are precisely scanned directly on the inlet conveyor, sized, and securely packed in custom boxes. Optional features include easy-opening strips and resealable options to enhance the unboxing experience for customers.

Advanced Material and Compact Design

The machine supports corrugated materials from different sources: Z-fold, cut sheet channel and the innovative CMC Wave-Line system, which combines a kraft paper liner with open flute corrugate. With a compact footprint of 44 sqm, the Genesys Compact offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing it to be easily relocated or reconfigured for future projects, making it a versatile choice for dynamic fulfillment operations and offering scalability and long-term investment value.

Enhancing Sustainability and Compliance

The introduction of the CMC Genesys Compact aligns with the upcoming European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) as well as the EPR and similar packaging laws emerging across U.S. states such as the 2021 New Jersey’s Recycled Content Law or the 2022 California’s Packaging EPR Law, supporting companies in meeting stricter sustainability standards. The system efficiency in eliminating void fillers and optimizing box sizes helps businesses significantly reduce empty space and their environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable packaging future.

“Retailers, e-commerce players and logistics companies are increasingly looking for flexible solutions to right-size their packaging and streamline fulfilment processes. Automation is the key to achieving these objectives, optimizing operational costs and footprint,” said Luigi Russo, CEO of CMC Packaging Automation. “Automation addresses labour shortages and rising costs, providing scalability during peak demand periods, ensuring reliable performances.”

“Retailers and logistics providers are under immense pressure to optimize their packaging processes while meeting new sustainability standards,” continued Luigi Russo. “CMC Genesys Compact provides an innovative solution that not only complies with these new global requirements but also helps reduce the environmental impact of packaging. This machine is a testament to our commitment to driving sustainable automation solutions for our partners.”

Experience the Genesys Compact Live

CMC is offering personalized demos of the CMC Genesys Compact at their headquarters in Città di Castello offering prospective customers a hands-on experience of its capabilities. The machine will also be showcased at the upcoming LogiMAT 2025 and ProMat 2025 exhibitions, where attendees can experience firsthand how CMC’s latest innovation is setting new benchmarks in automated packaging.

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