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Day: 3 April 2025

Low Noise Transmission Belt

Posted on by David Priestman

At a recent event, Megadyne showcased their new Quiet, Self-Tracking (QST) System— an alternative to traditional straight tooth profiles offering efficient conveying.

Engineered to address the critical challenges faced by manufacturers and operations managers in logistics and material handling operations, the QST System delivers improved noise reduction, more compact transmission, energy efficiency, and operational reliability.

QST profile VS Standard straight tooth profile

Luca Zironda, Global ISM Material Handling & Automation Power Transmission Expert at Megadyne, explains, “Traditional systems with standard straight tooth profiles often come with compromises: persistent noise, energy inefficiencies, and tracking requirements. The QST System addresses these challenges directly, offering a quieter, more efficient solution.”

“One of the standout features of the Megadyne QST system,” Luca explains, “is its advanced tooth design, which optimises power transmission”, enabling, “a more compact transmission while minimising energy loss.”

By reducing vibrations and noise levels, the system creates significantly quieter and more efficient operations, not only enhancing the working environment but also leading to reduced energy consumption, directly impacting both the bottom line and sustainability goals.

Benefits for the workforce: a quieter, safer environment

Megadyne claim drastically reduced sound levels improving the impact of noise on workers’ well-being, creating a more comfortable and less disruptive environment. They believe that the reduction may even be so significant that ear protection could become unnecessary even with high-speed high-load intralogistics applications.

Operational benefits: reduced downtime and maintenance time

The new system has a self-tracking and low-maintenance design to which Megadyne claim eliminates the need for constant adjustments and frequent repairs, leading to long-term savings, with less wear on the belts, extended service life, and fewer inspections. The result to which would be reduced downtime, more reliable operations, and significant maintenance cost reductions.

Business benefits: lowering energy costs and waste

From a business perspective, the reduction in conveyor energy consumption provided by the Megadyne QST system is said to be transformative. By operating more efficiently, this system helps businesses cut down on their energy costs while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint. This results in more sustainable operations, aligning with modern industrial demands for performance and environmental responsibility.

Commitment to efficiency

“The Megadyne QST system exemplifies how innovation can drive operational improvement across multiple levels,” says Luca Zironda. “From reducing noise and energy consumption to enhancing operational efficiency and lowering maintenance costs, the Megadyne QST system transforms how logistics businesses operate.”

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Efficient Chargers for Driverless Transport

Posted on by David Priestman

Optimized operating procedures, maximum performance, safe processes: Fronius solutions are setting new standards for charging industrial trucks and driverless transport systems. These solutions enable users and manufacturers to seamlessly integrate vehicles, chargers and lithium-ion batteries in automated environments.

Driverless transport systems (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that transport goods and materials independently have taken their place alongside industrial trucks as integral components in intralogistics. At the same time, growing demand for digitalized solutions requires charging devices that are powerful, safe and highly available. This is where Fronius systems come in. The company has been a reliable partner for battery charging for 80 years now.

Precise, flexible and reliable loading

The extensive portfolio from charging specialist Fronius works with both lead-acid and lithium batteries. The company offers an array of devices with outputs ranging from one to 30 kilowatts, all internationally certified in accordance with CE, UL and UK CA. Fronius adjusts the charging parameters to the optimum custom charging curve for each customer based on their defined battery setup, and then implements the curve in the charger after completing the release test. This means no additional work for the user.

Intelligent systems maximize the performance and safety of the overall system consisting of the vehicle, battery and charger. They offer high energy efficiency, with a fast and gentle charging process that extends the service life of the batteries. An optimized charging time means vehicles can be put back into operation more quickly, which leads to higher productivity. Also in the range: solutions that integrate renewable energy sources such as solar energy into the charging infrastructure. This increases the sustainability of a forklift fleet and cuts operating costs. If required, Fronius experts can also supplement the complete charging infrastructure, offer support throughout the entire life cycle, and provide regular user training – all from a single source.

Ready for lithium-ion charging

High-performance lithium-ion charging solutions with the SelectION portfolio (CAN transmission) are available for operators and manufacturers of AGVs and AMRs. The devices in the Selectiva 4.0 product line are designed for lead-acid batteries as standard, but with the custom charging curve they can also reliably charge lithium-ion batteries without CAN communication via sliding contacts, for example.

Fronius is playing a key role in the development of pioneering lithium-ion technology: its solutions optimize energy consumption and boost the performance of machines and vehicles. Intelligent charging systems are especially important for AGV users who need to charge their fleet frequently and quickly to ensure smooth operation.

Intelligently networked

Fronius equips its chargers with a gateway to connect to the fleet management system. This means operators are prepared when their markets move to integrate charging technology into fleet management or building management systems. Fronius relies on the industry standard Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) for the transmission of all important information. This charger connection architecture offers a number of advantages ranging from visualization, live data transmission and remote start/stop of the charging process to remote updating of the charger firmware and device data.

Additional functions can be integrated depending on customer requirements. This gives users greater transparency and control over the entire charging infrastructure and enables them to operate their AGV fleet sustainably.

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Glove Manufacturer Selects Warehouse-Ready Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Fortna, an automation and software company for the full logistics value chain, has been selected by Magid Glove & Safety Manufacturing Company LLC (Magid), a fourth-generation family-owned personal protection equipment (PPE) manufacturer and distributor, to retrofit their Romeoville, Illinois distribution centre with a warehouse-ready, high-density AutoStore solution.

As a growing manufacturer and distributor, Magid strives for operational excellence while maintaining flexibility to meet growing customer needs and demands. Inventory management and improving productivity are critical for Magid, as well as optimizing capacity to get the most out of their warehouse square footage.

FORTNA, a global partner with AutoStore, will work with Magid to design and implement a warehouse-ready solution that includes the grid, robots, goods-to-person stations and software. FORTNA will integrate the solution and will also perform a full recontrol of the facility.

Warehouse-Ready Solution

“We have had our eye on a goods-to-person fulfillment system from AutoStore for several years. We spoke to nearly all of the AutoStore U.S. partners and ultimately decided to partner with FORTNA,” said Greg Cohen, CEO of Magid. “Their team listened to our requirements and designed a solution that will meet our requirements now and into the future. We are excited to partner with them and look forward to an extremely successful implementation that will help us better serve our customers.”

Rob McKeel, CEO, FORTNA, stated, “We are proud to partner with Magid to design and implement this next-generation, warehouse-ready solution. By leveraging our industry-leading software and our deep expertise in AutoStore technology, we will enhance and optimize Magid’s operating model.” McKeel added, “This comprehensive solution not only improves system performance but also drives greater labor efficiency, increases capacity and enhances inventory management. This warehouse-ready solution reflects the strength of our shared vision and unwavering commitment to delivering transformative operational outcomes for our customers.”

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Trailer Loading Time Reduced to Minutes

Posted on by David Priestman

LoadPlate® semi-automated loading solution by Actiw, a subsidiary of The Joloda Hydraroll Group, has been installed at Sverdrup Steel’s new service centre in Denmark to improve loading efficiency, reduce operational costs, minimise product damage, and enhance safety. Sverdrup Steel is a global supplier of stainless steel and nickel-based alloys with more than 30 years of expertise in materials technology. Known for its quick delivery and high quality standards, the company serves industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

In early 2024, Sverdrup Steel announced its new 13,000 sqm service centre in Hedensted, Denmark. Strategically located near Europe, Scandinavia, and the UK, the facility is designed to streamline logistics, enhance alloy processing, and demonstrate Sverdrup Steel’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional service.

The Challenge: Handling Heavy Containers in Adverse Weather

Sverdrup Steel faced several challenges when loading containers at its service centre in Kløfta, Norway, due to the size and weight of products, with some items weighing several tonnes. Loading these high-performance alloy materials was labour-intensive and time-consuming, often causing inefficiencies and delays. The process also posed safety risks –personnel manoeuvring heavy goods using forklifts near other machinery was increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Beyond inefficiencies and safety considerations, maintaining product integrity was a critical issue. At its Kløfta service centre, Sverdrup relied on forwarders or contractors to move and load the material from the harbour and into the containers. The material needed to be loaded outside of the warehouse in the open-air, regardless of weather conditions. In Scandinavia, the weather is constantly shifting, and it can become very cold and rainy. Sudden temperature changes and wet conditions from rain or snow result in condensation/ humidity, which can damage steel products.

The Solution: Optimising Loading Operations to Minimise Risks

When developing its new service centre, Sverdrup Steel sought a system that could optimise loading operations while ensuring consistent quality and modern standards. Actiw’s LoadPlate® semi-automated loading solution emerged as the perfect fit. It allowed Sverdrup Steel to bring its loading operations in-house, gain full control of the supply chain, and seamlessly integrate the solution into its state-of-the-art facility.

To protect product integrity, Sverdrup installed the LoadPlate® system indoors under a controlled climate. This eliminated risks associated with weather exposure and temperature extremes, ensuring their high-value products are delivered in pristine condition every time.

Results: One-Shot Loading in Under Five Minutes

Sverdrup Steel’s new service centre is fully operational as of January 2025. The introduction of LoadPlate® has ensured loading operations there are efficient, safe and cost effective. The loading process, which once took hours, now takes under five minutes, significantly improving vehicle turnaround times and streamlining supply chain operations. Labour costs have been cut considerably, as the system requires just one operator and eliminates the need for forklifts or external contractors. LoadPlate®’s electric operation also reduces energy costs and environmental impact.

By reducing the need for personnel near heavy machinery during loading, the system has minimised the risk of accidents. Its precise, automated operation has nearly eliminated product damage, addressing a major pain point with traditional methods. Loading indoors under a controlled environment has been another game-changer, protecting goods from adverse weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. Sverdrup Steel’s products now consistently arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

Mats Benson, Chief Operation Officer at Sverdrup Steel, commented: “LoadPlate has transformed our operations — loading that used to take hours now takes minutes. The reduction in labour and equipment costs has been substantial, and most importantly, we’ve improved safety standards, which is a top priority for us.”

The installation of LoadPlate® has had a transformative impact on container loading operations at Sverdrup Steel’s new service centre. By addressing inefficiencies, reducing costs, and enhancing safety, LoadPlate® has optimised workflows and reinforced Sverdrup Steel’s position as leader in quality and operational excellence.

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New Alliance Fights EU Packaging Regulation

Posted on by David Priestman

An exemption based on facts: Mosca GmbH, together with twelve other companies from the European strap industry, has founded the ‘project alliance straps’ (PAU) association. The aim of the alliance is to convince political decision-makers in Brussels of the need for an exemption, a so-called delegated act, within the framework of the new EU packaging regulation and to exempt strapping material from the reusable quota provided for therein.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) governs the management of packaging within the European Union and requires EU member states to reduce their packaging-based carbon emissions. The overall goal is to minimize the use of plastics in packaging and to move from a linear petroleum-based approach – such as incineration of plastic waste – to circular recycling. This includes Article 29, which sets strict requirements and quotas for the reuse of transport protection materials such as stretch films, pallet covers, and straps. Consequently, these regulations place the article at the center of the alliance’s efforts.

“We fundamentally support and welcome the PPWR, as it is in line with our philosophy and goals for a more sustainable future, advocating the development of a circular economy for strapping materials,” says Dr. Martin Bussmann, vice chairman of the board of project alliance straps and head of material innovation at Mosca. “However, we see an urgent need for action regarding Article 29 to ensure the safety of product transport and the stability of supply chains.”

If the article remains unchanged, this could have a significant impact on established and secure logistics solutions from August 2026 – with serious consequences for security and global supply chains, as Bussmann emphasises: “This is a very serious matter: The reuse of straps poses significant safety risks, as material fatigue weakens the stability of transport packaging, potentially causing pallets or packages to shift or become damaged. This is particularly dangerous in dynamic situations, such as emergency braking, where both goods and people could be at risk.” To prevent this, Mosca has teamed up with companies such as Teufelberger, Fromm Plastics, Messersi, Sekisui Jushi, Embalcer, cpdesign, and Green Tech to form the project alliance straps.

Fact-based testing as the key to exemption approval

With a comprehensive position paper based on science, the Alliance aims to demonstrate that straps pose a significant safety risk when used repeatedly yet are more sustainable than alternative packaging solutions such as metal crates – making an exemption for this type of transport securing essential. “Only with independent research and pooled expertise can we create an evidence-based foundation to support the political decision-making process in Brussels,” says Dr. Bussmann.

The position paper is based on comprehensive, independent tests carried out by the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems (IMWS), among others. The research team examines various materials at the molecular level and analyzes how the material properties of the straps change with the stress of use and reuse. “The initial results confirm our theory that reuse leads to weaknesses in the material, which no longer guarantees the safety of the transport packaging. This is a key aspect in favour of the exemption to ensure safety at the end of a supply chain world-wide,” Bussmann explains.

A comparison of the sustainability of strapping

The position paper also focuses on the sustainability balance of straps. In a comprehensive life cycle analysis, strapping material is compared with alternatives such as metal boxes or collapsible transport crates. “The results so far show that straps have a better carbon footprint than heavier, reusable packaging solutions, even though they are used only once,” says Bussmann. “It is important for us to show in a measurable and scientifically based way that our strap is not only safe, but also a minimum packaging that is sustainable, even when compared to alternative solutions.”

Once the tests and analyses are completed in early 2025, the results will be reviewed by a European university to ensure their scientific validity. “The additional external review strengthens the credibility of our results and ensures transparency in our approach,” says Bussmann. The alliance plans to present the position paper to political representatives in Brussels in mid-2025. “We hope to convince decision-makers of the need for a delegated act that recognizes strapping and packaging materials as a safe and sustainable packaging solution, thus ensuring the long-term use of straps in transport packaging,” he concludes.

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Transportation Management Systems Status Retained

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Manhattan Associates Inc., a supplier of supply chain commerce solutions, announced that it has been named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Transportation Management Systems for the seventh consecutive year.

With the growing complexity of supply chains, it has become critical for enterprises to better orchestrate transportation and distribution processes with a unified supply chain execution solution. Manhattan’s cloud-native technology, microservices-based architecture and unified platform provide supply chain and logistics professionals with a distinctive and advanced technology architecture that stands apart from legacy, portfolio offerings in the market. By doing away with silos, it delivers real-time visibility into shipments, offers predictive analytics for better decision-making, delivers the ability to automate manual processes and ultimately eliminates inefficiencies, which is a definite game-changer for companies operating in complex and demanding environments.

“We are delighted to be recognized by Gartner as a Leader in TMS,” said Bryant Smith, director of Product Management for Manhattan Associates. “This ongoing leadership reflects our commitment to continuous innovation, customer success, and excellence in supply chain execution. We deliver speed and value across various transportation functions and leverage advanced intelligence to solve the largest and most complex transportation challenges.”

Latest additions to the cloud-native Manhattan Active TM include GenAI capabilities to the platform, and unification of Manhattan Active Yard Management with TMS. It can already be combined with Manhattan Active Warehouse Management, and Labour Management providing companies with a complete, simplified, and unified supply chain execution system that continuously adapts and scales to business needs, and provides a single, comprehensive view of the distribution network, unlocking optimization opportunities that are impossible with traditional siloed offerings.

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