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Category: Latest News

Robot field service emerges as a critical test for automation at scale

Posted on by An Industry Expert

The robotics industry is paying increasing attention to what happens after machines have been installed, as robot field service emerges as a potential bottleneck for wider adoption.

The issue is straightforward: a robot can be successfully built, sold and deployed, but still create operational problems if a sensor, actuator or control system fails far from the manufacturer’s engineering team. A fault occurring early in the morning at a customer site may require rapid diagnosis, replacement parts and a trained technician, rather than a remote software update.

The challenge is particularly visible in environments such as commercial kitchens, where robots are expected to operate continuously and downtime can affect the customer’s ability to deliver services. The same principle applies to other sectors using increasingly complex automation, including warehouses, distribution centres and manufacturing sites.

Service capability must develop alongside deployment

For logistics operators, the lesson is that purchasing and installation are only the beginning of a robot’s operational life. Maintenance coverage, spare-parts availability, technician training, remote monitoring and clear escalation procedures all need to be considered when evaluating an automation project.

This could influence how warehouse robotics contracts are structured. Service-level agreements may need to define response times, parts availability and responsibilities for software, electrical and mechanical faults. Operators may also need to assess whether suppliers can support equipment across multiple sites and regions, rather than relying on a small number of specialist engineers.

A stronger field-service model could help reduce unplanned downtime and give operators greater confidence when deploying automation beyond a single facility. It may also create demand for third-party service networks capable of supporting robots from multiple manufacturers.

The wider point is that robotics success will depend not only on performance during normal operation, but also on how quickly and effectively problems are resolved. As deployments grow, the ability to maintain machines in the field is likely to become a central part of the business case for automation.

Source: roboticstomorrow.com.

Ian Wright Takes on Tanzania for Transaid

Posted on by Peter MacLeod

There are plenty of ways to raise money for charity. Our Logistics Business colleague Ian Wright has chosen one of the more challenging options: cycling more than 450km across Tanzania in just five days.

Ian is setting off this week as part of Team Transaid for the charity’s Kilimanjaro to Coast Cycle Challenge, which will take riders from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean.

Along the way, they’ll face more than 2,700m of climbing, as well as the heat, terrain and inevitable physical exhaustion that come with a five-day cycle ride of this magnitude.

In other words, this isn’t going to be a gentle Sunday morning spin. But it is all for a very worthwhile cause.

A cause close to home

Transaid works across sub-Saharan Africa to transform lives through safe, available and sustainable transport. Its programmes include improving road safety, strengthening transport systems and helping people access vital healthcare – work that has a very direct and tangible impact on people’s lives.

Ian’s colleague, Peter MacLeod, is a Transaid Ambassador, and so this is a cause particularly close to his heart. Peter says:

“I have also had the privilege of travelling through Tanzania myself, around 10 years ago. It was a genuinely life-enhancing experience, but also an eye-opening one. Seeing the country first-hand – its communities, roads, distances and often incredibly demanding terrain – gave me a much greater appreciation of the practical challenges faced by people who rely on transport to access healthcare, education, employment and essential services.

“That makes Ian’s challenge particularly meaningful to me. The kilometres he and his fellow riders will cover are not simply numbers on a cycling computer; they represent the kind of environment in which Transaid is working every day.”

The final push

As Ian makes his last-minute preparations – making sure his pack is under-weight, checking his lube supplies (no-one wants any chafing!), and completing his final training to get him in top shape – he is still just a fraction short of his fundraising target.

So, before he tackles the first kilometre, we’re asking you to help him get over that particular finishing line. If you’d like to or are able to help Ian reach his fundraising target, you can support his Kilimanjaro to Coast Cycle Challenge here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/ian-wright-logistics-business

A huge thank you to everyone who has already supported Ian and helped him get this far. Your generosity has already made a real difference, so a big shout-out to main sponsor Europa Warehouse, as well as generous donors GenieGrips, PALLITE Group Ltd, and Prologis UK. It would be fantastic to see his existing supporters joined by a few more members of the Logistics Business community.

A big Logistics Business cheer

We’d also like to give a special shout-out to BIFA, the headline sponsor of the challenge, and Chelsea Group, supporting sponsor, for helping to make the event possible.

And to Ian: from all of us at Logistics Business, good luck – and good fortune and fortitude! You’ve got 450km, 2,700m of climbing and five days between Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean. That’s quite a logistics operation in itself. We’ll be cheering you on – as well as all your other intrepid co-cyclists – all the way.

Click here to listen to Ian talking about his upcoming ride with Transaid CEO Caroline Barber on a special episode of Logistics Business Conversations.

LogiMAT to stay in Stuttgart until 2031

Posted on by Peter MacLeod

LogiMAT will remain at Messe Stuttgart until at least 2031 after organiser EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH and Messe Stuttgart extended their long-standing partnership.

The agreement means the leading intralogistics and process management trade show will continue to be held at the Stuttgart exhibition centre, where it has taken place since 2003.

The next edition will run from 16 to 18 March 2027 and will mark LogiMAT’s 25th anniversary at the Stuttgart venue.

Christoph Huss, Managing Director of EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH, said the organisation was pleased to continue its partnership with Messe Stuttgart.

LogiMAT is one of the most important events in our portfolio… The Stuttgart location is ideal for LogiMAT – thanks to its modern infrastructure, excellent transport links and proximity to numerous major industrial and technology centres

Record attendance in 2026

The decision to extend the partnership follows a record-breaking LogiMAT in March 2026.

According to EUROEXPO, the event achieved new records for exhibiting companies, net exhibition space, international participation and trade visitors.

A total of 69,856 trade visitors attended the three-day event at Messe Stuttgart, reinforcing LogiMAT’s position as an international meeting point for the logistics and intralogistics sector.

The exhibition brings together companies from across the intralogistics value chain, with automation, digitalisation, material flows and supply chain resilience among the key areas of interest.

Developing the show

Michael Ruchty, Exhibition Director of LogiMAT in Stuttgart, said the aim was to continue developing the event while strengthening its position as a platform for logistics innovation and practical solutions.

The partnership between EUROEXPO and Messe Stuttgart also extends beyond the German event, with both organisations highlighting their cooperation on LogiMAT China as evidence of the development of their international relationship.

Stefan Lohnert, President of Messe Stuttgart, said the extension was a sign of the trust and shared success built up between the two organisations.

LogiMAT has established itself as a key meeting point for the logistics sector… We are proud to continue hosting this influential trade show at Messe Stuttgart

The exhibition centre’s location, with direct links to Stuttgart Airport, the motorway network and local public transport, is also cited as an important factor in its suitability for the international event.

The next LogiMAT will take place at Messe Stuttgart from 16 to 18 March 2027.

DSV Acquires DB Schenker Amid Industry Consolidation

Posted on by David Priestman

In a major industry shake-up, DSV has acquired DB Schenker, positioning itself as a major player in global logistics. This acquisition enhances DSV’s capabilities in European land transport and rail freight, aligning with the industry’s shift towards multimodal solutions and sustainability. The deal reflects a trend of consolidation, with logistics companies like CMA CGM and Kuehne+Nagel expanding their operations. As DSV integrates DB Schenker, it will face challenges in streamlining operations, but the combined entity will offer more competitive, efficient supply chain solutions globally.

In a major industry shake-up, DSV has acquired DB Schenker for a transaction valued at EUR 14.3 billion at enterprise value, positioning itself as a leading global logistics provider. This acquisition significantly enhances DSV’s capabilities, particularly in European land transport and rail freight, aligning with the industry’s shift towards multimodal solutions and sustainability. The combined entity is projected to have pro forma revenue of EUR 39.3 billion (based on 2023 figures) and a workforce of approximately 147,000 employees across more than 90 countries. This deal reflects a trend of consolidation, as logistics giants like CMA CGM and Kuehne+Nagel expand their global operations. As DSV integrates DB Schenker, it faces operational challenges, but the merged company is poised to offer more competitive and efficient supply chain solutions globally.

Strategic Importance

This acquisition strengthens DSV’s market position by adding DB Schenker’s extensive European network to its global operations. DB Schenker is a leader in land and rail transport, making DSV more competitive in Europe and enhancing its multimodal offerings at a time when sustainability and efficient transport are in high demand. With the logistics industry focusing more on green logistics, DSV can leverage DB Schenker’s rail freight expertise to offer environmentally friendly solutions across Europe. According to Jens H. Lund, Group CEO, DSV, the acquisition is a “transformative event” that will create a “world-leading transport and logistics powerhouse” and improve competitiveness across DSV’s divisions—Air & Sea, Road, and Solutions.

Competitive Landscape

The acquisition highlights the growing consolidation in logistics as major players like DSV seek to scale their operations. The deal follows similar moves by competitors such as CMA CGM’s acquisition of Bolloré Logistics and Kuehne+Nagel’s digital expansions. With customers increasingly demanding integrated, end-to-end supply chain services, DSV’s expanded footprint and service capabilities position it well to compete with rivals like DHL and Kuehne+Nagel in offering seamless logistics solutions across regions and transport modes.

Challenges and Integration

Despite the opportunities, DSV faces significant integration challenges, particularly with DB Schenker’s vast operations. Successfully merging technology, workforce, and operational standards will be key to realizing the full benefits of the acquisition. However, DSV has demonstrated its ability to handle such integrations, as seen with the Panalpina merger in 2019. The company is expected to focus on optimizing its services, reducing operational costs, and enhancing efficiency to improve competitiveness in an increasingly digital logistics environment.

Future Outlook

This acquisition will likely accelerate consolidation in the logistics industry as companies seek to expand their reach and enhance service offerings. The global logistics market is increasingly focusing on sustainability, operational efficiency, and innovation. DSV’s acquisition of DB Schenker positions the company to lead in this evolving landscape, offering comprehensive and sustainable supply chain solutions. As DSV integrates DB Schenker’s resources and expertise, it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global logistics, driving higher standards of service and operational efficiency.

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Save energy and money with thermal clothing

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Insulating the body, as opposed to a warehouse, is much more energy efficient. Our own bodies create heat, so wearing a thermal base layer, hat or lightweight jacket will help to regulate the body temperature when the external temperature is low, providing you with a simple and effective way to combat the energy crisis this winter.

FlexiTog, a leading global freezer workwear brand, has been in this market for over 43 years. Trusted by cold store companies all over world, with years of development in providing thermal clothing to people working at temperatures down to -40°C, it describes itself as the go-to company for your thermal workwear needs.

Based on an average UK warehouse size of 340,000 sq ft, it has been proven that by simply turning down the heating by 1°C you can save up to 10% of your heating costs. However, by adding a thermal base layer to your clothing, you can save up to 40% of your energy costs. FlexiTog already supplies the largest distribution companies across the UK for this exact reason. Amongst a vast range of thermal clothing solutions, FlexiTog has a combination of energy-saving kits, that include thermal base layers, hats and gloves that are readily available and can be purchased online for next-working-day delivery.

By investing some of the money saved into your staff who are working in cold temperatures this winter, you will be keeping them warm and comfortable, which in turn will increase productivity, efficiency, and create a constructive culture.

 

 

May 2022

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The May 2022 edition of Logistics Business magazine is live! As well as opinion from industry leaders – including exclusive interviews with XPO’s UK boss Dan Myers, and Jos de Vuyst, the President of the European Materials Handling Federation – our features and interviews will inform you about the major issues of the moment. Topics covered this issue include the rise and rise of inventory drones, the importance of geographic placement of DCs, and the critical role data visibility plays in supply chain optimisation, as well as our regular look at the world of intralogistics from forklifts to containers to IT and and much more.

84 pages of a truly international magazine covering the global logistics industry. Subscribe for free now.

Transaid project in Madagascar leaves lasting legacy

Posted on by Keith McKinley

More than 100,000 emergency transfers were made to rural health facilities over a five-year period in Madagascar, according to data compiled from one of Transaid’s longest-running access to healthcare initiatives, focused on maternal and child health.

Publication of the figures follows the conclusion of a USAID-funded project, known locally as MAHEFA Miaraka, led by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., and in partnership with others including Transaid, local NGOs and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health.

Working in areas of the country where the availability of transport is often low, and where difficult terrain and seasonal rainfall often limit access by motorised vehicles, Transaid supported communities to integrate locally available modes of transport to connect themselves to primary healthcare facilities or referral hospitals.

This work contributed to 106,851 transfers to health facilities taking place during the project, utilising taxi cooperatives with minibuses and motorised three-wheelers, ox carts, rickshaws, bicycle ambulances, stretchers and even canoe ambulances, amongst other forms of emergency evacuation.

Caroline Barber, Chief Executive of Transaid, says: “Delays in seeking access to quality care are a key contributor to maternal and under-five mortality, with inadequate access to transport being a major cause. This project set out to address that, working in some of the hardest to reach parts of Madagascar, where we saw the number of patients accessing the scheme grow consistently year-on-year.”

Forty-four per cent of the communities Transaid helped were inaccessible by car or truck for at least four months of the year, and 20% for almost half of the year. This made it an incredibly complex project to manage, requiring a blend of community-managed forms of transport, taxi drivers trained in emergency transport systems, plus evacuation plans developed with communities and village leaders.

Barber adds: “The communities we were supporting have spoken highly of the improved access to healthcare in emergencies, especially the means to travel at night, when there are generally far fewer transport options available.”

Transaid’s role within the project also included the setting up of several ‘enterprise box’ (eBox) initiatives, which aimed to improve community health volunteer mobility and increase motivation and retention through the provision of bicycles and income generation which also contributed financially to local health insurance schemes.

Five eBoxes were established, each becoming a bicycle sale and repair micro-enterprise managed by registered cooperatives to help meet some of the transportation needs of the local population. At the end of the project, four of the eBoxes were considered independently operational, leaving a lasting enterprise which can continue supporting the local community.

The completion of the project, Transaid’s second in Madagascar in succession, draws to a close a decade of work within the country – and one of the organisation’s longest running and most successful projects to-date.

 

Century Logistics acquired by Metro Supply Chain

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Metro Supply Chain Holdings (UK) Limited, a division of Canadian-based Metro Supply Chain, has acquired Century Logistics, a long-standing third-party logistics provider based in Suffolk, UK.

“We welcome Century Logistics to the Metro Supply Chain team. Century’s wide capabilities and customer-focused culture complement Metro Supply Chain’s strengths as a strategic supply chain solutions partner to some of the world’s fastest-growing and most reputable brands,” explains Martin Graham, Group President of Metro Supply Chain. “This acquisition deepens our operations in the UK and Europe and broadens our service offerings for UK-based customers looking to expand into the United States or Canada.”

For decades, Century Logistics has been integral to helping local and multinational consumer packaged goods brands scale through warehousing, co-packing, ecommerce fulfilment, product repairs and product returns. Managing seven distribution sites, Century Logistics is strategically located along the A14 corridor between the bustling Golden Triangle and the port of Felixstowe, the UK’s biggest and busiest container port.

“Since opening our first commercial warehouse in 1998, Century Logistics’ driving focus has been to invest where our customers need us most, which, in recent years, has meant supporting their significant ecommerce growth,” says Stephen Basey-Fisher (pictured), founder and chairman of Century Logistics. “We’re thrilled to join Metro Supply Chain and be able to offer customers here and abroad a true end-to-end, harmonized experience that will delight their consumers wherever and whenever they shop.”

Metro Supply Chain has been operating in the UK since 2016 when it acquired Evolution Time Critical, a premium provider of 24-hour emergency logistics for companies around the world, with offices in Derby, UK, the United States, Portugal, Germany and China. In 2021, the company expanded operations to include five facilities in Wales dedicated to defence sector logistics. With the acquisition of Century Logistics, Metro Supply Chain manages more than 12 million square feet in over 80 distribution centres across North America and Europe.

“Century Logistics founders Stephen and Ann Basey-Fisher have built an impressive customer-focused operation and we are excited to welcome the full Century team to Metro Supply Chain,” says Chiko Nanji, founder and CEO of Metro Supply Chain. “We look forward to providing greater synergies and opportunities for our UK-based customers who are looking to grow their operations in new geographies and capabilities.”

 

 

Russian judges excluded from IFOY jury

Posted on by David Priestman

In light of the actions taking place in eastern Europe, the IFOY organisation is showing unity with Ukraine by excluding Russia from participation in the IFOY AWARD.

Representatives of Russia on the jury and advisory board will be relieved of their duties until further notice, which means that Anton Mizunov (editor-in-chief of Skladskoj Komplex) and Vladimir Antonov (Editor-in-Chief of Sklad i Technika), both active and well-respected journalists within the IFOY community, have been suspended from the advisory team.

The IFOY organisation issued the following statement:

Russian jurors will no longer be able to vote on winners or participate in IFOY AWARD events. This will initially affect the IFOY TEST DAYS with the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS from March 21 – 23, 2022 in Dortmund, as well as the award ceremony on June 30, 2022, in Munich. Visitors and exhibitors from Russia will also be excluded from attending.

We will decide on the exclusion of Russian manufacturers from the IFOY AWARD 2023 in good time before the application phase begins in August 2022.

This decision has not been easy for us, yet we consider it to be of no alternative to send a signal against this unprecedented war of aggression against Ukraine. We explicitly emphasise at this point that this step does not change the respect for the jurors, media, applicants, and visitors who have represented Russia in the IFOY AWARD committees. We have highly appreciated their competence and cooperation in the IFOY network. We personally ask them for their understanding and hope that we will meet again soon in peace.

The IFOY (International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year) AWARD is the largest independent, international intralogistics competition. The jury now includes twenty-five judges from 19 countries on all continents.

Dematic hosts live customer service broadcast

Posted on by David Priestman

Intelligent automation specialist Dematic is inviting customers and journalists to a live broadcast on 10th March featuring Dematic Customer Service and the benefits of analytic solutions.

Dematic Customer Service offers a wide variety of innovative service solutions such as advanced predictive maintenance capabilities for keeping your equipment, software, and systems operating at peak performance. At the event, experts from the Dematic Customer Service and Global Software Analytics teams will showcase their analytic solutions and provide information about Dematic InSights, a cloud-based analytics platform for optimising warehouse operations and condition monitoring.

Alberto Rostagno, VP Customer Service EMEA, adds: “Dematic Customer Service plays a vital role in maintaining and optimizing warehouse efficiency, ensuring facilities are operating with minimum unplanned downtime and managing risks across one or multiple sites. Traditional customer maintenance services are enhanced by Dematic InSights and its remote support capabilities.”

Customers benefit from the increased control of their warehouse operation systems – and from a greater ability to master growth, handle peak season demands, and accommodate new technology. “With our analytics tool, customers have better access to their data and better visibility into their systems so they can enact action plans to improve their operations. This way, Dematic InSights allows customers to be more proactive in addressing potential issues before they become truly disruptive,” explains Andy Bruinsma, Director Digital Solutions at Dematic, who will be one of the speakers.

During the live broadcast, experts will present the current Dematic InSights dashboard modules. These range from drill-down views of system and subsystem availability tracking to elaborate visualisations of operator performance, subsystem throughput, and equipment fault analysis. The presentation will also include a demonstration of specific case stories of customers who have significantly optimised their operational or maintenance processes with Dematic InSights.

The live sessions starting at 10:00 GMT will be held in English and translated into French, Italian, and Spanish. Participants will receive live support from Dematic experts during the presentations and will be able to address specific questions at dedicated Q&A sessions. To see the full agenda and to register free of charge, visit https://www.dematic.com/peak-performance/.

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