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Category: Weighing & Measuring

Handling a Smart Century

Posted on by David Priestman

Part of the Meijer Group, Meijer Handling Solutions has just celebrated its 100th birthday. It’s been a century of innovation, and with another set to follow, the urge to innovate is far from over.

Meijer Group started as a one-man business in 1921, founded by Jan Meijer in the Frisian village of Wier, the Netherlands. Like many businesses at that time, Meijer focused on local agriculture. Jan went from farm to farm offering his services as a thresher. His son, Hendrik, took the first technical steps and expanded the range to include tractors and tracked vehicles. Under his leadership, Meijer grew to become a contracting and earthmoving company, carrying out repairs and developing new machines and machine parts. The company demonstrated technical and customer-specific thinking that soon bore fruit.

Hendrik’s son, Sjoerd, added his own contribution. Sjoerd was even more of a techie than his father and shifted the company’s course towards mechanical engineering and construction. Meijer proved himself by developing surprising and effective solutions to complex technical problems. The knowledge and experience gained from these activities were also essential to the development of the company’s present achievements.

These days, the fourth generation is at the helm in the person of Hendrik Meijer (pictured). Meijer Handling Solutions specialises in the production of logistics solutions, such as attachment equipment for material handling equipment and standalone systems. Apart from a brief excursion to Wieringerwerf, the company has always remained in Friesland. In St. Jacobiparochie, the Meijer Group employs approximately 170 people, but it still exudes the feel of a true family business.

Innovative solutions

The origin of current activities lies in the patented telescopic fork that was introduced in 1980, an innovation of Hendrik’s father. The hydraulic ReachForks concept was originally sold exclusively to KOOI, a manufacturer of portable forklift trucks, which at the time was sold under the name KOOI-AAP. In 2000, however, Meijer took over the sales and marketing rights. The official brand name KOOI®ReachForks was also acquired.

“That acquisition has been a success for us,” says Hendrik Meijer. “From then on, we could also supply our products to other OEMs of portable forklift trucks and distributors worldwide. During that time, we grew a department into a professional market leader.” In ten years’, the number of distributors rose sharply: from eight in 2000 to approximately 25 in 2010. Meijer Handling Solutions grew to become the world market leader in the production of hydraulic forks.

In addition to acquiring the sales rights, Meijer also invested in engineering. New innovative products were introduced, such as KOOI®RollerForks. “But we do more than just forks,” Hendrik Meijer continues enthusiastically. “We develop and produce pallet transfer systems for moving goods from one pallet to another, mast height extension and much more.”

Making products smarter

Personified by the CEO, Meijer Handling Solutions is still full of energy and innovation after 100 years. Today, the focus is on making products smarter. The KOOI® Next programme enables forklift trucks to be used even more efficiently. Handling speed can be increased, damage to goods, pallets and racks can be reduced and workplace safety can be improved. The KOOI® Next program is an excellent tool for providing users with essential information. Using an app on the mobile phone, for example, the deflection of the fork can be analysed. KOOI®ReachControl, a length measuring system for all kind of ReachForks, ensures that the extension of the fork stops at the right moment and the forks do not protrude too far through the pallet.

With the length measuring system, Meijer Handling Solutions also responds to the ongoing electrification of internal transport. “For example, we are developing an electric ReachFork,” says Hendrik Meijer. “To guarantee the quality that the market has come to expect from us, we are currently developing and testing various prototypes.”

“There are still many good things in store for the company,” says Hendrik Meijer. “We are a global market leader and want to grow in North America in particular. We have had a joint venture (Cascade-KOOI®) with Cascade there since 2019. Cascade is well represented in North America and our products fit well with their current programme.”

Locally made

Meanwhile, the production facility in St. Jacobiparochie does not offer sufficient space for this further global growth. “When the time is right, we will also look at manufacturing opportunities in other parts of the world. By manufacturing locally, we can also reduce transport and in turn contribute to achieving an environmentally friendly chain.”

Gripping Forks

Posted on by David Priestman

David Priestman met with an Australian manufacturer of forks and forklift safety products celebrating its 10th anniversary.

GenieGrips, based in Melbourne, launched a prototype product at a trade show a decade ago. “Fifty people said, ‘we need those’,” Director Louise Inglese tells me. So they set to work, initially with self-adhesive stick pads for forks, made from disposable rubber, that prevent scratching the stainless steel.

The company’s launch in the UK was in 2019. This was hampered by the pandemic causing the cessation of trade shows – which are key for new business generation for GenieGrips. IMHX Birmingham in September 2022 was therefore a relaunch and Inglese is delighted that exhibitions are back.

It is a family-owned firm, with Louise’s husband Michael providing the engineering expertise. Together they spun the company out of CRP Industries, with specialist capability in bonding rubber to metal. “We get customer feedback regarding pain points in managing their forklifts,” Louise Inglese explains, “which leads us to invent and make new products.” For example, the company now offers mats with adjustable hooks, rather than static.

GenieGrips offers 5 product ranges:

· Mats – the top seller, available in various lengths and widths
· Caps – for protecting the tips of forks
· Cushions – which are attached vertically to the uprights of the forks
· Sticker Pads – adhesive, 8 in a box
· Loading Mirrors – acrylic, reflective and adjustable to provide a wide or slim view so that the driver can see in front of the load when loading and unloading (bulky loads obscure the view)

There are about 20 distributors worldwide, including TVH (exclusively so in Mexico). GenieGrips also supplies products to OEMs, including fork attachment suppliers like B&B and forklift manufacturers like Crown and Hyster-Yale, for sale to the final customer, if requested. The products’ good reputation leads to high re-order rates. Keith Waterman runs the British subsidiary. He tells me: “Since having been given the opportunity to promote and distribute this great product customers are showing a lot of interest in GenieGrips, which helps and makes the job a lot easier. The feedback from customers is always positive, no matter what they are moving.

Fork coverings

“Our website is having a lot of interest with existing customers ordering more products to put on the rest of their fleet of FLT’s, which is always satisfying. My ambition is to see the bright yellow fork coverings and loading mirrors on all FLT’s across the country, knowing that the work place is a safer environment and that companies are also protecting their products and reaping the financial rewards too. And what’s better is representing and working for a wonderful team at GenieGrips.

The mission of Genie Grips is to improve safety in working environments throughout the world with their high-quality range. To achieve that goal in Europe, they decided to cooperate with C&H Maastricht, based in south-east Netherlands. The official European introduction happened during LogiMAT 2018 in Stuttgart. C&H Maastricht executed a pre-exhibition marketing strategy to inform the market of their presence at the show. This resulted in interest and orders from all over the world, giving GenieGrips a successful foothold on the European market. Now, C&H Maastricht operates as the European Sales Support Office and official agent for GenieGrips in Europe.

What of the next steps for the company? Louise Inglese: “We strive for continual improvement. Over the next six months there will be a release of the GenieGrips® Mats and Cushions with new and improved features. We design our products with convenience in mind so that our customers can remain active and profitable. Even though, as an Australian business, we believe in producing our products with the highest standard possible, we endeavour to keep our products affordable and relevant.”

WCS for Special Brew

Posted on by David Priestman

Cimcorp’s Warehouse Control System (WCS) optimises inventory flows and improves warehouse efficiency. The 150-year-old Finnish beverage and brewing company Olvi relies on Cimcorp’s WCS to handle all intralogistics within its distribution centre.

Throughout Olvi’s logistics centre in Lisalmi, Finland, goods are mainly produced at the brewery and then automatically transferred to the high-bay warehouse for storage, picking, and dispatching.
It can be busy. “During the high season, a product produced in the morning might be in the retail outlet in the afternoon,” says Olvi’s Logistics Foreman, Ilkka Heikkilä.

However, a typical week with 5500 customer deliveries is not quite as hectic. Standard delivery time from production to the customer’s premises is 48 hours. This is fixed in the everyday routine of the logistics department. “The 24-hour cycle means that we must pick and deliver one day’s goods within 24 hours,” says Ilkka Heikkilä. “The next period is dedicated to new orders.”

High quality with warehouse control software

In 2014, Olvi implemented Cimcorp’s intralogistics system. It encompasses all the different areas for storage and order-picking and manages the flow of inventory from the reception to the dispatch of goods. Integrating seamlessly with the sales system M3, the WCS receives all the pertinent data from its host system.

As a first step, product information, orders and their deadlines are transferred from M3 to WCS. The needed data for product registration is automatically retrieved from the conveyor system.
In the logistics centre, operators move pallets to the order picking areas according to a predetermined schedule. A voice-directed picking system can be used, if required. With this system, pickers receive instructions regarding order lines as well as their locations in the dispatch areas.

Automatic picking

“Via their headsets, warehouse workers receive exact information on what and where to pick,” explains Heikkilä. A combination of automated tray picking and manual picking is used to pick most orders, with any products that cannot be picked automatically being added to the pallets.

With the high-bay warehouse, conveyors and order picking robots, Olvi can pick 97 percent of its orders automatically. In the next step, the goods are shrink-wrapped and moved to the shipping area. Whenever a delivery is ready, it is loaded and delivered to the next link in the chain. At that point, WCS sends the order accomplishment information to the sales system for reporting and invoicing.

Real-time monitoring

Olvi implemented Cimcorp’s WCS to eliminate bottlenecks and improve efficiency. Within the logistics department, the system has about 20 users. For them, monitoring in real time is one of the biggest benefits. “The most valuable feature is the ability to monitor the current picking situation,” says Heikkilä. “We can track our progress in relation to the daily target.”

With Cimcorp’s Warehouse Control System, better forecasting and evaluation are also possible. For example, Olvi plans and forecasts picking activities based on order data.
A high degree of automation and innovation is a hallmark of Olvi’s distribution centre in contrast to many of its European competitors. Olvi knows that as a beverage company expands and offers more complex products, it is essential that the goods flow seamlessly.

“We have more than 400 products in our distribution,” Timo Miettinen, Logistics Manager at Olvi, “and Cimcorp’s intralogistics system has the capability to handle products from our subsidiaries and partners in addition to our own.” The number of products has grown rapidly over the past decade, and there is no indication that this trend will reverse. “In fact,” says Miettinen, “there are still new and attractive product categories with room for growth.” For Olvi, smooth processes and intelligent automation are necessary to meet customer demands.

Small Sorters, many Destinations

Posted on by David Priestman

Mobile sorters can make outstanding use of limited space – what’s more, they’re flexible in what you can use them for.

For over 200 years; from the first railway lines to the Eiffel Tower lifts and industry 4.0, Fives has been at the heart of industrial revolutions by designing the breakthrough solutions and technologies that make up industry and that the world needs. As the world’s leading partner in supply chain performance, Fives, through its Intralogistics Business Unit, provides and integrates world-class solutions for sorting, warehousing, material handling and advanced automation, serving a wide range of industries.

As a pioneer of digitalization, Fives is always one innovation ahead thanks to its ability to anticipate customer needs and the commitment of its passionate and expert employees, including Fabio Sacchi, New Application Director for the GENI-AntTM sorter. In 2016, he joined Fives with the mission to develop robotic solutions for intralogistics. Since then, he has led a team of expert engineers with the goal to build the next generation of the world’s most flexible robotic sorters. The result is the development of the AMR-based GENI-AntTM sorter, entirely designed and manufactured at Fives Intralogistics SpA in Italy.

What is the thinking behind the GENI-AntTM sorter? “ Due to the pandemic and the acceleration in the switch to ecommerce, retailers and 3PLs need to transform their supply chains, modernise their warehouses and improve their delivery network, especially in urban areas,” he says. “They must now manage unpredictable, more fragmented, and smaller orders in their distribution centres and warehouses, as well as an increasing number of returns.”

Mobile sorters

The GENI-AntTM sorter is the most scalable and flexible solution available on the market today. It can be easily reconfigured and relocated due to its compact design and small footprint. “The implementation of autonomous mobile sorters, capable of making decisions and speeding up processing, allows our customers to move to the next level of integrated automation to improve efficiency and productivity in their facilities. This is the perfect solution for any company facing increasing logistics complexity and labour shortage.”

He goes on to list the benefits that he says the GENI-AntTM sorter can offer to beat its competitors. “Compared to a traditional sorter, a GENI-Ant TM -based system requires 20% less space, over 25% less operation and maintenance costs, and 40% less labour costs, while offering high productivity, and can serve many more destinations. It can be adapted to building constraints and is therefore suitable for postal agency and express courier depots as a stand-alone solution for last sorting points, as well as for retail and distribution centres for shipping to the point of sale or to end customers. At the same time, it can be integrated with other material handling equipment, as an extension of an existing sorter for multiple processing within larger hubs and warehouses.”

The ability and capacity to handle multiple varieties of items is crucial. “It is equipped with two stand-alone cross-belts sorters to transport and sort multiple items. It is capable of handling a wide range of products, such as parcels, flyers, fragile and non-standard items, as well as unusually large parcels up to 1.2 metres long. This range of sortable products also includes extremely small and irregular items that are difficult to sort with other conventional systems, such as soft goods, oddly shaped and unstable packages.”

Fives is about a lot more than sorters, of course, with a product range including conveyors, diverters, sorters, singulators, ASRS and software systems. Mr Sacchi says it was this holistic know-how that led to the genesis of the GENI-AntTM sorter.

He visualises many opportunities for GENI-AntTM sorter customers, describing it as “a future-proof solution that can be easily and quickly adapted to ever-changing requirements. Thanks to its flexibility and modularity it can be adapted to new environments and intralogistics challenges.”

Warehouse Transformers

Posted on by David Priestman

Craig Whitehouse, Managing Director at independent warehouse systems integrator, Invar Group, talks about the low-Capex, flexible technology transforming warehouse performance.

“Immediacy is now a commercial imperative,” says Craig Whitehouse, Managing Director of Invar Group. “Sales can be won or lost on availability, speed of despatch and proximity to the customer. Short lead-times and late cut-offs play a decisive role in winning and retaining customers – and margins, along with brand reputation, can be enhanced or diminished by the speed and efficiency with which returns are processed and refunds managed.”

Whitehouse explains how these critical business issues are driving great change in fulfilment operations: “The warehouse is undergoing a huge transformation, from repository to fulfilment powerhouse, but there are risks to growth that need to be addressed – labour is tight and costs are rising.” However, he believes, “Robotics, AI and digitalisation hold the key to boosting capacity and keeping costs under control.”

These insights explain the enormous uptake of new, highly flexible forms of warehouse automation by many large retail brands and an increasing number of SMEs – particularly, within ecommerce channels. According to Whitehouse, “Mobile robotic systems combined with pick-to-light technology can boost order picking performance from under 100 units per hour using traditional methods, to up to 600 picks per hour.”

As an independent, full-spectrum automated warehouse solutions provider, Invar Group has experienced huge success in recent years – in large part due to the fact that it is free to select the most appropriate technology for the task. Whitehouse says another significant factor in Invar Group’s success is its group structure, which brings together skilled individuals with competencies across warehouse management software, systems integration and controls, enabling the company to take full responsibility for a complete turnkey-key system from start to finish.

Headquartered in Cranfield, UK and operating from offices in the US and The Netherlands, Invar Group is focused on delivering complete turnkey warehouse automation solutions using advanced technologies such as industrial robotics, AMR goods-to-person solutions, pick-to-light technology, sortation systems, as well as conventional warehouse automation. The Group comprises: Invar Systems, a developer of warehouse management and control systems; Invar Integration (formerly Greenstone Systems), a front runner in solutions design, hardware integration and project management; and Invar Controls, specialists in the design, implementation and maintenance of PLC software and hardware.

Warehouse performance

Whitehouse says: “Creating a strong, cohesive business that leverages the collective talent of every member of the Invar Group has enabled us to deliver truly industry leading solutions for our customers – systems that transform operational performance within the warehouse and enhance competitive positioning in the market. By coordinating our resources and streamlining our processes we are in a uniquely strong position to offer the flexibility and support our customers need.” He adds, “This covers solutions design and consultancy, bespoke hardware, tailored software, project management and systems implementation – along with on-going support.”

And Invar Group has a strong track record, having supplied major turnkey systems to many of the world’s leading brands, such as: SuperDry, Games Workshop, Bentley, Coca Cola, and Nike. The company has recently launched a new website to help guide businesses through the complexities associated with warehouse upgrades and digitalization projects, highlighting potential areas where advanced technologies can transform operational performance within the fulfillment or distribution centre.

The new format brings together valuable independent insights and technical information on the latest innovative technologies available to the market. “As an independent integrator of warehouse technologies we are well positioned to offer an unbiased approach to finding the optimum solution,” says Whitehouse.

Scandit launches 10x faster scanning solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Scandit, a leader in smart data capture, has launched MatrixScan Count, an out-of-the-box scan and count solution for received goods and inventory. Part of the Scandit Smart Data Capture platform, MatrixScan Count enables the accurate scanning and counting of multiple items at once via smart devices, speeding counting workflows by up to 10 times. The solution is designed to boost worker productivity, reduce human error and maintain accurate stock levels.

Enterprises in retail and logistics are facing multiple business challenges. They must deliver first-class customer service in the face of economic pressures, ensure accurate supply chain visibility, and maintain an efficient and empowered workforce. Improving productivity can ease some of these challenges. By shifting tedious, repetitive tasks from frontline workers to technology, errors in stock management or goods delivery can be eliminated while people are freed up to engage in value-add activities.

Tasks like receiving, stock taking, and cycle counting can be incredibly time-intensive, inefficient, and error-prone. Offered as an out-of-box solution, the built-in UI in MatrixScan Count means that enterprises can start using the solution immediately with minimal development time. Equipping workers with MatrixScan Count maximises efficiency, as workers can speed up counting workflows by up to 10 times. Inaccuracies throughout the supply chain are reduced as workers using MatrixScan Count receive real-time on-screen alerts via augmented reality guiding them to complete counting workflows precisely, avoiding incorrect products, double-counting, or accidentally skipping items.

“Counting accurately is a critical part of many business workflows for multiple industries, but tedious, multi-step or manual processes still prevail,” said Christian Floerkemeier, CTO and co-founder of Scandit. “Enterprises are struggling to recruit and retain staff, so by introducing tools such as MatrixScan Count which reimagine processes to super-speed through tedious tasks, workers can engage in high-value assignments leading to an enhanced experience.”

Free workers to focus on value-add activities

MatrixScan Count is built for speed, accuracy, and reduced human intervention. MatrixScan Count offers enterprises across the retail, logistics, parcel and post industries the ability to optimise labour resources and maximise process efficiency by addressing the entire counting workflow, for example:

  • Achieving accurate stock taking and inventory counting with built-in stock information updates and confirmation
  • Reducing time-to-receive in warehouses and back-of-store operations with visual counting and confirmation against a list that includes expected items to receive
  • Maximising drivers’ efficiency in verifying and counting parcels for delivery during van loading and unloading

Customised Experiences with out-of-the-box UI

MatrixScan Count gives workers the freedom to work how they want, equipping them to count at speed with maximum comfort, leading to increased productivity and an improved working experience. Pre-set user interfaces mean that customisations including left-handed mode, strap mode, and landscape scanning mode are provided depending on user preference.

MatrixScan Count is designed with real-world conditions in mind with stable long-range performance for capturing as many items in one shot at once, particularly important where large items are included.

Available now on iOS and select Android devices, MatrixScan Count leverages MatrixScan technology to locate, track and decode multiple barcodes simultaneously.

Cognex launches bottom-side barcode reader with 99.9% accuracy

Posted on by David Priestman

Cognex Corporation recently introduced the DataMan 470 Bottom-Side Barcode Reading System. With an area-scan-based approach, the system quickly and accurately reads codes on packages with face-down labels, making it ideal for solving high-speed, complex material handling applications in retail distribution and e-commerce fulfilment centres.

“As online shoppers increasingly expect same or next-day delivery, retailers are under pressure to increase throughput as orders move through supply chains and logistics channels,” said Carl Gerst, Cognex Executive Vice President. “By extending barcode reading coverage to the underside of the box, the DataMan 470 Bottom-Side Reading System ensures the right products get routed to the right customers as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The Cognex Bottom-Side Barcode Reading System deciphers 1D and 2D codes faster than traditional line scan technology, which builds the entire image before decoding, causing packages to travel longer distances. By capturing images and executing patented algorithms simultaneously, Cognex readers deliver faster results while reducing the distance between the reader and the divert. Additionally, expanding scan coverage to the bottom side of packages yields higher read rates that reduce manual manipulation and rework costs. The system offers the capability to reads codes on the underside of packages with 99.9% accuracy.

Positioned under the conveyor and weighing just 16kg (35 lbs), the Cognex Bottom-Side Barcode Reading System uses DataMan 470 barcode readers to decipher codes as packages pass over a gap in the belt. The compact system can be installed individually or as part of a multi-sided tunnel in just 30 minutes.

CLICK HERE for more information.

 

 

Leuze sensor offers measuring and switching

Posted on by David Priestman

The innovative ODT 3C sensor from Leuze can handle both measuring and switching tasks. The new 2-in-1 solution is thus suitable for a wide range of automated industrial applications.

Is there an object on the conveyor belt? If yes: What is its position or distance to the machine? These are typical issues that need to be addressed in a wide range of industrial applications and processes. In the past, to solve this problem required the use of multiple sensors. With the new ODT 3C from Leuze, only a single device is needed: The innovative sensor can transmit both switching and measuring information to the machine control system, which makes it an efficient and economical 2-in-1 solution.

Flexibility with a single sensor

The ODT 3C transmits measurement values and extensive diagnostic data via IO-Link. The data includes temperature values, warnings, and signal quality. It features impressive black-and-white behaviour (< ±3mm at 150mm). The operating range can be easily adjusted via the teach button, remote signal or IO-Link.

The new Leuze sensor also offers impressive functional reliability: Active ambient light suppression prevents faulty switching, even when exposed to direct light from LED building lighting systems. LEDs that are easily visible from all sides allow you to quickly read the status of the ODT 3C. Two independent switching outputs and sensor models with warning output or a small light spot (pinpoint) round of the sensor’s functions. This enables plant operators to use the ODT 3C flexibly in a wide range of applications.

Application example from food industry

A machine is rolling off dough for baked goods. The ODT 3C sensor is pointing down onto the dough. It sends a distance value to the parent control. The goal is to regulate the dough within an optimal distance range of 100–120mm.

If the sensor detects a measurement value outside the target range, the conveyor belt motors adjust the speed of the conveyor accordingly. The measurement value is evaluated in the process data via IO-Link. In addition, diagnostic data is transmitted to the controller via IO-Link for Industry 4.0 purposes.

 

Bulk bagging system helps meet aggregate demand

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Leading robotics and automation company, RMGroup, has supplied one of its industry-leading bulk bagging systems, a BB-400, to building materials supplier Tippers.

As an existing customer, the new equipment supplements Tippers’ existing BB-400 bulk bagging and form fill & seal vertical packaging system, and comes as a result of increases in demand for virgin and decorative aggregates across Tippers’ branches throughout the Midlands region.

The BB-400 is the fastest bulk bagger from RMGroup. The system is capable of filling three bulk bags per minute and able to refill to weighment in just 17 seconds. A large 20 tonne heavy duty hopper feeds onto a large in-feed belt conveyor, which then feeds the BB-400.

The FIBC filling machine itself is controlled by an integrated weighing system that fills the hopper to a pre-set weighment, making bulk automation very precise at high-speed and volume. Built to a high standard, the systems are guaranteed to withstand 20 years of service even with the most abrasive raw materials.

Commenting on the BB-400, Tippers’ Bill Tipper, said: “The installation process was flawless from delivery to installation and the engineers were very knowledgeable and helpful. The BB-400 bulk bagger fully meets our expectations and performance requirements. With our expert aggregates yard staff, we are able to produce bulk bags inline with set daily quotas. This allows us to increase our output, meaning we can meet and service customer demand, as well as introduce new bulk bagged aggregate products to the group.

“Tippers have a very strong working relationship with RMGroup. The team is just one phone call away and are always helpful with any issues we may have. Where an issue can’t be resolved on a call, RMGroup has a very fast call out response to ensure our machines are up and running quickly. As our business continues to grow and the need for increased production arises, RMGroup would be the first choice for additional equipment.”

Ed Pugh, RMGroup’s sales director, added: “The ongoing popularity of the BB-400 amongst aggregate suppliers shows that its robust construction means it is well suited to handle the large loading shovels that operate in the quarries and bagging plants. We are delighted that Tippers value our relationship and we look forward to providing them with our bagging expertise again in the future.”

Logistics Business Show Spring 2022

Posted on by David Priestman

The three-day Logistics Business Show got underway online on Tuesday March 15th. As well as a chance to explore products and solutions from a broad range of exhibitors, visitors can also network with the 5,000+ industry professionals who have already registered.

As in previous events, the Panel Discussions for the conference are attracting considerable interest. Once again they will be expertly hosted by Logistics Business Magazine’s Editor Paul Hamblin, and reflect the broad variety of exhibitors signed up to attend.

The industry experts speaking on the first day (Tuesday March 15th) of the Logistics Business Show virtual event will cover subjects ranging from sustainability and automation to road transport and inventory management, the panel debates have again attracted high-level speakers from sector-leading European and global businesses.

The provisional timetable for TUESDAY MARCH 15th is as follows:

Road Transport Challenges – 10.00 UTC/11.00 CET

Panellists: Stefan Van Doorslaer, CEO of Belgian logistics expert Ahlers; experienced New Zealand-based editor and journalist Nigel Parry from ontherack.news; and Tom Southall, policy director at the UK’s Cold Chain Federation.

Delivery WISMO & Inventory Management – 11.00 UTC/12.00 CET

Panellists: Craig Summers, UKI managing director at supply chain solutions leader Manhattan Associates; Mike Becker, managing director & co-founder of intralogistics automation company doks.innovation GmbH; and Cedric Mollon, co-founder and CEO of barcode scanning start-up VIZIOTIX.

Automation Systems in the DC – 12.00 UTC/13.00 CET

Panellists: Wouter Loomans, sales manager at US industrial automation leader Material Handling Systems Inc (MHS); Oana Jinga, CCO and co-founder of British robotics and AI company BotsAndUs; and Gianni Girolami, key account manager of advanced robotics maker HAI Robotics.

Sustainable, Low-Carbon Supply Chains – 14.00 UTC/15.00 CET

Panellists: Kevin Onderbeke, director of business development at Ahlers; Paul Williams, executive director of global logistic, freight forwarding & supply chain specialist Woodland Group; and Oliver Chapman, CEO of supply chain procurement partner OCI.

Putting Your Data to Work – 15.00 UTC/16.00 CET

Panellists: Robert Jordan, CEO of The Information Factory, an independent software vendor; Graeme Aitken, VP strategic customer pricing at DHL Global Forwarding; and Ulrik Topp, independent director of transport services reseller World Options.

On the second day (Wednesday March 16th) subjects being covered range from forklift innovation through health & safety to the latest robotics solutions.

The provisional timetable for WEDNESDAY MARCH 16th is as follows:

Forklift Innovation & Components – 10.00 UTC/11.00 CET

Panellists: Adam Dudas-Smith, Export Area Manager at industrial tyre specialist Marangoni; serial entrepreneur Louise Inglese, Founder & CEO of GenieGrips; Jean-Francois Marchand, Marketing Director for Canadian Li-ion battery manufacturer UgoWork; and Pete Wooding, Manager Technology & VNA at global forklift maker Crown Lift Trucks.

Robotics: Affordability & AI – 11.00 UTC/12.00 CET

Panellists: Adam Fox, Business Development Manager for logistics automation leader Swisslog; Jason Dyche, Division Director of logistics solution provider Big Box Group UK; and Kevin Heath, Senior Manager in the Dematic Global Robotics Center of Excellence (CoE).

Software for Real Time Visibility – 12.00 UTC/13.00 CET

Panellists: Jorge Lopera, Vice President and Head of Global Strategy for FarEye; and Tony Dobson, CEO at Snapfulfil EMEA.

Warehouse Worker Health & Safety – 14.00 UTC/15.00 CET

Panellists: James Ryan, Owner at safety equipment manufacturer Sentry Protection Products; Kevin Antony, Chief Executive Officer at van accessory producer Safepul Ltd; and Abi Piper, Sales & Business Development for Scafftag at global safety leader Brady Corporation.

Track & Trace: Rugged Mobile – 15.00 UTC/16.00 CET

Panellists: Rogier de Klein, Senior Account Executive at FarEye; Laurent Turmes, International sales manager at POST Telecom for Business; and Mike Willett, Retail, T&L, Manufacturing Lead at Panasonic TOUGHBOOK.

The organisers are delighted to announce that FarEye is the event’s principal sponsor. FarEye is a low-code, Intelligent Delivery Management Platform, enabling enterprises to orchestrate, track, and optimise their logistics operations. FarEye’s native SaaS products provide real-time visibility across transportation networks and logistics orchestration for the execution of deliveries across the first, mid and last mile.

David Priestman, Director of Logistics Business Publishing, the event’s organiser, said: “Our panel discussions have proved one of the most popular aspects of the Logistics Business Show. This time round, we announced our themes in advance in order to attract speakers with knowledge to impart from across the logistics sector.”

With a full programme of exclusive conferences and interviews running alongside the exhibition, please CLICK HERE to find out more about the must-visit third staging of the Logistics Business Show. Registered visitors can log-in early on Monday 14th March to finalise their and prepare their online profile.

As a taster, please CLICK HERE to view some of the conference sessions from the Autumn 2021 staging of the Logistics Business Show.

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