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IFOY Test Report: Raymond 8910 End Rider Pallet Truck

Posted on 20 June, 2023 by David Priestman

It’s time to put the Raymond 8910 End Rider Pallet Truck under the spotlight as we continue our run-through of all the IFOY Award finalists ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd.

The next-generation Raymond 8910 end rider pallet truck is ideal for heavy-duty and high-throughput applications. This comfortable pallet truck features intuitive, easy-to-use controls and enhanced ergonomics, especially for long hauls.

IFOY category: Warehouse Truck “lowlifter”

IFOY Test Report

With its new generation Raymond 8910 electric pallet truck, the US manufacturer offers a stand-up pallet truck for intensive use. The stacker has been completely redeveloped based on its predecessor (8900). Due to intensive use, Raymond has paid particular attention to ergonomics. The cabin is 20% roomier than its predecessor. In addition, the workplace can be set up flexibly. The entire console can be moved to adapt to the operator’s position. The console cannot yet be moved by the operator, which is a disadvantage when working multiple shifts. This is coming in the new versions of the lift truck, according to Raymond. For operators who require more space, Raymond offers a smaller steering concept with an additional more than 3cm of extra space.

For intensive use, the IFOY testers are still missing a seat option in the backrest, which has also been announced. The pallet trolley is equipped with a vibration-damping base plate. The dead man’s switch integrated into the base plate requires 61% less effort.

The toolbar has been moved from the battery side behind the steering console. This makes it easier to read terminals and other peripherals, and they are no longer in view of the direction of driving. The controls are intuitive and known from the manufacturer’s order picking portfolio. However, this is the first time that this control system has been used by Raymond on a lift truck.

Raymond has also introduced some innovations in the technical area. For example, sensors have been built into the chassis to constantly check that the operator is within the safe contours of the truck. If this is not the case, the truck’s speed is greatly reduced and an acoustic warning signal sounds. Once both feet are back within the work area, the truck automatically returns to normal settings. In addition, the 8910 features automatic steering centring when the truck is started ̶ another novelty for this type of truck from the US manufacturer.

According to Raymond, the energy consumption of the truck is 24% lower than that of its predecessor. This is mainly due to the electric steering system, which replaces the hydraulic steering. In addition, the new steering system enables a shorter turning radius and thus better manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Another advantage: thanks to the new steering system, the pallet truck is more silent.

The IFOY stacker is equipped with a conventional lead-acid battery. On request, Raymond can also supply the 8910 with a Li battery.

The forklift could not be fully tested by the IFOY test team because the forks commonly used in the US do not fit under the available test weights. However, the test team did test drive the truck. By European standards, the steering needs to get used to. The steering works exactly opposite to what the driver expects. However, the steering character setting can be adjusted via service if necessary.

IFOY test verdict: The truck offers a spacious operator’s cab for added comfort and is equipped with intuitive, user-friendly controls. For the US market, this is a significant improvement; by European standards, the improvements are somewhat less innovative. The controls require adaptability from operators who are not used to the US steering system.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The transport of goods on pallets over longer distances as well as fast turnover on trucks still has an enormous share of the market. This is why further developments of pallet trucks with stand-on platforms, such as the Raymond 8910, are highly relevant to the market. With its improvements, it focuses on the American market and sets new standards there in terms of ergonomics and energy efficiency, which promises a positive customer response.

Customer benefit: The Raymond 8910 represents a significant evolution for the customer from its predecessor in terms of ergonomics and safety. The operator is better protected in the more spacious cabin with ergonomic details. Other features, such as light barriers as platform limitation, automatic speed reduction when cornering and the centring of the drive wheel when starting operation, increase the benefit in terms of safety. The electric power steering also increases energy efficiency, giving the user more uptime.

Novelty / Innovation: The innovation level can be regarded as high in relation to the American market due to all the enhancements. In an international comparison, the Raymond 8910 has reached a level of technology that puts it on a par with comparable pallet trucks.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The Raymond 8910 impresses with its robustness and good finish. As an operator, you feel the increase in comfort on the platform and can expect a long-lasting overall product.

Verdict: The overall impression of the Raymond 8910 pallet truck undoubtedly makes it a worthy nominee for the IFOY Award, promising a pleasant increase in pallet handling output for the user.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit +
Novelty / Innovation Ø
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

Clad-rack Warehouse for Hardware Company

Posted on 20 June, 2023 by David Priestman

The hundred-year-old hardware products company EHLIS recently celebrated the launch of its new logistics centre in Illescas (Spain), where AR Racking has played a leading role with the installation of an automated clad-rack warehouse and an adjustable pallet racking warehouse. It is a logistics platform that required an investment of 30-35 million euros, and which will complement the one that the hardware leader has in Barcelona.

EHLIS, which this year celebrates its 125th anniversary, has a facility in Illescas that covers a total area of 60,000 m2, of which 40,000 m2 and 22,000 m2 are urbanised and built and where a miniload warehouse is located, plus a 36 metre high clad-rack warehouse for 30,000 pallets and a warehouse with adjustable pallet racking with a capacity for 15,000 pallets, the latter two being equipped with AR Racking racking systems. The clad-rack warehouse and warehouse designed with an adjustable pallet racking system cover an area of 3,220 m2 and 8,200 m2, respectively.

Delays in material deliveries, COVID and other matters meant that the launch of the logistics platform did not happen until the first quarter of 2023. A launch which will now improve the service that the company offers to its customers “firstly, by reducing delivery times, and secondly, by increasing the product range”, explained EHLIS’s managers at the opening held at the end of March.

“We have provided our expertise to the EHLIS logistics centre with our technical-logistics advice, our reliability as racking manufacturers and our engineering knowledge through our strong commitment to R&D&I”, commented Manel Bustos, AR Racking sales representative.

The logistics centre in Illescas has a capacity to prepare 1,000 order lines per hour. As confirmed by EHLIS’s management at the opening, the forecast is to increase the number of references with the increase in the logistics capacity. It currently has 16,000 permanent stock references plus a further 3,000 additional ones that fluctuate throughout the year.

AR Racking has a long track record in automated warehouse projects. These are projects that are always developed in collaboration with leading integration engineering companies that provide the automated and robotic means and where AR Racking designs and manufactures all the racking that supports the unit loads and/or building structure itself, such as with clad-rack warehouses. Likewise, in the warehouses with pallet racking solutions AR Racking fully develops the turnkey project concept, taking care of all the phases that cover the implementation of its storage solutions.

AR Racking is part of the Arania Group, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

Clad-rack Warehouse for Hardware Company

Posted on 20 June, 2023 by Keith McKinley

Clark Expands Sales Network in Spain

Posted on 20 June, 2023 by David Priestman

With Grupo NC/Ontieleva, Clark has brought a new contract partner for Spain on board. Ontieleva is taking over the sales activities for Clark Europe in the province of Valencia. With this strategic step, Clark wants to further expand its sales activities on the Spanish market.

Grupo NC/Ontieleva, founded in 1995 with its headquarters in Ontinyent and a branch in Beniparrell near Valencia, specialises in the sale, rental, maintenance, and repair of materials handling vehicles. Today, the company employs a total of 20 people in sales, workshop, vehicle and spare parts warehouse and administration.

Ontieleva offers its customers the complete Clark range of services. In addition to the sale of all forklift classes and warehouse technology vehicles, this also includes the Clark spare parts and accessories supply. An extensive range of services including rental and financing as well as a comprehensive service for Clark new and used materials handling vehicles rounds off the range of services.

”We are delighted to welcome Ontieleva to our team. In Ontieleva we have found an excellent partner with sound know-how in the field of materials handling vehicles for the province of Valencia. With Ontieleva, customers in the region will have another competent partner at their side in the future,” says Rolf Eiten, President & CEO at Clark Europe.

“We are very pleased to have been able to conclude a cooperation agreement with Clark Europe, one of the world’s leading companies in the field of materials handling vehicles. This partnership is an important step in our strategy to offer our customers comprehensive and high-quality solutions for their logistics processes,” explains Javier Niñerola, Managing Director Grupo NC/Ontieleva. “Clark has an extensive range of powerful and safe materials handling vehicles that can be used in a wide variety of industries and applications. In addition, Clark provides us with excellent technical support with regular product training. This enables us to offer our customers a highly qualified service. We are convinced that the cooperation will pay off for both sides and that together we can expand our market position in the Spanish market.”

Since the forklift was invented by Eugene Clark in Buchanan, Michigan (USA) in 1917, CLARK has been one of the worldwide market leaders in the materials handling vehicles business. With more than 100 years of experience in the materials handling vehicles sector and over 1.4 million forklifts sold worldwide, the CLARK brand, which is proud of its roots in America, is associated with modern and robust product design, progressive, sophisticated technology and excellent customer service. Since 2003, CLARK has been part of the South Korean Young An Group based in Bucheon and offers a complete product portfolio consisting of forklifts with electric power or internal combustion engines and load capacities of 1.5 to 8 tons, narrow-aisle forklifts, warehouse equipment and an extensive range of services.

CLARK Material Handling International (CMHI) with its head office in Bucheon, South Korea, is currently represented worldwide at more than 480 locations in over 90 nations. The operations are managed at four headquarters around the world. Production is assembled according to European quality standards at plants in Korea, the United States, Vietnam and China. With 180 Clark dealers in 60 countries, CLARK Europe GmbH is one of four subsidiaries of CMHI and serves the regions of Europe, the Middle East and Africa from its headquarters in Duisburg, Germany.

Hai Robotics Opens UK Office in Northampton

Posted on 20 June, 2023 by David Priestman

Hai Robotics, a worldwide leader in Autonomous Case-handling Robot (ACR) systems in warehouses, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its maiden UK office at Vulcan Works, a new space for creative and digital businesses in Northampton.

Since establishing its European headquarters in the Netherlands in late 2021, Hai Robotics has quickly developed a reputation for revolutionising warehouse automation throughout the region, undertaking more than 30 projects across Europe and four in the UK. This growth is further bolstered by partnerships with UK companies including Logistex, Breathe Technologies and Invar Group.

The new office at Vulcan Works in Northampton will house the sales, solutions, implementation, testing, after-sales support, PR and marketing functions of Hai Robotics UK Ltd. The team will be fully supported by the company’s European HQ in the Netherlands.

“Launching our inaugural UK office signifies a critical milestone for Hai Robotics and underscores our enduring commitment to this vibrant market,” declared Damien Skinner, Country Manager of the UK & Ireland. “Our decision to establish ourselves at Vulcan Works was driven by a multitude of factors. Northampton’s strategic location in the heart of the UK’s ‘Logistics Golden Triangle’—Bedford-Birmingham-Nottingham—ensures our close proximity to customers and site references. Additionally, the comprehensive facilities at Vulcan Works, which feature beautifully restored spaces, well-equipped meeting rooms with flexible booking options, provide an environment conducive for growth and innovation. Above all, the flexibility and security offered by Vulcan Works are paramount in fuelling our progressive journey.”

Recently, Hai Robotics proudly unveiled a ground-breaking project in the UK, joining forces with Logistex to optimise John Lewis Partnership’s new e-commerce distribution centre in Fenny Lock, Milton Keynes. The project is centred around the deployment of a picking solution powered by Hai Robotics’ innovative ACR robots and HaiPort workstations, which also provide flexibility and scalability for future expansion. Hai Robotics initiatives have seen the successful implementation of 160 ACR robots. In addition, the company has solidified its presence in the market by securing two more substantial contracts, further contributing to its growth trajectory.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hai Robotics to Vulcan Works,” added Centre Manager of Vulkan Works, Garrick Hurter. “To have a global company who is at the forefront of such impressive digital technology and forward-thinking automation choose our space as a location for its first UK office is a real coup.

“This is a prime example of the type of business we want to attract to the centre – a company who is looking to grow and expand with a digital or creative focus. We know that Hai Robotics will really flourish here, not just thanks to our wonderful facilities that are conducive to productive, collaborative working, but also through our additional business support events and workshops and prime location.”

ACR systems provided by Hai Robotics deliver highly efficient Goods-to-Person solutions that blend perfectly within the warehouse environment. Notably, these systems can increase storage density by an astonishing 80 to 400 per cent and enhance worker efficiency by three to four times, outperforming traditional warehouse automation solutions. Moreover, ACR robots can reach impressive heights of up to 10 metres, making them a game-changer in warehouse operations.

Certified by UKCA and CE, Hai Robotics‘ revolutionary ACR systems are all set to bring about a seismic shift in the UK’s warehouses and logistics centres, promising extraordinary benefits that set the company apart from the rest, reshaping the future of logistics in the UK.

IFOY Test Report: NIMMSTA Light Tag

Posted on 18 June, 2023 by Keith McKinley

As we enter the week when the IFOY Awards are handed out in Dortmund (on Thursday June 22nd), we continue our look at all of the 2023 finalists and share the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our next entry is the Light Tag pick-by-light solution from NIMMSTA GmbH.

The NIMMSTA Light Tags represent a completely new approach to a pick-by-light solution that achieves up to 80% more efficiency without integration effort and in combination with the NIMMSTA Industrial Smart Watch.

IFOY category: Special of the Year

IFOY Test Report

NIMMSTA had set up a shelf at its booth where visitors to IFOY TEST DAYS could try their hand as a picker. So what could be more natural than putting on one of the company’s hand straps and getting started? The task for visitors was to pick five products. Without assistance from NIMMSTA’s system, it took the tester 112 seconds. But it can be even better. With support from the Light Tags, the time could be reduced to 74 seconds.

The approach to the solution is completely new, because the “Light Tags” contain only battery-powered LEDs (battery life: three to five years) that light up in different colours and patterns. All the logic is in the NIMMSTA wearable, which personnel wear directly on their bodies. This combination makes all intralogistics processes digital and more efficient.

Via Bluetooth, a position is assigned once to each light tag in the NIMMSTA app. The light tag is then attached to the corresponding storage location with an adhesive strip. As soon as the picker is sent to position 1 via the NIMMSTA smart watch and the picker approaches position 1 within a radius of 10m, the smart watch and the light tag light up in the same colour and pattern. Based on the Freehand workflows and the pick-by-light solution with the light tags, the processes run up to 80% more efficiently, because the storage location is additionally immediately visually recognisable for the personnel. In the process, the wearable creates the conditions for up to a 50% percent increase in efficiency and the light tags contribute up to 30%.

Remarkably, no integration effort is required to use the system. Alternative pick-by-light systems are complex and costly to implement, both on the software side and the electronics or wiring at the racks. NIMMSTA’s pick-by-light solution is simple and smart: the intelligence is not in the display system, but in the industrial smart watch, which only addresses the corresponding light tag. With the help of this solution, processes can be transformed into freehand workflows.

IFOY test verdict: The potential for the solution in intralogistics and production is considerable. The provider’s goal is to optimize not just one process step, but the entire value chain. The focus is on creating more efficiency for the user, increasing process quality, and consequently securing the user’s productivity and growth. At the same time, however, the working environment of the personnel in intralogistics and production is to be improved.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: With increasing turnover figures in the mail order business, the topic of picking efficiency is gaining in importance. With the combination of “Industrial Smart Watch” with scanner as well as the “Light Tags”, NIMMSTA offers a cost-efficient solution to achieve a significantly higher picking speed than with handgun scanners when manually assembling consignments of goods. The market relevance is particularly high for small and medium-sized warehouses (in SMEs) where no investment in automation solutions is planned. However, the solution also scales into large warehouses and can pay for itself within 4 to 8 months.

Customer benefit: In addition to the 50% increase in efficiency already measured in customer applications using the wearable, the light tags are expected to improve search time at the shelf by a further 30% while reducing picking errors. Since the battery-operated light tags are only stuck to the shelf and integrated into the system with a one-time scan, setup is extremely simple and also very cost-effective compared to other solutions.

Novelty / Innovation: The combination of wearable with a pick/put-by-light solution without cabling effort and with very simple installation can be considered as a special novelty, which promises high efficiency increases in manual picking with very low investments and costs at the same time.

Functionality / Type of implementation: In terms of functionality, great importance was attached to simple usability in all relevant processes. Starting with the quick installation by simple sticking and one-time booking in the system, over the stringent user guidance via wearable and display of the next product by the light tags in the colours of the picker up to the replacement of the AAA batteries after the 3 to 5 years’ runtime in the tags for uninterrupted operation. The high battery life is achieved through extremely low-power communication strategies between the light tags and the wearable, and because no data processing takes place in the tags. By concentrating all intelligent functions in the wearable and via its cloud connection, a wide variety of other processes (goods receipt booking, inventory, stock transfer) can be added.

Verdict: The NIMMSTA pick-by-light solution enables a significant increase in efficiency of manual picking and putting processes, innovatively implemented through a technically simple display technology for the shelves in the warehouse that can be easily integrated by sticking and scanning. Due to the high level of user-friendliness, the comprehensive connection to a wide range of warehouse management systems and the very short payback period of usually a few months, the system is considered to have very high market potential.

Market relevance ++
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

IFOY Test Report: NIMMSTA Light Tag

Posted on 18 June, 2023 by David Priestman

IFOY category: Special of the Year

IFOY Test Report

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance ++
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

Beumer Expands UK Customer Base

Posted on 16 June, 2023 by David Priestman

Codept, the logistics integration specialist backed by Beumer Group, has signed a new UK customer, Kammac Limited. Kammac is one of the UK’s fastest growing fulfilment businesses, with 10 fulfilment sites already, with plans to expand to twice that number. Kammac will be using Codept’s platform to help its B2B and new D2C e-commerce customers onboard faster and to deliver a robust and scalable integration solution that the market demands.

“Kammac is an excellent addition to our stable of UK based 3PLs“, says Felix Ostwald, co-founder of Codept. “Its expertise and experience are clear through its rapid growth, and the investment to support its growth in the burgeoning D2C market underscores its commitment to this market.”

Codept brings businesses together, giving both retailers and logistics partners immediate access to real-time information. Through its scalable integration platform, the logistics start-up seamlessly connects online retailers with logistics service providers. 3PLs quickly onboard new merchants in no time and streamline operations – it only takes a single connection. With one easy-to-use interface, Codept reduces the IT effort for merchants’ onboarding by up to 80 per cent. 3PLs can start shipping knowing their contracts will be upheld, and e-tailers can carry on selling knowing their orders will get fulfilled. “With this single connection, we can streamline our customers’ integration processes. Costs and lead times can be optimised”, Codept’s other co-founder Jonas Grunwald explains. “Our platform closes the gap between ERP, warehouse management and shop systems, creating frictionless processes.”

Using the Codept platform Kammac can speed up merchant onboarding by more than half and reduce IT costs by up to 80 per cent. The fulfilment process is also significantly streamlined. Ged Carabini, COO of Kammac, states: “We are growing so rapidly in the Direct-to-Consumer arena, and Codept provides an ideal technology platform to support this growth.”

Codept, founded in 2019 by Felix Ostwald and Jonas Grunwald, was supported from the outset by Berlin-based Beam GmbH – the company builder, which is a spin-off of the Beumer Group. The logistics start-up is also developing from a platform provider to a technology partner for e-commerce companies, logistics companies, shop and ERP systems as well as warehouse management systems.

ESG Journey with CMC Sustainability Report

Posted on 16 June, 2023 by David Priestman

CMC Packaging Automation, a leading supplier of automated packaging and mailing solutions that is proud partner of KKR’s Global Impact team and backed by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, has launched its first annual sustainability report.

“I’m really proud to share our first annual CMC sustainability report with our partners, investors and the wider industry,” commented Francesco Ponti, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.” We are proud to have taken our social and environmental responsibilities seriously from the very start, and to continue that tradition right up to the present. This report demonstrates that it’s possible for a packaging company to make a positive difference to the world both through its own operations and on behalf of customers.”

“Social and environmental responsibility has definitively become a decisive part of the Group’s decision-making processes and strategic choices. All the solutions offered on the market not only aim to offer an economic or productive benefit but to further contribute to the achievement of the ESG objectives of our customer portfolio”, added Luca Barzaghi, the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Head of ESG.

Environmental impact

The report reveals that CMC’s packaging solutions have cut greenhouse gas emissions by 41-58% for its customers and also reduced the need for cardboard by 41% when compared with traditional packaging methods.

This represents an important benefit for the environment, since CMC works with more than 600 clients worldwide, including the planet’s largest multinational e-commerce, retail and 3PL companies. Its pioneering work on perfect-sized packaging means that it is now able to heavily reduce the cubic volume of each box and eliminate the use of void fillers. Through innovative technology such as the flexible CMC CartonWrap solution, CMC saved more than 194.000 metric tons of paperboard in 2022 alone, according to the report – up from 124.000 metric tons in 2021.

Planning for the future

The new sustainability report outlines the company’s environmental and social aims. In 2022, the company created a long-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) roadmap, which includes investment in the company’s human capital and reaching net zero emissions from both its own operations and from purchased energy by 2050.

CMC also hired a dedicated ESG Manager to oversee the implementation of the roadmap. Progress on key performance indicators is reported on a quarterly basis to the company’s board.
“Today’s customers and investors expect packaging companies to emphasise ESG and sustainability in their operations. They want low-emissions technologies and innovative solutions that eliminate unnecessary materials and improve the environmental impact of their own businesses,” Mr Ponti added

“This report shows that sustainability is already at the heart of what we do at CMC, which is why we are backed by the KKR Global Impact team and Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund. It highlights the progress we have made so far – working closely with our clients to make industry more environmentally friendly – but it also represents a commitment to continued innovation and improvement going forward. I very much look forward to sharing our progress with partners, investors and the wider industry in future sustainability reports.“

Request the full 2022 sustainability report here:

IFOY Test Report: FFZ-KPI by Mobile Easykey

Posted on 15 June, 2023 by David Priestman

In the run-up to the IFOY Award ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd, Logistics Business features all the 2023 finalists and shares the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our latest entry is the FFZ-KPI software solution from Mobile Easykey.

With the Industrial Truck Key Performance Indicator developed by Mobile Easykey, users can see the performance of their intralogistics industrial truck fleet at a glance. This makes the time-consuming analysis of Excel tables and individual parameters a thing of the past. The Industrial Truck Key Performance Indicator is based on the OEE as an industry indicator for production plants. With the hardware and software developed, Mobile Easykey has expanded this industry indicator for moving machines and created a novelty in intralogistics analysis with the KPI.

IFOY category: Intralogistics Software

IFOY Test Report

The Industrial Truck, in German Flurförderzeug (FFZ), Key Performance Indicator, or FFZ-KPI for short, from the company Mobile Easykey enables the fleet efficiency of the intralogistics fleet to be determined at a glance. The prerequisites for this are a clear key figure and the easy-to-read visual traffic light system.

The FFZ-KPI is made up of four measurement parameters that are calculated together in an algorithm. The following are taken into account: the industrial truck is powered up, the industrial truck is logged on, the industrial truck is in use and the industrial truck is being driven with a load.

Fifty percent of logistics costs are based on the processes in a warehouse, and thus the industrial truck fleet also contributes a large share of the costs incurred there. The FFZ-KPI provides a manufacturer-neutral view of the performance of the fleet. It is manufacturer-independent, comparable and can be calculated on variable requirement parameters. When collecting the analysis data, the industry and the cycles of the processes on site are taken into account – because the process flows of a warehouse created on the drawing board vary greatly from warehouses that have grown organically. Reliable data can be collected per shift, per month, per fleet and also per vehicle or vehicle type.

From the collected data, clear conclusions can be drawn for fleet optimisation and future fleet deployment. Fleet managers and those responsible for the fleet can thus see the overall performance of the fleet at a glance. This is an important building block for making optimum use of the existing intralogistics fleet.

The FFZ KPI is based on the cross-industry OEE figure. This reflects the overall equipment effectiveness as a key business figure. The OEE figure is based on immobile plant and machinery. The FFZ-KPI adds further calculation parameters to the OEE key figure, which makes the key figure calculable for mobile plants.

IFOY test verdict: Intralogistics account for half of logistics costs and almost no warehouse can do without industrial trucks. However, the costs within intralogistics outside of the supply chain are often neglected because meaningful and clearly assignable data are missing. Consequently, there is great potential for savings in modern and efficient fleet management. The main advantages of the Industrial Truck Key Performance Indicator are the manufacturer-independent data and the possibility of cross-manufacturer data analysis. In addition, the KPI is easy to read due to the visual traffic light system. This makes the time-consuming analysis of Excel tables and individual parameters a thing of the past. The FFZ KPI is based on the OEE as an industry indicator for production plants. With the hardware and software developed, Mobile Easykey has expanded this industry indicator for mobile machines and created a novelty in intralogistics analysis with the KPI. Another important component is the cross-industry use of the KPI.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The FFZ-KPI software is well suited for systematically evaluating the use of industrial trucks in larger fleets and visualising it in key figures. This provides the user with a data basis for drawing conclusions as to whether the availability and use of his trucks can be responsible for an influence on his operational effectiveness. In production companies, this is often referred to as overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Since companies with significantly large fleets of FFZs and a focus on OEE are certainly relevant, but do not affect the overall FFZ market, the market relevance can be rated as good.

Customer benefit: The condensation and visualisation of the usage and availability figures is well solved for a regular application. The customisation options for individual usage profiles of individual FFZs and the design of the dashboard testify to a high level of competence in the development of user-friendly user interfaces. Overall, however, a high level of effort is required for data collection and aggregation, which is the basis for the determination of key figures. Overall, customer benefit can be rated as good.

Novelty / Innovation: Mobile Easykey has been offering the core functionality of the Easykey software for more than 20 years, which means that it is not new or innovative in the strict sense of the word. The software is the result of a consistently pursued evolution, which has led to a well-developed and contemporary software.

Functionality / Type of Implementation: The Easykey software offers the essential functions, properly prepared and user-friendly, to monitor large FFZ fleets and to condense key figures on their use and availability. It is technologically up-to-date, intuitive, and easy to adapt to the needs of different user characteristics and needs well.

Verdict: Mobile Easykey has been offering the core functionality of the Easykey software for more than 20 years, so it is not new or innovative in the strictest sense. However, the software is up to date and can be well adapted to the needs of different user characteristics and needs.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit +
Novelty / Innovation –
Functionality / Type of implementation +
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

IFOY Test Report

IFOY Innovation Check

IFOY Test Report

IFOY Innovation Check

IFOY Test Report

IFOY Innovation Check

IFOY Test Report

IFOY Innovation Check

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