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Tag: awards

Logistics Hall of Fame deadline approaches

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Proposals for induction into the virtual Logistics Hall of Fame or the TRATON Logistics Leader of the Year can only be submitted until Friday, 14th May, 2021. Anyone who would like to propose a candidate can submit their idea via the internet form at www.logisticshalloffame.net to the organisation. Proposals are free of charge and take only a few minutes.

The next steps are as follows: In the first round of voting, the Logistics Hall of Fame Council nominates up to ten candidates from all the proposals for the final. Who will enter the Logistics Hall of Fame as a new member or be awarded the title TRATON Logistics Leader of the Year will be decided in the second round of voting by the jury, which is made up of more than 60 internationally renowned experts from the field of logistics and supply chain management.

To be inducted into the Logistics Hall of Fame, a candidate must have made a technical, strategic, scientific, business or entrepreneurial achievement that is not only beneficial to an individual company, yet has a positive impact on the entire logistics sector. TRATON Logistics Leader of the Year, on the other hand, are trendsetters and pacemakers in the industry who have currently been particularly successful in promoting their company or have set a trend-setting impulse. The decisive factor here is the benefit for their own company.

Both awards will be presented in December 2021 at the Logistics Hall of Fame Gala, which is expected to take place at the Federal Ministry of Transport in Berlin.

The international Logistics Hall of Fame can be visited free of charge at any time at www.logisticshalloffame.net and offers information about the logistics milestones and their creators. It is supported by politics, associations, media, business and science. The patron is Federal Minister of Transport Andreas Scheuer.

Manhattan Associates again named leader in Gartner report

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Manhattan Associates Inc. has been named a Leader for the third consecutive year in Gartner Inc.’s Magic Quadrant for Transportation Management Systems.

Changing consumer delivery expectations, reductions in store sizes and locations and the desire to maintain business continuity have created a growing need for transparent and unified transportation solutions. Manhattan’s broad, deep and powerful TMS combined with its nimble integration and implementation services position it as a leader in this rapidly evolving industry.

“It is an honour to once again be recognised by Gartner Research as a Leader in transportation management solutions,” said Gregg Lanyard, director of Product Management for Manhattan Associates. “Manhattan TMS is designed to manage every transportation function, across any mode or size of network. Its state-of-the-art modelling and optimisation tools can increase profitability, lower a company’s carbon footprint and help users predict and adapt to future change.”

Manhattan’s TMS received one of the top three highest scores for Level 4 Complexity and Level 5 Complexity Use Cases in the Gartner Critical Capabilities report that accompanies the Magic Quadrant. Manhattan was also praised by its customers on the Gartner Peer Insights website. When compared to the other TMS Leaders, Manhattan’s solution was the most highly recommended by customers and rated highest for Integration & Deployment and Service & Support.

Manhattan’s transportation and logistics management solutions leverage advanced intelligence to solve the most difficult transportation problems. The software allows shippers and carriers to be more flexible and responsive to price and service pressures to harmonise inbound and outbound logistics management and carrier management.

Hyster reachstacker cabin wins FLTA award

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The hinged elevating operator cabin for the Hyster RS46 ReachStacker has won the Safety award at the FLTA (Fork Lift Truck Association) Awards for Excellence 2020.

At the online awards presentation on 10th April 2021, the pioneering Hyster solution received the award for its unique design which helps terminals handle containers on the second rail, reducing damage and improving efficiency. The solution was also shortlisted in the Innovation category.

With the ‘hinged’ elevating cabin on the Hyster RS46, operators have direct visibility of the top corner pockets on second-rail containers even with a container on the first rail. Previously, cameras or staff had to direct operators, slowing operations and increasing operational costs, while potentially increasing risk for staff walking trackside.

The moveable cab is raised and lowered smoothly on a hinged arm and the speed can be adjusted. The Hyster RS46 ReachStacker has also been designed to offer an optimal ergonomic driver environment that reduces sideways movement, shock and vibration when the ReachStacker is in motion. An optional tilt of up to 10° can also be added to help make handling high stacks even more comfortable.

Also, unlike a mast, when the cab is lowered, it does not increase the truck height, offering benefits for road transport.

“We’re delighted to be taking home an ‘Archie’,” says Chris van de Werdt, Product Strategy Manager, EMEA Big Trucks for Hyster Europe, referring to the statuette of Archimedes presented to all of the award winners.

“The elevating cab option for Hyster ReachStackers helps to overcome the real-world challenges of tough terminal operations,” Chris continues. “It’s fantastic that the intelligent design, with both operators and businesses in mind, has been recognised by the FLTA Awards.”

Combilift scoops 10th ‘Archie’ Award

Posted on by David Priestman

Combilift, the Irish manufacturer of a wide range of handling solutions, has won its 10th prestigious industry Archie award from the Forklift Truck Association (FLTA) for one of its latest products. The 2020 FLTA Awards for Excellence took place virtually on Saturday 10th April, having been postponed from last year due to Covid,

The recently-introduced Combi-CBE model – the world’s first counterbalance design, multidirectional forklift with electric drive on all of its three wheels – was one of the 12 finalists in the hotly contested Innovation Category. According to the host of this year’s Awards, “this is the category that everyone wants to win, as you get to feel incredibly clever.” So Combilift was immensely proud that the jury singled it out as the outright winner.

The Combi-CBE features internationally patented electric traction which enables independent control of each of the front and rear drive wheels and guarantees 100% traction control, which negates the need for differential lock when it is operating on wet or slippery surfaces. As the truck drives and steers, the speed and rotational direction of the wheels are controlled independently.

Operators benefit from precise acceleration and deceleration control, which significantly reduces long load momentum twisting when travelling sideways. Each electric drive incorporates parking and regenerative dynamic braking for power efficiency and AC drive means that there are no mechanical brushes to maintain or replace.

Combining the benefits of very compact dimensions and the ability to handle long loads as well as pallets, the multidirectional Combi-CBE is a universal truck for multiple applications and offers  cost effective and efficient operation. It also answers growing market demand for powerful and quieter electric forklifts which comply with ever more stringent emissions guidelines.

The FLTA commented as follows: “a clever and innovative design, Combilift’s entry impressed the panel with its unique, independent front and rear wheel drive, letting it handle long loads in the tightest spaces while minimising tyre wear.”

Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar said: “Innovation is a cornerstone of Combilift’s product development and, given the large number of excellent finalists this year, we would like to thank the FLTA jury of industry experts for recognising our achievements.”

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FLTA Awards for Excellence winners announced

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The much-anticipated FLTA Awards for Excellence was streamed live on Saturday 10th April to reveal who would finally be crowned winners.

Having been twice postponed due to the pandemic, the event was taken online – a first for the FLTA in its history of holding the Awards.

Audiences tuned in for an evening of cocktails and celebrations, hosted by compere Rebecca Mordan. Throughout the evening, familiar faces from across the industry made an appearance to announce the winners in 10 categories.

The first winner of the night was B&B Attachments, who won Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Yale. This award speaks volumes about B&B Attachments as it is voted for by FLTA members themselves.

The remaining award winners were selected by a jury of industry experts, with Dealer of the Year, sponsored by Combilift, going to Truckmasters Handling.

With safety being a cornerstone of the FLTA, the Safe Site Award is always an inspirational one. This award, sponsored by Carrylift, went to Devenish Nutrition for its proactive approach and commitment to improving safety across multiple sites.

The most hotly contested awards of the night are always the sought-after Pick of the Year product accolades.

The Environment Award was sponsored by TVH, and went to JCB for its 30-19E — the world’s first electric telescopic forklift. This new product has zero emissions and minimal sound pollution, making it ideal for urban environments.

Earning its 10th award to date, Combilift received the Innovation Award, sponsored by IBCS. Its Electric Front and Rear Wheel Drive Combination impressed the panel with its clever design and how it handles long loads in the tightest spaces while minimising tyre wear.

When it comes to keeping operators comfortable, Linde proved top, with its N20C Steering Wheel winning the Ergonomics Award, sponsored by Triathlon Battery Solutions. The ergonomics of the steering wheel were truly designed with the operator in mind, removing a great deal of stress and strain throughout long shifts.

The Safety Award, sponsored by F-TEC, went to Hyster for its hinged elevating operator cabin for the Hyster® RS46 ReachStacker. The jury noted the excellent visibility afforded by the cabin, eliminating the need for cameras or spotters, who would potentially be at risk.

Sponsored by Doosan, the Apprentice of the Year Award honours the hard work and dedication put in by the industry’s newest recruits. Kieran Hale was named winner, and received a cheque and certificate.

The Services to the Industry Award, sponsored by Flexi, was won by Richard Hayes, in recognition of his work at Brindley Lift Truck Services as well as his invaluable contributions to the FLTA and CFTS over the years.

The final honour of the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Toyota Material Handling. Given his extraordinary career at Hitec and unwavering commitment to customers and staff alike, Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Prospero Girardi, who now finds himself in exclusive company as only a handful of people have ever received this award.

FLTA Director Tim Waples said: “The FLTA Awards for Excellence highlights the remarkable accomplishments of the sector and this year was no exception. We would like to offer a big congratulations to our well-deserving winners.

“It is also important to recognise the efforts of the other nominees in each category. All of the entries we received represent a clear commitment to delivering unrivalled services and ingenious products designed to make a real difference to the industry.”

As well as coming together to celebrate the sector’s best and brightest, ticket holders were also entered into a Grand Prize Draw, sponsored by Hubtex. Premium prizes were awarded to winners throughout the night, adding a few extra surprises for a lucky few.

“It was a fantastic night and even though the music and dancing couldn’t happen in person, we hope the audience had fun continuing the after-party at home,” added Tim Waples.

“We would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors: Combilift, Carrylift, Yale, Toyota Material Handling, F-TEC, IBCS, TVH, Triathlon Battery Solutions, Flexi, Doosan and Hubtex; our supporters: Transmon Engineering, JCB and DLL; and our media partner Handling and Storage Solutions.

“I look forward to the time when we can once again gather together to celebrate the achievements and innovations within our industry.”

The 26th FLTA Awards for Excellence is available to watch on YouTube here.

 

IFOY 2021 finalists complete successful test camp

Posted on by David Priestman

At the IFOY Test Days in Dortmund, 17 nominees for the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY Award) underwent five days of multi-stage testing. Never before have so many products and solutions been in the final for the “Oscars of intralogistics”, and that despite the corona pandemic. Almost 600 participants followed the IFOY Test Days over five days.

New developments from arculus, Cargotec Engineering, HAI ROBOTICS, Hänel, H+E Produktentwicklung, HHLA Sky, BMW subsidiary idealworks, Interroll Group, NIMMSTA, OPPIDUM TIC, Still, SYNAOS, Volume Lagersysteme and WAKU Robotics were all present in the test arena in Hall 4 of the IFOY partner Messe Dortmund.

From March 22 to 26, the nominees in the ninth round of the competition were critically tested by an official tester, a team of researchers and the international jury, some of whom were digitally connected. Representatives of the 14 manufacturers received the “Best in Intralogistics” certificates for their nominees from Gordon Riske, Chairman of the Board of the VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics Association.

In the Test Camp Intralogistics, almost 100 logistics experts from industry, trade and logistics services tested this year’s finalists as well as nominees from previous years in the 8,400 square metre hall. From forklifts and warehouse technology equipment to AGVs and software, specials and solutions from five start-ups, a total of more than 30 products and solutions were available in the test arena.

At the beginning of the three-stage IFOY audit for the nominees was once again the practice-oriented IFOY test by Dutch intralogistics expert Theo Egberts. He compared the finalists with the relevant solutions and equipment in the competition. The industrial trucks went through standardised driving and functional tests, including the IFOY test protocol comprising more than 80 criteria, which takes into account factors such as sustainability, economy, safety and ergonomics of the nominees.

In the second part of the audit, researchers conducted the IFOY Innovation Check. Scientists from Fraunhofer IML and the Technical Universities of Munich and Dresden assessed the nominees in terms of market relevance, customer benefits, type of execution and degree of innovation. The audit was concluded by the assessment of the 26 jurors and their approved advisors. The jury members, trade journalists from all continents, were presented with all the results of the IFOY Test as well as the IFOY Innovation Check for the voting.

A novelty this year was the live test of the VDA 5050 interface. The world premiere of the so-called AGV Mesh-Up of the VDMA Association for Materials Handling and Intralogistics took place as part of the Test Camps Intralogistics. On an action area, the participating experts were able to watch various AGVs from different manufacturers that drove under a uniform control system and communicated in a common data language. The project was set up by a group of AGV users and manufacturers under the coordination of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the VDMA Association for Materials Handling and Intralogistics. The manufacturers arculus, DS Automation, the KION Group with the Still brand, Safelog, Siemens and SSI Schäfer were represented in this test.

In order to protect all participants from infection with the coronavirus, a comprehensive safety and hygiene concept was developed for the IFOY Test Days 2021 and published on www.ifoy.org. All participants made rapid antigen tests. To give foreign intralogistics experts who could not travel due to the corona pandemic the chance to give an insight into the IFOY Test Days, the IFOY Award organisation developed a digital concept consisting of live streamings and short videos about the nominees. They were put on the IFOY Award social media channels.

Neither the participants of Test Camp Intralogistics nor the nominees will find out who has won an IFOY Award during the IFOY Test Days. They will have to wait until the IFOY Award Night, the date of which will be announced in due course.

Geek+ Recognised by Fast Company as Robotics Innovator

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+, a global AMR leader has been named one of Fast Company’s most innovative companies in the robotics category for 2021.

The list honors the businesses that have found a way to be resilient in the past year, turning challenges into impact-making processes. These companies did more than survive, they thrived, impacting their industries and culture as a whole.

Yong Zheng, founder and CEO of Geek+, says: “We’re honored to be recognized by Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies in the world. It is a celebration of the creative, solutions-oriented, and customer-focused approach that permeates the company as a whole and especially our R&D team. By combining industry understanding with business knowledge and technological prowess, we’ve developed a wide range of robotics hardware and intelligent software applications tailored to address industry-specific logistics challenges in warehousing and manufacturing. In turn, we want to bring agility to the supply chain, and through continuous optimization and AI, help mitigate uncertainty and support businesses to flexibly grow.”

In February last year, the resilience and flexibility of Geek+ robotics solutions were confirmed when as they allowed Decathlon in China to secure business continuity under lockdown despite widespread labor shortages. By letting autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) find and transfer racks of goods from the storage area to workstations, Decathlon was able to ensure social distancing, securing the health and safety of its warehouse employees. Additionally, due to the robots being portable, easy to implement, and reprogram, it allowed Decathlon to relocate robots from retail to e -commerce warehouses to meet the swift shift in demand from offline to online sales.

Challenging scenarios also turned into innovations. In 2020, Geek+ launched four new robotics products to tackle the most urgent challenges facing society. These included everything from smart disinfection robots to intelligent sorting and bin picking robots. By combining the latest AMR and disinfection technology, such as SLAM navigation and UVC light, smart disinfection robots provide automated, safe, and seamless disinfection to help safeguard public health. Moreover, Geek+ C200M Double Deep Bin-to-Person robot was released, a flexible logistics solution that optimizes the bin-picking process and maximizes the use of warehouse space.

Lastly, the double-belted S100C robot was introduced for intelligent sorting of large size parcels to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate handling of heavy materials in times of high throughput demand. Dedicated to creating intelligent robotics solutions that bring real value to customers and transform the global supply chain, Geek+ has in 2020 announced partnerships with both industry and technology leaders. By partnering up with Borsch Rexroth, Intel, Körber, and Conveyco, Geek+ has continued to accelerate technological exchange, drive innovation, and strengthen its role as an ecosystem enabler at the forefront of the smart logistics revolution.

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