Data: The Driving Force Behind the Logistics Industry

Data is the key driver of the logistics industry. Organisations require information about the time they need to process an order, get the shipment ready, arrange for transport, put the item on a transport vehicle and make a timely delivery. Without data, companies may not know how to address inefficiencies or protect themselves from disruptions in transportation routes. Fortunately, data tools for logistics are abundant. Businesses can integrate technology into existing systems to optimise routes, find problems in order processing and cut costs. By implementing these technologies, logistics professionals can guide effective decision-making that improves efficiency and accuracy.

Gain Insights About Transportation Patterns

Logistics professionals have to remain current on the latest transportation patterns, which they can achieve with data. Descriptive analytics uses past data to identify changes in preferences over time. Predictive analytics can take this data to highlight changes to transportation patterns and potential disruptions to movement. With this information, logistics companies can be certain they have the most accurate information for forecasting and order management.

Optimise Routes

The choice of shipping route affects costs, delivery time and overall efficiency, highlighting opportunities for technology to optimise the route. Companies select shipping routes based on a variety of factors, including traffic, cost of fuel and the potential for lengthy delays. Optimising the route helps to reduce costs and time spent making a delivery, particularly in the last few kilometres of a journey. Prescriptive analytics can provide detailed information based on historical and current trends, automatically highlighting routes that improve performance.

Improve Efficiency

Data can provide the tools to increase efficiency at all points in the process, from forecasting demand and increasing the robustness of the supply chain to improving the order process. Companies need to know how demand is changing for a particular product, so they can maintain an ideal inventory to handle it. Predictive analytics can also highlight weaknesses in the supply chain, so that businesses can identify alternatives. AI can automate various aspects of the order management process, to minimise bottlenecks and complete order processing more accurately.

Reduce Excess Costs

Cognitive analytics, as part of a comprehensive package of data analysis, can reduce excess costs at every stage. Companies spend more to have a human perform tasks that AI can do autonomously. Implementing an AI system allows a business to verify inventory and process an order quickly, highlighting any problems for prompt review. The system can also use past data

to identify existing problems with various processes, so that professionals can address them. These improvements increase the accuracy of each order, decreasing the financial impact of returns or lost clients.

Increase Customer Satisfaction

Ultimately, the incorporation of data into a transport management system leads to better outcomes in customer satisfaction. Customers expect orders to be processed efficiently, calling for an accurate and sensitive inventory management system. They also want deliveries to occur quickly and accurately, with tracking that provides relevant information and does not compromise their personal security. Integrating analytics into all systems can ensure that customers get everything they need during each step of the process.

Data integration is transforming the efficiency and accuracy of many worldwide industries, transportation and logistics in particular. With technology’s ability to handle massive amounts of data in record time, the benefits are obvious. Recording and processing data provides crucial information for businesses to improve their processes to meet the needs of the future. Using data analytics to analyse past problems, evaluate the potential for solutions and create a plan to weather future changes can save companies significant time, money and effort.

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3 Essential Strategies to Face Peak Season in a Sustainable Way

As peak season approaches, logistics professionals encounter a unique set of challenges: managing increased volumes, meeting tighter deadlines, and avoiding costly downtimes, all while upholding sustainability commitments. The pressure can be immense, particularly when infrastructure is stretched to its limits. However, with a strategic approach, thriving during this critical period without compromising sustainability is entirely achievable.

The balancing act: efficiency and sustainability

Peak season often presents a delicate balancing act between speed and environmental responsibility. For many logistics facilities, heightened demand necessitates ramped-up operations, leading to increased energy consumption and resource strain.

Continuous warehouse operations escalate wear on equipment, raise maintenance costs, and amplify electricity use for conveyor systems. Many professionals may find themselves asking: How is it possible to maintain efficiency without sacrificing sustainability?

3 key areas to enhance sustainable peak season performance

Reducing downtime with smart equipment choices

Unplanned downtime is the adversary of peak season success. Equipment breakdowns or excessive maintenance disrupt operations, causing delays and escalating costs. A sustainable solution starts with durable, low-maintenance equipment that can minimize interruptions. For example, Ammeral Beltech Ziplink™ belts are engineered to reduce maintenance needs and can be installed quickly, even under high-pressure conditions. This allows warehouses to continue operating efficiently with minimal interruptions, enhancing productivity and reducing resource waste, all of which aligns with sustainability objectives.

Minimising energy usage with high-efficiency solutions

Facing Peak Season Sustainably

Energy consumption surges during peak season, especially in high-speed logistics environments. Many warehouses struggle to meet demands without incurring substantial energy bills and increasing their carbon footprint. High-performance conveyor solutions like Ammeral Beltech RAPPLON® high-performance flat belts and heavy-duty roller drives are designed to address this challenge by delivering maximum performance with minimal energy use. These belts, with their wear-resistant polyurethane cover and flexibility, help support accumulation and ensure low energy consumption, even in challenging conditions such as wide temperature variations and heavy loads. Their efficient splicing process also contributes to reliability and reduced downtime, making them an ideal choice when energy efficiency is critical.

Streamlining resources for maximum output

Peak season is an opportunity to reassess resource utilization. Are the materials durable enough to withstand intense demand? Are processes optimized to enhance performance while reducing waste? By minimizing maintenance needs and ensuring easy replacement of key components, like Ziplink™ and RAPPLON® belts, companies can significantly reduce material waste, lowering both costs and their environmental impact. These logistics solutions are designed to handle heavy use while maintaining optimal performance, supporting a more sustainable approach to peak season demands.

Looking beyond the season: Preparing for long-term sustainability

For logistics professionals, peak season may be the most challenging time of year. By investing in energy-efficient, low-maintenance systems like Ziplink™ and RAPPLON® belts, companies can prepare for future demands while simultaneously reducing their overall carbon footprint, ensuring sustainability goals are met year-round.

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Ensuring Compliance & Safety With Fleet Maintenance Technology 

Fleet maintenance technology is reshaping the logistics and supply chain industry, offering cutting-edge support for businesses striving to meet safety regulations and operate efficiently. As vehicle systems grow more complex and regulations tighten, fleet managers face increasing pressure to track maintenance, repairs, and inspections with precision. 

This is where advanced maintenance software comes into play. Offering a streamlined approach, this technological solution is making great strides in simplifying fleet management tasks, reducing human error and providing real-time insights into vehicle health. 

Key Features of Fleet Maintenance Software 

To truly understand the value of fleet maintenance tech, it’s important to explore the features that make these systems indispensable for fleet managers. 

Preventive maintenance scheduling

One of the biggest benefits of fleet maintenance software is the ability to automate preventive maintenance. This feature helps avoid costly breakdowns by scheduling repairs before issues escalate. Regular upkeep also extends vehicle lifespan, improving fleet reliability. 

Real-time diagnostics

As fleet software connects directly to a vehicle’s system, it delivers real-time updates on engine performance, fuel efficiency, and even potential issues. Such immediate insights allow managers to act swiftly and prevent larger, costlier problems. 

Compliance management

Staying compliant with industry regulations is critical, and fleet maintenance technology helps manage this effortlessly. Automatic tracking of inspections, certifications, and driver compliance reduces the risk of fines and keeps fleets operating within legal guidelines. 

Fleet inspection software

Conducting regular inspections is essential for safety, and fleet inspection software simplifies the process. With digital checklists and instant submission of reports, managers can review problems faster and maintain efficient operations. 

Inventory & parts management

Managing vehicle parts is easier with fleet software, which tracks inventory and sends notifications when new parts are needed. This helps prevent delays in repairs and keeps the fleet running without unnecessary downtime. 

Data integration & analytics

Fleet maintenance technology integrates with other systems, offering a holistic view of operations. With analytics, managers can monitor performance trends, optimize maintenance schedules, and make data-driven decisions to enhance fleet efficiency. 

Benefits of Fleet Maintenance Technology 

Beyond its powerful features, fleet maintenance software offers tangible benefits that transform operations from the ground up. 

  • Improved safety — Proactively maintaining vehicles directly impacts safety. Addressing maintenance needs early reduces the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failure. With fleet inspection tools, potential hazards are identified quickly, keeping everyone on the road safer. 
  • Cost savings — Reducing vehicle downtime is crucial for cutting costs. The right tech helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and identifies inefficiencies — such as fuel waste — that can be addressed. This ultimately lowers repair costs while prolonging vehicle lifespans.  
  • Streamlined compliance — Managing compliance manually can be overwhelming. Fleet maintenance software automates the process by tracking inspection schedules and maintaining record accuracy in case of audits. By staying ahead of regulatory requirements, businesses can avoid fines and disruptions. 
  • Enhanced performance — With access to real-time diagnostics and performance metrics, managers can make better decisions. Whether adjusting maintenance schedules or deciding when to retire underperforming vehicles, this data helps ensure optimal fleet performance. 
  • Minimized downtime — Fleet maintenance technology streamlines parts management and automating schedules so that repairs and service remain on track. This reduces the amount of time vehicles spend out of service and minimizes operational disruptions. 
  • Better resource allocation — Fleet software improves resource management by providing visibility into the health of vehicles. This allows those in charge to prioritize repairs and assign tasks to the right teams, therefore balancing workloads and making operations more efficient overall. 

Why Fleet Maintenance Technology Matters 

 Fleet maintenance technology isn’t just about keeping vehicles in shape — it’s a vital tool for improving safety, cutting costs, and staying compliant with industry standards. By embracing these technologies, logistics companies can boost efficiency, reduce risk, and maintain a reliable fleet that meets the demands of today’s fast-paced industry. 

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Transforming Global Supply Chains with AI-Driven Solutions

Brother Industries has announced its collaboration with Kinaxis to transform its supply chain management through the use of AI-driven technology. With operations in over 40 countries and a diverse product portfolio, Brother needed a solution to handle intricate logistics and improve supply chain visibility. Kinaxis’ RapidResponse platform was chosen for its ability to enhance demand forecasting, scenario planning, and real-time decision-making.

“From the beginning, Kinaxis demonstrated a clear understanding of our business and all its complexities. From there we formed a partnership based on trust and a passion for innovative solutions, like their unique approach to supply chain orchestration, which made the decision to go forward with this transformation easy,” said Kosaku Sakai, Production Strategy Planning Department Manager at Brother Industries, LTD.

This partnership aligns with Brother’s goal of streamlining operations and delivering superior service. “Our aim is to build a resilient and agile supply chain that meets our customers’ needs,” said Hiroshi Ikematsu, a senior executive at Brother. The move also aligns with broader industry trends toward smart logistics, where AI-driven technology offers improved demand predictions, optimized inventory management, and faster adaptation to disruptions.

John Sicard, CEO of Kinaxis, remarked, “We’re excited to support Brother Industries in optimizing their supply chain strategies to better serve their global customer base.” This deployment reflects Brother’s ongoing focus on digital transformation, ensuring it remains competitive while maintaining high service standards.

In addition to optimizing supply chain efficiency, the partnership with Kinaxis also seems to reflect Brother Industries’ broader commitment to digital transformation and sustainability. By leveraging AI-driven tools, Brother can reduce waste, minimize resource usage, and ensure more sustainable practices across its global operations. This focus on sustainability is increasingly important as the company adapts to shifting industry trends and regulatory demands. As Brother continues to innovate, this collaboration marks a significant step toward not only improving logistics but also achieving long-term environmental and operational goals.

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Maximize Efficiency and Reduce Carbon Emissions with UK Manufacturing

In December 2023 alone, £45 billion worth of goods were imported to the UK by road and sea freight[1]. Manufacturing overseas is commonly seen as a less expensive approach. However, localising production in the UK permits quality control, safeguards against exchange rate volatility, and significantly reduces a company’s carbon footprint.

In June, Palletower, a UK’s leading manufacturer, stockist and supplier of storage and logistics equipment, transitioned the production of their plastic box pallets and other plastic storage products such as collars and foldable boxes to the UK. In the past, these have been manufactured in Spain, Germany and China and a significant number are currently being moulded and imported from Istanbul. At present, a fully lorry load of plastic boxes weighing 4.6 tonnes distributed from Istanbul to the UK generates almost 2.6 tonnes of carbon emissions. Therefore by manufacturing in the UK, Palletower will reduce their emissions dramatically.

This move will maximise operational efficiencies and significantly improve product and material handling. Moreover, the manufacturing shift will allow Palletower’s customers to benefit from increased cost savings.

The UK manufactured plastic boxes are an impressive 3kg lighter than any other competitor boxes. This reduces the amount of plastic and energy used to mould the box. Despite this, they retain the same strength and are available in a range of colours, with the option of adding company branding (e.g. a logo) for versatile use in numerous industries.

The shift in production not only allows Palletower to have more control over materials, but means that the company can offer the environmental and cost benefits to its wide customer base. Furthermore, it has improved Palletower’s own sustainability efforts.

Through this CO2 review exercise, Palletower has looked at the impact that the distribution of goods is having towards today’s climate crisis, and ways in which its own changes to the supply chain are a microcosm of potential change the industry could make.

The impact that overseas distribution has on your carbon footprint

If companies manufacture products outside the UK, regardless of the location, distribution will most likely be a business’s biggest contributor to annual carbon emissions.

The average small to medium sized company in the UK generates around 15 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, making up 44% of the UK’s non-household emissions[2].

Palletower has partnered with Positive Planet, a sustainability business advisory, revealing the carbon impact of distribution to the UK and how carbon emissions differ depending on location. Birmingham was chosen as the distribution centre of choice as it is a central UK distribution location.

At present, as the majority of boxes are being manufactured in Istanbul, by transporting just 607 plastic boxes to the UK, this generates the same amount of carbon emissions as an average SME.  However, with the exclusive mould allowing manufacturing of Palletower plastic boxes in the UK, they will be saving up to 2,569.7 KgCO2e per 104 boxes produced, as distribution emissions will be eliminated.

Manufacture location Distance to Birmingham (km) Road (KgCO2e) Sea (KgCO2e) Well-to-Tank (KgCO2e) Total distribution emissions (KgCO2e)
Rome 1,995 1,276   309.6 1,585.6
Istanbul 3,223 2,067.9   501.8 2,569.7
Shanghai 19,374 240.8 1,044.2 295.2 1,580.2
Madrid 1,910 1,221.7   296.5 1,518.2
Munich 1,305 834.7   202.5 1,037.2

Road freight produces 10 times more emissions than sea freight 

While businesses may opt to source products from Europe rather than Asia in an effort to become more environmentally conscious, the research has revealed that transporting primarily by road, over a much shorter distance can produce significantly more emissions than transporting by sea from further afield.

In fact, road freight produces nearly 10 times (9.7) the amount of emissions as sea freight. For example, a lorry travelling 1995km from Rome to Birmingham produces 1,586KgCO2e compared to Shanghai which produces 1580KgCO2e over 19,374km distance.

Of the five cities that research was conducted on, only Munich which is located 1,305km from Birmingham produces close to one tonne (1.04) of carbon emissions when transporting 104 plastic boxes between the two cities.

The multi-purpose use of Palletower’s plastic boxes make them widely used in an array of industries to distribute products locally and globally. While Palletower’s customers might focus on their individual sustainability goals, the climate impact and change that Palletower has made by moving their production to the UK benefits the industry as a whole.

Therefore, by shifting manufacturing to the UK, businesses could reduce distribution emissions by 1000-2,600KgCO2e per shipment.

Matthew Palmer, Managing Director at Palletower says, “By shifting the manufacturing of our plastic box pallets from overseas to the UK, we will not only gain more control over the production process but will drastically reduce the carbon emissions we emit as a business annually.

In an industry which is typically known as having its environmental challenges, we are keen to lead the way and spread awareness to our customers about the importance of investing in sustainable practices from the ground up, starting with the equipment they use to transport their goods. By purchasing plastic boxes from Palletower, your company will be significantly reducing its carbon footprint and helping improve the environment as whole.”

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Leading Sustainability in Logistical Operations

In the dynamic world of logistics, there’s growing pressure to address environmental impact. From transportation to infrastructure, operations significantly contribute to carbon emissions and resource consumption.

As climate concerns rise, companies are urged to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace sustainability. Beyond ensuring cost savings, this shift enhances operational efficiency and shapes consumer perceptions, crucial for staying competitive in today’s eco-conscious marketplace.

Prioritising Sustainability: Ammeraal Beltech’s Approach to Logistical Solutions

At Ammeraal Beltech, we deeply integrate sustainability into our business strategy, recognising its critical significance in today’s global landscape. Our dedication lies in conducting our operations responsibly and actively implementing initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint across all aspects of our business.

Acknowledging the distinct challenges encountered by the logistics industry, particularly in terms of energy consumption and carbon emissions, thanks to our expertise, we strive to provide our customers with customized and pioneering solutions and strategies that not only cater to their operational requirements but also support their sustainability objectives.

AMMdurance rPET: A Game-Changer in Sustainable Conveyor Belts for Logistics

In response to these challenges, Ammeraal Beltech proudly presents AMMdurance rPET, a revolutionary conveyor belt crafted from fabric made from recycled PET bottles. With every square meter of AMMdurance rPET, 14 PET bottles are recycled, resulting in a significant CO2 emissions reduction compared to standard synthetic belts.

AMMdurance rPET provides three key benefits:

  1. Reduced environmental impact
  2. Minimized noise
  3. High-quality performance.

The use of recycled materials not only promotes plastic recycling but also reduces carbon emissions by 70%. Furthermore, noise-reduction features contribute to better working environments for logistics operators, fostering clear communication and heightened productivity. Despite its sustainability focus, AMMdurance rPET upholds the exceptional performance standards associated with Ammeraal Beltech products, thereby decreasing power consumption, lowering maintenance needs, and extending belt longevity.

Ammeraal Beltech’s commitment to sustainability is evident in innovative solutions like AMMdurance rPET. By reducing carbon emissions and enhancing operational efficiency, we’re shaping a more sustainable future for logistics. Partner with us to embrace sustainability and propel your logistical operations towards success in a rapidly evolving industry.

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New Compact Lithium-Ion Pallet Truck Launched to Boost Efficiency

An ultra-compact lithium-ion pallet truck for loads up to 1.5 tonnes has been launched by global brand of materials handling equipment, Hyster.

The new PC1.5 Pallet Truck, powered by a lithium-ion battery, can deliver greater efficiency than a hand pallet truck.

“For those currently using hand pallet trucks in the warehouse, switching to the new PC1.5 brings efficiency gains, without complex maintenance requirements,” says Matt Hardy, Solutions Manager EMEA for Hyster Europe. “Operations with lean fleets will benefit from these dependable pallet trucks that are ready to go when needed.”

Simple to use, the new lithium-ion pallet trucks offer significant benefits to the operator compared to a hand pallet truck, with powered travelling, lifting and lowering. Despite the small and lightweight design, the Hyster PC1.5 can lift up to 1.5 tonnes and helps overcome manual handling concerns when pushing or pulling heavy loads.

The tough and robust frame is extremely compact for use in tight spaces, and the truck is designed to give good performance on gradients, helping to support operator productivity. The motorised pallet truck design can work at a higher intensity than a hand pallet truck, helping to reduce the strain on operators.

When the lithium-ion battery needs replacing, operators get a re-charge alert and, in just six seconds, can exchange it, keeping the operation running with minimal interruption. A spare battery is included to support continuous operation, while an optional large battery with three-hour fast charger is available where the application demands it.

“The ultra-compact PC1.5 pallet truck is designed to be tough and reliable enough to stand-up to daily operational challenges, but with a low cost of ownership,” says Matt. “It is easy to service, with simple maintenance requirements, similar to a hand pallet truck.”

The model features maintenance free components, such as a brushless drive motor and lithium-ion battery, as well as a durable steel frame and protective cover, and 60-second drive wheel replacement.

In September last year Hyster launched its new J7.0–9.0XNL forklift series with fully integrated lithium-ion batteries. Click here for the full story.

 

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