Cloud-based software helps boost warehouse efficiency

To ensure warehouses work at maximum capacity, safe in the knowledge they can manage forklift battery and charging stations both easily and reliably, Exide Technologies has launched its new cloud-based system, Motion+ Fleet.

The new fleet management tool transforms logistics into detailed real-time data. It allows warehouse managers to turn their gut instincts into facts and make informed decisions on battery use – from anywhere in the world.

Motion+ Fleet helps users to run their warehouses more efficiently by:

  • Monitoring real-time condition and status of individual batteries, such as running times, amp usage and load, with easy-to-read traffic light style reports
  • Receiving automatically generated alerts by e-mail, if a battery isn’t working at peak performance
  • Maximising uptime by anticipating imminent issues. This means the user can take immediate action and avoid both disruption and frustration
  • Efficiently managing a site’s energy consumption, such as avoiding energy peaks when charging, and, therefore, stabilising costs
  • Overall, optimising total cost of ownership, simplifying processes and preventing errors with Motion+ Fleet

What’s more, the complete digitalisation of data not only allows users to manage all operations centrally from one location, but, thanks to the co-operation of a leading cloud supplier, it also protects the security of their assets.

The right solution for every customer’s needs

Available as Essential, Premium and Ultimate packages, depending on individual needs, the Ultimate option is perfect for businesses with multiple sites, as it gives the customer the choice of managing an unlimited number of chargers, which is unique in the market.

With more than a decade of experience in developing fleet management systems, Exide knows what customers require: responding to the efficiency demands placed on warehouses and helping them reach their targets. This new and sophisticated fleet management tool allows warehouses to stay in Motion+.

Magnus Ohlsson, Motive Power Business Director EMEA at Exide Technologies, said: “Motion+ Fleet is the perfect solution for customers to control their whole warehouse with just a few clicks! It manages the efficiency of their charger and battery fleets, no surprises, so they can focus on other topics and let the system do the hard work.”

Tested and validated in the real world

A leading dealer of sanitary, heating and bathroom supplies in Germany has put Motion+ Fleet through its paces and a company spokesperson commented on the positive impacts the tool has made: “Thanks to Motion+ Fleet, we have been able to monitor and plan our new battery orders much better and have not ordered batteries unnecessarily, thereby saving money.”

Globalisation is changing the world. Warehouse managers are faced with the challenge of constantly rethinking the efficiency of their business. To do this, they need flexible intralogistics solutions at the highest level to solve tomorrow’s tasks today.

Exide Technologies is working on up-to date products and solutions, so customers can continue to keep pace as the world evolves. Motion+ Fleet is the flagship product of the upcoming new Motion+ Smart Tools series, designed to offer customers innovative digital and cloud-based solutions, as well as other value-added tools and services around industrial batteries and chargers.

 

Fabric specialist invests in articulated forklifts

Manufacturer, importer and supplier of high-quality fabrics to the fashion industry, Jerseytex Ltd, has developed a new very narrow aisle high-density storage solution at its Midlands warehouse facility based on Flexi Truck articulated VNA forklift technology from Narrow Aisle Ltd.

A long-standing Flexi Truck user, Jerseytex has operated Flexi Truck VNA trucks at its site in Tipton for the past two decades.

“We bought our first Flexi Truck nearly 20 years ago and have used them ever since, so we had no hesitation in turning to Narrow Aisle when we needed a new materials handling solution to support the continued growth of our business,” said Jerseytex owner and managing director, Pritpal Singh Sidhu.

“We have proved that Flexi Truck technology represents the most efficient and cost-effective materials handling solution for us. The Flexi Truck’s design allows us to save valuable space when operating and is generally far more efficient than traditional ‘reach’-type trucks.”

John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd, commented: “Flexi Truck products are renowned the world over for their reliability and build quality. Jerseytex has long realised the space and throughput efficiency benefits that Flexi Truck technology brings and we are delighted to have such a long and successful relationship with the company and their team at Tipton.”

Jerseytex uses its Flexis to support the unloading of textile rolls from incoming vehicles before delivering the fabrics directly to the new bespoke VNA racking scheme within its Midlands storage facility. By unloading incoming vehicles and delivering loads directly to the storage system, the Flexi Trucks eliminate ‘double handling’ which allows more product to be transferred in less time. As a result, Jerseytex is able to minimise its materials handling costs and speed-up operational throughput, with fewer forklift trucks in its fleet.

More than 10,000 Flexi Trucks are in operation at logistics sites across the world and there are models in the Flexi Truck VNA Digital range to suit every product type and warehouse size.

New Toyota forklifts have multiple power options

Toyota Material Handling UK has launched a new range of electric counterbalance forklifts. Designed for both indoor and heavy-duty outdoor applications, the Traigo80 80V electric counterbalance range is offered with a choice of lithium-ion, lead-acid or fuel cell power solutions.

Customers that opt for lithium-ion batteries can select two intelligent energy packs based on Toyota’s own high-density lithium-ion battery solutions. This flexibility enables users to calculate the lithium-ion battery and charger combination that is best suited to their particular application.

At most sites, a lithium-ion-powered Traigo80 will operate continuously during multiple shifts without a battery change – saving the cost of additional batteries and battery changing equipment. For example, a new Traigo80 equipped with a small lithium-ion battery can work a full 8-hour shift, with just two 15-minute charging breaks during the main operating periods, and 45 minutes of additional charging during the mid-shift meal break. Furthermore, Li-ion-powered Traigo80 trucks require zero battery maintenance.

Meanwhile, for users that choose the traditional lead-acid battery option, the new truck offers quick and easy sideways battery changing, while improved motor and component technology means the lead acid battery-driven Traigo80 consumes 15% less energy when compared to the previous model – even in the most intense and demanding applications.

In addition to lithium-ion and lead acid batteries the Toyota Traigo80 is also available with hydrogen fuel cells. For users that have the benefit of an on-site hydrogen supply, hydrogen fuel cells can be refuelled in just a few minutes and allow emission-free operation.

As well as selecting their preferred truck power source, Traigo80 customers can also choose between a compact chassis design for applications where space is confined, or a longer chassis with a larger battery for those operations where trucks are in continuous use. In addition, two models with a chassis suitable for longer load handling on 600mm load centres have also been introduced.

Available in capacities from 2 to 3.5 tonnes with lift heights up to 6.5m, the Traigo80 is designed for the toughest environments and features high-level protected motors that  deliver best-in-class performance and durability in all weather conditions.

And, for the ultimate outdoor performance, a fully enclosed cabin is available to ensure optimum operator comfort and, therefore, productivity.

The Traigo80’s new operator compartment has been ergonomically designed and features an updated adjustable armrest and lots of storage compartments. An optional integrated colour touchscreen display provides key information such as lift height, load weight and mast position, while a multifunction display screen with push-button controls is also available.

A completely new range of controls – including mini-levers, a single multi-function joystick, or multifunction levers – allow operators to choose the system that best suits their driving style, while the Traigo80’s fully floating driver compartment reduces noise and vibrations highly effectively for extra comfort.

For even greater efficiency and the ultimate in truck operator safety, the Toyota Traigo80 is equipped with Assist functions, such as Toyota’s well-known and proven System of Active Stability (SAS). The multi-award winning Toyota SAS maintains truck stability by continuously monitoring the load weight, lift height and truck speed during operation.

Integrated telematics have been standard on the Toyota warehouse range since 2018 and a number of new connected smart truck features which allow customers to monitor and improve the operational safety, productivity and cost-efficiency of their materials handling equipment, are available with the new Traigo80 models.

These include an all-new pre-operation check function and the ability to recognise when the truck is being driven without a load. The system also monitors the condition of the Li-ion or lead-acid battery, which not only increases safety but also extends the battery’s lifetime.

Sam Gray, Sales Training and Product Development Manager, Toyota Material Handling UK, commented: “The launch of Toyota’s new Traigo80 counterbalance  range means companies that run the most intensive indoor or outdoor operations or whose applications demand trucks that deliver peak performance in the harshest environments, can make the transition to emission-free electric- powered forklift technology with no compromise on reliability or durability.

Toyota Material Handling is committed to sustainability across its business and this new range of electric trucks has an important role to play in reducing the environmental impact of all companies that rely on forklifts within their business – from single truck users to the biggest fleet operators.”

VisionNav introduces driverless forklifts to Europe

VisionNav Robotics – the driverless, vision-guided industrial vehicle specialist – is bringing its range of fully automated, vision-guided forklift trucks and intelligent operating systems to the European market.

The VisionNav range includes driverless counterbalanced forklift trucks, reach trucks, stackers and tow tractors and, in keeping with the company’s global marketing strategy, VisionNav Robotics is looking to appoint distribution partners throughout Europe.

Nestle, DHL and Walmart are among the high-profile businesses to have already adopted the VisionNav driverless truck system, while countless small- and medium-sized forklift users are also benefiting from the solution.

In simple terms the ‘vision-based’ navigation technology at the heart of VisionNav’s operator-free forklifts uses a vehicle-mounted camera to sense the environment in which the vehicle is operating. Information concerning the structural design and storage system lay-out of the facility where trucks are deployed is stored as off-line maps which the visual navigation system matches with real-time images received from the camera to navigate the forklifts efficiently and safely around the store. With multiple vehicles controlled by the system, the trucks are directed to their next location via the shortest, fastest and safest route for optimum throughput performance.

Visual navigation technology is not only highly efficient, it is quick and easy to install and brings a rapid return on investment. The highly flexible technology allows driverless industrial trucks to be adopted with minimal disruption to a site’s existing intralogistics process and, typically, ROI is achieved after a period of 18-24 months.

Capable of operating outside and inside in even the most dimly lit buildings, VisionNav driverless forklifts undertake every type of task that would be expected of a traditional manually operated forklift – including vehicle loading and unloading, pallet put-away and retrieval in both standard and very narrow aisle racking configurations, as well as pallet and stillage movements throughout the warehouse.

In addition to the obvious savings in labour costs that driverless forklifts bring, other benefits delivered by VisionNav automated lift trucks include: reduced damage to goods, racking and trucks; greater picking accuracy; and more efficient use of the available storage space.

Established in 2016, VisionNav Robotics is among the fastest-growing operator-free industrial vehicle manufacturers in the world. Between the beginning of 2019 and 2021 the company’s turnover increased 10-fold while from 2020-21 order volume grew by more than 300% year-on-year. During the same period, VisionNav’s typical contract value increased by 150% with new business from existing clients accounting for nearly half of the company’s order intake.

Jason Zang, VisionNav Robotics’ Head of Sales – Europe, comments: “When it comes to running a lift truck fleet, the forklift driver is often the biggest cost. Salaries, bonuses, training and myriad other expenses combined with hidden extras such as the damage to goods or a building’s infrastructure caused by a carelessly driven truck or, worse still, injuries to personnel, all add up to a considerable sum.

“In addition, across the world there is a shortage of forklift drivers, so it is not surprising that more and more companies are adopting automated materials handling equipment (MHE) to optimise the efficiency of their warehouse intralogistics processes.

“The VisionNav range of driverless forklifts uses 5G communication and artificial intelligence to deliver flexible unmanned lift truck technology that can be easily adopted by every truck user to upgrade their warehouse operations.”

Toshiba launches “high-energy” lithium-ion battery

Toshiba Corporation has expanded its SCiB product offering with the launch of an innovative 20Ah-HP rechargeable lithium-ion battery cell that it says delivers high energy and high power at the same time.

The market wants batteries that deliver both high-energy and high-power characteristics, but until now this has required a trade-off for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. In an EV, for example, a high-energy battery allows the vehicle to drive further on a single charge – but it lowers power input and output and extends charge times. Toshiba says it drew on its know-how in current high-energy and high-power products to develop a new cell that successfully combines the advantages of both.

The cell is described as ideal for heavy-load applications where high power input and output are essential, and for situations where battery cells must suppress heat and operate continuously, such as rapid charging of commercial vehicles, regenerative power systems for rolling stock, and industrial equipment. The cell is the same size as Toshiba’s current 20Ah product, allowing current customers to easily upgrade to the improved input and output power with the same module pack. The cell is now available to order worldwide.

Compared to Toshiba’s current 20Ah cell, the new 20Ah-HP cell delivers 1.7x higher input and 1.6x higher output, realised by an approximately 40% reduction of resistance in the cell. This improvement efficiently suppresses heat generation when a large current is applied, allowing design of a simpler cooling system. For example, depending on the customer’s system, water cooling can be simplified to forced air cooling, and forced air cooling simplified to natural cooling. The lowered resistance also reduces overvoltage, allowing the cell to function in a wider range of state-of-charge (SOC).

The new 20Ah-HP cell achieves a longer life than the current 20Ah cell by suppressing heat during continuous charging and discharging, due to its lower internal resistance. Under test conditions, the cell maintained almost 100% capacity after 8,000 charge/discharge cycles, while the capacity of the current 20Ah cell decreased by approximately 10%.

The new 20Ah-HP cell delivers improved input and output power but maintains the same size as the current 20Ah cell, allowing current customers to easily upgrade to the improved performance with the same module pack.

Toshiba expects to see the new cell deployed in automobiles, industrial equipment, and storage battery systems. Some examples include drive power supply and emergency power supply for railways, regenerative power supply for harbour cranes, electric ferries, hybrid buses, trucks, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in HEVs (PHEVs), alternatives to lead-acid batteries and storage battery systems.

STILL raises standards with new truck series

With the new LXT 120-350 and LXW 20-30 series, STILL says it has not only modernised and expanded its product portfolio of electrically powered tractors and platform trucks but has also raised the safety standard of these trucks to a new level.

In particular, the unique Descent Speed Regulation (DSR) assistance system, a load- and inclination-dependent speed regulation system, provides extra safety and increased handling performance when driving on ramps.

Electric tow tractors and platform trucks have become an indispensable part of the modern working world. Shipyards, car manufacturers, international airports and railway stations, logistics companies, freight forwarders and countless production plants around the world have relied on the qualities of STILL’s tow tractors and platform trucks for many years. Now the Hamburg-based intralogistics provider has once again expanded its vehicle portfolio and geared it up for the future.

The new LXT 120-350 electric tow tractors with towing capacities of between 12 and 35 tonnes and the LXW 20-30 electric platform truck (payloads of two and three tonnes on the load area, towing capacities of six tonnes) offer a wide range of modular equipment options and impress with their performance. Extensive tests in different industries at sometimes very harsh locations have proven that efficiency and top performance can be perfectly combined with these new vehicles.

The STILL engineers are particularly proud of the Descent Speed Regulation (DSR) assistance system they developed. “An absolute world first,” emphasise the two STILL experts Alexander Claus, product manager for tractors, and Janos Poppe, product trainer for tractors. “This unique system not only supports the driver in driving safely on ramps, but also increases the handling performance. With trailer loads of up to 35 tonnes, the drivers always move in accordance with the situation – and at the same time as quickly as possible,” says Poppe.

Depending on the version, the DSR detects the exact inclination on sloping ramps for this purpose, takes the current load weight into account and automatically adjusts the speed to the respective conditions by intervening in the oil bath multiple-disc system. In the basic version, which is installed in all vehicles, the speed is limited manually to a predefined speed via a switch when driving down a slope.

In the optionally available ECO version, the system shows the gradient on the display and automatically limits the speed to a predefined value. In the premium version of the DSR, the automatic speed reduction depends on the gradient and additionally on the towed load. The trailer load is determined by measuring the torque on the drive motors.

“This very innovative method of determining the load, in which we measure the trailer load virtually at the trailer coupling, is so far the only one of its kind in the world and is only used on STILL trucks,” reports Claus, not without pride.

Uncompromised technical equipment

The STILL developers have also come up with something for the other technical components of the new trucks. For example, all the trucks have hydraulic multi-disc brakes on both axles, which enable a particularly high-performance and precise braking process, are wear-free and operate almost completely silently. In addition, the regenerative braking of the electric drive allows energy to be recovered during the braking process. The parking brake is also electric and engages automatically.

The vehicles of the LXT/LXW series are driven by two 10.5kW motors on the rear axle. The 80V three-phase motors are encapsulated and maintenance-free. The intelligent motor control ensures agile driving behaviour and the speed-controlled drive means that there is no loss of speed, even when driving uphill for long periods. The maximum speed of the LXT vehicles without load is 25km/h, the LXW reaches up to 23km/h. The towing tractors and platform trucks can be charged quickly and easily without opening the bonnet thanks to the quick-charge socket or on-board charger.

The new cab is generously designed and offers even tall drivers plenty of headroom and a very spacious footwell. A wide range of seat adjustments ensures a comfortable workplace and offers every driver the right position for fatigue-free work. The driver’s cab itself is mounted on rubber buffers and is therefore vibration-damped and decoupled from the chassis.

The chassis, which is equally damped by extra-long coil springs, offers additional driving comfort and allows first-class road holding. Thanks to the STILL Easy Control colour display, the drivers always have all the important information at a glance – for example the steering wheel position, direction of travel, driving programme, speed, angle of inclination, load display or loading status. The new steering wheel with optional knob allows easy and ergonomic operation of the fully hydraulic steering. Its haptic surface provides a good grip.

Improved visibility

‘All-round glazing’ ensures optimum visibility in the new vehicles. To this end, 23% more window surfaces were installed compared to the predecessor models. Optimised visibility in all directions increases safety and prevents physical damage. The optional reversing camera makes manoeuvring and coupling easier when reversing.

Protection against accidents and breakage of goods is also provided by the Curve Speed Control system, also available as an option, which automatically adjusts the speed during cornering and thus ensures safe cornering. The vehicles can be easily integrated into control systems such as STILL neXXt fleet, the most innovative and powerful web portal for fleet optimisation of industrial trucks, via an optional interface. All relevant information for quick analyses or optimisation measures are thus bundled in just one tool.

Other optionally available safety features include the STILL Flashlight, Safety Light 4Plus, FleetManager and the intelligent acoustic warning signal, the volume of which is always 10dB higher than the ambient volume. With this system, passers-by and other drivers or operators are always warned of the vehicle at the right volume, without creating an unnecessarily high noise level for the driver and the person being warned.

Yale brings “Technology that moves” to LogiMAT

Yale Europe Materials Handling is returning to the largest logistics expo in Europe, LogiMAT, set to take place in Stuttgart from 31 May – 2 June. Yale will be showcasing a wide variety of materials handling products and solutions under the theme ‘Technology that moves’, on Stand D31 in Hall 9.

“LogiMAT 2022 will be our first physical trade show in three years, and there isn’t a more fitting location to present our plans for the future,” said Timo Antony, Area Business Director Central Europe at Yale. “We’re looking forward to meeting with individuals in-person again, connecting with customers and telling them what we’ve been working on since the last time we met.”

In the three years since the previous LogiMAT, Yale has undergone an exciting business transformation, which will be demonstrated for the first time in Stuttgart.

On display will be a range of warehousing trucks as well as logistics innovations, combining technology and design to provide tailored solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

Yale will reveal its new Series N ICE counterbalance truck for the very first time. Built on Yale’s modular and scalable platform, the Series N can easily be configured to match unique requirements, raising the bar for success in almost all applications and environments.

Visitors will also be able to learn more about the Yale UX Series for low intensity warehouse operations, which launched in 2020. Yale is keen to speak with warehouse managers to demonstrate how its UX products can benefit their operations.

A key element of the LogiMAT display will be lithium-ion technology. Yale will enhance its materials handling product offering with the recently launched SUNLIGHT lithium-ion batteries as a power solution for customers.

“There will be a lot of exciting announcements from Yale in the coming 12 months, and LogiMAT is set to kick-start a bright and prosperous chapter for our company, our dealers, and our customers old and new,” concluded Antony.

Konecranes launches Battery as a Service

Konecranes has launched Battery as a Service (BaaS), a breakthrough innovation in both technology and business model to facilitate financing and support our customers of the E-VER range of Li-Ion powered electric forklift trucks.

Through this service, Konecranes provides chargeable, upgradable and remotely monitorable Li-ion batteries to its BaaS users. This will allow the customers to purchase an E-VER electric heavy forklift without battery and to choose the best battery set up that suits their needs. The battery is subscribed to a monthly fee, based on its actual usage which can be monitored in real-time at yourKonecranes.com customer portal (the battery becomes an OPEX). This continuous monitoring guarantees the optimal performance of the battery.

The launch of Konecranes BaaS makes the purchase decision much easier and represents a better balance between the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and the operating expenditure (OPEX) which is also more comparable to the LCC distribution of a diesel engine powered lift truck.

BaaS also represents a future-proof solution to long-existing challenges such as battery degradation, battery renewal, battery upgradability and lower resale value. This service keeps the machine resale value independent from the battery degradation.

Batteries can be renewed when the rental agreement comes to an end or if needed by the renter during the hire period.

The innovation of vehicle-battery separation and battery subscription has come true. The successful launch of BaaS is another significant milestone for Konecranes Lift Trucks.

Bolzoni opens portal for rental and used attachments

As an alternative to the purchase of a new attachment, the Bolzoni rental and remanufactured product range is now available on a new European web portal.

Especially in times of shortages in logistics chains and extended lead times when investing into new equipment, alternative options, such as rental and used products, become more important than ever.

In the case of seasonal peaks, an unexpected breakdown or, simply to cover an additional fleet requirement, to rent an attachment or to buy a reconditioned unit can be a good alternative rather than purchasing a new one, in particular because of its prompt availability.

The Bolzoni Group supports customers with solutions to save money on investments without renouncing Bolzoni’s equipment efficiency and quality. The new portal offers a wide range of Bolzoni Auromo and Meyer original equipment.

Each attachment is carefully checked and refurbished after every hire. Each used or rental product is inspected, reconditioned and tested according to the highest quality standards, becoming a convenient alternative to purchasing a new product.

After the reconditioning process, the attachment will have the appearance and quality as expected from an OEM with a guarantee of a 12-month warranty.

Whether the need is to purchase a reconditioned attachment or, to face a short- or medium-term rental, Bolzoni says it provides the best solution to meet all industries special requirements.

Through the European-wide network of workshops with support and aftersales service, Bolzoni is able to offer a localised 360° support, from commercial consultancy to preventative maintenance, throughout the period of use. Bolzoni is the qualified partner not only to purchase or to rent used and brand-new products, but also to sell and to trade-in no longer used attachments. Instead of being wasted, the used ones will be reconditioned to replenish the Bolzoni Rental & Used fleet.

Choosing the Bolzoni’s Rental & Used service means a fast and efficient way of solving downtime or bridging peak demands within production facilities and logistic chains. A wide range of attachment on stock is available for shipping either the same day or within 24 hours.

The reconditioned attachments follow a strict multiphase process to fit in the quality standards that characterise Bolzoni’s products. Upon return, every used unit undergoes a reconditioning process, which includes cleaning and preliminary inspections. Once the equipment overall conditions are taken into consideration, the appropriate level of maintenance to refurbish and replace all wear parts is defined. Finally, in the painting and assembly phase, each product receives its final touch that makes it almost impossible to be distinguished from a new one.

And only after having successfully passed the stringent tests of the Bolzoni quality process, the attachment is placed back into stock ready for its next assignment.

Hyster to unveil scalable counterbalance series

At LogiMAT 2022, Hyster will focus on ‘Powering YOUR Possibilities’ and will reveal the first preview of its new tough, scalable lift truck series.

Visitors to Stand C10 in Hall 10 from 31 May – 2 June in Stuttgart, Germany, will be among the first to discover the latest Hyster developments, including a sneak peek of a new modular and scalable IC counterbalanced truck series which is ‘distinctly Hyster – built for you’.

“At LogiMAT, we are excited to bring together our diverse global industry experience and our newest developments, showing how we support our customers specific needs with different solutions,” explains Rainer Marian, Director Network Development at Hyster Europe.

The expert team from Hyster, backed by the power of dealers from the DACH region, will be on-hand to discuss how Hyster can ‘power your possibilities’ with a range of solutions to address customers’ unique handling challenges across diverse applications and industries. Overall, the full product portfolio includes a comprehensive range of more than 140 models of counterbalance trucks, warehouse trucks and container handlers.

At the show, Hyster will also be inviting visitors to learn more about the wide selection of different power options available for its lift trucks and warehouse equipment, including intelligent lithium-ion battery solutions. Sustainability, automation, and lifetime cost reduction will also be high on the agenda.

“Space is becoming scarcer. Time pressure is increasing. Business costs are rising,” says Rainer. “As many companies are in the process of business transformation, Hyster is excited to have a range of solutions to help make it easier to overcome the specific challenges facing customers operations. We are very much looking forward to discussing this with visitors at LogiMAT 2022.”

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