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Tag: Intralogistics

Future-proof Intralogistics at LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

In dynamic times characterized by crises the logistics sector and intralogistics industry steps up to deliver strategic competitive advantage. As one of the market leaders, SSI Schaefer’s trade fair presence at LogiMAT 2023 in Stuttgart, Germany, shows how its customers are well positioned for the future with comprehensive systems and solutions. Steffen Bersch, CEO of the SSI Schaefer Group, explains the requirements: “We see a high need for investment in automation and efficiency-increasing technologies. With our know-how and wide range of innovative products, software and services, we present ourselves as a partner to jointly realize the customer-specific resilient logistics structure consisting of flexible, scalable and sustainable systems.”

The cornerstones of future-proof intralogistics are the comprehensive portfolio of customized software, the connectivity of the systems and the innovative technologies within the SSI Schaefer Group. This also includes companies such as robotics specialist RO-BER, SAP specialist SWAN and robotics and AGV expert DS Automotion, which will become a full member of the SSI Schaefer Group on March 1, 2023.

For fully automated single piece picking, SSI Schaefer will present its advanced piece picking application at the booth in Hall 1. The highlights of the system, in addition to the patented gripping point calculation, are additional functions such as Pick & Place, AI-supported object recognition, and 100% product verification, which is important for the pharmaceutical industry, among others. Additional highly automated intralogistics solutions will be presented at consulting islands, including complex robotics applications with central shuttle and overhead conveyor technology for efficient omnichannel logistics.

Of particular interest to SMEs are ‘plug & play’ system combinations for partial automation. Processes can be accelerated, spaces condensed, and ergonomic workflows integrated in a simple way and economically. The building blocks of these solutions, some of which will be demonstrated at the booth, include automated guided vehicles, autonomous mobile robots, mobile racking, channel storage solutions with the SSI ORBITER® and the SSI LOGIMAT® vertical lift module.

SSI Schaefer’s own WAMAS logistics software will be brought to life digitally at the trade fair with all its products and modules. Via an augmented reality tool, booth visitors can explore a virtual warehouse and understand the interaction of the WAMAS modules with the equipment and systems. SSI Schaefer’s SAP solutions will be presented at the booth by SWAN, also a member of the SSI Schaefer Group. Intelligent applications being developed in the areas of predictive maintenance, digital twin and cyber security services, point the way to the intralogistics future.

The topics of the planned expert panel discussions, in which customers, science representatives and SSI Schaefer experts will participate, will show the pulse of intralogistics. They take place live daily at the trade show booth.

SSI Schaefer at LogiMAT 2023 in Hall 1, Booth D21. Please also visit other members of the SSI Schaefer Group who are exhibiting at the fair:

• DS Automotion in Hall 6, Booth D05
• RO-BER in Hall 5, Booth F17

Making Intralogistics Smart, Together

Posted on by David Priestman

Using this slogan, the Hamburg-based intralogistics and automation specialist STILL will be exhibiting innovative industrial trucks live in action in practical automation processes at this year’s LogiMAT trade fair from April 25 to 27th in Stuttgart, in Hall 10 at Stands 10B40, 10B41 and 10B51. A unique feature to date is the presentation of an integrated automation solution together with the KION Group’s sister company DEMATIC. A collaboration with high innovation potential.

The lack of skilled workers, growing cost pressure and the increasing “race against time” are forcing companies to automate their production or logistics processes. “At STILL, we are registering a growing demand for automation solutions that can be implemented quickly and are scalable,” confirms Frank Müller, Senior Vice President STILL Brand Management. “Surveys we conducted have shown that in the next three years more than half of our customers would like to automate processes that are still managed manually today. Against this background, automation has long been a strategic cornerstone for the future of STILL.”

Realistic material flow

Just how automated flows of goods run optimally in practice will be demonstrated by the Hamburg automation professionals during this year’s LogiMAT. A typical material flow found in many industries will be simulated there: Pallets arrive at the warehouse by truck, an automated EXV iGo systems high lift pallet truck picks up the delivery from the truck unloading station and takes it to the contour control – a control device that is as smart as it is slim, works independently of conveyor technology and can therefore be freely positioned in the warehouse. Flawless pallets are also stored from there via an EXV iGo systems. If a customer order is placed, the high lift pallet truck removes the goods from storage and makes them available at a transfer station. Here, an ACH autonomous mobile robot (AMR) takes over the horizontal transport in the direction of the conveyor system in order to pass on the goods for repalletising and packing according to the customer’s order. What this automated material flow looks like can be seen at the neighbouring stand (Hall 10, Stand 10C41) of the group’s sister company Dematic (KION Group). “By working closely with Dematic, we leverage valuable synergies that benefit our customers. The jointly developed integrated automation solutions are unparalleled on the market,” states Frank Müller confidently.

STILL can rely on an enormous wealth of experience in process automation and also on the proven capabilities of the trucks. These are used in the automated flows of goods for precisely the tasks for which they were optimised. The high lift pallet trucks are responsible for the vertical storage and retrieval processes, while the autonomously operating mobile robots take over the horizontal transport of goods, for which they have proven to be swift load carriers. They are increasingly being used not only in production, but also in warehouse logistics, and are especially effective in confined spaces. With their compact design, they need barely half the space of a forklift truck when picking up and delivering the load. STILL offers this AMR in two versions: The entry-level ACH version uses QR code navigation to orientate itself along the floor and can be integrated cost-effectively into existing systems. It is the right choice wherever goods have to be transported along fixed and always consistent routes. For more complex applications, the new AXH is the right choice. It has a higher degree of autonomy and thus also copes well in mixed operation – both in collaborative interaction with other AGVs such as vertical order pickers or reach trucks, but also with manually controlled industrial trucks.

Two product lines as precision-fit answers to customer requirements

In addition to the automation scenario, STILL will present LogiMAT stand visitors for the first time with the two product lines that are precisely tailored to individual customer requirements: the “Xcellence-Line” and the “Classic-Line”. The new Classic-Line offers entry-level solutions with a focus on core functions: standardised, quickly available and at attractive prices. In this way, the intralogistics provider is reacting to the trend towards “concentrating on the essentials” and aims to be even more customer-oriented. These entry-level units are already configured and thus also quickly available. The Xcellence-Line offers the most advanced technology for demanding applications, highly variable and customisable. The centrepiece of this line will be the future RXE series: the next generation of electric forklift trucks. In addition, a number of innovations will also be on show in the field of warehouse technology, such as the IFOY-nominated EXH low lift pallet truck, with its completely newly developed tiller concept, or the EXH-SF 14-16C low lift pallet truck with foldable stand-on platform.

As a further innovation, STILL will present smart solutions in the field of energy management to the international trade audience in Stuttgart. From the latest Li-ion models to fuel cell vehicles with integrated fuel cell systems to intelligent charging management.

SSI Schaefer Completes DS Automotion Acquisition

Posted on by David Priestman

The SSI Schaefer Group, a leading international provider of modular warehousing and logistics solutions employing some 10,000 people, and DS Automotion GmbH, a leading provider of mobile robotics (AGV – Automated Guided Vehicles and AMR – Autonomous Mobile Robots) headquartered in Linz, signed an agreement under which SSI Schaefer will acquire all shares in DS Automotion GmbH.

SSI Schaefer will thus expand the minority interest it has held since 2018 to reflect the growing importance of autonomous and mobile robotics and the AGV business in intralogistics. The acquisition of the remaining shares will take effect on March 1st, 2023 and is subject to approval by Austria’s Federal Competition Authority.

The parties agreed not to disclose the purchase price of the shares. The management team led by Managing Directors Manfred Hummenberger and Wolfgang Hillinger will stay on board. DS Automotion will continue to operate independently with its well-established brand.

“The partnership with DS Automotion has been clearly intensified over the past two years, and the AGV business in intralogistics is growing very dynamically,” says Steffen Bersch, CEO of the SSI Schaefer Group. “Therefore, we are very pleased that the company, which is a leading player in the international market, will become a full member of the SSI Schaefer Group. Together, we will continue our growth story in robotics.”

The further development of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) is one of the key joint initiatives in the context of the general realignment of the robotics business. Characterized by simple commissioning and flexible applications, this product segment is becoming increasingly important and offers excellent growth opportunities. DS Automotion has developed standards such as Plannable Autonomy and Cooperative Navigation in this product segment, which help combine the benefits of flexibility with the reliability and availability of industrial systems. This transformation is based on DS Automotion’s high in-house technology expertise, which builds on 40 years of navigation and control know-how.

“DS Automotion has grown strongly and continuously over the past years, and by placing a stronger focus on technology and product standardization, we have greatly increased the quality and performance of the company,” says Manfred Hummenberger, CEO of DS Automotion. “To continue to keep pace with the rapid developments in this industry, now is the right time to take the cooperation with SSI Schaefer to a new level and to participate in the global growth opportunities of the robotics sector by joining forces.”

The acquisition of the remaining shares in DS Automotion represents an important milestone in expanding the technology leadership of the SSI Schaefer Group and will strengthen its competitiveness and innovation power in robotics and automation, which are pioneering for intralogistics.

At the same time, DS Automotion will continue to operate in the established fields such as production and healthcare logistics as well as assembly systems. These segments will continue to be further expanded with a focus on innovation and existing customer relationships will be strengthened.

Saving Energy with Eco Drive Systems

Posted on by David Priestman

The share of total energy consumption of all industries for electric drive systems is 70 per cent, according to expert estimates. This is not only a significant cost factor – there is also a large optimisation and savings potential hidden here. The NORD ECO service helps companies to reveal this potential and to find the most efficient drive solution for their application.

“The first step is the comprehensive collection of measurement values”, Jörg Niermann, Head of Marketing at NORD, explains. For this purpose, the so-called NORD ECO BOX, a mobile inverter cabinet, is connected between the motor and the power supply. The NORD ECO BOX consists of an energy measuring device with data logger function, current transformer and cable connections.

Over a period of about two weeks, the box records data in real time about permanent loads, load peaks and irregular conditions. Once the survey is completed, the results are uploaded to software developed by NORD that automatically evaluates the data.

Identifying over-dimensioning and optimising systems

NORD offers the ECO service for systems with both its own and third-party components. “The measurements over time make it possible to create a load cycle for the system. This shows whether a system’s dimensioning corresponds to the requirements of the respective application, Niermann explains. “We often see drive systems that are oversized for the corresponding application.” If a system is driven with the drive recommended by NORD, the company offers to carry out a remeasurement. As part of a TCO analysis (Total Cost of Ownership), the most cost- and energy-efficient solution can then be determined.

Variant reduction for more efficiency

For large systems with several drives, such as in intralogistics, the analysis with the NORD ECO service can significantly reduce the number of different drive systems. This helps to minimise administrative costs and streamlines production, logistics, storage and service processes. NORD offers high-efficiency motors with constant torque over a large speed range, which are ideally suitable for variant reduction.

With over 4,800 employees today, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has developed, produced and sold drive technology since 1965, and is one of the leading global full-service providers in the industry. In addition to standard drives, NORD delivers application-specific concepts and solutions for special requirements such as energy-saving drives or explosion-protected systems. In the 2021 financial year, annual sales amounted to 870 million Euros. NORD has 48 subsidiaries in 36 countries and further sales partners in more than 50 countries. They provide technical support, local stocks, assembly centres and customer service. NORD develops and produces a wide range of drive solutions for more than 100 industries, gear units for torques from 10 Nm up to over 282 kNm, supplies electric motors in the power range of 0.12 kW to 1,000 kW, and supplies the required power electronics with frequency inverters of up to 160 kW. Inverter solutions are available for conventional control cabinet installations as well as for decentralised, fully integrated drive units.

New Linde Solutions for Growing Challenges

Posted on by David Priestman

Recommendations, advice and solutions with regard to upcoming investments – this is what visitors to the LogiMAT trade show can expect to find at a total of three exhibition areas of Linde Material Handling (MH). In keeping with the motto ‘Green Performance’, the focus this year will be on the topics of energy and sustainability. Further key issues will include automation, the well-being of drivers and numerous vehicle innovations.

From April 25 to 27th, solution provider Linde MH will be presenting its extensive range of industrial trucks and software as well as consulting and other services on a total of 552 square meters throughout various areas in Hall 10 (Booths B21 and B17) of the Stuttgart trade fair grounds. In addition, a spacious outdoor area between Halls 8 and 10 will be used for vehicle demonstrations and to offer visitors the opportunity to test selected forklift trucks and warehouse technology equipment for themselves. Furthermore, the goods handling specialist will be showcasing its wide range of available energy and drive types in a third area in the Rothauspark, which connects the two wings of the exhibition centre’s halls. Under the slogan ‘Right Energy’, Linde MH subsumes the claim of being able to offer the most suitable type of drive or battery for all individual operating conditions. Corresponding software solutions help of the process of selecting the right system.

“Solutions in the form of industrial trucks from Linde MH stand for maximum performance in goods handling,” emphasizes Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management at Linde Material Handling. “By offering innovative technologies and measurable improvements, we ensure even greater productivity for our customers.” One example in case is the wide range of solutions designed to optimize energy consumption, with which operators of industrial trucks are able to not only improve their carbon footprint but also keep energy costs under control. “In this way, we combine performance, sustainability and energy cost efficiency, thus ensuring our customers’ competitiveness,” Prokosch emphasizes. The Linde connect:charger, an intelligent software application that makes transparent the power consumption of chargers and controls said consumption to avoid expensive power peaks, will be presented for the first time. Another application, the Linde Energy Manager, allows this principle to be extended and enables the power requirements for the entire company to be actively planned. “This is particularly advantageous if the company produces its own energy (e.g. by means of a photovoltaic system) and there is a willingness to become an active player on the energy market,” explains the chief brand manager.

The new Linde X35 to X50 series of electric counterbalanced trucks is another prime example of green performance that will be launched at LogiMAT. Powerful, just as suitable for outdoor use as their combustion counterparts, and on a par with these in terms of robustness and ergonomics, the new trucks additionally offer the environmental benefits of featuring electric drives and potentially CO2-neutral operation. “Thus, Linde MH is currently the market’s leading manufacturer when it comes to having equally effective, networked and economical counterbalanced trucks with both electric motors and combustion engines in its portfolio,” Prokosch emphasizes.

Various themed areas on the main exhibition stand in Hall 10 will provide the setting for presenting numerous other innovations that will make their debut at the trade show. The highlight for storage and retrieval applications is the new Linde V modular vertical order picker with a liftable platform, travel speeds of up to 13 km/h and gripping heights of up to 14.5 meters. Designed for maximum picking performance, there is a choice of various payload versions, cab designs, assistance systems, mast variants and battery sizes. Most notably, safety and ergonomics are given top priority in the new vertical order picker for guided and un-guided applications. For example, the control panel of the V modular can be mounted on the mast side, load side or on both sides as required. Furthermore, its redesigned chassis and improved load arms ensure greater stability and the greatest possible manoeuvrability.

For loading and unloading applications, the new Linde T20 SP pallet trucks are waiting in the wings. Unique in the industry, these models allow the operator to stand at a 45° angle in the truck for a better view in both directions. The new series increases travel speed to up to 14 km/h. The D12 HP SP double-stackers impress with improved lifting and lowering speeds.

The Transport sector is responding to the increasing demand for automation solutions – triggered by a shortage of skilled workers and the search for further possibilities to optimize processes, greater flexibility in the flow of goods and greater operational safety. Demonstrating a dynamic application, Linde MH will show trade visitors how individual intralogistics challenges can be solved. Linde Material Handling’s range of products and services extends from autonomous, mobile transport robots to standard applications using automated industrial trucks to complex solutions implemented hand in hand with sister company and automation specialist Dematic.

When it comes to manually operated industrial trucks, the operators themselves are the measure of all things. The better they are supported and protected on the job, the faster, safer and healthier they can work. That’s why Linde MH will dedicate a separate outdoor area exclusively to drivers. Solutions on display will include innovative alternatives to the steering wheel in the form of a mini-wheel or joystick, the decoupling of the driver’s workplace on forklifts and warehouse trucks to provide protection against human vibrations, and various safety and assistance systems.

“As a holistic provider of material flow solutions, we are determined to fulfil any customer wish. That’s why our network partners’ sales consultants and the product experts from Linde Material Handling at LogiMAT will do everything in their power to help visitors find customized, future-proof solutions,” says Prokosch.

New Jungheinrich MD Eyes Opportunities

Posted on by David Priestman

Paul Lynam has been named the new Managing Director of Jungheinrich UK, an industry-leading intralogistics supplier. It is a role he will combine with his current position as MD of Jungheinrich Ireland, a position he has held for the last two years. Lynam is on a mission to help businesses dependent on material handling/intralogistics respond to a fast-changing world. The appointment occurs at a critical moment within the intralogistics industry, and he is excited to have the reins of both companies at such a pivotal time.

“The sector is on the cusp of major change,” he explained. “We are at the start of a period where the impact of global megatrends such as electrification, digitisation, sustainability and globalisation will mean a lot of change and opportunity for our customers, and we will have to adapt to meet that demand.”

Driving and responding to change

“We’re seeing more automation coming into play,” said Paul, examining the real-world impact of change. “The technology is advancing and the effect of that is that you are creating choices for the consumer and the supply chain. The supply chain can do it the way they’ve always done it, or they can do it in a way that harnesses new technology and futureproofs their business.

“Our customers are changing, but they are changing at different paces and in different ways. We must change our approach to deal with that. That starts with the products that we’re providing (for example, if you create an autonomous truck, you don’t need to design a comfortable seat for an eight-hour shift because there’s no driver) but it effects every element of our operation, from the people we recruit to how we sell to how we develop the brand.”

Championing Environmentality

Jungheinrich is no newcomer to sustainability—it is an organisation with 70 years of expertise in electromobility. Yet the company’s EcoVadis platinum certification combined with the launch of Environmentality, Jungheinrich’s approach to tackling climate change head on, was a step change in the company’s approach to carbon neutrality. It struck a chord with Paul, who will be leading Jungheinrich UK’s journey towards net zero.

“Jungheinrich is taking the issue of sustainability very seriously and we are seeing this not just in new legislation but in the demands of the customer base.”

Those shifting demands are impacting every element of the Jungheinrich UK operation.

“We are developing our proposition with respect to the environmental footprint of our trucks both during the manufacturing and in the longer-term operational lifecycle. Not only are we leading the way in the lithium ion segment but we also have the Powerline range of trucks with a smaller physical footprint and zero carbon footprint to the point of delivery across the range.”

Journey of change

Central to Jungheinrich’s continued success are its people, and there’s one facet of Jungheinrich that struck Paul from his first day with the company.

“This is a business with a lot of long-serving and passionate employees who know everything about forklifts,” he said. “It seems to run throughout the organisation. Everywhere you go there are lots of people with 20+ years’ service and some have close to double that. I believe this is a sign that the company has been doing things very well, but it is equally a company that sees the world is changing and is inviting and enabling customers to go on this journey of change with us.

“The UK is in my opinion one of the flagship units within the global Jungheinrich organisation and the UK is a major economy. The opportunity to continue the development of the business here in the UK was one of those opportunities that don’t come around too often. Despite the current local and global economic challenges, it’s a good time to be in the industry.”

Jungheinrich UK Ltd is one of the top three leading intralogistics providers in the UK, generating a turnover of over £200 million annually. With a team of more than 800 dedicated and highly experienced employees operating from four locations across the UK, Jungheinrich offers the industry’s widest range of intralogistics solutions, including high energy efficiency pallet trucks, stackers, counterbalance trucks, order pickers and more in 600+ truck variants, new or fully refurbished.

A full intralogistics solutions provider, Jungheinrich excels in automation, racking systems, warehouse planning and financial services and operates one of the largest forklift rental fleets in the UK, all connected by a 500-employee strong customer service support network.

The company is a division of the Jungheinrich AG Group, which has direct sales companies in 40 countries and operates through a partner network in a further 80 countries. Jungheinrich employs 19,000 people worldwide and generated consolidated revenue of €4.2 billion in 2021.

WCS for Special Brew

Posted on by David Priestman

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

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

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

High quality with warehouse control software

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

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

Automatic picking

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

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

Real-time monitoring

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

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

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

Remote Control Services

Posted on by David Priestman

Remote control services are gaining importance for proactive problem-solving in highly automated systems. Logistics Business reports.

Remote services enable intralogistics specialists to access highly automated warehouses and carry out troubleshooting in real time. It’s not just about responding to problems: it’s also about analysing data and simulating scenarios proactively to enable customers to have maximum availability. “Remote Services are increasingly in demand because clients want greater availability,” says Georg Katzlinger-Söllradl, Director Global Lifetime Services at Austria-based TGW, which is now offering nine different modules remotely with its Lifetime Services Unit (LTS).

Two major driving factors account for customers making increasing use of remote services. First, fewer in-house employees are needed on site, which saves money. Second, companies want to protect themselves from internet crime, particularly hacking attacks.

Cybersecurity focus

Hack attacks on the supply chain have increased since the pandemic began. Some 81 percent of those surveyed in an IT study carried out in 2021 with 1,451 decision-makers reported that they were seeing more cyber threats during the pandemic. Fifty-six percent experienced critical instances of a standstill resulting in damages of more than $100,000 US.

According to the study, however, companies place a low priority on cybersecurity, despite the fact that their IT departments have recognised the elevated threat level. Katzlinger-Söllradl says that companies who have already learned the hard way or heard about such incidents firsthand are the most likely to take the topic seriously. He sees big corporations in a better place in this regard than their smaller counterparts. “However, there are also major corporations that believe you have to do everything yourself in order to save money,” he observes.

TGW can draw on the experience of more than 1,000 completed systems and offers ongoing training to its experts. A total of more than 130 specialists work in the Remote Services area. Customers who have complete systems built that include a Warehouse Management System (WMS) also benefit from the fact that TGW’s software developers are easy to contact and no third-party suppliers have to be involved. Customers reach the in-house Support Centre directly via the hotline. TGW even does first level support itself rather than outsourcing it to a provider. This enables TGW to solve about 90 percent of all problems in the software area. Only in extremely complex cases, such as combined software and hardware problems, is it necessary for technicians to be on site.

Current service modules include:
• Managed Connectivity: For remote access to be as secure as possible, the connection is based on the highest security standards. The solution here is an up-to-date Cisco Multipoint Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) technology. Multi-factor authentication is required to gain access.

• Expert Support: TGW’s experts are available around the clock 365 days a year to answer the hotline. They speak multiple languages and have mastered the entire scope of services, from mechatronic components to the control system and IT hardware to the software applications such as TGW’s material flow controller or the WMS. If desired, a cause analysis can be added on to each problem-solving procedure.

• Software Monitoring & Alerting: The experts take the pulse of the system at all times. This means that they can monitor all software components provided by TGW – from error statistics of the mechatronic modules to the IT hardware and software applications to the interfaces. Anomalies trigger an alarm. Depending on the agreement, TGW employees work on the problem or the customer does so itself.

• Backup and Disaster Recovery: The complete system is prepared for a worst-case scenario – with standardised and tested procedures for re- importing backed-up data versions. Backups are improved and availability checked on a regular basis.

• Data Visualization & Analytics: The operator can carry out evaluations and start certain queries via the dashboard.

• IT Management: TGW offers cost-efficient server and database management, including reports and recommendations, improvements or software updates.

• Test Environment: A variety of operational strategies can be compared without the production system ever being involved. The test system always remains at the same level as the production system.

• Patch Management Services: Experts select, test and install security-relevant patches that match the customer’s specific system. This makes it possible to close security gaps and minimise failures. Release updates of the database providers are also carried out, requiring fewer than four hours of downtime.

• Security Scanning: Specialists test for security gaps regularly and take countermeasures if necessary.

Logistics Experience in XXL Format

Posted on by David Priestman

On June 20, Linde Material Handling literally laid out the red carpet for its customers and other interested parties for nine event days. On an area of 17,000 square meters at the Mannheim Maimarkt site, the intralogistics specialist is presenting its extensive portfolio of products, solutions and services – for example, using the case of a bottle manufacturer to demonstrate the process from goods receipt to the last mile in the store. In addition, the vast expertise of the company’s product experts and consultants is available to visitors. Several thousand guests are expected at the World of Material Handling (WoMH), mainly from Europe.

“Over the past two years, the overall economic environment has changed noticeably, and with it the demands on in-house material flow,” said Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management Linde Material Handling, at the start of the event. “Increased energy costs, a shortage of skilled workers, higher demands on operational safety and the search for solutions that ensure greater sustainability – these are just some of the challenges facing our customers. At the same time, it’s important to tap the optimization potential offered by digitization and networking.” According to the chief brand manager, customer requirements can no longer be met with forklifts and warehouse technology equipment alone. “Over the last few years, Linde Material Handling has developed into a very broad-based solution provider that, in addition to its growing product range, offers an ever-increasing number of software solutions, assistance systems, consulting tools and service offerings such as battery leasing or predictive maintenance,” Prokosch explained. “In doing so, we are always close to our customers – in line with the WoMH 2022 motto: YOUR WAY IS OUR WAY.”

The WoMH is an event that is second to none in the material handling industry. The idea behind this customer event is that guests do not just come to the exhibitors’ stands for a brief flying visit, as is usual at trade shows. Instead, they can experience the products and solutions live and in motion for an entire day in realistic application scenarios. At the same time, they have the opportunity to discuss their individual challenges and wishes with product experts and consultants and find suitable solutions. The international event created by Linde MH for this purpose sets an example in this regard.

In the large exhibition hall on the Maimarkt site, a complete flow of goods for the production of glass bottles was recreated. From goods receipt to storage, picking, production and last mile delivery, the demonstration shows how the transport and handling of loads can be solved efficiently and safely in an ergonomic and sustainable manner. In the “control center”, visitors can explicitly see the benefits that can be achieved through the digitalization and networking of warehouse processes. Other themed areas show the extensive portfolio of safety solutions, the various available energy concepts, the fleet management solution “connect” and possibilities for automation. What’s more, guests are able to do more than just see and touch the over 100 vehicles on display: In a large outdoor area, a multitude of vehicles is waiting to completely convince operators of their worth during a test drive.

The products and solutions of the numerous partner companies are integrated in the exhibition at various appropriate locations. For example, the safety guard rails from A-Safe can be found in the “Goods Receipt” area, a heavy-duty rack from Bito and the automatic small parts warehouse “AutoStore” from Dematic are on display in the “Warehouse” section, a mobile weighing device from Ravas is located in the “Order Picking” area, and a lifting platform from Palfinger can be found in the “Last Mile” area. Additional partner booths are located in various other areas, grouped together according to product type. EnerSys, Fronius, Hoppecke and Plug Power are expanding the “Energy” area, while Dematic is found in the “Intralogistics” area, showing how automatic solutions can be combined with manual and automated industrial trucks.

“The focal point of intralogistics remains the customer”

Posted on by David Priestman

Over the past two years, many things have changed fundamentally in the industry, including purchasing and consumer behaviour. But this also means a door has opened for companies to walk through it and grab hold of new opportunities to optimise their business models. In the run-up to LogiMAT, held recently in Stuttgart, we spoke to Bernard Biolchini, Executive Vice President EMEA at Dematic, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of integrated automation technology, software and services for supply chain optimisation, about the new era.

Dematic believes it is key to understand that “the best way to help companies find the right opportunities is to constantly engage with their customers, working together and as closely as possible as they seek to fundamentally change their processes.

Q: Dematic’s trade show presence this year is themed #bringiton. Can you briefly explain what this is all about?

A: It means, mutatis mutandis, “We’re ready! Let’s embrace these new opportunities together!” We are sending a direct message to our customers: Let’s work together to take advantage of new opportunities that have cropped up over the last 24 months. Let’s stand together to tackle everything the industry faces in terms of new customer requirements, market conditions and technological issues.

Q: How did the new approach come about?

A: We support our customers in every process, from a specific order to its delivery and while doing so, we engage in a dialog with them to better understand the logistics world from their perspective. Having in-depth conversations was an obvious outcome of the events of the last two or so years, where many parameters have undergone fundamental changes where there is no going back. That is why we have conducted extensive surveys and analysis. We have been talking about a new era lately, and we don’t just mean the industry, but all of Europe as well! It is no longer a luxury for companies here to just think about transformation, but a must for our customers to embrace automation and innovative technologies. Our answer: let’s work together to help you succeed in this new era.

Q: With what results?

A: In our conversations with them, patterns began emerging. We began to identify opportunities to address new problems that had come up. Some may see them as challenges, but we see them as opportunities to make changes.

Q: Can you give some specific examples?

A: Firstly, there is the potential of digitalisation, particularly the growing importance of data- and cloud-based solutions. Our goal is to make our customers’ supply chains fit for the future through intelligent software and transparent data points. Data transparency is also key to another opportunity – meeting delivery deadlines by creating robust supply chains. Knowing which order is where, at any point in time, is a key building block of successful e-commerce businesses.

Q: What do you do when customers come to Dematic with disruptions in their supply chains?

A: We bring together all of a customer’s data points. It ensures transparency, reliability and flexibility, but also the greatest possible planning security. In this context, the increasing uncertainty is not just about delivery deadlines, but also specific cost issues. It is the reason we want to be a constant and reliable partner for our customers and support them in optimising their supply chains with autonomous picking systems, data-based solutions and intelligent software systems. Based on this view, we want to bring another opportunity to the table for discussion, which stems from our #bringiton campaign: efficient use of space. Spatially constrained warehouses in urban environments, for example, rely on high scalability of picking systems.

Our multishuttle solutions or our Autostore systems can create real competitive advantages. However, the focal point for intralogistics of the future is not going to be on automation or digitalisation. Most definitely not on technology implementation as such.

Q: So, what is the focal point?

A: But of course on the customer! Understanding them and, in turn, their customers is the game-changer for developing tomorrow’s technologies and solutions. It is precisely the focus of our thoughts and actions at Dematic. And so we are especially excited about LogiMAT. We want to inspire our visitors with our new solutions, which we plan on presenting to them in an extraordinary way!

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