Tag: IT|logistics|mobile computing

Handheld Group, the manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, has announced the release of the all-new Algiz 10XR, an ultra-rugged 10-inch Windows tablet that it says combines durability with robust field performance, 5G and future-proof features.

It describes the Algiz 10XR as a smaller, lighter, 10-inch Windows tablet that achieves more even while taking up less space. It brings two times better graphics and measurably faster performance. Future-proof 5G communication can handle live video streams and bandwidth-heavy tasks like mapping. The Algiz 10XR was developed for field work or other challenging environments within logistics, mining, public transport, public safety, waste management or GIS and has also been designed with modulisation and customisation in mind.

Other key features of the Algiz 10XR ultra-rugged tablet:

• Intel Elkhart Lake x6000 platform for reliable performance
• Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC (64bit)
• High-resolution, sunlight-readable 10-inch touchscreen with super-hardened glass and rain-and-glove mode
• Future-proof 5G capabilities, 4G/LTE high-speed data, Wi-Fi, BT
• Dedicated multiband GNSS u-blox NEO-M8U receiver for accurate positioning.
• Untethered dead reckoning (UDR) to provide accurate positioning performance under even weak GNSS conditions.
• IP65 and MIL-STD ruggedness
• Full-day, hot-swappable battery
• Optional, integrated barcode scanner and NFC
• A broad ecosystem of accessories for field professionals; carry cases, vehicle cradles, pole mounts, extended batteries, as well as a vehicle dock with antenna pass-through for both GPS and Wi-Fi
• Possibility for customised extensions via backpack

“The Algiz 10XR will bring some great performance gains for our partners and customers who rely on Windows tablets in the field,” says Johan Hed, Handheld chief product officer. “We’ve worked with this segment for decades now and are confident that we’ve developed a device with not only great specs, but a complete accessory package to help our customers with their fieldwork.”

UK pallet freight delivery network The Pallet Network (TPN) has mobilised its forklift trucks at the company’s three depots with 150 new Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Android tablets, helping to improve productivity and customer service in the competitive logistics industry.

“We had ageing Windows 7 devices mounted in our forklifts that were no longer supported and getting pretty tired,” explained Robert Haigh, IT Director at TPN. “These devices are critical to our operations, so it was clear that they needed to be modernised. As well as upgrading the old hardware, we also knew we could make further improvements by moving to the latest Android platform and deploying new software for our forklift operators to use.”

Working with trusted IT services partner Renovotec, the company set about evaluating options and assessed all the leading industry providers alongside Panasonic TOUGHBOOK and its rugged Android A3 tablet. The critical factors in choosing the Panasonic devices were their ruggedness and reliability in the challenging working environment and the ability to run TPN’s in-house developed software application for managing and moving the pallets. In addition, ease of management and long-term support for the devices were other important considerations.

“The Panasonic device immediately stood out as different,” said Robert. “It was a much more polished and complete package in terms of design and robustness.  Ultimately, we now have a solution that is ideal for our working environment and that we can rely upon to do the job, allowing us to concentrate on delivering a fast, transparent and competitive service to our customers.”

CLICK HERE to view the video.

 

Panasonic has announced 5G support for its best-selling fully rugged tablet the TOUGHBOOK G2. Ideal for mobile power users that require high-bandwidth connectivity in the most extreme environments, the 5G version of the TOUGHBOOK G2 tablet will be available to order from February 2022.

“As the roll-out of the 5G network across Europe continues at pace using the Sub-6 GHz frequency, mobile power users will be able to use the popular TOUGHBOOK G2 for next generation business applications, including support for local 5G,” said Dirk Weigelt, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Panasonic Mobile Solutions Business.

“Imagine ambulance personnel providing video briefings about a patient to doctors while on route to save vital time on arrival at hospital. Vehicle repairs specialists will be able to rapidly download truck operating systems, diagnose issues and upload new versions of the software operating system at the roadside – saving time and money on repairs by avoiding towing the vehicle back to a garage. All these types of services become a reality with 5G.”

The European 5G Observatory reports that as of October 2021, 5G commercial services had so far been deployed in 25 of the EU-27 countries.

With new additions including eSIM and future-proofed wireless communications capabilities for those in the field, as well as increased performance, double RAM and storage, Panasonic describes the TOUGHBOOK G2 as the perfect partner for mobile workers.

Equipped with an optional emissive backlit keyboard that includes an additional USB Type-A and Type-C port, the device can be used in multiple operating modes. For example, as a regular notebook, for presentations, while being carried and when docked at a desk or in a vehicle. With this capability, the TOUGHBOOK G2 is a superior successor for both the TOUGHBOOK G1 and TOUGHBOOK 20.

 

Technology has always played a huge part in staying competitive in the logistics industry, with mobile solutions forming a critical piece across depots, on-site and for managing vehicles. So, when The Pallet Network (TPN) was looking to replace the vehicle-mount mobile devices used by its forklift drivers at the company’s three UK depots it turned to IT services partner Jade Solutions to find the right replacement solution.

TPN is a leading UK pallet freight delivery network, last year shipping 4.6m pallets via its network of 119 regional transport partners and their 130+ depot locations. Their purpose-built main hub is in Sutton Coldfield and is Europe’s biggest cross dock, capable of unloading 57 trailers simultaneously and handling 20,000 pallets a night with workflows optimised using artificial intelligence. Its additional two regional hubs are in Preston and Northampton.

Continuous improvement

For Robert Haigh, IT Director at TPN, the problem was simple: “We had ageing Windows 7 devices mounted in our forklifts that were no longer supported and getting pretty tired. These devices are critical to our operations and used by the drivers constantly, so it was clear that they needed to be modernised. Our customers choose TPN because of our reliability, efficiency and transparency, which helps us deliver a successful logistics distribution service. Together with taking the opportunity to upgrade the old hardware, we also knew we could make further improvements by moving to the latest Android platform and deploying new software for our forklift operators to use.”

Working with trusted IT services partner Jade Solutions, the company set about evaluating options. It  looked at all the leading industry providers alongside Panasonic TOUGHBOOK and its rugged Android A3 tablet. TPN required 150 new devices, with 130 deployed on forklifts at any one time.

“The Panasonic device immediately stood out as different,” said Haigh. “It was a much more polished and complete package in terms of design and robustness. In our environment, we knew we needed a tough device, but it’s a bit of minefield selecting a product that is rugged, carries the right features and is future proof enough to last us at least five years. Although we were actively involved in the hardware selection process, we really relied on Jade’s team to help us navigate and choose the right solution for our business.”

The critical factors in choosing the new devices were their ruggedness and reliability in the challenging working environment and the ability to run TPN’s in-house developed software application for managing and moving the pallets. In addition, ease of management and long-term support for the devices were other important considerations.

“We knew that Panasonic TOUGHBOOK devices had a reputation for being rugged to a military-grade but operating on our forklifts they needed to be TPN-grade rugged,” joked Haigh. In the past most damage to the old devices had been caused by the buckles on the seatbelts of the forklifts springing back when unclipped and smashing the device screen.

“We tested the Panasonic device by lassoing the device with the belt and there wasn’t a scratch,” explained Haigh. The TOUGHBOOK A3 is designed to help mobile workers combat the toughest tasks. It is water and dust resistant (IP65) and drop tested to 1.5 metres.

Another important factor in the choice of device was the large 10.5-inch screen and bright outdoor readable display, which enables the drivers to see quickly and easily which pallets must be moved next and where.

The third critical element of the offering was Panasonic’s long-term and regular updates and support for the Android operating system through its COMPASS offering and its ProTect Warranty.

Panasonic COMPASS offers everything TPN needs to configure, deploy and manage their new tablets securely. It’s designed to give organisations the confidence to take advantage of the flexibility offered by the Android operating system with the reassurance that Panasonic’s devices are always business-ready for applications, management and security.

TPN also took advantage of Panasonic’s 5-year ProTect Warranty to provide complete peace of mind throughout the lifecycle of the devices. “When you rely on technology as much as we do in our business, you need to know that your hardware is reliable and that when things go wrong it is going to be taken care of immediately,” said Haigh. “That allows us to concentrate on developing our software and continuing to improve the efficiency of service we offer our customers.”

Lastly, TPN chose SOTI to secure, manage and support their mobile operations after seeing the close working relationship between Panasonic and SOTI partners and how intuitively the SOTI ONE Platform worked with Panasonic devices. SOTI Assist makes it easy and efficient for technicians to analyse, troubleshoot and resolve mobile device and app issues from anywhere, at any time. Rolling out regular application updates to the new devices is also much more efficient using SOTI MobiControl.

“Reducing downtime is critical for us,” explained Haigh. “Using SOTI as the deployment tool, we have updated our software four or five times with tweaks and improvements and it’s very simple. As soon as we decide to deploy the update, it is on the devices in minutes.

“In addition, we have never had visibility of our mobile assets in the past. Now we can log on and see exactly what’s happening with each device. It’s easy remote management, visibility and control. For example, we can see if a device battery is running low, or if the device hasn’t been switched on properly.”

Positive feedback

The new forklift devices have been positively received by the drivers. “The feedback has been really positive,” said Haigh. “They immediately noticed how quickly the new devices work and that the connectivity is much better than with the old devices. There are practically no connectivity blackspots any longer, which has really saved us time and increased the productivity of our drivers.

“Importantly, we also didn’t need to spend any time or money to train the drivers to use the devices. It is all very intuitive. They just went to the forklifts and started using the new solution straight away.”

Having a true partnership approach to tackling the problem was equally as important to the TPN team, as Haigh confirmed: “Because the deployment of technology is so important to our business, we can be quite particular about what we want and sometimes even come across as a bit stubborn, but I was impressed with the pragmatism and support offered by Jade and Panasonic from day one. It really felt like a three-way partnership where we were all going to benefit from getting it right.

“We want to work with organisations that are creative with their solutions, deliver on their promises and that go above and beyond to meet our needs. I can say without doubt that Jade Solutions do that.”

Moving forward, TPN plans to extend the use of the devices for additional purposes at the hub, by undocking the devices from the forklifts and using them for supervisor checks, yard management and door control.

“Ultimately, we now have a solution that is ideal for our working environment and that we can rely upon to do the job, allowing us to concentrate on delivering and fast, transparent and competitive service to our customers,” concluded Haigh.

Logistics company Raben Group chose the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK N1 for its drivers’ handheld. Thanks to them, information recorded during the transport process is automatically sent to the company’s IT systems, and data synchronization between the elements of the process takes place in real time.

Any solution that improves the process management and communication in logistic companies is extremely beneficial, which is why mobile systems and devices are increasingly popular in this sector. They help to streamline the process of receiving and releasing goods, enable goods to be constantly monitored, provide up-to-date information to clients and better manage the fleet and processes in the organisation.

For its drivers, Raben Group chose 4.7-inch rugged TOUGHBOOK N1 handhelds which combine the functions of a tablet, phone and a barcode reader. The basic task for the device is to collect and provide real-time data on the status of the shipment. As a result Raben Group provides its clients and customers with the added value of a very precise tool for monitoring deliveries. In addition, the handheld is used by drivers to navigate, communicate with the transport dispatcher and customer service department as well as support additional applications that facilitate their daily work.

Implementation in 11 countries

By the end of March 2019, approximately 5,500 mobile devices were implemented in 65 branches of the Raben Group, including 4,000 TOUGHBOOK N1 units. The project covered 11 countries (the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary and Ukraine). Its scale was one of the biggest challenges during implementation.

The units at the production stage were equipped with the required software, including TLME (TISLOG Mobile Enterprise) and MDM (Mobile Device Management). Next, Raben integrated them with their systems: TMS (Transport Management System), T&T (Truck&Trace), transport map (PTV), transport navigation (PTV), vehicle management application (TISLOG), the tool counting the ETA parameter (xServer) and the Raben archive Contman CD3. In addition, the devices have been adapted to the requirements imposed in individual countries by the regulatory authorities. For example, in Poland the units have been equipped with the SENT GEO application, which allows online monitoring of excise goods.

“We are constantly changing and therefore implementing new solutions in response to the expectations of our clients,” says Bartosz Kolasiński, project manager at Raben Group. “Our employees have the opportunity to use modern, innovative systems and applications, while our customers, thanks to the possibilities offered by telematics, can optimize their work. All this would not be possible without efficient communication and a competent end user.

“It is equally important to choose the right equipment that guarantees the implementation of the developed IT solutions. TOUGHBOOK N1 is such a device. It has everything we needed – high efficiency, compact size, durability, accurate GPS system, clear display and a convenient code scanner. Taking into account the scale of the project we decided to choose Panasonic solutions as the company offered service support at every stage of implementation and after its completion, as well as the ability to customize devices to our needs.”

Real-time information flow

The aim of the implementation was to improve the flow of information at every stage of the order and thus provide customers with precise, up-to-date data on the expected delivery time, status, watermark and access to documents – individually for each shipment – delivered with the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK N1. Therefore, when selecting the device, the key elements were reliability, wireless connectivity from anywhere, data transmission and adequate computing power to allow processing of the data on the device.

Thanks to these features, Raben Group can use an innovative parcel tracking system based on the ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) parameter. It uses information about the current position of the driver based on the GPS location provided by the device. In contrast to standard solutions of this type, which are based on historical statistical data, the Raben system uses real-time data and works with current information obtained dynamically during the implementation of tasks, calculating for example unforeseen events on the road.

Navigation, barcode reader and phone in one

For Raben drivers, the TOUGHBOOK N1 handheld had now become an everyday tool. The angled barcode reader enables efficient scanning of labels all the way through the whole loading and transporting process. The device also allows signature capture confirming the delivery of goods and creating electronic POD documents (Proof of Delivery). As a result, the work involved in handling paper documentation is limited, as well as the number of voice calls between the dispatcher and drivers.

The device also saves the latitude and longitude of each event and maps the route the truck travels, monitors the start/end time of the route, the number of kilometres travelled, stops visited and each operation performed on the shipment, including pallet support. At the same time, arrival and departure times as well as all operations related to delivery or collection are recorded. Registration of all events related to the start/end of the route is also supported by the geo-fencing tool, so the driver only needs to ensure that the device is turned on and all parameters are calculated automatically.

Thanks to data collected by the TOUGHBOOK N1, dispatchers can constantly monitor the current position of vehicles, as well as compare it with the planned route and sequence of points on each route. They receive notifications of possible delays in delivery or receipt of goods (Early Warning Mechanism). This allows Raben to better manage the shipping and delivery process and to report these processes in detail. In addition, the handheld provides statistical information, such as application usage, battery condition and number of completed services.

Easy Mobile Device Management

In total, approximately 5,500 drivers use the mobile devices in the Raben Group. Ultimately the company plans to implement over 6,000 such models, including 5,000 Panasonic units. To manage such a large number of handhelds, Raben uses the MDM (Mobile Device Management) system, which provides the possibility of remote device management provided by TIS GmbH. The system allows IT managers to remotely configure devices and update software made available previously, as well as install additional applications according to identified needs. The devices have a 5-year warranty, under which the service is carried out door-to-door.

“The logistics industry is one of the key markets for Panasonic,” says Anna Mazur, key account manager at Panasonic Mobile Solutions Business Division – Europe. “That’s why we offer more and more handheld devices with a built-in barcode reader. The TOUGHBOOK N1 is an ideal model for projects such as the one undertaken in Raben, not only because of the use of the device itself, but also because of the scale of implementation. With such a large estate combined with additional services, such as adapting devices to the requirements of the end user, it is a very cost-effective device.”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

 

When it comes to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR), what benefits do they really offer for businesses in the logistics sector? In this article –  written by Luca Legnani, Panasonic’s European Marketing Manager – we look at how logistics businesses are applying AI and AR to their operations today, and how easily the technology can be integrated into existing business processes.

Switch on the news in any given week, and you’ll no doubt see a story about a ground-breaking new technology which will change the face of the planet. The truth is, for the majority of the world’s businesses, newly emerging technologies are too expensive and too high risk before they’ve become adopted – and tested – by the masses.

But waiting for a technology to become best practice can leave you trailing behind your competition. So what are the practical applications for technologies like AI and AR? And can they really deliver tangible benefits – through efficiency, operational costs and return on investment?

AI: The catalyst of Logistics 4.0

AI has been around for many years, and its use is widespread. In fact, most of us use it in some form every day: unlocking your phone with facial recognition technology, the algorithms which dictate your social media feeds, even using a search engine is powered by AI.

When it comes to logistics, AI’s applications range from simple tasks like optimised freight route-mapping, to the more experimental, such as Google’s Tossing Bot1: a robot arm powered by machine learning technology, and designed for use in pick and pack warehouses.

But warehouses don’t necessarily need a robot which can throw to successfully integrate AI. The rise of the automated warehouse has been taking place for a few years, and although still in its infancy, is viewed as highly efficient. In the UK logistics market, grocery giant Ocado built an automated warehouse in Andover. Its ‘hive’ of 1,100 robots successfully processed 3.2 million items per week, picking, lifting and sorting online shopping orders.

Even this pales in comparison to JD, whose warehouse on the outskirts of Shanghai processes 200,000 orders each day – a feat which would normally take hundreds of employees to achieve. Using image scanners, the robots ‘check’ packages in just microseconds, before identifying where each one should be placed. The facility even has driverless forklifts to deliver the processed orders to its corresponding delivery truck.

In fact, automated vehicles are also exploding in the world of logistics. In last-mile logistics, there are a number of autonomous ‘delivery bots’ already operating across the world. From depot to door, each one can intelligently plan a delivery route and avoid obstacles to fulfil an order.

But completely automated warehouses and delivery bots are fairly big investments – and so, can result in unfortunate losses. In the case of Ocado, for example, an electrical failure caused a fire to break out at the Andover facility, putting it out of action. Not only did the fire cost the online supermarket £100m, it also resulted in the business cutting 400 jobs as a result.

It’s much more likely then, that for the foreseeable future of the logistics industry, it will be simpler uses of AI-initiated automation and optimisation that will gain the largest traction. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) would be boosted with the integration of AI software, predicting peaks and troughs in demands, and allowing supply chain managers to make informed decisions about planning resources. And cognitive automation within back office logistics means contract management can also start to be automated – with some studies suggesting there would be more accuracy as a result.

These are examples of smaller-scale, less expensive, realistic investments which offer a much quicker return. And, it’s a very safe bet that transportation companies are starting to implement these changes into their operations in order to augment their business processes.

AR: Offering a new perspective in smart logistics

Augmented Reality might not be used as frequently in our day-to-day as AI might be, but its popularity is growing. AR works by adding a layer of computer-generated virtual reality over a view of the real world, most commonly recognised from social media filters.

In the logistics world, the difficulty arises when ensuring wherever AR is integrated into a working process, it’s done so in a way which is useful, seamless and user friendly. For example, although Smart Lense technology is being tested – contact lenses with Augmented Reality capabilities – it’s highly unlikely that a significantly large workforce could all be encouraged to use them where there are alternatives. Smart Glasses, however, are a different ballgame.

Often predicted to be the next game-changing technology, Smart Glasses could offer a visual overlay via their lenses. For practical applications, this could mean 3D illustrations are provided for employees loading cargo into a shipment, ensuring the best use of space, and minimising the risk of incorrect sorting. There are also high hopes for the technology’s ability to enable remote expertise sharing.

And the benefits aren’t just for inside the warehouse: last mile logistics can also benefit from Augmented Reality implementation. If the technology is integrated into a device with a camera, such as a tablet or smartphone, it can remove the need for barcode scanning and data input, using the camera to automatically process and sort data.

Panasonic’s Visual Sort Assist (VSA) solution has already begun revolutionising the way large-scale logistics companies manage their warehousing processes.

A practical, business-friendly solution

For the most part, the best integration of new technologies seems to be where it naturally matches up with current processes. Upgrading current technology to newer versions which offer enhanced capability could be the best way forward.

At Panasonic, the TOUGHBOOK M1 RealSense is one option. A 7” tablet designed perfectly for use in the supply chain. Its AI-powered RealSense camera with 3D mapping technology allows the user to take accurate measurements from a safe distance; optimising warehouse storage, organising shipments and calculating load dimensions becomes a much easier task.

It also offers all the benefits of rugged technology; resistance to drops of up to 1.8 metres, built-in water and dust resistance, a sunlight viewable screen, and a glove-compatible touchscreen – all features which make it ideal for use in a warehouse environment, last-mile delivery or supply chain management roles.

And then there’s the TOUGHBOOK M1 Thermal Imaging solution, which allows users to record, analyse and document temperature surfaces from a distance. Plus, all data can be intelligently processed, meaning less administration time and fewer human errors.

Not only could the use of devices such as this one lead to greater efficiency, process optimisation and reduced human error, it could also lead to a huge saving in TCO.

Honeywell has launched its latest family of rugged enterprise mobile devices designed for workers that pick, pack, sort and deliver e-commerce orders to keep the retail supply chain moving smoothly from factory to consumer.

Honeywell says its CT45 and CT45XP mobile computers are rugged, all-purpose productivity tools enabling mobile workers to efficiently execute tasks and access to business-critical data. These handheld devices are used by workers throughout a changing retail supply chain – including logistics, warehousing, in-store retail and last-mile delivery – that play a critical role in e-commerce fulfilment.

“Retailers are investing in technology to implement new consumer shopping options like click-and-collect and kerbside pickup while asking their employees to work smarter and more efficiently,” said Kevin Dehoff, president of Honeywell’s Productivity Solutions and Services business. “The combination of high customer expectations and a more digital-savvy workforce gives businesses the option to roll out these advanced mobile devices without the fear of a steep learning curve. We designed our CT45 to be the ultimate tool in the mobile workers toolbox to engage consumers and raise sales conversion while holding down costs.”

Shopping options like next-day home delivery, click and collect and kerbside pickup have rapidly accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and retailers are pushing digital transformation strategies to keep up with demand. A recent Euromonitor International/National Retail Federation Survey revealed nearly three-quarters of retail professionals said the pandemic accelerated their company’s digital transformation by at least a year and accelerated their company’s technology-related investments.

Built on the Honeywell Mobility Edge platform with the latest cutting-edge Qualcomm IoT mobile solutions, the CT45 offers a future-proof guarantee of continuous Android version support through Android 13, with a commitment of support through Android 14 and 15 if feasible. With the Honeywell Android Service, this ensures software patch support through 2032, enabling users to maximise the return on investment in their solution.

The CT45 XP is the first rugged handheld device in the industry featuring Wi-Fi 6 capability, allowing for faster, more reliable connections for multiple devices in crowded distribution centres, warehouses and retail stores.

Combined with Honeywell’s rich software ecosystem, including apps that can be downloaded through the Honeywell Marketplace, the CT45 family of devices gives businesses and mission-critical mobile workers the tools to make sure they can be successful in a hyper-competitive landscape.