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Tag: logistics

JLT offers free barcode scanner guide

Posted on by David Priestman

 

After 25+ years in business, JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer of reliable computing solutions for demanding environments, is making available the benefits of its expertise in a series of free Buyer’s Guides designed to help new and existing customers make the right decisions in optimizing their operations for maximum efficiency and productivity. The fourth guide in the series outlines the five steps to scanner success and covers the many aspects of choosing and buying the right barcode scanning equipment.

As a core technology of modern global commerce, barcode scanning is ubiquitous today. In 2020, barcode scanners to the value of almost US$7bn were sold worldwide, and the market continues to grow. With literally hundreds of different barcode types, each with its special strengths and limitations, finding the right one is not straightforward. The selection and implementation of barcode scanners and related gear for the mobile workforce includes numerous considerations other than just specifications and initial purchase price. Each deployment is different and has different requirements. Different types of technologies may or may not be compatible. Getting it right will boost productivity and motivate the workforce. Getting it wrong has costly implications.

“Embedding advanced barcode scanning capability into an operation isn’t easy,” says Christian Funk, director product marketing at JLT Mobile Computers. “That’s why we created a guide that walks interested readers through five key procurement questions to ask on route to finding the right scanner solution for their specific business needs. Barcode scanning can have enormous payback, but it must be the right equipment and approach, the workforce must be comfortable with it, everything must work together, and everything must be matched to the operation. At JLT, we know from working closely with warehousing customers using our rugged computers all over the world what matters when it comes to scanners and what doesn’t. And in this guide, we’re sharing what we’ve learned about finding the right scanners for the job.”

This fourth free guide in the JLT series – Five Steps to Scanner Success – highlights the key considerations on the way towards a successful and profitable scanner-based data collection implementation. Starting with the rationale and justification for using scanners, readers can become aware of all the issues involved, get an overview of technologies and methods, find out how scanners integrate into overall logistics, and understand the importance of working with the right suppliers.

The guide walks the reader through the relevant points and issues one by one: Why it makes sense to embed advanced barcode technology into the operation; if done right, the benefits of greater control, minimizing errors, and enhanced security are substantial. The guide also covers what the special challenges of scanning in a warehouse operation are; accessibility, the types and conditions of codes that must be read, lighting – it all matters. The reader will learn about scanner types, capabilities, performance, features and what kind of equipment can operate reliably and survive in harsh environments. Knowing what to look out for when choosing from the vast number of scanning equipment available today to make sure that the chosen scanners work with existing infrastructures is essential; the guide outlines the key points to deployment success. And, finally, the reader will learn what to seek for in a scanner supplier; while upfront price is important, it pays to invest in building a relationship with a reliable supplier in the long-term.

The guide also highlights five key take-aways in the quest for success: The scanning gear must reliably function in all environments where the workforce works and with the goods they are handling. It must seamlessly integrate into the operation on every level. Equipment must be able to endure the drops and tumbles and whatever other adversities that can happen. It must be intuitive and easy to use – the workforce will be grateful! And, perhaps most importantly: Work with partners who are experts in the field and can help avoid costly errors.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FREE GUIDE

 

Kite adds e-commerce gift packaging range

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Kite Packaging, the one-stop destination for e-commerce packaging, has added a spectrum of shredded paper and tissue to its gift packaging repertoire. ZigZag shredded paper and straight cut varieties can be purchased from the Kite website in attractive hues of natural, white, black pillar box red, rose, cerise, cream, admiral and apple. These colours can coordinate with a brand or add extra panache to seasonal gifts around Christmas or Easter time.

Alongside aesthetic qualities, these solutions also provide protective cushioning while holding space as void fill, preventing the contents from moving about and colliding within a package. This reduces the chance of damages occurring, further ensuring that the customer is greeted with a stunningly effective gift-wrapped parcel.

The range enables companies to elevate their unboxing experience to secure a loyal customer base and appeal to a more premium audience. Tissue paper is synonymous with luxury and Kite’s range now includes a black or white variety of shredded tissue to adorn the inside of boxes with. This packaging is reusable, recyclable and domestically compostable with sustainable sourcing certifications to match. As a result, environmental consciousness is intertwined with the attractive touches that have been proven to boost sales.

The paper products similarly boast reusability, recyclability and biodegradability to remain consistent with Kite’s aims of reducing environmental impact wherever possible. Express limitless creativity with these decorative solutions without sacrificing green credentials. Visual appeal and eco-friendly assurances go hand in hand with these new products, making them ideal void fill options for retail, beauty, health, décor and gift industries.

Raben equips drivers with rugged handhelds

Posted on by David Priestman

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

 

ELA Awards finalists announced

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The European Logistics Association (ELA) has announced the six finalists projects of the 2021 ELA Awards competition. They have been selected by an international jury of 18 comprising  high-level practitioners in logistics from sectors including retail, industry, consulting, service providers and the academic world.

Austrian Post (A): Emission-Free Delivery by Austrian Post and the Project “Green Graz” 2021. The integrated corporate and sustainability strategy, the project Green Graz, and the CO2 neutral delivery initiative.

dm-drogerie markt GmbH + Co. KG (D): Innovative retail logistics at dm | Integrative. Intelligent. Automated. Reduction in overall logistics expenditure of over €7m p.a., lighter workload for store employees of more than 50,000 hours p.a., reduction in the weight lifted in manual picking of more than 50,000 tonnes p.a., decrease in transport volume of roughly 1.8 million truck kilometres p.a., increasing capacity by implementing new technology in the DC world.

Superdry with Invar Systems and Hikrobot (UK): Warehouse Operations: Superdry with Hikrobot and Invar Systems. In the first application for Hikrobot in the UK, Superdry is leveraging the flexibility of intelligent mini-robot carriers to transform order picking. Using this technology has enabled the team to meet the required pace with demand during peak periods that traditionally would place a heavy burden on manual picking processes, especially when labour resources are tight – a challenge many businesses in retail face. Together both teams developed a method of delivering a warehouse solution to enable the business to succeed to meet ever changing demands. The solution is innovative and optimises the use of space whilst increasing throughput and reducing potential health and safety issues.

Mango (Punto Fa, S.L) (ES): The development of a global and more sustainable supply chain in the fashion industry. A new supply chain model in order to achieve better adaptation to the new reality, increasing efficiency throughout the supply chain, reducing the impact on the environment, whereas continuing to guarantee an optimal level of service for its customers.

Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund (CH): Logistic data marketplace – The beginning of the digital age of logistics for Migros. The overall goal is to break up information silos in different kind of supply chains. Each participant within a supply chain needs to have transparency about the flow of goods in some kind of way. Automation within a DC requires granular information about logistic objects, like pallets or boxes. Industry partners wants to know when to prepare for production. Consumers are interested in track and trace data. The marketplace for logistics data provides a solution for all this needs in a standardised way.

O’Logistique – Group Casino, (F): Changing the face of e-commerce logistics, when a leading French Food retailer meets the top British online grocery player. Disrupting the French grocery e-commerce market by developing the fastest-growing logistic company, based on the state-of-the-art technology developed by Groupe Casino’s partner, Ocado.

The award ceremony will take place online on 9th November 2021 and has following programme (tbc):

14:00 – 14:30: Keynote presentation

14:30 – 16:30: Presentation of the ELA Award finalists’ projects

16:45 – 17:00: ELA Awards Ceremony

17:00 – 18:00: round table + conclusion

The ELA Awards has become one of the most prestigious and important European logistics competitions and it is much sought after by companies throughout Europe. Its recognition of outstanding performance is highly valued by both previous winners and would-be winners alike.

Fritz inducted into Logistics Hall of Fame

Posted on by Keith McKinley

US entrepreneur Lynn C. Fritz has been inducted into the international Logistics Hall of Fame. The TRATON Logistics Leader of the Year Award has been given to Prof. Dr. Michael Feindt

Born in San Francisco in 1942, Fritz is considered the founder of logistics for humanitarian organisations. In order to help those affected faster and better in a crisis, he founded the Fritz Institute named after him in 2001 with his own funds, had software developed for non-governmental organisations that could be used free of charge, and established contacts with the leaders of numerous aid organisations in order to implement new concepts and institutionalised learning.

“Lynn C. Fritz has provided proof of how logistical strategies work for fast and effective disaster relief- a topic that is more topical than ever due to climate change,” said Anita Würmser, Executive Chairperson of the Logistics Hall of Fame jury, explaining the decision of the expert jury, which includes 70 well-known personalities from business, science, politics and the media in 13 nations.

“With his induction into the Logistics Hall of Fame, the international jury recognises his efforts to consistently support effective frontline humanitarian operations with strong competencies and a systematic approach in the background. The main pillars are effective processes, professionally trained logistics staff and the use of IT. Numerous initiatives in the field of humanitarian logistics are based on the far-sighted pioneering work of Lynn C. Fritz.”

Experts in the field of logistics for humanitarian organisations highlight several of Fritz’s achievements. After selling his logistics company Fritz Companies Inc. to UPS, the Californian used his money to have the free, web-based logistics software HELIOS developed at the Fritz Institute. The tool is available as a free global standard for humanitarian organisations and enables up-to-the minute tracking of food, non-food items, in-kind and cash donations, as well as financial information about goods in the supply chain.

Experts from the Institute had spent around 3,000 hours interviewing Red Cross and Red Crescent staff to develop the software. The reason: Fritz had recognised that methods and tools from business cannot be transferred one-to-one to the supply chains of aid organisations.

The entrepreneur also pushed for initiatives to systematically train logistics personnel and evaluate humanitarian missions with the help of key figures. Fritz also founded the first association for humanitarian aid workers in the USA and established a consortium of companies that provide logistics experts and donate money when needed.

Lynn C. Fritz will be officially inducted into the Logistics Hall of Fame at a gala reception on November 25th, 2021 in the Erich Klausener Hall of the BMVI in Berlin.

Feindt is Leader of the Year

The TRATON Logistics Leader of the Year Award will also be presented at the reception. This year the award goes to Prof. Dr. Michael Feindt, founder of the software company Blue Yonder, for which he now works as a strategic consultant. The scientist is considered an expert in data-driven software development, learning effects through data analysis and the development of new algorithms and tools in Big Data environments. In 2002, he founded a company to transfer his inventions in the field of predictive analytics from science to business. His idea: predictions in pricing and replenishment can be improved if they are made with the help of artificial intelligence.

Retail experts recognised the potential of the NeuroBayes algorithm he developed to automate operational decisions in the processes of retail companies. In 2008, managers from the Otto Group and Feindt founded the software company Blue Yonder. JDA Software bought the company in 2018. In 2020, JDA Software changed its name to Blue Yonder. In 2021, Panasonic acquired the company completely. The manufacturer of trucks and buses TRATON SE has sponsored the TRATON Logistics Leader of the Year Award since 2020.

With the TRATON Logistics Leader of the Year Award, the organisation honours those who set the pace and create the future of logistics. Entrepreneurs and managers from the transport and logistics sector are honoured who have been particularly successful in promoting their companies or who have set a trend-setting impulse. The focus is on topicality and the benefit for the company as well as innovative strength, sustainability and entrepreneurial change. The award is presented by the Logistics Hall of Fame and donated by TRATON SE.

The decisive factor for acceptance as a member of the Logistics Hall of Fame, on the other hand, is that an achievement is not only beneficial to an individual company, but has significantly and permanently advanced logistics beyond the boundaries of one’s own organisation or has become an industry standard. So far, 37 logisticians have made it into the international Logistics Hall of Fame. The Logistics Hall of Fame can be accessed free of charge at any time at www.logisticshalloffame.net and offers information and pictures about the logistics milestones and their makers.

Geodis adds returns management to eLogistics services

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As part of a dedicated range of e-Commerce services, Geodis now offers a complete product returns management service. Thanks to Geodis, retailers and e-merchants will be able to benefit from an end-to-end technological and logistical solution covering the entire value chain, from order orchestration to product returns management, available throughout Europe.

In response to the growing popularity of online shopping and a substantial increase in product returns, Geodis has developed an integrated range of reverse logistics services that combine the power of digital technology with its international transport network and its expertise in logistics (managing 8.7 million sq m of warehousing space worldwide). This turnkey Geodis solution is designed to relieve retailers and e-retailers of the operational management of product returns. It includes the declaration of consumer returns, product collection and identification, and delivery of the items back into stock.

For the digital aspects of this solution, Geodis has selected the innovative French start-up ShopRunBack, which operates in over 100 countries. It will provide retailers and e-merchants with its white-label returns management platform, which can be accessed from all merchant sites. Using this platform, the consumer selects the product to be returned and the reason for the return and chooses the method of pick-up.

The package can be collected at the consumer’s home or left at a drop-off point. Geodis services are responsible for collecting products and transporting them to the warehouse, as well as the entire process of control, sorting, repackaging for dispatch and where appropriate recycling, according to the principles of the circular economy. All these logistics operations are prescribed in accordance with the return policy defined beforehand. Both retailers and consumers can track the progress of the return request and the status of the refund in real time.

For merchants connected to such e-Commerce platforms as Shopify, Woocommerce, Wizishop or Prestashop, among others, the digital platform can be integrated instantly.

Ashwani Nath, Vice President e-Commerce at Geodis, said: “Following the success of the range of Geodis eLogistics solutions dedicated to the customer experience from order management through to delivery, we wanted to work on the after-sales experience, which is a crucial element in customer satisfaction. We are now offering an integrated end-to-end technological and eLogistics solution that has no equivalent on the market.”

Eddy Richauvet, CEO of ShopRunBack said: “It is an honour for us to have been selected by Geodis to support them in returns management as part of their global e-Commerce strategy. This decision recognizes ShopRunBack’s expertise in reverse logistics and demonstrates the maturity of our technology, which our merchants have been using for over 7 years.”

 

Logistics – it’s a people thing

Posted on by David Priestman

Worker quality and numbers is fast becoming one of the trickiest aspects of finding and properly utilising people in the DC, says Smitha Raphael, Chief Product & Delivery Officer for WMS technology innovator SnapFulfil.

Amazon has raised the bar in the race for workers by increasing its average starting wage in the US to $18 per hour (potentially rising to $22.50) – plus it also plans to hire more than 125,000 warehouse and transportation workers in the US alone for 350 new logistics facilities opened this year and to help the rollout of one-day delivery for Amazon Prime loyalty club members.

Retailers generally are scrambling to hire hourly workers in this stretched-to-breaking-point labour market and have even been offering benefits and joining bonuses to attract them, with Walmart also planning to hire 20,000 workers at its supply chain division ahead of the manic Q4 season.

The UK & Europe is already following suit, but baby boomers, which have traditionally made up most of the DC workforce, are rapidly approaching retirement age and younger generations are less willing and available to replace these roles in the warehousing industry.

Raphael explains: “The current global labour issue has also highlighted the stark differences between manually operated DCs and those that have integrated automated process solutions and have been able to keep up with rapidly growing e-commerce and quick delivery demands.

“At SnapFulfil we are working with customers to help them meet this labour crisis head on – by way of real time data and warehouse planning – to optimise both space and resource, in order that business as usual can be maintained in these exceptional circumstances.”

When labour is at a premium and self-isolation is a reality, coupled with a rapid change in orders, then having the very latest data to boost the effectiveness of the available workforce, their picking and packing performance, plus available space – underpinned by highly efficient receiving and putaway activity – is vital.

What’s more, it allows for remedial measures to be quickly and inexpensively enacted, because highly configurable WMS software like SnapFulfil means every aspect of the e-commerce fulfilment process can be automated, streamlined and made intuitive for floor staff and management.

Raphael adds: “SnapFulfil customers typically benefit from efficiency and productivity improvements of up to 30%, which basically translates into the ability to do more for less with the same resources – something we are all craving during these hugely uncertain times.”

Optimising logistics operations

Posted on by Keith McKinley

BG Log UK is a specialist in supporting Lean Manufacturing projects, with a particular specialism in the organisational aspects of factories.

Managing the logistics processes taking place within a company is very complex. BG Log UK was formed in 2020 to provide a credible and cost-effective option for Automotive, Aerospace and Warehouse Fulfilment businesses who required a reliable supplier to provide a sustainable product in a timely manner.

Supply chain management requires a clear vision to take into account several intertwined factors. With a highly experienced team in terms of Lean Management and CI implementation techniques, and the capability to work hand in hand with a customer’s Lean engineers and facilitators, BG Log says it can design a solution and build it in the UK, using a robust 28mm range of steel materials that provides structural support and satisfies QHSE (quality, health, safety, environmental) requirements.

BG Log says its concept is based on the design, implementation and construction of complete and fully operational solutions. It selects and provides the best materials for a project, and offers all the advice needed to best produce the solution, as well as constant support with a keen focus on safety.

Its BG SMARTUBE product range includes:

Dunnage racks: created to form bespoke transport solutions for multiple parts that can be easily transported to the point of use or between stations. The bag creates a protective environment for the part and can also be lined with micro fibre material to stop damage and retain the quality finish of the surface. Access can be gained from either side or closed off. Compartments can be numbered for ease of identification.

Gravity Feed conveyors: these work by creating an incline within the flow racks to prompt movement of carriages or parts within the rack. Gravity feeds the part from A to B using rollers or surfaces created to suit the individual requirement. The Operator can feed each part and leave to run to point of use and also have return lanes to form a closed loop for production.

Flow racks: these assist the cell to move products from point A to B by using feed lanes and take off lanes for each operator. The rack helps reduce or remove the several of the wastes in terms of transport and over/under production by creating Kanban positions. Kanban solutions help the Lean transformation of the production line by using a pull system and therefore flow racks are built to host only the right number of parts required for the process. Flow racks can be mobile or static and can be designed to the exacting and unique needs of each customer.

Workstations and trolleys: can be tailored according to the need by adding multiple accessories such shadow boards, drawers, screen arms and tooling rails. BG Log can provide a wide range of surfaces according to either budget or specific needs such as ESD or duty rubberised work tops. Stations can be mobile or static.

5S Solutions: Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, Sustain. BG Log’s systems help promote 5S in terms of shadow boards, cleaning stations and trolleys and information cubes to help report KPIs and SQCDP metrics. It provides screen printed boards with your company branding and design projects tailored specifically for your facility.

Customised Projects: BG Log has undertaken several special projects that it says have been extremely well received, and says it is willing to discuss customer requirements and provide advice and expertise in best practice.

Regional Express moves to new Southampton DC

Posted on by David Priestman

Xpediator, a leading provider of freight management services across the UK and Central, Eastern and Western Europe, has announced that its subsidiary, Regional Express, is moving from its current premises to join sister company, Delamode International Logistics, at its new 200,000 sq ft distribution centre located at Southampton container port.

Regional Express is a one-stop service for Amazon sellers in the UK, US and Europe with services including VAT registrations and tax filing, customs clearance, returns, fulfilment and warehousing. The move to the new warehouse is part of the overall integration of the Group’s UK logistics operations. Regional Express will operate alongside Delamode International Logistics in the new state of the art warehouse which will help the business meet rising demand from Amazon sellers for its services through the additional space and facilities now available.

Completed earlier this year, the new warehouse is designed to BREEAM Excellent Sustainability Standards and is primarily powered by renewable energy via a £2.5m roof-mounted solar panel installation, believed to be one of the largest in the UK. The move into the new warehouse will increase Regional Express’ pallet space capacity, whilst providing increased efficiencies in stock intake, order processing and speed to market, direct to the point of demand.

In addition, Regional Express will be able to offer bonded and buffer storage for Amazon sellers, enabling them to send larger quantities in one shipment to the UK reducing the overall unit cost. Smaller shipments, in line with the unit limits set by Amazon, can then be sent to Amazon warehouses in the UK and the remaining stock held at the new warehouse for stock replenishment as required.

Robert Ross, CEO of Xpediator, said: “As an approved supplier to the Amazon Solution Provider Network (SPN), Regional Express is well positioned to fulfil all logistical requirements for Amazon sellers. Regional Express performed strongly in 2020, and the move into the new Southampton warehouse will enhance its capabilities for Amazon sellers as well as become a point of differentiation for attracting new clients.”

Neil Curran, Managing Director of Regional Express, commented: “Moving to the new Southampton warehouse has multiple advantages for our business not only in terms of additional capacity and layout but also in terms of being located within the port itself, as this will lead to much faster stock intake and order processing times which will culminate into faster delivery times for our customers.”

similar news

Xpediator integrates and rebrands UK logistics division

 

Riders back in the saddle for Transaid

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A team of more than 30 riders from across the transport and logistics industry have completed the 170-mile ‘Way of the Roses’ challenge, cycling from Morecambe, Lancashire to Bridlington in the East Riding of Yorkshire, to raise money for Transaid, the international development organisation.

The epic coast-to-coast route was completed over two days on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th September, so far raising an estimated £29,000 to support Transaid’s life-saving work to improve road safety and access to healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa.

Florence Bearman, Head of Fundraising at Transaid, and one of the riders taking part in the event, said: “We have been waiting a long time to get back in the saddle for one of our cycle challenges, and after having to cancel several events during the pandemic, it was fantastic to finally be back on our bikes and raising money.

“A huge thank you to everyone who took part; particularly for smashing our fundraising expectations, and for the true grit and determination shown on the steep ascent between Settle and Brimham Rocks!”

The cyclists taking part represented around 20 companies from across the industry, including headline sponsor UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), and support sponsors PF Whitehead, Stanley Travel and TRS Tyres. Riders were also fielded from firms including ABE Ledbury, Alpine Travel, Backhouse Jones, BigChange, Bowker Group, Burton’s Biscuit Company, DHL Supply Chain, Goodyear, Go South Coast, Innovate 360, Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel, LDH (La Doria), Leica Biosystems, Marks & Spencer, Xpediator PLC and Z-Tech Control Systems.

Transaid now has its sights set on a return to international challenges with Cycle Malawi 2022 – which will see a team of more than 40 riders cover around 500km over five days, taking in the stunning Lake Malawi, Mount Mulanje, Liwonde National Park and the Zomba Plateau. 44 riders have already signed up, with just a handful of places still remaining. Revised dates for the event – postponed from 2021 – will be announced soon.

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