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Connected Trucks: Digitalisation and Interconnection

Posted on by David Priestman

Jungheinrich is connecting its fleet by equipping all its new trucks with telemetry units as standard. This enables customers easy access to the Jungheinrich Fleet Management System (FMS), starting with the entry level Starter Kit.

Jungheinrich is continuing to drive forward the digitalisation and networking of intralogistics by equipping all newly ordered trucks produced in its European plants with telemetry units as standard.
Jungheinrich trucks are fully networkable and ready for intelligent integration in the warehouse. With the help of the Jungheinrich FMS fleet management system, customers can use this data to optimally deploy their fleet.

“Data is one of the most valuable resources in the warehouse today. We are now making this data easily and efficiently usable by our customers,” says Phil Pearson, Sales Management Director at Jungheinrich. “Connectivity is an essential key to further optimising intralogistics. By processing information better and faster with our Jungheinrich FMS, we make our customers’ warehouses even more efficient.”

Thanks to the telemetry units and Jungheinrich FMS, Jungheinrich customers receive real-time data on the condition and use of their trucks, enabling them to optimally manage their fleet. Data transmission to the Jungheinrich Cloud takes place via a mobile connection or Wi-Fi.

“When our customers agree to share the usage and vehicle data of their trucks with us, we can access important insights into the actual use of the industrial trucks. This enables us to tailor our range of solutions even more personally and individually to our customers’ needs,” says Pearson. “This includes, for example, remote diagnostics for the targeted reduction or avoidance of downtimes through more efficient service, or intelligent energy solutions as the basis for cost- and consumption-optimised energy management.”

* Enhanced connectivity thanks to telemetry units in every new truck
* Truck customers now have easy access to the Jungheinrich Fleet Management
* The FMS and telemetry units deliver increased efficiency and performance thanks to better data management

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.

Mobility Company opts for Mitsubishi Forklifts

Posted on by Keith McKinley

By any measure, CareCo is a genuine success story. Built on energy, innovation and a keen attention to detail, the company’s continued expansion has seen it grow from a small family business operating from a barn to pole position as the UK’s leading whole-range supplier of mobility aids. An expanding fleet of lift trucks has been instrumental in that process, supplied and supported by the local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor.

Overcoming dual challenges

The challenges facing CareCo were two-fold as relocated from its previous showroom-warehouse in Brentwood to a purpose-designed facility incorporating 100,000 sq ft of warehouse space in Braintree. The first was to coordinate the movement of stock from a series of different locations in the Brentwood area. This was achieved seamlessly with the help of the local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor who supplied the most appropriate handling equipment on short-term rental.

The second was to identify precisely the right equipment to ensure the new warehouse would operate with optimum efficiency. That resulted in a fleet comprising two Mitsubishi VELiA low level order pickers (LLOPs), two Mitsubishi PREMiA power pallet trucks (PPTs), one Mitsubishi SENSiA reach truck, two Mitsubishi EDiA electric counterbalance trucks plus four Aisle Masters.

All the trucks were supplied on time and in stylish CareCo house livery.

“Meeting a hard deadline of early May was a real challenge,” explains Joe Bronze, local distributor for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks. “The international shortage of components means that virtually all new forklift and warehouse trucks are on extremely long leads times. We had to be really creative, using a range of different models from our rental fleet to bridge the gap and ensure CareCo were able to commence operations right on schedule.”

Huge range handled with ease

With more than 200 employees, the company offers an exceptionally wide range of products that play an essential role in daily life, helping its customers maintain their independence by managing medication, using the bathroom and getting dressed in the morning.

“We supply everything from a mobility scooter to the rubber tips that go on the ends of walking sticks,” explains CareCo Head of Operations Steve Robinson. “It’s a huge range that calls for specialised storage and handling systems but our truck fleet handles it with ease.

“The Mitsubishi VELiA low level order pickers are used mainly to pick larger items such as wheelchairs, rollators and bath lifts from the lower racking. The power pallet and counterbalance trucks are used to run stock away from assembly lines – where it’s held for checking – before being taken to the intake lanes for the racking.

“That’s where the Aisle Masters take over, operating in the narrow aisle section of the warehouse, putting stock away and feeding pickers in the assembly area. They also work in the bulk racking aisle alongside the Mitsubishi SENSiA reach truck which also feeds a mezzanine floor where smaller items such as spare parts for the service team are stored. Plus we have a scissor-lift that is used for order picking as well as for essential maintenance work.”

At a second CareCo distribution facility in Leeds, CareCo also have four additional trucks – also supplied by their local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor: two Aisle Masters, a Mitsubishi VELiA low level order picker and a Mitsubishi EDiA electric counterbalance truck that keep the goods moving.

Nimble and exceptionally reliable

“The trucks have been excellent,” says Steve Robinson. “The Mitsubishi low level order pickers and power pallet trucks are really nimble and all the trucks have been exceptionally reliable. We’ve had absolutely no issues at all.

“On the service side, the team are fantastic. They’ve been with CareCo from the start and have proved themselves time and again. We had a minor issue with the speed of the low level order pickers and they adjusted them immediately to suit our particular working environment. The team are genuinely on the ball and their response times are outstanding.”

High Performer in High-rack Warehouses

Posted on by David Priestman

Soon to be launched on the market, the Linde V modular is a new, powerful player for high-rack warehouses. The truck offers a load capacity of 1.2 tons and is an ideal option for warehouse operators who aim for even more effective goods picking on various different racking levels. Some of its key features includes the ability to reach picking heights of up to 14.5 meters, a visibility-optimized triplex mast with or without free lift, a comfortable driver’s cab, and a high level of safety thanks to improved stability, a new type of Linde personal protection system, and special lighting solutions. Another advantage is its design as a modular system and the large number of variants and equipment options available. The chassis, mast and cab can be perfectly customized to application-specific requirements. The new trucks will be launched for sale at the LogiMAT trade show in Stuttgart at the end of April.

With increasing frequency, both large and small high-rack warehouses are reaching their capacity limits: “Online retailing demands high goods availability and fast deliveries,” says Anna Keilbach, Senior Product Manager for VNA Trucks and Vertical Order Pickers, explaining one of the reasons for the larger inventory. Another aspect is the desire for greater individualization and the associated growing number of product designs. However, as more storage space becomes needed, many operators prefer to increase the height of their racking systems instead of building new warehouses due to the high cost of floor space – especially in metropolitan areas. “As a consequence, this requires vertical order pickers with conducive working heights and performance capability,” the product manager states.

Performance makes the difference

The new Linde V modular is designed to meet precisely these requirements. For the first time, drivers will be able to reach picking heights of up to 14.5 meters from the platform – 2.5 meters more than before. In addition, the new truck offers a 22 percent increase in lifting speed and a 20 percent faster lowering speed – resulting in time savings when raising or lowering the cab, which has a positive impact on productivity. To meet the varying conditions in the warehouse, the triplex mast is available in two versions: The mast featuring a free lift is suitable for warehouses with diverse ceiling heights. Two lateral lifting cylinders instead of one centrally positioned lifting cylinder ensure optimized visibility. In the variant without a free lift, the mast extends faster because there are no deceleration phases during mast transitions. Added to this is the very good mast visibility provided by the design.

New features for enhanced safety

Along with the Linde V modular, Linde MH is going to launch its own personal protection system (PPS), which will be used in all VNA equipment from Linde MH in the future. The new Linde PPS meets all the requirements of DIN standard 15185-2, which prohibits the simultaneous presence of people and vehicles in narrow aisles and prescribes special protective measures in the event that this should happen accidentally nevertheless. Equipped with a laser scanner at the front between the load wheels and at the rear on the drive side, the Linde PPS detects people in a protective zone of up to nine meters. As soon as a person enters the area monitored by the scanner, an alarm sounds and the vehicle comes to a safe stop. Additional warning fields ensure that the order picker’s speed is reduced even before the protective zone is reached, so as to enable the smoothest possible braking process. In the transfer aisle, the Linde V modular can be operated alongside other vehicles due to its safety equipment. Here, the warning fields of the laser scanners provide assistance as well by throttling the travel speed when obstacles appear.

LED stripes provide even better visibility for the vehicles. Located at the front and rear of the lift mast, they ensure optimum distribution of light at close range. In the direction of travel, the stripes emit white light; at the rear, they shine red. Pedestrians and other forklift drivers can thus see from a distance in which direction the truck is moving.

User-friendliness is a top priority

It’s no secret that picking goods is one of the most physically demanding jobs in the warehouse environment. The Linde V modular effectively supports the picker in this regard by means of various features. First and foremost: the spacious driver’s cab, which allows plenty of freedom of movement. Added to this is the soft floor mat, which cushions vibrations and prevents fatigue. The ergonomic control panel can be mounted on the load side, the mast side or on both sides. Recently, this choice has also been extended to the positioning of the color display, which shows the driver all relevant information. This includes speed, lift height, residual capacity and steering angle, as well as other information from optional features such as Linde’s warehouse navigation system. Optionally available tilting barriers give the driver 50cms of additional reach when retrieving goods from the rack. The auxiliary lift function is another helpful feature: At the push of a button, the forks move down a defined distance so that the driver can deposit the packs of goods retrieved from the rack as easily as possible.

Enhanced Ergonomics for Higher Productivity

Posted on by David Priestman

Horizontal order picking still holds great potential in terms of optimization, especially with enhanced ergonomics. Corresponding measures are aimed at achieving the shortest possible walking distances between the vehicle and the rack location, as well as maximal ergonomics, in order to provide the best possible support and assistance for employees. The three new mast variants of the Linde N20 C SA semi-automated order picker enable operators to comfortably raise the truck’s forks to working height so that they needn’t bend down when handling the goods. This conserves the employees’ strength and energy and protects their physical health.

“Process and supply chains that are becoming more digitized, a growing number of product variants and, last but not least, demands for the highest possible pick rates mean that logistics managers in warehouses and distribution centres are increasingly looking for automated solutions,” says Manuel Seidel, Product Manager Automation. “While the actual picking process, i.e., retrieving the goods from the rack and placing them on the goods carrier, needs to be done manually, the Linde N20 C SA semi-automated order picker can at least assist the operator with moving in the rack aisle. This saves time and energy and increases productivity,” says Seidel, outlining the main advantages.

With the three new mast variants, the semi-automated order picker now offers operators even more benefits in the form of enhanced ergonomics. The compact Linde N20 C L SA is designed for order picking from the lowest rack level onto a pallet that can be loaded with 1200kg of weight. The forks on this model can be raised to an ergonomic height, allowing the operator to place the picked goods on the pallet while maintaining a posture that is easy on the back. Owing to its compact design, the order picker proves to be extremely manoeuvrable even when fully loaded. The Linde N20 C D SA, which offers a maximum load capacity of 1200kg on the main lift, can pick up two pallets separately and transport them one above the other in a space-saving manner. This mast variant is particularly suitable for longer transport distances. Heavy goods are transported on the initial lift, fragile goods on the main lift. The Linde N20 C LoL SA order picker enables the filling of two pallets in just one order picking cycle thanks to its long load arms and the additional liftable fork. The operator starts with one pallet at the desired height, while the second pallet is secured vertically to the back of the fork with a special safety device. As soon as the first pallet is filled, it is lowered onto the load arms and placed at the front of the fork. The second pallet is then transferred onto the forks and can also be loaded at a height that is easy on the back. In the process, the mast can be controlled to the right and left of the backrest.

More efficiency through semi-automated driving modes

The new mast variants expand the Linde N20 C SA’s range of applications. The main characteristic of the semi-automated order picker is the choice between two driving modes that are geared towards the two main customer applications: In the first, the worker moves in a U-shape in the rack area, initially picking only on one side and then switching to the other. The truck follows the operator through the aisle, avoiding minor obstacles and stopping automatically at the end of the aisle. If the operator stops to load up goods, the truck stops as well; if the employee moves forward, the truck continues on automatically. This saves operators a lot of walking, as they do not need to return to the driver’s platform each time to move the truck to the next rack position. The second travel mode is used when picking is taking place on both rack sides at the same time, resulting in a Z-shaped path. In this case, the operator sends the vehicle ahead using a remote control. At the end of the rack aisle, the operator gets onto the order picker and drives to the next aisle.

When asked for whom the semi-automatic order picker option pays off, Manuel Seidel says: “Depending on the application, an increase in efficiency of between six and 15 percent can be achieved. If you calculate an increase in productivity of around ten percent, the additional investment will have paid for itself in about a year in a two-shift operation with standard industry wage costs.” Another advantage is that the vehicles can be seamlessly integrated into the customer’s existing processes.

Safety at the highest level

To ensure a high level of safety, the semi-automated vehicles feature integrated high-performance safety scanners at the front that detect people, obstacles and other trucks and can thus prevent collisions. The vehicles also maintain a minimum distance of 50 centimetres from the rack to ensure a safe and comfortable working space for the operator.

Order Pickers and Tow Tractors Upgraded

Posted on by David Priestman

Crown, one of the world’s largest material handling companies, has refined the design of its GPC and MPC Series order pickers and TC Series tow tractor as part of the company’s continuous product improvement efforts. All three series now offer a variety of ergonomic enhancements for making order-picking processes even faster, more efficient and user-friendly.

Order-picking applications are more varied and demanding than any other warehouse activity. This is why Crown’s GPC, MPC and TC Series combine excellent performance with a high level of comfort designed to relieve the physical strain on operators and boost their daily productivity. An extensive range of add-on equipment and accessories provides a highly effective response to the specific requirements of various warehouse applications by further reducing and streamlining the movements of operators as they interact with their vehicles.

Enhanced platform suspension reduces strain for the operator

In line with its continuous product improvement philosophy, Crown has now revised and enhanced some of this equipment. This includes, for example, the ergonomic full-suspension operator platform. The new suspension system dampens shocks through the platform even more effectively than before, reducing operators’ fatigue during their shifts. This is a key factor in ensuring that lift trucks are operated safely and efficiently, resulting in increased productivity and reduced customers’ operating costs.

The focus of the product update is on operator comfort. Crown has further expanded its extensive range of Work Assist accessories accordingly, including new magnetic storage trays and writing pads. Alongside the tried-and-tested Work Assist accessory tube, a new optional version with integrated cable management is now available, allowing even more power-supplied accessories to be mounted on the tube for better accessibility and visibility.

Another highlight is the new intuitive display which enables the operator to easily view key operating data due to its large size and strategic positioning on the trucks. QuickPick Remote Ready option anticipates future workflow automation All three series can also be ordered optionally in a version that is already prepared for Crown’s QuickPick Remote Order Picking Technology. This option is ideal for customers wishing to ensure that their vehicles can be retrofitted with Crown’s award-winning, workflow-improving technology at a later stage.

The QuickPick Remote system streamlines workflows in high-density picking applications. Using a remote-control unit built into their work gloves or strapped to their finger, operators can remotely move their order pickers or tow tractors to the next picking location at the touch of a button. This technology, in use since 2013, has proven in practice to minimise operator walking distances and physical stress, thereby boosting picking speed and overall productivity.

Reliable Products, Attention to Specific Needs

Posted on by David Priestman

Gruppo Grendi has developed a wide range of services by selecting reliable suppliers to support their daily activities. It is precisely from a need for reliability that Yale was selected to provide solutions to upgrade the efficiency of their warehouse, sited in Porto Canale, Cagliari. Opened in 2013, this innovative warehousing space in Sardinia is based in the rear port area, becoming one of the first companies with a warehouse operating close to the port basin.

With a history surpassing 190 years, the family owned Gruppo Grendi has seen six pioneering generations guide the group to their continued success today. Beginning as freight forwarders in 1828, the company has evolved to become a company of transporters, shipowners and terminal operators. It has transformed over two centuries to become a market leader in the transportation industry, by staying ahead with the latest transportation and technological trends

Tailored and reliable solutions

Trustworthiness and reliability have been the key factors which have guaranteed the partnership between Gruppo Grendi and Manitech, exclusive dealer for Sardinia. Manitech have supplied their customer with a fleet of 21 Yale® products from counterbalance trucks to order pickers through a long-term rental agreement. Long-term rental provides flexibility for their equipment choices and a tailored solution for Gruppo Grendi.

Coupled with the support and suggestions from Manitech, the Gruppo Grendi business has met their peak production for seasonal requirements while keeping their fleet size optimised for their daily needs. “Yale solutions have fulfilled our needs for a fleet working 24/7, with long battery duration for applications such as shelving storage and container loading,” explains Emanuele Demetrino, Gruppo Grendi Warehouse Manager.

“Gruppo Grendi is the undisputed leader in Sardinia for the logistics and transport sectors,” said Luca Pibiri, Sales and Marketing Manager of Manitech. “We proposed a wide range of Yale electric trucks, such as reach trucks, which offer all-round visibility and flexibility, horizontal and vertical order pickers, designed to allow quicker and more accurate order picking of materials, and platform pallet trucks, which optimise productivity in horizontal transportation and loading and unloading of vehicles. It has been an extraordinary success.”

Shelving, picking and loading: Yale solutions are the answer

For the all-electric truck fleet, Gruppo Grendi opted for ERP16 VT series electric counterbalanced forklift trucks, which are ideally suited for picking pallets and container loading. The three wheel electric forklift truck from the Yale VT series combines high performance and energy efficiency in a highly ergonomically advanced solution for medium to heavy duty applications, such as warehouse spaces. Thanks to a design which provides operators with manoeuvrability in confined spaces and a very comfortable working compartment, this product reduces back strain and minimises fatigue throughout shifts.

For second and third level picking up to around 5m, Gruppo Grendi chose Yale MO10E order pickers to enable the fulfilment of customer orders in a short timescale.

From the same series, Gruppo Grendi selected the Yale MO 25 low level order pickers for first and second level picking through the various warehouse aisles. Available with a fixed or lifting platform with independent forklift, the MO series also includes a scissor lift option for ground and occasional second level picking. This series of order picker lifts is ideal for cross docking and load shuttling as well as order picking in intensive and high throughput warehouse operations and horizontal transport over short and long distances.

Working effortlessly and efficiently even in confined spaces, the MP18-20 pedestrian powered pallet truck is designed around the needs of the operator and offers intelligent ergonomics and excellent manoeuvrability. Every component of the MP Series has been designed to provide exceptional reliability. Ideal for the light, medium and heavy duty indoor load handling Gruppo Grendi faces daily, the MP Series is up to 11% more productive when unloading and uses up to 7% less energy, tested against equivalent competitors trucks.

Gruppo Grendi selected the ride-on MP20X platform pallet trucks for their medium to heavy duty applications. The ride-on platform pallet truck is ideal for their cross docking and vehicle loading applications.

Completing the fleet of Yale products, the reach trucks from MR14 series were selected for shelving and order picking applications within the Sardinian warehouse. The robust heavy-duty mast design provides high residual capacities and stable load handling enabling faster put away and retrieval times.

• Gruppo Grendi offers a wide range of solutions for the logistics industry, with a 190 year heritage.
• Unicar-Yale dealer Manitech supplied 21 trucks for the Gruppo Grendi warehouse in Cagliari, from counterbalance trucks to order pickers.
• Trustworthiness and constant support have been the key factors that have guaranteed the partnership between Gruppo Grendi and Manitech.

The company has benefited from increased productivity and a greater return on their materials handling fleet investment. “We are totally satisfied with our decision to select Yale solutions,” says Emanuele. “Our Yale dealer, Manitech, understood our specific needs and provided the best solutions for our company. The reliability of the Yale brand, with equally reliable trucks, was enhanced by the constant service and attention to us as a customer. With our Yale trucks, we have been able to reduce our maintenance costs, which has resulted in time savings and an overall productivity increase,” concludes Emanuele.

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