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Deliveries with Game-changing Precision

Posted on by David Priestman

what3words, the innovative global location technology company and DHL Parcel UK have announced a brand new element of their partnership. Customers, whether small businesses or large e-commerce players can add a what3words field at checkout to enable shoppers to specify exactly where they want their deliveries to go. Once entered at checkout, the what3words address is then seamlessly passed on to DHL Parcel UK so its couriers can find and navigate to delivery destinations with ease, no matter how hard they might be to find.

Last year, DHL Parcel UK announced that it had rolled out the what3words location technology to its UK Parcel App. This new integration represents an exciting milestone in the partnership and a huge opportunity for UK retailers to enhance the addressing information they capture from a customer at checkout.

In the UK, deliveries can be challenging. Addresses aren’t always accurate, street names are often duplicated, postcodes cover broad areas, and specific building entrances can be hard to find. And for new builds, it can take up to 6 months for the address to be registered. In fact, a quarter of people in the UK find that their full postal address doesn’t direct people, deliveries, or services exactly to their front door. Poor addressing can add difficulties for couriers too, and this is something what3words is perfectly positioned to solve.

The benefits of what3words technology will continue to be felt in many ways. Drivers can find delivery locations at the first attempt, so routes can be better optimised. This improves business efficiency, makes the job more enjoyable for couriers, and emissions are reduced in the last mile too.

Peter Fuller, CEO, DHL Parcel UK says: “The latest stage of our partnership with what3words really extends the benefits to more customers and consumers. It gives shoppers the convenience of being able to specify their exact delivery location at the point of check-out and gives retailers even more confidence that their goods will be received on time, without complication. It’s a smart, innovative solution that allows us to improve the quality of the service we offer even further.”

Chris Sheldrick, Co-founder and CEO of what3words adds: “what3words is now being used at critical points throughout DHL Parcel UK’s delivery infrastructure. This means that everyone, from a customer purchasing an item at checkout, right through to the courier can benefit from a precision address. It’s fantastic working with DHL Parcel UK – a true innovator in the space, adopting new technologies to maintain and evolve the world-renowned service that it provides.”

 

 

DHL Express expands Johor Gateway facility

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has opened its expanded RM10.8m (approx. €2.35m) Johor Gateway located within the Senai Airport City industrial park. Spanning over 6,000 sq m of warehouse space, the facility is more than twice the size of its predecessor and will support robust trade growth in Malaysia’s southern region.

The new Johor Gateway comes equipped with a high-speed conveyor system capable of sorting up to 1,900 shipments per hour. This offers improved shipment processing for the more than 1,800 parcels and documents bound for and coming from the facility’s busiest trade lanes, namely the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany, Hong Kong, China, and Japan. The faster transit times make for an uptick in service quality for customers in Johor and Singapore.

The facility’s opening was officiated by Yang Berhormat Lee Ting Han, Johor State Executive Councilor, and Investment, Trade, and Consumer Affairs Committee Chairman. Sean Wall, Executive Vice President of Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express Asia Pacific, and Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei, were also present alongside representatives from local authorities, investment bodies, and customers.

“Johor has long emerged as a major centre of economic activity and recently recorded RM60.9 bn (approx. €13.3bn) in investments from January to June this year. This is the highest in the country and the highest-ever for our state,” said Y.B. Lee. “DHL’s continued confidence is a strong endorsement of our strategic position in Asia Pacific and our dynamic business landscape.”

Sean Wall added: “As one of the fastest growing economies, Johor remains a critical element of the regional DHL network. The Johor Gateway shows our commitment to enhancing connectivity for the countries and communities we serve. Through its upgrades, our new facility can rise to the demands of increasing cargo volumes driven by the state’s strong import and export performance.”

Managed by 135 Certified International Specialists, the Johor Gateway is designed with the highest security standards as per Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) guidelines. In addition to high-definition digital cameras that identify and capture shipment movement piece by piece, advanced X-ray and explosive trace detection (ETD) machines are in place.

In line with Deutsche Post DHL Group’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the facility is fitted with state-of-the-art solar panels and energy-efficient infrastructure that cut the release of greenhouse gases by an estimated 22%.

“The new Johor Gateway is a testament to the enormous extent that global trade has intensified. Overseas markets will remain important to help SMEs and large corporations realise their growth potential. With the bigger and enhanced facility, DHL Express can better help homegrown brands to get their business from where they are to where they want to be,” said Neo.

The Johor Gateway is one of six gateways across the DHL Express Malaysia aviation and ground network. This includes 11 service centres, 137 retail outlets and service points, 347 vehicles, 73 weekly flights, four dedicated aircrafts, and 1,500 employees to ensure comprehensive service coverage.

 

Smart Locker startup at Parcel + Post Expo

Posted on by David Priestman

Bloq.it is a Smart Locker startup relatively new to the tech market. Nevertheless, it has shown non-stop and exponential growth over these past three years.

Founded in 2019 and based in Lisbon with over 20 employees, it works to develop scalable and tailor-made solutions for businesses in retail, logistics, and other industries.

Its solutions are deployed in more than 15 countries, and it says it prides itself on having grown its business by 2,000% in 2021.

From the beginning, it committed to solving the most costly and tedious leg of all delivery processes: the last mile. This is how its software engineers and founders came up with an integral, adaptable and scalable invention that fits all business sizes and models.

With constant improvements, it says it works towards revolutionising the smart lockers industry, and becoming the biggest smart lockers manufacturer in the world and the most reliable partner of businesses to optimise their delivery operations.

At this year’s Parcel+Post Expo in Frankfurt, it will showcase a demo of its most recently developed product: The V-locker, a smart parcel locker tailored-made for the giant marketplace Vinted.

From the 18th to the 20th of October 2022, all Parcel+Post Expo Frankfurt visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the company’s demo unit.

This demo unit will simulate real smart lockers functionalities so visitors – whether technology or logistics enthusiasts or potential clients – can have a more realistic idea of how Bloq.it’s technology works and how it can solve most of the delivery pain points, such as delays, returns and porch piracy.

Bloq.it’s business developers and founders will be on Stand 2049 where visitors are invited to try out its state-of-the-art technology to understand the reasons why the young startup is the winner of different prizes, such as:

  • The ‘Most Innovative’ award at the Web Summit 2019
  • “Portugal’s top 10 tech startups coming out of Lisbon”, an award by EU-Startups it has won over the past three years
  • “Scale-Up of the Year”, Bloq.it‘s newest award given by the Startup Grind 2022 Global Conference in San Francisco.

 

Survey: growth opportunities for post sector

Posted on by David Priestman

Escher, a global leader transforming postal operators and couriers, has published the results of its fifth annual Future of Posts survey. The Future of Posts 2022 Report highlights insights from a total of 284 respondents from 91 national postal operators from around the world. This survey came as businesses were emerging from pandemic operations and makes it clear that Posts continue to focus on the opportunity presented by e-commerce and customer-focused priorities.

The Last Mile is Key

The survey results clearly indicate that Posts are investing in technologies that ensure delivery is as fast and efficient as possible. Posts are focused on last-mile delivery (41%) as their top investment priority, followed by digital transformation (37%), according to the Future of Posts 2022 survey. Posts realise that staying connected with their customers and in tune with their needs requires constant attention. As a result, customer experience also ranked high (34%), with Posts investing heavily in this area over the next three years.

E-Commerce Will Have Greatest Impact

83% of Posts believe that e-Commerce will have the greatest impact on their business over the next five years. Mobile technologies (37%), automation (24%), data analytics (23%), and smart parcel lockers (21%) are also expected to have a big impact on postal operations, according to the survey.

The survey paints a picture of a current and future landscape that is focused on customer-centric, self-service, and out-of-home delivery options. Posts’ current retail network strategies are focused on parcel lockers (62%), parcel shops/PUDO (43%), and self-service terminals (34%). Over the next three years, online stores are expected to be a key POS channel for Posts driven by e-Commerce and the pandemic. Self-service will continue to be a major theme for Posts as well, with smart lockers, self-service kiosks, and “start at home, finish in branch” all noted as key expansion channels.

“E-Commerce parcels are clearly a driving force, influencing Posts’ investment decision now and into the future,” said Brody Buhler, CEO, Escher. “To sustain ecommerce growth, Posts must commit to investing in last mile delivery innovation.  Transforming their delivery and retail networks to make them more market relevant is just as important as the investments they are making to expand capacity.  These changes are needed to ensure they keep costs under control and the customer front and centre at all times.”

Other Highlights from the 2022 Report:

Cost Reduction Initiatives: With respect to their retail networks, Posts indicated they will reduce costs by leveraging workforce management (43%), self-service (32%), new PUDO locations (29%), and analytics (28%). In terms of reducing costs for delivery networks, last-mile route optimisation (51%) is the most favoured method of reducing costs, followed by workforce management and optimisation (46%) and automation (43%).

Top Revenue Making Initiatives: e-Commerce was revealed as an area with the highest revenue-making potential for Posts. Third-party logistics and government services are also ranked high, providing Posts with new services and growth opportunities.

Data Utilisation: Utilisation of data analytics among Posts is high this year. 77% of Posts use data analytics to understand operational efficiencies and potential adjustments. Improving customer experience (70%) is also an area of focus for Posts followed by optimising last-mile delivery (69%).

CLICK HERE to download Escher’s Future of Posts 2022 report.

Sealed Air focuses on automation at Empack

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Global packaging provider Sealed Air will be showcasing its range of automated protective and food packaging solutions on stand C10 at this year’s Packaging Innovations & Empack show, which takes place on 25th – 26th May at NEC, Birmingham, UK. Sealed Air will also welcome to the stand newly acquired Foxpak Flexibles Ltd, a pioneer in digital and graphics packaging.

Foxpak teams up with leading brands to deliver highly decorated packaging solutions; stand-up and spout pouches, and sachets that serve a variety of markets including food retail, pet food, seafood, and snacks.

Sealed Air’s focus on automation starts with the popular range of AUTOBAG brand automated packing solutions that include systems designed to improve productivity in mail order fulfilment and primary packing solutions. The AUTOBAG brand systems include an integrated printer capable of printing high resolution graphics, text and barcodes directly onto the bags, saving both time and consumables. Systems on display include the table-top AUTOBAG brand PS 125, and the AUTOBAG brand 850STM, with a touch screen and the ability to run bags up to 550mm wide.

Features such as secure bag opening and positioning, integrated printing and compact footprints makes the AUTOBAG brand range an essential part of any efficient fulfilment operation.

Visitors to the stand can also see the range of SEALED AIR brand and BUBBLE WRAP brand inflatable packaging systems for void fill and cushioning – including films containing a minimum of 50% recycled content.

Included in the wide range of paper packaging on display will be the recently-launched SEALED AIR brand FasFil Jr. This paper void fill system is ‘plug and play’ with a super small footprint, fully integrated user-friendly controls, toolless jam clearing and anti-jam sensors. It can create custom void fill material using 100% recycled fanfold paper, which is also responsibly sourced.

Following the successful launch of recycle-ready SEALED AIR brand Mail Lite mailers, the company will be showcasing its new PickPack format, which replaces corrugated boxes used to ship the Mail Lite mailers. The PickPack format uses up to 60% less packaging weight, and also transforms into a dispensing unit for both retail and packing areas.

Food packaging will be represented by a range of CRYOVAC brand solutions including CRYOVAC brand Darfresh family of thermoforming vacuum skin packaging, demonstrating a reduction in plastic use and longer shelf life.

 

 

Sparck produces 100-millionth fit-to-size box

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Sparck Technologies, the new name for Packaging by Quadient, has hit a major milestone with 100 million boxes produced on its revolutionary fit-to-size packaging machines worldwide. As Sparck’s advanced CVP Everest and CVP Impack packaging systems make each cardboard box to the exact size required for every particular order, the company calculates that some 34,250,000 sq m of cardboard has been saved through the use of its technology, equating to the preservation of 46,000 trees.

In addition to the material savings and ecological benefits, the effect of the total volume reduction resulting from fit-to-size packaging across 100 million packages is estimated to have removed 31,700 lorry loads from the roads, contributing to reductions in the carbon footprint of Sparck Technologies’ customers worldwide.

Jo Bradley, Business Development Manager, Sparck Technologies, says: “Hitting this key milestone of one hundred million boxes really brings home the growing pace of adoption of right-size packaging technology and the important role it is playing in making ecommerce more sustainable.

“Our calculations relating to the significant total savings in resources and transport that have been achieved, gives some idea of the collective, positive impact individual companies can make by using available technology to right-size their packaging. Given that the collective gains are clearly so significant, imagine what could be achieved through industry wide adoption.”

With the capability to tailor-make up to 1,100 packages per hour, for multiple or single items, the CVP Everest and CVP Impack Packaging Systems offer automated solutions for e-commerce operations challenged by increasing order volumes, labour shortages and rising shipping costs. With installations in more than 13 countries, the CVP Automated Packaging Solutions effortlessly create, fill, fold and label each parcel in one seamless process – reducing package volumes by up to 50%, cutting cardboard usage by 30% and eliminating the need for void fill.

“Drones, flying cars? Not in my working career!”

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Straight-talking Crown SDS Director, Steve Rushton, talks candidly about his views on the integration of autonomous technology within logistics and how the sector has and will continue to evolve during his career.

The landscape of the logistics sector has changed dramatically, since Rushton joined Express Tyres as a fresh-faced apprentice.

Whilst technology has been prominent throughout his career, the rapid growth of autonomous systems and the digital transformation of traditional manufacturing and industrial practices has been significant in recent years.

Now responsible for operations, sales, revenue and profit at Crown SDS, in his role as Director and General Manager, he talks about the opportunities that have shaped his career and how the logistics industry has, and will, continue to evolve amid the rise in autonomous technology and digitalization.

“All this talk about the adoption of driverless transport, delivery drones and flying cars” Rushton starts, “is all valid”.

“But the technology is simply not there yet to make it scalable – and certainly won’t be within my working career”.

He doesn’t deny that there will be a multitude of technologies developed over the next decade, that will add significant value for the sector, but adds “the main role of technology and automation will be as a tool to help businesses to work smarter, better and provide far better data transparency, which will ultimately improver the customer experience.”

“The consumer trend of sameday delivery is coming into the forefront more than ever before – everything is getting faster. Decisions are becoming increasingly focused on speed and availability, over price. Whilst our focus at Crown SDS is about providing an agile service, even whilst operating at peak capacity, investing in technologies that enable us to rely more on automation has meant we’ve been able to increase the scale of our operation quickly, to meet spikes in demand.”

Commenting on the increased pressures of the current climate, Rushton adds “economic risk and inflation have put more demand on businesses to remain agile, in order to react to changes. This is something which has come further into the forefront since the beginning of the pandemic”.

“Businesses can react more quickly by becoming fitter & leaner. A key part of this transition will be through implementing technologies that improve efficiency”

“As a sustained level of inflation continues to drive up costs, it will also bring with it opportunities for individuals. As we remove wasteful practices from the supply chain, it paves the way to add value and offer fair reward for those individuals that bring value, by way of improving salaries or rates of pay for drivers – all of which are currently buckling under the current levels of inflation”

Asked if he has any advice for those just starting a career in the industry, Rushton responds: “With the dramatic rise in reliance upon technology of recent years, it can be easy to leave technology to do the work”.

“I would urge anyone – get out from the behind the desk and see for yourself what is going on”.

“Logistics touches everything and can cover a multitude of sins, but when things go wrong they can lead to chaos – it’s important to get up and go and see the problem or challenge first hand”.

“Genchi Genbutsu – go and see for yourself. It’s a philosophy I learned from the leaders that have shaped my career and is something that has stayed with me throughout”.

 

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