Geodis implements highest-throughput AutoStore

Global leading transport and logistics provider Geodis has formed a partnership with Bastian Solutions to implement an AutoStore system into a new fulfilment site for a leading clothing retailer. The US$48 material handling equipment deal will deliver the highest throughput documented of an AutoStore system globally to support the retailer’s omnichannel capabilities, including e-commerce and its more than 1,000 stores across the United States.

AutoStore is a pioneering goods-to-person automated storage and retrieval system that is the market leader in storage density. AutoStore Bins are stacked vertically in a grid and retrieved by robots that travel on the top layer of the system, allowing the grid to be placed around columns and on mezzanines and multiple levels. This design allows bins of products to be stacked on top of each other in a condensed grid-style system, increasing storage capacity up to four times in the same footprint and performance up to 10 times without added workers.

Geodis’ strategic partnership with Bastian Solutions and AutoStore will provide us even greater efficiencies and added capacity as we continue to navigate ongoing industry challenges on behalf of our clients, such as swiftly changing consumer buying patterns and labour shortages,” said Rob Thyen, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Facilities at Geodis in Americas. “By investing in technology such as the AutoStore system, we can ensure we are supporting our clients’ future growth and exceeding their expectations.”

Geodis is estimated to move up to 270,000 order lines per day in service of both retail store and direct-to-consumer channels, making this the AutoStore system with the highest throughput in the world. Geodis will use the AutoStore system to facilitate fulfilment for its customer’s retail and e-commerce channels to deliver a truly omnichannel solution.

Geodis will also utilise the AutoStore technology to expedite e-commerce returns, which continues to be an industry priority due to recent increases in online purchases. In addition to featuring the innovative AutoStore storage and fulfilment technology, the 400,000 sq ft (c.37,000 sq m) facility will include robotic piece picking with five robotic arms, automated packing and carton closing, and more. Construction for the site is expected to begin in January 2022 and wrap in November 2022.

“It has been a pleasure working with the Geodis team,” said Marvin Logan, Vice President of Solution Delivery at Bastian Solutions. “We pride ourselves on providing our clients with the necessary advantage to remain competitive – especially as the retail and e-commerce markets continue to change drastically. With this system, Geodis will be well-equipped to meet demand, thanks to the advanced automation in this new omnichannel facility.”

Bastian Solutions is one of the leading partners in AutoStore installations. This project marks the second AutoStore system that Bastian Solutions has implemented on behalf of Geodis. Construction is currently underway for an AutoStore system at a highly automated fulfilment site on behalf of a top pet product retailer, which is expected to be completed in November 2021.

“It is an exciting time for retailers, especially given the substantial increase in e-commerce orders that we have seen over the past 18 months,” said Paul Roy, North American General Manager for AutoStore. “We’ve always aimed to provide an autonomous robotic solution that empowers our customers to fully leverage their warehouse operations to ensure an efficient, reliable and sustainable supply chain. Now, in partnership with Geodis and Bastian Solutions, we’re proud to continue empowering retailers with a system that delivers the highest throughput globally.”

Frequency inverter for high-efficiency conveyor technology applications

NORDAC FLEX frequency inverters from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS are true allrounders: They not only offer a wide power range, but also work very economically. The NORDAC FLEX SK 205E series has been specially designed for use with baggage transport systems at airports or conveyor systems in parcel distribution centres.

The large power range, up to 22kW, is characteristic for the frequency inverter. In addition, the NORDAC FLEX SK 205E is compact and enables high precision in synchronous and positioning applications via the integrated POSICON control. Another advantage is the precise and rapid current vector control: It ensures constant speeds in case of fluctuating loads. The NORDAC FLEX SK 205E also offers maximum flexibility and due to its high energy efficiency enables energy savings, especially during partial load operation. This even applies to applications that technically do not require an inverter.

Users are provided with complete flexibility when it comes to installation: Inverters can be both installed close to the drive in the field and integrated into the motor. Power and data cable connections are available as plug-in versions. The decentralised system enables short motor and encoder cables as well as short supply cables to sensors. The inverters can be used to control standard asynchronous motors, high-efficiency synchronous motors and brake motors. Encoder feedback can be realised, for example position-controlled transport systems.

NORDAC FLEX SK 205E series frequency inverters feature 4 digital inputs and 1 digital output (e.g. for error messages). The inverter can be monitored via an optional Bluetooth interface using the NORDCON APP software. This way, possible errors can be quickly diagnosed and remedied. Drive parameterisation is possible as standard via the integrated diagnostic interface with the free NORDCON software tool.

The inverter features a total of six digital and two analogue interfaces, two encoder interfaces and one integrated PLC for programming of functions close to the drive. A wide range of extensions through option modules are possible as accessories, for example a communication interface that supports commercially available Ethernet dialects as well as extensions for functional safety such as PROFIsafe and STO.

PSI renews IT infrastructure at Cologne/Bonn Airport

With a major contract for software and control computers as well as for the monitoring and display systems in baggage handling, the Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH has concluded a fundamental update of the primary components of its baggage handling system.

With the modernisation of the software for the baggage handling system, the airport operators are using the current airport systems of the PSI Logistics Suite. This required the replacement of the control computer with modern hardware and the migration to a new database. For the automatic control of the complete baggage handling system behind the 86 check-in counters in the two airport terminals, PSIairport/BHS, in the current release 2020, replaced the old system from 2006.

The monitoring and coordination of the processes is performed with the assistance of cameras in the baggage handling system. Here, a new CCTV system from PSI Logistics is being used. The camera system allows for continuous documentation and tracking of baggage.

For the first time the PSIairport/BRS baggage reconciliation system is being installed at the Cologne/Bonn Airport. The BRS takes over the control and documentation of process sequences for baggage handling in ground traffic between the airport building and the total of 111 aircraft positions on the nine aprons as per international security guidelines. The scope of services of the software also includes the flight information display system (FIDS) from PSI Logistics. The new display systems at the baggage carousels were connected to the new airport systems as part of the project.

The PSI Group develops its own software products for optimising the flow of energy and materials for utilities (energy grids, energy trading, public transport) and industry (metals production, automotive, mechanical engineering, logistics). PSI was founded in 1969 and employs more than 2,100 people worldwide.

FDL accelerates e-commerce in Greece with smart sorting robots

Geek+, a global AMR leader, has announced the successful deployment of smart sorting robots in the warehouse of Athinaiki S.A., a logistics and transport service provider specialising in last-mile delivery in Greece.

The solution was implemented in partnership with FDL Group, a leading integrator for supply chain solutions and the exclusive distributor of Geek+ AMR solutions in Greece and Cyprus. It marks the company’s second project in the region.

Jackson Zhang, VP of Geek+ Europe, says: “We are very excited to see our sorting robots provide Athinaiki S.A. with the speed and accuracy needed for excellent last-mile delivery services. With Geek+ and FDL, intelligent automation is easily accessible to Greek companies.”

Vassilis Karakoulakis – Chairman FDL GROUP, says: “We see it as our responsibility to explore new technologies that can help streamline supply chain operations and work together with local pioneers like Athinaiki S.A. to facilitate the transition from physical stores to e-commerce. Geek+ flexible sorting robots provide us with an efficient tool that widens our reach, allowing us to help SMEs and big brands alike meet customer expectations for accurate and efficient services to compete and grow.”

Set in a 562 sq m warehouse, 29 sorting robots currently support warehouse employees by handling sorting of 1,400–1,500 parcels/hour. Today, employees will put ordered goods onto sorting robots that will automatically transfer them to one of the 104 sorting cages bound for different destinations following a simple chutes layout made up of QR codes. With no need for wires or fixed infrastructure, companies can flexibly scale operations should there be a sudden change in throughput demand by simply adjusting the number of robots and sorting destinations.

The solution can be immediately set up into existing facilities, saving considerable infrastructure costs, leading to fast ROI. Controlled by RMS (robot management system) and powered by algorithms, the solution monitors robot traffic and balances the task of each robot to achieve maximum sorting efficiency, allowing 3x more productivity and 99.99% sorting accuracy.

Interroll records record growth

In the first half of 2021, Interroll, a leading provider of material handling solutions, reported a significant increase of 60.1% in order intake (+61.0% in local currencies) and a significant increase in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of +39.5% and result of +40.4%.

  • Order intake amounted to CHF 421.6 million (+60.1%)
  • Sales increased strongly to CHF 272.0 million (+16.7%)
  • EBIT reached CHF 45.0 million (+39.5%)
  • The result increased by 40.4% to CHF 33.4 million (previous year’s period: CHF 23.8 million)
  • The result margin reached 12.2% (previous year: 10.2%)

Positive trends from the second half of 2020 continued. Sales reached CHF 272.0 million (+16.7% compared to CHF 233.2 million in the same period of the previous year). In local currency, sales grew by 16.4%.

Order intake increased significantly by 60.1% to CHF 421.6 million (previous year: CHF 263.4 million). In local currency, the increase was even slightly better at 61.0%.

Interroll again succeeded in increasing EBIT at a disproportionately high rate of 39.5% to CHF 45.0 million (previous period: CHF 32.3 million).

“In the first half of 2021, Interroll recorded record growth in order intake, EBIT and profit,” says Ingo Steinkrüger, Chief Executive Officer of Interroll Worldwide Group. “In addition to investments in technology platforms and capacities, our high cost and investment discipline also contributed to this positive result.”

At CHF 63.9 million, consolidated sales in the Rollers product group were 21.7% higher than in the previous year. All regions contributed to the growth. In terms of incoming orders, the product group recorded a strong recovery of +47.2% to CHF 79.7 million (previous-year period: CHF 54.2 million). This excellent performance was driven by highly efficient manufacturing processes and the high quality of Interroll products.

However, Interroll also proactively anticipated and exploited the potential of market trends, such as the continued strong development of e-commerce and user investments in modernisation and outsourcing to third-party logistics (3PL) providers.

Consolidated sales of the Drives product group amounted to CHF 93.2 million in the first half of 2021, up 17.8% on the previous-year period (CHF 79.1 million). Thanks to innovative products such as the EC5000 RollerDrive, which is successful in the market, consolidated order intake rose to CHF 119.6 million compared with CHF 77.4 million in the prior-year period.

The Conveyors & Sorters product group recorded consolidated sales of CHF 88.1 million in the first half of 2021, 8.9% higher than in the same period of the previous year (CHF 80.9 million). Order intake rose significantly to CHF 186.6 million, an increase of 67.4% compared to the previous year period with CHF 111.4 million.

At the end of the first half of 2021, Interroll generated consolidated revenue of CHF 26.9 million with the Pallet Handling product group, up 30.6% on the same period of the previous year (CHF 20.6 million). Consolidated order intake increased by 74.7% to CHF 35.7 million (previous year: CHF 20.4 million).

At the end of the first half, the regions accounted for 60% of total sales in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), 27% in the Americas, and 13% in Asia-Pacific.

In the EMEA region, consolidated sales amounted to 162.2 million, 15.7% above the previous year (CHF 140.2 million). Consolidated order intake increased by 53.3% compared to the previous year (CHF 144.2 million) and reached CHF 221.1 million. The EMEA region thus recovered strongly in the first half of 2021.

Sales in the Americas region amounted to CHF 74.5 million, 17.4% higher than in the previous year (CHF 63.5 million). With growth of 95.8% in order intake to CHF 151.3 million (previous year: CHF 77.3 million), a very strong dynamic was noticeable. New orders for sorters doubled, which also include orders for the new High-Performance Crossbelt Sorter (HPCS) and two major projects.

Interroll’s consolidated sales in the Asia-Pacific region grew by 19.8% to CHF 35.3 million (previous year: CHF 29.5 million). Order intake achieved growth of 17.3% to CHF 49.1 million (previous year: CHF 41.9 million). Rollers and RollerDrive in particular recorded an increase in demand. The sorter demand recovered strongly, but demand for conveyors declined.

Results with significant growth

At CHF 56.3 million, Interroll significantly exceeded the previous year’s level (CHF 43.5 million) by 29.3% in terms of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) in the first half of the year- The EBITDA margin increased to 20.7% (previous year: 18.7%). EBIT reached CHF 45.0 million and were 39.5% above the previous year’s figure of CHF 32.3 million. Result increased by 40.4% to CHF 33.4 million (previous year : CHF 23.8 million). The result margin reached 12.2% (previous year: 10.2%).

Gross capital expenditures amounted to CHF 32.0 million (previous year: CHF 26.0 million). Free cash flow thus decreased to CHF 5.0 million (previous year: CHF 20.0 million ). The construction of the new plant in Mosbach, southern Germany, was completed in the reporting period and the new plant in Suzhou, China, is already under construction.

Total assets increased to CHF 541.3 million by 30th June, 2021, 15.5% higher than at the end of last year’s period (CHF 468.8 million). Equity amounted to CHF 312.6 million, while the equity ratio was 57.8% (31.12.2020: 66.5%).

Operating cash flow decreased by 44.5% to CHF 25.3 million (previous year: CHF 45.6 million).

Outlook

Due to a high order backlog, the company has a positive outlook, but at the same time the situation on the raw material markets and for precursors such as semiconductors remains very tense. The company thus remains cautiously optimistic overall for the rest of the year.

Thanks to its strong market position, innovative products and dynamically growing end markets (e-commerce and courier, express, and parcel [CEP], food and beverage, and warehousing and distribution), Interroll also sees long-term growth potential.

MHS introduces cross-belt sorter for small items

MHS, a single-source provider of material handling automation and software solutions, has unveiled a new cross-belt sorter designed to handle small items. The HC-Loop Double Cell has an innovative design that uses sections of two cross-belt cells that can either work simultaneously to handle a single large item or independently to handle two smaller items and boost capacity.

The versatility of the double-cell design enables the sorter to handle items as small as 75x75x3mm and as large as 850x650mm. The HC-Loop Double Cell gives operations a solution to reliably handle small items like flyers, polybags and shoe boxes, while maintaining the flexibility to handle larger packages like electronics or office supplies.

The precise diverts of the HC-Loop Double Cell enables the use of narrower chutes to increase density and reduce the total footprint of the system, while achieving up to 99.99% sortation accuracy. An intelligent induction system works to increase the utilization of available sorter cells by booking them in advance for target parcels, helping operations reach a capacity of up to 4,500 parcels per hour using a single compact induction line.

“As operations face a demanding product mix and rising commercial real estate costs, the HC-Loop Double Cell sorter offers the versatility they need in a compact, efficient package,” says Luis Antezana Vila, Product Manager, Cross-belt Systems, MHS. “But avoiding unplanned downtime is also critical. That’s why we’ve worked to establish strong component reliability and leverage sensor-based technology to predict and prevent unexpected outages.”

Sensors placed along the sorter track and within each cell constantly monitor overall system status and individual components. Through predictive analytics, MHS can detect when a failure might be imminent, based on data reaching pre-determined thresholds, and proactively alert maintenance teams to help avoid unnecessary downtime. The company provides local sales, support and service for implementations worldwide.

Click here to view the video

 

New Sitma sorting system features cutting-edge technology

Sitma Machinery is launching Symphony, a sorting system that takes up the baton of Easy Sort and Speedy Sort, its existing best-sellers in the logistics automation sector. Through Symphony, Sitma takes another step forward, creating a cutting-edge technology that remains easy to use and fully satisfies the new challenges facing the sector.

Symphony can be configured in both a “tilt tray” and “cross belt” mode. The first example of this technological evolution was created for an important operator in North America, where it is currently being installed, with testing forecasted by autumn of this year.

The growth of the logistics sector driven by e-commerce, is one of the most relevant phenomena in recent years. According to data provided by PR Newswire, the sector boasts a compound annual growth rate of 23% globally and will reach $16 trillion in value by 2027. This increase creates new needs, including the necessity to create increasingly complex and articulated layouts that can move objects even faster.

Sitma has put in place the know-how accumulated in over 40 years of activity in the logistics sector and working around the concept of modularity, has launched a system that is able to support particularly complex configurations. Symphony can in fact be set up with straight or curved modules, suitable for supporting upward or downward movements and preserving the packs from the risk of falling and damage — even at high speeds. All of this is achieved in incredible silence.

Single starting point

A single modular base structure allows the use of both a tilt tray and cross belt technology, depending on the specific needs. Symphony can also support multi-output and multi-directional configurations, helping to increase production capacity and line efficiency. The chutes for unloading products allow for maximum flexibility, giving customers the opportunity to manage different outlet configurations and container positions for collecting the products. Even for large dimensions, the outputs can be dynamically configured according to the changing production needs.

Speed ​​is an increasingly determining factor for players in the logistics chain, whether they are postal operators, couriers or third-party providers. This was demonstrated by The Canada Post Corporation, which found this innovative technology to be the ideal solution for tackling logistics management. According to a survey carried out by PwC, receiving a product as quickly as possible is in fact at the top of the list of services requested by those who order through e-commerce platforms.

Having a fast and efficient sorting system is a fundamental requirement to meet this need. Symphony offers top performance in this sense, being able to manage up to 14,000 products per hour in the tilt-tray configuration and up to 20,000 with cross-belt configuration. The system also boasts an increased load capacity compared to previous solutions, being able to sort larger and heavier products. In the tilt-tray configuration it reaches up to 15kg per tray, while in the cross-belt configuration, it can manage up to 30kg.

These performances require a handling system that guarantees operational fluidity and maximum reliability. Symphony runs on polyurethane wheels, specifically designed to minimize noise (which is below 70dB) providing add-on value in the work environment. The system is also gearless and equipped with standardised transport cells, which are very light and highly technological. The brushless motors are installed on-board and each cell is powered by electricity; being interconnected via wi-fi with the PLC, to communicate its positioning in real time. These features are not only useful for purposes of planning sorting activity (for example to send and receive inputs from PLC for unloading) but also for the constant monitoring of the line. To be more precise, it’s possible to know where the products are at any given moment in time.

Little or no maintenance

Finally, Symphony minimises maintenance activities by using a high number of identical parts, thanks to this new development that has been extremely simplified. Sitma has also turned its design efforts towards arriving at a solution that is completely maintenance-free – a goal that can be achieved by equipping the sorter as an alternative to mechanical traction systems, with electromagnetic traction solutions. In this case, linear motors and magnets are used, which are installed directly on the cells. In addition to the total elimination of maintenance activities, this also entails a further reduction in noise.

Interroll introduces new vertical crossbelt sorter

Interroll has launched a new vertical crossbelt sorter which saves space, is energy-efficient and is easy to maintain. With the new MX 018V Vertical Crossbelt Sorter, Interroll says it makes it easier for system integrators and their end customers to enter the world of automatic crossbelt sortation solutions.

Above all, courier and parcel service providers, e-commerce providers and logistics service providers gain the ability to handle a high variety of goods in a space-saving, gentle and energy-efficient manner via a single technical infrastructure with a high number of end points. At the same time, users benefit from the performance and economic advantages offered by Interroll’s proven, mechanically driven crossbelt sorter platform.

For the new MX 018V Vertical Crossbelt Sorter, which replaces the previous ST 6130 Vertical Crossbelt Sorter, the conveying speed of unit loads has been increased to up to 1.8 m/s compared to 1.6 m/s. In addition, the maximum extension length has been increased from 80m to 180m. With the new sorter, high throughput rates of up to 14,000 unit loads per hour can be achieved and goods weighing up to 35kg can be transported. In the process, the sorter handles a wide variety of different sorted goods—from cartons, parcels, maxi letters, and mailing bags to polybags and more. The use of energy-efficient geared motors enables lower energy requirements compared to conventional sorter drives.

Sorter control on request

If desired, the new MX 018V Vertical Crossbelt Sorter can be commissioned both quickly and safely, using a modular and autonomous machine control system from Interroll as a plug-and-play solution, and connected to the respective on-site goods management system by the system integrators.

“The linchpin of the new solution is the benefit it offers our customers,” explains Steffen Flender, Managing Director of Interroll Automation GmbH. “That is why the new MX 018V Vertical Crossbelt Sorter is based on our modern crossbelt sorter platform, which is already used in the MX 025H Horizontal High Performance Crossbelt Sorter. In this way, our customers and the users benefit from, among other things, proven technologies, short delivery times and fast spare parts supply as part of the Interroll Lifetime Service.

“At the same time, the system can be seamlessly adapted to user-specific requirements thanks to its modular expandability. One example is the optionally available Top Loader, which is based on the innovative infeed conveyors for crossbelt sorters.”

Today, around 500 sorters from Interroll are already in use worldwide at industry leaders such as Amazon, DHL, FedEx, UPS, Hugo Boss, Inditex (ZARA), Zalando, Swiss Post, Austrian Post and China Post. An important reason for this success is the basic mechanical principle of these automatic sorting systems. Unlike competing products, the number of electronic components in Interroll’s sorter solutions has been kept as low as possible by design. The unique design principle thus ensures maximum availability, very long service lives, minimal operating costs and short payback times.

A video on the new vertical crossbelt sorter is available via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QfxJfSrauc

 

 

Danish medical products company expands logistics centre

Abena is making use of TGW expertise in expanding its logistics centre. At its headquarters in southern Denmark, the manufacturer of health and medical products is installing an energy-efficient conveyor system for cartons, trays and soft packages (polybags). The facility is scheduled to open by summer 2021.

Founded in the town of Aabenraa in 1953, today Abena is one of the leading manufacturers of health and medical supplies. The family-owned business operates production locations in Denmark, Sweden and France and supplies hospitals, nursing homes and end customers in more than 80 countries.

To put the foundation for future growth in place, Abena is expanding its existing logistics centre by adding an energy-efficient conveyor system network. TGW KingDrive unites the individual functional areas, transporting cartons, trays and soft packages – and does so quickly, efficiently and reliably. The innovative technology uses gearbox-free, maintenance-free motorised rollers and combines high performance with a long service life and low Total Cost of Ownership.

In collaboration with Abena, TGW has developed a customised concept for making optimal use of the available floor space. “We couldn’t be more pleased to support the customer and the cooperation to create the solution jointly with Ole Cordes, Head of Technical Operations and Support,” emphasises Hans Gjers, Business Development Manager at TGW Scandinavia.

Abena also takes advantage of TGW’s service expertise. The Lifetime Services contract includes a maintenance and spare parts package and ensures maximum system availability during ongoing operation.

Interroll establishes new service organisation

Interroll is expanding its range of services to continuously improve convenience for system integrators and end users. To this end, Interroll is placing its services for new and existing customers, marketed under the name “Interroll Lifetime Service”, on a new organisational footing. The company has therefore created a central service unit in Sinsheim, Germany, which is responsible for European spare parts and repair management, maintenance, installation services and training measures.

A central element of the new organisation is the newly created central warehouse for standard spare parts in Ketsch near Heidelberg, which is operated by an efficient logistics partner. This is where over 90% of the operation-critical spare parts for key products and conveyor modules for material flow solutions based on Interroll’s modular platform solutions are kept. Its central location in Europe, direct connection to the major long-distance transport axes and proximity to Frankfurt Airport ensure a rapid supply of spare parts to European customers and users.

Depending on the respective service contract, delivery of corresponding orders is guaranteed within 24 hours. This also applies to the repair and general overhaul of products such as drum motors, special conveyor modules and key Smart Pallet Mover (SPM) products for which the central workshop in Baal near Düsseldorf and its decentralized repair facilities in the various European countries are responsible.

The new service organisation, called “Global Lifetime Service”, includes around 100 qualified Interroll service employees in the European subsidiaries as well as certified partners who are responsible for providing customer-oriented support and carrying out the respective maintenance, repair and installation services throughout Europe within the framework of the central service unit in Sinsheim, the central warehouse in Ketsch and the repair facilities.

“Customer satisfaction is our top priority, so it is only logical to expand our services. With the reorganisation of our service organisation for system integrators, we are not only significantly increasing the efficiency and performance of our customer service. In addition, we are creating the basis for being able to develop and offer future innovations in the service business even faster,” explains Jens Strüwing, Executive Vice President Products & Technology of the Interroll Group.

The new service organisation, which is set up as a profit centre, will support new and existing customers with a variety of needs-based spare parts services In addition, installation and maintenance services— such as on-site commissioning, maintenance, inspection, repair and optimisation of existing solutions based on Interroll technologies—will be offered.

Moreover, online support for preventive maintenance measures and training services will be provided. Following its introduction in Europe, a corresponding reorganisation for the marketing of Interroll Lifetime Service will also take place in America and Asia.

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