AUTUMN 2021
The Irish Magazine for the Materials Handling, Warehousing & Logistics Sectors
Application phase underway for IFOY AWARDs 2022 *The search is on for the best intralogistics products and system solutions Which new products and solutions are among the best in intralogistics? As of now, suppliers of new products can once again apply for the International Intralogistics & Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY AWARDs). There are a total of 13 categories to choose from for 2022, covering almost all areas of application in intralogistics. For the tenth round of the worldwide competition, the VDMA’s (Mechanical Engineering Industry Association) Robotics + Automation Association (R + A) has joined as the sponsor for the “Robot” category. The VDMA Association for Materials Handling & Intralogistics has supported the IFOY AWARD since the beginning of the competition. “We are delighted about this new cooperation. The past rounds of the IFOY AWARD have shown that the importance of the Robot category has increased continuously. Robotics is considered one of the great pacemakers in the digitalisation of intralogistics,” emphasised jury chairwoman Anita Würmser. “Robotics is the future. In the smart factory, production and logistics are growing ever closer together and robots are taking over more and more monotonous tasks - from container stacking, picking and palletising to goods transport. In addition to robots, forklifts, warehouse technology equipment and special vehicles, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), shuttles, cargo bicycles, drones, cranes, software and apps as well as successfully implemented, holistic warehouse concepts are also eligible to apply.” In addition, outstanding technical details or components are awarded, such as ergonomic innovations, safety solutions or automation components. In the category “Start-up of the Year”, newly founded companies with innovative prototypes or functional developments can apply for an IFOY AWARD again this year. The deadline for applications is October 30, 2021. Applications can only be submitted via the Internet at www.ifoy.org. The conditions of participation can be requested from the IFOY office. The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY AWARD) has established itself as an indicator of cost-effectiveness and innovation and is considered the definitive innovation award in intralogistics due to its technical expertise. The jury, which includes the editors-in-chief of leading international logistics media, with Fleet Transport & Handling Network representing Ireland, makes its decisions independently,
according to transparent criteria and on the basis of professional expertise. The basis of the decision is the three-stage audit. The products and solutions nominated for the final undergo individually tailored driving or functional tests, including the IFOY test protocol comprising around 80 criteria as well as the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, on the occasion of the IFOY TEST DAYS in March 2022 at the Dortmund exhibition centre. The decisive factor is that the nominees are not compared with each other, but with their competitive products on the market. In addition, jurors and their teams of advisors from the business world travel to assess the finalists themselves before casting their vote.
At a glance: IFOY AWARD categories 2022 1. Counter Balanced Truck up to 3.5 tonnes 2. Counter Balanced Truck from 3.51 tonnes 3. Heavy Load Forklift: Container stackers, heavy-duty forklifts with more than 8 tonnes 4. Special Vehicle: Forklifts and vehicles for special tasks, special vehicle manufacturing, drones, cargobikes, truck-mounted forklifts 5. Warehouse Truck ‘highlifter’: Materials handling equipment from the 2nd rack level, such as high-bay trucks, VNA trucks or reach trucks, pedestrian-controlled highlift trucks, order-picking trucks, etc. 6. Warehouse Truck ‘lowlifter’: Materials handling equipment up to 1st rack level, such as pedestrian-controlled lowlift trucks, lift trucks, tow tractors, tugger trains, order-picking trucks, etc. 7. Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV): Shuttle (systems), driverless transport systems, automated/partially automated materials handling equipment in the context of the application options 8. Robot: Robots or robot-based solutions for intralogistic applications (picking robots, palletising and depalletising robots, cobots, robots for automatic unloading and loading of trucks, etc.) 9. Intralogistics Software: Apps and intralogistics system or software solutions in the context of the application options, such as warehouse management systems, truck guidance systems, advanced driver assistance systems, fleet management systems, etc. 10. Integrated Warehouse Solution: A warehouse concept that has been successfully implemented at the customer’s location 11. Special of the Year: Components or technical details that significantly improve economics or environment, the physical or psychological conditions of the user, such as ergonomic innovations, safety assistant solutions, automation solutions, drive technology, forklift attachments, etc. 12. Crane and Lifting Appliance: Cranes for various applications, like bridge and gantry cranes, wall travelling cranes, jib cranes, overhead monorail cranes, light cranes, etc. Lifting appliances like chain hoists and rope hoists, winches, magnet lifters, vacuum lifters, lifting platforms and mobile elevating work platforms etc 13. Start-up: The trophy is awarded to innovative prototypes or functional developments (intralogistics products, software, vehicles or components) of newly founded companies.
ADDING GREEN TO FUTURE LOGISTICS
THE NEXT GENERATION MOFFETT ESERIES NX QUIET, STRONG AND 100% ELECTRIC An entirely new range of all-electric truck mounted forklifts, equipped with the latest Lithium-ion battery technology and all-wheel drive to make your deliveries even quicker and smoother. Ideal for moving goods from outside to inside, distribution at night and deliveries within Low Emission Zones.
Cargotec Ireland Limited Ardee Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth +353 (0)42 9359500 moffett.forklift@hiab.com www.hiab.com
contents AUTUMN 2021
The Irish Magazine for the Materials Handling, Warehousing & Logistics Sectors
Volume MMXX Issue 1 59 COVER Entries open for IFOY 2022 Awards
64 AWARDS Presentations of the IFOY 2021 Awards
62 NEWS TCS&D teams up with ITT Hub for 2022 Major contract for Momentum
66 LAUNCH PAD New developments from Toyota Materials Handling & Jungheinrich
63 WAREHOUSING Beneficial advice from Combilift & Aisle Master
69 SUPPLY CHAIN Looking back on 2021 to date
Safety Storage Efficiency Manage your logistics more safely and more productively using less space with Combilift’s materials handling solutions • • • • •
Safer product handling Optimised production space Improved storage capacity Increased productivity & output Enhanced profits
combilift.com WLN Liz Logistic heavy A5 rev 1.3.indd 1
Published by:
Fleet Publications, D’Alton Street,
Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland F12 E7P2
Editor:
Jarlath Sweeney – jarlath@fleet.ie
Contributors:
Howard Knott, Rob van Dieten
Advertising:
Mary Morrissey
Administration:
Orla Sweeney
Design & Layout: Crackerjack Design House Contact Details: Telephone: 00353 94 9372826
Email: handlingnetwork@fleet.ie
07/01/2021 12:53:24
WHO GETS HANDLING NETWORK? Handling Network - the magazine of the Irish Handling & Distribution Industry - is produced bi-monthly by specialists in the materials handling sector, with contributions by experts on topics of special interest to its readership. Handling Network is distributed on controlled circulation; addressed to key personnel in Ireland’s top companies and organisations. Recipients include Company Directors, Purchasing Managers, Warehouse & Logistics Managers, Plant & Production Engineers, Transport Managers, Safety Officers and other relevant personnel. Areas covered include forklift trucks, warehouse logistics, racking, storage & distribution, commercial vehicles, plant & equipment finance, lifting gear, loading bay and conveyor systems...together with information on health and safety issues.
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in Handling Network, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by advertisers, manufacturers or contributors or for opinions expressed. Copyright for all material contained in this magazine remains with the publishers.
www.handling-network.com
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news
TCS&D joins ITT Hub to launch the Cold Chain Hub for 2022 Following the resounding success of the first edition of ITT Hub, organiser Farnborough International has announced growth plans for 2022. With the addition of cold chain, storage, and distribution set to become an integral sector within the technology in commercial road transport event, the new plans will see the event grow by 20% and attract an additional 2,000 attendees and 50 expert exhibitors. Taking place at the world-class Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, ITT Hub will utilise an additional 4,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space, which will be developed as the Cold Chain Hub. The newly branded area will be run by the TCS&D (Temperature Controlled Storage and Distribution) Event and will accommodate over 50 establis hed companies in this high value sector of the market. Through the development of this collaboration, ITT Hub’s expanded positioning within the industry will target additional buyers from the frozen food and pharmaceutical sectors, together with storage and distribution buyers. Leading magazine TCS&D will be the key media title supporting the Cold Chain Hub, with Martyn Cogan, Director, TCS&D managing the stand sales and commercial activities with the
ITT Hub team. To continue building its portfolio of internationally renowned transportation, aerospace and aviation events, Farnborough International acquired ITT Hub in June 2021 from Binswood Media with the aim to establish the event as the premier platform to spearhead the future of transport and revolutionise the commercial vehicle market. The exhibition will continue to connect businesses from across Europe as the industry transitions to net zero emissions and strives to reach maximum efficiency. Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International said: “The entire distribution sector for trailers and cold chain is a hugely significant part of the transport piece. Refrigerated products and technology are advancing at pace, as part of the drive towards decarbonisation of transport. At Farnborough International, we have the space, the team, the expertise and above all, the commitment to bringing the entire commercial road-based transport sector to ITT Hub. “The inaugural ITT Hub was a fantastic success and this innovative partnership between ITT Hub and TCS&D is just the first step in our strategy to make it the number one event in the UK for this sector. Given the level of interest in exhibitor
re-bookings for next year, we know that the market will see this as a very positive move, as we support the industry to create a fantastic showcase to be proud of.” Martyn Cogan, Director of TCS& D, added: “I am so excited about this opportunity. As an established family business, we have a long history in this market, and we look forward to hosting our companies, supporters and industry colleagues at this world-class venue. We will be able to use our expertise in the sector coupled with the much larger venue team to create a pioneering showcase for the industry. “We are aiming to bring back the ever popular ‘TCS&D Trade Dinner’ to the first evening of the show, creating an event which takes us to another level. It’s a great opportunity for the entire industry to support this collaboration and I can’t wait to get started.” Following the 2021 event, taking place at the East of England Arena near Peterborough on the 7-8 September 2021, the 2022 TCS&D Show will be integrated into ITT Hub, running on an annual basis. The first TCS&D event was established by Richard Cogan back in 1981 and has a strong reputation, attracting over 1500 visitors over two days.
Momentum Support secures significant cleaning service contract with St James’s Hospital
Momentum Support has worked with St James’s Hospital since 2003. The company’s cleaning operatives are fully trained to provide high-quality daily cleaning services for a hospital environment. On a daily basis, Momentum Support staff liaise closely with the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control team to receive a full briefing on the wards, theatres and waiting areas that require urgent attention. Services that will be supplied by Momentum Support under the contract include comprehensive daily cleaning of the hospital, window cleaning, project works, grounds maintenance, as well as services relating to pest control and feminine hygiene. Commenting on the new contract, Ian Anderson, Group Chief Operating Officer, Momentum Support, said: “It
is extremely gratifying to have renewed our contract with St James’s Hospital. As one of the largest and busiest hospitals in the country, there is an ongoing requirement for specialised cleaning services across the hospital campus. I believe our success in winning this contract speaks to our expertise and excellent track record in the healthcare sector. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the hospital staff, as we work to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for them and their patients.” Aidan Turley, Director of Facilities at St James’s Hospital added: “St James’s Hospital is pleased to continue its partnership with Momentum Support. Now more than ever, hygiene is critical and it is important to have a trusted partner that can provide this service in a busy hospital environment.”
Soft services company, Momentum Support, has renewed its partnership with St James’s Hospital, Dublin to provide and deliver specialist cleaning services. The six-year contract is valued at approximately €6 million per annum and will create up to 20 full-time jobs. The contract, regarded as one of the most prestigious healthcare cleaning contracts in the country, was secured following a stringent and competitive tendering process.
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AUTUMN 2021
news I warehousing
‘Incorporating sustainable warehousing practices can reap many benefits’ The warehouse is more than just a place to store raw materials and finished products; it’s a competitive asset that can help meet long-term financial and environmental goals. Incorporating sustainable warehousing practices can reap many benefits, as outlined by Combilift.
sustainable goals, they usually favour purchasing and supporting businesses that are making a conscious effort to embrace purpose-driven initiatives. Therefore, adopting a granular perspective of customer sustainability expectations and enforcing eco-friendly practices will not only help to attract new customers but will also help retain existing ones.
3 Improve Overall Productivity
Inefficient use of warehouse space can lead to unnecessary operational costs, land usage and labour expenses. However, by investing in a sustainable design and maximising the warehouse’s interior capacity used to store raw materials or finished products, it can reduce operational costs over the lifetime of the warehouse. Increasing cube utilisation by constructing narrower aisles and taller pallet racks is one of the most efficient ways to do this and to get the most out of warehouse space. As the business grows and develops, it also will help to avoid relocating or constructing a larger facility that would inevitably increase the warehouse footprint.
Going green in the workplace can also increase productivity as it provides a far more pleasant working environment for employees, enhancing their motivation and contentment. Staff are more likely to work diligently and improve efficiency when working for an organisation that share their ideals and values. Therefore, companies that invest in sustainable initiatives foster a culture that is desired by focusing on and offering value to society. Giving employees a voice in presenting their ideas for how the organisation can become more environmentally friendly can also boost productivity by instilling a sense of belonging and responsibility to help and make a difference for the community. Not only will sustainable business practices empower current employees, but it can also help to attract the calibre of people to become part of the business.
2 Meet Customers’ Expectations
4 Maximise the Quality of Production & Products
Incorporating sustainable warehousing practices is more than an environmental gesture; customers expect businesses to operate in an ecologically and socially responsible manner, and it is often a deciding factor in their purchasing decisions. In addition, for customers to reach their own
Maximising the quality of production and products is a significant incentive to become a sustainable warehouse. One approach to do this is to adopt ‘Lean Manufacturing’. The quality of production and products is strengthened by eliminating non-value-added operations, detecting defects
1 Minimise the Warehouse Footprint
along with processes, resolving them, and preventing them in the future. This reduces waste which can be in the form of human effort, unnecessary materials, or any action that consumes time or space. Eliminating operations that obstruct the process of maximising quality is of utmost importance. This aids in the development of environmentally sustainable practices by identifying adverse environmental impacts prior to them occurring. Implementing frequent check-ins and follow-ups is critical to maintaining the highest levels of quality. This would not only reduce costs by getting rid of needless materials, but it would also contribute to a cleaner and more environmentally responsible brand image.
5 Reduce Your Operational Costs Developing a more sustainable warehouse makes economic sense in reducing operational expenses. The costs may appear significant initially, however the payback is far greater in the long run. Take solar panels, for example; while they may be expensive at the time of purchase, they will save money on utility bills in the long term. Harvesting rainwater for use in various areas of an organisation, such as the bathrooms, can also lower costs by reducing the amount of freshwater required. Employing renewable energy sources can prove to be very worthwhile and a good investment. Nonetheless, not all adjustments made to your warehouse must be costly; every small change can make a considerable difference in conserving energy and reducing pollutants. Saving paper by printing on both sides or switching off lights when they are not in use adds up and can make a difference in protecting the environment and saving money. www.handling-network.com
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awards
IFOY AWARDS 2021 honour winners in six categories Cargotec Ireland, the Dundalk based manufacturer of the MOFFETT truck-mounted forklift range, was among the six winners of the prestigious annual International Intralogistics & Forklift Truck of the Year. The awards ceremony, which took place for the first time at the German Football Museum in Dortmund, honoured arculus, idealworks, Interroll Group, STILL, VOLUME Lagersysteme and Cargotec. Deemed as the “Oscars of intralogistics” - the IFOY AWARD is the most important intralogistics awards programme in the world, as explained by the organisation’s Chairwoman Anita Würmser. “In 2021, fourteen international companies entered seventeen products and solutions in this the ninth round of the award.” “The winners of the IFOY AWARDs 2021 have once again demonstrated that businesses can be innovative and forward-thinking even in persistent pandemic times and bring top products to the market that have a significant effect on the future of intralogistics,” she emphasised. Cargotec Ireland won its first IFOY AWARD in the ‘Special Vehicle’ category with its second generation MOFFETT E4-25.3NX, the world’s first fully electric truck-mounted forklift. According to the jury, the emission-free and low-noise truck is unique in its class. It has three-wheel drive as well as numerous safety features and convinced the jury in the IFOY test on multiple levels, including its economic efficiency and high performance.
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The winner in the ‘Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)’ category was the BMW subsidiary idealworks with its autonomous mobile robot (AMR) the iw.hub. Originally developed for in-house use, the AMR is now freely available on the market and can be implemented very easily in just two days without any structural adjustments. It set an example at the IFOY TEST DAYS with its flexibility and other features, also scoring points with its competitive price. In the ‘Special of the Year’ category, the Smart Pallet Mover (SPM) from the Swiss Interroll Group took the honours. This is a new, mobile robot solution for the automation of pallet transport in the areas of production machines and order picking. It convinced testers and the jury not only with its high degree of innovation, but also with an outstanding cost-benefit advantage.
AUTUMN 2021
awards
Arculus won the ‘Intralogistics Software’ category. The independent manufacturer of a fleet management system called arculus Fleet impressed the jury, as it enables the operation of AGVs from different manufacturers in one area via a VDA5050 interface. It also opens up new possibilities for the mixed operation of automated warehouse vehicles, which were unthinkable in practice until not long ago.
In the ‘Integrated Warehouse Solutions’ category, this year’s award went to STILL. The Hamburg based intralogistics company made it to the top step with its Danfoss project. For Danfoss Power Electronics’ new production warehouse, STILL had implemented a perfectly coordinated solution consisting of three automated series industrial trucks, the smart iGo insights tool and the ELOshield safety system for its Danish customer. According to the jury, the project is an impressive example of how automated warehouses will be controlled, monitored and analysed in the future. No less than five emerging companies qualified for the final round in the ‘Start-up of the Year’ category this year, each offering different innovative solutions. In the end, Volume WAVE from VOLUME Lagersysteme got most votes. The world’s first fully automated pallet shuttle warehouse with individual access to each storage location convinced the jury with its fundamentally new design principle as well as its professional implementation. The scientists and engineers on the adjudication panel described the extremely space-saving solution in the IFOY Innovation Check as ‘impressive’. The International Intralogistics & Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) AWARD recognises the best intralogistics products and solutions of the year. It has established itself as an indicator
of cost effectiveness and innovation and is regarded as the leading innovation award in intralogistics due to its technical expertise. The basis for the decision is the three-stage audit consisting of the IFOY test protocol with around 80 criteria, the scientific IFOY Innovation Check and the jury test. The most important detail is that the nominees are not compared with each other, but with their competitors’ products on the market. At the IFOY TEST DAYS held in March at the Messe Dortmund exhibition centre, all nominees went through the IFOY test series. For the second year in a row, around 100 potential buyers were also on site at the TEST CAMP Intralogistics. The winners of the IFOY AWARDs are chosen annually by an international jury of trade journalists, from countries all over the world, including Ireland, represented by Fleet Transport/Handling Network magazine. The IFOY Award is sponsored by the Association for Materials Handling and Intralogistics within the VDMA. IFOY partners are Messe Dortmund and the world’s leading forklift attachment manufacturer Cascade. The IFOY AWARD’s pallet partner is CHEP, the global market leader in the pooling of pallets and containers. The logistics real estate partner is GARBE, the trailer partner is Kögel and the logistics partner is LTG. Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
The application phase for the IFOY AWARD 2022 is now underway – log on to www.ifoy.org for more details.
IFOY AWARD: All winners 2021 at a glance: n MOFFETT E4-25.3NX, Cargotec Ireland n iw.hub, idealworks n Smart Pallet Mover (SPM), Interroll Group n arculus Fleet, arculus n Danfoss Project, STILL n Volume WAVE, VOLUME Storage Systems
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launch pad I
New reach truck models from Toyota optimise safety and performance levels
Toyota Material Handling Europe has launched the first three models in the new BT Reflex family of reach trucks. The latest models – the high-performance R-series, the E-series (which features Toyota’s iconic and unique tilting cab) and the flexible O-series for inside and outside use - set new standards in safety, efficiency and ergonomics. The trucks, which are offered with load capacities of between 1.4 and 2.5 tonnes and lift heights of up to 13 metres, feature a host of innovations - including an updated ergonomic operator compartment that optimises safety, performance levels and operator comfort. Within the operator’s cabin the steering unit with palm support has been refined for enhanced touch sensitivity and feel. Also, a new main control console, positioned to the right-hand side of the driver, helps to make the new BT Reflex models highly intuitive to control - which results in improved throughput speeds and safer working. Another notable addition within the operator’s area is a new large colour touchscreen display which provides a clear view of critical information and direct access to the truck’s programmable features and functions. Like the main controls, the touchscreen has been designed with ease of operation in mind and its instinctive and interactive functionality guarantees a high level of efficiency. Of course, driver comfort has not been forgotten and all the new models have the option of a high-quality air suspension seat. With environmental issues a key design consideration, every model is lithium-ion ready and comes with a choice of three intelligent energy solutions to suit every customer’s application requirements. These solutions are based on Toyota’s own modular lithium-ion battery system and deliver a high degree of operational flexibility. With good charging discipline, even the smallest option will provide the consistent power levels required to allow the trucks to work around the clock – even within the most demanding environments. All reach trucks from Toyota are connected smart trucks. Factory-fitted with integrated telematics, they are easy to connect with Toyota’s I_Site fleet management tool. I_Site allows users to measure truck safety and performance and achieve considerable savings in their fleet’s overall running costs. For the new machines the driver interface has also been improved, with the availability of I_Site features such as
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Smart Access - which allows only authorised operators to start a truck. In addition a Pre-Operational Check tool makes sure that an automated check is carried out by the driver before the beginning of every shift or day. Toyota has been at the forefront of class-leading reach truck design for over 25 years, during which time the company has brought such innovative features as the iconic tilting cab, transitional lift control and 360° steering to the market. The latest additions to the BT Reflex range continue the company’s proud history of reach truck innovation, as José María Gener, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Toyota Material Handling Europe, explains: “Providing businesses with high-quality, cost-effective and safe ways to power material handling equipment is of foremost importance, while keeping the environmental impact to a minimum. With these new products, we are reaching new levels in terms of safety, ergonomics and energy efficiency and we will continue to focus on bringing customers sustainable and efficient material handling solutions in the future.”
Safety Safety Storage Storage Efficiency Efficiency Whether you handle lawn & garden
supplies,your building supplies, palletized Manage warehouse logistics moregoods, safely engineered floor, wall and roof structural and more productively using less space with components, Aisle Master. Combilift has the solution with guaranteed improved storage capacity,
•saferSafer product handling product handling and increased productivity. • Optimised production space • Improved storage capacity • Increased productivity & output • Enhanced profits combilift.com aisle-master.com
www.handling-network.com Aisle Master food and drink half page A5 Liz.indd 1
AUTUMN 2021
launch pad II
The EKS 215a - Innovative automated high lift solution from Jungheinrich
Jungheinrich presented its newest automated guided vehicle (AGV) at its recent virtual trade press INNOVATIONS & HIGHLIGHTS 2021 conference. The new EKS 215a can independently store loads weighing 700 kilograms at a height of up to six metres and is therefore the ideal solution for the automation of high lift deployment.
The truck is based on a completely new and especially compact AGV chassis and Jungheinrich has also succeeded in reducing the virtual footprint of the EKS 215a significantly thanks to its new protective field concept. This enables the integration of the truck into existing warehouse layouts. Manual processes can be automated with the new EKS 215a that are currently mainly still carried out with counterbalance and reach trucks. A completely new human-machine interface ensures the particularly intuitive operation of the truck. “The new EKS 215a is Jungheinrich’s response to numerous customer requests relating to space requirements and possible uses. The truck is more compact, powerful and user-friendly than all before it,” explained Manuela Schmidbauer, product manager responsible for the new EKS 215a at Jungheinrich. “With a residual load capacity that is 40 percent higher than the previous truck, it is the ideal AGV for automating in-house transport and the storage of pallets in wide aisles.” A special innovation in the new EKS 215a is its new AGV chassis with its extra compact dimensions. Security scanners are installed below the truck floor to prevent them from being damaged and to save space. At 131 millimetres in length and 85 millimetres in width, Jungheinrich has managed to reduce the physical floor space in the EKS 215a. Nine mast types enable individual solutions for each application and the self-supporting forks increase the versatility when it comes to handling. The new EKS 215a uses 24-volt technology rather than 48-volt. This results in an energy cost saving of up to 30 percent. Charging processes are automated. A new human-machine interface with touch display offers additional options for interaction between the operator and AGV. The status of the new EKS 215a can be seen immediately at a single glance. In the event of faults, the truck offers a problem description in plain text and additional specific recommendations for action which also enables errors that could previously only be solved by a service technician to be eliminated easily. The human-machine interface may also be used to define or start manual driving orders, which was previously only possible centrally via the control station. “Jungheinrich offers its customers an extensive and customised solution with its long-standing expertise in automated intralogistics,” added Ms. Schmidbauer. Despite all the new features and although the AGV was developed specifically on the basis of customer requirements, the new EKS 215a is made up of over 90 percent proven Jungheinrich standard components. Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie www.handling-network.com
02/07/2021 15:13:07
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warehousing II
Forklifts and the Warehouse – Essential, Cost-Saving Advice
Anyone exploring the subject of returning the best possible results from a warehouse will soon discover how the right choice of forklift, combined with the ideal warehouse layout, are essential factors.
With advice from Aisle-Master, these topics are explored and explained further:Why? Simply because the perfect combination of both forklift and layout means maximising warehouse capacity, reducing damage to goods, faster transfer of items from storage to onward transport and – most of all – a workforce who have the right tools and set-up to work at their best. As part of its broad customer service levels, Aisle-Master, through its sister brand Combilift, provides a warehouse design package that can enable up to 50% extra warehouse capacity through a specialist layout. How important are forklifts to warehouse efficiency? Using articulated forklifts in a warehouse increases storage and reduces aisle depth while enhancing efficiency. In particular, electric forklifts are particularly popular in warehouses
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as they help reduce emissions and lower the company’s carbon footprint. An electric forklift can be utilised across 2-shifts operation by having a spare battery that is easily interchangeable, thus reducing downtime. How wide are warehouse aisles for forklift use? This varies on the brand of forklift and depth of load. But a standard counterbalance requires a 4m to 5m aisle, decreasing to a 3m to 3.5m aisle for a reach stalker. But an articulated forklift, for example an Aisle Master very narrow aisle forklift, reduces this to just 1.6m. How wide should a drive pattern be for driving a forklift in a warehouse? This will depend on the depth of the load but with an articulated forklift the intersecting aisle would be 2.7m. What is the best way to control forklift damage in a warehouse? Using safe, ergonomically-designed forklifts will help reduce product damage. In addition, safety barriers could be added to enhance safety even further.
How much does a forklift weigh? This with depend on the brand of forklift and application the forklift would be working in, but typically if 4 tonnes are needed to be lifted, a 5 tonne forklift is required. Creating Results from a warehouse – Proven method unlocks up to 50% increase Would increased warehouse storage capacity mean better bottom line results for your business? Many businesses in Ireland, the UK and worldwide have been using a tried and tested method to drive savings in their warehouse operation by pairing: 1 A Free Facility Planning Service: Provided by the warehousing equipment specialist Combilift, a free review includes racking layout proposals and storage density calculations to create the best possible performance from any warehouse.
Is a forklift manual?
2 The Aisle Master Very Narrow Aisles Articulated Forklift:
Most warehouse forklifts are electric as they are operating indoors with a simple forward and reverse motion – therefore no gears are required.
An ability to work in aisles as narrow as 1.6m and 15m tall means a single multi-purpose truck and faster ‘truck to rack’ operations. Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
AUTUMN 2021
supply chain
What has 2021 taught us about our Supply Chains?
The familiar Supply Chain is facing an unprecedented level of shift that has the potential to dramatically alter the businesses involved, whether they are at the beginning or the end of the supply chain, and particularly if the business is a link within that chain. COVID-19 and Climate Change play a significant role here, while in Europe, particularly in Ireland, Brexit is proving to be a major disrupter. The Irish Exporters Association (IEA), along with other trade and interest associations is playing a major role in helping its members and, through interventions on the media, the broader business public to make some sense of the constantly changing picture. All these activities will have to be significantly stepped up through September as peak season looms for many businesses. In a way the Brexit effect is the simplest one to get a handle on. Exporters to Britain are scheduled to see the imposition by the Authorities
there of the import controls, most of which should have come into play when the Free Trade Agreement came into effect on 1 January last. The new controls could significantly disrupt the food and drink sectors, while British importers of all products will be forced to play ‘catch-up’ in meeting all the border control requirements that should have been put into place months ago. While the EU customs code system is fully in play, the equivalent update of the UK systems is far from ready. The first-half 2021 trade figures indicating an overall drop off in Ireland/ Britain commerce show that, even though there was some recovery in the late springtime, trade is not likely to reach the pre-Brexit levels. This has implications for the provision of shipping and trailer services in that trade lane. The acceleration noted in volumes shipped to and from continental Europe is likely to continue with the deployment of more and larger vessels in both Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo services. These developments, leading to higher frequencies to and from a wider range of ports, will improve the effectiveness of the services and enable the reduction of costs. They will also drive down road miles and the requirement, for many operators, for trailers to be driver accompanied. With EU policies preferring the development of shipment of freight by rail rather than by road, Hauliers and Forwarders will have to change their operating model to that of having a well dispersed network
of partners throughout the continent. The COVID-19 effects continue to unfold. The assumptions at the beginning of the year that the pandemic was essentially beaten have proven to be completely wrong. Yes, in much of the developed world, lockdowns have eased and people can spend money on services and not only on manufactured goods. But outbreaks and lockdowns continue, particularly in Asia, and it is clear that global supply chains have been operating so close to capacity for the last number of years that any disruption has huge effects. Currently, it is unlikely that major volumes of goods ordered, whether from Asian suppliers for European markets or from Europe for Asian markets will fail to meet the Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other deadlines. It’s an indication as to how difficult things are, that, at the time of writing, oil producers are shifting significant volumes of diesel product from Asian to European markets to reduce stocks and maintain some level of profit. The diesel volumes have been further increased due to a lack of a market for aviation fuel anywhere. There are many other COVID-19 effects which can be discussed at another time, but can the three headline disrupters be connected in any way? Yes, manufacturers and customers now realise that the notion of ‘Just in Time’ delivery needs to be thought out again. They have had to learn that 2019 delivery deadlines are no longer realistic and that they will have to build into their supply chains the use of slower but more stable delivery systems. This also involves a much greater degree of dialogue between sender and receiver than would ever have been the case before. Such an approach should enable cost savings to be made and reduce the environmental damage involved. Text: howard Knott howard@fleet.ie www.handling-network.com
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