Manufacturing & LogisticsIT - June 2018

JUNE 2018

The European magazine promoting the effective use of IT in supply chain applications

Special Technology Report: AIDC/MOBILE COMPUTING

Interview: RENOLD

Also in this issue: Four ways to improve the supply chain with the

The future of supply chain operations

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Do w & n Lo lo gi a st d ics

Creating smarter warehouse solutions

M an uf ac tu rin g

First a driver shortage, now storage? – Not at all

Ne ws

ap p

Internet of Things

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Mind the skills gap Technology moves forward; it always has done. However, in recent times developmental leaps have become particularly balletic. Although the overall purpose of technological change is to take things from the status quo to loftier heights of refinement – or even come up with a sea change that sets the bar higher for competitors to follow – along with progress comes the need for people to understand and work with the newfangled equipment that is the product of such innovation.

This was recently spelled out by research from Gartner that showed two-thirds of organisations are not adequately addressing the infrastructure & operations (I&O) skills gaps that will impede their digital business initiatives. According to Gartner, successful I&O organisations will need to implement vastly different roles and technologies during the next five years. Gartner forecasts that by 2019 IT technical specialist hires will fall by more than 5%. Moreover, by 2021, 40% of IT staff will hold multiple roles, most of which will be business-related rather than technology-related.

“What made I&O leaders successful in the past is not what will make them thrive in the future,” said Hank Marquis, research director at Gartner. “Instead of focusing on the ‘what’ of I&O jobs – such as technical knowledge, education and training – I&O leaders need to shift their focus to the ‘how’ – the behavioural competencies required.” According to Marquis, IT operations organisations are being forced to redefine their roles and value propositions from those of technology providers, to become trusted advisors and differentiated business partners. The challenge is that most I&O professionals do not yet have the broad skillsets that organisations will need from them.

Gartner predicts that by 2020 75% of organisations will experience visible business disruptions due to I&O skills gaps, which is an increase from less than 20% in 2016.

Given the lack of digital dexterity for hire, I&O leaders must begin by developing these skills with the talent they already have. Most companies don’t have an accurate inventory of the available skills of their current IT workforces, so this must be a first step.

“Corporate digital business universities will eventually emerge to close the skills gap.

Experience-based career paths with formal mentoring for and within I&O will become standard for individual development,” said Marquis. “In the meantime, I&O leaders should work hand-in-hand with HR to shift away from position-based development, develop a tactical skills gap analysis, and utilise tools and methods for improving I&O skills inhouse.”

“The key to delivering digital value at scale is having the right people,” said Marquis. “As well as the required skills, people must have the desire and aptitude to exploit existing and emerging technologies.” Gartner predicts that, through 2020, 99% of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives in IT service management will fail, due to the lack of an established knowledge management (KM) foundation.

“Hype about AI is growing, as consumers become familiar with virtual assistants using conversational platforms,” said Chris Matchett, principal research analyst at Gartner. “I&O leaders responsible for the IT service desk are looking to exploit this to optimise IT support, but neither the technology nor the workplace is really ready to depend on virtual agents.”

Ed Holden Editor

As Gartner explains, KM is essential for a chatbot or virtual support agent (VSA) to provide answers to business consumers, but the response can only repeat scripted solutions when based on existing data from a static knowledge base. VSAs without access to this rich source of knowledge cannot provide intelligent responses, forcing I&O leaders to establish or improve KM initiatives. Before implementing chatbot or VSA technology, Gartner recommends establishing a foundation in KM by using techniques such as knowledge-centered service that focus on knowledge as a key asset.

Once chatbots and VSAs are in use, care should be taken to avoid conversational dead ends by automating escalation to traditional channels when knowledge responses fail to satisfy the issue. Logic should also be embedded into the chatbot to collect user feedback and identify the relevance of knowledge responses.

Knowledge management certainly needs to be the key going forward in order for companies to thrive in the ever-evolving digital age.

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IT June 2018

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CONTENTS Manufacturing and Logistics IT June 2018 The European magazine promoting the effective use of IT in supply chain applications

Editor: Ed Holden Contributors: Robert Hurt, Janam Technologies

6

Interview

9

Special Technology Report

Renold

AIDC/Mobile Computing

Mark Vos, Manhattan Associates Gunnar Gburek, TimoCom

Automatic Identification & Data Capture/Mobile

Derek Bryan, Verizon Connect

18

Publisher: Dean Taylor

Computing

New on the Market: DENSO launches Android BHT-1700 and BHT-1800

Janam: Rugged Mobile Computers – The art is in the delivery

JLT Mobile Computers presents new rugged tablet and IT solutions at TOC Europe

Designer: First Sight Graphics Ltd, www.firstsightgraphics.com

Datalogic: A vision for increasing efficiency across the supply chain

Ergonomic Solutions soon to launch OpenSpace DUO – a new concept in mPOS mounts

Production: Carolyn Pither Circulation: Carole Chiesa IT Manager: Ian Curtis

28

Supply Chain Management

32

Transportation Management

G.H.MUMM & CIE reduced inventory and costs, and increased visibility with DynaSys Gartner: The future of supply chain operations

Accounts: Sarah Schofield Published by: B2B Publishing Ltd PO Box 3575, Barnet, Herts, EN5 9QD UK

Push Possible with TMS, it’s an enterprise priority

TimoCom: First a driver shortage, now storage? – Not at all

Verizon Connect: Four ways to improve the supply chain with the Internet of Things

Tel: +44(0) 208 440 0372 Email (publishing): info@logisticsit.com Email (editorial): editor@ibcpub.com

Available transport capacity declines

Printed by: First Sight Graphics Ltd, www.firstsightgraphics.com

Warehouse Management

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publishers.

No liability is accepted for any action arising from the contents of this publication; readers are advised to check any manufacturer’s or supplier’s claim for products. The publishers do not endorse opinions expressed in any article by an outside contributor.

While every care is taken over photographs and illustrations, which are returned when requested, no liability can be assumed by the publishers for the loss of such materials.

ISSN:1463-1172

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40

Vanderlande software creates smarter warehouse solutions

UK businesses warned about a ticking data time bomb in the warehouse How two-way radio has adapted to modern warehousing operations

44

Manufacturing

Frost & Sullivan: The rise of connected cars in a changing world

80% manufacturing and utilities employees in the Midlands experience stress they struggle to cope with

- « w wi`

TRA ANSPORTATION T MANAGEME MA ENT SOLUTIONS S To learn more, e visit us o online at manh.co.uk email uk@manh.com or call +44 (0)1189 2280 076

Interview

Renold

Chain reaction Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke with Sarah Cobb, group business systems director at Renold, about the company’s current rationalisation of its IT estate and what it hopes to achieve after global go live.

R

enold plc is a global manufacturer of industrial chain, coupling and gearbox solutions.

The group delivers high precision engineered and power transmission products to a wide range of markets, from cement making and chocolate manufacturing to subway trains and power stations, escalators and quarries. Renold is a public company with an annual turnover of £183.4 million. The group employs over 2100 people in 23 countries and has manufacturing sites worldwide including the USA, Germany, India, China, Malaysia and Australia. (2017 annual report) Renold is currently investing in new technology to drive greater efficiency and accuracy in its processes, replacing its former ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems and also introducing new WMS (warehouse management) systems, worldwide.

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Roll-out Sarah Cobb, Renold’s group business systems director, is driving the change.

Cobb’s responsibilities include the company’s overall business systems strategy and the IT systems architecture that supports it. That includes the current global roll-out of Infor’s M3 ERP system. She is also responsible for legacy system support because Renold still uses a number of those systems, which it is currently replacing by standardising on M3 and TouchPath on a single platform and also the IT platforms that support it.

“There is a great deal of raw material movement in our business and we need to know where our inventory is at any time,” explained Cobb. “Clearly, inventory accuracy underpins any successful systems implementation of this kind: it boosts efficiency when you know exactly where the

Sarah Cobb: “There is a great deal of raw material movement in our business and we need to know where our inventory is at any time.”

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Renold

Go-live status Renold’s UK site in Cardiff is already live with both M3 ERP and TouchWMS. Its US site in Tennessee is also live; there the company currently uses SAP, but now integrated with TouchWMS.

inventory is located that you need for a given operation. We have a very broad customer base, which is a good thing, but breadth and diversity demand good systems to underpin the business.”

For historic reasons Renold had a myriad of ERP systems across the group (and a fragmented systems history) but is now moving to a single ERP. It is currently rolling out the Infor M3 ERP system across more than 20 manufacturing, distribution and sales sites including America, South Africa, China, India, Germany and Australia, alongside TouchPath’s ‘TouchWMS’ system, which can be integrated with any ERP. “TouchWMS is a flexible, tried and tested system that does exactly what it says on the tin,” Cobb observed. This is the group’s first foray into WMS, though Cobb does have previous personal experience of TouchWMS.

Barcoding To date the WMS has been well received by Renold users including those in Cardiff, Germany and Switzerland (around 120 employees in total) where the tangible benefits of barcoding – the first WMS application to be implemented across the group – already seemed to have overcome any early user reservations. WMS implementation in India and China is planned for 2018 alongside M3 ERP. Renold’s German team particularly appreciate the time that barcoding saves them now that they can book in inventory on the spot, and also book their manufacturing orders as soon they are completed. They also like having an up to date picture of events.

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A key benefit of Renold’s barcoding initiative using TouchWMS has been the ability to record operational booking within the manufacturing process, in real time. Going forward it will allow planners to know immediately where product is, and help them to understand schedule adherence, establish completion dates and direct labour resources. The system also allows the booking of production set-up and process times, allowing efficiency to be measured and improving costing accuracy through variance analysis. Also, the elimination of progress card collection and booking is labour-saving and more environmentally friendly.

The previous use of paper-based systems meant that stock movements were updated on the ERP system sometime after they had taken place, which led to product location and booking inaccuracies.

“The use of barcoding now gives us real time updates showing the product and location used,” said Cobb. “Over the course of the year this will save us the significant amounts of time that we used to spend investigating inventory levels that were not up to date or were inaccurate. Real time stock updates also allow PI (perpetual inventory management) to take place throughout the day in the knowledge that what is being counted is ‘as is’, not out of date.

Interview

goods are parted. “The use of WMS-driven barcoding now allows us to process the receipt without moving away from the goods, as mobile printing GRNs (goods received notes) and product labels can be produced next to the goods – this ensures a high level of accuracy,” Cobb pointed out. “When the goods are ready to be located the GRN can be quickly and easily scanned for identification and put-away.

“Before, there were odd pockets of barcoding for particular processes but no company-wide system that was properly integrated with ERP. Over time, the role of WMS in Renold will grow, but our first WMS step, all-sites barcoding for all inventory movements is already having a marked and measurable impact on the business.”

Some of the labelling is done through M3 and its StreamServe document management system. Renold also plans to do some labelling through the TouchPath system because it is at the point of use. “Not being an FMCG company or other type of high-volume product manufacturer, we don't have a huge requirement by customers for a large amount of labelling because we’re not shipping hundreds of consumer products such as washing machines,” said Cobb. “However, we do provide labels that have part numbers and EAN codes mainly for our own internal purposes but also for customers if required.”

All of Renold’s bar-coded data capture is currently done through the TouchPath TouchWMS system and through RF devices – either the traditional RF guns or newer smaller systems. All inventory – everything from raw material steel to components and finished products – is not permitted to move without being scanned.

Keeping track of goods arriving at a site can cause problems when the paperwork and the

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Interview

Renold

Design In terms of design software, Cobb explained

that Renold relies on PTC’s ProEngineer/Creo, Edgecam CAD CAM for computer-aided design and PTC’s Windchill PLM package for product lifecycle management. “These packages work well together and we will continue to use them after our full migration to a single platform has been completed,” said Cobb. “We have used various versions of ProE over the years but have now standardised on the latest version of Creo. We do have some other IT tools in place to interact with our customers, but internally it's wall-to-wall Creo throughout most of our larger manufacturing sites globally. We still have a couple more to move over to Creo, and we have a manager responsible for engineering systems who is currently involved in this process.”

Forecasting Most of Renold’s business is make to order or engineer to order, so forecasting is not the nature of its core business. “We hold certain amounts of safety stock; particularly of common components in some of our businesses where our product is more configured,” explained Cobb. “So, in terms of some of our chain products and some of our chain sites they have standard base chains and individual customers will require different attachments to fit the chain into their particular piece of machinery. We use MRP and safety stock rather than forecasting at the component level. This is all done in M3. Our

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view is ERP is the master driver of everything where it can be.”

rollout of our core transactional systems and the establishment of a single unified platform.”

Planning

Business intelligence

In terms of planning, this in the broadest sense is also done through the ERP system in much the same way that other types of manufactures would do it. However, Renold has integrated a finite capacity scheduling system from Preactor, a Siemens Business, within the ERP solution. Cobb elaborated: “Planning is done in M3, which decides what we need to make and when it's needed. Then, the finite capacity scheduling system works

Renold has an SQL server data warehouse, and a Cognos business intelligence (BI) platform which it has very recently upgraded to the latest version. “Cognos covers most of our major ERP data and will cover everything else once all the sites move to M3,” explained Cobb. “The BI side is more concerned with standard-type analytics functionality rather than the more high-end Big Data side. Big data tends to be more relevant for companies

out the manufacturing capacity for each of our factories based on the particular constraints within a factory and what the best way to meet as many of the deadlines as possible.”

that make a large number of transactions and, while we are not entirely engineer to order, for some of our businesses that is a very large proportion of what they do.”

Supply chain management

Data centre

Renold also relies on M3 for supply chain management, and although it has a number of complementary ‘bolt-on’ systems that will continue to play an important role within its systems landscape, the company’s current focus is to move away from its disparate legacy systems and complete the baseline, centralised, standardised ERP implementation. “Once M3 is fully implemented and working efficiently across our global plants, we can then look at supply chain management software and other packages,” said Cobb. “There is a long wish list of solutions we would like to consider during later stages of the strategy, but this will all be a lot simpler – in terms of technology, people and cost etc. – once we are on a single platform.”

We have an outsourced data centre in London which is where our M3 system and associated systems are housed. We also have some localised on premise systems in Cardiff. Cardiff is one of our relatively small factories, which is why it was the first to begin the move to M3. We didn't want to start with a big bang; rather, we wanted to ease our way into in the implementation – so the data centre is in front-managed by a third party.”

Cobb added that Renold has some very specialist software that is required by engineers within its gears business. “This software deals with things such as gear ratios and other heavy engineering-based usages,” she said. “However, these are small applications and are entirely local to the engineers that use them. These types of systems will continue to be used beyond the

Journey Cobb concluded: “With a business that has grown up in a fragmented way from an IT solutions perspective, there have been a number of challenges during our journey to one unified platform and the standardisation upon our chosen transactional systems.

However, we are making good progress with the roll-out and over the next year we will have completed the whole process – thus paving the way for substantially improved efficiencies for Renold going forward.” n

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AIDC/Mobile Computing

Special Technology Report

Information on the go Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke with a number of leading spokespeople from the vendor and analyst communities about recent, current and possible future developments within the world of automatic identification & data capture and mobile computing technology.

A

utomatic identification & data

Bhattacharya cites changing business needs

Andrew Briggs, technical director, BEC

capture (AIDC) solutions and

and customer demands as the primary

(Systems Integration) Ltd., comments that the

mobile computers are

reasons for these changes. She also believes

Zebra TC8000 mobile touch computer is right in

developing apace. But, what are

these changes can be attributed to the

BEC’s sweet spot in terms of vertical alignment,

some of the key areas of

increased focus by RFID and RTLS players on

i.e. warehousing & manufacturing, with its tough

development within this fast-changing

product and technology innovations. “A lot of

form factor and rugged, tilted screen etc.

technology space? Nandini Bhattacharya,

changes in the product and solution

Briggs adds that there is a lot of discussion

industry manager – M&I- IPC Business Unit,

development has happened keeping in mind

around Android. “This is bringing the price of

Frost & Sullivan, observes that the market has

the customer experience factor. e.g: in the

devices down, as customers are not paying for

changed both in terms of hardware and

retail, and hospitality, customer experience

a Windows licence on a mobile device so the

software. “On the hardware front, some of the

and satisfaction is an important factor,” she

purchase price is cheaper,” he said.

examples of latest developments include the

said. “Hence, it is extremely essential that

growth of beacons-based location tracking and

retail and hospitality companies provide

Regarding some of the key drivers for

monitoring, visual tags, wearable computers,

services that are able to enhance the

change, Briggs comments that in the case of

high memory tags, and the growth of passive

experience of their customers and engage

the TC8000 it is very different to the ‘norm’ in

RFID sensors,” she said. “On the software side,

them. This has resulted into innovative ways

terms of design, so this must be attributed to

we are seeing transformations in terms of SaaS

the RFID and RTLS technology can be used.”

the vendor taking into account and listening to what users in warehousing and manufacturing

based models, complete software solution platforms that are able to support multiple

Similarly, in case of healthcare, Bhattacharya

environments need from a mobile device. He

protocols if required, increased IOT

maintains that patient safety and patient

added that the scope of service and support

connectivity, Big Data and Cloud-based

comfort are on the top of the agenda for the

contracts has also changed to cover abuse.

applications, android and iOS-based solutions.

healthcare providers. “Hence, it is extremely

“For example, if they drop it and break it, it’s

We may also see the combination of

essential that RFID and RTLS companies can

now covered as standard,” he explained.

Blockchain along with RFID as a tool for higher

design their solutions to better suit the

“Also cost of contracts have dropped, and

degree of authenticity and accountability in the

needs,” she said, adding that similar trends

you can get three years cover very cheap if

mid-term to long-term future.”

can be seen in other industries as well.

you buy it on day one.”

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Special Technology Report

Andrew Briggs, technical director,

AIDC/Mobile Computing

solutions to seamlessly access the information

WEC7 now to migrate their hardware

Service, safety and satisfaction

healthcare professionals require to make

platforms to Android at any point during the

critical decisions in real time.”

life of the devices, thus protecting their

Service, safety and

Significant concerns related to privacy,

satisfaction for

security, and regulation still remain.

With regard to drivers behind these

patients and

According to VDC, events such as

developments, Koster points out that initially

investment.

clinicians are the top

WannaCry’s high-profile cyberattack on

the drive for Android was for the field force

priorities driving the

healthcare organisations and other institutions

operatives employed at peak delivery periods

mobility initiatives of

in May 2017 focused public attention on the

(Oct to Dec) where the thinking was that they

leading healthcare

need for improved safety measures. “Security

could implement BYOD and allow drivers to

organisations,

and privacy concerns will continue to stifle

use their smart phones with the delivery

according to a

healthcare mobility adoption until these issues

software installed. “However, this never really

recent report by VDC Research. As patient

are properly addressed,” said Gisser.

took off as much as expected,” he said.

“What has been taken from this concept and

satisfaction becomes increasingly important

one of the key drivers for Android is the

to insurance providers, consumers expect

familiarity of the operating system. Although

response time, information access, and

Windows versus Android OS

convenience of other consumer services.

Reg Koster, key account manager,

computer, the device and its user interface is

health service providers to offer the rapid

users are given an industrial hand held mobile

warehousing, Datalogic UK&I, highlights that

very similar to the user’s own smartphone.

one of the key talking points at present for

This results in better adoption rates and

organisations rely on and have been

mobile computing is the Windows versus

reduced training requirements.”

benefitting from spans smartphones,

Android OS choice. “While historically

handsets, wearables, notebooks and tablets

Microsoft has been the operating system of

(both consumer-oriented and purpose-built

choice within the industrial mobile computer

Price, quality and features

devices). The report also states that

market, Android has grown exponentially in

Robert Hurt, general manager EMEA, Janam

healthcare mobility offers significant benefits

the recent years, especially for applications

Technologies, reflects that in a world where

to healthcare providers as mobile solutions

outside the four walls,” he said.

you can get anything and everything on

The range of mobile hardware healthcare

allow them to supply caregivers with a wealth of information while removing existing

Alibaba or Amazon, price is being looked at “There is no right or wrong answer here in

more closely than ever before. “However, we

informational borders. Mobile applications

terms of which to choose, as both operating

often see ‘fly-by-night’ companies, and even

have broad potential in terms of their

systems have their merits. Some

the more well-known competition, stripping

functionality, including telemetry, e-

manufacturers have aligned completely with

out key features to lower the price,” he said,

prescribing, and patient monitoring.

Android and as a result there are some

adding that Janam focuses on delivering

Applications available to healthcare providers

misnomers arising around the Microsoft

highest-quality products with the right

enable easy reference and secure

platform. For example, rumours that Microsoft

features and the right price.

communication as well as access to patient

will cease support for some versions of CE in

information.

a few short years may be discouraging

Hurt considers that product design is another

companies from investing in the OS. Even if

critical factor for enterprise organisations –

While healthcare organisations have stitched

this does happen, a customer’s systems will

and incorporating the latest technological

together patchworks of products and services

not stop working on that date. Furthermore,

advancements is table stakes. “In addition to

to assist their health care professionals,

manufacturers like Datalogic, who are

having a powerful processor and an

VDC’s research shows that these solutions

Microsoft gold partners, are guaranteed

operating system that is capable of running

have not yet delivered the desired level of

support for any fixes that may be needed

complex business applications, organisations

effective communication. “Mobility adoption

after the last support for the general public,

need a device that is specially designed to

within healthcare environments presents a

meaning that Datalogic customers are

withstand the rigours of everyday use in

unique set of barriers because healthcare IT

assured of support well beyond these dates.”

challenging environments,” he said. Hurt also maintains that screen real estate is important,

systems and databases are extremely fragmented, disconnected, and

Koster explains that Datalogic’s current range

as mobile workers are reviewing and

interoperable,” said Spencer Gisser, research

of rugged pistol grip handhelds for the

processing more data and information than

associate of enterprise mobility and

warehouse offer customers the choice of

ever before.

connected devices, VDC Research. “This

Microsoft’s WEC7 operating system or

makes it extremely difficult for mobile

Android, with the option for a customer buying

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One of the biggest challenges technology

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AIDC/Mobile Computing

Special Technology Report

vendors face is the perceived and often

such as using more RFID for security. “Retails

help you track your

unverified need to stay ahead of the

know the exact electronic product code (EPC)

employees’

technology curve. In the case of operating

they have captured at the till point, so they

movements better.”

systems, Hurt explains that Janam works

can sent a message to their gates not to

closely with its partners to educate

alarm them as goods go through, or they can

Another RFID-related

corporations so they understand that they

send a message to alarm the gates if goods

trend, according to

can continue to deploy relevant, secure and

didn't go through the till point because the

Dawson, can be

efficient solutions without necessarily having

products hadn’t been sold,” she explained.

seen in the US where

to chase the latest operating system. “From

“Also, companies can now have a better

there is a push within

an enterprise perspective, we find that

understanding regarding conversion rates

retail to use RFID to

Nandini Bhattacharya, industry manager – M&I - IPC Business Unit,

established versions that are tried, tested,

and returns. For example, if products are

do fulfilment for

proven and reliable are solid enough and

consistently going through the till point but are

online orders in

forward/backward compatible enough to be

being returned retailers can easily determine

store. “Whereas

deployed safely into enterprise

that these products relate to a faulty batch

previously many companies jumped on the

environments,” he said.

that came from supplier A, whereas all

RFID journey to get good stock empathy (still

products from the batch supplied by supplier

the primary reason), because distribution

Hurt added that Janam also sees more

B are going through and not being returned

centres in the US can be so geographically

demand for purpose-built accessories to

because there is no problem with them. So,

far from each other they are trying to make

expand the performance of rugged mobile

retailers can have a better understanding of

their stores more like fulfilment centres;

computers in the enterprise. “With safety and

purchases and conversion rates if they are

having RFID there and being able to pick the

productivity in mind, organisations need a

able to capture that information at the till

right products for customers within short

variety of solutions to keep their devices

point. This is opening doors to many more

periods of time and make sure an online order

secure, fully charged and easily accessible,”

ideas and some really interesting use cases.”

completely filled to perfection has become a really big push in the US. In the UK it’s a lot

he said. “This is especially the case in a manufacturing environment where heavy

Dawson points out that another talking point is

less so, but that’s mostly because distribution

equipment is moving rapidly. Vehicle mount

around using RFID sensors positioned in the

centres are less spread out across the

cradle designed with the warehouse or

ceiling to understand, for example, how

country and you can physically get a product

manufacturing facility in mind should

products have moved around the shop floor,

from the distribution centre within a day in many cases.”

withstand shock and vibration and keep the

which areas have products that are out of

device securely in place. We’ve also found

stock, which areas are potentially the main

that some organisations want to use the

shrinkage catchment areas and which

In terms of drivers for change, Dawson think

same device for multiple applications.

products are selling better. “In this way, retails

one of the key factors for RFID adoption is

Offering a snap-on trigger handle for PDA-

can start to understand how better to

that it is now a more affordable solution.

style devices has addressed these demands

maximise sales and increase security,” she

Additionally, she adds that the beauty of RFID

for companies that don’t require a gun-

said. “This is definitely an area where more

is it creates an abundance of useful data. “It’s

shaped mobile computer all of the time.

retailers are currently moving to in order to

what you do with that data that can give you

We’ve recently introduced these accessories

better understand their shop floors. The key

the business benefits,” she said. “So, if you

for our XT2 and XM75 series of rugged touch

here is using other types of technology to

are able to use that data to better understand

screen mobile computers.”

create more interesting use cases; for

where potentially suppliers aren't supporting

Danielle Dawson, senior consultant,

example, using RFID with different sensors

you as best they should or where there have

such as visuals to create 3D planograms. This

been mistakes made you could use this

RFID

can be especially beneficial for clothing

information to improve things. And checking

Danielle Dawson,

retailers because a lot of them don't have

orders as they come in becomes more

senior consultant,

planograms to work with so getting that

accurate with RFID. With RFID you have the

Capgemini

retention on the shop floor is often very

ability to do a 100% check of what products

Consulting, makes

difficult, especially for the more high-density

are delivered for quality and accuracy

the point that the

retailers – it can be a lot easier for the more

purposes. So, using RFID make sense to be

GS1 DataMatrix

high fashion outlets because they have

able to check your suppliers’ performance

allowing retailers to

smaller size categories that they put out. 3D

better.”

connect a barcode

planograms can also help you to better

to RFID has opened

understand the movement of customers

Dawson added that this can also have a

the door to many

through the shop and understand which

positive knock-on effect throughout the supply

more possibilities,

products they are picking up. They can even

chain. “If suppliers know there is going to be

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data that could show

for nearly any type of business where

XT100 and XM75 users have access to all

they are in the wrong

product, inventory, or movement is

Google APIs, including those for Google Play,

they know they need

concerned.”

Google Maps and Chrome.”

to ensure they deliver

Chris Devault, head of software selection,

the right products to

In response, many of Janam’s products come

Hurt reflects that for quite some time it looked

you because there's

equipped with RFID and NFC reading

as if BYOD would deter growth of the mobile

going to be evidence

capabilities. “The new XT100 rugged

computing (AIDC) industry but believes a

against them if they

smartphone and XM75 rugged mobile

number of factors have mitigated against this

don’t,” she said.

computer include integrated RFID/NFC

and driven development of a new generation

readers to ensure organisations can address

of rugged mobile computers. These factors

Chris Devault, head

a full spectrum of data capture needs with

include:

of software selection,

one device,” explained Hurt. “With best-in-

Panorama Consulting

class read range these devices help

• The need for high-performance, reliable

Solutions, comments that organisations are

companies cut costs, improve customer

barcode and RFID reading that is not

leveraging RFID and standard RF barcode in

service, reduce labour, increase accuracy

available in consumer devices.

mixed modes. Supply chain vendors often

and improve production throughput.”

• The requirement for purpose-built, rugged devices capable of withstanding the rigours

dictate what is possible by the tags/labels

of everyday use in a business environment.

they are providing on their product. As

In terms of some of the drivers for the types of

companies are adopting standardised or best

changes he has cited, Hurt comments that the

practice processes they must be flexible in

evolution of the smartphone market has not

charging – inside and outside the four

the use of what technology can be used.

only increased awareness of, and familiarity

walls.

• The demand for easy, reliable and rapid

• The critical need for immediate, responsive

Creating a starting point with a plan to

with, mobile computing, but also continues to

increase the adoption of functionality in

shape perception of what a mobile computing

and effective service and support to ensure

phases is critical. Employees need to know

device should do or look like. “The growing

technological issues can be addressed in

why they are doing what they are doing and

number of millennials in the workplace is also

real-time and damaged units get repaired

the ripple effect down/upstream within the

found to be shaping the workplace to meet

and back in to action quickly.

their needs and driving modern trends –

business.

hence more emphasis on smaller devices, but Hurt observes that RFID adoption is on the

with large screens that can run multiple

Back-office dynamic

rise. “At less than ten cents per tag, some

applications at any given time.”

In terms of the relationship between

organisations are recouping their RFID

AIDC/mobile computer/RFID systems and

investment costs in as little as six months,

Hurt pointed out that growing demand for

back-office systems, what have been some of

making the return on investment increasingly

Android has played a key role in the many

the key recent changes? Bhattacharya

evident,” he said “As the cost of tags drops,

changes that have been seen to the mobile

believes the growth of the Internet of things

the value proposition of RFID-based data

computing market and how manufacturers are

has changed the way industries are operating

capture deployments increases, and RFID is

addressing end-user requirements. “We’ve

now. “In the age of Industry 4.0 we have the

expanding as a result. But the question

seen Android progress from the dominant

smarter version of everything – smart

remains: how does this affect your business,

consumer operating system and an

transportation, smart logistics, smart

the businesses you work with, and the future

‘innovative alternative’ to Microsoft’s Windows

manufacturing, smart supply chain and so

as a whole?

Embedded Handheld offering, to become an

on,” she said.

established and mainstream option,” he said.

“In the past few years, RFID use has

“We see a clear path for Android to eventually

However, the biggest

continued to expand not just in retail, but in

be the dominant choice for mobile computing

change that has

warehouse, manufacturing and freight

needs – and we expect that path to be fairly

happened and is

industries as well. More and more

short. With that in mind, Janam continues to

continuing to

organisations are seeing and reaping the

offer more choices for its customers. With

happen, according

benefits of its increased tracking and

support for the widely deployed Android 6

to Bhattacharya, is

management capabilities, its wide potential,

operating system, the new XT100 and XM75

greater connectivity

from freight and inventory management to

mobile computers offer an intuitive, well-

between the different

customer service applications, and its steadily

regarded user interface to help reduce

modules and

increasing ROI. As RFID expands, we see

training time and drive immediate productivity

systems. “The latest

new applications both inside and outside of

gains for businesses of all sizes. Certification

generation

those industries, making it worth investigation

of Google Mobile Services (GMS) ensures

RFID/RTLS solutions

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Reg Koster, key account manager, warehousing,

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Special Technology Report

are able to integrate

manage the large volumes of traffic that need

make deliveries and take receipt signatures

and function

to pass through it.”

from end customers.”

existing ERP, CRM,

Hurt reflects that upgrading legacy software

Dawson believes integration has become a lot

WMS and other

applications has historically been a costly and

easier over the past few years than it's ever

available back-end

time-consuming process. However, he

been previously. “I think the main reason is

systems,” she

reminds us that we have recently seen an

that software companies have done a really

seamlessly with the

pointed out.

Spencer Gisser, research associate of enterprise mobility and connected devices,

increase in legacy systems migration due to

good job in investing in Cloud-based

three market shifts:

platforms as well as APIs,” she said. “This

• Rapid Mobile Application Development

now.”

makes an RFID system very easy to integrate

Devault makes the point that organisations of all

services, like Xamarin, have accelerated

sizes continue to

the process of mobile app development.

increase the use of

Enterprise organisations can now build and

Improved user benefits

and integration with AIDC/Mobile

manage internal and customer-facing

What have been the subsequent benefit

computer/RFID applications. “One of the

applications that integrate into existing

improvements for the user (for example, in

reasons for the continuing increasing

systems in a fraction of the time it had

terms of more open systems, improved

taken a decade or even 1-2 years ago.

middleware, improvements in wireless

adoption of these applications is the ROI is easy to identify and implementation usually

• Organisations are also finding that the

communications, developments in wireless

less complex than other IT/Process

availability of Cloud-based third-party

Improvement,” he said. “Benefits are realised

solutions are strengthening their ability to

quicker than other improvements throughout

deploy new applications. Applications built

Bhattacharya considers that end users are

the business. More and more AIDC

on open standard technologies can run on

now experiencing greater efficiency and

applications are embedded into ERP allowing

any device with an HTML5-enabled

faster ROI. “The latest solution offerings are

the flow of information to be more streamlined

browser. These newly developed apps are

often custom made, can be changed as per

rather than having to build integrations which

less expensive to implement and maintain

the end user requirements, are easy to install

than legacy apps.

and deploy, sometimes just plug-and-play,

can limit the use of the data going into back office systems.”

In terms of the relationship between mobile

• There is greater corporate acceptance of

standards, etc.).

and function seamlessly,” she said. “The

the need for outsourcing. We are seeing

latest solutions are often combination of

end users look more closely at packaged

different technologies and are capable of

computing technology and back-office

solutions because time and money is a

providing both close proximity data in terms

systems, Koster is seeing a continued drive

major factor in their decision-making

of location as well as high read range in terms

towards closer integration of the disparate

process. Traditional in-house development

of coverage of wide areas. The Big Data and

systems as well as a focus on improving

is often being rejected, as it is a much

Analytics solutions clubbed with the

network infrastructure. “In today’s digital

slower and more costly path.

RFID/RTLS solutions allow easy management

economy, everything is becoming faster,” he

of huge volume of data being generated and

said. “Customers are demanding quicker

“Historically, mobile device software was

convert the data into meaningful business

response times and more visibility. The

customised to show a subset of the data that

information.”

process of capturing data is also getting

an operator would have seen on their desktop

faster, particularly with the introduction of

ERP or WMS terminal,” explained Hurt. “The

Briggs points to faster implementations with

industrial automation and vision systems. Data

larger size and greater pixel definition of

better middleware, less modifications (BEC’s

can be quickly and accurately captured and

today’s mobile device screens, combined with

eSmart Voice WMS solution, for example) –

transmitted at any and every stage of the

the ability to ‘pinch to zoom’, means users

giving a broader functionality to middleware

supply chain to guarantee seamless tracking

expect to see, and can manage, more

etc.

and traceability. However, to meet the

complex applications on their portable

demands from customers for improved

terminals.

visibility and for companies to continue

Koster believes the benefits for the user are simply an ability to carry out tasks without

improving their processes, they need access

“The smaller form factors and added flexibility

suffering the frustrations of a slow or inflexible

to the data and the analytics behind that data

of today’s devices means they can be used

network – waiting several seconds for a

in an instant. To achieve this goal, it is vital

for multiple purposes and taken between

response per worker is simply unacceptable.

that an organisation’s systems integrate more

different environments. The same device used

“By ensuring that the supporting infrastructure

closely than ever before and that the network

for stock checking in a warehouse, or loading

is ready to cope with the amount of traffic

infrastructure is agile and robust enough to

a vehicle, can be taken out on the road to

going over the network at peak trading times,

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companies can ensure maximum uptime for

multi-year supply agreement with GENILINK,

present on the packing. In total the number of

staff and can gain access to valuable insights

a subsidiary of SGS, a leading automotive

inspection points could reach more than 100

and analysis that will inform business

inspection, certification and testing company.

per order.

decisions,” he said.

GENILINK is to deploy more than 3000 XT2s to improve its vehicle inspection processes.

This manual quality control process, which

Hurt maintains that the rapid ROI outweighs

Playing a critical role in road safety and

took place across four production lines

the cost associated with updating legacy

environmental protection, the company

required a large number of quality control

applications. “Organisations can now operate

sought a rugged mobile solution that could

staff and cost a lot of time and therefore a lot

in a more productive fashion as they use

provide maximum uptime, reliability and

of money. ModusLink took on four systems;

resources more efficiently and stay up to date

accuracy. With more than 7 million vehicle

one for each production line. Each system

on industry requirements and regulations,” he

tests conducted annually, GENILINK selected

carries Datalogic’s cameras, one to ‘read’ the

said. “The ability to share information is now

Janam’s XT2 to help optimise workflows and

top of the packaging and one for the side,

made much easier as more modern systems

ultimately reduce the time spent on each

and a Datalogic Gryphon barcode scanner. In

are designed to foster interactions between

inspection.

addition, the system automatically and dynamically checks the weight of each order

devices seamlessly:

it processes.

Jeremie Becker, procurement manager, • Modern Cloud-based solutions are flexible

GENILINK said: “After conducting a thorough

and help organisations adapt quickly to

review of twelve consumer- and enterprise-

ModusLink estimates that they have been

frequently changing business needs. They

class devices from the leading vendors in the

able to save up to 40% on FTEs but most

also provide a more intuitive user

data capture industry, we felt that Janam’s

importantly the solution has enabled the

experience that reduces training time and

XT2 was the clear winner. In addition, in terms

company to realise 100% inspections without

results in faster productivity gains.

of customer care and operating philosophy,

having to make any concessions to

• Services like Google Mobile Services

Janam was the ideal partner for GENILINK.

productivity.

(GMS) provide users with access to

More than 4000 GENILINK operators will be

BEC – Horseware

thousands of applications which can be

using Janam’s XT2 rugged mobile computers

easily downloaded to a rugged mobile

to ensure vehicle compliance to safety

computer or even integrated with existing

standards in France and the Ivory Coast.”

well-known designers and manufacturers of

An SGS employee and XT2 user also stated:

equestrian products and accessories. The

Creating a route planning solution? Simply

“What I appreciate is the XT2’s small size and

company has offices in North America and

interface to Google Maps.

superior ergonomics. I also appreciate its

factories in China and Cambodia, while its

speed, wi-fi connectivity and exceptional

sales, marketing and financial headquarters,

Horseware Ireland, one of the world’s most riding wear, leisure wear, horse rugs,

applications.

• Application development is also simplified.

• Integration is also improved when using more modern ERP, CRM and WMS

battery life. The XT2’s compact size allows for

as well as its factory and European

solutions. Many CRM packages have now

better handling of the device. This speeds

warehouse, reside on a 175, 000² ft. site in

been reformatted to display as easily on a

inspection processes and ultimately saves us

Dundalk in the Republic of Ireland.

mobile terminal as they do on a desktop.”

time. I also really like the integrated flashlight.

It provides batter visibility which is important

Due to a period of expansion and rapid

for us when looking for serial numbers below

business growth, Horseware gradually

Success stories

the seats of vehicles or under the dashboard.

became unable to keep up with the ever-

What do some of our contributors consider to

It’s a device perfectly adapted to our job.”

increasing volume of orders with the paper-

Datalogic – ModusLink

movement of goods in, around and out of the

be a few of their most noteworthy solution

Robert Hurt, general manager EMEA,

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based method it was using to record the

case studies?

From its distribution centre in the Netherlands,

warehouse. This was creating issues with

Janam – GENILINK

ModusLink is using vision technology for

order picking, order accuracy and stock

quality inspections. ModusLink carries out

replenishment, which in turn was resulting in

Hurt reports that

logistics operations for a range of major

customer service and time management

Janam’s XT2 Rugged

clients including full service fulfilment. For

issues.

Touch Computer

every order processed for one of its clients,

beat a dozen

ModusLink performs a 100% weight

After completing a thorough data capture

competitive devices

inspection and until recently, the orders,

audit of Horseware’s warehousing facility,

from eight different

which range from 10 to 10,000 units per order

which included gaining a full understanding of

mobile computing

were randomly inspected to ensure the

all the operational processes, BEC

companies to win a

correct labelling, part numbers and text were

recommended its eSmart Warehouse with

June 2018

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Special Technology Report

Voice software

grow and become more and more profitable

On a broader level, VDC states that the

solution. Philip

as time goes by – the sky’s the limit for us

urgency of providing robust software security

Jarrett, director of

now.”

necessitates wide-ranging organisational involvement. “Proactive steps must be applied

sales and marketing

across the full development lifecycle by a

at BEC, explained:

Chris Silva, analyst,

“Conceptually,

Security-related labour

larger pool of stakeholders to manage an

Voice-directed

Increasing connectivity and IoT device

increased pace of software releases and

technology is very

adoption has exposed embedded systems to

more complex code bases,” said Girard.

similar to traditional

new security threats that could severely

“OEMs should include knowledge of security

RF scanning, but

hinder business operations and risk the

vulnerabilities and risks in the training of all

prompts are

safety of humans or embedded devices.

engineering teams so that it can influence

These threats are forcing OEMs to actively

decisions and actions made throughout the

address security as part of development and

design and development lifecycle.”

delivered and responses are provided verbally. The Honeywell Vocollect Voice solution can help

are guiding the creation of new practices. A

businesses increase worker productivity by

recent VDC report looks at the portion of

up to 35%, whilst reducing errors by up to

OEMs’ in-house labour expenditure that is

50%.”

consumed by vulnerability mitigation efforts.

Data protection re-think BYOD has faded from being a headline initiative for CIOs, but support for personally

BEC’s eSmart Warehouse with Voice solution

While more OEMs recognise the escalating

owned devices used at work continues to

has been developed with Voice technology at

repercussions of software security

expand. Research by Gartner analyst, Chris

its core rather than as an add-on feature,

vulnerabilities, action to mitigate these risks

Silva, shows that more than 70% of users are

allowing Horseware to use the benefits of

has been minimal or, in some cases, non-

not being provided a smartphone by their

Vocollect Voice solutions throughout its

existent. Even among those who rated

employer. A changing legal environment and

warehousing facility, specifically within its

security as ‘extremely important’, nearly 8%

user push-back on onerous device controls

picking, put-away, stock replenishment,

of their organisations were taking no action

have forced organisations to rethink how

despatch and replenishment operations.

to address these potential risks. Still, a

company data can be protected on users’

growing number of companies are setting

devices that cannot or will not be enrolled in a

Horseware selected the Honeywell Vocollect

aside money from their budgets to find, fix,

traditional device management construct. This

A710 Talkman device and the SRX2

and prevent systems vulnerabilities.

finding was supported in Gartner's 2017

advanced speech recognition wireless

‘Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Mobility

headset, having been particularly impressed

Data from VDC’s IoT and Embedded

with the built-in Vocollect TouchConnect

Engineer survey confirms that a significant

cited the ability to manage apps as the top

technology. This allows workers to quickly

portion of OEMs’ existing in-house labour

driver for their investment.

Management Suites’, where surveyed buyers

pair wireless headsets to the mobile devices,

cost is already dedicated to addressing

Adding to the challenges posed by BYOD,

thereby reducing shift start-up procedures

security. “These expenses are rising much

third-party mobile apps and the workflows

from minutes to seconds. The solution also

faster than the overall cost of development,

they enable are at the heart of digital

provides other time saving features, such as

which reinforces the criticality of including

transformation. Pushing beyond mobile email,

battery runtime remaining, allowing workers to

security-related labour in budgetary

contact and calendar access also drives

ask the Vocollect device when a battery

planning,” said Andre Girard, senior analyst

interest in methods for managing apps and

change may be needed, helping them to plan

of IoT and embedded technology, VDC.

data that are independent of managing the

and eliminate unnecessary travel time in the

device with a mobile device management

midst of completing an order.

The report states that the worldwide

(MDM) profile. I&O leaders aiming to scale

embedded engineering labour spend

mobility to support digital transformation

David Minto, warehouse & retail manager,

specifically associated with security was

dependent on a host of new apps, devices

Horseware, said: “In terms of our operational

$11.6B in 2017. This represents almost 8%

and platforms will be hamstrung by policies

processes, we are experiencing increased

of the overall cost of embedded engineering

focused on device control and configuration

efficiencies and a tangible reduction in

labour. “Security-related spending is

alone.

errors. The new solution ‘just works’. As far

accelerating rapidly as awareness of the

as BEC is concerned, they have been

scope and severity of potential vulnerabilities

The tangential trend of placing PCs and

fantastic to work with. We feel that as a

rises, and the growth in IoT deployments

mobile devices under a common

business, thanks to the new BEC solution,

increases both the quantity of possible

management console – Gartner calls this third

we have future-proofed ourselves for the

targets and the volume of attack surfaces,”

evolution of tools ‘unified endpoint

next ten years and will be able to continue to

explained Girard.

management (UEM)’ – will force all

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organisations to review policies and

these organic changes in endpoint

hardware restrictions. Expand beyond IT

processes for managing their endpoints, with

management, driving interest and input

to legal, risk and HR teams to vet existing

the outcomes of modernised governance,

from security and risk organisations into

processes and policies driving interest in

how mobile and endpoint governance is

more comprehensive tools or alternatives to

operationalised. This will drive interest in

tools – that focus on device-level

existing MDM tools.

the integration points of UEM and EMM

management for personally owned

tools, specifically with data protection and

devices with those that focus on app-

identity infrastructure.

level control points to avoid legal

policies.

• Replace policies – and, if necessary,

exposure and anemic user adoption of

Market implications Silva reports that the resulting market

The requirement for complete UEM

impact of BYOD, a greater focus on third-

capabilities in the average enterprise will

party apps and the ability to address a

not take shape until 2020. However, cross-

broader set of endpoints with a single tool

training endpoint or client computing teams

management by auditing incumbent EMM

will result in governance and process

in the use of EMM tools in a UEM use case

tools to determine their ability to provide

changes that ignite a market for tools that

(managing mobile and PC endpoints) and

support for app- and data-level

address emerging needs:

determining a migration path from

protections and their ability to meet the

traditional client management tasks, should

expanded set of capabilities required for

begin now.

UEM.

• A single policy for all mobile users

BYOD. • Prepare for the consolidation of

globally, whether using companysupplied devices or BYOD, is no longer

Starting an audit of governance and the

adequate. Multiple policies and tools that

resulting policy and enforcement tool

enable contextual management of data to

can enforce multiple policy groups,

changes will be a time-intensive task, but

improve data security.

including app-specific containment of

one demanded by the evolving legal

data, will challenge the use case of

environment around how mobile policies are

traditional MDM or basic management

enacted, data is protected and user

Converging technology

tools, such as Microsoft Exchange

information is treated. Involving legal and

Bhattacharya makes the point that the

ActiveSync policies.

HR resources, from policy design through

convergence of different technologies

vetting and implementing tools, is critical.

makes a solution more robust and we will

As part of the policy modernisation, expand

see such solutions more often in the coming

an office suite, in the case of Office 365,

to support platforms such as Google's

days. “Businesses have different needs

will require a change in management

Android, which allows a greater degree of

depending upon the application

approach, or a reconsideration of using

app-level controls than Apple's iOS.

requirements and one technology may not

• Mobilising commonly used apps, such as

• Replace applications with ones that

device-level management at all.

• Traditional client management processes,

be the best option always,” she said. “In In cases where EMM/UEM suites are

such a scenario, a combination of different

already being used more broadly to support

technologies can provide better results.”

such as standard imaging, will be

multiple, separate management models

deprecated by the pace and cadence of

based on device ownership or use case, a

Briggs explains there is more functionality

platform updates, and by the ability to

near-term priority should be reviewing the

wrapped up as standard in most modern

customise commodity OS builds on the fly

efficacy of these tools in this role, as well as

devices – scanning & Voice-enabled. “A730

using EMM and their successors, UEM

their ability to rise to the challenge of UEM.

device from Honeywell Vocollect, for

tools, which will increase the importance

In some cases, support for app-level data

example, is a Voice device with a built-in

of visibility and control at the app and

and transport protections can be achieved

scanner – a few years ago you had to

data level.

Silva adds that the change in approach

through tools included in other investment

choose whether you wanted a scanner or a

areas or as part of existing enterprise

camera etc., but now you can have both,”

agreements.

he said.

from device-centric to app- and dataHurt observes that organisations are

centric policies will not be served by a change in tools alone. The skills and

Recommendations

increasing their technology investments to

training required to equip a mobile and

Recommendations highlighted by Silva are:

automate workflows, improve workforce productivity and ultimately enhance

endpoint computing team will need to be refreshed and expanded.

• Identify inflexible policy control points by

customer service. “Mobile workers are

An increased interest in data-level

reviewing existing policies for mobile

seeking devices that enable better

protections also will be an outgrowth of

management that rely on device

communication and more collaboration,

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Andre Girard, senior analyst of IoT and embedded technology,

Special Technology Report

shifting from a

when implemented effectively can drive

product/material coming in the door,

reactive to a

huge efficiencies,” he said.

movements throughout manufacturing and

proactive service

Briggs makes the point that there could be

warehouses all the way to shipping.”

model,” he said. “As

a potential security issue if ‘Bring your own

technologies evolve,

device’ (BYOD) equipment being used for

Briggs considers that vendors may come

customers no longer

company purposes is mis-used or stolen.

up with less-traditional form factors, taking

need to compromise

“This is why we supply mobile device

the TC8000 as a leading example. He also

style and size for

management software to allow them to be

believes the Internet of Things will continue

functionality and

remotely locked down and wiped,” he

to have an influence in terms of how data is

reliability. Devices

explained.

collected and how devices will be able to

like Janam’s XT100

talk to a wider variety of machinery,

and XM75 come

Hurt remembers that in the early days of

equipped with the

Android there was concern that the

latest technological

equipment etc. to capture Big Data.

operating system didn’t carry the same

A key trend in both logistics and

advancements to help mobile workers to do

level of security that Microsoft provided with

ecommerce retailers, according to Koster,

their jobs more effectively and efficiently, all

its Windows products. “Google has put

is the need for DWS (dimension and weigh

with a style that is sleek and cutting-edge.”

great emphasis on safeguarding Android

systems). “This is where packages coming

for the enterprise,” he said. “In addition,

in or out of the warehouse are scanned at

Hurt adds that wide-area Voice capability is

more tools are available to help deliver

speed for their exact dimensions and

now integrated into most rugged mobile

more robust security and manageability.”

weight – as logistics companies charge the

computers, whereas in the past a mobile

retailer by the weight/size, and retailers

worker needed to carry a mobile phone and

want to control this data themselves,” he

a separate device for data collection. He

The future

explained. Koster is also seeing increased

also makes the point that built-in GPS

What might be the next

adoption for camera solutions that enable

provides added value for workers on the

innovations/developments to look out for

an image of a parcel to be taken as the

road. “Integrated barcode-, RFID- and NFC-

over the next year or two regarding the

item moves from one stakeholder to

reading addresses all data capture needs

AIDC/Mobile Computing/RFID space?

another. “The driver behind these solutions

in one device, while empowering mobile

Bhattacharya considers that developments

are the ability to track damage – so if an

workers with the tools they need to improve

will happen in terms of lower power

arrives damaged at final destination, there

inventory management and traceability

consumption and greater mobility of the

is an ability to track where the damage may

operations,” he said.

hardware. She adds that wearable

have occurred,” he said.

computers are gaining traction and this trend of developing light weight and smaller

Hurt believes RFID will continue to be a key

Remaining concerns

form factor hardware would continue. Also,

technology to watch as the Internet of

Are there any key remaining concerns

according to Bhattacharya, software

Things continues to grow, and organisations

regarding the use of AIDC/Mobile

platforms will change significantly due to

seek even more ways to connect different

Computing/RFID systems? Bhattacharya

IoT and Cloud connectivity. “As the

areas of their business. “The potential for

reflects that with the growth of the Internet

businesses models are changing fast, we

IoT is huge and businesses of all sizes are

of Things there is a greater challenge of

will see significant transformations in the

clamouring for the widespread connectivity

security. “Different security protocols need

mid- to long-term future,” she said.

it enables across different platforms,” he said. “Real-world uses of RFID, as part of

to be implemented to maintain data security across different IoT devices,” she said.

Devault believes innovations in this space

an IoT strategy, will continue to expand –

will continue to reduce the cost of the

offering a highly effective way for

Koster considers that as warehouse

devices, software and tags. “Organisations

businesses of all sizes to decrease labour

operations increase in size and volume,

in the food & beverage space have higher

costs, improve data accuracy and drive

invariably high-speed conveyor belts with

adoption rates than common commodities,”

fixed positions scanners will be needed. He

he said. “Organisations are looking for ways

believes Datalogic is unique in its position

to increase RFID usage but cannot solve

as a major manufacturer able to take

issues related to cost/availability/volume.

customers through the entire journey from

Companies are looking to make the onsite

mobile computers to high speed fixed

production of RFID tags quick/simple/easy

readers. “Often, the ideal solution is a mix

like their current label printing. RFID allows

of both types of scanning technologies and

for organisations to optimise the flow of

www.logisticsit.com

substantial productivity gains.” n

June 2018

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AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE MOBILE COMPUTING

Product News

New on the Market: DENSO launches Android BHT-1700 and BHT-1800

W

hether in retail or logistics,

BHT-1800 is equipped with a 5” superscreen

transport, production, field

for outstanding legibility. The Android BHT-

& sales force automation

1700 is also equipped with an extra-large

or in the health sector –

display: with its 4” mega display and physical

handheld terminals help

keyboard, it offers a multitude of features.”

their users significantly and save both time and money. DENSO, part of the Toyota group

This puts the BHT-1700 more or less at the

and inventor of the QR Code, has now

maximum limit for a handheld with keyboard.

launched two new data collection devices.

With the BHT-1800, a touch computer was developed whose screen pushes the

Sina Haupt, marketing assistant at the DENSO

boundaries. It packs DENSO’s biggest ever

Auto-ID Business Unit, said: “Our Android

display.

Equipped with Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) The handhelds are equipped with Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) and are introduced to the market as a package, since they both work with the same technology. On the one hand, there is the BHT-1700 with a physical keyboard; and on the other hand, there is the BHT-1800 without a keyboard. Furthermore, the users can choose between six different models from the respective series. “Both devices are particularly ergonomic due to their angled scan heads. Thus, the users can

DENSO’s new Android BHT-1800.

work naturally without having to twist their

BHT-1700 is also available as a long-range

hands while scanning,” explained Haupt.

model with a GunGrip. Both devices are fitted with crack-resistant Asahi Dragontrail Pro

Convenient, single-hand operation The touch panels can even be operated with just one hand, and sidemounted magic keys offer an additional advantage.

Moreover, the Android BHT-1800

“

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in retail and

Both devices are particularly ergonomic due to their angled scan heads. Thus, the users can work naturally without having to twist their hands while scanning.”

- Sina Haupt, marketing assistant at the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit.

has a thumb-

DENSO’s new Android BHT-1700.

glass as standard – one of the best in the industry and a special advantage for example logistics.

“Each model is configured to speed the users’ processes to the max,” said Haupt.

The handhelds can read 1D and 2D barcodes as well as

controllable virtual scan key. This makes the

NFC cards from as close as 35 millimetres,

handheld terminal for mobile data collection

even when damaged. The long-range model

even faster and easier to use. The Android

of the BHT-1700 with GunGrip allows

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Product News

AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE MOBILE COMPUTING

scanning up to a distance of ten metres.

easy to use with wet fingers, gloves or a

Users can operate the devices using

pen. The users of the BHT-1700 and BHT-

Wireless LAN, Bluetooth or 4G LTE. The

1800 can also enjoy all the advantages of a

new handhelds have passed all of DENSO’s

smartphone such as making phone calls,

stringent quality tests. They are IP67-

going online, controlling apps, sending text

certified and offer both robustness and

messages, and taking pictures. And if

durability.

something does not work smoothly, DENSO offers its customers a three-year warranty.

Able to work in extreme temperatures

Haupt summed up: “We are very excited about the launch of our new devices, and we

In addition, they work in extreme

are confident that they will also delight our

temperatures between -20 and up to +50

customers, some of whom we have been

degrees Celsius. Their touchscreens are

working with for more than 20 years.” n

DENSO at a glance DENSO is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of mobile data devices.

The company follows one mission: Driven

by Quality – maximum quality in mobile data capture. Decision makers in the fields of retail, logistics and manufacturing rely on DENSO for their business requirements and in implementing the Internet of Things.

DENSO is a member of the Toyota Group and is exclusively represented in Europe by the DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit of TT Network Integration Europe: www.denso-autoid-eu.com

Panasonic introduces the first in a range of integrated Mobile POS solutions for its rugged tablets and handheld devices

P

anasonic introduced an integrated

payment devices can be accommodated on a

mobile point-of-sale (POS)

project basis.[1]

solution for its Toughpad FZ-G1 rugged tablet at the Retail Business Technology Expo, held

Seamless integration

at Olympia in London. The purpose-built,

Slotting seamlessly into the casing, the

integrated mobile payment device holder

Ingenico payment device connects to the

wraps perfectly around the Panasonic

tablet via USB to enable reliable pairing and

6300u vPro CPU processor. With up to 14

Toughpad FZ-G1 tablet to allow the device to

dual charging of both the iSMP4 & the tablet,

hours operating battery life and hot

be used easily in conjunction with a world-

while the Verifone device connects by

swappable battery capabilities, the Panasonic

leading mobile payment solution, such as the

Bluetooth and is charged separately.

Ingenico iSMP4.

Toughpad FZ-G1 tablet can work in the field as long as required. Its comprehensive

The casing is designed to allow easy access

ecosystem of accessories and peripherals

The integrated device holder makes the

to the battery compartment on the tablet to

ensures the device can be used in any

Panasonic FZ-G1 the perfect mobile point-of-

allow workers to hot swap batteries quickly

environment, whether docked in a vehicle or

sale (mPOS) solution for the retail and

and efficiently while working. The casing also

carried. Like the wider range of Panasonic

hospitality industries for tasks such as queue

has an integrated stylus holder, ergonomic

fully rugged devices, the tablet is designed

busting, taking orders and payments at a

hand grips and shoulder strap fixings for ease

and tested to stand up to extreme conditions

table, assisted selling, in-flight purchases and

of use. The tablet's front and rear-facing

with its MIL-STD 810G and IP65 ratings. As

in the field sales.

cameras remain unobstructed and the

well as the mobile payment solution, with its

solution can be used with a Kensington Lock

flexible configuration options the tablet can

The first in a range of integrated mobile

for added security when not in use.

payment device holders for its range of rugged tablets and handheld devices, the special casing surround for the Panasonic

also be equipped with a 2D barcode reader, GPS, micro SD, 2nd USB 2.0, wired LAN or a

Designed for the mobile worker

smart card reader.

Toughpad FZ-G1 tablet is designed to easily

The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 tablet is a

The FZ-G1 mPOS solution is available now

hold and remove an Ingenico iSMP4 or

Windows 10 Pro device, with a high

and can be easily used with existing

Verifone e355 payment device, and other

performance 6th generation Intel Core i5-

[1]

Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 tablets. n

Ingenico and Verifone devices must be bought seperately

www.logisticsit.com

June 2018

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AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE MOBILE COMPUTING

Opinion

Rugged Mobile Computers – The art is in the delivery

By Robert Hurt, general manager EMEA, Janam Technologies

I

n a world where you can get anything and

unverified need to stay ahead of the

everything on Alibaba or Amazon, price is

technology curve. In the case of operating

being scrutinised more closely than ever

systems, Janam works closely with our

before. However, we often see ‘fly-by-night’

partners to educate corporations in order for

mobile computer vendors, and even some

them to understand that they can continue to

of the more well-known brands, stripping out

deploy relevant, secure and efficient solutions

certain key features to lower the price. Many

without necessarily having to chase the latest

providers typically get only one element of this

operating system. From an enterprise

two-part formula correct. Some offer the right

perspective, we find that established versions

features, but their price points are too high.

that are tried, tested, proven and reliable are

Others strip out elements from their offerings in

solid enough and forward/backward

order to approach a more attractive price

compatible enough to be deployed safely into

point, but they sacrifice key features and

enterprise environments.

performance in the process.

The art is in the delivery. Vendors must get

Purpose-built accessories

Robert Hurt: “We will continue to invest in our world-class service offerings with enhanced tools and utilities.”

both elements of this mission statement right in

There is increasing demand for purpose-built

order to deliver what the customer requires. At

accessories to expand the performance of

screen-only devices with little differentiation

Janam, we are fully aware of this requirement

rugged mobile computers in the enterprise.

now flooding the market. While other hardware

and therefore committed to delivering not just

With safety and productivity in mind,

manufacturers have largely abandoned the

the highest quality products with the right

organisations need a variety of accessories to

keypad, Janam understands that it is required

features, but also on making them available at

keep their devices secure, fully charged and

for customers running intensive data input

the right price.

easily accessible. This is especially the case in

applications. Janam’s XM75 provides the best

manufacturing environments where heavy

of both worlds for organisations that want a

The consumerisation of IT

equipment is moving rapidly. Vehicle mount

rugged mobile computer with a slim

cradles designed with the warehouse or

smartphone-like design, but don’t want to

We don’t hear much mention of the

manufacturing facility in mind should withstand

choose between a keypad and a touch screen.

‘consumerisation of IT’ anymore, but it’s not

shock and vibration and keep the device

because the trend has gone away. Product

securely in place. We’ve also found that some

The XM75 makes it easy to capture data

design is a critical factor for enterprise

organisations want to use the same device for

accurately and efficiently. With a 4.3-inch

organisations – and incorporating the latest

multiple applications. Offering a snap-on

capacitive touch screen and backlit numeric

technological advancements is table stakes for

trigger handle for PDA-style devices addresses

keypad, the XM75 is one of the few devices

AIDC companies. In addition to having a

these demands for companies that don’t

specially designed for input-intensive

powerful processor and an operating system

require a gun-shaped mobile computer all of

applications. Its compact form factor combined

that is capable of running complex business

the time. With this in mind, Janam has recently

with larger keypad design delivers the ideal

applications, organisations need a device that

introduced such accessories for our XT2 and

solution for organisations that want a keypad

is specially designed to withstand the rigours

XM75 series of rugged mobile computers.

and a large touch screen in the same device.

of everyday use in challenging environments.

Screen real estate is also important, as mobile workers are reviewing and processing more data and information than ever before.

Key-based and touch-screen – the best of both worlds

The rise of RFID

A large segment of our customer base is

RFID adoption continues to rise. At less than

One of the biggest challenges technology

looking for a key-based rugged mobile

five cents per tag, some organisations are

vendors face is the perceived and often

computer, not one of the many copycat, touch-

recouping their RFID investment costs in as

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www.logisticsit.com

XM75 XT100

Introducing Janam’s newest rugged mobile computers -the XM75 and XT100 Packed with all the business-critical features that manufacturing and logistics require, the XM75 and XT100 surpass the competition and offer more flexibility for businesses that require a purpose-built device for their mobile workforce.

Varlink are UK distributors for the entire Janam range of rugged mobile computers.

Find out more by visiting: www.varlink.co.uk/janam-tough-devices For any enquiries please call

01904 717180

t: 01904 717180

e: enquiries@varlink.co.uk w: www.varlink.co.uk

Varlink Ltd, Unit 1 Osbaldwick Industrial Estate, Outgang Lane, York, YO19 5UX

AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE MOBILE COMPUTING

Opinion

little as six months, making the return on

In response, many of Janam’s products

investment increasingly evident. As the cost of

come equipped with RFID and NFC reading

tags drops, the value proposition of RFID-

capabilities. The new XT100 rugged

based data capture deployments increases,

smartphone and XM75 rugged mobile

and RFID use is expanding as a result.

computer, among other Janam products,

However, the question remains: how does this

include integrated RFID/NFC readers to

affect your business, the businesses you work

ensure organisations can address a full

with, and the future of AIDC deployments as a

spectrum of data capture needs with one device. With best-in-class read range these

whole?

devices help companies cut costs, improve In the past few years, RFID use has

customer service, reduce labour, increase

continued to expand not just in retail, but in

accuracy and improve production

warehouse, manufacturing and freight

throughput.

industries as well. More and more organisations are seeing and reaping the benefits of its increased tracking and management capabilities, its wide potential,

The millennial factor

from freight and inventory management to

The evolution of the smartphone market has

customer service applications, and its

not only increased awareness of, and

steadily increasing ROI. As RFID expands,

familiarity with, mobile computing, but also

we see new applications both inside and

continues to shape perception of what a

outside of those industries, making it worth

mobile computing device should do or look

investigation for nearly any type of business

like. The growing number of millennials in the

where product, inventory, or movement is

workplace is also found to be shaping the

concerned.

workplace to meet their needs and driving modern trends – hence more emphasis on

The new XT100 rugged smartphone.

smaller devices, but with large screens that can run multiple applications at any given

businesses of all sizes. Certification of

time.

Google Mobile Services (GMS) ensures XT100 and XM75 users have access to all

Growing demand for Android has played a

Google APIs, including those for Google

key role in the many changes we have seen

Play, Google Maps and Chrome.

to the mobile computing market and how manufacturers are addressing end-user requirements. We’ve seen Android progress from the dominant consumer operating system and an ‘innovative alternative’ to

Taking advantage of the newest technological advancements

Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Handheld

2018 is a big year for Janam. We have been

offering, to become an established and

extremely busy – gearing up for the most

mainstream AIDC option. We see a clear

exciting product launches in the company’s

path for Android to eventually be the

history. Our portfolio will grow substantially

dominant choice for mobile computing needs

with industry-leading, rugged mobile

– and we expect that path to be fairly short.

computers that can support roll-outs of all sizes. These new devices will take advantage of the newest technological

The new XM75 rugged mobile computer.

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Greater choice

advancements, while we will continue to

With that in mind, Janam continues to offer

their use of legacy software and operating

more choices for its customers. With support

systems. We will also continue to invest in

support organisations that want to maintain

for the widely deployed Android 6 operating

our world-class service offerings with

system, the new XT100 and XM75 mobile

enhanced tools and utilities. At Janam we

computers offer an intuitive, well-regarded

pride ourselves on delivering highest-quality

user interface to help reduce training time

products and are committed to superior

and drive immediate productivity gains for

service and support. n

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Product news

AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE MOBILE COMPUTING

JLT Mobile Computers presents new rugged tablet and IT solutions at TOC Europe

J

LT Mobile Computers, developer

dustproof and water resistant, operates in

and manufacturer of computers for

temperatures of -10 to +50°C (14 to +122°F),

demanding environments, will be

and withstands a drop of up to 4 feet onto

co-exhibiting with their long-time

concrete. Like all JLT products, the MT2010

partner, IT systems integrator

can be tailored to individual customer

Autepra, at TOC Europe from 12 to 14 June

requirements, including additional storage or

2018 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

operating system modifications for improved security. can be used to accelerate the most common

The recently launched MT2010 rugged tablet is

user operations.

highly portable due to its compact format and

The new JLT6012 rugged vehicle-mount

provides operators with easy access to real-

computer, featuring a highly compact design,

time data and direct connection to terminal

modern Windows, Android or Linux operating

operating systems across the entire port yard.

systems, and the user-friendly JLT

ownership by providing a wide-range 9-72

By using tablets from JLT, customers reduce

PowerTouch PCT technology, helps to take

VDC isolated power supply with UPS

the number of suppliers, thereby simplifying

user productivity to new levels. It provides

functionality, making it suitable for installation

the maintenance of their mobile IT while taking

familiarity to all generations of users and also

in most types of vehicles, including electrical,

advantage of the strong support and service

offers features that make users' workdays

gas and diesel-powered trucks, without

model JLT is renowned for.

easier, such as quick and easy login and

expensive external hardware. Maintenance

The JLT6012 also reduces total cost of

identification with RFID tags, high-brightness

cost is kept to a minimum with the resilient

The MT2010 rugged tablet comes with a large

displays with adjustable auto-dimming for

JLT PowerTouch display technology that

10-inch, sunlight-readable, projected

both indoor and outdoor usage, and easily

addresses today's most common reason for

capacitive touchscreen display, is IP65

accessed programmable function buttons that

computer breakage. n

Size matters..

The new Android BHT-1700 and BHT-1800 are here – DENSO in a new dimension. Big has just got bigger: the BHT-1700 handheld terminal with keyboard and 4” mega display. Bigger has just got huge: the BHT-1800 smartphone terminal with 5” superscreen. Our new max – in handling and features, too. More ergonomic: with angled scan head. Easier: one-hand-controllable touch panels and quick-access magic keys. More up-to-date: running Android 7.1.2 (Nougat). For the big challenges of logistics, production and retail.

For more information go to: www.denso-autoid-eu.com

More information www.denso-autoid-eu.com

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23

AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE MOBILE COMPUTING

Success story

A vision for increasing efficiency across the supply chain A global leader in automatic identification technology and process automation, Datalogic explains how some of its customers are utilising vision systems and data capture technologies to increase supply chain efficiency.

A

ccording to Statista, global

control system and the back-office IT

online retail sales amounted to

systems. All essential functions can be read

$2.3 trillion in 2017. Forrester’s

directly on the visualisation panel on the

Online Retail Forecast predicts

controller, providing users with an

that this growth of online sales

immediate overview of the condition of the

will continue across western Europe at an

system.

average rate of 11.3% per year between 2017 and 2022. By the end of this period, the

In addition to the ability to read barcodes

research body projects that 20% of all non-

regardless of the location of the packages,

food retail sales will be transacted online.

the Datalogic scanners can capture two different barcodes at the same time and

As adoption of eCommerce continues to

transfer the data collected to two different

accelerate, having complete and accurate

systems.

Using Datalogic cameras and scanners, ModusLink carries out logistics operations for a range of major clients including full service fulfilment.

visibility of supply chain operations is absolutely mission critical to success. Many of

From its distribution centre in the

the major logistics service providers, such as

Netherlands, ModusLink is also realising

Hermes Fulfilment GmbH, rely on scanner

similar results when using vision technology

ModusLink estimates that they have been

technologies from Datalogic for capture and

for quality inspections. ModusLink carries

able to save up to 40% on FTEs but most

tracking of the enormous volumes of

out logistics operations for a range of major

importantly the solution has enabled the

shipments they deal with on a daily basis.

clients including full service fulfilment. For

company to realise 100% inspections

Using solutions including barcode scanners,

every order processed for one of its clients,

without having to make any concessions to

mobile computers and vision systems a large

ModusLink performs a 100% weight

productivity.

part of the distribution process can be

inspection and until recently, the orders,

automated and full and immediate visibility of

which range from 10 to 10,000 units per

While automation is a growing trend, there

shipment statuses can be obtained.

order were randomly inspected to ensure

are still huge efficiencies to be gained by

Major savings

the correct labelling, part numbers and text

arming warehouse staff with handheld

In the transportation and logistics industry, the

were present on the packing. In total the

mobile computers or providing them with

Datalogic DX8200 scanner is one of the most

number of inspection points could reach

access to fixed barcode scanning stations.

popular barcode capture solutions. The omni-

more than 100 per order.

Partner Tele.com, one of Poland’s largest

directional scanner captures barcode data on the package regardless of orientation on the

distributors of mobile phone accessories, is This manual quality control process, which

one such company realising the benefits.

distribution line. The scanner is connected to

took place across four production lines

Datalogic’s WebSentinel software to monitor

required a large number of quality control

Following a rapid rate of growth and orders,

and evaluate operations. This collects and

staff and cost a lot of time and therefore a

Partner Tele.com’s logistics department was

archives the most important information about

lot of money. ModusLink took on four

feeling the stress and becoming more

the status of the package.

systems; one for each production line. Each

inefficient. The company invested in the

system carries Datalogic’s cameras, one to

construction of a new warehouse and

To unlock the system’s full potential, the

‘read’ the top of the packaging and one for

needed a modern system delivering current

scanner is connected to a Master

the side, and a Datalogic Gryphon barcode

information about the stored goods. This

Controller, the SC6000. The controller is

scanner. In addition, the system

system had to eliminate frequent human

needed to collect the data from the

automatically and dynamically checks the

mistakes, the circulation of paper

scanners and to communicate with the

weight of each order it processes.

documents and optimise critical business

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www.logisticsit.com

Success story

AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE MOBILE COMPUTING readers as a stationary solution for use at disposal stations. The Magellan 2200VS readers are the main element of dedicated workstations used for verification and packaging of completed goods. These scanners significantly sped up processes and eliminate human errors. Since installation, Partner Tele.com has recorded a significant decrease in the number of shipping errors and a remarkable acceleration of warehouse processes. These successes are resulting in the ability to handle almost 200% more orders than before and, more importantly, are making Partner Tele.com more credible in the eyes of its customers and business partners.

In a rapidly expanding market like eCommerce, vision and imaging technologies have a valuable role to play in improving efficiency, quality and ultimately enhancing

Datalogic’s Master Controller, the SC6000, collects data from the scanners and communicates with the control system and the back-office IT systems.

the customer experience. No doubt we will see more warehouse and logistics operators

processes.

admission, disposing goods in warehouse

implement and benefit from similar

Partner Tele.com deployed handheld Skorpio

locations, and conducting inventory. The

technologies in 2018 and beyond. Watch this

X3 mobile computers for use in the process of

company also implemented Magellan 2200VS

space. n

FALCON™ X4 DATALOGIC 'S BEST INCARNATION OF DATA CAPTURING SUPREMACY

follow us on

www.datalogic.com

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25

AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE MOBILE COMPUTING

Product News

Ergonomic Solutions soon to launch OpenSpace DUO – a new concept in mPOS mounts Ergonomic Solutions – the creator of SpacePole – has scheduled August 2018 to introduce OpenSpace DUO, a new concept in mPOS mounts designed to hold two devices simultaneously; one either side of the mount. The mounts can hold a mobile/portable card payment EPoS device on one side of the mount, and a smart device (iPod) or a smart phone such as Samsung or iPhone on the other.

Modular design In terms of mobile/portable card payment EPoS devices, the mounts have been designed for the use of either an Ingenico (ISMP4) or Verifone (e355) terminal. Ingenico and Verifone mobile payment solutions are currently the world's leading payment terminals and can be paired with a smart device running on either an Android or iOS

“We also looked at certain retailers that had

hard-wired rather than relying on Bluetooth- or

already made the transition to smaller more

wireless LAN, meaning there is no risk of a

portable smart devices for more convenient

failed connection during operation periods.

“

Our new OpenSpace DUO mount opens up a greater opportunity for mPOS because of its user-friendly, light and small form factor making it more comfortable and ergonomic to operate during full shifts.”

- Ian Dewar, CEO/managing director of Ergonomic Solutions.

operating system. However, as Ian Dewar, CEO/managing director of Ergonomic

continuous use and realised there was

Solutions, explained, if there is demand from

definitely a market for a new type of mount

within the same range of bands; therefore, if

retail or hospitality users for the use of other

that could ensure two devices of a more

you use Bluetooth- or wireless LAN devices

smart phones with the mount, this is

comfortable weight and size could be used

relatively intensely this can drain the battery

something that can be easily developed. "The

during full shifts without users feeling

life quite quickly," Dewar pointed out. "By

mount is modular in design, so it can be quite

discomfort or fatigue. The result is our new

a straightforward process to adapt it to

OpenSpace DUO mount, which opens up a

accommodate other iOS or Android smart

greater opportunity for mPOS because of its

"Bluetooth and wireless LAN basically operate

phones, or to facilitate upgrades of the

user-friendly, light and small form factor

Ingenico or Verifone terminals as and when

making it more comfortable and ergonomic to

required," he said.

operate during full shifts."

Dewar reflected that within the retail and

Aesthetics

hospitality marketplace there has been a need for this type of mount for some time.

However, Dewar explained that the

"There has been a desire for companies to

OpenSpace DUO mPOS mounts have not

operate an increasing number of mPOS-type

only been designed with comfort and

solutions, but they have largely relied on

ergonomics in mind. "Another key feature of

solutions that integrate payment terminals with

the design is its aesthetics; we wanted to

predominately tablet devices, which can be

ensure the mounts were not only comfortable

too heavy and cumbersome for comfortable

to use but also attractive visually," he said.

use over long shifts. With this in mind, we

"This is an important consideration in sectors

asked our own ergonomist to look at this issue

such as retail and hospitality."

and investigate what type of weight and size the ideal payment and mobile device solution should be.

Hard-wired advantage Both the Ingenico and Verifone devices are

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Ian Dewar: “In today's retail or hospitality environment, the customer experience is paramount.”

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Product News

eliminating the amount of Bluetooth traffic

AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE MOBILE COMPUTING

thus much reduces that risk.

between the two devices you will significantly prolong battery life and device uptime. The purpose of mPOS is to enhance the customer

devices are easy to use and very reliable, this makes the whole ethos of 'service with a

Dock chargers

experience by conducting transactions in an

Ergonomic Solutions chargers for the

efficient way – you don't want to have to

OpenSpace DUO mounts will be available in

apologise because the technology has let you

a range of configurations, including a single

down.

or multi-dock. "Of course, how long a device

smile' more achievable on the part of staff.

With improved ergonomics and attractive aesthetics, this has to be a win-win."

Seamless integration

“In today's retail or hospitality environment,

can run on a single charge is dependent on

the customer experience is paramount. If

the device itself and its software

Ingenico Group, said: "A static point of sale

customers are dissatisfied by their

configuration, but our dock chargers can

on a propriety system is becoming a thing of

experience, they can easily complain about

monitor the battery levels within the payment

the past. For mobility, retailers now expect

the service they received on social media; a

device and smartphone; so, you can clearly

their POS to be tablet-based and their

move that can potentially compromise a retail

see whether each device is fully charged or

payments to be seamlessly integrated.

or hospitality outlet's brand reputation. The

not," explained Dewar. "You could say that the

Ingenico has worked in partnership with

good news is that because the solutions are

dock chargers apply intelligent monitoring to

Ergonomic Solutions to build this all-in-one

hard-wired these connection issues don't

the process of charging the devices."

point-of-sale (POS) and payment for mobility

Renan Bodin, product marketing manager,

market based on consumer smartphones. The

occur."

In summary, Dewar commented: "The

Open Space Duo is the perfect product to

Of great importance to all those taking

deployment of this type of technology is all

allow easy integration for integrators, smart

payments is data security, of course. Being

about improving convenience and comfort for

hard-wired, OpenSpace Duo eliminates the

the user while also making the customer

potential of a data breach via Bluetooth and

experience as pleasurable as possible. If the

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deployment for retailers and flexible use for

the end user." n

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Supply Chain

Success story

G.H.MUMM & CIE reduced inventory and costs, and increased visibility with DynaSys

W

ith an outstanding heritage dating back to 1827, with its recognisable red ribbon, a symbol of excellence, the G.H.MUMM Cordon Rouge blend, a perfect incarnation of the brand, stands apart thanks to the freshness and intensity of its oenological style, conserved and passed down from one generation to another by the Cellar Masters.

G.H. Mumm is the market-leading international champagne company in France and third in the world (IWSR 2012). It part of the Pernod Ricard Group, the world’s number 2 in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9 billion in 2016/17.

precise control of the entire supply chain in order to be proactive and make the right decision at the right time. “We have to synchronise the various decision-making levels to harmonise our processes and remain consistent from one end of the product life cycle to the other”, adds Labrousse. This was the main reason for selecting DynaSys Demand and Supply Chain Planning solutions: Demand Planning, Production Planning and Procurement Planning.

“

The DynaSys tools are efficient, enabling us to carry out rapid, detailed, accurate and reliable analysis which is, in a word, relevant.”

– David Labrousse, planning and procurement MS manager, G.H.MUMM & Cie.

The challenge: complex and lengthy production process

The solution: control and optimisation

To really understand the needs and stakes of G.H.MUMM, we have to understand the manufacturing process involving 8 million bottles of champagne.

This represents a manufacturing cycle of between 3 and 6 months, with each step playing a decisive role in maintaining the quality of the champagne.

Whether it concerns the improvement of production resources, working times or inventory management, every detail is crucial for a luxury product like champagne. “In our field, responsiveness to customer demand is critical,” says Labrousse. “Having stock costs less than losing a customer. It requires anticipation and accurate information to reach the right decision. This is where DynaSys comes in, with its Demand & Supply Chain Planning solutions and its project teams, totally familiar with every aspect of the champagne world.”

“Ours is a living product, which continues to change as it ages,” explains David Labrousse, planning and procurement MS manager. “It requires vigilance because stabilisation and improvement are not always synonymous. Aging for too long can result in a loss of quality. It is no easy matter to find the ideal ‘just-in-time’ balance but it is essential if we are to meet the high demands we set for our champagnes.”

This requires particularly accurate inventory management coupled with sufficiently refined and

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offered by DynaSys are flexible, we quickly

set them up to closely match our

Labrousse continues: “The DynaSys tools are efficient, enabling us to carry out rapid, detailed, accurate and reliable analysis which is, in a word, relevant. Since the solutions

requirements, without wasting time and money on specific and costly development.

We have not reinvented anything, we have just applied best practice.”

Planning is at the heart of the company, a way of directing, validating and perfecting its multiple plans: • IBP (Industrial and Business Plan), focused on capacity and investment, drawn up by the half year for 10 years, and at format level • S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) providing a budget approach, management of over/under capacities and optimisation of industrial tools as well as product life cycle management. This plan is drawn up by the month, for a period of 24 months, in a macro-format and using special SKUs (Stock Keeping Units).

• MPS (Master Production Scheduling) for managing working times, quality and customer service. This plan is calculated by the week for a period of 6 months, and at SKU level.

G.H. Mumm is the market-leading international champagne company in France and third in the world (IWSR 2012). It is part of the Pernod Ricard Group, the world’s number 2 in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9 billion in 2016/17.

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Success story

The planning department, employing four people at G.H.MUMM, has a horizontal view of the entire process enabling it to quickly deal with issues, in agreement with management. Weekly planning enables the company to reach decisions according to the needs and analysis carried out using the DynaSys solutions. Labrousse elaborates: “Every week, we get a clear view of the four weeks to come. An issue regarding a late delivery of dry matter? Or a manpower issue?

An emergency? An earthquake somewhere in the world? – These things happen – Our management method is in step with reality.

We are capable of providing company management as well as managers of the commercial, marketing, production, purchasing, technical departments with the information they need.”

For instance, precise planning in this way

enables the company to place amalgamated orders for its labelling requirements. The equation is simple: better knowledge of requirements + better visibility + better procurement control = less obsolescence and fewer orders. This has generated a direct

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gain in terms of a cost reduction of 17% over 3 years.

The benefits: reduced inventory, cost and increased visibility • 15% reduction in finished product inventory prior to shipping.

• Maintained service level while reducing the longest lead-time from 14 to 6 weeks.

• Better visibility of labelling procurements and product mix (amalgamated orders based on the largest quantity) • Reduction in emergency re-ordering – only 3 per year instead of 21 three years ago • Stabilisation of the production plan to ensure better team and manufacturing tool management.

Supply Chain

“The implementation of DynaSys Demand & Supply Chain Planning solutions is not an end in itself, it is a decision support tool. These tools help us make our information more reliable but above all, they represent solutions opening new opportunities for us. We have to learn how to best utilise them.” n

The future G.H.MUMM has already taken the first step: better control of its S&OP processes and the improvement of the match between strategic and operational planning. Or… “How to synchronise planning with the actual conditions in the field” adds Labrousse, who concludes:

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Supply Chain

Analysis

The future of supply chain operations

“

There is no doubt that deploying innovative technology can improve efficiency and customer service, and can help raise maturity and transform supply chains,” says C. Dwight Klappich, research vice president at Gartner. “For example, 90% of companies operating at stages four or five maturity levels outperform their peers, and many are considered industry leaders.”

Autonomous mobile robots

By 2021, one in 10 warehouse workers in

established economies will be replaced by autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

AMRs offer innovative, intelligent platforms to replace the ‘dumb’ automated guide vehicles used in warehouses and factories since the 1950s. Driven by cost and labour challenges in Europe, Japan and North America, the shift to AMRs is expected to lower warehouse costs and complexities. Today’s AMRs do not have lift capacity, which currently limits adoption. As they add lift and become even more autonomous and intelligent, they will transform warehouse operations.

Recommendation: If not ready for wholesale adoption, monitor the market, speak to early adopters and acquire test units to gain hands-on knowledge.

If they don’t, the success of factory AI products will be hampered.

Recommendation: Develop a knowledge management system that maximises human potential and redefine the data science skills required for manufacturing operations.

Proof-of-concept blockchain initiatives

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) offer innovative, intelligent platforms to replace the ‘dumb’ automated guide vehicles used in warehouses and factories since the 1950s.

Through 2020, 90% of supply chain blockchain initiatives will be proof-ofconcept initiatives.

While supply chain interest in ‘blockchain’ grows, the required technology has not yet been fully developed. What has emerged in its place are multiple pilots and proofs of concept (POCs) across the supply chain in various industries, geographies and product categories. Until significant barriers can be overcome – including business ecosystems, business rules and governance, and layers of physical and digital authentication – Gartner expects that organisations’ supply chain blockchain initiatives will remain POCs. Recommendation: Assess the capabilities, practical applications and value-add blockchain can deliver to the supply chain before plunging ahead.

By 2021, three out of five factory-level AI initiatives in large global companies will stall due to inadequate skill sets.

AI’s promise to do more with less has made it a key initiative for manufacturers. Although some AI eliminates basic human tasks, other components are highly cognitive and require support from employees with specialist capabilities, such as content curation or data ingestion. The pool for this talent is extremely limited, which puts the burden on manufacturers to develop the needed skills.

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organisations a genuine alternative to human agents that is less costly and faster to deploy than what is currently available.

Recommendation: Explore the capabilities of VCAs to understand the use cases and benefits that conversational AI platforms can bring to a customer service offering.

Virtual customer assistants

Stalled artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives

Innovative thinking: Join the world's most important gathering of supply chain leaders and learn how to anticipate and respond to unexpected events and turn disruption to advantage.

By 2021, 20% of all customer service interactions will be handled by virtual customer assistants and chatbots.

Today, virtual customer assistants (VCAs) and chatbots handle 2% of customer service interactions. In four years, they will handle 10 times as much. Virtual agents will also be more empathetic, understanding, and able to manage high-volume complex interactions without human referral. The transformation will be visible as early as 2018, when industry leaders such as Amazon, IBM and Salesforce bring to market a new, general-purpose conversational AI platform. It will offer

Join the world's most important gathering of supply chain leaders and learn how to anticipate and respond to unexpected events and turn disruption to advantage.

Move to Mastery: Innovate, Disrupt and Scale the Digital Supply Chain 23-25 September 2018/London, UK gartner.com/eu/supplychain 3 ways to register your place today.

Web: gartnerevents.com/eusccregister Email: emea.registration@gartner.com Phone: +44(0)20 3868 5238

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Use discount code LOGISTICS to save €350 on the standard booking rate.

The World’s Most Important Gathering of Supply Chain Leaders 23-25 September 2018 / London, UK gartner.com/eu/supplychain

Redefine what your supply chain can do in a disruptive, digital world.

Web gartnerevents.com/euscregister 3 ways to register

Email emea.registration@gartner.com

Phone +44 20 3868 5238 © 2018 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. or its affiliates.

For more information, email info@gartner.com or visit gartner.com.

TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

Opinion

Push PossibleTM

with TMS, it’s an enterprise priority

By Mark Vos, business development manager MEA & Eastern Europe, Manhattan Associates. transportation strategy kept up with consumer expectations? Does your supply chain facilitate these delivery expectations? Are you able to get your inventory distributed efficiently between supplier and warehouse, warehouse and store, all nodes and the consumer?

Complexity in the supply chain

T

here is a lot of talk in the market about driver shortages, decreased timelines and increased regulation.

As if this isn’t enough these challenges are further impacted by a period of economic expansion and increased demand. And to top it off we have customers pushing us all for ‘here’ and ‘now’.

The pressure is on, never before has an optimum TMS strategy been so important.

These days, a supply chain is comprised of multiple trading partners: Freight forwarders bringing goods in from Asia, logistics service providers moving goods from the port to the warehouse and an eclectic mix of providers moving goods between wholesale and retail warehouses or to and from the stores.

Add to that drop-ship, cross dock and dynamic re-routing and you have a complex set of needs and expectations that needs to be catered for. To orchestrate this

complexity, an agile, functionally rich, cloudbased TMS is paramount. Technology that uses real-time information to juggle the various options, engineer best routes, optimise time and expense and ensure you make informed decisions every step of the way. Plus, the importance of keeping the whole organization informed from the cab of a lorry to the manager of the warehouse to the supervisor at an enterprise level. All served from the same data, from the same source.

Transportation connects the enterprise providing a conduit from partners through distribution to the consumer and back into distribution in the case of returns. It needs to be swift, seamless and optimised, navigating fuel costs, hours of service, traceability requirements, capacity crunches and driver shortages. It needs to be proactive to avert challenges, react to changes along the way and no matter what, it needs to ‘get to the church on time’.

Customer expectations Yesterday … a vague 2-week delivery date was all the rage and more often than not when it did turn up you were out, that was the way it worked and we all accepted it. Today … we want 24-hours, we demand a 1-hour time slot and we expect it to show up without fail whilst being informed every step of the way, we are way more demanding than yester year. Tomorrow … just imagine what our demands will be. That’s the customer perspective, the question is: Has your

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Shippers need the ability to find dependable capacity through a multitude of sources to combat the squeeze on resources. Collaborating with a broad set of partners is crucial to bridging those gaps

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Opinion

Make way for the digital era The icing on the cake is the power that digital brings. The advent of AI, IoT and Cloud renders this complexity a simply matter of maths and science. Using sophisticated algorithms, a modern-day TMS motors through the multitude of decisions right down to imperatives like time-in-transit, temperature-control and regulatory considerations. A decision that a human would need to ponder and work through on paper is taken in the blink of an eye.

Having this invaluable tool located in the Cloud brings your business a plethora of opportunities spanning from improved communication and collaboration capability to scalable operations in the blink of an eye, and beyond, to lower cost of ownership and speed to innovation. With everyone accessing the same instance, sharing important information, avoiding exceptions and leveraging those partnerships your business is set to deliver on time and within budget.

Overcoming the capacity pinch

TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

Having access to services such as digital freight matching gives you the opportunity to find capacity that matches your needs, surfacing contract-dependable and costeffective alternatives, helping to reduce turndown rates, track freight and expedite payment services. By accessing today’s shared economy, that extended potential is held within a single application and offers the kind of collaboration that can solve those capacity issues.

Regulatory pressures Regulation is rife in today’s market: increased consideration for driver welfare, improved track ‘n trace on inventory and better control of ambient elements. All should be an integral part of your transport strategy and can be leveraged through integrated services within your TMS. Additional functionality that offers geofencing capability to automate and simplify shipment tracking, temperature tracking to ensure compliance, carrier onboarding for speed & efficiency and realtime weather to make better routing decisions.

The important thing is to have all of this capability in one place, with one interface, with one version of the truth and with one single view.

connecting disparate elements and driving the flow of inventory to its end goal. Finding a solution that offers ease of integration with suppliers, with partners, within your own enterprise and with customers should not be under-estimated.

In addition, the balancing of container-sized shipments and individual parcel management and the fluidity between the two creates the need for a combined shipper/carrier approach. eCommerce fulfilment has shifted us from managing boxes and pallets to picking single units within the warehouse. The transport element needs to flow seamlessly from whole/half loads in lorries to parcels in smaller carriers without faltering.

Summary In a recent Gartner TMS report[1] it was stated that: “Controlling transportation costs, creating internal efficiencies, increasing visibility and securing transport capacity are currently the top motivators for investing in a TMS.” It sounds so simple when you say it quickly and to be fair, if you find the right TMS solution, then you’ll be better positioned to manage just that and work smarter, better and faster.

Source: Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Transportation Management Systems, Bart De Muynck, 19 March 2018.

[1]

Shippers need the ability to find dependable capacity through a multitude of sources to combat the squeeze on resources.

Collaborating with a broad set of partners is crucial to bridging those gaps.

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Integrated not isolated Ringfencing transportation in isolation is dangerous. It’s very power is held captive in how it is integrated into the supply chain,

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TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

Opinion

First a driver shortage, now storage? – Not at all

“

The demand for warehousing and logistics spaces in North-Rhine Westphalia remains high, however a shortage of storage is increasingly becoming a problem […]”, Josip Perković, Teamleader Industrial & Logistics NRW explained in a press release issued by the commercial real estate expert CBRE on 9 February 2018.

However, according to the German Federal Statistical Office, the number of newly built logistics facilities continues to rise. Why then is there a discrepancy between ‘more logistics property’ and ‘fewer available warehouse spaces?’ And why is the available warehouse space not being used to its full potential? Gunnar Gburek, TimoCom's company spokesman provides the answers, suggesting ways that all parties can better utilise the available space.

1. No recognition of the advantages of short-term warehouse rental Of course, logistics service providers and their customers need long-term warehouse

rentals in order to keep their fixed costs down and aid planning. But customers can also make good use of short-term storage spaces.

After all, market fluctuations and the associated product peaks, which are harder to plan for, require more and more flexibility. It may be the case, for example, that the customer actually needs fewer goods than planned for, and the goods need to be delivered to another location or at a later date.

Short-term warehouse rental is a good intermediate solution, but many warehouse operators remain reluctant. Short-term rentals are often associated with high conversion costs that are not financially viable, for example because the space between shelves is not perfectly optimised. However, for shortterm rentals, it is not really very important that the available shelf space be put to optimal use. Block storage may even be an option, if the rental is only for a few weeks. The market for short-term storage space is particularly attractive because, as with additional loads in the transport industry, businesses can achieve greater profit margins. Not only that, logistics service providers can use a warehouse exchange to establish new

contacts and expand their own field of business.

2. Decentralised storage is not on the table Manufacturing and trade companies generally prefer to distribute their goods from one large central warehouse in order to keep administrative work to a minimum. However, this is a recipe for lost time and flexibility. In this case, decentralised storage offers additional options: by using a warehouse exchange, products to be stored, for example chocolate Santa Clauses, can be held in their specific distribution regions. This saves on longer transports, which are becoming increasingly more expensive and hard to find considering the current lack of vehicle space.

Companies can react much faster and more flexibly at the beginning of the season, as the goods are already located close to where they will be sold.

3. Almost no one makes use of intermediate storage Road hauliers often get stuck with their goods, and never even consider using a short-term warehouse rental to store them.

That means they wait for hours, or sometimes days until the goods can be delivered. This takes up valuable time in which they make no money and may put their next job at risk. But the problem can be used to their advantage – with a warehouse exchange. Use the exchange to find matching storage options with a logistics service provider in the area to store the goods on short notice. In the bestcase scenario, the service provider will even deliver the goods to the customer at the next possible delivery date, so the haulier can immediately take on a new job. After all, the driver shortage means it is simply bad business to put a driver ‘on hold’ for an indeterminate amount of time.

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Opinion

TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

Gunnar Gburek: “In order to ensure that future business with logistic real estate is more efficient, storage capacities must be updated to include the latest status in regard to number, time and conditions.”

4. Internal information flows are inadequate If existing storage capacity within an organisation is not advertised at short notice, it cannot be found. When it comes to larger logistics companies or networks, closed user groups can immediately solve this problem. Free space is instantly visible, and partners can pool resources to offer more or different storage options than they themselves have available. This improves competitiveness and reduces costs.

Automate the whole process by using an interface to connect the warehouse administration and the warehouse exchange, and suddenly one click is enough to provide a summary of all available warehouse space across Europe.

Sales employees need only look online to

see where and how many spaces are available and can thus market them quickly and without complications.

Future storage: free space on a digital map In the future, it is possible that data on available warehouse storage spaces could be used to create a sort of map which can in turn be used in real time to find free spaces. In order to ensure that future business with logistic real estate is more efficient, storage capacities must be updated to include the latest status in regard to number, time and conditions (e.g. dry or cold storage, block storage, automated or with forklift). It is only then that customers will have a clear overview of the available space and can, just like on a freight exchange, filter for exactly the type of storage space they need. n

Brilliantly efficient! With TimoCom, Europe’s largest transport platform.

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TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

Opinion

Four ways to improve

the supply chain with the Internet of Things

T

By Derek Bryan, vice president EMEA, Verizon Connect.

he concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) has come a long way since the first ‘internet refrigerator’ was launched back in 2000. While connected fridges still aren’t mainstream, many far more practical uses for the IoT have emerged. For businesses that play an active role in supply chain fulfilment, the benefits are proving to be significant.

The increasing number of use cases for the IoT have been driven by advances in mobile connectivity, making Internet-enabled sensors much smaller and more affordable. These sensors, often the size of a hockey puck, can transmit vital information to other devices in a way could only be dream of back when the concept of the IoT was born. The ability to analyse and make sense of the vast amount of data collected has also helped propel the adoption of IoT tech. While we are only on the cusp of the IoT revolution, forward thinking

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organisations are already starting to think about how it can streamline key processes and optimise the supply chain. There are four key ways the IoT is already helping to streamline the supply chain.

1. Increased visibility The IoT allows supply chain managers to connect their vehicles, equipment and devices to gain to-the-minute status updates on jobs.

This can offer a full picture across the supply chain, from the warehouse, to different stakeholders and customers. For example, rather than seeing a job status listed as ‘with courier’ or ‘in transit’, managers can see the exact location. With this information, they can make intelligent and timely decisions that will keep goods moving efficiently. It also helps deliver other benefits across the business such as reducing costs and aiding with compliance.

Derek Bryan: “While the IoT promises so much and its implementation is only in its infancy – for supply chain managers or operations directors, there are steps they can take now to start seeing the benefits of the technology revolution.”

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Discover how you can see clearly, act intelligently and go with confidence at verizonconnect.com/uk.

TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

Opinion

The rise of the IoT enables organisations to take a much more holistic view of how their supply chain impacts business.

2. Encouraging collaboration The rise of the IoT enables organisations to take a much more holistic view of how their supply chain impacts business. It is particularly important for more complex supply chains, where different parts or components are sourced across disparate suppliers and locations. In these circumstances, it’s easy to organise these centres into silos. The IoT across the supply chain gives decision makers real-time details on job statuses across the entire chain and helps break down silos. Increased collaboration across business areas can help to identify potential issues or bottlenecks earlier, make smarter strategic decisions and boost productivity.

3. Maximising assets Improved connectivity allows supply chain managers to optimise fleets. They can provide

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smarter route planning and identify assets stuck in traffic and. They can also track utilisation rates to monitor the efficiency of assets, enabling managers to schedule the optimal number of jobs for each asset. With a deeper understanding about how assets are utilised and performing, business operations can be fine-tuned. This helps increase productivity and enables supply chain managers to help schedule more deliveries or dispatches per day. When multiplied across a fleet and the entire supply chain, this could bring a huge boost to a business’ bottom line.

For example, studies have shown more effective routing and utilisation can reduce driver hours by almost 25%.

4. Bolstering customer service A more connected supply chain not only helps boost efficiency, it helps deliver better customer service. Managers can access information in the office or on mobile apps to track exactly where an item is at any given

moment, so that forecasting delivery times becomes a more exact science. Managers can then identify any potential issues sooner, contact the customer to manage their expectations, or make alternative arrangements to ensure Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are met. The connected fleet also allows for automation of status updates for customers, helping them stay informed and reducing inbound enquiries to customer centres While the IoT promises so much and its implementation is only in its infancy – for supply chain managers or operations directors, there are steps they can take now to start seeing the benefits of the technology revolution. The key is to have a Mobile Resource Management software platform that can collect all the data from connected devices and help turn it into easy-tounderstand and actionable insights. Those that do are setting themselves up for success in the future. n

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Analysis

TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

Available transport

capacity

declines The thirty-fifth edition of the Transport Market Monitor (TMM) by Transporeon and Capgemini Consulting reveals that following a seasonal recovery at the beginning of the year, available transport capacity has been declining again since March.

The main highlights of the report include: • In Q1 2018, the capacity index increased by 53.3% to 110.1 compared to the previous quarter. Compared to Q1 2017 the index value of Q1 2018 is 2.4% lower.

are being negotiated across Europe. We therefore expect costs of transportation to further rise throughout the year.”

• The European Trade Flow Index is expected to increase by 18.3% in Q1 2018.

Oliver Kahrs, director, business development at Transporeon, added: “After a seasonal recovery of the available transport capacity at the beginning of the year, shippers in March once more had significantly less free loading space available. Transport prices in Q1 were 7% above previous year’s level. This could indicate expectations of the service providers that capacities will again become scarcer during the year, as they already did in 2017.

This assumption is supported by our most recent internal figures, as well as by statements of the European Commission, which continues to forecast robust economic growth in Europe.”

Lars Vitters, supply chain manager at Capgemini, noted: “Despite the anticipated growth in European trade volumes the capacity index showed significant growth with a peak index of 131.9 in February 2018.

Notwithstanding this overcapacity costs of transportation increased with over 7% compared to Q1 last year. We see a direct correlation with the rising fuel and driver shortage across Europe. Add to this the expected salary increases of drivers which

The Transport Market Monitor by Transporeon and Capgemini Consulting is a quarterly publication that aims to track transport market dynamics. The aim of the Transport Market Monitor is to provide insights in the development of transport prices, and other transport market dynamics to logistics executives and other interest groups. It is a joint initiative from Transporeon and Capgemini Consulting. The Index is based on the logistics platform Transporeon on which

• The price index decreased in Q1 2018 to an index of 92.1, which is a decrease of 14.7% compared to Q4 2017 (index 107.9).

Compared to the price index of Q1 2017, the price index increased by 7.1%.

• From the previous quarter, the diesel index increased 3%. Compared to the same period last year, this year is 3% higher.

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shippers tender and process their transport needs to their preferred transport partners on a daily basis. Anonymously, information is unlocked from the platform and analysed by Capgemini Consulting. This results in monthly Indices which are published on a quarterly basis. n

Capgemini Consulting at a glance Capgemini Consulting is the global strategy and transformation consulting organisation of the Capgemini Group, specialising in advising and supporting enterprises in significant transformation, from innovative strategy to execution and with an unstinting focus on results.

With the new digital economy creating significant disruptions and opportunities, the global team of 3500 talented individuals work with leading companies and governments to master Digital Transformation, drawing on their understanding of the digital economy and leadership in business transformation and organisational change.

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n

Vanderlande software creates smarter warehouse solutions Warehouse Management

Product profile

T

oday’s warehouses and distribution centres (DCs) are seeing an influx of challenges and a rapidly changing landscape that seemingly evolves on a weekly basis. Operators must adapt and find solutions that enable them to overcome the complexities stemming from this in order to remain competitive in their respective markets.

The solutions that warehouses and DCs integrate must offer the adaptability and scalability to enable them to grow alongside their business demands. Moreover, this must

be driven by intelligent software that interfaces seamlessly with their operations.

Multiple challenges The growth of e-commerce and omni-channel retail, as well as ever-increasing expectations about service levels, delivery demands and cross-border business are expanding SKU ranges and creating new logistical challenges.

Modern warehouse managers must carefully balance often unpredictable market demands with rising operational costs; all at a time when a lack of sufficient and skilled workers is adding a new complication when it comes to capacity versus demand.

ADAPTO shuttle FASTPICK.

Thanks to its proven track record and extensive global experience, Vanderlande has gained clear insights into the logistical challenges and requirements facing modern DCs. As such, it has used this information and know-how to create its next generation of scalable solutions – or evolutions.

Designed for growth Conceived to support the desired growth strategy of a DC or warehouse, Vanderlande’s evolutions incorporate innovative systems.

This includes the automated AIRPICK solution

and FASTPICK, a goods-to-person fulfilment system that uses ADAPTO shuttles for the advanced storage and retrieval of products.

However, critical to orchestrating the connections between equipment, robotics, people and processes is the intelligent software that governs the system throughout its life cycle. For this reason, Vanderlande has developed VISION. It offers a single platform for all automated and manual warehouse functions. It is based on a microservice architecture approach, which designs a software application as a suite of small services, linked to a specific function within the logistics process. As such, each module is independently deployable and scalable, reflecting the overarching evolutions concept.

Fit for the future VISION consists of functional modules, which can be used ‘plug and play’. Each module is designed around a specific step in the logistics process. This microservice configuration enables VISION to respond seamlessly to changing business processes without the need to make extensive adjustments to the software.

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Warehouse Management

A further advantage of this scalable approach is that the total cost of ownership is reduced.

This is because the software can more easily match a business’ future requirements when compared with comparable solutions available in the marketplace currently.

User-centred approach

Modern warehouse managers must carefully balance often unpredictable market demands with rising operational costs.

Understanding that any disruption to operations will have a high degree of impact on systems already running at near capacity,

VISION has been developed to ensure new functionality can be easily added. This enables warehouses and DCs to scale up operations without interrupting daily processes and with minimal downtime.

Within VISION, Vanderlande has incorporated an intuitive user interface (UI). This is designed to reduce operator training to as little as ten minutes, as well as enable them to configure the UI to create personalised dashboards that reflect individual needs. Further customisation can be performed to specifically match a warehouse’s specific processes.

Acting as a virtual digital assistant, VISION processes multiple data streams to offer an

invaluable 360° view of a warehouse or DC’s entire process. The real-time reporting intelligently highlights dependencies within the different processes and the impact of individual incidents, which can be utilised to determine

n

Product profile

future threats and address inefficiencies.

Easy implementation Utilising a state-of-the-art and secure cloudbased platform, VISION can be rolled out rapidly, even across multiple sites. As such, warehouses and DCs operating out of different locations can more efficiently share data and analysis to advance their operations.

In addition, Vanderlande’s solution designer tool creates an interactive and agile process for designing and implementing the VISION software. Through this prototyping, Vanderlande can build a clearer understanding of its customers’ current systems and logistical challenges.

These insights combined with the intelligently

designed VISION software and Vanderlande’s new approach to high-level controls, offers a solid platform on which warehouse operations can run smoothly and efficiently, both now and in the future. n

Reliable partner for value-added logistic process automation

To overcome the challenges of today’s rapidly-changing world, warehouses need to continuously improve their supply chains and business processes, and invest in state-of-the-art technology. In such a dynamic environment, you need a reliable partner that can deliver value-added logistic process automation. Vanderlande is a unique one-stop shop with an international presence in the general merchandise, fashion and food retail markets. We understand the complexities associated with operating a successful warehouse and will help you to exceed your customers’ expectations and stay ahead of the competition. > vanderlande.com

Warehouse Management

n

Analysis

UK businesses warned about a ticking data time bomb in the warehouse

U

K businesses are being warned there could be as many as 30 million out of date boxes in warehouses around the country – acting as at ticking data time bomb. For years, companies have outsourced storage of millions of boxes filled with papers and records, sometimes for legal reasons because they have to be kept and sometimes for convenience.

However, information management company, Crown Records Management, says up to 15% of boxes stored are past their 'destroy date' and being kept unnecessarily. That has huge data protection issues in the wake of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came in on 25 May – because companies need to know what personal data they hold, where it is and be able to edit or delete it on demand.

Ticking data time bomb David Fathers, regional general manager at Crown Records Management, said: "This is a far bigger problem than people realise because GDPR doesn't only apply to digital data, it applies to physical data on paper too.

That means keeping boxes full of records when you don't need to – and especially

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when you have no idea what they contain - is a ticking data time bomb. It could cost businesses a lot of money and in the worstcase scenario lead to data breaches and big fines.

"Getting accurate figures on the number of boxes affected across the country is difficult because of the mix of outsourced managed items and 'in-house' storage facilities and then there is also self-storage or removals companies that house documents too. Our company alone stores millions of cartons of documents and we estimate that around 15% are either past their destroy date, or have been kept for over 10 years having never been accessed. Based on that, our estimate is that the total number of outsourced boxes alone is between 150m-200m – and that could mean a staggering 22.5-30m cartons which are being kept unnecessarily."

Businesses are being advised to either destroy boxes which no longer need to be kept or at the very least know why they are keeping them. Fathers added: "A lot of people are keeping these boxes 'just in case' or because or they don't know what's in them – or because they are worried about throwing something away which will miraculously become useful in the future. But that is a false economy. Under GDPR, companies really

David Fathers: “This is a far bigger problem than people realise because GDPR doesn't only apply to digital data, it applies to physical data on paper too.”

need to know what data they are storing and where it is. The regulation gives citizens new rights to ask for their data to be edited or deleted and so paying to store 'mystery boxes' really is bad news." n

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Warehouse Management

n

Analysis

Moving with the times: How two-way radio has adapted to modern warehousing operations Two-way radio and the logistics industry share a long history. Practical, robust and reliable, twoway radio was the first wireless communications technology that allowed teams to stay in touch across large warehouse and processing facilities, helping to improve overall coordination and efficiency.

N

owadays, of course, most of us carry around mobile phones, a younger example of wireless

communications technology that is approaching saturation point in terms of individual ownership. Yet in industry, two-way radio remains the tool of choice.

If you haven't reviewed your use of two-way radio for a number of years, you might be surprised by what the latest models can do.

Two-way radio technology has undergone its own digital transformation, unlocking a wide range of capabilities which make it better suited than ever to the needs of warehousing operations.

Better coverage Let's look at an example. Brentwood Communications has a long-standing relationship with PMS International, the UK's biggest importer of mass market consumer products. Brentwood has supplied PMS with two-way radios for its giant 500,000 sq ft warehousing facility in Basildon, Essex for a number of years.

When the relationship started, Brentwood provided traditional analogue 'walkie-talkie'style radio handsets, which have been a mainstay of industrial communications for decades. The longevity of analogue two-way radio can be explained by its key assets - it is easy to use, it provides clear audio, it is reliable and robust enough to stand being used for years on end in tough workplace environments.

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A drawback with analogue technology has always been signal coverage, however. The two-way radios Brentwood supplied to PMS

did an adequate job but were never quite enough to give full network coverage across the whole 500,000 sq ft facility.

The most recent project Brentwood undertook with PMS was to start to upgrade its fleet to digital two-way radio. Digital technology gives a bigger output and therefore a bigger signal range, as well as even better audio clarity.

We chose a so-called hybrid model from manufacturer Hytera, which operates in both analogue and digital modes simultaneously.

This made it perfect to help PMS migrate onto digital two-way radio gradually, as they could buy a few Hytera handsets at a time and still use their old analogue models in the meantime.

Improved safety monitoring As well as better output and performance, digital two-way radios also have the advantage of offering a much broader range of features. This particularly comes to the fore in on-site health and safety management.

Brentwood Communications was also contracted by Lindal Valve to supply two-way radios for its UK distribution centre in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. Part of the global manufacturing giant Lindal Group, Lindal Valve is one of the world's largest producers of valves, actuators and spray caps for aerosol products.

The Leighton Buzzard distribution centre is spread out over two large adjacent warehouses. On top of gaining adequate coverage for the whole site, management particularly wanted a communications solution that would help to improve health and safety monitoring and compliance, especially for night shift workers who were often required to work alone using forklifts in otherwise deserted corners of the facility.

Once again, Brentwood chose to supply Hytera models, one model for staff on the shop floor, another for supervisors. The handsets provided for staff were programmed with Man Down alerts, a feature which automatically triggers an alarm if it detects a fall.

These digital models were also GPS enabled, allowing for precise location tracking across the facility. Supervisors were provided with a Hytera model with a screen, which was set up to act as a handheld dispatch console, including being able to identify the location of every member of staff on shift. n

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\\\ Manufacturing \\\

Analysis

The rise of connected cars in a changing world With an anticipated global connected vehicles parc of more than 200 million by 2025, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are looking to seize a competitive advantage by offering space-age customer experience.

T

hey are employing personalisation based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), virtual assistants, digital cockpit, and data monetisation solutions to deliver a rich Internet

of Things (IoT) user experience to an increasingly demanding customer base.

"Between 2017 and 2022, OEMs will require a suite of solution providers and data aggregators to deliver meaningful data to consumers across industries, government agencies, and smart city implementers," said Krishna Jayaraman, programme manager, connectivity & telematics, at Frost & Sullivan.

"Consequently, automotive ecosystem participants are partnering with and investing in data aggregators, technology providers,

and subscription pricing. When developing

(MBUX): The MBUX infotainment system

data consumers, and data-driven analytics

these models, automotive OEMs take into

was based on Connected, Autonomous,

companies to generate new revenue streams

account the value customers place on data,

Shared, and Electric (CASE). It is intelligent,

using mobility services and IoT applications."

mobility, connectivity, customer centricity, and

emotional, and tailored to customers'

cybersecurity. Luxury OEMs such as Volvo,

needs. Its ease of use and "user-delight

Frost & Sullivan's recent analysis, Global

Cadillac, and Porsche are among the brands

features" position Mercedes as a frontline

Connected Car Market Outlook, 2018,

that have already launched subscription

presents the key announcements of

deals.

player in the connected car market.

• Bosch's Personal Assistant: Bosch's

automotive participants such as OEMs, Tier 1

speech assistant behind the wheel, dubbed

suppliers, as well as semiconductor and

"By 2021, when connected car data and

Casey, will be embedded in the vehicle.

technology companies. It examines the top

transaction volume increase significantly,

The system understands and speaks 30

connected services, navigation, telematics,

OEMs/data aggregators will shift from a

data monetisation, and IoT-related trends. It

subscription model to a customised pricing

also covers aftermarket connected car

and revenue-sharing model," noted

infotainment system: This device will be

solutions and features a dedicated section on

Jayaraman. "In response to market demand

capable of receiving over-the-air (OTA)

human-machine interface (HMI) solutions,

for higher value, they will also employ Data-

from touch screens to voice recognition.

as-a-Service models to provide bundled

different languages.

• GM's new electric vehicle architecture and

updates.

• Amazon Alexa: BMW and Mini will have Alexa integrated into all models.

services."

• Renault's bio-inspired vision technologies

New synergies

are geared towards autonomous scenarios.

In addition to data monetisation, innovation will continue to be a priority among top

Meanwhile, the new synergies among

automotive OEMs. Some key OEMs and their

automotive and ICT companies are giving rise

next-generation solutions are:

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is part of Frost & Sullivan's global Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Service

to a new breed of business models such as revenue per transaction, event-based pricing,

Global Connected Car Market Outlook, 2018

• The Mercedes-Benz User Experience

programme. n

www.logisticsit.com

Analysis

\\\ Manufacturing \\\

80% manufacturing and utilities employees in the Midlands admit to experiencing stress that they struggle to cope with

R

esearch carried out by Aquarius

The research carried out by Aquarius Life

Life as part of Mental Health

highlights that organisations in the Midlands

Awareness Week (14 to 20 May)

must do more to offer meaningful support to

found that 80% of

their employees to manage their overall

manufacturing and utilities

employees in the Midlands experience

physical and mental wellbeing. 71% of respondents said they were unsure of the

stress that they struggle to cope with, with

support available to them at work to help

5% admitting to turning to alcohol or drugs

them with pressure, stress or personal

to help deal with stress or pressure.

issues and 69% felt there wasn't enough support at work to help them.

Aquarius Life is a newly launched service by Aquarius, a Midlands-based charity that has

The stark findings of this survey have led

"We believe that organisations play an

over 40 years' experience supporting

Aquarius to set up its new service, Aquarius

important role in supporting their employees'

individuals, families, organisations and

Life, which works in partnership with

wellbeing – in and outside the workplace. By

communities to overcome the physical,

employers across the Midlands and beyond

supporting employees, companies can

emotional and psychological harms caused

to help create a positive culture of wellbeing

expect to see a positive impact on their

by alcohol, drugs and gambling.

in the workplace and provide support to

bottom line. An engaged, motivated and

managers and their employees.

While 51% of respondents confirmed that

supported workforce can lead to improved productivity. Better job satisfaction will lead

the use of alcohol or drugs is having a

Aquarius offers a range of professional

to a reduction in recruitment costs. By

negative impact on their own work

services related to problems arising from the

working with organisations to support their

performance, 66% of the people surveyed

use of alcohol, drugs and gambling, as well

employees, we hope to make a real impact

also raised concerns about the negative

as emotional wellbeing and psychological

on the wellbeing of the workforce and the

impact of pressure and stress on the

health. By working closely with management

organisation's overall performance.

performance of their co-workers. The results

and HR teams, Aquarius Life can develop

of the survey found that more than a third

solutions tailored to individual organisations

"All of the support services we have

(38%) of respondents have suspected a

that can address common issues such as

developed at Aquarius over the last 40

colleague of being under the influence of

absenteeism, productivity and employee

years have been underpinned by robust

alcohol or drugs while in the workplace.

retention. Aquarius Life also works with

research and evidence – research was

Keeping personal struggles secret

organisations to provide tailored awareness

where our journey began and we are proud

programmes, one-to-one and group support,

to continue that tradition in 2018."

as well as help with policy audits and strategic development.

Aquarius Life has created a guide for organisations, which is downloadable from

Despite these findings about the stresses and pressure, employees are not willing to confide in their employer about the pressure

To mark the launch of this new service,

Time for employers to act

the Aquarius Life website. The guide provides a step-by-step process for

or personal issues they are experiencing,

Annette Fleming, CEO of Aquarius, said:

creating a healthy workplace, as well as

with 43% stating they do not feel

"The results of our latest research are clear

useful signs to look out for when spotting

comfortable confiding in anyone at work and

– at times, most of us can find it hard to deal

an employee who may be struggling and

over half (52%) are not willing to confide in

with the day-to-day pressures of balancing

outlines the money organisations could

their manager because they don't want them

our work and personal lives. In fact, 80% of

save by investing in the wellbeing of their

to know about their personal struggles. In

manufacturing and utilities employees in the

fact, 85% of respondents claim to actively

Midlands confirm they experience stress

mask the way they are feeling at work when

that they struggle to cope with. That's why,

struggling to cope with pressure or stress.

we believe it's time for employers to act.

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workforce. n

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