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Racking – Conventional, VNA, Drive-in, Flow Rack, Pushback, Shuttle etc.
design: lettie@creatiff.co.za
Shelving – Bolted, Boltless, Library, Gondola (Supermarket). Mezzanine Floors – Structural and Rack Supported. Lockers – Steel, Wire, Plastic etc. Bins – All Storage Containers. Johannesburg | Tel: +27 11 827 5555 | sales@krostshelving.com Durban | Tel: +27 31 700 2020 | kznsales@krostshelving.com Cape Town | Tel: +27 21 705 7808 / 29 | cptsales@krostshelving.com
ISO 9001-2008
QUALITY CERTIFIED
SANCERT CERT NO 20120101
Manufactured in South Africa since 1965
CONTENT COVER STORY
From Holland To Cape Town
4
SAPICS
Can International Certification Stimulate Local Success
6
SUPPLY PERSONALITY
Supply Personality of the Month: John Valentine
7
CASE STUDY
Migros ZĂźrich commissions KNAPP with a FAST Picking solution 9 Things to Consider Before Starting a Retrofit Project
8 11
RACKING
Mobile Racking in South African Fruit Stires
15
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
SA French Supplies Saltec Passenger Hoists To Zambian Mines Latest Infrared Control System For Cranes Skids Boilers at Packaging Plant
24 36 48
CABLES SUPPLIES
Developed and Tested for Motion - Chainflex Cables from igus
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AUTOMATION
Offers Products To The Market For Efficient and Reliable Material Whay Big Data Will Lower Your Equal Pay for Equal Work Risk
22 24
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability in the Supply Chain is Good for Business
28
FORKLIFTS
Tubular Plant Hire aims High With Gorscor Access Rental Linde Material Handling Adds Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) order Picker K-Matic to its Range of Robotic Trucks Formula Forklifts Is Real The New ERE From Jungheinrich: The Shortest and Fastest Truck with the Best Performance On The Market Toyota Forklift Warehousing Equipment for Leading Toiletries and Cosmetics Manufacturer Le-Sel Research
+27 (0) 72 444-1010 ros-cape@optimasolutions.co.za
Supply Network Africa
Managing Editor Lelanie Lane Cell: +27 (0) 60 980-1111 Email: info@supplynetworkafrica.co.za Web: www.supplynetworkafrica.co.za Production: Jeanette Jordaan
30 32 34 35 36
NEW DEVELOPMENT
Growthpoint’s Inanda GreensSecures Top Businesses Heineken and FirstRand Bank Limited Repeat Customers Business Ratio in South Africa
38 39
LOGISTICS
Moving Movies, Matric Papers, Motor Vehicles and So Much More
40
EDUCATION & TRAINING
All You Need To Know About Occupational Learning
44
TRUCKING
Volvo Trucks Names Top Dealers
ROS International
BUYERS GUIDE
45 46
Index to Advertisers Acrow 10 Chep IBC Culmen Consultants 39 Dexion 17 Eternity Technologies 29 Fortna 13 igus 21 Interroll 23 Jungheinrich 27 Knapp 9 Krost Shelving & Racking IFC Linde Material Handling 33 Palian 41 Real Telematics 43 ROS International OFC SAPICS OBC Spode 7 Universal Storage Systems 37
Disclaimer Opinions in this Publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication, its editorial board, its editor or its Publishers. The mention of specific products in articles and advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this Publication or its publishers in preference to others of a similar nature, which are not mentioned or advertised. Reliance on any information contained in this journal is at your own risk. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of editorial board makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the correctness or suitability contained and/or the products advertised in this publication. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damages or loss, howsoever arising, incurred by readers of this publication or any other person/s. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility and liability for any damages, includes pure economic loss and any consequential damages, resulting from the use of services or products advertised in this publication. Readers of this publication indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, its officers, employees, and servants for any demand action, application or other proceedings made by any third party and arising out or in connection with the use of any services and/or products or the reliance on any information contained in this publication.
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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COVER STORY
From Holland to Cape Town Rack Damage and the dangers associated to this plagued the logistics industry for years. That was until Hans Slavenburg from The Netherlands developed a system that could repair damaged racking. racking warehouses effective solutions.
On the other side of the world, here in South Africa the same concept of creating a solution that would solve client rack damage problems, was something Cullem McKay and Charles Langeveld aspired for.
Maintenance hasn’t been a focus
Mark Griggs – Cape Town Branch Manager
International is now in the position to open a branch here in the Western Cape. The Western Cape was chosen for the fact that there has been such massive economic growth in the Supply Chain Environment where services need to be supplied to help and maintain
The ever growing ROS team.
4
cost
The Western Cape Branch, Managed by Mark Griggs, will be able to supply Customers here in the Western Cape as well as Eastern Cape with the same attitude and service that has been supplied to Gauteng and Kwazulu Natal over the years.
The idea of supplying maintenance relief to companies who required full site inspections as well as ongoing maintenance to their racking within warehouses was a gap in the market and prompted the birth of the ROS Rack Repair System in South Arica. The Patented system allowed the South African market the possibility to repair racking uprights without having to replace or off load pallets from the racking. This concept would supply relief to companies by reducing downtime and high costs associated with replacing uprights to existing racking systems. Now, 7 Years after bringing this concept to South Africa and with the successful growth experienced in Gauteng, ROS
with
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
In South Africa, there are unfortunately no legislated regulations or governing bodies on the safe manufacture, installation and maintenance of racking. One of the consequences of this is that regular inspections and maintenance of racking and shelving systems is often not carried out. “In Europe, companies are obligated to have their racking Inspected and Certified annually by a qualified expert.” If you don’t have a valid
COVER STORY
We are trying to bring a level of professionalism to an industry plagued by - Back Yard Mechanics - with no idea on International Rack Safety Standards The cost of a repair is significantly lower than replacement, not only direct costs but huge savings in time. “We can do 15 to 20 repairs in a day. Compare this to replacement, “where you would be lucky to replace four uprights in a day.”
Certificate guaranteeing you’re racking as safe and confirming its carrying capacity, there can be numerous problems. For one, insurance companies may not cover you should an incident occur. This is a service that ROS International actively promotes to many of its International Blue Chip customers. Inspecting and repairing their racking quarterly and then certifying it annually. They in-turn use this for preferential discounts from their insurers.
The set up and service supplied ROS offers a complimentary Visual Inspection of your racking, providing you with in a detailed defect report on your racking status. We then present you with a proposal to rectify all the findings noted. Those that can be repaired will be repaired using the ROS International Rack Repair method and those irreparable items will be replaced using original equipment Manufacturers items.
The ROS International Patented System of Rack Repair has been available internationally for 12 Years and Locally in South Africa for 7. Growing from strength to strength the company started with just 3 employees and a utility vehicle to now actively maintaining more than 200 warehouses racking across South Africa. Utilizing a fleet of a dozen vehicles and more than 40 full time staff. ROS International SA has quickly grown into the market leaders in Rack Repair and Maintenance in South Africa. Couple this with their Sister Company – Optima Storage Solutions – offering Turn Key Warehouse Racking System design, supply and installation and you have a company that can take care of every aspect of your storage requirements.
ROS International Mark Griggs, Tel +27 (0) 72 444 1010 ros-cape@optimasolutions.co.za
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
5
Can International Certifications Stimulate Local Success?
By: Mungo Park, President of SAPICS – representing the SA supply chain community
SAPICS – your supply chain community Global assurance
Developed countries are usually the source of globally recognised certifications, yet local industry professionals face challenges typically unique to South Africa. Are these programmes designed for their own advanced economies? Or can they address conditions outside their borders? Supply chain management (SCM) professional accreditation provides a suitable case study. Developed countries can consider innovative approaches to supply chain efficiency, such as drone delivery or logistics driven by Artificial Intelligence. Countries like South Africa however still contend with fundamental issues and challenges. Technology is embraced in some areas of the supply chain, like logistics tracking, but is often underutilised or incorrectly applied in optimising supply chain efficiencies, in many cases a result of inadequate, or indeed the lack of supply chain knowledge and skills. According to 2012 studies carried out by KPMG, South African supply chain management fared better than other African nations, better in only some respects than other BRICS members, but poorly compared to developed countries. A lack of supply chain skills and expertise is a major contributor to the supply chain challenges faced in South Africa. Many individuals are skilled in certain aspects of logistics but few have the knowledge and experience to see beyond their scope of responsibility and understand the upstream and downstream impact of their decisions. This inhibits supply chain efficiency and improvement initiatives. In view of these challenges, the value of a consistent internationally recognised – and reputable – certification cannot be underestimated in terms of building supply chain capability and in providing a yardstick against which to test candidates applying for supply chain positions. 6
International certification assures global customers that, regardless of constraints, a high level of industry expertise is being applied. Global vendors have more confidence when integrating their supply chain with one managed by accredited professionals, so it's good for business.
Future proofing Mungo Park
Principles over conditions The skills gained in certification courses are internationally recognised because of their ubiquity. Although local variables may differ, the management principles persist. Therefore, regardless of South Africa's challenges, international certifications still offer some of the best solutions for addressing them. National Qualification Framework integration Certification doesn't exist in isolation. For example, the current TETA (Transport Education & Training Authority) Career Guide, Volume 3, advises that the entry-level requirement for international SCM accreditation is NQF Level 6. Candidates must first achieve a SCM qualification with an entry-level requirement of NQF 4 (matric level). Such gateway courses are provided by national universities and lecturers. The indication is that international certification must be preceded by local training.
Synergy of qualifications South African professionals can enjoy the best of both worlds as a mix of local education and international training can produce a broader and more balanced range of skills than found in developed countries. In terms of SCM, accredited locals will often have more to offer South Africa than their international counterparts.
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
As investment in South Africa grows, infrastructure and technology will continue to catch up with first world countries, and so the demand for professionals who understand the complex dynamics of advanced supply chains will increase. We need to prepare for the future, and that means gaining the required expertise before it becomes critical.
Global network Lastly, international certification provides secondary benefits like linking graduates to a global alumni network. Local supply chain managers can collaborate with those in developing nations who have faced the same problems and share solutions. Such a resource can help us leapfrog problems. International certification – such as the APICS CPIM, CSCP, and CLTD designations for SCM professionals – augments local expertise rather than replaces it. Overall, it offers South African professionals access to the leading principles and practices that are essential to addressing local constraints. It validates the skill level of supply chain resources. But most of all, it provides us with a robust base of supply chain capability on which we can compete with global markets.
Website: www.sapics.org.za Twitter: @SAPICS01 LinkedIn: SAPICS group Facebook: OperationsManagement
SUPPLY PERSONALITY
Supply Personality of the Month What is your name and surname? John Valentine
John Valentine Real Telematics
What kind of academic qualifications do you have? • • • •
Diploma -Damelin – Call Centre Manager IISA – Short Term Insurance Certificate University of Stellenbosch Business – SMP Various other minor stuff
Who was your first employer? Air Caterers What was your first salary? R900 What was your achievements to success? • • • •
Nominated twice Employee of the Year Fedics First Ever – Airline Incentive Refund SA Air Caterers USB – SMP Programme Valedictorian Directorship at Real Telematics
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self? Run like hell and educate yourself more NOW! What pet do you have? Staffie called Ozzy
What overseas training and experiences do you have? • London • Virgin Atlantic • Ramp Controller What is your favorite drink? Gin & Tonic, preferably Inverroche. Or Pittekou with Sprite Zero (Granadilla Aperitiff) What advice do you have to offer? Never stop educating yourself, learning is growing. Challenges face in the Supply chain industry? Big Data with trend and other indications are not used effectively, mostly due to lack of interpretation. Something fun nobody knows about you? I’m a bit of a foodie and do all the cooking at home, and make my own chutney and chillies.
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
7
CASE STUDIES
Migros Zürich commissions KNAPP with a FAST Picking solution Following the successful implementation of the first FAST Picking system that completely automated the fruit and vegetable range, the co-operative Migros Zürich decided to work with KNAPP again. Since January 2017, fresh items have been picked automatically using the new system. The co-operative Migros Zürich is the second largest Swiss retail company with a sales network of 104 Migros shops, 25 speciality markets, 47 catering establishments and 11 Migros partners in Switzerland. Every day in Zurich, up to 1,400 different dairy, convenience and catering articles, including baked goods, arrive on site and are assembled for delivery to around 150 stores. Beat Erb, Head of Engineering at the co-operative Migros Zürich, is delighted to be working with KNAPP again. “Our experience with the first automatic picking solution for the fruits and vegetable range was so positive that we decided to implement another KNAPP solution.”
Making light work of heavy handling units
After automatic palletizing, the completed pallets are wrapped, given an address label and conveyed on the Powerline pallet conveyor system towards the goods-out area.
The articles usually arrive on site in standardized Migros handling units or in foldable crates from an external pool crate supplier. These units are mostly heavy, so manual picking would place a great deal of physical strain on employees. Migros therefore relies on automatic processing of the handling units, which results in the most economical and accurate picking process.
Efficient automation With the FAST Picking solution, KNAPP offers the ideal system for automatic, high-performance picking of standard handling units. The core components include the automatic depalletizing and palletizing machines, as well as the OSR Shuttle™ storage system. In a special 8
Products are temporarily stored in the OSR Shuttle™ until they are required for shipping. The shuttle system features 12,500 storage locations in 12 rack lines over 7 levels.
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
NEW DEVELOPMENT
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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CASE STUDIES splitting procedure carried out during depalletization, target handling units are created directly from the incoming original pallets for delivery to stores. The remaining quantities are depalletized and loaded on to trays for buffering in the OSR Shuttle™. The OSR Shuttle™ offers around 12,500 storage locations in 12 rack line systems with 7 levels for the space-effective temporary storage of articles. Prior to dispatch, the handling units are retrieved and conveyed in the ideal sequence to the high-performance stacking machines. KiSoft Pack Master calculates the optimal pallet image for automatic formation of pallets so that the handling units are stacked in a shop-friendly manner. The system is designed to process 90,000 handling units per day within a temperature range of 1–4°C. “The KNAPP automation technology ensures economical and ontime delivery,” explains Beat Erb, who is completely satisfied with the solution. A video of the FAST Picking solution at Migros is available on the YouTube channel of KNAPP AG.
When shop orders arrive, the crates are retrieved from the OSR Shuttle™ in the right sequence and transported to the buffer lines.
Kwik Stage
KNAPP Logistic South Africa , Cell: +27 72 255 0352 Tel: +27 11 465 9284 sales.za@knapp.com
Design, Manufacture and Supply of Storage and Construction Equipment Johannesburg Cape Town Zambia Warwick, UK
Tel: +27 11 824 1527 Tel: +27 21 905 0500 Tel: +260 95 445 4884 Tel: +44 784 139 1421
Acrow Flex Beam and Boards
Static Racking
Canti Lever Racking
info@acrow.co.za www.acrow.co.za
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Arco Walling Panels
Live Carton Racking
Arco Adjustable Column
Driv-In Racking
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
CASE STUDIES
9 Things to Consider Before Starting a Retrofit Project eCommerce, Omni channel, speed, changing order profiles and new customer requirements − your business has changed. The distribution center (DC) you designed several years ago may not be the one you need today. Over time, even small changes in your operations can erode efficiency. It may be time for a retrofit to take advantage of newer technologies, process changes and systems advancements that will optimize your operation for the needs of the business today and prepare your company for future growth. But how do you do that without crippling your current operations? Doing a DC retrofit is a little like having heart surgery while running a marathon. The operation has to keep running while you make changes. Tear-outs and cut-ins take time. But there is often limited time in the day for work that requires processing of orders to be put on hold. You often have a lot of activity happening in a short period of time (overnight/ off-shift) which requires strong team organization and project management. And once you start the work, you often don’t have a “go back” solution. When you turn the equipment on, it has to work or operations suffer until you get it running. The time limitations also apply to testing, which is a critical aspect of any retrofit. How do you test in an operating facility without giving up some productivity?
Here are 9 things to consider before beginning a retrofit project: 1. Map your processes to determine whether upstream and downstream equipment and processes are sized to handle the impact of the new equipment. In an automated environment, when you change any piece of
equipment, there are conveyors leading to and from the equipment that will be impacted. The speed of the conveyor has to be matched to the equipment in place. Existing processes may require additional work stations or additional labor. Can these be accommodated in the new design? All of these can be
limiting factors when considering new equipment. 2. Consider the maintenance and rehab costs of re-using older equipment. There has been a lot of merger and acquisition activity among material handling equipment suppliers over the
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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CASE STUDIES
last few years. Is the equipment still supported by the original manufacturer or the company that acquired them? What is the cost of that support? Can you still get spare parts when you need them? Equipment warranties can also be voided by changes made during a retrofit. Make sure you fully understand the warranty and support of any equipment impacted by the retrofit. 3. Dedicate time and resources to change management as part of the solution to mitigate resistance to the new processes. Process changes can be more difficult than equipment changes. New processes standards must be taught and measured. Educating and training associates on the new processes is necessary no matter what, but change management helps to lower resistance and ensure a smooth transition. Retrofits often require new operating methods used and procedures. The adoption of new methods requires getting staff involved early in the process and asking for their buy-in. Prototyping is a great way for the associates to “try-out” the new design in order to gain their buy-in. You need associates to take ownership for the change from the lowest levels of the organization all the way up through leadership. It’s best to rollout changes slowly through a series of town hall meetings and trainings to ensure that everyone is on board and ready for the change. 4. Prepare for software systems changes and the need for upgrades, especially in the controls software. The systems piece can become 12
the biggest area of cost and complexity. In facilities with a welldefined systems architecture and understanding of the functionality that falls to each system (ERP, WMS and controls software), it’s easier to add equipment and make updates to systems. This is often the case with newer buildings. But over time and for any number of reasons, operations change and move away from the planned architecture. You end up with multiple systems in a single warehouse with overlapping capabilities and no clear architecture. There’s always some level of risk around equipment controls and the handoff from one system to the next. Ask yourself: Is the I/O scheme (wiring of the equipment) to be connected together similar? Can they talk to each other? The way to mitigate the risk is by implementing a warehouse control software solution to make the equipment work together. 5. Plan for extensive testing at production volumes because that’s where you find the issues. The testing plan is critical to success. You want to set your testing time for a time when the operation is not running production, but be sure to use production-like volume to properly stress test the system. Simulation software can help with testing capabilities before you start moving equipment. A simulation will help you understand the overall flow and look at downstream impacts before you do a full volume production test. WMS testing is another critical area. Suppliers often do functional, technical and
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
stress tests on their individual pieces of the solution, but a fully integrated operational readiness test (ORT) is necessary to ensure various components of the solution work together and that you are ready for full production. 6. Augment your existing resources. Project management is often a fulltime job on complex retrofits; but even on smaller retrofit projects, it can require significant time and energy. But companies rarely dedicate full-time resources to this critical role, and instead they add the responsibility for the project to a leader who already has a full-time job to do daily. Where possible, consider off-loading some daily responsibilities from your project manager to other resources for the duration of the project, so that they are able to give their full focus where it is most needed. When going from manual or lowlevel automation to more complex automated environments, be sure that a maintenance team is in place to support it. New software may also require additional technical resources or skill enhancements to support. 7. Budget for contingency where there are known areas of risk. What will you do if it doesn’t work the first time you turn the solution on? The timing and sequencing of changes to the building, equipment, people, processes and systems must be clearly understood and agreed upon by all parties. You may want to seek outside help to gain a better understanding of some of the risk areas (controls, certain equipment types, etc.) and the long-term
CASE STUDIES implications of the decisions you’ll be required to make. Alignment of all stakeholders both within your organization and those with whom you contract for work on the project is one of the most challenging aspects of any retrofit project. 8. Thoroughly document site conditions before you begin the design work with both structural design plans from the architect (where available) and extensive field measurements. Make sure that the slab and any existing mezzanines or platforms can compressor pneumatics are sufficient to sustain the additional load requirements, and ceiling joists can support the additional weight of hanging conveyor and other equipment attached to them. Take the time to measure accurately in multiple locations. Don’t measure the
distance between two columns of a platform and assume that the rest are placed uniformly throughout. If they’re not, your design can be way off or require significant re-work. 9. Choose a partner who will take responsibility for the entire solution, rather than just their piece of it. If you have multiple equipment suppliers, it can be hard to find one who will step up and take responsibility for the solution when the problem lies outside their own equipment. And you want a partner who will be there to support you and your team after the solution is up and running. A partner who demonstrates they are in it for the long-term is one who has significantly invested in their controls software, provides a clear technology roadmap for
development and provides 24/7/365 support for the entire solution.
Summary Retrofits are more complex than ever because technology is advancing rapidly. Solutions are more complex. And the stakes are high when making changes in a facility that’s operating at or near capacity already. But a retrofit doesn’t have to set you back if you carefully plan and manage it well. Doing so can buy you several years in your existing facility and save you significant capital investment while addressing the changing business requirements of the operation.
Contact Fortna, Tel +27 (0) 11 028-5900, info@fortna.com, www.fortna.com
Case Study: Planned Expansion A leading apparel distributor planned their retrofit as part of an overall strategy to expand operations when they moved into their current facility. During the site selection and design process, they made decisions with expansion capability in mind. Through tipping point analysis, they were able to identify when it would be necessary to add capacity to their operation and when it would make sense to consolidate operations under a single roof. Rapid growth combined with the cost inefficiencies of operating out of two facilities drove the decision to consolidate and expand. The building was new construction with a new lease. The operating method was similar to the existing operation so they were able to quickly bring talent up-to-speed as the expansion came online. The retrofit allowed the client to: • • • • • •
Consolidate management into a single DC Reduce complexities and costs associated with inventory balancing and transfer of overflow volume Improve service levels for small retail customers by combining multiple categories into the same shipping carton Reduce fulfillment cost per unit Nearly double the number of units stored through increased cube utilization Support 25% sales growth and 40%-unit volume increase
Case Study: Complex Retrofit A footwear distributor made a different choice. Even though the building was older, the lease was close to its end and a business case could be made for a new DC, the company felt vested in the community and its current employee base so they decided to expand the existing facility. When using the same talent in the operation, it’s easy to overlook the importance of training; but this company found it was still necessary to bring them into the training process early to avoid challenges. The primary drivers for the project were growth and Omni channel customer requirements. The retrofit was one of the most complex and challenging in the company’s history due to: • The precise timing required to change equipment and systems in a fully operating facility with limited clear space • Tie-ins to and re-use of older and used equipment, which required repairs and hard-to-find parts • Lack of documentation of controls systems in the older facility • Multiple instances of WMS software that had to be converted to a single system The retrofit was justified by the opportunity it offered for the company to enhance its service level agreements with customers across all channels (wholesale, retail and eCommerce), enable faster order fulfillment and support a broader assortment of the latest styles with a 30% increase in inventory storage. 14
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
RACKING
Mobile Racking In South African Fruit Stores DEXION, has installed numerous mobile rack installations in conjunction with Barpro Storage which has increased the storage capacity of each facility without the expensive task of increasing the room size to cater for conventional pallet racking or drive in racking with all the associated extra refrigeration and electrical costs. Traditionally pallets of packed fruit were stored by securing steel corner posts to each pallet and then storing another level of pallets on top. While doubling store capacity, this form of block storage effectively prevented stock rotation, increased stock damage and in some situations prevented adequate cooling. As fruit packaging became further differentiated,
accessing stock quickly for an order became practically impossible. Pallet racking was introduced into existing fruit stores to solve these problems. “Drive-In” racking made better theoretical use of the chilled space and reduced product damage. However the accessibility problem was not solved leading to “drive-
in” lanes being only partially utilised for immediate access to individual product lines. The alternative was to use fixed selective racking, giving immediate access to every pallet but greatly reducing storage capacity Mobile racking was first used in 1997 in a fruit store outside Grabouw in the Western Cape. Designed to take a
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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RACKING combination of 2200mm and 2400mm pallets with a maximum weight of 1000kgs, the pallets were stored with the 1000mm side facing and the 1200mm side in the depth of the racks.
What is mobile racking? Mobile racking consists of special rails that are laid in the floor during construction.
Mobile Rails with reinforcing before the concrete is poured.
A Mobile Base
16
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
Rails can also be retrofitted in existing rooms provided the floor is suitable by levelling the rails on the existing surface and pouring a 150mm reinforced slab. A low ramp is needed at the entrance. The mobile bases run on the rails and support pallet racking which is specially designed for use in a mobile application. The bases are motorised and energy efficient. Maximum tonnage per base varies but should not exceed 360 tons. In larger stores mobiles are arranged in banks of up to 10 bases, each with its own moving aisle. The bases are controlled either by push buttons, remote control, or by an interface with the warehouse management system. An access aisle is created at the push of a button. Safety measures include photoelectric beams down the length of each base and across the front of each mobile bank with additional emergency stops. To move one or multiple bases takes approximately one minute twenty seconds. Mobiles are designed to give lighting signals so that the lights come on only in open aisles. This results in energy savings as each light produces heat which must be removed by the refrigeration system. The possibility of pallets breaking was removed by using a pallet support or saddle beams in the middle of each pallet slot. These were painted yellow to assist with pallet placement especially on higher levels and increase rack strength. Another challenge arose when packed fruit stores remained in use for extended periods. Improved ventilation in the mobiles allowed packed fruit to be chilled and store temperatures were reduced to around 0 degrees C. Frost heave, caused by moisture freezing under the floor, is not good for mobiles and recent installations have under floor insulation and heater mats to make sure this doesn’t happen.
RACKING The advantages of using mobiles in fruit stores have become apparent over the years. More expensive than “fixed selective” or “drive in”, mobiles can increase the practical capacity of a store by up to 75 or 80% while still giving immediate access to every pallet. If the total cost of a proposed fruit store is divided by the practical pallet capacity the mobile option can be surprisingly competitive. Recently, mobiles have been installed in smaller stores, 3 and 2 pallets in the height with capacities of less than 450 pallets. Moving aisles have been widened to allow for the use of counterbalanced trucks and pallet bays extended allowing the placement of 3 pallets on the longer 1200mm side. Maximum pallet weights have increased to in excess of 1300kgs and storing five pallets in the height is now quite possible. Barpro Storage are able to manufacture smaller systems locally in their Cape Town manufacturing facility which cuts costs and reduces lead times. The racking superstructure supplied by Southern Storage – DEXION is manufactured locally in Gauteng.
Contact Ron Bonthuys, Dexion, Tel +27 (0) 21 552-0220 ron@dexioncape.co.za
Pallet Support Beams are important as most South African fruit pallets are disposable.
Lockers
Rail support stool. The excess threaded rod is removed when the rails have been levelled.
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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CABLES SUPPLIERS
Developed and tested for motion – chainflex cables from igus Cables in e-chains – This has not always been a harmonious relationship. In the late 1980's, damage to "flexible" or "chainsuitable" cables occurred more and more frequently when such cables were actually used in energy chains. In warehouse automated storage & retrieval systems, which were becoming faster and faster, shutdowns occurred as standard cables eventually became "corkscrewed". The efforts of the different cable suppliers to eliminate this effect did not lead to any lasting success. More than 25 years ago, this was the starting signal for igus as an independent cable supplier, and since then have long established themselves as the benchmark in this market.
manufacturing method is that the cores are subjected to high tensile and compressive forces within the radius of the energy chain when it is bent. These forces act on the cores, then lead to the damaging "corkscrews" – especially in the case of long, gliding travel distances and cables with many cores.
In searching for a new solution, igus found what it was looking for in the structure of steel cables and wires braided in bundles. Wires braided in bundles differ significantly from the previous concepts of cables wound in layers, which are frequently still used today. In the case of layered cables, the cores are wound in several layers around the centre of the cable, and film or fleece is often placed between the layers. The main disadvantage of this cost-effective
The igus method: braiding in bundles is more resilient
Due to braiding in bundles with multiple braiding, it is ensured that the individual cores are not stretched excessively within the chain radius. (Source: igus GmbH)
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The method of braiding in bundles used in chainflex cables is completely different to the other methods mentioned above. If there are for example 18 cores, they are not wound in several layers one above the other
but are initially wound into bundles of three. The six bundles, each consisting of three cores, are then braided together to form the complete cable. This bundled braiding, which is achieved with different reverse twisting methods, ensures that the individual cores are not stretched excessively within the chain radius. What is especially important is that the whole braid structure is supported by extruded and gusset-filling inner and outer jackets, meaning that the spaces between the cores are completely filled with the jacket material. This means that the cores cannot become unwound.
In the 40-foot air-conditioning containers at igus, test cables are tested continuously at temperatures of -40 °C to +60 °C in e-chains under realistic conditions. (Source: igus GmbH)
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
CABLES SUPPLIERS external factors such as temperature, media and possible radiation, this aspect plays a central role in the interaction of chain and cable.
Test, test and test again – Why other testing methods are inadequate
The "AutΩMeS" system was developed in order to record the innumerable measuring results obtained in the test laboratory. It continuously monitors the electrical resistance of the conductors and can thus detect any anomalies quickly and reliably. (Source: igus GmbH)
In the case of very extreme movements – such as torsion – other cable design concepts are used. The so-called chainflex "robot" cables are primarily used for industrial robots and other multi-axis movements and must be able to respond flexibly to extreme bending and torsional movements without being damaged. This is because the more the cable is bent and gets closer to the stress limit it can cope with, the more difficult it becomes to twist. Special shield structures and outer jacket materials also help to ensure optimum cable durability. This is why robot cables need force-compensating elements, loose stranding elements, different slip planes and completely different shield concepts in order to ensure that they continue to function correctly, even after several million movements under torsional stress. This is because the cables used in robot technology have to repeatedly change the directions in which they move. For example, the diameter of the braid structure can actually change with torsion angle. The requirements for the shielded cable types are especially high. In order to ensure that the forces acting on the shield wires do not become too large, igus places sliding elements above and below the shields, to ensure that the shield can move freely in relation to the overall braiding structure as well as to the outer jacket. The shield structure is specially adapted for this purpose.
This "soft" mode of construction gives the entire cable the necessary freedom of movement, reduces tensile and compressive forces, and preventing shutdown of a machine due to a premature conductor breakage. For the "CFROBOT" chainflex cable series used in applications with torsion of up to +/180°, igus guarantees a service life of at least five million cycles or 36 months, whichever occurs first.
The right materials make all the difference
There have been, and still are, regulations and standards relating to moving cables, but there is no national or even international standard or relevant test that is really suitable for cables destined for use in energy chains. In the course of the last decades, igus has therefore developed its own standards, which are concerned with the testing and evaluation of designs and materials. The development of materials and the subsequent testing of these in accordance with igus' own standard play a crucial role in ensuring the durability of the energy chain. The reason is that, in the cable industry, there are well known testing methods that have been promulgated by different standards-issuing institutes but they are too general and do not cover the specific requirements of continuous movement in energy chains. Neither the bending fatigue tests as per VDE nor abrasion testing satisfy the requirements of chain-and-cable combinations. In the case of the bending cycle test, the sequence of movements of the cable are completely different to movements in the energy chain. Many cable designs that have met these requirements then failed in a very short time in a moving e-chain test carried out according to the igus standard.
Braiding is very important but the right Standard abrasion tests, which insulation and jacket materials are also determine the abrasion of a material on vital. As igus makes and tests all the the basis of sandpaper, needles or razor components it manufactures; it is possible blades, are undoubtedly very good for to achieve the longest possible service general requirements. In these tests, life when energy chains and cables are sandpaper, a razor blade or a needle, optimally matched to each other. What applied under pressure, is dragged was interesting about the many series of along the surface of the cable's jacket tests was the knowledge gained about material. In this way, the cable is abraded the materials and the extent to which the with a defined number of movements. materials are dependent on each other. However, this test says nothing about One thing became increasingly clear in the durability of the jacket material in the tests conducted in the continually contact with an energy chain as normally growing igus test laboratory: the idea neither sandpaper nor razor blades are of "plastics plus cables" was the key to to be found inside a chain! What is much success for long life in chains. Pursuing more important is to test and match the the concept of "plastics for longer life", two gliding partners - i.e. chain material igus, the plastics specialist, concentrated and cable material - to each other. on improvement and comparison of the plastics that are used in cables and Media (gas, water etc.) as well as different operating temperatures also e-chains and that are continually in play a central role in the development contact with each other. In addition to Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017 19
CABLES SUPPLIERS
In order to be able to reliably predict the service life of all its products, igus operates a test laboratory for moving cable destruction in energy chains with 65 different test stands. With a floor space of 2,750 square metres, this laboratory is by far the largest of its kind. (Source: igus GmbH)
The chainflex product range includes all types of cable - from control, servo and motor cables to robot, bus and encoder cables, as well as FOC and data cables. (Source: igus GmbH)
and testing of jacket materials for continuously moving cables. In the cable industry, for example, the cold bending test in accordance with EN 60811-504 is normally used to determine the flexibility of moving cables at low temperatures. This method involves winding test cables around a mandrel and then cooling them down to the relevant test temperature. The diameter of the mandrel is adapted to the diameter of the cable to be tested. Once the cable being tested reaches the relevant test temperature, the cable is unwound from the mandrel. The cable is regarded as having passed the test if no jacket fractures are visible. After the test has been passed, this jacket material is regarded as capable of being used at the temperature applied during testing.
Realistic test method in a cold chamber However, practice has shown that these tests do not simulate the real conditions in an energy chain. It is therefore much more important to devise practical tests that can reliably simulate real applications. In contrast to the cold bending test, the cable in the igus tests is not wound once around a mandrel, cooled down to the temperature to be tested and then moved just once. The cables are moved continuously in an energy chain at the test temperatures to be achieved under real-world conditions. And this is not done just once but millions of times. To this end, the test cables are moved continuously in e-chains placed in 20
an environmental container. Depending on the aim of the test, it can be carried out at temperatures from -40 °C to +60 °C. Here, they are subjected to continuous bending stress in combination with the temperature stress. A cable is regarded as having passed the test if it has no jacket fractures. During large-scale testing in a cold chamber with many different materials and with other available "chain-suitable" cables , it was also found that none of the mixtures currently available on the market, not even PUR, was able to withstand the temperatures indicated in the catalogues or on data sheets during continuous movement in energy chains.
in energy chains, a laboratory that is by far the largest in the industry with a floor space of 2,750 square metres. The resilience and load capacity of the products during continuous operation, are tested on 65 different test rigs today. Since reliability depends on the exact simulation of real working conditions, test rigs are available with a wide variety of travel distances and accelerations and weather conditions. For the testing of large energy chain systems such as those used in cranes, an outdoor test site with a travel distance of up to 240 m is available. Here, components have already been tested successfully at 4 m/s and with fill-weight of 8 kg/m h over a total distance of 25,000 kilometres. These "cable torture chambers" are not ends in themselves but are used to consistently improve the designing and manufacturing procedures. And what is the benefit to the customer? The certainty that the selected cable actually functions. And functions so well that it comes with a guarantee of up to 36 months or 10 million strokes. Due to the large number of tests in the last 25 years and more, so many test results were obtained that functional reliability of installed parts can be guaranteed.
The end result was that igus is now the very first cable supplier to define three different bending and temperature ranges for the jacket mixtures used for chainflex cables. Firstly, for stationary cables, secondly for flexible moving cables in accordance with VDE or IEC standards and, thirdly, for cables moving in energy chains. After all, one thing is certain: only real long-term tests under real-world conditions provide reliable information on the service life of cables in energy chains.
In addition to the tests during the development of new products, igus continually monitors its manufacturing processes. Cables are taken from ongoing production according to a specific algorithm; meaning at least twenty per cent of all the cables manufactured. These are then evaluated in a batch test. This includes moving tests in e-chains as well as a complete structural analysis after completion of the test in an energy chain. As a result, it can be ensured that no creeping manufacturing errors occur which could have a negative impact on the bending behaviour of cables. Due to the fact that every igus cable can be identified on the basis of its batch number, a delivery to a specific customer can be recalled if necessary. Altogether, chainflex cables complete more than 250 million cycles per year during batch tests alone, something that is unique in this market.
Knowing when something happens – The igus test laboratory
"AutΩMeS" system against conductor breakdown
In order to reliably predict the service life of all its products, the specialist in moving cables in energy chains operates a laboratory for moving cables
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
The fact that a cable is broken during a test or during actual use is no indication of whether a design has to be improved or not. Early knowledge that a cable
CABLES SUPPLIERS
is beginning to break is what counts. Or in other words: When does a cable begin to show signs of fatigue before failure actually causes damage? This is the only way that a subsequent investigation can find out how the cause can be combatted. The igus "AutΩMeS" system was developed in order to record the huge amount of measurement data from the laboratory – at igus, more than 1.4 million measurements are performed every year. This fully automatic measuring system, which can be adapted in modular fashion to the needs of the different test machinery, continuously monitors the electrical properties of the cables and can therefore detect any abnormalities quickly and reliably. And it does this 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
zero Largest Test Lab. Widest Choice. 36 Month Guarantee.
... zero Downtime ... From #1 in moving cables.
Facts and figures – The chainflex catalogue In order to be always able to offer customers the most costeffective cable that will function reliably in their application, it is important to offer a large variety of products and continually expand the product range. But it is just as important that the right cables can be found quickly and easily as well. In order to take into consideration all the important parameters in an application when selecting a particular chainflex cable, users can view the catalogue or the corresponding data sheet to see what minimum bend radius, what dynamics and what travel distance the cable can be reliably used for. Also provided are details of the cable structure, further specifications regarding different kinds of resistance to media as well as the certificates issued for the respective cables. With igus, uncomplicated online selection of the right cables is easy (www.igus.eu/chainflex_Productfinder). The chainflex product finder can be used to show the different types of cable available for the respective application and select the best matching cable. The expected durability of the products can then be determined with the help of the chainflex service life calculator. After indicating the nature of the travel path – linear and unsupported or gliding, suspended or for torsional movements – as well as parameters such as dynamics and ambient conditions, users obtain a concrete indication of the expected service life measured in terms of the number of double strokes. In addition, igus gives a 36 month guarantee of operating durability for the cables, within the framework of the catalogue data. Altogether, the chainflex catalogue now contains 1,381 cables, 1,244 of which igus can supply directly from stock and deliver within 24 hours. 1,065 types of chainflex cable have UL approval and 403 different types have the unique DNV GL certification for offshore applications. With 1,067 CTP-certified respectively 1,318 EAC-certified cables, a large proportion of all chainflex cables are also certified for the Russian, Belarussian and Kazakh market. When an order is made, it is irrelevant whether one metre or 300 metres is ordered – Customers are sent their desired products exactly to the centimetre without any surcharges for small orders or cutting costs.
Contact igus, igus® GmbH Tel: +27 (0) 11 312-1848 www.igus.co.za
HYBRID
TORSION
FOC
CAT7
MEASURING
BUS
Zero Downtime solutions for your toughest moving cables: chainflex cables are developed and tested in the industry’s largest test lab. With 600 parallel tests on 2750 m2, 1.4 million electric measurements and 2 billion cycles per year, you find cables that solve your toughest "zero downtime" challenge. And with up to 7 motion quality classes, you find just the right cable for your application - for less money. 1244 cables from stock make chainflex the largest motion cable range - for torsion, motor, servo, hybrid, control, data, BUS, ethernet and FOC cables. Calculate life online and order today with a 36 month guarantee. ®
®
Check out more than 30 interesting test reports here: www.igus.co.uk/chainflextests
plastics for longer life igus Pty.Ltd. Tel. +2711 312-1848 sales.sa@igus.de
®
®
The terms "igus, chainflex, plastics for longer life" are legally protected trademarks in the Federal Republic of Germany and, where applicable, in some foreign countries.
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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AUTOMATION
Offers Products To The Market For Efficient And Reliable Materials Interroll South Africa not only offers products to the market for efficient and reliable materials handling, but we also use these exact products to achieve their own objectives to increase speed and efficiency within their production and assembly unit in Spartan Aeroport. Supply Network Africa met Hilton Campbell, Managing Director of Interroll SA for him to share his own experiences and offer some insight into the exciting world of intralogistics. Since establishing Interroll SA in 1998, we have been drumming the tune to convince others to outsource their non-core activities, highlighting all the benefits. A few heard our call and today they see the associated benefits. In 2016 the production of rollers alone increased by 18% in volume, and the client base grew by an impressive 12% Hilton gave us some insight into their production and supply chain topics for Interroll. We operate an efficient production and assembly facility that just this year produced in the range of 70 000 rollers varying in size and specification. For Interroll rollers alone, we produced over 4000 sales orders to more than 300 customers. Our on time delivery was above 90% and our average delivery time ranged between 5 to 8 working days. I'm confident to say no other roller production in South Africa can match this mixed activity, others are either manufacturing on a much smaller scale, or 90% of rollers manufacture for their own consumption. Satisfying more than 300 customers requires some innovative processes. In February of this year, Interroll SA had its first production audit by our “Centre of Excellence for Roller and Roller Drive, “in Wermelskirchen, Germany, their results were very good. Other than the “CoE” itself, compared to 4 other production sites, South Africa 22
first world products into third world economies like ours is now much easier, says Hilton. Barriers of entry are reducing, end customers now have many more choices. The good news is that Interroll offers what our local integrators and conveyors builders need to compete globally, available in very short delivery times at the Interroll proven standard.
Hilton Campbell, Managing Director of Interroll SA
had the highest score for their first audit, obtaining an overall score of 72%. Hilton comments that with some smaller changes in quality tooling for go-no-go gauges and some tightened processes for production planning and scheduling, obtaining above 80% is well within their reach in the next 6 months. “We are investing and planning our production facility to increase our capacity even further. We see we are at a tipping point where conveyor manufactures and system integrators alike will take the route of rather outsourcing complimentary products to complement their own solutions and ideas. Business owners need to find ways to scale their business, manage highs and lows, cash flow and inventory investment. As the world gets smaller and smaller with globalisation, sourcing
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
Internally we are driving our own efficiencies, we want our customers to trust our delivery, be faster than before, and give our customers speed and flexibility. With this mind-set as part of our DNA, more customers will witness the benefits sourcing from Interroll, and their business will see new highs and profitability with the added benefits of scale. Hilton quoted two statements from leading industry players. Paterson Hughes Engineering, a company with over 60 years of history, having manufactured both carton and pallet handling system for mostly the industrial sector, sources both the pallet rollers and recently conveyor modules for unit load handling from Interroll. They are without doubt recognised as the local leader of pallet and palletising equipment in Sub-Sahara Africa, their reach is global having also completing projects in Indonesia amongst others. Another is conveyor manufacturer, Qualipak, based in Paarl that started in the year 2000. Qualipak specialize in the designing and manufacture of conveyors systems manufactured in mostly stainless steel for the food, wine and beverage sector. Managing Director Mr Arie Meiring has
AUTOMATION Internally we are driving our own efficiencies, we want our customers to trust our delivery, be faster than before, and give our customers speed and flexibility. With this mind-set as part of our DNA, more customers will witness the benefits sourcing from Interroll, and their business will see new highs and profitability with the added benefits of scale. built the business on quality and service surpassing others, and is one of our longest standing customers for rollers and drum motors. Hilton closes by commenting, “I'm very excited about 2017 and beyond. We expect to convert more system
integrators to partner with us and build their business further, as they fulfil multimillion rand projects within the sector of courier express parcel and typical distribution.“ What lies ahead? Industry is preparing to make some big investments,
Interroll will be ready to match trends and demands. Threats to growth are the same as many others business, that being increasing input costs, while maintaining market prices. Raw materials mostly in steel prices have been increasing abnormally, availability to the Interroll standard is becoming more difficult when one needs to maintain the quality of the finished product. Supply chain topics are becoming more and more important, we have on-going projects around topics of freight consolidation, global sourcing, economic batch order quantities, inventory stock turns to name a few. The end is that without our customers we will not grow, therefore satisfying them more than others do is our highest priority.
Contact Hilton Campbell Managing Director Tel +27 (0) 11 281-9900 za.sales@interroll.com
Interroll Rollers & 24V RollerDrive Increased productivity for our customers 55 years ago Interroll produced its first conveyor roller and today we are the leading international manufacturer ‌ Recently, Interroll has manufactured the 500 millionth conveyor roller. Each individual roller is made to order, even in very small lot sizes which we
ship worldwide. Our success is based on our aim to enable our customers to increase productivity by providing high-quality-products.
interroll.com Interroll SA (Pty) Ltd, P O Box 327, Isando, 1600, South Africa, Tel. +27 11 281 9900 E-Mail: za.sales@interroll.com
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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AUTOMATION
Why Big Data Will Lower Your Equal Pay for Equal Work Risk In the simplest terms, the new Equal Pay for Equal Work legislation requires that any variations in pay between similar roles are for the right reasons. The right reasons could be experience, service, past performance, a talent score or scarce skills. Our challenge is that it’s not or, it’s and. All of these factors could be good reasons for pay differentiation, not only one.
Big Data is all about integration. Integration not only of multiple factors, but multiple sources of information.
Equally, we know many of the wrong reasons for variation, such a race, gender or any other arbitrary form of discrimination. And we know that it’s free for employees to refer a pay discrimination dispute now that the CCMA has jurisdiction over these cases. We also know that a referral carries significant risk for an organisation’s reputation.
So why do Big Data and analytics decrease your risk? Big Data is all about integration. Integration not only of multiple factors, but multiple sources of information.
If you had the time you would: • Look up every employee you have against your survey data, calculating each and every compa-ratio so you’re comparing like-on-like before you move on to other factors; • Compare these compa-ratios to length of service, well as the time
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each employee has been in their role; Factor in your organisation’s job grades; Factor in talent scores, which take past performance and potential into account Factor in risk scores, if you have these, where you’ve rated the likelihood and impact of each employee’s loss; And you’d certainly add in race and gender to test for unfair discrimination.
The issue is, there’s not the time or the resource to examine so many very
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
important variables that explain pay differentiation, or even to highlight unfair discrimination. It’s not an Excel exercise. A Big Data approach can do exactly what is described above, taking all these factors into account, highlighting where pay differentiation is fair, but also identifying the risk areas where it is not fair. It is visual, in a way that is intuitive and compelling. And it can easily be done again next year (or anytime) with fresh data. Big Data and HR analytics is thus the only real answer to the question of how we manage Equal Pay for Equal work risk. We may even be contributing to our risk by notdoing the analysis. This is not a theoretical solution – this has already been designed and implemented in exactly the way described above, and can be implemented in any organisation for less than the recruitment fee of one lost middle-manager. Feel free to get in touch with me to talk about this, have me talk to your leadership team, or to have a look at simple examples of what can be implemented within your organisation.
Matthew Melville
AUTOMATION
Sick Technology Adds Flexibility To Global Supply Chain Speed is of the essence for industrial production processes and the success of the universal supply chain depends on fast turnaround times. To achieve this requires a continuous fusion of production information and communication technologies. Material flow and tracking has also become a significantly important aspect of any production and logistics operation in order to increase process transparency and efficiency. The use of “Smart Sensor Solutions� has therefore become the intelligent communication media that is integrated into the automation function of any manufacturing and logistics process. These solutions provide independent measures of the time and speed of materials that pass in front of the sensor, and even monitor rotational frequencies. SICK AG is a leading manufacturer of intelligent sensors and sensor solutions for industrial applications. Founded in 1946 by Doctor Erwin Sick in Germany, the company has since developed into a global provider of intelligent automation technology. SICK AG provides sensors and application solutions that create the perfect basis for controlling processes securely and efficiently, protecting individuals from accidents and preventing damage to the environment. It is with this in mind that Doctor Sick developed his first innovation: a protective light curtain. This light curtain protects machine operators from having their hands or fingers severed by automatically switching off a machine if a hand was accidentally placed into it. Any company looking to maintain its leading position in a highly competitive environment requires heavy investment in research and
Dr. Erwin Sick
SICK AG is a leading manufacturer of intelligent sensors and sensor solutions for industrial applications. development. Therefore, the products and services offered by SICK AG have one objective: to offer customers
benefits that other competitors cannot provide in the form of greater productivity, increased flexibility and more efficient use of resources. Research and development is at the forefront of the SICK AG strategy which enables its products to be specified in any field of technological advancement in the future. Nowadays, another workforce transformation is on the horizon as manufacturing experiences a fourth wave of technological advancement: the fourth industrial revolution. This revolution is seeing the rise of new digital industrial technologies that are collectively known as Industry 4.0. There are nine pillars of technological advancement that form the foundation of Industry 4.0 that are already used
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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AUTOMATION in manufacturing. The adoption of this system will transform production whereby isolated, optimised cells will come together as a fully integrated, automated and optimised production flow. This will result in greater efficiencies and will transform traditional production relationships between suppliers, producers and customers – as well as between human and machine. As a leading sensor manufacturer, SICK AG is embracing these changes for its customers in the industry with strong integrated communication technologies that enable companies to increase their productivity collaboration dramatically. This collaboration is not only with machines and employees but how they collaborate with each other as well. It also involves what is known as cyber – physical systems in the form of “intelligent” machines and systems, for instance, that can communicate with one another, with their surroundings as well as configure themselves and store information. SICK Automation Southern Africa, a fully owned subsidiary of SICK AG, established since 2010 has successfully focussed on three core areas of industry: process automation (analytical analyses of gases), factory automation (food and materials) and logistics automation (courier services, baggage handling, etc.). “Following the success in establishing our systems in the local market, we are well geared to grow our market especially into the rest of Africa where pollution control is in high demand and so our process automation systems can be utilised to their full extent (measuring smoke discharged from power stations and heavy industries). In addition, with Africa’s growing tourism many airports require upgraded baggage handling systems and we see this as a great potential market for our systems,” said Mike Brice, Key Accounts Manager, Logistics Automation. “We have a growing logistics industry in South Africa which encompasses warehousing, courier 26
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
AUTOMATION industrial trucks in warehousing with the introduction of rear park assist. This enables the forklift to manoeuvre in reverse and alerts the driver if the vehicle is too close to a stationary object or human,” added Brice. “SICK Automation Southern Africa is well equipped to meet the challenges of the advanced technologies which form the basis of Industry 4.0, which will no doubt reshape the economic landscape during the next decade. Manufacturers and industry will be able to meet the higher demands resulting from growing markets and the introduction of new products and services. By developing new system solutions we will meet our customers’ needs, making the impossible, possible!” concludes Brice. time as possible, thereby reducing the manual effort of data collection and optimising inventory control and delivery. SICK, with a large focus on safety solutions, has also developed a new solution for
Contact Mike Brice SICK Automation Southern Africa Tel: +27 (0) 11 472-3733 mike.brice@sickautomation.co.za www.sickautomation.co.za
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services, retail, warehousing and transport where delivery times are at a premium. We have specialised products for each of these business entities that streamline processes and record data as close to real-
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SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability in the Supply Chain is Good for Business By Kerry Varga, Customer Retention Manager, Marketing - CHEP
Why are sustainable supply chains important and good for business Why are sustainable supply chains important? There is growing external pressure from customers, investors and shareholders to focus on reducing our energy and resource consumption and eliminating waste. Companies that have devised a corporate sustainability strategy and managed to implement projects successfully feel that it can offer a significant competitive advantage and increases profitability. Re-use reduces raw material requirements and eliminates waste. Sustainable supply chain management involves integrating environmentally and financially viable practices into the complete supply chain lifecycle, from product design and development right through to consumption, return and disposal. This includes helping customers and suppliers reduce consumption and by creating an awareness of re-use and recycling in their day-to-day operations.
Innovations in packaging The challenge manufacturers increasingly face is to source sustainable packaging options. Reusable plastic containers (RPCs) are replacing traditional disposable containers such as corrugated cardboard boxes and shrink-wrap. A recent university-led study in Australia showed that a reusable plastic crate system not only delivers functionality and financial value, but also has a strong positive impact on the environment. The system produces fewer carbon emissions, creates less waste and uses less water even if the cardboard is recycled after use.
What are the leaders in sustainability doing right? 1. Reducing the environmental impact of own operations by 28
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
PRODUCER
MANUFACTURER
SHARING & REUSING CREATES SUSTAINABLE VALUE
SERVICE CENTRE
RETAILER
SUSTAINABILITY
• Purchasing raw materials from certified sources • Reducing carbon emissions and reducing energy consumption • Delivering zero waste to landfills 2. Improving the supply chains in which they operate by • Measuring environmental impacts across their full supply chain • Collaborating with other partners to reduce overall impacts 3. Positively contributing to the communities in which they operate by • Investing in projects that improve quality of life for employees’ families • Encouraging employees to volunteer on community projects.
How can you incorporate sustainability into your supply chain? EY, the global firm, suggests that you first set minimum standards or guidelines for your suppliers and take time to understand supply chain risks
as they relate to sustainability. To move from a basic level towards being a leader in this field, you can: 1. Map your supply chain Take an inventory of both customers and suppliers by identifying the most significant environmental and social challenges they have, and prioritise efforts for improvement. 2. Set goals and communicate your expectations Focusing on sustainability within your own supply chain is a great way to communicate corporate values and culture to your suppliers, customers and employees. 3. Reporting and continuous improvement Formal reports on progress promote improvements in sustainability and drive behavioural changes throughout your supply chain. Follow the best practices and case studies from top performing organisations as your guideline.
Why sustainability is good for business Companies that focus on collaborating with suppliers on sustainability do it to promote innovation, save on input costs and limit their risk. Supply chain sustainability is based on the principle that socially responsible products and practices are not only good for the environment, but are important for long-term profitability. By improving our economic, environmental and social performance through best practice we can become a good corporate citizen too.
Tel: 0800 204210 chephelpsme@chep.com www.chep.com References •
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2016 Global Corporate Sustainability Report" published by the United Nations. http://www.ey.com/Publication/ vwLUAssets/EY-integratingsustainability-into-supply-chains/$FILE/ EY-US-supply-chain-methodology.pdf
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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FORKLIFTS
Tubular Plant Hire Aims High with Goscor Access Rental The modern fleet maintained by Goscor Access Rental, combined with its high availability and uptime, has resulted in Tubular Plant Hire enjoying an important rental relationship with the company since April 2013. Tubular Plant Hire is a division of Tubular Technical Construction, wholly-owned by Tubular Holdings, the driving force behind a diversified group, representing one of the largest and most respected privatelyowned construction companies in South Africa at present. To date, the company has utilised Goscor Access Rental products successfully at the Kalagadi Manganese Mine in the Northern Cape, and at the Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga. “Our focus, both abroad and within the local marketplace, is aimed predominantly at the manufacturing and construction sectors. The group, together with its competent, motivated management teams, is responsible for an array of specialist services,” Craig Schneiderman, Tubular Holdings, Group Procurement Manager, comments. These services focus on mining processes, planning management and execution of turnkey projects, and the supply, installation, and commissioning of electrical and instrumentation infrastructure. “Our rental relationship with Goscor Access Rental focuses mainly on the hire of telehandlers and cherry pickers,” Schneiderman explains. This relationship was established as long ago as April 2013, with the hire of two cherry pickers, namely a Genie S85 RT and a Z135 RT. Schneiderman cites the main benefit of standardising on Goscor Access Rental equipment for its rental 30
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
FORKLIFTS needs as the company maintains a modern fleet, ensuring it has the latest technology on hand. This also means that the machines are replaced constantly, and therefore are virtually brand-new. This translates into high availability and uptime, which is critical for increased productivity. “What sets Goscor Access Rental apart is also that it is able to provide comprehensive service and support across its countrywide footprint. In addition, we enjoy a good relationship with the senior management, which is always available to offer any assistance or advice. The company also has fully-trained and skilled technicians on hand to facilitate any repairs or maintenance,” Schneiderman elaborates. “I salute my team for always going the extra mile and exceeding customer expectations, as amply demonstrated with Tubular Plant Hire. The years of 24-7-365 from every team member has resulted in such successful partnerships, and we look forward to growing this fruitful relationship,” Andrew Kendrick, Managing Director, Goscor Access Rental, comments. Commenting on the current state of the mining and construction industries, Schneiderman is confident that tenders for major projects will begin to see the light of day from July this year. “There is significant potential for actual work in the pipeline, which means the market will be busy again by year-end. There is a much more positive outlook at the moment than there has been for the past two years,” Schneiderman concludes.
Contact Craig Schneidermman, Tubular Holdings, Tel: +27 (0) 11 553-2000, Mobile: +27 (0) 82 415-8745, craigs@tubular.co.za, www.tubular.co.za Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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FORKLIFTS
Linde Material Handling Adds Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Order Picker K-MATIC to its Range of Robotic Trucks Autonomous lifting to heights up to twelve metres Warehouse equipment manufacturer and solution provider Linde Material Handling has added a new, state-ofthe-art model to its range of standard robotic vehicles: The driverless Linde K-MATIC VNA order picker with 1.5-tonne load capacity enables pallets to be autonomously stored at and retrieved from heights of up to 12 metres. Independently operating industrial trucks, which can be flexibly integrated into existing intralogistics systems and gradually expanded in number, are meeting with steadily growing customer interest. “We assume that in the future robotic equipment will increasingly become part of multi-stage autonomous process chains, in which different trucks, as well as various machines and fixtures will communicate and interact with each other in order to further increase the productivity in warehouses and distribution centres,” predicts Philipp Stephan, Product Manager Linde robotics at Linde Material Handling. As part of last year’s “World of Material Handling” customer event, Linde presented a preview of this using the following demonstration: Pallets were retrieved from a high-level rack by the K-MATIC combi truck and placed on a transfer station, before being picked up by an L-MATIC pallet stacker and transferred to a roller conveyor. Once the pallet has moved along the roller conveyor to the other end, it was taken up by a P-MATIC tow tractor and placed back on the rack. “Linde robotics is in a position to control autonomous process chains with different robotic industrial trucks, as well as with machines, e.g. stretch wrappers, or fixtures such as roller shutters, and thus realise complex material flow applications,” says Stephan. The simple and fast changeover from the autonomous to manual mode and vice 32
The driverless Linde K MATIC VNA order picker enables pallets to be autonomously stored at and retrieved from heights of up to 12 metres.
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
FORKLIFTS versa is a significant advantage, which comes to the fore particularly in the new K MATIC. It takes just a few steps. “In this way, the K MATIC can be used for manual order picking during the day and then handle replenishment supplies with entire pallets in autonomous mode in the high-rack warehouse during the night,” says Stephan.
Built-in intelligence Integrating the vehicle into the operational data flow is achieved by means of the Robot Manager, which provides the interface to the warehouse management or enterprise resource planning system. As supervisor software, the Robot Manager receives, processes and transmits data in real-time and thus controls interaction with other networked machines and devices. The intelligent computer unit also ensures the transmission of data, such as the vehicle status for servicing purposes. Compared to classic automated guided vehicles or solutions based on laser reflectors, the installation of Linde robotics trucks reduces the effort required of customers. This is because
the Linde-MATIC series are based on “infrastructure-free” geoguidance technology. For the Linde K MATIC order picker this means: If the Robot Manager instructs the truck to change aisles, then existing structures such as walls, pillars or racks are sufficient for it to navigate safely and reliably. When in the rack aisle, the VNA order picker is guided by an inductive or mechanical track system to enable faster driving. The Linde K-MATIC is especially recommended if high-quality products are moved in the warehouse, as the installed safety management ensures that the autonomous order picking truck can perform its tasks safely, reliably and productively. Sensors and 3-D cameras, visual and audible warning devices, and emergency stops help prevent damage to racks, load carriers and goods. For example, a camera on the L Head precisely scans the outline of a pallet, enabling it to be properly picked up. At the same time, the vehicle responds in real time to its immediate environment, so that it can even be used outside rack aisles in mixed operation with pedestrians.
Consultation is indispensable – trucks and servicing from a single source Automated solutions cannot be bought off the shelf. Pre-purchase consultation is therefore imperative. “An accurate in-situ analysis of the material flow processes is indispensable when it comes to developing the best possible robotic solution with the user,” emphasises Stephan. Once the concept has been selected, it takes just a few days for the trucks to be installed. Since all of Linde’s robotic trucks are based on corresponding standard series models, the Linde-K-MATIC comes with all the equipment features and options that are available for other models of the modular series, thereby allowing for perfect adjustment according to different customer requirements. Servicing is carried out in the usual way by the Linde sales organisation.
Contact Linde Material Handling, Tel: +27 (0) 11 723-7000, sales@linde-mh.co.za, info@linde-mh.co.za www.linde-mh.com
MEET THE FAMILY
Our combination of multi-faceted handling equipment means that Linde machines are perfectly equipped for big jobs, small jobs and everything in between. With our comprehensive logistical know how, Linde has fast become the industry symbol for superior quality, seamless functionality and innovation. Available to lease, rent or on hire purchase, investing in Linde machines ensures the remarkable efficiency of each member of our family.
Linde Material Handling
For more information on Linde dealerships, products and services contact us on Tel : +27 11 723 7000 or visit www.linde-mh.co.za
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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FORKLIFTS
Formula Forklift Is Real "Formula Forklift is real" says John Valentine, Director at Real Telematics, "On any given Sunday, or other days for that matter, a crowd gathers, popcorn and roasted mielies are hawked....and they're off! The only thing missing is the starter with a colourful bandana. Or at least that's how I would imagine it to be if it was an official race," says Valentine. "The truth though is that races between forklift drivers do take place, sometimes even drivers from neighbouring companies compete. Seriously, I have seen camera footage of forklifts lining up and then taking off at wheel-spinning speed in a parking lot or warehouse. Sometimes they stop with a skid and a cloud of dust, other times they can't stop and that's when you see the results for yourself the next day. Collapsed racking, product damage, holes through your walls, entirely new entrances, or your forklift pegged in an embankment with all wheels off the ground (all by themselves!). But of course the driver is nowhere to be found." "Speed is a very serious problem in most Materials Handling applications,” says Valentine, "and it’s not limited to Gas/Diesel machines. It can be any size machine and even on electric machines. Particularly Pallet Trucks that have a race all of their own called ‘Formula Doughnut.’ When we stop joking about the issue and really look into it, we find that there can be very severe ramifications. Some of these include increased Run Hours, increased fuel/battery usage, increased wear and tear on moving parts, increased tyre wear, increased shrinkage through product damage, increased racking damage, increased Insurance cover/claims and even the strong possibility of medical/funeral claims." "All of these reasons are why many of our customers rely on Real FMX to curb instances like this. Real FMX Alerts on over speed events, warns the driver prior to the approved limits, creates a behaviour profile and can even limit speed to the specific application maximum,” says Valentine. "With Diesel and Gas machines, traditionally such control was exercised through Governing (fuel starvation). Unfortunately this method also makes the machine very sluggish which affects the performance and then you have to Rev like crazy to get the machine to do anything. This leads to increased wear and tear, greater Run Hours, increased fuel usage etc. whereas the Real FMX method has no impact on the machine performance and merely affects the speed levels. Such an intervention is available on the vast majority of Diesel or Gas machines." "Electric machines however are a little different," says Valentine. "Most of them have a setting that can limit speed. Electric machines do not have the speed capacity in most cases, of Diesel and Gas machines, but they can 34
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
still speed, and some can even wheel-spin. In these cases we assist with Real FMX Alerts on over speed events, warn the driver prior to the approved limits, create a behaviour profile and even measure harsh braking and acceleration events." "A set of forklift tyres can easily be R 20 000, meaning that on 2 000 run hours your tyres alone can cost R 10 per hour. Real FMX assists with this by totally eliminating wheel-spin on Diesel and Gas machines with a saving of up to 49% or R 4.90 per hour. Over a typical contract (180 hrs x 60 months) this can be a saving of R 52 920. The same Transmission Protection that assists with reducing the wheel-spin simultaneously reduces wear and tear in the Gear Box with extended life cycles of 40% and more. The greatest benefit of course is that no human intervention is required, this protection is automatic." "A lot of companies say that limiting speed also limits productivity. While this can be true, our studies show that with correct application and management of hours, productivity can actually be better. This is because the guy who is usually the most productive is often the driver that costs you the most because of the speeds that he travels, he brakes and accelerates harder, he is more likely to hit pallets, product, racking or colleagues. All costs that you pick up while he congratulates himself on the best loading capacity. There is a very fine line between balancing Speed and Productivity and still achieving optimum cost controls." "In the end,” says Valentine, "there can only be one race winner. It is up to you to decide if that will be your driver or yourself."
Contact John Valentine, Tel: +27 (0) 82 469-0834, Johnv@realtelematics.co.za, www.realtelematics.com
FORKLIFTS
The New ERE from Jungheinrich: The Shortest and Fastest Truck with the Best Performance on the Market The ERE is Jungheinrich's latest generation of ride-on pedestrian pallet trucks. The ERE performs its tasks reliably and more efficiently than any other in its class. The 14 km/h drivePLUS variant makes the ERE the fastest truck on the market. In addition, Jungheinrich promises an additional increase in performance of up to 15% through the use of assistance systems. The new ERE offers a number of configuration options – depending on the requirements for throughput, transport or use of the truck. The newly introduced, solid platform means that the ERE is currently the shortest and most compact ride-on truck on the market, particularly demonstrating its strengths when used in confined areas. Michael Hohmann, Product Manager for Low Lift Trucks at Jungheinrich Landsberg, emphasises: "The ERE from Jungheinrich is currently the shortest and fastest truck with the best performance on the market. It combines compact manoeuvrability with the comfort of a ride-on truck and is therefore ideal for high-performance
loading and unloading of HGVs, as well as for the transport of high loads over distance and the order picking of a wide variety of goods. The new ERE is designed in such a way that the most important features for processing the goods can be individually adapted to the application type and customer requirements. Consequently, the customer can equip the truck to meet its needs, thereby ensuring that it always has the most productive and energy-efficient truck on the market." The ERE also comes with Jungheinrich's "2Shifts1Charge" guarantee which guarantees that two shifts can be completed on just one battery charge. The ERE is also available with lithiumion technology, which even allows three-shift operation without changing batteries due to the extremely short charging times. Just a 30-minute boost charge is sufficient to charge the
lithium-ion battery with enough electricity for a whole shift. Jungheinrich also offers reliable solutions with respect to safety. Reflectors and dayLEDs increase the visibility of the truck in the warehouse and prevent collisions. The curveCONTROL assistance system, which now also reduces the speed of the truck when cornering dependent on the weight of the load, prevents the load and the operator falling. The new "Active foot protection" option also contributes to the protection of the operator. It prevents the foot of the operator protruding outside the contours of the truck and being injured in the event of a collision. Thanks to the newly developed positionCONTROL, the lift paths when lifting the pallet are optimised to the minimum distance required to lift the pallet clear, thus saving time and energy. The palletCONTROL option also saves time and assists the operator in correctly entering a transverse pallet. The newly developed order picking platform with side entry allows the operator to get on and off quickly. In addition, the wide portfolio of different stand-on platforms is completed by the cushioned, adjustable stand-on platform. This can be individually set to the needs of each operator and measurably reduces the effects of vibrations experienced by the operator.
Jungheinrich South Africa Tel: +27 (0)10 596 8460 info@jungheinrich.co.za www.jungheinrich.co.za Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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FORKLIFTS
Toyota Forklift Warehousing Equipment For Leading Toiletries And Cosmetics Manufacturer Le-Sel Research Toyota Forklift, part of the EIE Group, handed over 15 machines with ancillary equipment to Le-Sel Research (Pty) Ltd in January 2017. Based in Midrand in South Africa, Le-Sel Research, the largest contract manufacturer of toiletries and cosmetics in Southern Africa and regarded by the industry as the leading contract manufacturer in Africa, is a first-time client for Toyota Forklift The machines were supplied on a long–term rental and maintenance basis, with full FMX forklift fleet management monitoring and corporate logos painted on the reach trucks. The order included five combustion Toyota Forklift (8FG1.8), seven Toyota Forklift battery electrical reach trucks (8FBRE1.4S), two gas units (1 X 8FG2.5G and 1 X 8FG3T) and one Orion LPE 200 pallet truck.
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The powerful, durable and environmentally-friendly Toyota Forklift combustion and battery electrical reach trucks are characterized by simple operation, and high levels of efficiency and safety. Toyota's original safety technology, the SAS (System of Active Stability), for outstanding load handling control, and the OPS operator presence sensing system, provide stable and smooth operation
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
and assist in optimising work efficiency. The outstanding visibility provides a clear view of the fork tips and areas around the forklift to support safe and accurate operation, as does the advanced ergonomics, such as a compact but roomy body and a small-diameter steering wheel. The Toyota battery-electrical reach trucks feature an advanced AC Power System, while the combustion reach
FORKLIFTS to new clients, particularly ones as innovative as Le-Sel, a commitment we share, and look forward to building a partnership for life with them,” says Gary Neubert, EIE Group’s CEO. “We worked with the client for six months prior to award of the contract, carrying out in depth site surveys and utilizing our specialized equipment for warehousing, to ensure that we could offer them a total material handling solution tailored to their specific needs.”
Well priced Toyota Forklift were handed over to Riaan Botha, Warehouse Manager of Le-Sel Research by Warren Lloyd, Area Sales Manager of Toyota Industrial Equipment.
trucks offer improved fuel efficiency, with 20% lighter gas use than previous models and IPX5 water proof rating on all electrical connectors
and maximum efficiency from the integrated spring loaded, foldable platform together with stable and comfortable gates.
The Orion LPE 200 pallet truck provides safe high speed operation
“We welcome the opportunity to introduce our best-in-class brands
As the sole distributor of Toyota Forklift, BT, Raymond and Flexi material handling equipment in Southern Africa, EIE Group is the largest supplier of forklifts to the Southern African market and has the most comprehensive product support infrastructure in the region.
Contact: Warren Lloyd, EIE Group, warrenl@eiegroup.co.za, www.eiegroup.co.za
RACKING SHELVING MEZZANINE FLOORING
KICK START 2017 WITH UNIVERSAL STORAGE SYSTEMS (SA) (PTY) LTD Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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NEW DEVELOPMENT
Growthpoint’s Inanda Greens secures top businesses Heineken and FirstRand Bank Limited Growthpoint Properties’ Inanda Greens office park is the new home of two top names in business: Heineken and FirstRand Bank Limited. Growthpoint confirmed it has signed both companies as tenants at its soughtafter office park, in the high-demand business district of Wierda Valley in Sandton Central. Commenting on the deals, Rudolf Pienaar, Growthpoint Office Division Director, says: “We’re pleased to welcome these great businesses to their new offices. Inanda Greens consistently enjoys high occupancy levels and is a good example of the benefits Growthpoint’s leading Sandton office portfolio offers businesses. The office park is near the CBD of Sandton, with hotels, restaurants, shopping and conferencing all within easy reach of the Gautrain, public transport and major access routes.” With its prime location, the 40,753sqm Inanda Greens office park offers a unique setting with a nine-hole golf course, beautiful landscaped gardens and coffee shop. Pienaar adds: “We are confident the Wierda Valley precinct, and its close surrounds, will be a future office and commercial property hotspot. There is already significant tenant-driven development underway in the area. We’re also in discussions with the local government about strengthening transport routes in and around the node.” Heineken and FirstRand Bank Limited join the 25 tenants of this distinguished office park including blue-chip and multinational names Fasken Martineau, The Independent Institute of Education, Kisch IP (formerly DM Kisch), Credit Suisse, S.A. Bank of Athens, Empowerdex, Meropa and the French Trade Commission. 38
Growthpoint signed a 10-year lease with Heineken at Inanda Greens for 3,371sqm of office space set over three floors. Heineken took occupation of its new building late in 2015. Growthpoint Properties’ office sector asset manager for the region, Paul Kollenberg, says: “Heineken’s management team felt that Inanda Greens, its golf course, green features, proximity to both the Gautrain and the Sandton CBD and the access to the major transport routes fitted well with its brand.” Heineken’s Inanda Greens office features a roof terrace, which Heineken plans to use for marketing events, taking full advantage of the lovely views over the Sandton CBD, the north-east of Sandton as well as the golf course. FirstRand Bank Limited has joined Inanda Greens on a five-year lease in contemporary new offices measuring 8,833sqm set over three floors. “FirstRand Bank Limited installed significant IT infrastructure into the building and has already taken occupation of its new offices. It includes a 24-hour call centre environment for its Premier Client
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
Services explains.
Division,”
Kollenberg
Both businesses will benefit from the modern design of their new offices at Inanda Greens. This includes allimportant resource efficiency. The buildings feature solar water geysers, energy-efficient lighting with sensors and thermal-storage central air conditioning. Growthpoint is South Africa’s largest REIT and a JSE ALSI Top 40 Index company. It is a Platinum Founding Member of the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), a JSE Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Index company and a Dow Jones Sustainability Index company. It owns and manages a diversified portfolio of 471 properties in South Africa, 53 properties in Australia through its investment in Growthpoint Properties Australia (GOZ) and a 50% interest in the properties at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. It also recently announced its strategy to invest in commercial real estate in certain other African countries. Growthpoint’s consolidated property assets are valued at over R100 billion.
Contact Rudolf Pienaar, Growthpoint Properties Limited, Tel: +27 (0) 11 944-6282
SUPPLIES
Repeat customers business ratio in South Africa It is warring how little effort some suppliers put in on a project once the order is placed with them. Once the customer has committed themselves to the supplier the efforts from the supplier is then noticeably less in the execution of the project. This attitude inevitably leads to a late and incomplete project and an unhappy customer with little chance of any repeat business. I see this happening so often in South Africa and it makes me wonder if suppliers and customers really care if this happens?
60% of annual turnover is from repeat customer business and 40% is from new customer business. In South Africa there are established suppliers that have a far less ratio than this, some even with less than 10/90 percentage ratio though they are still around.
There are some really dishonest suppliers out there that actually count on this happening and so continue to trade, only working with new customer business, going from one to the other showing off their fantastic portfolios but that have little or no substance..
European suppliers focus on repeat customer business more so than we do in South Africa. In order to get repeat business from a customer the supplier would have had to perform right to the end of the project and put to practice all they have promised during the selling phase. This is the norm in Europe and is the only way suppliers can compete in a very competitive and established market.
The true measure of a successful project is in its final result and some suppliers in South Africa don’t look that far ahead or are arrogant to think it is not important. The only reason they continue to trade is because their customers don’t do their homework during the quotation phase and go purely on what the salesman says. Then soon into the project these customers realize they are in for a disappointment but it is too late as they are committed to that supplier. Some will do all they can to make it work even dropping standards and expectations. Other will go so far as to find excuses for these suppliers bad performance, after all it can go so far that their own jobs could on the line.
Customers need to do the research in order to protect their business from suppliers that are brilliant at selling but are terrible at executing. So before committing to a supplier customers should in addition also ask the following:
I find in South Africa suppliers and customers don’t always look at this critical fact and don’t look at the initial order with a long term perspective, don’t have the aim to build long term partnerships with the customer and in turn with the supplier. Established successful suppliers have a minimum percentage ratio of 60/40.
• How many customers do you have that you have supplied more than once in the past and list them? • How much of your annual turnover is from repeat customer business verses new customer business? These are simple questions and should be answered by the supplier with some proof, customers should be wary of established supplier that can’t answer these questions satisfactorily.
Ricardo Farria
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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LOGISTICS
Moving Movies, Matric Papers, Motor Vehicles and So Much More Transport and logistics specialist, Concargo, looks back on 30 successful years in supply chain and road freight logistics. Meticulous planning, tailor-made solutions, attention to detail, delivering on time and within budget and keeping clients happy – that, in a nutshell, is Cape Town-based Concargo (Pty) Ltd’s secret to beating the competition in the fast-paced, highly-competitive freight forwarding and logistics industry. This success story began back in January 1987 when Concargo was founded, in Cape Town, by David and Beverley Kruyer. Today – 30 years on Concargo is represented throughout Southern Africa. The company offers an ever-expanding portfolio of supply chain solutions and transport planning with customer services as its foundation, supported by strategic partnerships and alliances. ‘Our philosophy from day one was ‘service above all else’ and this has remained the basis for all our relationships,’ says David Kruyer, founder and MD. ‘We are dedicated to preserving this viewpoint as a constant in all our planning and interactions with clients and suppliers. Our challenge is to find solutions and implement them while exceeding expectations.’
Reflections over the decades Kruyer says that starting his own business was a natural progression after spending time in the distribution industry, initially circulating newspapers to shops and street vendors for the Daily Mirror in the UK and then for The South African Associated Newspaper (SAAN) Group, the Cape Times Limited and Allied Publishing before working for a succession of distribution companies including DHL, TNT Skypak and Ace Express Logistics. ‘The distribution business was an invaluable grounding and where I gained most of my experience and knowledge ahead of opening the doors of Concargo back in 1987,’ he explains. ‘My analogy of the business is a shipping one. My wife, Beverley, is and has been the rudder in 40
my life, Gregory Bathurst Tighe has been the keel since day one, Janine Bernadette Conradie is the mast of this operation with Dean Page the anchor. ‘It has been a long and eventful journey, navigating throughout the decades of good and lean years, learning and adapting our methodology along the way to find new solutions to logistic challenges, but we’ve also had loads of fun. ‘When I look back to our humble beginnings and where we are today, we are clearly doing something right. I can only attribute our success and longevity in the industry to solid partnerships with clients and service providers who have loyally stood alongside us as we’ve grown.’
It takes teamwork Being successful in the freight forwarding industry requires teamwork and synergy of planning to ensure the smooth passage of cargo. Concargo boasts a dedicated and skilled team, as well as strategic business partners, working together to ensure a seamless and co-ordinated solution - whether transporting within South Africa or across borders into Africa. The highly experienced team has decades of experience: Greg Tighe, Projects
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
Director has been with the company for 28 years; COO, Dean Page for 16; Director of National Transport Janine Conradie celebrates 23 years at Concargo while Loretta George, Accounts Manager, has being around for 17. ‘Our management team is solid and has the experience to adapt to the new challenges presented by this everchanging industry,’ says Kruyer. ‘Transport logistics in Africa is a vibrant and exciting industry to be part of. Our desire is to mentor a future generation by showcasing transport logistics as a career and are excited to have four logistics graduates join us as interns this coming year.’
Solutions driven Successful delivery of cargo, no matter what the load, requires skilled staff to manage the often complicated logistics. Over the years Concargo has been presented with some notable and rather unusual projects which have required intricate pre-planning and creative thinking to meet the brief, especially within tight time constraints.
These include: • Managing the transport and logistics for big budget movies such as Racing
LOGISTICS Stripes, Home Alone, Lord of War, Blood Diamonds and more • Co-ordinating and managing the transport and logistics for BMW’s international media launch of its 650 cabriolet series in Cape Town • High security transportation and escorting of Grade 12 examination papers from SA printers to the education ministries in various Southern African countries • Transportation of abnormal loads such as wind tower tubes, mining bucket wheel reclaimers, combine harvesters, 100 ton LP heaters for Medupi One of the most challenging projects took a total of three months to complete, a month of planning and two months of transportation. It involved relocating 45 loads of bucket wheel reclaimers from Saldahna to Sishen South mine. Considered abnormal out-of-gauge haulage and at 9m wide, the transportation required special permission and escorts as it snaked its way up and over the steep Piekeniersberg Pass, in four hour intervals (to allow for other traffic to pass) as part of the route. ‘This industry lends itself to new challenges on a daily basis and one learns to adapt to the situation like a chameleon,’ says Janine Conradie. ‘Some days are really trying and others exhilarating, but in the end, always rewarding. Transport and supply chain logistics is not for the faint hearted. This industry teaches you the skills that can carry you through any situation life presents. ‘Besides all the interesting people I have met, I have also learned so much about this industry and many others too.
Over Border via all Ports in SA, SADC and neighbouring countries in Sub-Saharan Africa; and Project Cargo Management, Abnormal Out-of-Gauge, Heavy Haulage and Mobile Crane and Rigging Services, Relocation/Mobilisation Services. According to Kruyer, service management - within the framework of distribution and logistics - is the name of the game in providing reliable supply chain services from start to finish. ‘Our expedited trucking provides a daily door-to-door road haulage service throughout South Africa, hauling general dry cargo from one tonne up to thirty-six tonne loads to and from all destinations as into all SADC, neighbouring and remote countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. ‘We have invested heavily in customer relationship management (CRM) systems to preserve our knowledge base for the benefit of our customers while encouraging old school personalised service. Our business model is highly scalable due to its Owner Driver Hauliers and Sub-Contractor fleet base.
‘Taking the time to really understand a client’s business is the best way to assist them when developing their logistics solution. I have been fortunate to travel to Madrid to accept a transport award on behalf of Concargo, to Antwerp for a Heavy Lift conference and to the Breakbulk Europe Expo. We have also participated as exhibitors at various expo's, such as SAPICS, The International Book Fair and at Breakbulk Africa.’
‘We can supply from 1 to 100 trucks, or more, at short notice, especially when a ship docks and cargo needs to be discharged on a scheduled basis.
Three transport divisions, scalable business model
‘Over the years, the project division have conveyed project shipments including vast over- dimensional and heavy lifts, and delivered on time and to the client's ultimate satisfaction. We foster partnerships with a wide range of asset owners, thereby providing access to a great variety of vessels and rolling stock through our strategic partnerships and alliances.
Concargo has three distinct transport divisions encompassing all aspects and types of logistics solutions, namely: Road Transport Short-haul and Long-haul and Express Distribution throughout South Africa; Road Transport Cross/ 42
‘Our Project Department, manned with highly qualified engineering specialists and experienced in all aspects of project transportation, assess the scope of work, survey the terrain, and quantify the endto-end solution to complete the project,’ explains Kruyer.
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
Forward thinking ‘The regulatory and business landscapes are changing dramatically and there is a transition within our industry with disruptive innovation, drone logistics, (loT) Internet of Things, Blockchain Technology and more,’ says Kruyer. ‘We have had to learn to adapt and innovate as never before. But the need to keep pace with these changes has a cost, and how we address these challenges must, in the end, benefit our customer and service providers. That’s why collaboration amongst all players in the global supply chain community has never been more important.’ ‘Despite the many changes we are experiencing in terms of stagnation in the mining industry, reduced activity in the offshore drilling sector, the delay in infrastructure development and the unpredictable global economy we are confident of our future. ‘We have a succession plan in place and continue to innovate. We are currently developing improved technology with apps to make tracking and tracing of cargo easier. ‘Our experience is invaluable in being able to handle complex logistics and we have proved that no problem is insurmountable. ‘We have not made it to this milestone of 30 years by sitting back, we are proactive and continue to adapt our business model to suit the business,’ says Kruyer. ‘But we would not have made it this far without our clients and partners and we thank them for their loyal support. We are energised about the future and look forward to continuing to be the ‘go-to’ company for transport and supply chain logistics in Africa.’
Contact Concargo, Tel: +27 21 930 9160, http://www.concargo.com
EDUCATION & TRAINING
All You Need to Know About Occupational Learning What is Occupational learning? It a learning intervention that has a formally built workplace experience within it, another word for this in South Africa is Learnership! This learning may be sponsored by a Sector Education Training Authority (SETA) or self funded by a company.
How does this learning work? There are three components to the learning intervention namely: 1. Theory 2. Practical / Simulation 3. Workplace Experience The ratios of these components are often broken down as follows, 70% for the Theory, 20% for the Practical or Simulation and 10% for the Workplace Experience. The theory is normally provided by an external training provider who also would train the Practical / Simulation element. The last 10% in the Learnership is the companies’ responsibility to provide the workplace experience that is required and they need to be registered as an accredited workplace. The Supply Chain Management course would normally be provided over a 12 month period and is available at an NQF 5 level, which means it is benchmarked at a 1st year University level. Overwhelmingly Universities do not teach in the style mentioned above although there are a few university that supply the above learning, which is termed Mode 2, when the course is aligned to the occupational learning criteria. There are a number of private providers who offer the supply chain NQF 5 that are not universities but are as equally credible. 44
In the world of the supply chain there are various points of entry as a career, for example, Procurement, Manufacturing, Transport Logistics, Customs Brokering, Warehousing and Distribution, or Reverse Logistics. It is important when choosing a qualification in the supply chain to choose that part of the supply that you want to grow your competence within. For instance if you wanted to grow your competence in Supply Chain Strategy, you would need to approach a training provider / institution that provided the modules that aligned to this choice.
How do I choose the learning methodology? 1. Tablet / Laptop a. This is where the courseware is made available (Offline or Online) on a mobile Tablet / Laptop to the learner 2. Classroom based / Talk and Chalk a. This is where the courseware is provided hardcopy and facilitated directly through face to face contact 3. Web-based a. This is where the courseware is made available via a connection to an internet based web-site 4. Distance learning a. This is the where the courseware manuals and assignments are provided hardcopy 5. Blended learning a. This is a combination of more than one of the above Depending on how you prefer to be taught you would choose a training provider who would offer one of the above methods
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
Many companies prefer a choice that has a low operational impact, which means that they don’t want their student staff to spend too much time out of the workplace and that the learner should predominantly learn in their own time.
What payment options are available? 1. Self funding 2. Company bursary or subsidized scholarship 3. SETA funding - Application – fully funded or partly (company and SETA) co-payment
Tax Incentive The company benefits if you undertake a supply chain management course through the occupational learning mode, as it attracts the tax rebates, refer to chapter 12(h) in the Tax tables.
B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) Your company further benefits from this occupational Learnership style of learning which counts towards targets within the skills development element of the B-BBEE world.
Professional Bodies A further benefit to the learner is that they may be able to obtain a professional designation once the qualification is complete and they have written an entry assessment set by the professional association.
Summary It is the complexity of the supply chain that is its very attraction and there is something for everyone who plans a career within a supply chain.
Dave Walls Institute for Quality Pty Ltd davewalls@iqetd.co.za
TRUCKING
Volvo Trucks Names Top Dealers Volvo Trucks Southern Africa awarded its best dealers in recognition of the high-quality performances achieved by its network during 2016. The top awards went to: Dealer of the Year – South Africa Truck Centre Jet Park Small Dealer of the Year – South Africa Beaufort West Dealer of the Year – Southern Africa AutoSueco Namibia “Our Dealers of the Year represent world-class quality in every facet of their businesses, especially in providing customer service that go beyond the expected,” said Torbjörn Christensson, president of Volvo Group Southern Africa. “They are total transport solution providers, with our award-winning products forming the core of their offering, supported by innovative aftermarket and extended services that make a real difference to fleet owners’ businesses and profitability.” The company has 30 dealer sites across southern and eastern Africa, with new locations in Alrode and Angola completed in 2016 and fully operational. New facilities are also currently being developed in Pinetown, Port Elizabeth, Kenya and Zambia. Volvo also has representative offices in Zambia, Ethiopia, East Africa and Angola to bring support closer to customers in those markets. “As part of one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle companies, we expect a lot from ourselves and the level of support we provide to our customers. Through various training and developmental initiatives, we continually invest in the advancement of our team’s skills and knowledge base to ensure that our customers continue to receive only the best support,” said Christensson. “Our dealer awards recognise excellence within our network and serves as a motivator to reach even new heights in the year to come. All to the benefit of Volvo Trucks fleet owners,” concluded Christensson. Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
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BUYERS GUIDE AUTOMATION
SICK Automation T: +27 (0) 11 472-3733 M: +27 (0) 76 338-9193 E: mike.brice@sickautomation.co.za W: www.sickautomation.co.za
RACKING Toyota Forklifts T: +27 (0) 11 571-0387 M: +27 (0) 71 106-4867 E: theav@eiegroup.co.za W: www.eiegroup.co.za
FORKLIFT ACCESORIES
BULK HANDLING
Culmen Consultants T: +27 11 674 1166 M: +27 824 118 658 E: sales@rotolok.co.za W: www.rotolok.co.za
Eternity Technologies T: +27 (0) 11 965-1875 M: +27 (0) 73 361-6601 E: info@eternitytechnologies.co.za W: www.eternitytechnologies.com
Krost Shelving & Racking T: +27 (0) 11 827-5555 E: cheri@krostshelving.com W: www.krostshelving.co.za Bollore Logistics T: +27 (0) 11 396-0365 M: +27 (0) 83 756-8300 E: candy.botha@bollore.com W: www.bollore-logistics.com
FORKLIFTS
Maritime Logistics T: +27 (0) 860 111-407 M: +27 (0) 82 372-6465 E: management@maritimeshipping.co.za W: www.maritimeshipping.co.za
PALLETS & CONTAINERS
Goscor Hi-Reach T: +27 (0) 11 908-4881 F: +27 (0) 11 908-6951 E: hi-reach@goscor.co.za W: www.goscorhireach.co.za
Jungheinrich South Africa Tel: +27 (0)10 596 8460 info@jungheinrich.co.za www.jungheinrich.co.za
Linde Material Handling T: +27 (0) 11 723-7000 E: sales@linde-mh.co.za E: info@linde-mh.co.za W: www.linde-mh.co.za 46
Dexion T: +27 (0) 21 552-0220 F: +27 (0) 86 517-2949 E: ron@dexioncape.co.za W: www.dexioncape.co.za
LOGISTICS
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Institute for Quality T: +27 (0) 11 472-0918 F: +27 (0) 86 537-0321 E: judy@iqetd.co.za W: www.iqetd.co.za
Acrow Racking & Shelving T: +27 (0) 11 824-1527 T: +27 (0) 11 824-3681 E: info@acrow.co.za
CHEP T: +27 (0) 31 267-9300 M: +27 (0) 82 317-1343 E: kerry.varga@chep.com W: www.chep.com
Palian T: +27 (0) 11 708-0222 M: +27 (0) 84 703-1926 E: eric@palian.co.za W: www.palian.co.za
TRANSPORT & DISTRIBUTION
Concargo T: +27 (0) 21 930-9160 M: +27 (0) 83 250-1082 E: management@concargo.com W: www.concargo.com
Fiduciary Financial T: +27 (0) 21 930-9166 M: +27 (0) 83 290-7404 E: info@fiduciary.co.za W: www.fiduciary.co.za
UNIT CONVEYING
Knapp Logistics T: +27 (0) 11 465-9284 M: +27 (0) 72 255-0352 E: sales.za@knapp.com W: www.knapp.com
WAREHOUSING SSI Schaefer T: +27 (0) 11 707-2600 F: +27 (0) 11 707-2620 E: shelldon.uys@ssi-schaefer.com W: www.ssi-schaefer.co.za/
Store Lab T: +27 (0) 11 708-0135 F: +27 (0) 86 696-4099 E: sune@storlab.co.za W: www.storelab.co.za
CELL C T: +27 (0) 84 777-6477 E: avermeulen@cellc.co.za W: www.cellc.co.za
Fortna T: +27 (0) 11 028-5900 E: ashleypitt@fortna.com W: www.fortna.com
PROPERTIES
Growthpoint T: +27 (0) 11 944-6288 M: +27 (0) 83 628-2442 W: www.growthpoint.co.za
Supply Network Africa - Mar / Apr 2017
Universal Storage T: +27 (0) 11 793-1111 F: +27 (0) 86 724-5304 M: +27 (0) 72 672-0983 E: marketing@universal-storage.co.za
Stab-a-Load T: +27 (0) 11 900-3909 F: +27 (0) 900-2559 E: sales@stabaload.co.za W: www.stabaload.co.za
So much more than just the blue pallet company. Improving the supply chain. It’s a never ending quest for business excellence shared by companies around the globe. Eliminate waste. Find new efficiencies. Optimise processes. Accelerate flows. Lower costs. Increase sales. Improve worker safety. Reduce environmental impact. Use less and do less to make and sell more. What else? Where else? How else? How often? These are the opportunities we help realise. These are the questions we will answer together.
Together, we’ll build a better supply chain.
This is the Supply Change . TM
A Brambles Company
www.chep.com
Platform Solutions
System-Wide Solutions
Manufacturing & Warehouse Solutions
Transportation Solutions
International Solutions
Corporate Social Responsibility
2017
CENTURY CITY CAPE TOWN 4-7 JUNE 2017
BUSINESS Don’t miss out, join us and be a part of the leading event in Africa for Supply Chain Professionals.
www.sapics.org +27 (0) 11 023 6701