inside logisticsmagazine.com.au
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VOL41 ISS3 JULY 2011
Warehousing Bulk Handling Transport & Logistics Factory Materials Handling Supply Chain Mercury Awards
This issue July 2011
The relocation make-good Managing your warehouse rental
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behindthecover inside
logisticsmagazine.com.au
mathandling.com.au
VOL41 ISS3 JULY 2011
Warehousing Bulk Handling Transport & Logistics Factory Materials Handling Supply Chain Mercury Awards
contents 04 Bulletin Board Bolzoni Auramo to acquire Eurolift. Toyota backs natural gas forklift fuel.
10 Mercury Awards Innovation is in the air. Sponsor profile: Cornerstone Automation Systems. INTRODUCING the new Powerlift HC Range comprising: 1.8- to 10-tonne gas, diesel and petrol forklifts; 1 to 5-tonne electric forklifts; and 1.2 to 2-tonne reach trucks. Standard features include: manufacturer’s 3-year warranty; tilt adjust steering wheel; LCD display; full suspension seat; swing-down gas bottle on LPG models; Nissan engine; solid tyres; and rear hand assist grip. Importantly, engines comply with EU stage III control regulation, ensuring low fuel consumption, emissions and a cleaner working environment. The irresistible combination of quality, features and price, backed by proven service and support, will undoubtedly appeal to companies of all sizes. The new Powerlift HC range Offers More. For Less. To find out more call Powerlift Material Handling on 1800 353 312.
14 Materials Handling TNT Perth in safe hands with parcel handling. Strong conveyor's no rubbish in recycling application.
18 Warehousing SAP-to-PLC system brings 30% gain. Rack cladding doubles warehouse capacity.
22 Supply Chain Collaboration in the supply chain. Top tips to take the pain out of supply chain.
28 Factory Materials Handling Successfully relocating your business. High-lift box tipper. Safe pedestrian stacker.
22 Transport & Logistics Bridging the motors/drives divide on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Minimising logistics costs top priority for professionals.
34 Handling Hazardous Goods Spill containment units. Safety showers set standard.
36 Bulk Handling Green power in forklift fuel cells. Component handling.
Green cells The next generation in forklift power
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PUBLISHER: Michelle Graves e michelle.graves@reedbusiness.com.au EDITOR: Sarah Falson t 02 9422 2480 e sarah.falson@reedbusiness.com.au JOURNALIST: Rita Mu t 02 9422 2572 e rita.mu@reedbusiness.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Ronnie Lawrence t 02 9422 2742 e ronald.lawrence@reedbusiness.com.au KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER: Michael Northcott t 0448 077 247 e michael.northcot@reedbusiness.com.au QLD ADVERTISING MANAGER: Sharon Amos t 07 3261 8857 m 0417 072 625 f 07 3261 8347 e sharon.amos@reedbusiness.com.au PO Box 3136, Bracken Ridge, Qld 4017 PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR: Mary Copland t 02 9422 2738 e mary.copland@reedbusiness.com.au All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. ISSN 1832-5513 Copyright Reed Business Information. Published by Reed Business Information. (ABN 80 132 719 861) Tower 2, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Australia t 02 9422 2999 f 02 9422 2966 Printed FIVE times a year, Logistics & Materials Handling is inserted in the February, April, July, September and November 2011 issues of Manufacturers’ Monthly, FEN, Food, and PACE magazines with a distribution of 35,000.
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July 2011 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 3
bulletinboard LOGISTICS AND MATERIALS HANDLING NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND AROUND THE WORLD
Bolzoni Auramo to acquire Eurolift
Toyota backs natural gas forklift fuel in Tasmania NATURAL gas will soon be available to Tasmanian forklift operators, thanks to a new scheme developed by Tas Gas Networks and Toyota Material Handling (TMHA). The scheme, which includes the development of a fast-fill CNG facility, aims to help Tasmanian materials handling businesses reduce energy costs, lower harmful emissions and conduct operations more safely. "CNG may already be supplied to many sites through the natural gas distribution network, so vehicles can be filled from an on-site compressor unit connected directly to that supply,” said sales executive David Oudman of FRM Toyota – TMHA’s Tasmanian dealer. "This alleviates the handling of LPG bottles, along with the OH&S issues and potential supply issues." According to TMHA, compressed natural gas (CNG) offers significant cost savings when compared with liquefied petroleum gas. It also reportedly emits less
particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen than other fossil fuels. FRM Toyota’s Oudman said companies could save up to a huge $100,000 a year by switching to natural gas in their forklift operations. "Tas Gas has put together an attractive package in which the customer can start saving money from the first week they switch to CNG," he said. Under the new scheme, businesses will have the option to sign long-term contracts
BOLZONI Auramo has announced it will acquire Eurolift in an effort to expand its presence in the Australian forklift attachment market. While Eurolift’s operations will continue to Peter Beaumont, managing trade in Sydney and director of Eurolift. Adelaide following the acquisition, Bolzoni Auramo will represent the company’s materials handling products in addition to the Bolzoni Auramo and Meyer ranges of forklift attachments. Eurolift’s managing director, Peter Beumont, has also announced his resignation. Beumont, who has been involved in the design, manufacture and sales of forklift attachment for more than 30 years, will be succeeded by Ross McNamara, who has previously held senior managerial roles within companies such as Pirelli and UTC Group America.
for CNG supplies with Tas Gas Networks. According to Oudman, more than 12 million vehicles worldwide already operate on CNG, including more than 2,500 buses in Australia's metropolitan area. Four CNG-powered vehicles in the state, including a Toyota 8FG25 forklift and two Toyota Aurion cars, have so far been unveiled as part of the scheme. Toyota Material Handling 1800 425 438, www.tmha.com.au
Bolzoni Auramo 02 9659 2224, www.bolzoni-auramo.com
FedEx best cargo airline FEDEX Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, has taken home two awards in this year’s Asian Freight & Supply Chain Awards, held in Singapore. The transportation company was crowned ‘Best All Cargo Airline,’ at the awards. It also nabbed the award for ‘Best Air Cargo Carrier – North America.’ “The recognition by
customers as well as industry players reaffirms our relentless pursuit of service excellence,” said FedEx Express AsiaPacific president, David Cunningham. “We are especially proud of the FedEx team who consistently provides the best-in-class service.” FedEx 132 610, www.fedex.com/au
Leopard Systems named Motorola partner of the year AUSTRALIAN mobility solutions provider, Leopard Systems, has been named Motorola’s partner of the year. The company was handed the Australia Motorola Enterprise Partner of the Year Award for its excellence in business growth and performance in 2010. The award was presented by Paul Blinkhorn, vice president of channels for Motorola Asia Pacific and Rodney Thorne, general manager of Motorola’s ANZ Enterprise business.
4 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
“Leopard Systems has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to Motorola as a channel partner and has invested significantly in their resources, infrastructure and followed best business principles towards supporting the Motorola brand,” Thorne said. “2010 was a strong year for Leopard Systems with several large-scale, hardware mobility deployments across numerous high-profile companies within retail and transport and logistics. “This impressive sales performance,
L to R: Robert Deane, Leopard Systems’ national sales director; Rod Thorne, Motorola’s general manager of ANZ enterprise channels; Robin Fowler, Leopard Systems’ managing director; and Alex Koumaras; Leopard Systems’ managing director.
in what many considered was a tough climate, combined with their proactive customer-centric approach towards enterprise mobility and workforce productivity ensured Motorola’s
recognition for the company’s achievements.” Leopard Systems is a Premier Solution Partner for Motorola. Leopard Systems 1300 536 727, www.leopardsystems.com.au
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1400 picks per person per hour 400% productivity increase A world- rst picking solution
Grant McClean of Coca-Cola Amatil (right) with David Rubie
DEM748
Another logistics result.
When Coca-Cola Amatil wanted to build a new distribution centre to service their route trade, they asked Dematic if they had any bright ideas. It was a big task: 14,000 customers, regional and metropolitan deliveries from Bega to Coffs, 700 SKUs, and a demand for shorter lead times. Big tasks call for big answers, and Dematic’s specialist food and beverage design team worked closely with CCA to develop a whole new distribution concept. After exhaustive simulation and the development of patented software, a world’s rst picking solution was delivered that helped CCA exceed their distribution goals while achieving outstanding productivity, greater accuracy and lower overall distribution costs. That’s what we call a logistics result.
Ask us. 02 9486 5555 www.dematic.com.au
Logistics Solutions | Service & Support | Software & IT | Voice Picking | Wireless Networks | Storage Solutions | Conveyors | AS/RS
bulletinboard
SSI Schaefer named top materials handling supplier
FedEx Corp pledges US$1m in Japan disaster relief support
SSI Schaefer has been named the top materials handling supplier by the US-based materials handling publication, Modern Materials Handling (MMH). SSI Schaefer was ranked number one in MMH’s 14th annual materials handling survey for raking-in an impressive US$2.19 billion in revenue last year. Daifuku came in second place, with a reported US$1.95 billion in revenue, followed by Dematic, which experienced SSI Schaefer was given the honour for reporting an an increase of almost 20%, impressive US$2.19 billion in revenue last year. bringing its 2010 total revenue to US$1.2 billion. According to MMH magazine, all of last year’s top 20 companies made it back to the top of the list in this year’s survey, but mergers and acquisitions made room for two new companies: Wynright and System Logistics. Wynright came in at number 17 with US$135 million in revenue, while System Logistics was ranked number 18, reporting US$126 million.
FEDEX Corp, the parent company of FedEx Express, has donated US$1 million in cash and in-kind transportation and logistics expertise to support communities affected by the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan on 11 March. FedEx said its donation would help humanitarian organisations such as The Salvation Army, Heart to Heart International, Direct Relief International, World Vision and Project Hope, to provide food, shelter, medical supplies, water purification units, blankets and hygiene kits to victims. “We are saddened by the loss of lives and the destruction caused by the quake and the aftermath,” president David Cunningham of Fedex Express Asia Pacific said. “Well-being in the communities we serve is FedEx’s disaster relief focus. “By working with our long-term humanitarian and relief organisations, we believe we will be able to channel our assets and resources more effectively, and complement the expertise of the different organisations.” FedEx previously donated $1.8 million, including the transportation of more than one million pounds of critical supplies, to communities affected by the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The company has also donated more than $300,000 in cash and $500,000 of in-kind shipping to support relief efforts in China and Myanmar.
SSI Schaefer 02 9824 3844, www.ssi-schaefer.com.au
FedEx 132 610, www.fedex.com/au
6 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
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bulletinboard FedEx appoints new managing director for Australasia
Kim Garner will be responsible for overseeing corporate strategy and company development.
FEDEX Express has recently appointed a new managing director to lead its Australasia operations. Kim Garner, who joined FedEx in 1999 as a senior manager, will succeed Rhicke Jennings, who has assumed the position of managing director for FedEx Express Philippines and Indonesia. Based in Sydney, Garner will be responsible for overseeing FedEx corporate strategy development and operations in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Garner, who has more than 30 years experience in the express transportation sector, said his new role was a “major milestone” in his career. “I am looking forward to leading my team to continue going above and beyond for our customers in these markets,” he said. FedEx 132 610, www.fedex.com/au
Freight plan steers transport reform in right direction, AFGC says THE release of the Federal Government’s draft National Land Freight Strategy to streamline freight movement and reduce transport costs has been welcomed by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC). Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the major blueprint was designed to find transport efficiencies through overhauling regulations, opening roads to bigger trucks, linking existing and new roads and joining them with intermodal ports and rail networks. AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said the draft plan to deliver a faster, cheaper, national freight system would provide significant benefits for Australia’s largest manufacturing sector – food and grocery. “Food and grocery manufacturing is a big user of domestic road freight – with more than 25 per cent of transport involving supply chain movements in Australia,” Carnell said. “As a result, unlocking bottlenecks and having a more streamlined and cost-effective supply transport network
Kate Carnell says the draft plan would provide benefits for food manufacturers.
is essential for Australian manufactured food and grocery products to maintain their competitiveness.” AFGC is aligned with joint-industry body Efficient Consumer Response Australasia (ECRA), whose aim is to create better outcomes, cost savings and greater efficiencies in the delivery of products to consumers in the food and grocery sector. Australian Food and Grocery Council 02 6273 1466, www.afgc.org.au
Fonterra invests $27 million in tanker fleet upgrade FONTERRA has announced it will spend $27 million to make its tanker fleet safer, greener and easier to handle. Fonterra’s national transport and logistics manager, Barry McColl, said the company’s board approved the $27 million as part of an ongoing program to upgrade its 480 strong fleet – the largest in New Zealand. “The biggest change will be the purchase of 76 new Volvo trucks that start arriving in the country this month,” he said. “These trucks replace some of the existing fleet that have come to the end of their life. “The Volvo trucks are more efficient and have lower running costs, making our milk collection operation more efficient, both environmentally and economically. They’ve also got
8 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
sophisticated stability and braking systems, making them safer on the road.” The replacement program will add another 76 trucks with Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to the fleet. “With the arrival of the new trucks, 86 per cent of our fleet will have EBS/ESC technology which is a definite safety advantage,” McColl said. “It balances the braking between the truck and the trailer, giving the tanker a more stable braking system, making it easier to handle on the road.” According to McColl, the Volvo trucks use 30% less diesel and emit 35% fewer emissions. Fonterra +64 9374 9000, www.fonterra.com
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mercuryawards
Have you got what it takes? The 6th Annual Logistics & Materials Handling Mercury Awards ceremony is fast approaching, but do you think you’ve got what it takes to win? Read on to find out, Sarah Falson writes. OMINATIONS for the 6th Annual Logistics & Materials Handling Mercury Awards are now closed, so a big ‘good luck’ to all those companies hoping to make the finalists list for their contribution to Australia’s logistics and materials handling industries! Now in its sixth year, the Mercury Awards program has come a long way from its humble roots, and this year includes – for the very first time – two dedicated materials handling categories: Materials Handling Solution, and Warehousing and/or Storage Solution. With nine categories all up, the Mercury Awards now rewards more thought-leaders than ever. Sponsored by CEVA, Century Yuasa, Costa Logistics, Cornerstone Automation Systems, SSI Schaefer, Linde and Loscam, the categories are: Logistics Leader; Top Third Party Logistics Provider (3PL); Young Professional of the Year; Technology Application; Best Green Initiative;
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All finalists join a prestigious group of leading professionals working to win in an evercompetitive global market. Warehousing & Storage Solution (New Category); Materials Handling Solution (New Category); Supply Chain Innovation (New Category); and Best of the Best. The team at Logistics & Materials Handling wishes all entrants ‘good luck’ ahead of the official finalists list being announced on our website later this month, and in the September issue of the magazine. All finalists join a prestigious group of leading professionals working to win in an ever-competitive global market. Winners will be announced at the official dinner ceremony on 1 September at Watersedge in Sydney.
Patrick Stevedores’ ship-to-shore materials handling and logistics principles won last year’s Best of the Best Award. Awards Finalists: www.logisticsmag.com.au/awards Buy Tickets: Alex Evans 02 9422 2890.
New innovator recognises supply chain achievements NEW kid on the block in Australia and New Zealand for logistics and materials handling systems, Cornerstone Automation Systems Inc (CASI), is sponsoring the Supply Chain Innovation category in the upcoming 6th annual Logistics & Materials Handling Mercury Awards. The company, which is a firsttime sponsor of the Awards, manufactures and integrates a full line of cutting-edge materials handling technologies, including conveyor systems, check weighers, sortation equipment, automation systems, distribution solutions, order fulfilment, labelling, robotics, software and PC/PLC materials handling controls. According to chief executive officer, Chris Andrit, CASI is a unique systems manufacturer, in that hardware, software, and controls are all
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Chris Andrit, chief executive officer of Cornerstone Automation Systems Inc, says his firm is sponsoring the Mercury Awards’ Supply Chain Innovation category because it believes in innovation.
built in-house. “Each system is built from a long list of standard products and configured to the application,” Andrit told Logistics & Materials Handling. “[CASI] utilises a pre-engineered approach to systems integration that is also unique in our industry.
All systems are fully built and tested at our facility before they are shipped and installed, ensuring that any issues are rectified prior to delivery – not at the time of commissioning.” With a range of materials handling and logistics products and services on offer, Andrit said CASI
was in a strong and suitable position to become a sponsor in this year’s Mercury Awards. “The awards are for achievements in logistics and materials handling implementation and technology and by implementing any of the CASI range of automation systems, these goals are easily facilitated,’’ he said. “The supply chain includes the requirements to design and plan the building of competitive infrastructures and productive order fulfilment systems. The products that CASI manufactures assist in the achievement of such goals.” The 6th Annual Logistics & Materials Handling Mercury Awards will be held in Sydney on 1 September 2011. Cornerstone Automation Systems Inc 1300 792 217, www.cornerstoneautosys.com.au
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THE PERFECT PALLET Too much time is wasted in business managing pallets or managing problems that pallets create. Does your business keep stock of dirty, broken or second hand pallets? Does your business use pallets that create manual handling, contamination or fumigation issues? Visy’s Fibre Pallet is the perfect pallet to eliminate these problems.
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mercuryawards
Mercury Awards Winners 2010 Patrick Stevedores Winner – Logistics Leader, Technology Application, and Best of the Best A CONTAINER port operator and one of Australia’s largest stevedoring companies, Patrick Stevedores innovations in the truck handling process are bringing increased efficiency to the supply chains of numerous companies. The company’s winning RCOS (Remote Control Operator Station) project and its sub-projects demonstrate Patrick Stevedores continual push to implement best practice solutions and set new levels through the implementation of world leading technologies to the stevedoring industry. The AutoPick sub project is the only stevedoring terminal globally where truck containers are handled without human intervention. This innovation brings predictability and cost reductions to both Patrick and road transport operators. The Mercury Awards judges said: “This project is very impressive in the way that the company has used technology to both improve performance and reduce costs. The technology and the end solution together are quite ground-breaking in the Australian – and global – logistics market.” 14 Degrees Winner – Top Transport & Logistics Provider, and Best Manufacturer THE winning gong in the Top Transport & Logistics Provider category went to a new third-party logistics (3PL) specialist offering end-to-end supply chain and logistics services to the wine
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industry in Australia and New Zealand. 14 degrees offers an unlimited range of wine supply chain and logistics services covering all aspects of wine production and distribution. Said to be the first 3PL to offer true end-to-end supply chain and logistics services to winemakers and distributors in Australasia and provide them with a professional and cost-effective alternative to doing it all themselves, 14 Degrees’s integrated supply chain model significantly reduces the handling and transport associated with the bottling and distribution of wine, optimising the quality of the end product. Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) Winner – Best Green Initiative CCA won the coveted Best Green Initiative gong for its new distribution centre at Eastern Creek, which is being part-powered by almost 700 solar panels on its roof. The $1.2 million, 110 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system is designed to generate 148 hours of clean renewable energy every year. This translates into a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 148 tonnes annually and providing up to 20 per cent of the distribution centre’s energy needs. Other ‘green’ features of the distribution centre include C-Bus lighting controls, which are expected to save up to 1,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas every year, and water tanks which will harvest 240,000 litres of rainwater. CCA’s $85 million distribution centre has been submitted for a green-star rating with the Green Building Council of Australia.
Sponsor SSI Schaefer congratulates Corporate Express’s Taylor on receiving the Young Professional of the Year gong in 2010.
Joseph Taylor (Corporate Express) Winner – Young Professional of the Year JOSEPH Taylor is the national transport manager at Corporate Express and is responsible for managing a $51 million budget for the delivery of products across all lines of business (office products, IT solutions, print management, canteen and catering, corporate cellars, business furnitur e, facility supplies and education supplies). Taylor won the Young Professional of the Year award for his success in developing a national distribution model which allows the centralisation of slow moving inventory, including IT solutions, replenishment office products, and print and promotion products, while maintaining the distribution of faster moving desktop products. The judges said: “This entry provided a substantial project introduction of the company's CE distribution model, with clear high levels of return-on-investment and cost savings. The project itself was complex and multi-level and displays a wide range of skills. This is a very large amount to achieve for such a young person.”
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materialshandling
TNT in safe hands State-of-the-art automated parcel handling technology is part of a nationwide upgrade of TNT’s express delivery hubs and depots.The new $40 million Perth site is central to the company’s service. NT’s largest fully-automated parcel sorting system in Australia and the AsiaPacific region, using sorting technology from Vanderlande Industries, is now fullyoperational, following the official opening in February. The global express specialist’s new $40 million depot at Welshpool, near Perth in Western Australia, is part of a two-year, $100 million investment to enhance parcel and freight delivery across Australia and internationally. The new 20,000-square-metre, flagship depot, is central to TNT’s goal of providing Australia an express freight delivery service. As part of a national upgrade of its express delivery hubs and depots, TNT selected the Vanderlande CROSSORTER 900 system for state-of-the-art automated parcel sorting and handling.
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Efficient handling According to TNT’s managing director, Bob Black, the new Welshpool depot is an important step in further improving customer service. “This new depot has the potential to redefine efficient freight transport. The advantage of developing on a greenfield site is that we have been able to plan for future growth and the increasing demands of our customers for efficient handling and innovative services. Vanderlande Industries has proved to be a competent and reliable partner to support us in reaching these goals,” said Black. As one of the Vanderlande range of crossbelt sorters, the CROSSORTER 900 provides a flexible solution for handling mixed flows of postal and express parcel products of widely varying sizes, including odd-shaped items such as bags, shrinkwrapped products and mailings. The system can handle parcels up to 1.2 metres in length and weighing up to 50kg. Flexibility and capacity are maximised by the use of two crossbelts on one carrier. These can operate together to carry large items, or individually to carry smaller items on each belt. The two-belt CROSSORTER concept offers a compact footprint, compared with conventional crossbelt sorters providing equivalent capacity with a single, large belt. With its combination of technology and performance, the CROSSORTER combines energy-efficiency, low maintenance and high availability to ensure optimum Total Cost of
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The new Vanderlande crossbelt sorter is a flexible solution for handling mixed flows of postal and express parcel products in varying sizes, enhancing freight delivery across Australia.
Ownership, the supplier claims. A further CROSSORTER benefit is the system’s low noise level, which contributes to good working conditions for operators, the company says. As total system supplier, Vanderlande Industries, supported by the Australian company Agito Group (www.agito.com.au), also built the complete platform in the new depot, and supplied a fashion rail system, a ULD scissor lift and castor deck for transporting air freight containers, and trolleys for internal transport of incompatible parcels. VITAL controls software Ensuring optimal control of the sortation process, Vanderlande Industries has also supplied its VITAL software suite. This offers a flexible, real-time solution for operational management, both on an everyday basis and at the planning and strategic level. Continuous improvement and optimisation are key VITAL features; for example, with the ability to present Key Performance Indicators on a customised dashboard. This provides on-demand access to information that is often hard to find because it is hidden within different data sources. The resulting transparent access to important data about everyday operational performance is an important factor in making better decisions about
the performance and efficiency of the total process. The built-in Business Process Intelligence (BPI) capability of VITAL enables TNT to improve system performance continuously and collect data into one transparent database for both short- and long-term analysis. Continuing service and support As well as providing the sortation solution, Vanderlande also ensures that all the right tools are in place for any after-sales support that TNT may require. To make sure that TNT is supported, the Agito Group was engaged by Vanderlande Industries to provide 24x7 service and support, says Roald de Groot, Key Account Manager of Vanderlande Industries. “We don’t just walk away once we’ve handed over a system. Our philosophy is to provide the customer with support throughout the life cycle of the system. This will ensure consistently high system availability, with a service response within an agreed time to any issues that may arise. We are also committed to supporting TNT in continuous improvement and optimisation of its operations,” said de Groot. Vanderlande Industries 0413 495 104, roald.de.groot@vanderlande.com
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Funny, Bazza never wanted to miss his break before. With a significant number of ergonomic enhancements, operators like Bazza will love Yale’s AC technology ERP series. And while reduced operator fatigue means a happier workforce it also means greater productivity. Throw in world-class dependability and the ERP becomes the ultimate combination of performance and comfort. In capacities from 1,600kg to 2,000kg, with seat side manual or mini lever e-hydraulics, oil immersed brakes and performance settings the ERP balances energy efficiency with application needs.
Find a dealer www.yale.com.au
materialshandling
Strong conveyor’s no rubbish An unusual conveyor system custom-made to carry 500 tonnes of recycling per day gets its power from a heavy-duty multi-stage motor assembly system from NORD. Tony Sculpher writes. RUNTON Engineering & Construction has recently commissioned two new, heavy-duty slatted belt conveyors for SKM Recycling’s new Waste Recovery Facility in South Geelong, Victoria, capable of handling 500 tonnes of waste per day. SKM Recycling, founded in 1999, now has four recycling sites across Melbourne and Geelong, recycling household waste and distributing it to 12 councils across the state. With daily recycling exceeding 500 tonnes, SKM also provides recyclable collection services to schools, hospitals, government departments, and from commercial and industrial businesses. Sorted recycled products are then on-sold to packaging, clothing, plastic furniture, and paper and cardboard manufacturers. The SKM Recycling project consisted of one horizontal conveyor for loading the waste products from the recovery trucks, and one incline conveyor for delivering the waste products to the existing sorting systems conveyor. The horizontal conveyor is 12 meters long, and the incline conveyor is 13.25 meters long and then elevates 6.5 meters at 35 degrees. Both conveyors feature a 1,800mm-wide rubber belt, and have the capacity to move up to 20 tonnes of waste products per hour.
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The NORD motors allow the 12-metre conveyor to move 20 tonnes of waste per hour.
The waste recovery trucks deliver to the SKM Recycling site all waste products as collected from household domestic recycling waste bins. The contents can contain all manner of household waste products from cardboard, cans and glass, to non-compliant items such as automotive batteries, and automotive engine components. The calculated density of the waste product is 0.4 tonnes per cubic metre. The complete design and construction of the two heavy-duty slatted belt conveyors was completed at Brunton Engineering’s Somerton, Victoria, engineering workshops. The company selected and installed two 3kW
NORD multi-stage geared motor assemblies for this unusual application. The NORD multi-stage assembly comprises of a combination of one NORD Helical bevel gearbox and one NORD Helical inline gearbox, close coupled together to provide a large range of slow output speeds and very high torque capacities. The NORD multi-stage assemblies are identified by the NORD type designation ‘SK9072.1/32AZK-112LH/4TF’. All of NORD’s Helical bevel and Helical inline gearboxs feature NORD’s Unicase construction, offering a rigid, single-cast housing with high overhung load capacity. Featuring double output shaft seals fitted as standard equipment, these NORD assemblies proved to be ideal for the dirty and arduous conditions endured in the SKM recycling plant. The NORD multi-stage gearbox design utilises a very high ratio of 473.22:1, and provides an output speed of 3.0 rpm. With the electric motor power of 3 kW, these assemblies will deliver a massive 9581 Nm of torque. The NORD hollow shaft design facilitated easy fitment, and the geared motors were secured with the NORD ‘K’ type bottom mount torque arm. [Tony Sculpher is regional sales manager for NORD Drivesystems AU.] NORD 1300 006 673, www.nord.com.au
Variable-speed compressor drives materials handling SULLAIR Australia’s new VOC/VSD hybrid compressor is said to lower power consumption at the top-end of capacity, while maintaining constant system pressure in various materials handling systems. The VOC has a turndown of 50%, and the VSD as much as 30%. The VOC/VSD hybrid air compressor can extend the range of downturn to 15% while keeping the pressure stable and power consumption to a minimum. Through its ability to automatically vary both the motor speed and the compressor’s airend length, the VOC/VSD’s efficient operating range is broader than any comparable compressor, making it suitable for materials handling applications, Sullair claims.
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The compressor is said to have a very high operating range for various applications.
The Sullair VOC/VSD variable-speed compressor utilises patented Optimal Flux Technology which is said to allow precise and dynamic drive-to-motor calibration, delivering optimum performance and efficiency throughout the VOC/VSD’s operating range. Optimal Flux Technology reduces motor temperatures by up to 11 degrees Celsius, thereby permitting greater turn-down. This also eliminates forced ventilation and improves motor efficiency and longevity, the company says. Sullair Australia 03 9703 9014, www.sullair.com.au
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*BONUS battery supplied with VAIO SB18 and SB19 models.
warehousing
SAP brings 30% gain A hardware supplier in Germany has increased order fulfilment by 30% using a world-first SAP interface and a smart storage system, providing machine control right down to the PLC level. FS unimarket AG, a supplier of fasteners, tools, architectural hardware, chemical and technical products in Switzerland, has increased order fulfilment productivity by 30% since commissioning a new warehouse at Rebstein. A key contributor to this significant improvement is the site’s integrated Dematic Multishuttle automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). Five aisles incorporating 17 levels are each serviced by three Multishuttle cars, providing a handling capacity of up to 500 put-away and 500 retrieval cycles per hour. The Multishuttle cars transfer between levels using lifts located at the end of aisles. The double-deep system provides a total storage capacity of 32,000 container spaces. Three container heights and compartments result in 18 different container types, enabling a large number of SKUs to be stored spaceefficiently. In total, the Multishuttle houses close to 50,000 articles, with the typical throughput of around 4,000 items per day rising to 5,500 during peak periods. Employing the highly efficient “Goods-to-Person” principle, an integrated conveyor system delivers the containers to the appropriate picking station. A feature of Multishuttle compared to conventional ASRS solutions is that it does not take up any valuable floor space within the warehouse, being located on the second level of the facility. SFS unimarket AG utilises SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) and SAP MFS (Material Flow System) to manage inventory and warehouse operations. As one of only a few SAP implementation partners specialising in warehouse logistics, Dematic was commissioned by SFS to conduct a feasibility study. Its aim was to demonstrate whether and how the process control system, consisting of SAP EWM and SAP MFS, could enable direct selection of programmable logic controls (PLC) for the mechanical equipment and the new warehouse processes. “This was an important conclusion for us,” said Dietmar Kabasser, Head of SAP Competence Centre WMS. “Every process – from deconsolidation and goods-in additions to existing stock, through Multishuttle put-aways and removals, as
S
18 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
Dematic showed how the process control system could enable direct selection of programmable logic controls (PLC) for the mechanical equipment and the new warehouse processes.
well as the supply and control of picking bins and packaging stations, up to material flows in the bulky goods and pallet long-load store – are managed and mapped through dialogs in EWM and MFS. Next to the connection to our SAP ERP, the EWM and MFS configurations in SAP standard, safeguard the system’s release capability at SAP level.” Dematic was awarded the contract as general contractor for the system design, mechanical equipment, PLC control technology and the structure of the IT system – “everything from a single source,” explained Kabasser. “We have successfully achieved our goals with regards to increased productivity, flexibility and a future-oriented solution. “The Dematic solution will now form the template for a roll-out of standardised technology for all of our warehouses around the world,” said Kabasser. Within a couple of weeks from start-up, it was clear that the warehouse would achieve its target of a 30% increase in productivity. “We are very pleased with the outcome,” Kabasser said. SAP drives real-time control The SFS unimarket AG project was significant in that this was a unique and world-first application in which Dematic was able to directly interface materials handling equipment and systems into the world of SAP using SAP EWM and SAP MFS. Part of the mySAP Supply Chain Management
(mySAP SCM), SAP EWM supports inventory management and goods movements in warehouses. The multi-tenant warehouse management solution was designed for large warehouses with complex processes. Inventory management and goods movements are closely integrated. Using SAP’s Material Flow System, automated warehouse processes can be driven directly by SAP EWM. SAP LES is part of SAP ERP, respectively SAP R/3, and an important component of SAP’s supply chain management solutions. The application scope of this component includes manual and automated warehouses. Besides management of inventory and resources, LES supports the complete handling of customer orders, including picking. Dematic has reportedly already carried-out many migrations to SAP LES. Dematic SubDriver consists of two elements: one part is the Material Flow Control – needed for SAP LES implementations to be connected directly to PLC level. The second part is a hardware controller, located in electrical cabinets, which transfers the protocol of the SAP-world into the protocol of the PLC-world. The advantage of this solution is that middleware is no longer applicable and a technological breach when operating different software systems can be avoided. The SubDriver hardware is compatible with SAP EWM and SAP LES. Dematic 02 9486 5555, www.dematic.com.au
mathandling.com.au | logisticsmagazine.com.au
warehousing
Rack cladding doubles capacity MECA Racking Solutions has completed the first Rack Clad warehouse installation in Australia for Boral-owned Dowell Windows, in Bayswater Victoria. The Rack Clad Warehouse was built as a structure, doubling the storage capacity for Dowell. The new warehouse provides an efficient stock control system, protecting materials and merchandise from environmental elements while maximising both land and vital vertical air space. The entire structure was designed to maximise the use of Cantilever Racking which is – with the addition of columns and roof trusses – clad with COLOURBOND to create the walls and roof. The design gives the inherent stability and strength of a Cantilever structure as a framework for the outer cladding, thus reducing the dependence on and costs associated with other more traditional methods. The Rack Clad warehouse was project managed by Meca Racking Solutions national project manager, Andrew Quinn. After the initial consultation with Dowell Windows, Quinn was able to provide a tailor-made solution for the client.
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The Meca rack-clad warehouse now offers double the storage capacity for Boral.
“In the early stages of briefing with Dowell, we realised the business requirements were much more than purely cantilever racking. Hence, we needed to provide a solution that resolved storage capacity, OH&S and site logistics whilst also providing a long term material handling solution,” Quinn said. To reduce the impact on what is already a busy and demanding site, Meca Racking Solutions completed the project over the Christmas shutdown period. Dowell have been manufacturers of aluminum and timber door and window solutions for generations, designing products to suit Australian lifestyles and climatic conditions. The project was completed over four months, from the initial consultation, to design and construction and has reportedly allowed the client to adhere to tighter OH&S practices, with clear pedestrian access and easier management of traffic flow. Meca Racking Solutions 03 8671 1500, www.mecaracking.com.au
mathandling.com.au | logisticsmagazine.com.au
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supplychain
Collaborative supply chains Using effective collaboration and information sharing can help manage supply chain complexity, by controlling inventory and managing product throughout the cycle. Raghav Sibal writes. S MURPHY’S Law states, ‘If anything can go wrong, it will.’ Though the phrase can be justly applied to describe the challenge of collaborative commerce in stable and predictable economic circumstances, it has even more resonance in the troubled and unpredictable times the world continues to face. The process of managing ‘buy-sell-deliver’ transactions in a single sales channel and on a national model is complicated enough. Once this process is translated, however, to multiple channels and to a global scale, a plethora of further complexities is introduced. Multiple vendors in different countries, sometimes working with other trading partners, are nowadays involved in the completion of one or a series of supply chain objectives before the baton is passed onto the next set of players. The supply chain consequently elongates, becomes more complex and the margin for error inevitably becomes that much higher. So what can companies do collaboratively to minimise complexity and risk? One obvious answer is to provide information about supply chain events as far down the chain as possible – from retailer to distributor to transport service provider to manufacturer. Many vendors currently offer supply chain visibility services, of which the most elementary is a ‘Track & Trace’ system, but is that enough? In a real-world scenario, how much value does the knowledge of event failure or a problem in the supply chain, bring to a company after the occurrence of that event or problem?
A
Event management This is where supply chain event management becomes critical. The principle of supply chain event management is that partners should be able to view, manage, synchronise and control all supply chain events as they occur. This ability to manage potential problems, rather than just to be made aware of them, means that companies can deal with critical supply chain events and take action to prevent event failures before they happen. When something in the chain goes wrong, as it often does, effective supply chain event management ultimately provides the appropriate parties with alerts via every possi-
22 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
Effective distributed order management technology enables companies not only to gain control of inventory held in multiple warehouses, but also to monitor and manage product as it moves along the various stages of the chain.
ble or preferred communication medium (web, Microsoft Office, handheld device) to address the situation without delay. Another important consideration is the management of the degree of collaboration to which retailers, suppliers, manufacturers and their service providers want to commit. The much-touted idea of ‘collaboration’ in today’s world of multi-channel, global commerce is certainly an idyllic concept, but in practice, many companies are still not willing to share data. An effective extended enterprise management tool allows users to elect how little or how much of that information they want to share across the collaborative community. It allows them to achieve the previously elusive goal of ‘Contextbased Information Delivery’, which might be summarised as “who needs to see what”, by taking into account the sensitivity and practical usefulness of the information to each member. To complement this, supply chain intelligence solutions can allow both companies and partners to benefit from at-a-glance and real-time insight into the performance of their own operations. To be fully-effective, supply chain intelligence should be used pervasively across the chain. Inventory management Lastly, we should consider something that has become a new challenge in the world of collaborative, multi-channel commerce: effective inventory management. The amount of surplus (nonactive) inventory that exists in most companies’
supply chains is typically sizeable, and is found in manufacturing plants, in up and down-stream distribution centres, in transit on trucks, ships and planes, and in back-of-store warehouses at the retail end of the supply chain. The ability to reduce this by even a fraction can significantly affect a company’s bottom line. Effective distributed order management technology enables companies not only to gain control of inventory held in multiple warehouses, across multiple channels, in different countries, but also to monitor and manage product as it moves along the various stages of the chain – in inventory, as it’s ordered, in production and while it’s being shipped. This can also enable companies to aggregate and prioritise orders to meet the needs of important customers and to reroute in-transit inventory based on where it is needed most. Managing stock in this way enables the effective management of both physical and ‘virtual inventory’. Views into real and virtual inventory can help companies better plan, optimise production cycles, improve transport execution, allocate inventory on the fly – benefiting the entire collaboration. Collaboration between parties with individual objectives, working in different time zones and in different languages, is never going to be easy. The range of solutions available to companies competing in this space, however, is growing. [Raghav Sibal is managing director, Australia and New Zealand, Manhattan Associates.] Manhattan Associates 02 9454 5400, www.manh.com
mathandling.com.au | logisticsmagazine.com.au
Supply Chain Transp or
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The Queensland Supply Chain & Logistics Conference is the largest event of its kind in the state and is ideally suited for Supply Chain, Logistics, Transport and Procurement professionals and practitioners. A uniquelystyled educational event in its twelfth year, the conference is designed for both professional and personal development in a most-relaxed environment. With a theme of 'Solving the Supply Chain Puzzle', the 2011 Queensland Supply Chain & Logistics Conference, which will be held on the 1st and 2nd of September at the Sofitel Hotel Brisbane, is an event not-to-be-missed! Mark these dates in your diary! Proudly Supported By
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supplychain
Taking the pain out of supply chain Integrating spurious business processes from different companies into one supply chain can be tricky; here are five fool-proof tips to get the most from your system. Paul Lavery writes. UCCESSFUL supply chain execution today puts heavy demands on supply chain professionals: they must maintain frequent, fluid action; they must become more sophisticated; and they must evolve from managing business processes within one organisation to integrating business processes among multiple organisations. Here are five crucial integrated business processes that all supply chain professionals should consider. Sustainability-based sourcing: Today's enterprises face increasing social and regulatory pressure to meet sustainability goals and support green initiatives. Channel masters are requiring companies to adopt a scorecard approach for shared and collaborative logistics (eg. co-owned warehouses, transportation, cross-docking, consolidated delivery services). They require the same for industry benchmarks as well as reporting capabilities for physical elements such as packaging and facility energy output. In the future, enterprises can expect multi-relational trading systems and business interaction automation to play a much more integral role in agile supply chain execution (SCE) operations. Product lifecycle tracking: The increasing number of intermediaries needed to manage a network of distribution points has decreased transparency of end-to-end supply chain data. Yet supply chain visibility is recognised as critical to sustainability, product innovation and tracking. As such, manufacturers, retailers and distributors are now investing in track-and-trace technologies to help them improve margins and secure product lifecycles. The most effective initiatives have used a 'small step' approach; for example, investing in unique serialised identifiers at the pallet, case and/or unit level.
S
Today's enterprises face increasing social and regulatory pressure to meet sustainability goals and support green initiatives. Channel masters are requiring companies to adopt a scorecard approach for shared and collaborative logistics. Cash flow management: Supply chain executives must be able to prove that their processes and supporting IT systems accelerate cash flow and reduce days sales outstanding (DSO). This isn't just the CFO's priority either, as any CEO who trudged through the financial quagmire of October 2008 to October 2009 can attest. The right technology helps, of course, since many of these processes have supply chain functions directly or indirectly related to them. Community provisioning: How quickly can you connect with key trading partners and service providers? How quickly can you change contacts, data specifications and integration
points with your internal systems? The ability to respond positively and promptly to those two questions will determine where your organisation is on the 'community provisioning adoption curve'. Technologies like composite application architectures, single sign-on (SSO), trading partner endpoint (or client) toolkits and web services are all helping to connect user communities more efficiently. Technology will help (in fact, selecting the right technology provider will be critical), but this arena within supply chain will continue to rely on human intervention via reporting and system tracking. Data governance and visibility (DG&V): By synchronising, organisations have real-time access to data exchanges from accounting, inventory, payment, product, customer and sales systems, and they enjoy a competitive advantage. They can track anomalies and exceptions, improve back-end processing of changed orders and modified invoices, and update inventory systems. In addition, connecting supply chain data provides the structure to keep the data from going to the wrong place (ie. governance). Prevention is good; reaction is not so good. Best practice DG&V will help supply chain organisations mitigate deep points of integration and keep pace with changing market and technology requirements. The five crucial processes allow organisations and their partners to benefit from positive cash flow. This is obtained from products being tracked from sustainability-based sourcing processes, and then delivered through a value chain, which is then monitored via real-time reports. [Paul Lavery is director of supply chain solutions at Axway.] Axway 02 9956 4555, www.axway.com
Logistics software connects manufacturers with retailers A NEW set of solutions offered by JDA Software is designed to connect manufacturers and distributors with retailers so that consumer demand signals can be sensed at the store level. This connection reportedly allows manufacturing and distribution companies to gain early insight into replenishment requirements, ensure
24 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
shelf presence to maximise sales, reduce network inventory and provide manufacturing with advanced notice of production requirements and changes. These supply chain solutions are suited to manufacturers with 50 employees and upwards, and are designed to integrate with SAP and other
enterprise applications. JDA solutions feature all of the planning, analysis and optimisation capabilities required to solve the complex supply chain challenges encountered by Australian manufacturers today, the company claims. JDA Software 02 8912 7900, www.jda.com
mathandling.com.au | logisticsmagazine.com.au
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supplychain
Innovating a fast supply future Digital connections between members of the supply chain are imperative for business growth. But success won’t be revealed without focussing first on the people. By Dr John Blakemore. USINESS is about people, process and precision. Precision of process in all business functions at ‘Six Sigma’ tightness of control, creates a strong competitive advantage. Global supply chains with networks of suppliers feeding strategically-placed assembly plants near the market they serve are commonplace. Integration of processes can therefore be both internal and external. Already, Canon has the technology to produce a printed book with a coloured cover from a digital file on a pen drive. No stock; instant turnaround. Binding synchronised with printing. A key question is how do small manufacturing operations take advantage of the new and more efficient ways of satisfying customers, with higher expectations, faster than before, using digital data to drive customer satisfaction? I have developed a system based upon 26 rules to analyse and implement lean systems, and 22 creative ideas to aid innovation of process, product development and service delivery. The first three fundamental characteristics of good business practice are quality, cost and delivery aimed at exceeding customer expectations. Added to this is innovation and speed with a special focus on continuous improvement. Continuous research and development of both process and product is fundamental. It is clear that to achieve best practice, we should have total cooperation in all of the supply chain to achieve maximum benefit for all participants. Cooperating to compete is a strong competitive advantage. Digital connections to suppliers and customers will assist in making companies more
It is clear that to achieve best practice, we should have total cooperation in all of the supply chain to achieve maximum benefit for all participants.
B
Continuous research and development of both process and product is fundamental.
agile. With the new digital cooperative lean approach, value-adding by decreasing waste in planning, process and expenses increases as innovation of process and product continues. Digital connections allow companies to move and use information anywhere along the supply chain. This allows any enterprise in the chain to more accurately forecast, or make to order only. Such ideas will not work to advantage if the processes are not operating at a high degree of precision. Variation in process is a major enemy of velocity. To achieve maximum benefit, the five functions of business; people, operations, marketing and sales, innovation and finance; need to be
integrated both internally and if possible to some extent, externally. Concentration on the technical aspects of these factors alone will not yield the desired results. The reason is that the most important part of all business is people. Introducing new technology and techniques is much easier than changing culture and behaviour, but they must go together. Successful modern management involves a sharp customer focus, and the rapid use of high quality information via digital computer systems that are conveyed through a network of teams in a compressed hierarchical structure. The organisational structure must allow creativity, communication, improvement and innovation of all processes and functions. Companies must plan for the long-term and plans should be continually updated. People must be rewarded for creativity, communication skills and continuous improvement and innovation. The focus is on precision, speed, and quality in the entire supply chain. With continuous innovation, we can release the full intellect and power of the people. [Dr Blakemore has recently published a book, ‘Velocity’, which expands on the above challenges and advice for management. Email: masc@blakemore.com.au]
Making sales and operations planning simple INFOR’S new Infor Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) version 1.0 is now available, purpose-built for the unique needs of manufacturers, suppliers and distributors to help them manage their supply chains. The solution provides capabilities for creating, managing and using electronic workflows that address every major stage in the S&OP process,
26 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
allowing global teams to gain consensus and make higher-confidence decisions faster, Infor states. It is the company’s first dedicated S&OP solution to integrate extensive ‘what if’ scenario building tools directly into decision-making workflows, which reportedly allows teams to model potential changes based on up-to-date demand data, choose the action that results in
the highest potential increase in revenue or margin, then finalise and populate the changes automatically across the global supply chain. The S&OP offering is a standalone software solution that can be used independently, or integrated with supply chain management systems from Infor and most third-party providers. Infor 1800 260 2640, www.infor.com
mathandling.com.au | logisticsmagazine.com.au
factorymaterialshandling
The relocation make-good Relocating your business after the lease expires can be stressful, but if the process is conducted inadequately, it can also be expensive. Here’s how to avoid the headaches, writes Rita Mu. OUR business’s property lease is about to expire and you’ve decided to move your operations elsewhere – your equipment, products and staff are all ready to go. But is there anything else you need to consider? Managing director Paul Anderson of Corporate Real Estate Australia (CRE Australia), a Melbournebased strategic property advisory firm, says there is one last critical stage that needs to be carefully assessed and executed when moving your factory: the ‘Make Good’ process. “Lease expiry Make Good costs can be a very unwelcomed surprise and can have serious implications for cash flow and business continuity,” Anderson told Logistics & Materials Handling. According to Anderson, typical repairs required by industrial building owners in the Make Good process include: the treatment of ‘cut-edged’ corrosion and replacement of impact-damaged metal wall and roof cladding sheets; the coring of concrete slabs to remove racking and equipment anchor bolts, as well as the subsequent concrete repairs; the redecoration and recoating of epoxy warehouse floors; the replacement of internal ceiling and floor finishes; and modifications to the building’s electrical and fire services. Though tenants are ultimately responsible for the repairs to industrial buildings prior to the lease expiring, Anderson says the Make Good also places pressures on the building owner. “From the building owner’s perspective, there are concerns that the investment asset will be returned in a state of disrepair at lease-end, which will require capital expenditure to bring the property
Y
28 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
Moving factories is like moving apartments: you need to leave the place as you found it or you won’t get your bond back.
asset back into a good state of repair to attract a new tenant,” Anderson said. “From an occupier’s perspective, there are concerns that [he or she] will be faced with a huge Make Good repair bill at lease-end in order to meet the repair and reinstatement obligations contained within the lease agreement.” To prevent hefty Make Good costs, Anderson recommends that both building owners and tenants adopt an open and transparent approach to leasing prior to signing the lease agreement. “I always recommend that explicit reference is made to the provision of a Schedule of Condition/Condition Report, which is a ‘day one’,
How to avoid a hefty bill when your business’s lease expires: • Arrange for a qualified property consultant to inspect and prepare a detailed narrative and photographic condition report, which is signed by both parties. This report should identify items of existing disrepair, which may impact business continuity, and be included in the formal lease agreement. • Plan ahead for any building maintenance expenditure: at the outset of the lease, arrange for a qualified property consultant to undertake a planned and preventative maintenance strategy for the term of the lease. • Create a business culture that takes pride in its environment and remedies building defects quickly to provide a safe and healthy working environment. • Determine a relocation or repositioning strategy 18 months prior to lease expiry, which takes into account any ‘Make Good’ liability accrued at the premises. factual account of the condition of the premises,” Anderson said. “Once completed by a recognised professional, the Schedule of Condition/Condition Report should then be referred to and included within the lease agreement as the recognised ‘day one’ condition of the premises. The cost to mitigate its risks to undertake such a report is nominal in contrast to the possible cost of not doing so.” Corporate Real Estate Australia 03 9225 5089, www.creaustralia.com
mathandling.com.au | logisticsmagazine.com.au
factorymaterialshandling High-lift box tipper A NEW TIP-TITE High-Lift Box/Container Tipper from Flexicon discharges containers, dustfree, into larger vessels 183 to 305cm above the plant floor. The tipper allows boxes and other containers to be loaded at floor level, sealed against a discharge hood, elevated and tipped, mating the hood outlet to a gasketted inlet port fitted to any receiving vessel. The tipper loads boxes at floor level, which are The unit sealed against a discharge hood to protect from dust. accommodates boxes from 915 to 1220mm on a side and 990 to 1117mm overall height. The container platform is raised by a single hydraulic cylinder, creating a dusttight seal between the top edge of the container and the underside of the discharge hood. A second hydraulic cylinder raises the platform-hood assembly vertically, before tipping it to a motion-dampened stop at 60 degrees beyond horizontal, causing the vertically-oriented hood outlet to mate with the receiving vessel's horizontally-oriented inlet port. A pneumatic or manual slide gate valve prevents material flow until the discharge cone has been properly seated, and allows discharging at controlled rates. Flexicon Corporation 1300 353 942, www.flexicon.com.au
mathandling.com.au | logisticsmagazine.com.au
Modular conveyor component
The component meets all Australian OH&S standards.
INDUSTRIAL Conveying (Aust) has developed a set of modular pallet conveyor sections that is reportedly easy to assemble in any configuration to meet specific job requirements. According to the company, the modularity is gained through pallet conveyor sections that include twin and triple chain conveyors, powered roller conveyors and transfers for use with Australian Standard pallets for weights up to 1,200kg. These modular conveyor sections are assembled in 1.5m, 3m, 4.5m and 6m lengths. Conveyors of non-standard lengths, widths and loads are also available. Optional painted mild steel or aluminium plate decking for the twin and triple chain conveyors is available as an added safety feature or for specific applications where cleanliness is a priority. Conveyor drive units can be fitted with a shaft mounted external motor or an internal motor arrangement as a standard option. Industrial Conveying (Aust) 03 9209 1500, www.icaust.com.au
July 2011 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 29
factorymaterialshandling Forklift recharging cable
Safe pedestrian stacker
A NEW forklift recharging reel from ReCoila allows users to address safety hazards associated with re-charging forklifts by getting the recharging cables up off the floor away from potential damage. Bad recharges and overheating cables which are a result of damaged cables and connections can be rectified with the use of a forklift recharging reel, ReCoila says. When not in use, the cables are stored away in the reel, preventing wear and tear. This The recharging system gets cables up also helps prevent accidents off the floor, preventing accidents. from stray cables. According to ReCoila, installing a recharging reel also compels workplaces to allocate a designated maintenance and recharge area for forklifts something encouraged by many work safe authorities.
TOYOTA Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has relaunched its popular Raymond brand RAS-S25 pedestrian stacker range with the emphasis on safety in the warehouse. The company says the RAS-S25’s manoeuvrability in confined spaces and adjustable legs makes it suitable for storage areas within the food and related industries as well as indoor warehouse environments. Key safety features of the RAS-S25 stacker include Click-to-Creep, electric brake, hill-start assist/roll-back protection, and the security of password-only operation. The stacker has a nominal capacity of 1136kg and a 3.6m maximum operating height. Its legs are adjustable from 890mm to 1295mm width, to suit a variety of pallet sizes and operating conditions. Performance of the RAS-S25 can be customised to suit the individual operator, with The RAS-S25 has static torque adjustable travel speed up to a control to manoeuvre over obstacles maximum loaded speed of 5.4km/h left on the floor. and an adjustable acceleration rate. The RAS-S25 stacker is available with a maintenance-free Champion battery and in-built charger.
ReCoila 02 9621 8988, www.recoila.com.au
www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au
Toyota Material Handling Australia 1800 425 438,
Adaptive component handling system for parts manufacturers INDUSTRIAL Conveying is now providing a materials handling system especially for companies involved in component manufacturer. The system is suited to auto parts manufacturers and general manufacturers working with large numbers of components. Called Creform, the unit reportedly
30 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
allows production plants to operate without lift trucks and fixed racking while increasing OH&S standards for employees, reducing inventory and maximising open space. Creform includes a line of plasticcoated steel tubes, fittings and accessories that allow building and
modification of materials handling structures that can be changed again and again to match ongoing needs. It allows the operator of each production section to own their own space and, as it is non-mechanical, it doesn’t require maintenance. The system is suited to production
systems using just-in-time processing, providing a link between the manufacturing and assembly stations all the way along the process line. ICA says it can seamlessly link all parts of a production plant. Industrial Conveying 03 5440 5100, www.icaust.com.au
mathandling.com.au | logisticsmagazine.com.au
factorymaterialshandling Versatile vacuum lifters
No more dust
REDFERN Flinn Lifting Equipment’s new range of Palamatic vacuum tube lifting products, called the NxG (Next Generation Lifting Technology), includes three different machines: the NxG Lite, NxG Midi and the NxG Max. These three offerings can lift loads from 10 up to 400kg, making them suitable for a variety of factory materials handling purposes. The systems reportedly feature a modular construction that delivers maximum flexibility and multiple configuration options. There is a choice of attachments for lifting various materials, allowing the operator to choose the most suitable attachment for the task and the environment. With the NxG series, operators can lift boxes, cartons, pallets, sacks, bags, tubes, steel drums, concrete blocks, wooden boards and more.
DUST control company Donaldson Australasia has released a new range of filter ‘packs’ designed to replace traditional baghouse technology for dust collection in a variety of industries including general industrial, grain handling, cement, plastic and wood. PowerCore CP Series filter packs are reportedly smaller than a filter bag system and the maintenance and downtime associated with their use is a fraction of the time. The operator needs only to lift out the pack, eliminating what previously needed two people (one on the inside and one on the outside of the baghouse), Donaldson says. The filter pack has built-in handles and allows more media in a small volume.
Redfern-Flinn 02 9153 9566, www.redfernflinncranes.com.au
Three models are available to lift materials from 10 to 400kg.
Donaldson 02 4350 2034, www.donaldsonfilters.com.au
Demand volatility still a concern for supply chains SUPPLY Chain executives are still concerned with demand volatility in a post-recession world, according to some new research from Capgemini Consulting. A global supply chain study called Supply Chain Agenda 2011, consults companies on challenges for realising supply chain initiatives.
mathandling.com.au | logisticsmagazine.com.au
Although the general economic outlook at the start of 2011 seems positive, a significant number of the respondents said they are uncertain about market demand in 2011. The study reveals that the top two business drivers for supply chain executives are operating a reliable supply chain in a volatile
environment, while simultaneously dealing with rising material costs: 40% of respondents answered that demand volatility was their number-one business driver; and 35% placed increased material/service costs at number-two. Capgemini 02 9293 4000, www.au.capgemini.com
July 2011 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 31
transport&logistics
Bridging the drives gap When the RTA of NSW decided to optimise the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s inspection and maintenance gantries, it turned to a well-known industrial drives supplier for an end-to-end package. ONNECTING the city of Sydney to North Shore at Milsons Point, the Sydney Harbour Bridge provides a key arterial connection for the city. Completed in 1932, the Bridge requires regular maintenance programs to sustain its engineering integrity and preserve its appearance. To facilitate these upkeep programs, the bridge is equipped with a number of moveable gantries located beneath the road and rail deck – some 50 metres above the Port Jackson waterline. Running on rails, these gantries are designed to provide safe access for repair teams. As part of an improvement and upgrade programme, the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) of NSW decided to upgrade these gantries from the existing pneumatic/hydraulic air-drive system to a new electric-motor-operated variable speed drive (VSD) design. The RTA engaged automation systems integrator SAGE Automation and drives provider SEW-Eurodrive for the project.
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Perfect platform According to SAGE group business manager, Robert Craig, many of the existing air-driven gantries had experienced operational difficulties, and needed to be refurbished to optimise their functionality. “Rather than try to restore the outdated airdriven system, the decision was made to replace
32 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
The entire system is connected via Ethernet and S-Bus, allowing the operator to move the gantries using a a simple joystick.
them with electric-motor/VSD solutions. This would deliver more reliable systems and more accurate levels of control,” he said. To allow autonomous operation, each upgraded gantry is entirely self-contained – with diesel generator, controls and drives. “The choice of drive control solution had to be as compact as possible. By choosing a complete drive package – including motion controller, VSDs, geared brakemotors, encoders and HMI – from SEW-Eurodrive – we were able to substantially minimise the equipment footprint on each gantry,” said Craig. Autonomous control The pylon gantries are equipped with four SEW-
Eurodrive KA57 helical-bevel geared brakemotors, rated at 0.55kW and 470Nm. The wing gantries use two identical KA57 brakemotors, plus a third larger KA67R37 unit, rated at 0.75kW and 990Nm. These deliver efficient, hightorque and wear-free operation, and give a low maintenance service life. A MOVIDRIVE ‘B’ variable speed frequency inverter drives each brakemotor, and these are supervised by a MOVI-PLC motion controller on each gantry. The MOVI-PLC features a ‘T1’ SDcard which generates a virtual encoder pulse, to which each of the Hiperface encoders on the motors synchronise. “The T1 card enables special pre-written and tested motion function blocks within the MOVIPLC to be used, and this permits the creation of a virtual encoder,” says SEW-Eurodrive NSW sales manager, Martin Broglia. “In effect, the virtual encoder is a ‘master’ unit, and the actual Hiperface encoders are ‘slave’ units. This set-up ensures that if any motor or encoder fails, the master is not affected and the remaining slaves are still provided with direction. The intelligence of the system ensures the motor doesn’t drive through the brake. This means that the end-user saves on having to build their own logics to make the brake engage and disengage.” continued on p.33
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transport&logistics Minimising logistics costs top priority
Track shipments on-the-go
ONE of the most important needs of the transportation sector is to remain customer-centric, even while minimising costs in distribution, according to the results of a new survey from Capgemini Consulting called Transportation Management Report. Shrinking business volumes are calling for changes in the distribution set-up, while still maintaining focus on customer needs. The report points-out that cost-cutting in logistics can be achieved in many ways including centralising logistics planning and execution, further and better managed outsourcing, using smarter technology and optimising its implementation and renegotiation with 3PLs (Third
Party Logistics). But besides cost cutting, the report outlines options to improve customer service levels, increase compliancy to safety and security regulations and reducing carbon footprint. The report also illustrates the introduction of Transportation Management Systems (TMS) in an incremental and phased approach as best practice. Logistics specialists are using a migration strategy that not only reduces the business and technology risks, but also takes into account the current constraints in respect to investment budget and cash flow/ROI.
THE world's largest transportation company, FedEx Express, has released new iPhone and Blackberry applications and an enhanced mobile website to help customers track, get rates and transit times, schedule a pick-up and find FedEx locations on-thego anywhere in Australia. Users with the web on their phone can use the new offerings to track the status of a package and specify additional shipment details and also get quotes and schedule a pick-up. The mobile phone applications are available for free at the fedex website below.
continued from p.32 Minimal disruption Connectivity for the various system components is achieved through a combination of S-Bus and Ethernet. S-Bus is used to connect the MOVIDRIVE to the MOVI-PLC. Ethernet provides connectivity from the MOVI-PLC to the SEWEurodrive drive operator panel (DOP) colour touchscreen HMI. “The DOP shows information regarding status,
alarms, speed and position. This allows an operator on the gantry to control the gantry movement easily via a joystick, with all relevant information at his fingertips,” Craig said. The success of the project, in Craig’s opinion, is due to the SEW-Eurodrive drive solution used, and the company’s ability to deliver a complete end-to-end drive package. “Being able to source all components from the one company has simplified matters enormously.
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FedEx 132 610, www.fedex.com/au
Capgemini 02 9293 4000, www.au.capgemini.com
All the components are designed to work together, and this delivers a more compact, efficient and robust drive solution than we’d have been able to source from any other drive solutions provider,” he said. “Moreover, we have the surety from past experience that SEW follows this up with great levels of service and backup.” SEW-Eurodrive 03 9933 1000, www.sew-eurodrive.com.au
July 2011 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 33
handlinghazardousgoods Spill containment units
Safety showers set standard
ENPAC IBC 2000I Spill Containment Units from Enware Safe Equip are versatile spill containment units, suitable for advanced hazard minimisation, according to distributor Enware Australia. The units, reportedly built to comply with some of the world’s most rigorous materials handling requirements, are a onepiece design of 100% polyethylene, with an integrated 19-litre bucket holder for quick and easy The units are strong enough to be stacked three-high. dispensing. Enware says the built-in decanting capability is a major safety reportedly means two IBCs can be and convenience feature. The IBC2000I stacked safely on top. All units include a range is lightweight at 132.5 kg, drain for the sump, and grates on the forkliftable without load and nestable for centre pedestal offer skid resistance to convenient shipping and storage. make loading easy. With a sump capacity of nearly 1,500 Enware Australia 02 9525 9511, litres, the unit’s 3600kg load capacity www.enware.com.au
TANK safety showers from Spill Station Australia are fully-insulated and are available with solar shields fitted, for use outdoors in extreme temperatures. They come with an optional chiller unit or heating unit, for use in cold or hot areas, keeping water temperature between 15.6?C and 37.8?C, which is in keeping with Australian Standard AS 4775-2007 for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment. The 1200-litre Tank Safety Shower can be used in areas where mains water supply is not available or unreliable. The showers come with chiller or heater units to keep the water temperature right. Optional fittings including eyewash unit, alarms, lighting and level switches. Spill Station Australia distributes a full range of safety showers, spill kits, spill containment equipment and portable bunding solutions. Spill Station Australia 1300 664 266, www.safetyshowers.com.au
Combating toxic fumes TOXIC workplace fumes are a major OHS issue, especially in winter when warehouses and factories are left closed in order to retain heat, says Fanmaster. The problem of workplace fumes can be exacerbated when this occurs. Reducing risks associated with atmospheric polluntants in the workplace is important to employee The IFA-160-3 extracts toxic gases and removes health. Workers can be them from workers. exposed to hazardous substances in the form of fume, gas, mist, dust or vapour. According to Fanmaster, its Welding Fume Extraction Fan (IFA-160-3) is designed to extract toxic gases from the source and remove them safely away from workers. Ideal for welding fume extraction, allowing for hands free and safe ventilation, the wall-mountable IFA-160-3 features additional ducting available for fan outlets and a hose piece with a reach of three metres. Fanmaster 1300 900 345, www.fanmaster.com.au
34 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
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LOGISTICS & MATERIALS HANDLING
bulkhandling
Green power in fuel cells Fuel cell technology is the next generation power source for the Australian materials handling and lift truck markets, however the offering still enjoys limited uptake in Australia. Annie Dang investigates. OR the local materials handling and lift truck market, alternatives to traditional forklift power have provided newer and greener options for manufacturers who rely on these technologies, especially ahead of a carbon tax which could be rolled-out in the coming months. Crown Equipment general manager for markets, Craig Kenchington, told Logistics & Materials Handling that manufacturing companies that realised their negative impact on the environment as a key issue a decade or more ago will be the ones that will feel the least impact of any tax on carbon. “We don’t know yet just how the tax will be applied or administered, but the fact remains that those companies that are already embracing cleaner energy options will be in a position of competitive advantage regardless of what the final carbon tax outcome may be,” he says. According to Kenchington, there are a number of options available to companies engaged in materials handling to help mitigate future business risks related to the price on carbon. These options include electric forklifts which can be charged using renewable energy and alternative fuel sources, such as hydrogen fuel cell technology. Electric forklift models are the most popular alternative source of clean power for the local market. This is largely due to their cost efficiency and also Australia’s comparatively relaxed environmental laws and regulations compared to its
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A fuel cell-powered Crown lift truck is refuelled at a mobile hydrogen refuelling truck.
“Fuel cell power offers companies which use forklifts the cleanest and arguably, the cheapest form of power in the history of the materials handling industry.” Craig Kenchington, Crown Equipment. European counterparts, who favour fuel cell power as the more carbon-efficient solution. However, fuel cell power’s limited take-up in Australia reportedly has more to do with lack of awareness rather than price. It’s a new type of
power which the market knows little about, explains Kenchington. “Fuel cell power offers companies which use forklifts the cleanest and arguably, the cheapest form of power in the history of the materials handling industry,” he says. “This is because the process involves basically little more than hydrogen and water, both of which are naturally occurring.” In fact, Kenchington says many companies in food manufacturing, for example, are already using hydrogen onsite for production, but are unaware that the same source of hydrogen can power their forklift fleet. In the US market, Crown is already supplying companies, such as Wal-Mart, with vehicles designed and manufactured for fuel cell power packs. The adoption of the technology followed a 24-month trial of 20 Crown Fuel Cell Qualified Trucks at the Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, USA by Crown Research & Development division dedicated Fuel Cell Project Centre, which was established in 2008. Locally, the next step in Crown’s fuel cell power R&D is working with relevant Government authorities and suitable customers to trial the technology. The company is currently in contact with a number of applicable Government departments and is in the process of shortlisting suitable customers for Australian Fuel Cell technology trials. Crown Equipment 1300 131 604, www.crown.com/au
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bulkhandling High-quality forklift range POWERLIFT Material Handling’s Powerlift HC Range of forklifts, manufactured by Chinese company Hangcha, are now available in Australia. The machines come in a range of engine models including: 1.8 to 10.0 tonnes in gas, diesel and petrol forklifts; 1.0 to 5.0 tonnes in electric; and reach trucks from 1.2 to 2.0 tonnes. The units come standard with tilt adjust steering wheels, suspension seats, LED rear lights, Nissan engines, LCD displays of all machine functions, solid tyres, and highcapacity radiators. Engines reportedly comply with EU stage III control regulations, ensuring low fuel consumption and low emis-
LONG SPAN SHELVING
COMPACTOR
RAISED FLOOR AREA
The forklifts feature top specifications at affordable prices.
sions output for a cleaner working environment. According to Powerlift Material Handling, all models in the new forklift range are of the
highest quality, offering top features at an attractive price. Powerlift Material Handling
CANTILEVER
1800 353 312, www.powerlift.com.au
Picking stations improve order speed DEMATIC’S RapidPick ergonomic split case picking stations are capable of increasing operator productivity rates to over 1,000 items per hour, the supplier claims. The configuration of the picking stations, which can be set up to process multiple orders concurrently, are tailored to match operators’ individual requirements, including height adjustable operator platforms and work tables. Height and rake adjustable display screens provide simple step-by-step management of the picking process. The high-resolution screen displays symbols for order volumes, along with photos of the products to be picked. Check weighing can also be integrated. With Dematic’s RapidPick, order fulfilment is said to become just like an assembly line, with the stock for orders arriving at precisely the right time and in the correct sequence to fulfil orders as efficiently as possible. Totes containing stock for orders are retrieved from an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) and transported by conveyors to the workstations. As they enter the workstation, the totes are scanned and a monitor indicates the pick quantity for the tote and order. Dematic 02 9486 5463, www.dematic.com.au
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CARPET RACK
PALLET RACKING
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for a FREE Consultation & Quotation.
1800 C STORAGE 1800 2 7 8 6 7 2 info@cstorage.com.au www.cstorage.com.au Distributors of:
The height-adjustable picking stations can process multiple orders concurrently.
re-sellers welcome
July 2011 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 37
bulkhandling - Fill or - Empty -
Bulk Bags Dust Free BulkafilTM, for filling Bulk Bags Latest Technology, one operator
Bulkaflo, for emptying bulk bags
Powder handling requires good experience and the right selection of equipment - trust the Professionals. The range offers between 2 and 5 tonnes lifting capacity. HOPPER WALL VIBRATION
MATERIAL AERATION
Versatile electric forklifts
Flow and Transfer aids
BLOWER OR COMPRESSED AIR
Hopper cutaway of fluidizer
SOLIMAR aerators are the ‘quick fix’ solution for powder flow problems.
TM
shown mounted under a bulkbag discharge station. - a small economical pneumatic conveyor The Microveyor
for powders and granules. Versions to suit all needs, from 100 kg/hr to 10 te/hr. Rates to 300 te/hr; vacuum systems too.
LINDE has unveiled a new range of electric forklifts including 19 different standard models between 2 and 5 tonnes lifting capacity. The new E20-E50 series reportedly offers economical energy consumption, high productivity, enhanced driver safety and convenience. Traction control, a self-activating parking brake for loading ramp safety, ergonomics and LED technology are all incorporated in the new range. The 19 models are specified to allow precise matching of forklifts to work roles. All eight different load capacities are available in a ‘High’ design with a centre of grav-
ity of 600mm for improved visibility over the load, and a ‘Flat’ design with a centre of gravity of 500mm for low clearance heights, container use or picking work where the driver has to frequently get in and out of the truck. Customers can also choose from a ‘Long’ or ‘Compact’ design for the High or Flat versions. The long models have a larger battery and is said to provide additional energy reserves, but also allows the use of standard pool batteries. The compact models are recommended for tight, narrow working areas or less demanding use. Linde Material Handling Australia 02 9831 9500, www.lindemh.com.au
Food-grade liquids handling Ease of a single operator, lifting boards
TAWI VACUUM-ASSISTED LIFTING Many years experience in developing special models to lift a very wide variety of items, eg. multiple drums, kegs, paint tins, boards, plates, pumps etc.to 300 kg. Our team would be pleased to arrange a free, real-life demonstration of Vaculift or VacuCobra using our trailer.
High speed Cobra in action
Victorian ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE Awards 2009
Single products to Total Turn-key Systems
The Professionals in Powder Handling and Packaging Systems Head Office VIC - Tel: (03) 9457 8280 Fax: (03) 9457 7695 MHG1112
CEVA is now offering a comprehensive range of demountable liquid Intermediate bulk handling solutions to simplify storage and handling of raw materials, ingredients and work in progress. One model, called the Optimum Food Container, features a patented split lid design that slides back and locks into place, reportedly eliminating the need to manually remove the lid. The system’s graduated sight glass gives a clear view of the level and quality of the product inside. The system is being marketed as a great alternative to 205-litre drums, delivering a huge 25% saving in storage and handling. It is reportedly OH&S-friendly for one-person handling, and features a half-front drop-gate for easy access. The container is made from food-grade, recyclable HDPE panels with a galvanised steel frame for strength. The unit is suitable for fats and oils, glucose, liquid sugar, syrups, dairy, malt extracts, mayonnaise, wine, pharmaceutical and other food ingredients. CEVA Logistics 1300 550 868, www.au.cevalogistics.com
www.kockumsbulk.com.au
38 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2011
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