EP 188: Panasonic at ProMatDX 2021
In this episode, I was joined by Jim Dempsey of Panasonic. Jim is the Director of US Business Development and Partnerships at Panasonic North America specifically focusing on their mobility solutions. Jim and I connected at ProMatDX to discuss some of their latest technologies in the warehousing space, their projection sortation system, and what future problems they are trying to solve. Key Takeaways Panasonic is certainly a well-known technology company throughout the world and as Jim states, they are certainly known for Blu-ray players and CD players but he actually says that their B2B business is actually the largest percentage of their business. We talk about the pandemic’s impact on the overall demand in the omnichannel space and how Panasonic is helping companies keep up. Jim discusses how they are really focusing on the smart edge and where the transactions are really happening. They enable the smart edge by providing devices that allow you to be mobile like their TOUGHBOOK series and also helping to ensure that these companies are secure from a network standpoint. We also dive into the increased visibility into environmental impacts in the supply chain. With the adoption and increased accessibility to artificial intelligence and machine learning, there is so much more that can be predicted and prevented. Jim gives some great examples of how a supply chain can feel a ripple effect that they may not be prepared for. One of the best examples is of a social media influencer posting about a product and it goes viral or gets a lot of great feedback causing a spike in demand for that item. Jim tells us how some technology out there can actually pick up on this to get your supply chain ahead and meet the demand. When looking at Panasonic’s ProMatDX2021 showcase their Visual Sort Assist solution really caught my attention. They had a customer who was experiencing difficulty with their sortation process and having new hires struggling to remember zip codes and other sortation criteria. What they came up with was a combination of scanning and projection. The system picks up the label of the box and is then able to project an image on top of the box which indicates to the employee which boxes to grab. It is a really cool solution and a great visual management tool. Listen to the episode below and let us know if you’re still using a brick on a stick in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 188: Panasonic at ProMatDX 2021
EP 187: Seegrid at ProMatDX 2021
On this episode, I was joined by Jeff Christensen of Seegrid at ProMatDX 2021. Jeff is the VP of Product at Seegrid and we were able to connect virtually for ProMatDX to discuss Seegrid’s product showcase, their Fleet Geek analytics software, and Jeff’s view on the future of the industry. Key Takeaways Seegrid offers a wide range of AMR solutions to fit your needs through their Palion range. The latest offering from the line is the Palion Lift which gives their AMR the ability to go vertical allowing for a whole new range of flexibility. As Jeff and I discuss, flexibility is incredibly important in warehousing operations, especially when implementing new technology. The Palion Lift comes with the ability to go up to 6 feet, which gives it great versatility in allowing you to stack pallets, pick up and drop off on conveyors, and pick up off lift tables. As Jess says this is just the beginning of them going higher so it will be great to see how the technology develops over time to allow even more flexibility. We also get into Seegrid’s analytics software called Fleet Geek. Their software provides a way for all the data that is occurring in your operation to be collected and then used effectively. Jeff discusses how their real motivation is to create better material flow and manage that better so that the operation is fully orchestrated and the AMR’s are involved in that flow and operating in the smartest way possible. It also allows you to easily identify areas where you are not being very efficient which helps you to quickly correct these and do continuous improvement actions. Listen to the episode below and leave a comment with your thoughts. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 187: Seegrid at ProMatDX
EP 177: Intelligent Sortation with Ryan Yost
On this episode, I was joined by Avery Dennison’s Vice President of Identification Solutions, Ryan Yost. We discussed Avery Dennison’s role in the supply chain, how shipping has shifted due to COVID-19, and the concept of intelligent sortation. Key Takeaways You may recognize the name Avery Dennison from labels that you have used or even from some binders that you used during your school days, however, there is a whole other side to Avery Dennison these days. Ryan tells us how the company has evolved and become more involved in the supply chain and logistics arena. They provide identification solutions that allow you to identify and track everything through the supply chain. Ryan also explains how it is both from a physical and digital format. Their belief is that as technology progresses and adoption progresses there will be a digital twin for every item you have. Without a doubt, COVID has disrupted the whole supply chain bringing more attention to it in both a good and bad way. One thing that has certainly been impacted within the supply chain is shipping. It has been quite the conversation on how to get products to the consumer with restrictions that we have not experienced before. Ryan points out that the biggest shift is that the supply chain has changed from a system that was moving pallets and cases to now moving parcels direct to consumers. With the high demand from the pandemic, the last mile has been a huge focal point and most of it centering around how to solve for the last mile in the most effective way. We discuss the evolution of the omnichannel and the increased visibility of inventory and how it impacts the consumer. When it comes to intelligent sortation, Ryan refers to it as an intelligent supply chain and how it involves all of the information that is flowing through the supply chain. While we are creating loads of information and data every day through the supply chain, we need to harness it properly. Ryan explains that when that data is able to be harnessed properly a company can start to sort intelligently by ensuring that the product is shipping from the ideal location and delivering through the optimal mode. Not only does this have a positive impact on the business but it also helps to improve the customer experience. Listen to the episode below and let us know your thoughts on the current state of the last mile in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 177: Intelligent Sortation with Ryan Yost
Septentrio launches its next-gen GNSS/INS product line: AsteRx-i3
By expanding their GNSS/INS (Inertial Navigation System) product family, Septentrio starts offering more application-specific positioning and orientation solutions Septentrio, a provider in high-precision GNSS* positioning solutions, has announced the launch of a new product line of high-performance GNSS/INS receivers called AsteRx-i3. The AsteRx-i3 product family brings to market an array of next-generation receivers from plug-and-play navigation solutions to feature-rich receivers with raw measurement access. OEM boards are available for rapid integration as well as ruggedized receivers enclosed in a waterproof IP68 housing. Such product variety accommodates specific needs of various applications which require high accuracy positioning together with 3D orientation, heading, pitch, and roll angles. “Using our off-the-shelf GNSS/INS systems allows our customers to focus their efforts on core technology and to reduce their products’ time-to-market,” commented Danilo Sabbatini, Product Manager at Septentrio. “With this new generation of products, we aim to satisfy specific needs of various customers. Instead of releasing a single general-purpose product, we bring several dedicated solutions for fastest and easiest integration into systems that require robotic navigation or sensor fusion.” AsteRx-i3 Pro+ receivers support either single or dual antenna modes. The single antenna mode is ideal for compact and lightweight configurations. The dual antenna mode reduces the need for movement during IMU initialization, allowing fully informed navigation from the mission start. The AsteRx-i3 product line includes a total of 5 new GNSS/INS receivers. The Pro receivers offer high accuracy positioning with 3D orientation and dead-reckoning functionality for the fastest and easiest plug-and-play integrations. Meanwhile, the Pro+ is the most versatile receiver providing integrated positioning and orientation along with raw measurements, in single or dual antenna configurations, ideal for applications with sensor fusion. One of the receivers offers an off-board IMU sensor, which can be mounted exactly at the alignment point of interest.
Store fulfillment transformed into Omni-Channel fulfillment
WITRON Logistic + Informatik Gmbh, (Parkstein, Germany) was tasked with reconfiguring UK health and beauty retail giant, Boots’ existing Nottingham Store Service Center (SSC) into a fully functioning Omni-Channel fulfillment center in three weeks. During the early stages of the COVID19 pandemic, Boots continued to see foot traffic in retail locations, which included in-store pick-ups from online ordering. As the UK entered full lockdown procedures, retail sales plummeted and direct-to-consumer shipping soared, forcing an on-the-fly adaptation of their SSC. Boots had been using an order management system for several months that was set up above the warehouse management system. WITRON IT experts “simply” redefined the SSC to a store – a huge store with a massive inventory in just 3 weeks. “We have never experienced anything like that – transforming a logistics center originally designed exclusively for store delivery into an omnichannel logistics center at record speed”, said Jack Kuypers, Vice President North-West Europe at WITRON. “We have been working very well with WITRON for more than ten years, always coming up with new, creative processes,” said Alan Penhale, Supply Chain Director at Boots. “I am surprised that we managed to ship over 6,000 online orders per day. It is top class what we have achieved together during the crisis.” lan Penhale, Supply Chain Director at Boots is responsible for the supply chain of more than 2,300 stores in the United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland. Alan’s team also picks and packs orders for the health and beauty retailer’s online business. After the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic in just three weeks, the Boots and WITRON teams converted the processes in their main automated warehouse from store logistics to e-commerce logistics. Thus, the Store Service Center (SSC) in Nottingham, UK not has delivered proven high performance, but also its ability to be able to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. The SSC supplies millions of units a day for store delivery from a range of 37,000 different items, and now the SSC is also supporting the Boots online business. Boots recorded 150+ percent more orders in its online business in the months of the pandemic with customers choosing to order online during the lockdown. Boots operates its own e-commerce logistics center and the challenge was being able to adapt to these rapidly increasing order numbers. A solution was needed – not in a few years, but immediately! Part of the solution was the Store Service Center (SSC) in Nottingham, designed and realized by WITRON. “Here we still had logistics capacities available. At the beginning of the pandemic, customers were still shopping in the stores, but during the lockdown, e-commerce figures increased as store footfall declined” Penhale and his team ship beauty products, cosmetics, perfumes, healthcare items, and even Coca Cola; more than 37,000 products! “Boots needed a creative solution in spring of 2020”, reports Jack Kuypers, Vice President North-West Europe at WITRON. Boots and WITRON have been working together successfully for more than 10 years. The leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer is one of the largest retailers in the UK and together the teams have optimized processes for stores in the past. “We have never experienced anything like that – transforming a logistics center originally designed exclusively for store delivery into an omnichannel logistics center at record speed”, Kuypers admits. Store or online customer? Your response: The SSC become a store. In the past, many customers ordered their goods online but picked them up in the local store, and often picking still took place in the store. Click + collect was the solution to the pandemic. Boots has been using an order management system for several months that is set up above the warehouse management system. IT experts “simply” redefined the SSC to a store – admittedly a huge store with a lot of storage capacity. “Whether employees pick goods manually in the store in London or with the Dynamic Picking System (DPS)”, the software doesn’t care,” Penhale laughs. The heart of the system is and remains the DPS with its 252 workstations. The highly dynamic and automated picking of small parts in DPS is supported by a pick-by-light system. The DPS works according to both, the goods-to-person and the person-to-goods principle. Depending on the order structure, the items are arranged in the pick front either permanently or on-demand, such that the picking process is optimized at all times. The DPS supports different types of order picking: From tote into tote, from pallet into tote, from tote into the shipping carton, etc. Regardless of the picking type, the picker is always guided by a pick-by-light system. Large-volume items from the Boots assortment in the SSC are picked by radio data supported and route-optimized by the semi-automated Car Picking System (CPS) onto roll containers. In total, Boots colleagues in Nottingham pick almost 3 million units on a peak day. “Our colleagues don’t even know whether they are picking for the e-commerce customer or for the store”, Penhale reports. But the teams of WITRON and Boots still had to make some physical changes in the SSC. The logistics specialists built a new shipping area for the e-commerce orders. “At the moment, this area is still supplied manually. But we want to establish automation here in the near future as well”, explains the supply chain director. And another idea is the concept of picking orders to be sent to the stores for them to pack for customers. “We currently don’t have a system solution for this, but we will work on it together”. It is an option for the future. Within three weeks (!), the store logistics center transformed into an omnichannel warehouse. Did that surprise him? “No, we have been working very well with WITRON for more than ten years, always coming up with new, creative processes. I am surprised that we managed to ship over 6,000 online orders per day. It is top class what we have achieved together during the crisis.” The pandemic isn’t over yet, but Penhale
JLT Mobile Computers offers free guide on how to boost productivity and throughput in ports and container terminals
After 25 years in business, JLT Mobile Computers, a supplier of reliable computers for demanding environments, is making available the benefits of its expertise in a series of ‘how to’ guides designed to help new and existing customers make the right strategic technology decisions to optimize their operations. Focusing on the IT problems faced by port and container terminal operators, the third expert guide in the JLT series identifies five key areas that challenge a port’s throughput, and gives IT and operations managers practical tips on how to turn these IT headaches into their port’s smartest assets. The new JLT guide for rugged IT environments in ports and container terminals is available for free download here. Container ports are under constant pressure to keep trade flowing as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible – pressures that have only grown stronger with the logistics challenges emerging in the wake of COVID-19. Productivity or throughput, measured in container volume and number of ships off- and on-loaded in the shortest possible time, is the number one priority for container ports all over the world, which is why operations managers need IT devices and solutions they can rely on. “Ports and container terminals play a pivotal role in the global supply chain, where success hinges on the speed and efficiency of delivery, or in the case of ports – throughput. This has never been clearer than since COVID-19,” says Per Holmberg, CEO, JLT Mobile Computers Group. “IT should help terminals achieve these throughput ambitions, albeit this is not always the case and many ports find their rugged computers cause more headaches than anything else. As an experienced port IT specialist with numerous happy port customers to our name – Exolgan in Argentina; Basra Gateway Terminal in Iraq; DCT Gdansk in Poland; and OPCSA in Las Palmas among them – we take great pleasure and pride in sharing what we have learned about the unique requirements of this challenging sector in the latest of our free guides to help ease these IT issues.” ‘Five ways to make IT your port’s hero, not its headache’ is the third in JLT’s series of free help guides and consolidates the company’s experience from working with ports and container terminals for a quarter of a century. In this guide, JLT identifies five recurring challenges that impact IT and operations managers’ efforts to increase port performance and productivity: How to continuously stay up to date and future proof their IT systems; how to optimize network connectivity across large and often outdoor areas; how to procure hardware that is fit for port purposes; how to choose a reliable supplier; and how to engage the workforce. Looking at each of these challenges one by one, the guide gives practical examples and guidelines for actions IT and operations managers can take to ensure their port’s ability to meet today’s as well as tomorrow’s throughput targets. Much of the advice in the guide is also relevant to other industries experiencing rising productivity demands and related aspects of IT. To find out what can be done to ensure IT solutions achieve the best possible terminal throughput, download ‘Five ways to make IT your port’s hero not its headache’ here for free.
Seeq Partners with Microsoft Energy Core on Hackathon to analyze and prevent Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Sustainability is a key theme for Seeq participation in Microsoft Hackathon and CERAWeek 2021 Upstream Leadership summit Seeq, a provider in manufacturing and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) advanced analytics software, and 2020 Microsoft Partner of the Year Finalist, announced today it is co-sponsoring the Microsoft Energy Core Methane Emissions Hackathon virtual event on March 1-8, 2021. The objective of the hackathon is to overlay oil & gas asset and geographic information system data to pinpoint leak location and to identify the timing and quantify of unplanned emissions. Microsoft Energy Core Hackathon participants are from energy operators and academic institutions around the world, and they will use Seeq to diagnose and predict methane and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Participating teams will compete to present final use cases to the Microsoft Energy Core board of directors to share for the establishment of sustainability best practices for the oil & gas and process industries. Microsoft Energy Core is a global initiative dedicated to digital transformation in the energy sector. Building on AI and cloud-based technologies, Microsoft Energy Core supports organizations developing innovative solutions to improve operational efficiencies, enhance sustainability, increase energy innovation, and drive workforce transformation. “We are pleased to partner with Seeq, a finalist for the 2020 Microsoft Partner of the Year, on this effort to learn and share insights on GHG analytics,” says Darryl Willis, Vice President, Energy, at Microsoft Corporation. “Our partners deliver timely solutions to solve the complex challenges energy businesses around the world face, from communicating and collaborating virtually, to helping customers realize their full potential with Azure cloud services, and beyond.” Also this week, Seeq will participate in the Upstream Leadership Summit at CERAWeek by IHS Markit, the world’s premier energy conference. Seeq was a CERA Week Energy Innovation Pioneer in 2016, a designation recognizing companies and entrepreneurs participating in the event to develop technologies and business plans for transforming the energy future. The Upstream Leadership Summit is an invitation-only event for industry CEOs to gather and discuss key issues including innovation, sustainability, and best practices. “Our energy industry customers are improving sustainability and production outcomes with Seeq to create advanced analytics insights on their process manufacturing data,” notes Steve Sliwa, co-founder and CEO, Seeq Corporation. “This Hackathon represents an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the importance of self-service analytics to improve employee insights and innovation.” Seeq has been available as a SaaS application in the Azure Marketplace since 2018 with support for many Azure cloud services including Synapse, Azure Data Lake, and Azure Notebooks for machine learning integration, in addition to on-premise support for Windows Server, Active Directory, and SQL Server. Seeq is now adding connectivity to Azure Data Explorer, the latest release of Time Series Insights, and Power Automate. Seeq’s comprehensive set of applications for analyzing and sharing insights on process manufacturing data include Workbench for easy to use advanced analytics, Organizer for publishing reports and dashboards, and Data Lab for accessing Python libraries. Seeq applications empower engineers and subject matter experts to rapidly investigate, collaborate, and distribute insights to improve operations and business outcomes.
EP 155: Whitebox
In this episode, I was joined by the Chief Operating Officer of Whitebox, Rob Hahn. Whitebox handles all of your eCommerce needs from marketplace management to the returns process. They also have their own fulfillment centers and proprietary WMS to help you distribute your product to your customer and meet service level expectations. Rob and I discuss his big career takeaways, what Whitebox does, and some tips for selecting a 3PL to work with. Key Takeaways Rob has an incredibly interesting career so far and we also have a lot of similarities in our lives like majoring in entrepreneurial studies in college. Out of college, Rob got a job with Amazon when there were still some people who did not know what Amazon was. He really got in at an early time which gave him a lot of exposure to innovation and the freedom to be able to make an impact early on. As he grew within Amazon he was able to really get involved in many different big changes within the company including being in one of the first Amazon buildings to have robotics in their processes. Through this, he was able to really learn how to lead and make an impact in a fast-paced environment with a large team. There are some great career takeaways for young professionals here. Whitebox is a fairly new company that focuses on helping you not only sell your products through eCommerce platforms but also takes care of your entire fulfillment process from receiving the order, picking, packing, and shipping it out to the reverse logistics process as well. They have a unique setup with their team members coming from both operations and advertising tech backgrounds. While it may seem like somewhat of a 3PL, Rob makes it clear that it is actually a tech company providing top-level service when it comes to your eCommerce transactions. Through his experience at Amazon, he has been able to really build out a great fulfillment model and operation at Whitebox. I found it very interesting the wide customer spectrum that Whitebox has. Rob explains how the customer can range from someone just starting out an eCommerce business that might be outgrowing the garage or an older company that is now looking to get into a new space like the Amazon marketplace. It is a pretty interesting position to be in for Whitebox considering many new eCommerce businesses have been created from home through the pandemic. I believe this type of service and setup will grow immensely in the coming years as more individuals tap into the eCommerce business model and continue to realize the potential of the large consumer demand that exists. Listen to the episode below and let us know your favorite part in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 155: Whitebox
Kardex Remstar highlights advanced Picking Strategies during ProMatDX 2021
Kardex Remstar, a global manufacturer of automated storage and retrieval systems will feature advanced picking strategies during ProMatDX 2021. Well known for vertical lift modules and vertical buffer modules, the manufacturer has added innovative solutions for increasing throughput, picking productivity, and accuracy to their portfolio. With the e-commerce market booming, now more than ever, frequently fluctuating order volumes and increasing customer requirements make it challenging for online merchants to manage order fulfillment and keep up with unprecedented growth. Implementing scalable and intuitive pick-to-light technology, the new solution Color Pick enables higher picking throughput and maximum labor efficiency to manage demand fluctuation common with an e-commerce business. Based on combining orders into a batch, batches of orders are filled according to a colored light-directed picking process. When the operator starts the batch, the system dynamically assigns a color to the batch cart as it’s introduced into the color picking zone. All storage devices, such as Shuttle XP Vertical Lift Modules or Megamat RS vertical carousels, with order lines for this color batch, display the matching color on the display screen and move to retrieve the stored articles required for the batch. Following the colored lights on the storage devices, the operators simply pick the articles from the storage device and put them into the batch cart with the matching color. To support fast-paced order picking operations need to meet increased demand, Kardex Remstar has also introduced Frame Pick. This solution combines pick carts, put frames with put-to-light displays, and ASRS, commonly LR 35 Vertical Buffer Modules (VBM) or Shuttle XP VLM, for maximum throughput. The operator can easily connect the order bins on the pick cart to the lights on the put frame with a simple barcode scan. When the ASRS presents a new storage bin for picking, the put-to-light display shows how many items should be placed in which order bins within the Frame Pick solution. When all orders are complete, the pick cart with the full customer order bins can be easily transported to the packaging or shipping area. Using a rolling batching strategy, a new pick cart with empty order bins takes over the position in the put frame and is easily integrated into the current batch of orders being fulfilled. This new solution can reduce walking distances by up 65%, increase throughput and reduce floor space by 80%. Additionally, to support automated storage and retrieval systems from afar, Kardex Remstar offers Remote Support. In order to reduce unplanned downtime, Remote Support is a proactive monitoring tool to help reduce errors before they even occur. From advanced picking strategies utilizing vertical buffer modules to basic storage and picking applications, Kardex Remstar offers a range of solutions for your growing operations. All solutions are supported through the wide range of life cycle services available from Kardex Remstar.
Seegrid premieres first Autonomous Lift Truck
The highly anticipated addition of lift capabilities to the current Autonomous Mobile Robot Fleet broadens Seegrid’s End-to-End Automation Solutions Seegrid Corporation, a manufacturer in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for material handling, today premiered a new autonomous lift truck, Palion Lift AMR, further expanding the capabilities of the company’s fleet of mobile robotics solutions. The latest addition follows the unveiling of the company’s feature enhanced pallet truck, the Palion Pallet Truck Series 8, announced just last week. “We’re proud to continue to both expand and strengthen our AMR portfolio and help our customers take their fleet to the next level with our new Palion Lift AMR,” said Jim Rock, Seegrid’s Chief Executive Officer. “Adding lift to our strong line of horizontal products is a capability most requested by our customers. The expansion of our industry-leading Palion AMR fleet introduces new automated workflows for manufacturing, e-commerce, and logistics companies that need proven end-to-end automation solutions. We’re committed to continue transforming the supply chain by delivering intelligent, enterprise-grade mobile robot and software solutions.” The new lift truck automates the movement of palletized goods and is highly anticipated in the market, as the automation technology solution provider serves some of the largest global brands in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics. Seegrid Palion AMRs uniquely address major supply chain challenges thanks to the company’s proprietary navigation technology, which is both proven and perfected, as demonstrated by their robotic track record of millions of autonomous miles driven in live production environments without a single safety incident. Palion Lift is equipped with this same reliable and flexible navigation technology, using cameras, sophisticated algorithms, and machine learning to safely and reliably navigate in dynamic environments alongside human coworkers. Palion Lift, the company’s first lift AMR, is designed especially for companies that require an automation solution that can haul payloads from one point to another, placing them at heights of up to six feet with little or no changes to their facilities, as well as work directly with other equipment to more quickly and efficiently move materials. The Palion Lift AMR offers a safer, more cost-effective method for pallet movement by freeing up the manual lift operator, providing full source-to-destination task automation for low-lift pallet handling processes. As part of Seegrid’s commitment to helping customers quickly and effectively scale automation solutions enterprise-wide, the company provides full process scoping and consultation services at no cost. Seegrid’s expert industrial engineers evaluate material flow processes from inbound to outbound and then work closely with existing and prospective customers to develop tailored recommendations aimed at optimizing operations and helping companies achieve their goals.
JLT Mobile Computers forms software development subsidiary to accelerate its service-based growth strategy
Appointing a CEO to lead its separate new software venture, JLT takes the next strategic step towards realizing its vision of transitioning into a provider of end-to-end rugged IT solutions designed to increase productivity in warehousing and logistics JLT Mobile Computers, a supplier of reliable computers for demanding environments, today announces the launch of JLT Software Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to software development, and the appointment of Andreas Nivard as General Manager of the new venture. Over the next few years, JLT aims to grow the complementary software business by recruiting a strong development team with solid software expertise. With this move, JLT is taking an important next step in executing the company’s long-term growth strategy, which centers on providing comprehensive IT solutions, complementary products, and services for industries operating in challenging environments. The purpose of the investment is to create unique customer values and competitive advantages with new software solutions and scalable services around JLT’s industry-renowned rugged computers. For instance, JLT will be able to leverage existing sensor technology and features in JLT’s latest generation of vehicle-mount computers, the Windows-based JLT6012 computer, and the upcoming Android 10-based JLT6012A (see separate press release JLT Mobile Computers opens customer pilot program for new Android 10 based rugged vehicle mount computer, 2021-02-10), to offer new mobile device fleet management and IoT (Internet of Things) solutions to create more efficient workflows, minimize downtime and increase safety. “JLT’s ambition is to grow profitably and faster than the rest of the market. We follow a growth strategy where one of three pillars is the creation of comprehensive solutions with increased service content,” explains Per Holmberg, CEO of JLT Mobile Computers. “A key to creating a scalable service offering is the development of flexible software solutions. Since JLT’s current expertise is mainly in hardware development, I am both proud and happy to welcome Andreas Nivard to JLT, who will be leading our new business venture with his solid experience in the software industry.” Andreas, who will take office on March 1, brings with him almost 25 years of experience in different software industry roles, which often involved driving business and all aspects of product development. Andreas most recently worked for TietoEVRY, a leading Nordic IT software, and service company, where he was responsible for operational results in the Swedish Småland region for three years. Before TietoEVRY, Andreas spent many years working at Visma, Sweden’s largest supplier of administrative software, during which time he led a number of development teams. JLT has also already started the recruitment of a software architect, who together with Andreas will lay the foundation for the new business venture.
Rufus Labs expands product offering with addition of Rufus RADD™ Tab
The Rufus RADD™ Tab delivers increased visibility into warehouse operations and can be used on warehouse forklifts and vehicles Rufus Labs, which produces intelligent, wearable, warehouse technology, and workforce analytics software, has announced that it has expanded its product offering with the launch of the Rufus RADD™ Tab, a tablet that can be used throughout the warehouse as well as on warehouse forklifts and vehicles. The Rufus RADD™ Tab is a ruggedized Android tablet equipped with Rufus WorkHero software and can be used throughout the warehouse. The Rufus RADD™ Tab comes with an optional forklift and vehicle mount and includes the Android 10 operating system, rechargeable and removable batteries, and dual-band WiFi capabilities. The Rufus RADD™ Tab provides operators in material handling vehicles with mobile access to supply chain applications they need to complete tasks faster and more accurately. In turn, warehouse managers will gain access to Rufus productivity analytics for forklift operators, receiving and shipping stations, and stationary material handlers which provide managers with greater insight into warehouse operations as a whole and can therefore be used to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. In conjunction with the launch of the Rufus RADD™ Tab, Rufus Labs has also released the Scan2 Pro wearable barcode scanner, the next generation of its scanner module which connects to the Rufus Cuff Pro as well as the Rufus RADD™ Tab. The Scan2 Pro offers an extraordinary working range (capturing data up to 20ft/6m away), omnidirectional scanning, and faster scan speed, enabling warehouse workers to optimize their product picking capabilities. The Scan2 Pro is compatible with the Rufus Ring, Glove, and Palm scanner attachments and is interchangeable depending on ergonomic preference. “We are pleased to deliver unparalleled visibility into warehouse operations with the addition of the Rufus RADD™ Tab,” said Gabe Grifoni, co-founder and chief executive officer of Rufus Labs. “The Rufus RADD™ Tab enables our customers to gain a clearer understanding of where workers are within the warehouse and warehouse operations as a whole, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.” The full Rufus Labs product line includes the Rufus RADD™ Tab, Rufus Cuff Pro, Scan2, and Scan2 Pro Barcode Scanners with Rufus Ring, Glove, or Palm wearable attachments. All products are part of the Rufus WorkHero subscription, which combines Rufus industrial wearables with Rufus WorkHero visibility software. Rufus Labs’ customers always receive the latest software and hardware as a part of the subscription offering, which increases warehouse productivity, safety, and accuracy, all while reducing labor costs and providing unprecedented labor visibility. The WorkHero subscription is also scalable so customers can adjust based on seasonal need using Rufus Flex, and because the technology is designed for ease-of-use and integrates seamlessly into the WMS, customers can start using Rufus technology on day one.
Kardex Remstar introduces new Display LED-Navigator
A new order picking display assistant for improved order fulfillment For organizations in need of faster picking speeds and increased productivity, Kardex Remstar introduces the Display LED-Navigator to improve order picking performance. Using LED technology, the new Display LED-Navigator makes order picking easier and faster for new and existing Kardex Remstar customers. Quickly finding and picking the correct items has never been more important. Combining the speed of Kardex Remstar automated storage and retrieval systems with the latest innovations in warehouse systems, the Display LED-Navigator will deliver a much faster and more accurate picking process. “Our research has found that accurate and fast order picking is as important for our global customers as usability. We developed a definitive order picking solution that surpasses anything in the market today by focusing on the needs of a business and the individual operators. LED-Navigator is designed to simplify human-machine-cooperation by using advanced indicators with color, light, and written elements. It improves picking efficiency, picking accuracy, and process reliability,” Dr. Volker Jungbluth, Head of Corporate Technology, Kardex AG. The pressure on e-commerce companies is increasing exponentially, and traditional fulfillment operations are being squeezed. Many fulfillment operations can’t rely solely on order pickers to walk along endless rows of shelving to collect, pack, ship, and deliver orders whilst meeting the customer’s changing expectations. The Kardex Remstar Shuttle XP Vertical Lift Module (VLM) will now come equipped with a new LED panel featuring a status bar and countdown, which indicates when it’s time to pick. This enables the operator to pick at precisely the right moment. A color navigator delivers intuitive operator guidance to the exact location of the stored part to pick. With a multi-colored display, the LED-Navigator supports various picking strategies. There is also a language customization feature for multilingual communication, which displays alphabetical languages and characters for any desired language. By displaying the material and order information by article number, description, measurement, storage location and order quantity, mispicks are reduced thus increasing order accuracy. Safe navigation is assured and visual confirmation to the operator further supports the picking process.
Signode to unveil end-of-line warehouse automation at ProMatDX
Turnkey, Bespoke, and Complete Automation Solutions to be Showcased for the First Time Ever at Signode’s Virtual Exhibit on April 12-16, 2021 Signode, a global manufacturer of a broad spectrum of automated packaging equipment, tools, and consumables, will showcase its new, complete automation solutions at the virtual ProMat Show 2021. Signode offers tailored automation solutions that allow manufacturers of all industries, scales, and needs to maximize productivity and efficiency. “Our complete end-of-line warehouse automation solutions position our customers for immediate growth and success,” says Mike Stein, Vice President of Marketing & Product Management for Signode’s Automation & Packaging Technologies Group. “These solutions address and solve our customers’ challenges and requirements such as increased throughput, improved response time, lower operating and labor costs, efficient use of space, and optimized safety.” Among the wide spectrum of automation capabilities included in the virtual demonstration at ProMat 2021, Signode will demonstrate StorFast®, its automated storage and retrieval (ASRS) system. The StorFast ASRS system provides high-density, lights-out, 24/7-access to all products in the warehouse. The shuttle/cart system allows multiple orders to be processed simultaneously and can flex between high-volume input and peak shipping schedules to optimize the utilization and efficiency of the system at all times. The StorFast ASRS system is an increasingly specified solution for both existing and new facilities in the rapidly growing warehouse and distribution space. Other core automation technologies involved in the end-to-end end-of-line solutions include Automated Palletizers, a complete range of conveyors, Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Automatic Unitizing Solutions, and more. The Automatic Palletizers, which can use robotic, gantry type, and conventional palletizers along with the accumulators and quality control loops, enable hands-free automation. A complete spectrum of conveyors, including chain, roller, centering, pallet lift, transfer, turntable, and spiral, meet any automation system’s need for flexibility, speed, and reliability of each application. When conveyors are not the most practical solution, Signode is able to automate the movement of packages and pallets throughout the facility with the latest technology in AGVs that increases efficiency and safety. Signode’s broad assortment of Automatic Unitizing Solutions offers strapping and wrapping solutions that are designed for specific applications and industries, with flexible options to suit unique and challenging customer-specific requirements. All of these automation solutions are made possible through Signode’s intelligent logistics management systems. These systems have the power and customization to provide everything from basic Warehouse Control Systems for managing pallet movement all the way through complete Warehouse Management Systems that integrate with customers’ Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and order management software. The suite of warehouse automation solutions is only one component of a full spectrum of end-of-line machines and solutions that Signode will be showcasing at ProMat 2021. With more than 100 years of transit packaging solutions and experience, operations spanning over 90 countries, and a network of more than 500 factory-trained service professionals, Signode is ready to help any operation of any product and size optimize their end-of-line packing and transit solutions. “We invite attendees to visit our digital booth at ProMat 2021,” says Stein. “Whether looking to pack, bundle, unitize, warehouse or transport packaged products, Signode prides itself on being a true one-stop-shop with over a century of experience and proven product solutions to match.” For free registration for the virtual ProMat 2021, taking place April 12-16, 2021, visit www.promatshow.com
ABCO Systems adds new Chief Sales Officer
ABCO Systems has announced that Jack Kaumo has joined their team as our Chief Sales Officer. With over 20 years of impressive sales experience, Jack is poised to put ABCO Systems on a path of growth while retaining our status as a family-based business. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1999 with a B.S. in Business Management and went on to gain indispensable experience as a sales manager at Micron Technology at the crux of the smartphone boom. Thanks to his mentor, Eric Toscan (who is still at Micron Technology today), Jack was able to fine-tune his abilities as a sales professional and take his talents to Sun Microsystems, which was shortly acquired by Oracle. Sales Professional to Material Handling Solutions Expert At Oracle, Jack led two different sales teams and developed a drive to sell more than traditional database products. Once Oracle began venturing into cloud-based technology, Jack took initiative on the scene by leading a sales team that successfully sold cloud-based applications to banks in the Boston area. After mastering the corporate sales environment, Jack sought after a more inventive and tech-forward company and joined Zipcar as Director of Sales when it was still only a business-to-consumer platform. Thanks to Jack’s vision and management, Zipcar expanded its business model and went from $0 revenue to $30 million in a couple of years by selling corporate Zipcar contracts. Zipcar soared and shortly got acquired by Avis. After this acquisition, Jack searched for new opportunities in the material handling industry, which is what brought him to the Raymond Corporation. At Raymond, Jack worked in product development and shortly thereafter led their national sales effort in the United States. With eight years of hands-on material handling solutions experience, Jack became a material handling solutions expert and uncovered his true passion for working in essential industries that are always evolving— enter ABCO Systems. Why Jack Chose ABCO Jack chose to join ABCO Systems because of our team-focused internal culture and customer-focused business approach. As a sales expert, Jack Kaumo holds these values near and dear to his heart. As for his goals for the company, “I want to take ABCO Systems to the next level and the level above that,” Jack says. He plans to continue our legacy as a customer-first company and build a world-class sales network. “ABCO has done great at 40 million in revenue— that came easy for them. We can quadruple it.” Outside of his professional work, Jack is a car enthusiast, like many of us at ABCO. He loves to track race with his Shelby Mustang and is excited to share our passion for cars in tandem with our goals for the supply chain. Ultimately, Jack looks forward to helping ABCO continue to grow as a leading solution handling provider in the supply chain industry. “When people think of anything but the forklift, I want them to think of us.”
GROB Systems introduces new GRC Robot Cell
Provides maximum flexibility and customization for manufacturing needs GROB Systems, a global leader in the development of manufacturing systems and machine tools, announces the availability of the new GROB robot cell (GRC), which combined with the company’s G-modules, provides maximum flexibility and customization for manufacturing of aerospace, mold & die, medical, and many other industry applications. The GRC offers a complete solution from a single source, with a uniform design and coordinated interfaces. This solution is capable of part handling as well as pallet handling which allows for maximum flexibility. The compact design of the GRC has a shared base frame enabling quick and easy installation; the standardized software allows the cell to be commissioned quickly. The innovative feeding system with part drawers enables longer unmanned production. In addition, an automatic clamping fixture and part gripper change are available for different clamping fixtures and part types. The connection to GROB’s production control software GROB4Automation allows for flexible planning and management of work orders resulting in improved production sequences. The GROB robot cell can also be configured with a variety of modules, depending on customer requirements such as deburring, washing, and measuring all in the same cell. The GRC can also be expanded to feed multiple machining centers.
KUKA Robotics Corporation
Hagisonic Co., Ltd.
Episode 129 – IBM and Cognitive Process Reengineering
In this episode, I was joined by Jonathan Wright of IBM. Jonathan is the Global Head of Cognitive Process Reengineering at IBM Global Business Services. I last spoke to IBM on Episode 72 with Jeanette Barlow where we discussed the impacts of COVID-19 and opportunities that have arisen from them. Jonathan and I discuss how companies will be moving forward after COVID, what cognitive process reengineering is, and how AI can help companies come out of the negative impacts of COVID. Key Takeaways Cognitive process reengineering is the core consulting arm of IBM and looks at re-imagining how businesses do work. They do this by using the latest technologies like AI and blockchain. While they work with all different aspects of the business, they have been focusing more on the supply chain as that has proven to be one of the hottest areas of a business during the pandemic. IBM recently released a report that found that 70% of surveyed supply chain executives say they will be utilizing AI or intelligent automation to help support demand planning and forecast within the next three years. Jonathan explains what is driving this adoption of AI and how it will help companies to get a better hold of their demand planning and forecasting. He brings up an interesting point of how (pre-COVID) everything was fairly stable so there was not necessarily a high need to worry about volatility. In contrast, the pandemic caused high volatility that many were not prepared for. Adopting AI or intelligent automation can help to manage and prepare for these disruptions to your supply chain. Jonathan discusses the need for being able to increase your focus on value-added tasks instead of mundane tasks. As we look at the increased demand and how to handle it we need to look at how to automate and make mundane tasks easier. While we often talk about these mundane tasks on the work floor, Jonathan mentions being able to look at analytic work in a better way as well. He discusses IBM’s technology and how you can ask for information from an office virtual assistant similar to voice assistants now found in many homes. This helps to give you data at your fingertips in an immediate way instead of going through multiple reports or having to generate spreadsheets to get the information you need to make a decision. This can greatly increase the speed at which decisions are made. Listen to the episode below and let us know if you will be looking to AI for help in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 129: IBM and Cognitive Process Reengineering
Quantum Automation releases QCS IIoT remote monitoring and control software solution
Quantum Automation has created a cloud-based IIoT solution which can be easily deployed to access valuable edge-sourced data and make it accessible for remote viewing, analysis, and control Quantum Automation announces the availability of its QCloudServer industrial internet of things (QCS IIoT) system for remote monitoring and control applications. Traditionally, users have had to experiment with many hardware, software, and networking technologies for IIoT projects. The QCS IIoT solution does the heavy lifting of assembling these technologies, so end-users and systems integrators (SIs) can easily connect to edge-source data, transmit it on-site or to the cloud, aggregate and log the data, perform calculations and analysis as needed, and deliver mobile/web visualization. Easily Access Trapped Data End users and SIs everywhere know there is a lot of valuable data trapped at the industrial edge. It can come from individual sensors, smart devices, machines, automated equipment, or a combination of these. Wired network connectivity may not be available, and cellular data transmission is often the only option. The industry has responded with an assortment of hardware, software, and networking technologies—but researching and applying the right products can be difficult. Quantum Automation has supported industrial clients for decades and has seen the challenges as well as the possibilities. To meet their needs, Quantum has developed the QCS IIoT as a configurable software as a service (SaaS). End-users can define their needs by simply filling out a spreadsheet, and can create a complete and economical IIoT installation—either directly or by engaging an SI—with a system that can be up and running in hours. Practical IIoT IIoT projects typically need some or all the following: Source data: From traditional or smart instruments and devices Edge computing: To gather and pre-process the data Communications: To transmit the data Cloud computing: For aggregating, logging, and supporting data visualization Configurable and custom software modules: To perform advanced calculations, analytics, and insight generation Mobile/web accessibility: So users can view and interact with the information The QCS IIoT can connect with any user-supplied edge systems supporting MQTT. For new and retrofit projects, users may choose to use the Quantum Automation QRTU as a complete field hardware platform, with many PLC and edge communication device options. QCS IIoT can be deployed on the user’s onsite servers, but the best flexibility and management is provided by cloud-hosting on Amazon Web Services (AWS) servers with support for the MQTT protocol. The cloud environment is configurable for standard computing needs, and custom code can be added if needed. Visualization dashboards can be viewed on any internet-connected web browser device—such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet—for ease of use. Configuring a QCS IIoT Solution Quantum Automation is ready to work with any end-user or SI to define a system configuration and to provide any required hardware. Low-cost training also includes a QCS IIoT development software key, and the software comes with standard built-in dashboards. Subscription fees begin at a low $19.95 per month depending on point count and include initial development and setup, ongoing maintenance of servers and software revisions, and technical support. Custom software development, hardware design and fabrication, and more services and options are also available (for an additional fee) to create any conceivable solution. For OEMs wanting to brand the QCS IIoT solution under their own label, an annual white label agreement is available.