Egemin Automation, Inc.
NiceLabel launches new version of Labeling Management Portfolio
2019.3 version also features seamless integrations with Workday and SAP NiceLabel, a global developer of label design software and label management systems, has launched a new version of its label management solutions portfolio: Version 2019.3. The new software update will enable organizations to use just a single platform for designing and printing their labels and supply chain documents (something many struggled with before), thereby saving them time and costs and streamlining their whole production process. The NiceLabel software previously offered out-of-the-box label design, allowing business users to quickly and easily design and print labels. The new version builds on this capability, enabling users, especially those working in factories or warehouses, to seamlessly design and print related supply chain documents, including delivery notes, pick lists, packing slips, and invoices, from a single platform. “As always, we are strongly focused on listening closely to customers and adapting our labeling solutions to meet their needs,” said Ken Moir, VP of Marketing at NiceLabel. “We know it has been possible to design and print these documents before, but it has been complex requiring people with the highest levels of technical skills. With the latest version, we have made it easy for users to design these documents.” “The result is something that we believe is a real differentiator in the marketplace,” added Moir, “a user-friendly way for businesses to design and print their labels and supply chain documents all in one label management system.” The 2019.3 release of the NiceLabel software also features a connector to cloud-based software from Workday. This is an example of a cloud-to-cloud integration that also supports cloud-connected printers (IoT printing). Businesses that adopt this functionality can print driverless, completely eliminate their on-premise labeling footprint, and save costs as a result. Their existing Workday process remains the same, but they gain the benefits of streamlined label printing through NiceLabel Label Cloud. “With any cloud-based system, there is an expectation of ease of integration with other cloud-based applications,” continued Moir. “Users anticipate that Label Cloud will be able to interact seamlessly with other cloud-based applications. That’s exactly what this new release delivers through its connectors and cloud-to-cloud integration capability.” The release also includes enhancements to NiceLabel’s SAP advanced business application programming (ABAP) package, including the ability to print supply chain documents more easily and exporting data sources for a streamlined design. The new 2019.3 release additionally features a web-based manager for the NiceLabel integration system that allows users to centrally manage all integrations. In parallel with the 2019.3 launches, NiceLabel is also introducing a brand-new edition of Label Cloud. Label Cloud Compliance is vertically aimed at regulated companies, including medical device manufacturers, pharmaceuticals businesses, and chemicals companies which require a compliant labeling process to meet evolving US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union (EU) regulatory requirements.
Confidex releases Heatwave Family of Products for Industrial Manufacturing
Heatwave Flag and Heatwave Tough offer the automotive and other industries two new heat resistant UHF RFID tags that can operate at up to 250 degrees Celsius Leveraging 15 years of experience providing wireless solutions for public transportation, logistics, automotive, and manufacturing industries, Confidex just announced that it has released two new high-temperature products aimed at the automotive industry. The new Heatwave family of UHF RFID tags deliver effective automated tracking of goods through the high-temperature phases of automotive production. The Heatwave Flag includes a flexible attachment for automotive paint shop processing while the Heatwave Tough boasts exceptional performance on metallic surfaces. Confidex, a global provider of rugged industrial wireless products, is serving the automotive industry with the two new products uniquely designed to withstand the auto manufacturing process. Heatwave products can be applied to auto bodies to control the production process for each individual body configuration. The new tags, with special polymer design, operate effectively even at temperatures of up to 250°C in the body and paint shop. With Heatwave Flag and Heatwave Tough, the company’s broadening portfolio addresses multiple process requirements including flexibility in tag positioning and attachment methods for the automotive industry. “We’re delighted to provide a solution that leverages our 15 years of experience in industrial-grade RFID tags,” says Miika Pylvänäinen, Confidex Product Line Manager. Heatwave Flag has evolved from the field-proven Corona Classic, upgraded with the latest material innovation, and improved memory and sensitivity. Its flexible attachment design enables it to be fixed to all materials, while it can be applied so that the antenna does not come in direct contact with metal. Heatwave Tough offers an innovative design for on-metal attachment on flat metal surfaces, while also offering flexibility for tag positioning and automated application. It comes with heat resistance of 250 degrees C for 50 minutes while it operates well around salt water, motor oil, acetone, sulfuric acid, and other chemicals. By including the latest high-memory chip generation – employing the UCODE 7xm+ chip with a 384-bit digital signature and 2-kbit user memory – the new Heatwave Tough also offers flexible data implementation. The tags deliver multiple benefits over traditional barcodes including reduction of scanning interfaces and avoidance of the redundant identification processes conducted at manufacturing sites today. When tags remain on the product or asset after production, they also offer after-sales benefits for consumers or retailers. Confidex’s ruggedized tags have a history of success stories in the automotive industry. This VDA compliant solution has helped premium automotive companies such as Volvo to facilitate higher flexibility and more cost-efficient manufacturing processes in their global production network. Volvo is a pioneer for this use case and a long-term partner for the evolution of the company’s high-temperature products. Heatwave products can be applied beyond the automotive sector incomparable industrial manufacturing processes with high-temperature operations up to 250°C. Heatwave Tough and Heatwave Flag are available now for samples and commercial production.
Precision timed hand pack with semi-automated Indexing from Multi-Conveyor
Feeds labelers and metal detectors with room to grow Multi-Conveyor recently built multiple sanitary, precision timed, semi-automatic hand pack conveyor lines that ultimately feed labelers and metal detection systems. Six (6) straight running plastic belt conveyors allow a customer supplied tray denesting machine to dispense single lane empty plastic food trays onto an indexing conveyor where operators manually fill. We’ve simulated this action using a demo product for illustration purposes. Sensors are provided for tray positioning for manual and alternate automatic tray filling. The fully welded sanitary wash down constructed system includes tool-less removable stainless steel shelving for product storage containers that are easily positioned for operators to slide bulk food directly into clam-shell style trays for manual lid closure. Trays then convey to a labeler infeed using a nose bar transfer, then move to a reduced speed metal detector conveyor. Custom Delrin guard plates were provided for additional operator safety yet allows internal access for cleaning. Other features incorporated with these systems include manual belt lifts, slotted clean out holes for cleaning and maintenance; and manually adjustable guide rails with pre-set positions for specific width openings and product changeover. Custom controls tailored for this customer include servo motors and VFD’s allowing flexibility for the customer to choose from intermittent stops or continuous running conveyance as the variety of product requires, now and for the future. This type of system is perfect for contract packagers, low volume case or tray packing, craft brew 6-packs, cannabis start-ups, and more.
Signode introduces new label application system
Customer-Driven LDLA-500-V2® Equipped with Improved Features and Robust Technology Enhancements Signode, a manufacturer of a broad spectrum of packaging consumables, tools, software, and equipment to optimize end-of-line packaging operations and protect product in transit, has introduced a new, enhanced version of its premier Little David LDLA-500® apply-only labeler. The LDLA-500-V2 ’s enhanced features include a larger color touchscreen, a faster CPU module, an open web path, improved touchscreen response, easier and simpler screen replacement, and both ALP and LCIJ systems. “We listened to the feedback we received from customers in the field and developed a product that better fits their needs,” said Steve Terlep, National Sales Manager for Packaging Systems, Signode. “We pride ourselves in our ability to provide customer-driven innovations in our product lines — and the LDLA-500-V2 is a great example of this.” Manufactured using smart sensing controls, the LDLA-500-V2 achieves precise label placements, maximizing productivity for high-speed operations. Servo-controlled label dispensing ensures wrinkle-free application. Additional features include high-level electronics, simple menu navigation, large pictorial representation on the webbing path, easy screen replacement, and easy upgrades through a USB. While Signode’s Little David’s product line has expanded greatly since its inception in 1962 under the Loveshaw brand, the mission remains the same: to focus the company’s engineering expertise on the conception and development of the best packaging and coding systems in the industry. Signode assembles Little David Case Formers/Erectors, Little David Case Sealers, and the Little David line of Labeling and Printing products at its plant in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
NiceLabel introduces new cloud-based business model for channel during COVID-19 era and beyond
Empowers resellers to keep customers operating remotely and securely NiceLabel, a global developer of label design software and label management systems, is introducing a new cloud-based business model that will enable its partners to deliver labeling solutions-as-a-service securely and remotely in the pandemic and beyond. The new NiceLabel channel offering is based around Label Cloud, the world’s first multi-tenant labeling software-as-a-service. The cloud-based labeling solution acts as a virtual collaboration tool for labeling, enabling NiceLabel’s reseller partners to demonstrate, sell, and configure labeling solutions for customers, remotely from their home. Resellers can manage the whole process remotely and securely for customers from running live demos through to designing and test printing label templates, deploying solutions, printing labels, and managing supplies inventory. This new approach to selling and supporting labeling turns remote working from a barrier to a competitive advantage for customers. Paul Vogt, channel marketing director: “Before the pandemic, most resellers in the labeling space primarily used a face-to-face business model to sell and support their labeling solutions. Today, that’s all changed. Resellers have to connect virtually from their home with customers in their homes. They will need to collaborate, interact, and discuss with their customers without being on-site. That’s why we have introduced this new channel offering.” “It represents a step-change for resellers and customers because, for many of them, it represents a whole new way of working,” added Vogt. “Yet, it is one that is both necessary in the current lockdown and beneficial to resellers who can continue to engage and sell efficiently and quickly to customers all through the crisis and beyond.” “We want to get the message out that whether our customers require on-premise or cloud labeling solutions, NiceLabel can still meet their needs,” continued Vogt. “Before the pandemic, you didn’t necessarily need the cloud for labeling, but now, in light of the current crisis, it is increasingly becoming a must-have solution.” NiceLabel’s labeling software is intuitive and easy-to-use. Resellers can, therefore, get up and running with it very quickly. NiceLabel’s cloud-based labeling solution is available on a subscription payment model, which covers platform maintenance and upgrades, and is counted as an operating expense instead of a capital expense. Payment by subscription gives businesses a faster time to value – so they achieve payback more quickly.
Episode 59 – Barcoding at MODEX 2020
Episode 59 – Barcoding at MODEX 2020 In this episode, I am joined by Peter Zalinski of Barcoding, Inc in The New Warehouse booth at MODEX 2020. Peter is the Supply Chain Architect at Barcoding and we discussed barcodes (of course!) and also everything that Barcoding can help you with to enable your operation to be more efficient, accurate, and connected. Key Takeaways A third of businesses are still not using barcodes to help track their product. Peter discusses how to start implementing them and what benefits you can see from using them. Start using barcodes! Standardization utilizing GS1 Standards is key in allowing the supply chain to have full traceability from end to end. This means that from supplier to customer the product can be traced utilizing different traceability technologies dependent on your product. The most simple being a barcode but other more advanced options are available for higher cost items and items that have stricter regulations like pharmaceuticals. Keeping your WMS upgraded or implementing a warehouse/manufacturing execution system (WES/MES) will ensure that you can continue to keep using the latest standards. Peter points out that many operations are using an older version of a WMS that cannot fully handle certain barcodes that can tell you much more as well as other technologies that can help you increase the efficiency of your operation. Peter says the best approach to improve is to start from the inbound and outbound sides of your operation to start to create efficiency through using barcodes and scanning. This helps to start creating efficiency gains as the product is coming into the building and then also helps to increase traceability as well as quality control checks when the product is leaving the building. From there, you can start to create efficiency in between by implementing scanning into additional processes like cycle counting. Episode and Video! Excited to bring you the first video podcast from The New Warehouse as well. We will be posting videos for most of our MODEX 2020 interviews and would love to hear your feedback on them. Be sure to check us out on YouTube and of course, you can listen to the audio episode below as well. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 59: Barcoding at MODEX 2020 In this episode, host Kevin Lawton is joined by Peter Zalinksi of Barcoding, Inc. in The New Warehouse MODEX 2020 studio. They discuss barcodes, GS1 standards and overall operational efficiency improvements.
Cognex launches most reliable Inline Barcode Verifier
DataMan 475V ensures quality compliance for every code without slowing down production Cognex Corporation, a provider in industrial machine vision, announces the launch of its DataMan® 475 Inline Barcode Verifier (475V). Providing contract-compliant assurance in adherence with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this high-speed system delivers the most reliable code verification and quality reporting for 1D, 2D, and direct part mark (DPM) codes. “Barcode verification is critical for ensuring high code quality throughout the supply chain, preventing product waste, chargebacks, and loss of customers,” said Carl Gerst, Cognex Senior Vice President and Business Unit Manager of Identification Products. “The DataMan 475V automates barcode verification, bringing quality assurance out of the lab and into production.” The DataMan 475V is packed with precision optics, powerful lighting, robust grading algorithms, and a high-resolution camera to capture and grade even the most difficult codes. The system uses DataMan’s acclaimed high-speed, multi-core processing engine to ensure ISO compliance—the gold standard of code quality—at production line speeds. When code quality drops, users can now get immediate feedback to quickly identify printing and process control issues, as well as diagnostic tools needed to correct them. Combined with advanced data delivery capabilities, the DataMan 475V ensures informative, repeatable results for a range of industries including automotive, medical device, consumer products, pharmaceutical, and logistics.
NiceLabel to provide label cloud software to organizations free fighting COVID-19
NiceLabel, a global developer of label design software and label management systems, is offering free subscriptions of its cloud-based labeling solution and technical consulting services to organizations that have joined the fight against COVID-19. NiceLabel has launched the non-commercial and non-profit-based initiative in order to help these organizations get much-needed deliveries of medical equipment and supplies; respirators, disinfectants, masks or other critical supplies to those in need as quickly as possible. Having the cloud-based labeling solution in place will enable these organizations to produce new labels quickly and rapidly add them to the packaging used on their new product lines to ensure that equipment and materials arrive on the front line without delay. Organizations likely to qualify include manufacturers re-focusing on the production of critical healthcare supplies; farms and other food producers who must meet new labeling requirements to supply critical food to supermarkets; and hospitals and other organizations involved in fighting COVID-19. In delivering a free labeling solution to these organizations, NiceLabel will engage with them both directly and, where appropriate, through value-added resellers and other IT solutions partners. Ken Moir, NiceLabel VP of Marketing said, “We wanted to help eliminate any delays in the delivery of supplies by ensuring that labeling is never an obstacle to getting critical items to the front line as fast as possible. Our multi-tenant cloud platform allows us from a remote location to get labeling anywhere around the world – and to do it ultra-fast. “We plan to use our capability to help manufacturers rapidly switch their product lines to key equipment and products needed in the fight against COVID-19 and to support the rapid delivery of those supplies to those battling this new virus on the front line. We are here to help, so we would encourage any organization seeking out labeling support as they look to get key materials and equipment deliveries out to those who need it most, to get in touch with us today.” Organizations needing help with labeling during the COVID-19 outbreak should register their interest at www.nicelabel.com/covid19.
Kardex Remstar added to list for canceling participation at MODEX
In an emailed press release sent this morning, Kardex Remstar announced their cancellation of participation at the MODEX 2020 show in Atlanta, Ga. next week due to concerns relating to the worldwide spread of the coronavirus. “As the safety, well-being, and health of our employees, distributors, partners, and customers is always our first priority, we have unfortunately canceled our participation in Modex 2020 due to concerns relating to the worldwide spread of the coronavirus,” says Mark Dunaway, president – North America. “We spent this week preparing to exhibit and have been monitoring the global situation daily. At this time, we are not willing to risk the health and safety of our team and have made the difficult decision to withdraw before the exhibition opens,” added Dunaway. As a result, Kardex Remstar has prepared a digital experience in an effort to stay connected to attendees during Modex 2020. They encourage you to join our digital experience here.
Confidex Releases Go – RAIN RFID label family for fast and reliable logistics applications
Confidex, a designer and supplier of short-range wireless identification solutions, announced the release of its Confidex Go Family of RFID labels for high-volume logistics and other applications. Confidex will demonstrate the entire family of Go Labels at the MODEX 2020 conference, March 9-12 in Atlanta, Georgia and at the LogiMAT 2020 trade fair, March 10-12 in Stuttgart, Germany. The Confidex Go family of RFID tags is targeted at industries that need a high volume of labels at an affordable cost, but without sacrificing performance. The Confidex Go family provides the same reliable performance found in Confidex hard tags but in a convenient label format. Confidex Go products include a variety of industry- and application-specific labels: Crosswave Classic provides 360-degree readability and a modular size. It is a dual-dipole label for logistics applications and provides a good reading performance and radiation pattern. Casey is a disposable, high-performance label for supply chain and logistics applications. The cost-efficient label is waterproof and works well with high-liquid-content goods. Leaf is a paper-based, sustainable label for short-term logistics applications. The eco-friendly label is plastic-free, includes a printed antenna and water-soluble adhesive, and is suitable for indirect contact with food. eKanban GTL is a master label designed for Global Transport Label (GTL) applications. This plug-in label for transport packaging units or plastic load carriers is compliant with VDA recommendations 4994 and 5501. eKanban SLC is a single label designed for Small Load Carrier (SLC) applications. It is a plug-in label for plastic and ESD load carriers and complies with VDA recommendations 4994 and 5501. Ferrowave Classic is optimized for high volume packaging and component tracking applications which require lower-cost, on-metal RFID labels in non-harsh industrial environments. Purpose-built and cost-engineered for tagging automotive components and consumer packages, the Confidex Ferrowave is the RFID label of choice for metallic foils and liquid containers which have historically presented challenges to RFID labels. Confidex Go labels are also designed to perform on a wide range of materials, including metal, plastics, paper, and cardboard. The Casey, Crosswave, and eKanban labels can be provided in customer-specific sizes depending on how much information needs to be printed on the face of the label “Confidex is known globally for manufacturing rugged industrial RFID tags and very high volumes of RFID tickets for transport,” said Timo Lindström, CEO of Confidex. “With Confidex Go we combine our experience of both best-in-class RF design and optimized end-to-end high volume production. The Confidex Go labels provide an industrial level of reliability in challenging environments, but in a more flexible and affordable format for emerging high-volume applications across the supply chain. The Confidex Go labels enable end-to-end visibility in a wide variety of industries, and in a format that can be easily customized for each organization’s unique needs.”
JLT Mobile Computers joins Ivanti Supply Chain Partner Program to improve worker productivity
JLT Mobile Computers Joins Ivanti Supply Chain Partner Program to Improve Worker Productivity JLT Mobile Computers, a supplier of reliable computers for demanding environments, has announced the company has joined the Ivanti Supply Chain Partner Program. Moving forward, JLT customers will have access to supply chain efficiency improvements and worker productivity enhancements available through a variety of Ivanti’s enterprise mobility solutions. As a trailblazer in the field of rugged computers for over 25 years, JLT offers a broad range of high-performance vehicle-mount terminals, tablets, and handheld computers as well as comprehensive support, maintenance, and solution services. JLT rugged computers are used in industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, transportation, ports, agriculture, mining, and other demanding environments. Ivanti Supply Chain has delivered mobile-enablement solutions to improve supply-chain efficiency and worker productivity for three decades. A pioneering innovator in mission-critical device management, wireless infrastructure management, terminal emulation, voice, and mobile application development software, Ivanti Supply Chain helps organizations leverage modern technology in the warehouse and across the supply chain to improve delivery without modifying the backend systems. “The Ivanti Supply Chain terminal emulation telnet client is used on more mobile devices than any other,” said Eric Miller, CEO at JLT Mobile Computers USA. “With customers moving from legacy systems to modern operating platforms on JLT computers, Ivanti Supply Chain solutions make it easy to migrate existing telnet screens or web applications to Windows 10 or Android. Field-proven screens get a great new look, work much better, and users love the familiar, intuitive software interface.” JLT’s participation in the Ivanti Supply Chain Partner Program helps customers take full advantage of their investment in advanced JLT vehicle mounts and mobile computers by migrating and modernizing their applications and software management systems. Ivanti Velocity TE and Industrial Browser make it easy to bring existing telnet screens or web apps to modern mobile platforms. Ivanti Speakeasy provides a fast, easy way to add voice to any application. Ivanti Avalanche is a proven mobile device management system. And its Session Persistence Server prevents dropped telnet connections in areas with weak coverage. JLT customers will be able to select from Ivanti’s many management, migration and productivity-enhancement solutions for their Ivanti Supply Chain certified JLT hardware. This helps JLT customers meet their business objectives, migration plans, and commitments to provide their workforce with clean, modern, ergonomic and easy-to-use apps that require minimal re-training.
Leuze and iTRACE announce the Blockchain Integration of 2DMI with the DCR 200i Camera based code reader
iTRACE Technologies, Inc., a provider of supply chain security applications for anti grey market and anti counterfeit, and Leuze, a global leader in automation sensors, announced the integration of iTRACE 2DMI with the Leuze DCR 200i Camera Based Code Reader for Blockchain registration and authentication. iTRACE helps brands fight the issues of counterfeit, grey market, diversion and production overrun of their products with its blockchain connected 2DMI® supply chain security. With the integration of 2DMI® with the Leuze DCR 200i range of camera-based code readers, customers are now able to capture transaction and authentication information automatically anywhere in the supply chain. “The integration of the Leuze DCR 200i camera-based code reader is using our standard mobile application infrastructure which allows these industrial sensors to automatically capture the same information as the iPhone and Android devices anywhere in the supply chain.» said iTRACE Founder and CEO Mark Manning. »This means that any system can now automatically participate in track, trace and authentication of any item or component and push that data to a blockchain or tracking database via the iTRACE Blockchain Gateway. Using iTRACE 2DMI® and the DCR 200i allows the part being scanned to be securely identified and the transaction recorded on digital ledger technologies like blockchain, enabling a secure connection between the physical product and the digital ledger which is necessary to complete any blockchain tracking or authentication application. The key to the security of the application is the ability to create the digital twin of the physical product to ensure that is the original item that is scanned at each location. “Leuze has recognized that iTRACE 2DMI® provides a much higher level of security and damage resistance than QR-Code, Data Matrix and 1D Barcodes are able to do” said Joerg Woerner , Business Development Manager at Leuze. “This makes the combination of the DCR 200i and 2DMI® ideal for difficult and harsh environment applications in aerospace, automotive and medical device”.
Körber to shape Supply Chain of the Future in Latin America with majority stake investment in Otimis
The Körber Group continues to invest in its Business Area Logistics Systems, acquiring a majority stake in Brazil -based Otimis Ltda. The supply chain management software and consulting company grows and strengthens warehousing and logistics operations for customers across the globe. The acquisition became effective as of December 18, 2019. In light of advances in technology and digitization of supply chain processes, companies are looking for supply chain technology partners that can service them on a global basis. To address this market demand for global providers, Körber Logistics Systems has extended its service and support capabilities into Latin America with addition of Otimis. Otimis extends Körber’s existing customer service capabilities in North America , Europe and the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Otimis has been an implementation partner and reseller of the supply chain management solutions of Körber Logistics‘ company HighJump since 2004. By joining Körber, Otimis now has access to a complete portfolio of supply chain technologies including supply chain management software, industrial voice solutions, autonomous mobile robotics (AMR) and material handling automation. Otimis has locations in Blumenau and São Paulo, Brazil and Santiago, Chile , with plans for expansion in Mexico . This follows Körber’s recent acquisition of the majority stake in the Cohesio Group, the leading integrator of voice-directed and AMR solutions for logistics in APAC. “This is a further component of our successful internationalization strategy,” says Stephan Seifert , Chairman of the Executive Board of Körber AG. “With Otimis, we have an ideal basis for further growth in Latin America and for offering our customers market-leading logistics solutions.” “The trusted and successful cooperation that has grown over the years between HighJump and Otimis has encouraged us to take the next step – bringing Otimis under the Körber umbrella,” adds Dirk Hejnal , CEO of the Business Area Logistics Systems. “Essentially a beachhead in the region, the addition of Otimis to Körber Logistics empowers us, along with companies worldwide, with another means to think globally, while executing locally.” Hélcio Lenz, founder and CEO of Otimis, says: “Our local roots coupled with the strength of the global Körber network are ideal prerequisites for sustainable growth for us and our customers. The entire Otimis team and I look forward to being part of Körber and shaping the supply chain of the future together.”
On the horizon: Top Trends impacting supply chain management in 2020
Scott Sureddin, CEO, DHL Supply Chain, North America: “2020 marks a new decade in supply chain management in which operations benefit from increased digitalization, customers benefit from higher levels of service and supply chain organizations benefit from greater diversity in the workforce.” DHL Supply Chain, a provider in contract logistics and part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, has shared the three supply chain trends that will have the greatest impact on operations in North America in the coming year. As we enter a new decade, the technologies that have emerged in the last five years are maturing to provide greater value and address additional challenges and applications. This process, combined with an influx of new talent in the workforce and continually evolving customer expectations are ushering in a new era of supply chain management. “We know the supply chain is continuing to become more complex,” said Scott Sureddin, CEO, DHL Supply Chain, North America. “As we enter a new decade, we are seeing a maturation and expansion of many technologies, and applications we could not have imagined even three years ago. In many ways, these technologies, combined with a new generation of talent in the workforce and less separation between brands and consumers, are contributing to the evolution of the supply chain. We will be able to be more productive and more efficient, while providing an even higher level of value to our customers.” Below are the three trends expected to have the most impact on the supply chain in 2020: Emerging technologies go mainstream The past decade has brought technological advances at a breakneck speed, from autonomous vehicles to Big Data to robotics. As 2020 approaches, those technologies are maturing and being more widely adopted. What were once niche technologies are now becoming available to companies of all sizes across industries. Customers are eager to pilot new technology in their facilities, and are now faced with the task of determining which technologies will not only deliver the greatest return on investment, but also integrate most effectively into their existing operations. With 5G on the horizon and the pending rush of even more data, now is the time for companies to ensure they have a strong data management foundation so they are well positioned to collect and, more importantly, mine the data to derive actionable insights. Those companies already at the forefront are applying insights to solve a variety of challenges including leveling out the traditionally disruptive spikes of peak season. DHL Supply Chain’s recent announcement of a partnership with Convoy and Turvo shows how its transportation digitalization strategy is continuing to advance. The partnerships allow the company to accelerate its adoption of cutting-edge freight technologies to provide greater value for customers. “As we go into 2020, we’ll see artificial intelligence getting more accessible, robots becoming more sophisticated, and predictive modeling becoming even more accurate,” said Sureddin. “This maturation will allow us to apply technologies in even more ways to drive efficiency and create value for our customers. The last decade introduced us to these technologies and the next decade will make them commonplace.” Product positioning becomes paramount There are more ways than ever for products to get into consumers’ hands. From traditional brick-and-mortar to buy online, pick up in store, the lines have blurred between e-commerce and traditional retail. Combined with the high delivery expectations of consumers, companies need to have the right item in stock to fulfill a two-day or even same-day order. To tackle this challenge, inventory positioning becomes critical. The distance between consumers and the products they want will continue to shrink in 2020. The new decade will bring growth of micro-fulfillment centers, especially in the grocery industry. Micro-fulfillment centers will continue to make sense for companies who need to quickly and efficiently fulfill online orders. These micro-fulfillment centers, often in urban areas, are changing the image of a traditional distribution center. It will soon become just as likely for a distribution center to be in a high-rise in Manhattan as it will be in a sprawling facility in a rural area, allowing consumers to receive their purchases with greater speed and efficiency. These micro-fulfillment centers sometimes take the shape of so-called ‘dark stores,’ automated, mini-warehouses or distribution centers to help fulfill online orders. Dark stores often look like actual stores, but without the customers. Although dark stores themselves aren’t new, the next year will bring more widespread adoption of them. Gender diversity makes its mark in the supply chain. While labor challenges have captured all the headlines, a more subtle transformation is occurring in the workforce. Women are entering the logistics industry in greater numbers than ever before. In fact, women now make up 32 percent of DHL Supply Chain’s new associates. A variety of factors are influencing this shift including a greater emphasis on STEM in both early education and campus recruiting efforts. The integration of more technology has also minimized the importance of physical strength in traditional warehouse roles. The new decade will usher in a new era in supply chain management. The industry will have new and different capabilities to better manage complexity through increased digitalization, and companies will be able to provide customers with increasingly higher levels of service. These factors will allow the industry to withstand global economic uncertainty and to continue to advance in speed and productivity.
SensThys and Smartrac partner to provide RFID-based moisture, temperature and location sensing solution
Smartrac Technology Group, a global provider in RFID technology and IoT solutions, and SensThys Inc., a technology company that seamlessly integrates sensors and communications with a high-efficiency networking platform, have partnered to provide an innovative RFID-based moisture, temperature and location sensing solution for facilities management. The new solution combines SensThys’ full line of RAIN RFID (UHF) readers and algorithms with Smartrac’s custom-built moisture and temperature sensing RAIN RFID inlays and tags, based on its successful SENSOR product line of passive products. By detecting moisture and measuring temperatures in a wide variety of building materials, including concrete, gypsum board, insulation and other construction materials, it enables a broad portfolio of innovative applications for facility and construction monitoring and management. Passive sensing inlays and tags from Smartrac To provide the best possible accuracy and reliability when embedded in construction materials with diverse physical characteristics, Smartrac’s high-quality, battery-less SENSOR inlays are optimized for interaction with readers and software infrastructure provided by SensThys. The thin and customized inlays are equipped with Axzon’s Magnus® S3 ICs that can accurately detect and measure temperature and moisture levels in the surrounding environment. Like Smartrac’s other SENSOR RAIN RFID products, this solution-specific product offers cost efficiency and ease of implementation. The sensing inlays are interrogated using SensThys’ solution to monitor and track the physical state of the product at construction sites, distribution yards and manufacturing facilities. Key applications include tracking infrastructure components such as roofing materials, monitoring changes in products including thermal and moisture cycling, and tracking concrete pre-casts that are either in inventory, in transit, at holding facilities, or physically embedded within their final infrastructure. Reader and algorithms from SensThys The SensThys SensX Extreme RFID reader is ideal for the construction industry due to its physical robustness, which includes IP67 rating, key military standards testing, and a wide operating range including cold starts and thermal shock. The 33dBm reader has a sweeping array of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, barometric pressure, GPS and BLE beacon detection, that together enable situational awareness including its physical position, orientation and movement. Communication is handled natively by internal Ethernet, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with an external cellular connection available. SensThys created the algorithms to rapidly compute the location, temperature and moisture of a tag embedded within an object. These algorithms are now available for use on all M-Power readers including the SensArray and the SensX Extreme, and the algorithm can be made available for incorporation into other fixed and hand-held readers. Solutions for real-world problems “This design effort, coupled with extensive in-situ testing, resulted in an upgraded M-Power reader capability to offer customers a practical method to quickly and reliably interrogate Smartrac’s sensor tags. Our IP67 SensX Extreme reader, which uses the M-Power core, allows us to identify the tagged item and provide the location, time, temperature and moisture information of the asset,” said Jo Major, CEO of SensThys. “For example, the seamless integration of sensors enables customers to understand where and when a roof has started to leak or when a concrete foundation is fully cured.” “By embedding our high-quality SENSOR inlays into building materials when they are manufactured, customers can now really make their building material product line smart,” said Bill Barr, VP Product Management at Smartrac. He continued, “The great work we’ve accomplished together with the SensThys team provides a sensor-to-cloud infrastructure for non-destructive testing, so our customers can conveniently deploy temperature and moisture sensors in a variety of tough environments.”
Precise control of double-depth positioning processes
The new IPS 400i from Leuze electronic is the smallest camera-based positioning sensor on the market for double-depth compartment fine positioning. It helps high-bay storage devices to quickly and easily find the right rack. With the new camera-based IPS 400i positioning sensor for high-bay storage devices, Leuze electronic – the expert for sensor solutions for intralogistics – is expanding its IPS range of products with a new model for optical compartment fine positioning. About a year ago, Leuze electronic introduced the IPS 200i, the smallest camera-based positioning sensor for single-depth, which is used for single depth pallet high racks and small-part container storage. The new IPS400i is just as compact as its sibling, the IPS 200i, and thus requires little space on the high-bay storage device – however, it detects round holes or reflectors not only in single-depth, but also double-depth bars and thus determines the position deviation relative to the target position in the X and Y directions. This makes the new camera-based IPS 400i positioning sensor particularly suited for use in double-depth pallet high-bay warehouses. A model with integrated heating for use in refrigerated warehouses down to -30 °C is also available. Both variants – IPS 200i and IPS 400i – offer the user simple and fast commissioning and operation. The sensors are put into operation using a web-based configuration tool with a user-controlled installation assistant (wizard). Printed configuration codes are read in without a PC via “Code Generator,” which means that configuration adjustments can be made directly on the high-bay storage device. An alignment system consisting of four feedback LEDs further facilitates the commissioning process. Due to its powerful, ambient-light-independent IR LED lighting, fault-free use in warehouse technology is possible with just one single device for a working range of up to 2400 mm. With the integrated TCP/IP interface and PROFINET RT, the IPS 400i can be directly integrated into the network environment and enables quick, location-independent diagnostics. Condition monitoring and predictive maintenance take place using a quality score that detects deterioration in the reading performance of the sensor at an early stage. This minimizes downtime and increases the availability and cost-effectiveness of the systems.
Tompkins International announces strategic realignment
New ecosystem provides clients with end-to-end solutions to meet the changing market needs for profitable growth Tompkins International, a comprehensive supply chain consulting and solutions firm, has announced a strategic realignment that will enable the company to better serve its clients across all industries. Driven by market changes and growth, Tompkins International has evolved its organization into six business units based on its thought leadership about the future of supply chains and its competencies in strategy, commerce, logistics and technology: Supply Chain Consulting Material Handling Integration Robotics Applied Technologies Fulfillment Services Digital Commerce “The integration of these six business units enables us to solely focus on exceeding our customers’ expectations today and in the future,” said Jim Tompkins, Chairman and CEO of Tompkins International. “Built upon our deep and broad-based expertise, our new ecosystem of best-in-breed products and services provides true end-to-end solutions for supply chain excellence and long-term success.” For more than 40 years, Tompkins International—led by Jim Tompkins—has helped shape the supply chain industry through its thought leadership, innovation and commitment to positioning clients for long-term profitable growth. As the industry continues to shift into the world of digital commerce, Tompkins International’s realigned supply chain ecosystem helps clients prepare not only for their current needs, but also future growth and opportunities. “In order to deliver an amazing customer experience, today’s supply chain solutions must be flexible but unbreakable, capable of adapting and constantly evolving to provide a series of options to address what is happening at any given moment and the expected near-term future,” said Tompkins.
Electronic number plates allow for uniform recognition and payment systems
Enterprises with large vehicle fleets usually require extensive use of petrol cards in order to refuel tanks. This is an insight from the “Petrol Cards 2018” analysis by the Dataforce market research institute. The use of plastic cards, however, is not necessarily accompanied by a uniform system. The petrol card market is currently dominated by large petroleum corporations. Refuelling with a universal accounting method is therefore not possible yet. This fact has led to a confusing work process for fleet managers in particular. As a result of fluctuating prices and the abuse of petrol cards by employees for their own private vehicles, companies face increasing challenges. However, solving this problem by way of a uniform system is entirely possible — electronically, in fact: The German manufacturer of secure number plates TÖNNJES has developed an RFID system consisting of a number plate (IDePLATE) and a holographic windscreen sticker (IDeSTIX), which would enable contactless recognition and petrol station payments. “The RFID technology has already been tried and tested when it comes paying with debit and credit card, as well as smartphones”, says Jochen Betz, director of TÖNNJES. “Paying via the number plate would speed up the process even further.” When paying contactless via card or smartphone, the data is transmitted via near-field communication (NFC). With the TÖNNJES identification system, scanning devices identify the secure number plates from a large distance. Integrated into the IDePLATE, as well as into the IDeSTIX, is a cryptographic chip containing a unique identification number. RFID makes it possible to unite both data protection and security. Movement profiles can therefore not be created. They can only be read by authorised scanning devices during both stationary as well as moving traffic. “Nothing but the identification number is transmitted during the data transfer”, explains Jochen Betz. The number can only be matched to a vehicle in a database containing personal information. This also improves data protection in comparison with conventional camera systems. The IDeSTIX windscreen sticker makes the system even more secure. “Should the wrong number plate be mounted on the vehicle, the scanning device is able to recognise immediately that the IDeSTIX on the inside of the front windscreen does not match the number plate. In other words, it functions as a third plate”, explains Betz. According to a study from a large insurance firm, more than 400 number plates are stolen in Germany every day. Most of these are used for fuel fraud. When it comes to the fuelling of a company’s entire vehicle fleet, for example, each and every vehicle would be equipped with an electronic number plate. This plate could then be read directly by scanning devices on the petrol pump or the charging station. This would, in turn, lead to a reduction in the time taken up by the manual settling of petrol bills — a significant benefit for vehicle fleet managers. According to the Dataforce study, every second one of them would consider paying directly at the petrol pump sensible. In addition, they could access important statistics in real-time, such as fuel usage and mileage. One example of how TÖNNJES uses RFID technology for the contactless identification of vehicles has been in use in Latvia since 2016: There, electric cars are entitled to contactless use of electric charging stations via the electronic identification of the IDePLATE. To do so, drivers only have to plug in their car and enter a PIN code. There are a number of additional and highly versatile use cases for IDePLATE and IDeSTIX. The RFID number plates are suitable for both private-sector as well as public-sector use. The Cayman Islands have been using the TÖNNJES system in government for automatic traffic management for several years. All vehicles across the islands, as well as the corresponding administration, have been retrofitted to the new technology. In addition, the electronic number plates are also suitable for vehicle access controls of all sorts. IDeSTIX has been in use by Saudi Aramco, the largest oil extraction corporation in the world, since 2018. Only vehicles equipped with a TÖNNJES RFID label are granted access to the corporation’s premises in Saudi Arabia. The enclosed chips determine which vehicles are granted entry into certain zones or provide access for a limited period of time. The deployment of speed controls — the keyword being “section control” — without privacy concerns, road toll systems or driving in environmental zones is also made possible by innovative products from TÖNNJES. The use of RFID technologies reduces expenses and associated costs. In Turkey, IDeSTIX has become an integral component of the country’s automated road toll system. “The contactless identification of vehicles is not only more secure and efficient but is also environmentally friendly and eschews the use of unnecessary materials such as paper”, explains Betz. “Petrol cards, parking vouchers or receipts made from harmful thermal paper can be digitised and therefore eliminated.”
Smartrac launches EAGLE Green Tags, further accelerating market adoption of truly sustainable RFID Products
Smartrac Technology Group, a global market provider in RFID products and IoT solutions, has announced the launch of its EAGLE Green tags. As the latest products developed for Smartrac’s Green Tag Program, EAGLE Green inlays and tags combine superior sustainability characteristics with compact size, excellent read range and high quality for retail-optimized applications. Like the recently launched WEB Green inlays and tags, and in accordance with the strong criteria Smartrac has defined for its Green Tag Program, EAGLE Green uses plastic-free, fully recyclable paper as the substrate, foregoes adhesives as much as possible, and comes with a laser-cut aluminum antenna that allows the complete recycling of aluminum residues, resulting in a significant carbon footprint reduction. All products within the Green Tag Program aim to address businesses that recognize the value and importance of a greatly reduce environmental impact across all applications and markets. Sustainability benefits without performance penalties EAGLE Green’s sustainability benefits come with uncompromised performance, which matches the conventional EAGLE inlay launched this January. Both EAGLE and EAGLE Green are among the smallest retail-orientated inlays with global performance available on the market. Both have passed Auburn University’s ARC categories A, B, C, D, F, G, I, K, M, Q, W2 and W5, and are available in dry and paper-tag delivery formats with a compact size of 44 x 28 mm / 1.7 x 1.1 in, which allows easy conversion for end-application usage. State-of-the-art IC: NXP UCODE 8 EAGLE and EAGLE Green are equipped with an NXP UCODE 8 IC, which shares memory size and typical IC features with NXP’s UCODE 7 IC, and additionally offers benefits such as a Self-Adjust feature to maximize product performance in challenging environments, improved read and write sensitivity, and a very fast encoding speed. Furthermore, the chip has an integrated Brand Identifier function to prove product authenticity and a memory safeguard system to protect business data. Ideally suited for brand protection and item tracking solutions Both EAGLE versions benefit from Smartrac’s platform and data management capabilities to record and manage a complete set of unique transponder data (e.g. UID no., order no., batch no., or yield) at production level in a controlled and secure way. As the backbone of Smartrac’s core competency, its product digitization solutions enable full traceability of delivered RFID products and provide reliable quality assurance. “Our new EAGLE Green tags not only demonstrate that Smartrac’s Green Tag Program is gaining momentum: it also reinforces our resolve to provide the market’s most versatile, most advanced, innovative and sustainable RFID products designed and certified for a broad range of applications,” said Hal Hikita, Senior Vice President Product Management at Smartrac.rfidide