Stahlin® Enclosures introduces new interior mounting solutions for ultimate flexibility and strength
Stahlin® Enclosures, manufacturers of high-performing non-metallic electrical and industrial enclosures announce the availability of its new side panels and weight distribution shelves which aid in interior mounting and support of heavy equipment. These innovative mounting and support solutions are designed for OEMs and installers and are used with Stahlin polycarbonate enclosures to add installation flexibility, increase mounting space, and solve challenges during customer installation of heavy components in non-metallic enclosures. These exciting new products can be purchased as stand-alone SKUs and shelves can be shipped kitted with Stahlin polycarbonate enclosures! “We are pleased to provide the ultimate in flexibility and strength for installing equipment in non-metallic enclosures,” says Craig Mitchell, President of Robroy Industries Enclosures Division®, the parent company of Stahlin Enclosures. “This is another example of how Stahlin is leading the way in enclosure products and accessories innovation.” The new Stahlin side panels and weight distribution shelves are ideally suited for diverse markets and applications including: Non-hazardous industrial and commercial OEM design and manufacturing market segments. Industries such as Oil & Gas, Electrical Control, Water Wastewater, Manufacturing, Communications, and Telecommunications. Stahlin polycarbonate enclosure aluminum Side Panels have been designed for flexibility of equipment installation and allow for mounting of components on the enclosure walls (either on the long or short side) and provide added mounting space which allows customers to use smaller enclosures in applications requiring tight spacing. They are available in 9 SKUs designed for use with our polycarbonate enclosures sizes from 6”x6” to 24”x24”. Corrosion-resistant slot nut hardware is included. These panels are easy to install using common tools. Simply install, position, and secure the side panel using the provided slot nuts which fit perfectly in the innovative polycarbonate enclosure t-slots. Additional benefits of the new Stahlin Side Panels include: • Increased customer installation flexibility. Equipment can be mounted on multiple sides of the enclosure, in addition to the traditional enclosure back wall. • Lower installed costs made possible by reducing the need for customers to increase the enclosure size for added equipment mounting space. • Reduced engineering labor because enclosure mounting footprint is maintained. The new, innovative Stahlin Weight Distribution Shelf provides an extremely rugged support system when adding heavy equipment in non-metallic enclosures. It is ideal for support when adding a power supply, battery, or heavy equipment, and reduces potential replacement costs by providing an alternative solution vs. adding weight on the bottom wall of the enclosure. Among the many beneficial features of the Stahlin Weight Distribution Shelf: • Robust, thick aluminum shelf supported by enclosure side walls reduces the risk of deflection of the enclosure bottom wall due to increase weight load. • Available in 7 SKUs designed for use with our polycarbonate enclosures sizes from 10”x10” to 24”x24”. • Simple and easy installation utilizing the enclosure’s built-in t-slots. • Constructed from strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum. • Available as standalone SKUs or shipped included with enclosures for added ordering and receiving convenience. Stahlin Enclosures offers the most extensive selection of non-metallic enclosures available for meeting the needs of diverse industries, interior and exterior applications, appealing aesthetics, and physical property performance standards including NEMA 4X and NEMA 6P integrity.
Analyze MyDrives available as standard in the MindSphere Store and SINAMICS Connect 300 with new intelligent features
Siemens is presenting its latest solutions for smart and networked drive technology. By networking entire drive systems, machine and plant builders, as well as end-users, can simulate machines and plants more accurately using digital twins, perform commissioning, reduce downtimes and therefore increase manufacturing productivity. Analyze MyDrives With the new version of the Analyze MyDrives MindSphere app, Siemens is offering users new powerful diagram libraries for faster visualization. The new “Pan and Scan” function enables users to specify a precise time frame for monitoring. The new version also features an improved e-mail notification service, which is based upon a simple IFTTT control mechanism. In addition, users can freely configure trend analytics — for example, for time series and scatter diagrams to support even more powerful bi-variate graphical correlation analysis. A new dashboard provides key status information for all relevant drive components at a glance. If necessary, users have an overview of the integrated variables per drive train component, including the last transmitted value, time of the last update, unit of measurement, and link to the diagram used. Diagrams can be exported with a single click and statistical aggregate functions are integrated into all diagram types. New functions for SINAMICS Connect 300 With SINAMICS Connect 300, Siemens is introducing a simple plug-and-play solution that integrates SINAMICS low-voltage drives into IT infrastructure, and it supports cloud-based digitalization. One new feature is expert mode, where, upon request, users can individually differentiate the parameters of the SINAMICS drive and store them in MindSphere, the open, cloud-based IoT operating system. The new SINAMICS Connect 300 device includes comprehensive commissioning and service management with an integrated web server, which simplifies configuration even with very specific requirements. The webserver enables comprehensive management of the device, e.g., CA certificates, license management, and firmware updates. On the webserver’s homepage, users can also view MindSphere connection status and immediately check cloud connectivity. To ensure that data is not lost in the event of network failures, a data buffer of up to 500 MB is provided. For secure data transfer, the transfer protocol has been changed from HTTP to HTTPS and the security guidelines have been updated to prevent unauthorized manipulation of the device. SINAMICS Connect 300 adds to the existing standard MindConnect portfolio and gives users the opportunity to connect SINAMICS drives that do not communicate via Profinet directly to MindSphere. In addition, SINAMICS Connect 300 enables the connection of SINAMICS drives in existing plants without the need for expensive and time-consuming hardware or software modifications. SINAMICS Connect 300 does not use a proprietary data model, which means that uploaded drive data can be provided to all MindSphere apps without issue.
BeerBoard announces collaboration with Reyes Beer Division to digitize ordering for the on-premise
BeerBoard, a provider in technology and automated intelligence for the on-premise hospitality industry, announced that Florida Distributing Company (FDC), which is part of Reyes Beer Division, has expanded its use of BeerBoard technology to now integrate SmartOrders into its Orlando operations. BeerBoard has focused 15-plus years on delivering technology to make alcohol management more efficient and profitable. The BeerBoard platform provides centralized ordering, menu automation, and actionable insights for the entire bar. Retailers partner directly with BeerBoard to realize a significant return on their investment by reducing manual labor and improving efficiency, accuracy, and the guest experience. SmartOrders, just one component of BeerBoard’s full end-to-end technology, digitizes many of the interactions between retailers, distributors, and suppliers. Retailers place orders to each of their alcohol distributors directly through one dedicated portal. They benefit from a consolidated ordering solution for beer, liquor, and wine, and also automation and intelligence insights to improve overall operations. The solution maintains perpetual inventories and provides recommended orders (brands and quantities) based on real-time sales and pours. All invoicing is digitized, thereby eliminating manual entry and management of inventory. “Reyes Beer Division is an industry leader in brand building, distribution, and adopting technology. We are thrilled to work with RBD and expand the use of the industry’s best three-tier compliant technology, starting with their operations in Orlando, FL,” said Mark Young, Founder and CEO of BeerBoard. “Reyes Beer Division recognizes the value of BeerBoard’s agnostic platform and approach to support the entire eco-system in a three-tier compliant manner. FDC’s adoption of SmartOrders is a signal that implementing the right technology can lead to improved customer service, efficiency, and revenue.” Reyes Beer Division (RBD) delivers over 260 million cases annually to more than 100,000 retail accounts across the nation. It is now utilizing SmartOrders technology to digitize its interactions with retailers on the BeerBoard platform across several locations. BeerBoard’s robust client list features high-profile independent groups and major chain operators across North America. Retailers include industry leaders Buffalo Wild Wings, Hooters, Twin Peaks, WingHouse, Mellow Mushroom, and TGI Fridays. Beer-Board also partners with major brewers including AB InBev, Boston Beer, Constellation Brands, Lagunitas, Heineken, Diageo, and Yuengling.
Aptean launches new Cloud-based enterprise Asset Management Solution including CMMS for manufacturers
Aptean, a global provider of mission-critical enterprise software solutions, announced the launch of Aptean EAM, an all-new, cloud-based enterprise asset management (EAM) solution for manufacturing and other businesses that depend on complex equipment to support production. The new offering can scale from functioning as a standalone computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to delivering advanced EAM functionality. Thus, Aptean EAM can meet the needs of both small and mid-sized manufacturing organizations for which traditional EAMs are unnecessarily complex and larger, enterprise-scale organizations that may have previously limited their EAM investments to only their largest sites. Aptean EAM simplifies intelligent preventative maintenance with a significant number of capabilities including advanced analytics. Unplanned equipment downtime can impact production schedules, resulting in delayed order fulfillment, dissatisfied customers, and revenue loss. Aptean EAM elevates asset maintenance and management functions through a single platform to manage work orders, automate approvals, track spare parts inventory, schedule preventative maintenance, assign appropriately skilled labor, and conduct mobile compliance inspections. The system’s simplicity supports rapid deployment while the user-friendly interface promotes high user adoption. Plus, the product streamlines operations through intuitive workflows that increase the efficiency and visibility of the maintenance process across manufacturing sites, lines, and teams. It also enables powerful business intelligence through configurable dashboards and reports, delivering critical KPIs on asset performance to support better, more informed decisions. “The new cloud-based Aptean EAM is designed to meet the maintenance management needs of businesses that rely on equipment to drive operations,” said Jenny Peng, Chief Technology Officer at Aptean. “The intuitive and modern user interface simplifies maintenance operations and gives plant supervisors real-time visibility into work order status. Powerful and configurable dashboards add value for all key stakeholders, putting asset performance data at their fingertips so they can manage issues proactively and help ensure equipment reliability.” Early adopters of Aptean EAM report the solution solves production challenges by reducing downtime, improving safety, and lowering overall maintenance costs. Frank Furgal, Capital Projects Lead at CoreFX, selected Aptean EAM to address his organization’s use of cumbersome, paper-based work orders and the lack of visibility into preventative maintenance needs created as a result. These challenges impacted productivity and undermined the company’s commitment to a safe work environment. After implementing Aptean EAM, CoreFX was able to be proactive with scheduling, prioritizing high-risk issues. “It’s key to have everything at your fingertips and to be able to measure how many safety items have been checked off. A reduction in overall accidents and a safer workplace also means less downtime on the floor,” said Furgal. To learn more about Aptean EAM and the benefits gained by CoreFX, or to read success stories from other Aptean EAM clients, click here.
Softeon has single Warehouse Management System scaling from basic distribution operations to highly complex automated distribution centers
Unlike vendors with multiple WMS products, Softeon Warehouse Management System serves large, mid-level, and smaller operations across a fulfillment network Softeon is a global supply chain software provider that offers a powerful, yet highly flexible and scalable Warehouse Management System solution that can meet the needs of diverse distribution center types and complexities across a company’s fulfillment network. For a variety of reasons, many companies have a mix of facility types and operational complexities within a single network. For example, a retailer may have highly complex and automated distribution centers for store replenishment, separate DCs for eCommerce fulfillment, local logistics facilities for eCommerce orders, as well as stores providing customer fulfillment. Other companies have sophisticated operations in the US and other home markets, but also much more basic facilities in their international operations. Third-party logistics companies commonly serve an array of clients, some requiring large facilities with advanced operations, others more mid-level or even smaller facilities to meet specific client requirements. Traditionally, Warehouse Management System providers have struggled to provide a single solution that works for both large, sophisticated DCs down to much more basic operations. Many higher-end WMS systems are too complicated to work well in smaller facilities, while WMS providers that serve the smaller and mid-market levels do not have the capabilities needed for larger, more complex operations. In fact, several leading WMS players have two or more systems to address these different market segments, requiring multiple systems across the network. Softeon, by contrast, has a proven ability to offer a single WMS solution that works for the full spectrum of distribution operations, including larger, more challenging environments, mid-level facilities, and even very small, basic facilities, including retail store-based fulfillment. Softeon has proven this ability with a number of companies, including 3PLs with a wide range of operations within their networks. This flexibility stems from Softeon’s robust WMS capabilities that can meet the needs of the most advanced DCs, but with a technical architecture and user interface options that can deliver a solution for much smaller operations as well. “One size fits all for DCs no longer meets the needs of many shippers today, but Softeon uniquely provides a single WMS solution that works across the full spectrum of distribution operations a given company may have, now or in the future,” said Dan Gilmore, chief marketing officer at Softeon. Softeon’s powerful, flexible WMS and other supply chain software solutions will be showcased at the upcoming MODEX show in Atlanta from March 28-31, Booth # C7466.
EP 257: JLT Mobile Computers
On this episode, I was joined by the US Regional Sales Director at JLT Mobile Computers, Glenn Lundgren. JLT Mobile Computers is focused on bringing rugged mobile computers to multiple industries including the warehousing industry. We discuss rugged devices, what to consider when looking for new devices and why try before you buy is the slogan to live by when replacing devices. Key Takeaways JLT Mobile Computers has been offering customized mobile computer solutions since 1994 and is currently the largest computer manufacturer in Sweden. They are focused on rugged devices as Glenn expresses their belief that rugged devices are a must in the harsh environments that their customers work in. We discuss what qualifies these devices to be rugged and to see a rugged device in the warehouse it actually goes through the same qualifications that would be needed in order for it to perform in a military setting. This ensures that the device will not be impacted by dust, extreme temperatures, or water penetration. When it comes to upgrading equipment or putting new equipment in place you want to ensure that you are making the best choice as you will most likely have to utilize that equipment for multiple years to come. Glenn shares some insights on why it is important to truly understand your needs while you are searching for the right equipment. He discusses the importance of getting all parties involved and making sure that the device fits into both the physical and systemic needs of the operation. It is also important to understand how the device does in your specific environment which leads us to the discussion on a try before you by. Try before you buy is a concept that JLT Mobile Computer lives by because they believe that their customers cannot make the right decision without trying their equipment first. They want the customer to get what is right for them and not just to sell any device the customer is interested in. Setting up a proper demo includes having all parties involved and sharing what the expectations of your next device are with JLT. Then the most important part is actually trying the device with your team on the floor. When they are utilizing it you want to get as much feedback as possible and then have your solution provider make adjustments. This is also a great way to find out if your service provider is going to be willing to work with you through different issues. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 257: JLT Mobile Computers
EP 255: 2022 Predictions from Zebra Technologies
In this episode, I reconnected with Jim Lawton of Zebra Technologies. Jim is the Vice President and General Manager of Robotics Automation at Zebra focusing on their robotics division which includes the addition of Fetch Robotics last year. Last time we spoke we discussed the expansion of Zebra’s robotics arm and this time we discussed what to expect for this year in the robotics and automation world. Key Takeaways In 2021 we certainly saw a large increase in demand for robotics and automation due to the impact of the pandemic. Multiple factors driving an increased need for warehouses to perform and perform more efficiently. Due to this companies have had to adopt these technologies at a more rapid rate in order to keep up. Jim discusses how companies have had to let go of the traditionally reserved decision-making in supply chain decisions and pull the trigger in order to get these technologies into their operations and realize the benefits. As we are underway in the new year I was interested to know Jim’s thoughts on what we will see in the robotics and automation world. From his perspective, we will be seeing the adoption rate continue to grow. Not only are companies needing these technologies to help them continue to grow but solution providers are also helping to make these technologies more accessible to companies. Jim and I discuss how for too long the idea of robots and putting them into a company’s operation seemed unattainable and only for the large companies like Amazon to do. However, now robotics companies like Zebra are very focused on ensuring smaller companies can also utilize robotics in their operations and have it make sense. Another issue that has been seen in the technology market is the burden that an implementation can be on an organization. Jim and I discuss why that it is and how that perception is beginning to change. While most technologies have advanced in our lives, many in the warehousing world have not until very recently. Part of that is due to the large undertaking introducing or even upgrading new technology could be. As the professional world is beginning to recognize how personal tech can be an influence on how companies adopt robotics they are ensuring that implementations are much smoother and the experience is a lot less stressful. Jim believes this will continue to be improved on and we will see the idea of implementation being scary become a thing of the past. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 255: 2022 Predictions from Zebra Technologies
JLT Mobile Computers selected by Solar
Rugged, reliable forklift computers with superior network connectivity help Solar run complex warehouse operations, minimize errors, and increase on-time customer delivery JLT Mobile Computers, a developer of reliable computing solutions for demanding environments, has over a number of years supplied Solar Denmark A/S with hundreds of rugged forklift computers to enable smooth warehouse operations and reduce the risk of delayed orders. The computers’ reliable hardware and superior network connectivity allow operators to track items from order right through to customer delivery. Solar is a 3,000-employee sourcing and services company mainly within electrical, heating, plumbing, ventilation, climate, and energy solutions. With warehouses in five countries delivering throughout Northern Europe, their business is centered on providing professional contractors with a broad product range, reliable product availability, and a variety of value-added services. Solar has over a quarter million products in stock keeping unit and relies on complete accuracy in filling next-day orders for their customers. When Solar was looking for new forklift computers, they wanted devices that were fully compatible with their existing SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) inventory control system that runs on Windows 10. Among Solar’s other primary requirements was ruggedness, quality, and completely reliable network connectivity under all operating conditions. They turned to Danish warehouse IT specialist Codeex to help them evaluate a number of competing systems and found the JLT1214P™ rugged forklift computer best suited for the job. After rolling out its initial order of JLT1214P forklift computers to keep track of stocks and increase on-time delivery in its Danish warehouses, Solar was so impressed that since then they have continued to purchase additional devices for their warehouses in Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. In a recent video case study, Leif Prüsse Lauridsen, maintenance technician at Solar, sums up the reasons for their satisfaction: “The JLT computers are reliable, with great network connectivity, and they don’t need constant rebooting. What’s more – they never break down. In fact, I’ve never sent one in for repair in the four years we’ve had them.” The Solar Denmark A/S operation requires meticulous tracking of all items, at all times. Having computers mounted directly onto forklifts enables the company to follow items from the moment a customer places an order, through the logging, picking, packaging, and shipping process, and until final delivery. Solar employees have everything right at hand – computer, scanner, printer – to keep track of every item throughout the entire process. That means that completely reliable network connectivity of the computers mounted on forklifts, trolleys, and other machinery with the company’s overall SAP EWM inventory control system is crucial. The customer’s selection of the JLT1214P computer was based on a combination of ruggedness, reliability, processing, and wireless connectivity performance, as well as the computer’s capability of interfacing with both new and legacy peripherals, and a custom BIOS toolset that allows full utilization of the company’s SAP EWM software suite. The mature and extensively field-tested JLT1214P forklift computer has gained the trust of customers within warehousing, cross-docking, and other logistics applications around the world. It features the rugged self-calibrating JLT PowerTouch™ projective capacitive touch display technology that provides a user-friendly touch experience similar to modern consumer devices, both with a gloved or ungloved hand while ensuring ruggedness, reliability, and longevity in even the most demanding environments. The JLT1214P computer’s WLAN and Bluetooth both take advantage of JLT’s built-in highly sensitive Planar Inverted-F Antenna (PIFA) technology, designed for highly reliable wireless connectivity even in difficult environments with weak or uneven coverage. Like all JLT systems, the JLT1214P logistics computer is built from the ground up to deliver maximum reliability and functionality in demanding environments. A high integration of features and a compact design provide for fast, reliable, and inexpensive installation, even in small spaces.
Digi names Guy Yehiav president of SmartSense by Digi
Renowned Retail, CPG, and Supply Chain Veteran brings a world-class track record to a global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity products and services Digi International®, a global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity products and services, has announced it has named Guy Yehiav President of its SmartSense by Digi division. Over his 25-year career, the highly respected executive has helped build world-class technology companies like Oracle Demantra and Profitect, In his new role, Yehiav will lead SmartSense by Digi’s overall strategy, direction, development, and implementation of enterprise software solutions as it continues on its aggressive growth path. “We are thrilled to welcome Guy Yehiav to SmartSense by Digi,” said Ron Konezny, president and CEO of Digi. “His deep expertise in retail, CPG, supply chain, and complex manufacturing is an ideal fit for SmartSense by Digi’s sharp focus on enterprise IoT solutions for food safety, facilities monitoring, pharmaceutical safety, and supply chain visibility. As companies look to ensure their brand standards, protect their customers and eliminate inventory loss while improving efficiencies, SmartSense by Digi is well-positioned for continued growth and success in 2022 and beyond.” Renowned for creating a culture of innovation and inclusion while embracing new customers and pursuing vertical markets, Yehiav brings a track record of success spanning mergers and acquisitions, product portfolio planning, B2B enterprise software, SaaS metrics, conflict management, AI, and IoT solutions. Previously, he was General Manager and Vice President of Zebra Technologies, where he led organic and non-organic growth, M&A activities, leadership strategy, and customer success for the company’s Zebra Analytics business unit. Earlier, he was CEO of Profitect before its acquisition by Zebra Technologies in 2019. He has also held senior positions at Oracle and was a founder and executive board member of Demantra, which was acquired by Oracle in 2006. Yehiav holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and industrial management from Shenkar College of Israel and an MBA in entrepreneurship from Babson College. He is fluent in English, French, and Hebrew, enabling him to work with a range of clients from Israel, Europe, APAC, and the U.S. “I have had many opportunities to help companies get started, grow faster, or transition to new phases,” Yehiav said. “To me, nothing is more exciting than steering a company into a profitable, productive, and innovative future with a clear customer success focus. Given SmartSense by Digi’s proven track record and remarkable team of innovators and experts, I am confident the road ahead will be as exciting as it is successful.”
Nozomi Networks Labs Report: Ransomware Gangs and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities highlight risks as Law Enforcement fights back
While vulnerability disclosures increased 21% in the second half of 2021 and increasingly sophisticated criminal attacks made regular news, organizations are fighting back with targeted remediation efforts A new OT/IoT security trends report from Nozomi Networks Labs finds that while ransomware and Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) attacks continued to dominate cybercriminal activity in the second half of 2021, there was a slight uptick in state-sponsored actions as global tensions rise. Critical infrastructure such as healthcare, transportation, and food production is increasingly seen as highly vulnerable and lucrative targets based on their ability to disrupt society. More than 651 vulnerabilities were reported from July through December—a 21-percent increase over the previous six months. Supply chain vulnerabilities continue to offer the greatest opportunity to quickly spread damage across a wide range of products, service providers, or end-users. For the first time since Nozomi Networks began publishing the bi-annual report, there are early signs that defenders are maturing their strategies for security and resilience and maybe starting to gain an upper hand. In the second half of the year, international law enforcement agencies combined efforts to take down ransomware gangs, seize bitcoin bounties and make criminal arrests. And, in spite of predictions that the Apache Log4j vulnerability would be the most widely exploited security breach ever, the attacks have not seen the catastrophic loss that was predicted. “Security organizations and law enforcement are punching back,” said Nozomi Networks Co-founder and CTO Moreno Carullo. “We are seeing some good signs that more security professionals are modernizing their defenses to address both prevention and resiliency and that a post-breach mindset is paying off. Threats may be on the rise, but technologies and practices to defeat them are available now as we have greater insights into the nature of the vulnerabilities and attacks. We encourage more organizations to strengthen their security and situational awareness so they too are prepared in the face of an attack.” Nozomi Networks’ “OT/IoT Security Report” provides security professionals with the latest insights needed to re-evaluate risk models and security initiatives, along with actionable recommendations for securing critical infrastructure. This latest report includes: An overview of the threat landscape, such as: Notable ransomware updates An assessment of supply chain attacks in the second half of 2021 and The state of Access Brokers Markets The latest statics on ICS-CERT vulnerabilities – with a deeper dive into exploitation trends Remediation strategies to help ensure organizations stay ahead of emerging threats Related Resources: Read: OT/IoT Security Report Read the Blog Post: New Report: Trends and Countermeasures for Critical Infrastructure Attacks Sign Up for the Webinar: OT/IoT Security Review 2021 2H: Lessons for Critical Infrastructure
STXI Motion expands stepIM Family of Integrated Closed-Loop Servo-Steppers
STXI Motion, a global motion control, and servo solution company, introduces the stepIM NEMA 17 EtherCAT model, the newest addition to its family of integrated closed-loop servo stepper motors. The IP65-rated stepIM NEMA 17 delivers an efficient and economical solution for applications requiring the performance of a servo at the price of a stepper. “The new stepIM NEMA 17 closed-loop stepper creates the ability to lose the cabinet and gain design flexibility in decentralized motion architecture applications, where space is a limitation and performance optimization is needed,” said Siegfried Pries, Product Line Manager of STXI Motion. Efficient and Affordable With a cost-effective design and a superior closed-loop servo control by Servotronix Motion Control, the stepIM closed-loop servo stepper is available in three sizes: short (97.4 mm motor length), medium (105.9 mm motor length), and long (120.4 mm motor length). The stepIM significantly enhances the performance of stepper motors when compared to conventional open-loop control. The integrated electronics control the stepper motor as a two-phase BLDC motor, implementing position servo loop, velocity loop, DQ current control, and additional algorithms. Closed-loop commutation, by means of an absolute single-turn encoder, ensures optimal torque utilization at any speed. Designed for Decentral Machine Architectures In addition, stepIM closed-loop steppers support decentralized machine architecture by allowing machine builders to get rid of the cabinet and enhance motor performance with no step loss. The integrated design also minimizes component and wiring requirements. Further, the stepIM can function as distributed I/O points, reducing machine complexity. “StepIM stepper motors provide designers high-torque, low-speed capabilities, eliminating the need for a gear while also allowing for high speeds in low torque ranges at an economical price point,” said Pries. Brake and gearbox options are available, providing a complete integrated axis solution. Looking Toward the Future True to its mission to provide unmatched service, support, and systems in the field of industrial automation, STXI Motion expects to launch a brand-new line of servIM integrated servo motors in Q2 2022. These motors have 60 mm or 80 mm flanges and are currently available for beta testing at select sites.
KEB America adds Modbus TCP/IP Communication to S6 and F6 Drives
Variable Frequency Drives with Modbus TCP/IP supports machine builders in-process applications KEB America, Inc., a provider of industrial automation solutions in North America, announced the KEB F6 VFD and S6 Servo Drive now supports Modbus TCP/IP communication protocol. In addition to Modbus TCP/IP, the other supported Ethernet-based network communication protocols include EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, ProfiNet, and Powerlink. “The variety of supported communication protocols in our drives gives machine builders a lot of flexibility,” said Jonathan Bullick, sales and marketing manager at KEB America. “The Modbus TCP/IP option will truly benefit those working with process applications like pumps, fans, and compressors.” KEB’s F6 and S6 drive controllers are equipped with Safe Torque Off (STO) and deliver exceptional speed and position control. They control both induction and AC permanent magnet servo motors. The two KEB drives feature flexible heatsinks, a dual-channel encoder card, the power ranges up to 400Hp, and internal positioning capability for motion control applications.
SIERA.AI announces $6.8 Million Seed Funding round
Connected Industrial Mobility provider, SIERA.AI, announced the completion of a $6.8 million-dollar seed funding round. The funding round was supported by Parkway Venture Capital, a New York venture capital firm, and Ubiquity Ventures, a Silicon Valley seed-stage institutional venture capital firm. Ken’s Foods and NFI Industries are among the building material, food and logistics industries that are planning to scale with SIERA.AI’s technology offerings for vehicle compliance and safety. Flagship products include S3 Pedestrian Detection and S3 Slow to a Safe Stop. “Warehousing is the new retail,” said Suhas Ahuja, Co-Founder & COO of SIERA.AI. “SIERA.AI is positioned to lead the new eCommerce world with safety and automation that enables an organization to achieve sustainable growth.” SIERA.AI proactively foster’s a better workplace. “Our vision is to bring the power of one screen on the vehicle and one dashboard in the cloud for heavy industrial vehicles,” said Saurav Agarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of SIERA.AI. “We expect our platform will enable customers to connect their Warehouse Management and Manufacturing Execution Systems to our single mobility orchestration engine that will drive productivity across all types of manual and autonomous vehicles.”
New Hikvision Audio and Strobe Light AcuSense Camera helps deter crime and reduces false alarms
Hikvision, a manufacturer and supplier of security products and solutions, continues to build on its popular line of AcuSense surveillance cameras with the introduction of the new AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Camera Series. The new camera series combines advanced machine learning with integral strobe lighting and audio warnings in a single unit providing an effective autonomous solution for deterring intruders. Unlike conventional security systems that rely on multiple devices for visual surveillance and visual and audible alerts, the new Hikvision AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras deliver an all-in-one solution. Equipped with Hikvision’s 2nd generation AcuSense intelligence, these new cameras help reduce false alarms by up to 90% by accurately classifying humans and vehicles, and filtering out innocuous motion events caused by animals, inclement weather, or foliage. Users can customize audio responses with pre-recorded audio messages that play at up to 60dB from a built-in speaker. The cameras come equipped with 10 audio sound options, with the ability to easily adjust the pattern and frequency of the strobe light. When an event occurs, Hikvision AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras also send instant event notifications to system administrators via the Hik-Connect App, available for iOS and Android platforms. This allows security personnel to view surveillance footage in real-time on a smartphone or tablet, and initiate two-way audio communication with trespassers within a radius of 49 feet (15 meters) of the camera, warning them to leave the premises. “With real-time visual and audible alarms and communications, our new AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras provide a powerful and automatic deterrence to criminal activity, while dramatically reducing false alarms,” said John Xiao, Vice President Marketing, Hikvision USA. “These new security solutions are ideal for protecting private residences, retail shops, warehouses, offices, and so much more.” Hikvision AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras are available in a fixed turret, fixed bullet, and speed dome configurations with resolutions ranging from 4 MP to 8 MP.
HGH celebrates the new year at the forefront of innovation for its 40 years of existence
At the dawn of the year 2022, HGH Group is celebrating a unique milestone, marking its 40th anniversary with a renewed commitment to electro-optical innovation. A new chapter begins for this pioneer in infrared technology which has established itself as an international reference in terms of electro-optical innovation by constantly pushing the frontiers of technological innovations. Looking to the future, HGH is seizing the opportunity of this celebration to announce plans to remain a leader in electro-optics innovation, reinvent a strong visual identity and further expand its activities and partnerships worldwide. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Igny, France, HGH develops and sells innovative electro-optics and infrared systems and software for surveillance applications, test & measurement, and industrial thermography to blue-chip customers in different end-markets. In forty years, through significant investment in R&D, HGH has positioned itself as a technology leader and has acquired major international customer references in security, defense, and industry. In particular, HGH has developed a unique proposition with the SPYNEL panoramic Wide Area Surveillance solution, enhanced by its proprietary software for thermal image processing and analysis. For its 40th anniversary, HGH unveils a brand-new image and proves that it has not finished modernizing and innovating. After the launch of its new website, designed to reflect new brand identity, HGH has deployed a more modern and streamlined visual identity on all the Group’s communication media to better represent its technology at the cutting edge of innovation. A pioneer in electro-optics and infrared technologies, HGH has proven time and time again its ability not only to renew itself and have new ideas but also to implement them very quickly in order to maintain its leadership position and meet customers’ needs. Vincent Leboucher, CEO, commented: “HGH’s strength lies in its thirst for continuous innovation by bringing to the market high-end and disruptive electro-optics technologies and services. Today, HGH is leading the way towards Artificial Intelligence in long-distance surveillance, with an ultimate user experience. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our committed collaborators, our customers, for their loyalty and their precious collaboration in the development of new products as well as our stakeholders and large network of strategic partners. Going forward, HGH will remain committed to contributing to the progress of electro-optics technologies for Defense, Security, Science and Industry needs. To the next forty years!”
EP 247: Inspectorio
On this episode, I was joined by Co-Founder and President at Inspectorio, David Klein. Is it a supply chain SaaS platform that helps you with your quality, compliance, and now tracking? We discuss how Inspectorio was founded, how it has helped companies through the pandemic, and the new tracking component. Key Takeaways David and his co-founders started out helping companies to source manufacturing in Asia for different types of products. Along the way, they developed some frustrations with the processes and being able to ensure that everything was running smoothly. As they were doing this they started to develop systems so that they could more easily handle these types of things. One of the large pain points was ensuring that the level of quality was of the same standard across all suppliers. While they were managing this on their own they started to develop what is now Inspectorio and thought that it would be something companies would want to use so it is now offered as a SaaS platform for all companies to use. Many of the largest retailers utilize this platform and find great efficiency improvements from it. One of the largest pain points for companies during the pandemic has been visibility into their supply chain. Previously things would just continuously flow but the abrupt stop and then the resulting delays have to lead to a lot of gaps in the company’s supply chains. With Inspectorio, however, companies had more visibility into what was happening with their PO’s and where they were in the manufacturing pipeline. By having the data consistent and in a standard format in one platform no matter how many suppliers you are dealing with, you are able to easily have more visibility and make data-driven decisions in a faster way. Along with visibility comes the need to be able to see your tracking and this is where Inspectorio’s new component comes into play. The tracking component of Inspectorio which was just recently launched really allows you to have visibility into your supply chain and understand where your product is. I got a demo of this component and the great thing about is how the platform is fully customizable so you can see the data that you want to see and in the way you want to see it. You can easily hide data and bring in different data if you want which allows great flexibility. The best thing is that it aggregates all of the data from your different suppliers into one spot and reduces the need for manually extracting this data to combine into reports. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 247: Inspectorio
Seeq recognizes its 2021 Reseller and Service Partners of the Year
Seeq’s annual partner awards program honors excellence in delivering the next generation of process manufacturing improvements Seeq Corporation, a manufacturing and industrial internet of things advanced analytics software, has announced its 2021 Reseller and Service Partners of the Year. These partners have been selected for their excellence in providing value to customers, their continued investments in technical expertise with their Seeq-certified employees and training professionals, and for creating awareness of Seeq through collaboration in marketing activities and events. Seeq enables engineers and scientists in process manufacturing organizations to rapidly analyze, predict, collaborate, and share insights to improve production outcomes. Seeq customers include companies in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, energy, mining, food and beverage, and other process industries. Investors in Seeq include Insight Ventures, Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures, Altira Group, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Cisco Investments. In 2021, Seeq announced a $50 million Series C funding round led by Insight Partners, was recognized by Frost & Sullivan’s North American Technology Innovation Leadership Award for Seeq Data Lab, and expanded its products and capabilities, including support for machine learning innovation. “We are pleased to select four companies as our 2021 Reseller and Service Partners of the Year,” says Will Knight, Head of Worldwide Partner Sales at Seeq. “These awards recognize the impact these partners have on empowering our customers to create advanced analytics insights and the standards they have set for excellence in delivering the next generation of process manufacturing improvements.” Resellers of the Year Asia Pacific Nukon is Seeq’s 2021 Asia Pacific Partner of the Year. Nukon was selected among Seeq’s reselling partners for its focus on customer support and its tremendous growth in the Australian market, more than doubling its revenue over the previous year. The company provides a variety of OT and IT solutions and services to its clients in the consumer goods, infrastructure, utilities, and waste management industries. “We’re honored to be selected as a Seeq Partner of the Year for the second year running,” says Alec Konynenburg, General Manager at Nukon. “Nukon prides itself on providing the best solutions for clients, and Seeq’s capability allows us to do this through their unique set of offerings. The Nukon and Seeq partnership is built on joint values and commitment to our customers, and we’re excited to continue to provide this value in 2022 and beyond.” Americas Swan-Black is Seeq’s 2021 Americas Partner of the Year. Swan-Black was selected for its rapid growth in the Americas and globally, and its support for Seeq’s customers in the food and beverage and bioscience industries. Swan-Black has expertise in batch and continuous manufacturing processes, with a focus on applying advanced analytics to improve business outcomes. “We are incredibly honored to be recognized by Seeq as Partner of the Year for the Americas,” says Joe Gardner, Practice Lead at Swan-Black. “The Seeq solution and the team’s support of our efforts empower us to deliver meaningful process data insights for our customers, leading to increased process efficiency and optimization. We look forward to our continued partnership with Seeq and the value it will bring our customers well into the future.” EMEA Crucial Solutions and Services (CSS) is Seeq’s 2021 EMEA Partner of the Year. CSS was selected for its support and leadership of Seeq’s customers in the Middle East, notably its collaboration on Saudi Aramco’s industrial digitalization initiatives. The company provides a variety of technology offerings to its clients in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and power and utility industries. “CSS is dedicated to providing customers with game-changing services and solutions that optimize their efficiency and enhance business growth,” says Sulaiman Alzuhair, Founder and CEO at CSS. “Seeq’s complementary products and capabilities enable CSS to achieve this mission and we are honored to be selected as the Seeq Partner of the Year for EMEA.” Service Partner of the Year BKO Services LLC is Seeq’s first Service Partner of the Year recipient. BKO was selected for its expertise in the oil and gas and power generation industries, its work on Shell’s upstream digital initiatives and Tranter’s use of advanced digital tools to manage its clients’ fleet of heat transfer equipment, and its investment in Seeq-certified employees. In 2021 alone, BKO added five certified partner analytics engineers and one certified instructor to its team. The company provides data engineering, machine learning, and OSIsoft application development services for the oil and gas, power, and other process manufacturing industries. “As the true value of data analytics and machine learning become more apparent, technology must not only keep pace with the increasing availability of data but effectively utilize it to improve operations and safety,” says Shaun Wright, CEO of BKO. “We are pleased and proud to be a Seeq partner and part of the radical mindset shift driving this rapidly emerging field of science and technology.” Seeq’s worldwide growth is fueled in part by its partnerships and commitment to cloud-based computing. Seeq is available in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) marketplace, is an AWS Industrial and Energy Competency Partner, and supports many data storage services, including Amazon Redshift, S3, plus machine learning in SageMaker, and others. On Microsoft Azure, Seeq has been available as a SaaS application in the Azure Marketplace since 2019, with support for many Azure cloud services including Synapse, Azure Data Lake, and Active Directory. Seeq also supports connectivity to Azure Data Explorer, Time Series Insights, and Power BI. In addition to cloud partnerships, Seeq connects to an extensive set of data storage platforms from vendors including OSIsoft, Siemens, GE, Honeywell, Inductive Automation, AVEVA, AspenTech, Yokogawa, InfluxDB, Snowflake, and others.
JLT Mobile Computers completes acquisition of French sales partner ID Work that becomes JLT France
As part of JLT’s growth strategy to strengthen its sales channel, the acquisition reinforces the company’s French presence and commitment to one of its largest and most important European markets JLT Mobile Computers, a developer of reliable computing solutions for demanding environments, is pleased to announce that they have completed the acquisition of their longtime French sales partner ID Work. Effective January 11th, ID Work becomes JLT France, with ID Work founder Philippe Briantais providing continuity as managing director of the new operation. The acquisition represents the next step in JLT’s growth strategy, and the establishment of a dedicated French sales office will significantly strengthen the company’s ability to support its customers and partners in the important French market. Founded by the French entrepreneur and industry veteran Philippe Briantais in 2013, ID Work has successfully established JLT on the French market and has been driving sales through a country-wide network of system integrators and resellers. During that period, France has grown into one of JLT’s largest and most important markets in Europe. With the acquisition, JLT is establishing a local sales office and will forge closer relationships with its French customers and sales partners. “This acquisition will be of great value to our French partners and customers,” said Philippe Briantais, founder of ID Work and newly appointed managing director of JLT France. “We have been an authorized JLT sales partner for nine years and our customers have always known they can rely on the superior quality, performance, and reliability of JLT computers. They will value JLT’s increased sales and support presence, and the company’s obvious commitment to the French market.” “ID Work has been a close partner and done a terrific job in introducing the JLT brand and our products on the French market and setting up a growing network of sales partners throughout the nation,” said Per Holmberg, CEO of JLT Mobile Computers Group. “With this acquisition, we now have the opportunity to work more closely with, and paying even greater attention to the specific needs of, our French partners and customers. I’m thrilled to be able to continue to work with Philippe Briantais as we drive our expansion in France further.” As a result of the acquisition, JLT will establish a local French office trading under the name JLT Mobile Computers France SAS and with its own personnel. ID Work’s business and all of its customers and sales partners in France will transition into the new JLT company. JLT is already in the process of recruiting technical and commercial sales managers for its new French office and has also set up a dedicated French-language version of its website. JLT’s core competence, products, and services mesh well with the company’s French market focus on warehousing and food industry logistics where JLT devices are deployed in all sorts of vehicles. Among key JLT customers in France are seven large distribution centers serving one of the leading French supermarket chains. The acquisition and French office formation is executed at a time where JLT is seeing a swift recovery from the Covid-19 related decline in 2020. JLT recently launched the Android-based JLT6012A rugged vehicle-mount computer and has established its new JLT Software Solutions subsidiary with the aim to develop software and services that will provide a competitive advantage and new business opportunities for JLT’s core products.
EP 243: Uncommon Keys from Softeon
On this episode, I was joined by Dan Gilmore who is the CMO at Softeon. Dan was previously on the podcast to talk about Softeon and its different capabilities. This time around we discuss a new white paper they released called “The 7 Uncommon Keys to WMS Success”. Key Takeaways Dan is quick to admit even though he is in the WMS business with Softeon, implementing these systems as well as others is never an easy undertaking due to the complexity and the amount of change that is taking place. In order to properly complete one of these projects, it is important to establish and follow certain guidelines so that everything goes smoothly. Knowing this from multiple projects, Softeon put together this white paper to help people understand some of the most uncommon keys that are often overlooked or not taken seriously enough. One of the keys that Dan shares are ensuring that you have the right team in place for your WMS project. I have seen this be an issue in the past and when the right stakeholders are not involved things get missed or uninformed decisions are made. As Dan points out, while senior-level individuals should be involved, it is incredibly important to involve those who are interacting with the system as well to give their input into how they see the system functioning based on their existing processes. Without this feedback, you can potentially make a very poor decision that would make a process worse instead of improving it. Another key that we spoke about was creating a reasonable and proper timeline for the project. While this seems like common sense, many times there is often not enough thought put into how long one specific action item or task will take. When planning the project you want to ensure that nothing gets rushed and that there is enough time allotted to properly test and set up the system. Dan points out that it is always good to build in a few extra weeks to the timeline because inevitably something will go off schedule and the pressure will be reduced to launch on the go-live date. Listen to the episode below and leave your project tips in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 243: Uncommon Keys from Softeon
EP 242: Autoscheduler
On this episode, I was joined by Keith Moore of Autoscheduler. Keith is the Chief Product Officer at Autoscheduler where they focus on intelligent warehouse orchestration. We discuss how Autoscheduler got its start, what it does and how it will help companies grow into the future. Key Takeaways Autoscheduler is intelligent warehouse orchestration or as Keith says for now it is a warehouse optimization resource until they can come up with a better name or acronym. But the name or acronym doesn’t matter as long as it can perform and provide value which it most certainly does. Originally developed for Proctor & Gamble to help properly schedule all of their workloads between multiple different shifts, Autoscheduler has now grown into a well-developed solution that is available to all companies. Its main purpose is to help take all of the different outputs that each system an operation can be using creates and match them up to ensure that work is getting scheduled at the proper times and the times that make sense. As companies start to add on multiple systems through growth there are often many times where it is difficult to get the information from one system to sync up with another. It has often been a tedious task or one that involves some heavy customization by the company. Through Autoscheduler the systems are now able to align and communicate more efficiently reducing the tedious tasks that existed before. As Keith explains, by simply checking boxes within the platform of how you want tasks to be done it will schedule all tasks to be done that way for the length of time desired. This greatly reduces wasted time within the operation as it will take into account where things need to be as well to have the best flow. With more technologies being introduced to our world every day, more systems are being introduced as well to support the technology and also generate the data needed to drive these technologies. The solution that Autoscheduler provides will help companies handle these growth phases as it will ensure that everything continues to flow together. Additionally, Keith mentions how they are looking at their technology in the way that everyday consumers look at their technology which allows for quick and seamless updates as well as very fast implementations which is more of what someone would expect. It will be interesting to see how they develop into the future. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 242: Autoscheduler