Schneider Electric delivers next-generation, open automation infrastructure in collaboration with Intel and Red Hat
New Distributed Control Node (DCN) software framework to help drive open automation The solution helps replace vendor-specific hardware with plug-and-produce offer Interoperability and portability support industrial innovation, reduce obsolescence Schneider Electric, a digital transformation of energy management and automation, in collaboration with the technology companies Intel and Red Hat, has announced the release of a Distributed Control Node (DCN) software framework. An extension of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert, this new framework enables industrial companies to move to a software-defined, plug-and-produce solution, allowing them to enhance their operations, ensure quality, reduce complexity, and optimize costs. Next generation of industrial control Aligned with the goals of the Open Process Automation Forum (OPAF), which is dedicated to driving interoperability and portability, the three collaborators have worked together to create a modern, network-based experience that will lead the way to the next generation of industrial control. “This project is the culmination of two years of co-innovation to create efficient, future-proof distributed control systems,” said Nathalie Marcotte, Senior Vice President of Process Automation at Schneider Electric. “The DCN framework is key to fostering an open automation approach, enabling industrial businesses to grow and innovate for the future. Its interoperability and portability help our customers enjoy the freedom of shaping technology around their business needs – and not the other way around.” Red Hat, in collaboration with Intel, has announced the creation of a new industrial edge platform that helps provide a modern approach to building and operating industrial controls. Since implementing this platform, Schneider Electric has now deployed Red Hat Device Edge in the new DCN software, in addition to Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform and Red Hat OpenShift at the compute layer for DCN deployments, combined with a control infrastructure from Schneider Electric and reference architecture from Intel. The framework consists of two main components: an advanced computer platform (ACP), which supervises the control workload by providing the content control and automation capabilities needed to deploy workloads securely and programmatically, along with virtualization and monitoring functionalities; and the DCN, which are low-power, industrial systems using Intel Atom x6400E series processors, dedicated to running controls and designed for workloads f mixed-criticality. “Open and interconnected commercial solutions will help usher in the transition from fixed function proprietary devices to flexible and dynamic software-based infrastructures,” said Christine Boles, Vice President of Intel’s Network and Edge Group and General Manager for Federal and Industrial Solutions. “Intel has a long history of driving open system approaches across its ecosystem. This collaboration with Schneider Electric and Red Hat to develop a software-defined control system showcasing next-generation distributed control nodes built on general-purpose compute and operating systems brings about this transition to the industrial sector.” “Red Hat is committed to helping manufacturers implement autonomous operations on the shop floor,” said Francis Chow, Vice President and General Manager of In-Vehicle Operating System and Edge at Red Hat. “By working closely with our partners like Schneider Electric and Intel, we can help build scalable, software-defined factories and operations capable of advanced automation and interoperability by utilizing a consistent platform approach. We’re excited about this collaboration, and this is only the beginning. By taking these steps now, we can help set the industrial sector up to explore all the possibilities AI, edge computing and more have to offer.”
Point of Rental Software acquires Record360
Acquisition to Expand Rental Inspection Software’s Reach Worldwide Record360, a rental inspection software solution, has been acquired by Point of Rental Software, the largest company globally in rental management software. The acquisition is designed to fuel Record360’s product development and growth, allowing the team to accelerate the pace of product innovation, increase its global footprint, and continue setting the standard for mobile digital documentation tools. “Point of Rental aligns with our values of bringing innovative products to market while focusing on responsible long-term growth and customer service,” said Record360 CEO Abby Chao. “Because our products are complementary, Record360 customers will benefit as we discover new features we can build into our product.” Record360 will continue to operate as its own business entity, adding inspection software to Point of Rental’s valuable suite of RMS-independent solutions, which also include e-commerce, consumer portal, electronic signature collection, and integrated payments. “We see immense potential in the abilities of Record360 to transform the industry and we’re excited to combine our resources to realize that potential,” said Point of Rental CEO Wayne Harris. “We’ll continue to prioritize Record360’s autonomy and increase integration points through the Open API so that any ERP system can fully integrate with Record360.” Leadership from both organizations will talk about the future of the united business at Point of Rental’s pre-ARA Show happy hour in New Orleans on Feb. 18. For those not able to attend, they’ll also host an online webinar to share the vision for Record360 in the weeks after the show.
HWArobotics delivers advanced ASRS technology to Canadian e-commerce specialist Darwynn
HWArobotics is making a splash in North America, supplying advanced shuttle ASRS technology to e-commerce logistics specialist Darwynn The North American warehouse automation market is undergoing rapid changes as it continues to expand and innovate. Shuttle systems pioneer HWArobotics is attracting attention in the region with the recent adoption of its technology by Canadian e-commerce fulfillment specialist Darwynn. Third-party logistics provider Darwynn, which prides itself on using cutting-edge warehousing solutions, turned to HWArobotics to streamline order fulfillment operations at its site in Toronto, Canada. Robotic automated storage and retrieval systems (Shuttle ASRS) technology from HWArobotics – comprising a multi-level shuttle system of 24 carts, 10,368 storage locations, and 6 goods lifts – was selected by Darwynn for its intelligent logistics center. Darwynn provides sellers with localized warehousing, logistics, and after-sales services through an integrated e-commerce platform, modularized intelligent warehouse, and seamless integration with multiple logistics platforms. It was looking to meet the demands of its business expansion as the number of SKUs within its facilities increased, in addition to enhancing service quality, efficiency, safety, and sustainable development capabilities. HWArobotics technology delivers immediate and future benefits With 20,000 individual SKUs handled by the new facility, the HWArobotics Shuttle ASRS “goods-to-person” system was able to increase throughput for Darwynn to 2,400 bins/hour. In the first phase of Darwynn’s project, storage is configured as 3 double-deep aisles and 8 levels for the efficient parallel operation of multiple shuttle carts. The shuttle ASRS solution, with picking stations and WCS systems, was easily integrated into Darwynn’s end-to-end fulfillment operations via HWArobotics’ industry-leading speedy onboarding process. It has delivered a series of benefits for Darwynn and its customers, including: Optimized inventory management Enhanced operational efficiency Higher throughput Improved warehouse space utilization Expanded storage capacity Reduced overall business costs Lower error rates Reliability and ease of maintenance Complementing Darwynn’s real-time inventory tracking and e-commerce offering and meeting the demands of sellers and buyers, the new system is also future-proofed – with a total inventory capacity of 200,000 items, the capability to meet peak business needs, and the adaptability to match Darwynn’s growing demand. Commenting on the project, HWArobotics General Manager, Sky Chen, explains, “This project delivered an efficient, reliable, user-friendly and easily-maintained multi-level shuttle ASRS warehouse system. We are very pleased with the system performance so far and the potential the solution offers to Darwynn for further expansion. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership in the future.” HWArobotics plans to continue expansion in North America Darwynn is just one of many successful customer deployments by HWArobotics. Bringing its 20 years of rich industry experience in logistics automation to North America, the company has established a high-performance team in the region to provide extensive global after-sales service, with on-site engineers to assist post-sales. The company debuted its SLS600 four-directional tote shuttle robot at the ProMat 2023 trade expo in Chicago last March to gain momentum and seek further partnerships with North American system integrators. Sky Chen, adds, “Our tested and trusted ASRS solutions embody advanced design principles and are based on two decades of industry know-how, innovations, and outstanding R&D competence. Leveraging our extensive experience in supply chain efficiencies across the Asia-Pacific region, HWArobotics is an ideal partner for companies in North America, offering our full range of shuttle robot products. We are keen to bring our value proposition to U.S. system integration partners to achieve a win-win situation for the long term.” In addition to its expanding customer base in North America, HWArobotics also has successful deployments of its pioneering shuttle technology around the globe, with customers including Shein, Bosch UAES, SONY, Freshippo (Alibaba Group’s grocery retail chain), Hisense Hitachi, Faurecia (a subsidiary of global automotive technology giant FORVIA Group), JD.com, and Phoenix Media. In South Korea, the company has been a key part of consumer co-operative group iCOOP’s fresh food project, supplying a solution with 22 shuttle cars, 4,840 storage spaces, and 4 goods lifts. HWArobotics was recently nominated as a “Finalist” for the prestigious IFOY Award 2024. Run by German logistics prize group IFOY, the international industry prize this year features 15 companies from 6 countries. The winners are determined by an independent jury of international trade journalists and will be announced in June at a ceremony in Baden, near Vienna, Austria. Announcing the shortlist, Anita Würmser, Chairperson of the IFOY jury declared that the finalists “reflect the megatrends of our time”.
New Mobile APP for risk and safety professionals launched by Origami Risk
New solution helps engage operations and reinforce safety culture by streamlining safety inspections, audits, incident reporting and analytics, corrective actions Origami Risk, a risk, safety, and insurance Software as a Service technology firm, today announced the launch of a new mobile application with enhanced user experience to support the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) and risk management functions. The new app, Origami Mobile, empowers safety and risk professionals, employees, and contractors to quickly conduct audits and inspections; make observations; and report incidents from anywhere in the field via mobile phone or tablet – even when Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity is unavailable. Used in conjunction with Origami’s integrated platform for risk, safety, and compliance, the new app helps risk and safety professionals drive visibility into their data and initiatives through a single, centralized system. “As risk and EHS professionals look to be both more proactive and efficient in their efforts to drive safety, reduce risks, improve productivity, and achieve operational excellence, new technology-driven solutions are helping them raise the bar on their performance and results,” said Sean Salvas, senior market strategy lead-EHS at Origami Risk. “Working closely with our risk and safety clients, we designed the new mobile app to give those professionals an easy way to engage operations in the safety process, share in the success, and strengthen the safety culture across the enterprise.” “Mobile applications are an essential technology adopted by the vast majority of EHS leaders, with real-time data and offline functionality key to proactively identifying risks and hazards before incidents occur and ultimately sending workers home safe,” noted Bill Pennington, VP of Research, EHS and Risk Management at Verdantix, “Origami Risk continues to solidify its role in the EHS marketplace as an innovator with the introduction of its next-generation mobile app with modern performance and consumer-like navigation, filtering, and searching capabilities.” Origami Mobile enables risk and safety team members, operations managers, supervisors, and other users to perform multiple safety-related tasks, including: Complete standard checklists based on best practices or forms designed by risk and safety team members for specific departments, functions, operations, or locations. Detect and report workplace and operational hazards and behavior trends, including photo uploads to illustrate issues. Trigger the development of corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness. Gather real-time incident and near-miss data from specific operations or worksites, enabling risk and safety teams to instantaneously assess risk and hazards. Leverage data to create opportunities for early intervention and quicker resolution, preventing injuries and claims before they occur. Identify, report, and analyze safe/unsafe employee behaviors and conditions. Provide timely coaching to encourage and reinforce safe behaviors. Among its many features, the app includes offline capabilities that enable remote workers with limited internet access to input data offline and submit it when Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity becomes available. An autofill capability instantly matches employee and location data, streamlining the reporting process and eliminating the need for manual and repetitive data entry. Furthermore, with voice-to-text functionality, the app can be operated hands-free, promoting active note-taking and reporting. All input from the mobile app is automatically captured in a single web-based repository, giving risk and safety team members ready access to incident and claims data, dashboards, checklists, and metrics, while facilitating easy reporting and analytics.
Episode 454: Innovating Asset Management in Warehousing with Traka
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Brian Davidson, Regional Sales Manager at Traka Americas, joins the show to discuss asset management in Warehousing. Traka Americas, a part of the Assa Abloy Group, specializes in asset storage and management solutions, mainly focusing on key and equipment management in various industries. This episode delves into how Traka’s innovative solutions address common pain points in warehouse operations and asset management. The Growing Need for Asset Management in Warehousing Davidson outlines the journey of Traka Americas, beginning with a software solution for a major airline in the early ’90s and evolving into a key and asset management company. Their initial focus on key management for fleet vehicles expanded over time, introducing locker management in 2007 to accommodate growing demands for diverse asset control, like managing radios. Davidson emphasizes, “The product continuously evolved, and as devices became more and more prevalent, now device management. Facilities are growing larger and larger, placing these scanners and keys in a place easily accessible within a facility has proven very valuable for many organizations.” Asset Management Accountability in Warehousing Davidson discusses Traka’s significant impact in the warehouse sector, especially in managing forklift keys and device management. He highlights the importance of placing devices and keys strategically within facilities for accessibility and efficiency. Davidson explains, “Our system enforces the process that employees need to follow, ensuring instant accountability and efficiency.” Curfew Feature and Fault Logging for Improved Management Traka’s system includes a ‘curfew feature’ for timely asset return and a ‘fault logging’ feature allowing users to report issues with equipment. Davidson explains, “If someone hasn’t returned their device, an email alert is sent out to their manager within a minute of the item going past curfew.” Access schedules in Traka’s system offer a critical feature for enhancing security and compliance within warehouse operations. They enable administrators to restrict vehicle or equipment use outside business hours, ensuring assets are only accessed during designated times. Traka’s fault logging feature offers a practical solution for recording and managing equipment issues. Upon returning an item, users can log any faults they encounter, such as a flat tire on a vehicle or a cracked screen on a scanner. These features prevent loss of productivity and ensure timely repair and maintenance of equipment. Davidson notes, “It helps ensure that these items are being returned within a designated timeframe.” Key Takeaways Traka Americas has evolved from software solutions to comprehensive key and asset management in warehousing. Their systems improve efficiency and accountability in warehouse operations. Innovative features like curfew alerts and fault logging enhance equipment management. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 454: Innovating Asset Management in Warehousing with Traka
Does CRM really “help” make the sale? Depends on which one you use
Are you using some form of database management to “control” your customer data? Customer Relationship Management or CRM has been around in one form or another for nearly 30 years. But in the last five years it’s become more sophisticated, more of a sales necessity, and a lot more competitive. The main multiple-user programs include Salesforce, Pipedrive, Zoho, Oracle, and Hubspot. Since I am often asked “which one” I recommend, I think it’s best to develop criteria for what I feel needs to be included (you should do the same) and go from there. Logging on to your CRM application gets you to your opening desktop dashboard. At a minimum there has to be an eyeful of “now.” You want to see hot prospects, top proposals, a forecast, their report card, and today’s appointments. You want a quick path to contacts, emails, and calendar – and maybe a motivational quote. From there, it should only be one click to new leads, current accounts, opportunity accounts, activity lists, phone book, email, contacts, tasks, a daily to-do report, a won-loss report, and/or a lead analysis report. And just a double click away from account detail, key issues, key people, and a sales plan to close each deal. ALERT: CRM is MISSING sales coaching. Coaching helps the salesperson make the sale, either internally with product knowledge, or externally with sales answers by means of online coaching when you demand it. If I’m a salesperson using CRM, and I am, I want to have access to better questions, a way to follow-up, pathways to decision makers, strategies to close my sales AS I progress through each sales cycle, and a way to build a relationship once a sale is made. Monitoring a sales cycle is one thing – that’s what databases are designed to do. But assisting salespeople with each step in the sales cycle is the missing element. Now with the domination of e-mail communication to single and multiple customers, PDF proposals, video chat and AI, a new dynamic has emerged in CRM: Monitoring all social and face-to-face activity. REALITY: The tragic flaw in CRM is that salespeople (maybe even you) avoid entering sales data even though it could help them. Yes, salespeople are reluctant to enter data for one silly reason or another, pain in the butt, EVEN though it’s for their own good. Me? I look for what I need and the user-friendliness of the application. Me? I look for what I use every day and how efficient it is. That’s why I chose Pipedrive, ease of use (I programmed it myself to my sales cycle), and amazing sales oriented and sales friendly functions. You? Do the same as I do. Figure out what’s best for you and do that. BUT do something. If you don’t have a CRM application in your life, get one. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself at a technological and informational disadvantage. And in sales, that’s no place to be. If you want the Pipedrive info and a free 30-day demo, go to www.gitomer.com/crm and get the offer. About the Author: Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of seventeen best-selling books including The Sales Bible and The Little Red Book of Selling. All of Jeffrey’s sales and personal development training programs, including his coaching program and a sales skills assessment, are available at www.gitomer.com. Gitomer’s NEW 3-day sales certification program is now available LIVE – go to www.GitomerTraining.com/coach. For information about keynote speaking, customized training and seminars visit www.gitomer.com, or email Jeffrey personally at helpme@gitomer.com.
Seeq recognizes 2023 Partners of the Year
Seeq, an advanced analytics and industrial AI, announced its 2023 Partners of the Year. These partners have been recognized for their excellence in providing value to customers, their continued investments in technical expertise with Seeq-certified employees and training professionals, and for creating awareness for Seeq through collaboration in marketing activities and events. Seeq delivers a self-service, advanced analytics and industrial AI platform that accesses and leverages vast amounts of historically underused data. By incorporating leading-edge technologies, including AI, machine learning, and other capabilities, into its platform and leveraging its global partner network, Seeq powers a range of use cases for employees across the enterprise to accelerate digital transformation outcomes such as operational excellence and profitability, workforce upskilling, and sustainability. “In 2023, our global, diverse partner ecosystem helped our shared customers scale, empower, and maximize access to data to solve operational challenges,” said Megan Buntain, VP of Global Partnerships and Ecosystem. “We congratulate these outstanding partners for their dedication to delivering the next generation of industrial manufacturing improvements while providing unmatched value to our joint customers.” Partner of the Year winners are selected from both partner submissions for the Workforce Empowerment, Operational Excellence and Sustainability Changemaker categories, and Seeq nominations for the Rising Star, Training & Adoption, Technology Innovation and Top Value-Added Reseller categories. The 2023 Seeq Partner of the Year recipients include: Workforce Empowerment Crucial Solutions and Services (CSS) is the 2023 Seeq Workforce Empowerment Partner of the Year recipient. CSS was selected for developing scalable training and adoption programs, which the company has leveraged across several customers. Using comprehensive training and engagement planning materials, CSS has helped execute training throughout organizations and maximize value. The company provides a variety of technology offerings to its clients in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and power and utilities industries. Operational Excellence Nukon is a 2023 Seeq Operational Excellence Partner of the Year recipient. A four-year Partner of the Year recipient, Nukon built a comprehensive training program for process engineers and data scientists to easily collaborate and build predictive analytics. Knowledge sharing across the teams led to accelerated Seeq expansion and optimized performance across several assets. With multiple Seeq customers across food and beverage, mining, metals, and materials, utilities, and specialty manufacturing, Nukon delivers exceptional analytics support and insight across a broad spectrum of use cases. Vertix is a 2023 Seeq Operational Excellence Partner of the Year recipient. Vertix was selected for its dedication to working with customers to grow their Seeq predictive capabilities, resulting in improved decision-making for critical adjustments and increased production efficiency. The company provides a variety of digital solutions and services to support digital transformation journeys across the oil and gas, mining, pharmaceutical, and pulp and paper industries. Sustainability Changemaker BKO Services LLC is the 2023 Seeq Sustainability Changemaker Partner of the Year recipient. BKO is recognized for providing a customer-centric approach, including hands-on analytics engineering support, that yields consistent and valuable customer outcomes. In 2023, BKO created real-time monitoring dashboards on critical assets for TexGen that reduced resource usage, resulting in operational efficiency and accelerated sustainability outcomes. The company provides data engineering and machine learning services for the oil and gas, power, and other process manufacturing industries. Rising Star e-matica is the 2023 Seeq Rising Star Partner of the Year recipient. e-matica has played a pivotal role in expanding Seeq’s presence in the EMEA region, including hosting regional events that facilitated key customer presentations and networking opportunities. The company provides a variety of digital solutions and services for industrial real-time data management across the pharmaceutical, chemicals, oil & gas, food and energy and utilities industries. Training & Adoption Werusys is the 2023 Seeq Training & Adoption Partner of the Year recipient. Werusys was selected for delivering high-quality training and implementation services to customers. Throughout 2023, Werusys completed the most training hours across the Seeq global partner network. The company implements design, development and support of open IT infrastructure solutions for the process industry. Technology Innovation Werusys is the 2023 Seeq Technology Innovation Partner of the Year recipient. In 2023, Werusys developed the Werusys PI Vision Suite, a bi-directional integration with AVEVA PI Vision that delivers new data visualizations and widgets, improving workflows and productivity for Werusys and Seeq shared customers. Top Value-Added Reseller Swan-Black is the Top Value-Added Reseller Partner of the Year recipient. Swan-Black demonstrates consistent partner excellence with significant global account expansions and wins and continued delivery of top-tier customer support. Swan-Black has expertise across food and beverage, bionutrition, and industrial process-data infrastructure, with a focus on applying advanced analytics to improve business outcomes. Seeq’s global growth is accelerating through ecosystem partnerships and commitment to cloud-based computing. Seeq is available worldwide through a global partner network of cloud service providers and system integrators, which provides training and other value-added services in addition to resale support for Seeq in over 40 countries.
Mark Moffat appointed as CEO of IFS
IFS, the global cloud enterprise software company, announced that Mark Moffat has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Moffat takes over from Darren Roos who has been appointed as the company’s Chair of the Board. Both appointments are effective immediately. The transition provides great continuity for the business by building on the successful strategy that has seen IFS transform into the leading vendor for Asset & Service Management software. Moffat, Roos, and the IFS Executive Team have been working on the transition over the past six months as part of the Board’s succession planning process. Moffat, who was previously IFS Chief Customer Officer, is a well-known and respected technology leader having held several senior positions at PwC before joining IFS. Commenting on his appointment, Mark Moffat, CEO of IFS, said: “It is a great honor for me to lead IFS as we embark on this next chapter of growth. The business has immensely strong foundations to build upon and we have been putting all the right ingredients in place to continue to deliver on our strategy: a differentiated proposition, a hugely advanced and capable AI-based product, an engaged customer base, a motivated partner ecosystem, and of course our talented employee base.” Moffat continued: “I want to recognize and thank Darren for the impact he has had as my predecessor. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity as IFS Chair of the Board.” Under Roos’ tenure as CEO, IFS has more than tripled its overall revenues and transformed into a true Cloud business, from both a product and revenue perspective with 79% of total revenue now recurring (up from 36% when he joined). Thanks to sustained organic growth and customer satisfaction scores that set the industry benchmark, IFS has become the trusted vendor for industry focused applications that help manage assets, people, and customers. Darren Roos, Chair of the Board at IFS, commented: “I am thrilled to appoint Mark as my successor. He has a proven track record, brings a strong network, and is a great leader that people want to follow. I am proud of all that has been achieved since I joined IFS and want to thank the thousands of women and men throughout the business who have lived our shared values and made our customers successful. I am pleased to be continuing my journey with IFS, albeit in a different capacity. There is so much opportunity in the market and, together with the Board, I will work with Mark and his team to ensure we effectively capture it.” Roos concluded: “I take over as Chair of the Board from Jonas Persson, who I want to thank for his great governance and counsel over the years.” Johannes Reichel, partner at EQT (majority owner of IFS), added: “Darren and the leadership team have delivered phenomenal results in turning IFS into one of the fastest growing software businesses operating at scale. Mark has the right background and ambition that will enable IFS to take advantage of the opportunity ahead, and we look forward to him partnering with Darren as our new Chair of the Board.” Reichel added: “I also want to thank Jonas Persson who leaves the IFS Board, having been the Chairperson since EQT acquired the business. He will continue to serve as a Senior Advisor to EQT and is the Chairperson at several other EQT-owned software businesses.” IFS is backed by investors EQT, Hg and TA Associates, a group of world-class investors that have been invested as a trio in IFS since 2022 in a transaction valuing IFS at over $10bn. Together they bring decades of software experience, backing IFS for its next wave of growth. IFS plans to release its financial results for FY2023 on 30th January 2024.
TIA enhances education programming with SYNC Training
The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce, is excited to announce a collaboration with Metafora’s SYNC Logistics Training to enhance TIA’s education programs, New Broker Certification and New Employee Orientation, by adding live simulations for students. With the addition of SYNC Training’s live simulations, students now have the opportunity to implement what they are learning practically without worry before reaching out to potential clients, customers, and drivers. “TIA’s Research and Education arm is always on the hunt for the best instruction so that our members can learn how best to operate and grow their businesses,” said Anne Reinke, president & CEO of TIA. “We are delighted to have added Sync Logistics Training to our team of world-class instructors. Sync will provide practical knowledge and real-life examples of how best to work with carriers, shippers and all freight stakeholders.” Students will have access to the SYNC training platform via TIA’s Learning Management System, which will improve the overall learning experience for each student to help ensure they are prepared to start scaling their business after graduation from the course. The program also corresponds and works in conjunction with best-in-class asynchronous learning modules designed by industry experts, industry-leading coaches that offer live training weekly on a myriad of topics pertinent to new brokers, as well as proven training delivery methods by TIA Education staff that helps to ensure students have the skills they need to be successful within the brokerage industry upon completion of the course. “We are excited to partner with TIA to add additional value to their already strong training by providing some of our scenario-based training,” said Ryan Schreiber, vice president of Growth & Industry at Metafora. “The scenario-based training that Sync offers helps brokers practice the skills they learn in training in a low friction environment and accelerates their ramp.
Global survey highlights rise of technology-infused supply chains to address disruption, uncertainty, and cost pressures
52% of companies host enterprise applications in the Cloud; 76% anticipate AI integration in supply chains by 2026 More than half (52%) of companies currently host critical enterprise applications in the Cloud while 76% believe artificial intelligence (AI) will be an important part of their supply chain within the next three years, according to an annual report published by Loftware, the largest global software company specializing in Enterprise Labeling and Artwork Management solutions. The global survey, which draws on insights from over 300 labeling, packaging, and supply chain professionals across industries in 55 countries, found that investing in cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing, AI, and IoT solutions is no longer a tactical necessity but an enabler for business growth and agile supply chain operations. This shift in prioritization has primarily been driven by ongoing supply chain disruption, heightened consumer expectations, and growing sustainability demands. “As companies plan for 2024 and beyond, the combination of geopolitical uncertainties, climate instability, and the threat of recession continues to impact companies of all sizes. Organizations are grappling with disruptions that extend far beyond the traditional scopes, requiring a strategic recalibration to weather the storm and emerge stronger in the face of adversity,” said Josh Roffman, EVP of Marketing at Loftware. “With this in mind, a commitment to bolstering digital transformation strategies through investment in innovative technologies will be critical to streamline operations, drive growth, and increase profitability.” Gartner, a technology analyst firm, supports this notion and reports that global end-user spending on public cloud services is forecast to grow 20.4% to total $678.8 billion in 2024, up from $563.6 billion in 2023. The Loftware report also revealed that sustainability has become a crucial strategic and operational priority for organizations of all sizes around the globe. Of those surveyed by Loftware, 78% said they have already adopted sustainability initiatives across their organizations due to increased regulations and shifting consumer preferences. In fact, 77% of respondents believe stricter regulations and compliance requirements are pushing businesses to adopt sustainability practices, while 82% reported that consumer preferences for sustainable products are driving this approach. Facilitating transparency is a vital step in creating resilient supply chains and fostering better sustainability practices, so it’s no surprise that 79% of respondents flagged global traceability as a priority for their company – an increase from 70% just 12 months ago. Using cloud technology, digital traceability helps companies to ensure sustainable sourcing, protect consumers, streamline the location of inventory, guarantee on-time delivery to market, and address the growing issue of counterfeiting. Indeed, 48% of those surveyed believe the inability to effectively manage recalls is the biggest risk of not being able to track products through the supply chain. This compares to 33% five years ago. As highlighted by Loftware’s report, Industry 4.0 will continue to have an impact on companies and their manufacturing operations. Organizations operating across a range of industries, from automotive, electronics, and manufacturing to consumer products and life sciences, are embracing automation and standardized solutions which help them meet their own unique requirements. This is especially true for mission-critical business processes such as cloud labeling and printing, with 91% of respondents reporting seeing an advantage of using a single platform to support thermal transfer labeling and direct marking and coding. By adopting such a solution as part of a cloud-first strategy, businesses gain printing flexibility, accuracy, production line uptime, and efficiency to manage costs and support global growth. For more information about the trends identified by Loftware, access the full report and sign up for the ‘2024 Top 5 Trends in Labeling & Packaging Artwork’ webinar.
Siemens expands its SIMATIC MICRO-DRIVE servo-drive system for extra-low-voltage material handling and manufacturing applications
User benefits include seamless network integration, integrated drive safety, versatility, easy installation and commissioning Siemens is extending its drive portfolio in the extra-low-voltage range for 24–48V EC motors with its new SIMATIC MICRO-DRIVE. The new product line with UL- and CE-marked components consists of the PDC (Profidrive Control) servo drive in conjunction with a flexible range of motors and connecting cables from product partners, along with the TM (technology module) format with servo and stepper drives in compact 20mm width that can be used in conjunction with distributed or open controllers. Simple connectivity to Siemens programmable logic controllers (PLCs) helps significantly reduce the engineering workload, while integration into Siemens automation technology via its TIA Portal makes for simple commissioning and servicing. Attributes such as smart encoders and one-button tuning add to its plug-and-play startup. Communication takes place over PROFINET using PROFIsafe and PROFIdrive profiles. The new Safety Integrated function SLT (Safely Limited Torque) limits torque by monitoring motor current in running operation. To address its customers’ requirements with maximum flexibility, Siemens utilizes product partnerships with companies such as Dunkermotoren, ebm-pabst, Harting and KnorrTec when it comes to the motors and cables used with MICRO-DRIVE. Other third-party motors can also be utilized with support for various encoder types. SIMATIC MICRO-DRIVE PDC focuses on higher performance applications with 100W and 600W units that permit side-by-side rail mounting. They are available in standard (hardwired Safe Torque Off (STO)) and fail-safe versions. STO, SS1, SLT, SLS, and SSM Safety Integrated functions are available with the MICRO-DRIVE PDC100F variant. SIMATIC MICRO-DRIVE TM units are designed for basic performance in industries with a focus on compactness and simple safety requirements. They are available in 280W-rating and come standard with hardwired Safe Torque Off (STO) safety functions. In addition to servo, TM units feature new modules to control stepper motors with or without incremental encoders. Machine builders and users will benefit from a compact design, easy wiring and installation to ensure top performance. Both SIMATIC MICRO-DRIVE PDC and TM systems are suited to a wide range of diverse applications such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), conveyors, shuttles, storage and retrieval machines for warehousing systems, diverters, assembly machines, and industrial positioning applications. The Siemens Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal is used to configure drives and motors quickly and easily including the activation of safety functions with a Fail-safe PLC via PROFIsafe. Machine operating data can be transmitted directly to the controller from MICRO-DRIVE and transferred to Cloud-based platforms such as MindSphere over MindConnect.
Emerson’s new edge solution for faster digital transformation
DeltaV Edge Environment provides a sandbox to deploy and run applications with easy, secure, contextualized data access Global technology and software provider Emerson has launched the DeltaV™ Edge Environment, a first-of-its-kind integrated software solution that expands the capabilities of the evolving DeltaV automation platform to provide an operational technology (OT) sandbox for data manipulation, analysis, organization, and more. Teams can deploy and execute applications to run key artificial intelligence (AI) engines and analytics close to the data source with seamless, secure connectivity to contextualized OT data across the cloud and enterprise. The DeltaV Edge Environment empowers teams to deliver operational improvements tied to productivity, sustainability, and other business objectives. Valuable data in intelligent devices, machines, and systems helps enable enterprise-wide analytics, expands operational insight, and feeds the AI engines catalyzing innovation. However, OT data is often trapped beneath layers of systems and networks, adding complexity and removing meaningful context. The DeltaV Edge Environment expands the horizons of the distributed control system (DCS), creating a secure data superhighway where users can seamlessly socialize contextualized data directly with cloud and enterprise applications while also leveraging a built-in execution sandbox—a testing environment for critical innovation tasks such as generating dashboards, running applications and training AI tools. “Operations and IT increasingly rely on data from the control system to optimize production and increase intelligence for OT improvements, sustainability, and other digital transformation initiatives,” said Claudio Fayad, vice president of technology for Emerson’s process systems and solutions business. “The DeltaV Edge Environment is the first step in defining the control system of the future, extending the DeltaV DCS with the capability to move data and configuration easily and securely while simultaneously empowering users to drive innovation as they safely run applications and scripts inside the DCS.” The DeltaV Edge Environment helps production teams meet their need to more easily and securely engage with automation data and manipulate it into actionable information to steer digital transformation. A single, encrypted, outbound-only flow of data helps authorized users ensure they have constant access to near real-time data without the risk of users accessing the control system—a common risk with traditional custom-engineered solutions. Users can run applications for visualization, analytics, alarm management, digital twin simulations, and other needs with the contextualized data available on the DeltaV Edge Environment. OT teams will know the rich data they use is a precise replica, always up to date and fully reflective of the current operating condition. The DeltaV Edge Environment leverages open, common protocols such as OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) to provide contextualized data while standard application programming interfaces like representational state transfer architectural style (REST API) and scripting tools like Python provide the sandbox environment in which users can design and run applications.
Episode 435: Velostics – Streamlining warehouse scheduling with AI
In the latest episode of The New Warehouse podcast, Kevin sits down with Gaurav Khandelwal, CEO and founder of Velostics, to shed light on the revolutionary strides his company is making in the industry. Velostics has been carving its niche by creating custom logistics software for heavyweight industries, ranging from oil and gas to e-commerce, delivering solutions that transcend the typical boundaries of operational efficiency. Whether it’s the lines of trucks waiting outside plants, driver fatigue, detention frustrations, or rigorous compliance with ELD mandates, Velostics provides a novel approach to automate the traditionally manual scheduling processes, a solution poised to transform how plants and warehouses operate. But Velostics is more than just about automation; it’s a story of delayed disruption in the critical relationship between shippers and brokers and the intricate check-in and check-out operations. Please tune in to uncover how Velostics drives the warehousing industry forward and the potential impacts of its AI-powered solutions on your operations. Streamlining Warehouse Scheduling: Lessons from the Digital World The traditional approach to warehouse scheduling, as Khandelwal analogizes, resembles “the old school Craigslist” – a one-size-fits-all solution buried within warehouse management systems (WMS), yard management systems (YMS), or transportation management systems (TMS) that treated scheduling as an afterthought. This has led to a cumbersome process, with “20 clicks to get an appointment or change an appointment,” hardly aligning with the agility needed in modern logistics. Khandelwal’s company leaps forward, offering a “branded website” for shippers, where appointments for pickups and deliveries can be automated based on various factors, streamlining what was once a labyrinthine task. This digitization of scheduling extends beyond mere convenience. As Khandelwal underlines, it’s also about optimizing dock usage and labor management, reducing detention times, and, ultimately, cost savings. “It’s all set around optimization,” he stresses, ensuring that “the truck in and out as fast and as safely as possible” is the norm, not the exception. Harnessing AI for Enhanced Warehouse Scheduling Khandelwal captures the essence of this advancement, “Where our customers want it, we can integrate with their visibility provider… we can let the customer know… Do you want me to move this appointment automatically?” Warehouses are no longer static spaces but intelligent hubs that react and adapt in real time. Khandelwal’s insight into the power of predictive analytics in anticipating delays is a testament to the evolving landscape, “We started to notice…certain lanes, certain brokers, certain type of shippers, those trucks are like, you know, 10 percent late, 20 percent late.” Such data-driven foresight enables warehouses to mitigate the domino effect of delayed shipments, which can ripple through the supply chain, causing significant operational disruption. It’s this level of detail that AI captures and analyzes, providing recommendations to ensure warehouses stay a step ahead. For instance, he elucidates the benefits of this intelligent system, “…70 percent of the time, this truck’s not shown up when it said it would. Do you want to keep an opening for later in the day?” The potential of AI to actively suggest operational changes ensures warehouses aren’t just receivers of goods but proactive players in a larger, interconnected supply chain. Key Takeaways Innovation Through Customization: Velostics is setting a new standard in logistics software by offering tailored solutions that cater to the unique demands of industries as varied as oil and gas to e-commerce. Their innovative approach redefines the efficiency of check-in and check-out operations in warehouses and plants. Digital Transformation of Scheduling: By creating an automated, customizable “branded website” for shippers, Velostics is revolutionizing the appointment setting process. This leap forward not only enhances dock utilization and labor management but also significantly cuts down on detention times, leading to substantial cost savings. Predictive Power of AI: Integrating AI with real-time data provides unprecedented predictive analytics, enabling warehouses to adjust to delays and maintain smooth operations proactively. This shift from reactive to proactive management positions warehouses as pivotal players in a responsive and integrated supply chain. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 435: Velostics – Streamlining Warehouse Scheduling with AI
Seagull Scientific appoints Kendall Hyatt as new Director of Business Development and Strategic Alliances
Seagull Scientific, maker of BarTender® software, the global leader in software to print, mark and code labels, RFID tags, products, and packaging, has announced the appointment of Kendall Hyatt as the company’s new Director of Business Development and Strategic Alliances. “Kendall Hyatt has made significant contributions to the growth of Seagull Scientific’s business over the past 18 months as our Americas’ Business Development Manager of Channel Sales”, said Matthew Brine, Chief Revenue Officer of Seagull Scientific. “We are thrilled to welcome Kendall Hyatt to the role of Director of Business Development and Strategic Alliances. His skills and competencies across multiple technology sectors make him an excellent fit for this role. We look forward to his continued contributions and leadership.” Kendall’s appointment as Director of Business Development and Strategic Alliances is timely, coinciding with the creation of Seagull Scientific’s new Business Development and Strategic Alliances Sales Team. “I’m excited to work closely with my colleagues and our partners, to deliver value that meets the dynamic needs and business goals of our mutual customers,” said Kendall Hyatt, Director of Business Development and Strategic Alliances at Seagull Scientific. “As we continue to expand our digital transformation offerings, we are dedicating time and resources to positively impact customers along their modernization journey.” BarTender is the first labeling, marking and coding solution to offer full integration with the entire Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP product suite. Click here to learn more about how BarTender customers can harness BarTender’s trusted, proven, label printing and management solutions for the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management or Business Central.
AutoScheduler now available on SAP® Store
AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Management System (WMS) accelerator, announces that its warehouse resource planning and optimization platform, AutoScheduler, is now available on SAP® Store, the online marketplace for SAP and partner offerings. AutoScheduler takes data from SAP ERP solutions and uses capacity-constrained schedules to create plans and schedules that optimize the warehouse. “Adding AutoScheduler to the SAP Store will be an invaluable resource for companies needing to speed fulfillment operations, optimize warehouse resources, and better manage inventory. Many of our customers and prospects use SAP ERP solutions and are searching for ways to improve supply chain operations. AutoScheduler will help them orchestrate warehouse operations to drive value and efficiencies through the supply chain.” said Keith Moore, Chief Executive Officer, AutoScheduler AutoScheduler.AI enables organizations to: Combines disparate data from multiple systems, converges supply chain activities, and prescriptively creates fulfillment plans that orchestrate campus operations for optimized efficiency. Properly orchestrated facilities work harmoniously to get inventory shipped on time and in full. Prescribe the optimal workflow for operations using constraint-based mathematics and digital twins to minimize touches and ensure on-time, in-full fulfillment. Crossdock more frequently to keep inventory and activities steady so everything is on time and available for fulfillment. Minimize the number of transfer shipments by automatically shifting dock locations to reduce the number of moves among warehouses, which helps to speed fulfillment. SAP Store, found at store.sap.com, delivers a simplified and connected digital customer experience for finding, trying, buying, and renewing more than 2,300 solutions from SAP and its partners. There, customers can find the SAP solutions and SAP-validated solutions they need to grow their business. For each purchase made through SAP Store, SAP will plant a tree. AutoScheduler.AI is a partner in the SAP PartnerEdge® program. The SAP PartnerEdge program provides the enablement tools, benefits, and support to facilitate building high-quality, disruptive applications focused on specific business needs – quickly and cost-effectively.
Metalcraft announces October succession for CEO Steve Doerfler
Kyle Bermel adds to role as Metalcraft president; global ID solutions company CEO to become board chairman Metalcraft announced a planned leadership transition reflecting the ongoing elevation of the employee-owned company’s dedicated team. Effective October 1, president Kyle Bermel will add Chief Executive Officer to his title, succeeding Steve Doerfler, who will become board chairman. This transition reflects Metalcraft’s commitment to a customer-centric team inspiring customers to unleash the power of their data with the most effective identification products. Doerfler joined Metalcraft in 1990 and served as CEO since 2012. His leadership championed a culture that prioritizes employee well-being, nurturing a thriving work environment that propelled the Iowa-based manufacturer to a global leadership position in identification products. As Chairman, Steve will continue guiding Metalcraft University, an initiative empowering member-owners’ personal development, cultivating leadership potential, and enhancing skill sets to ensure Metalcraft remains at the forefront of ID technology. “Steve Doerfler’s leadership is central in shaping Metalcraft’s identity and success,” said Bermel. “His transition to Chairman leverages his unparalleled experience to navigate the company’s future. Together with the entire Metalcraft team, we will continue to thrive on challenges to make the complex simple for our customers, showing a better way and delivering as promised.” Bermel brings a background in innovation and technology to his leadership responsibilities. He joined Metalcraft as an RFID engineer in 2012, becoming Metalcraft’s first Chief Operating Officer in 2019. Bermel led development of subsidiaries ARK Business Systems and Inlay Innovation, offering software and the Iowa-based design and manufacture of custom RFID inlays, respectively. “Metalcraft has a culture of employee-led innovation,” said Doerfler. “From our beginning, we’ve always been problem solvers, and our member-owners rally around change. I am confident that Kyle’s passionate leadership of innovative technology development demonstrates we have the experience and expertise company-wide to sustain the growth of our dedicated team.”
Episode 416: Mastering data and inventory with Porter Logic
On this episode of The New Warehouse, Anya Skomorokhova, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Porter Logic joins the show to discuss the significance of data in today’s supply chain and warehousing industry. Be sure to tune in as Anya and Kevin delve into data management’s complexities and challenges, highlighting the increasing demand for comprehensive solutions to solve common problems in warehousing. All Roads Lead Back to Inventory After attending numerous trade shows focused on the supply chain industry over the past year, Anya found one clear lesson that resonated across discussions and pain points: all roads inevitably lead back to inventory. Whether the topic was manufacturing inefficiencies, order management intricacies, or demand planning, inventory stood out as the cornerstone upon which most challenges were built or solved. Common Inventory Challenges Stockouts and Overstocking – Often, companies face challenges at the front end due to inadequate inventory visibility. This can result in stockouts or overstocking, which have financial implications and strain customer relationships. Delayed Shipments – Lack of real-time inventory data often leads to shipment delays. Companies spend countless hours manually tracking goods, causing a ripple effect throughout the supply chain. Lack of Flexibility – Traditional supply chain systems can be rigid, not allowing companies to efficiently adapt to real-time inventory changes. This lack of flexibility can become an Achilles’ heel, affecting responsiveness to market demands. Understanding these issues firsthand, Porter Logic has tailored its technology stack to address them. While the core focus is inventory and warehousing, the platform’s capabilities extend naturally into order management and demand planning. Anya shares that Porter Logic allows customers to “Connect all their different systems together, fill the gaps between operations, and automate workflows across the supply chain.” This holistic approach ensures that you’re not just solving one problem but optimizing your entire supply chain. Leveraging Data for Optimization and Resource Management Anya believes data serves not just as a reflection of the current state but as a predictive tool, acting like a canary in a coal mine to signal upcoming challenges or opportunities. The Role of Data – More than Numbers Leading Indicators – Accurate data and the proper set of KPIs can serve as leading indicators for future market trends, allowing businesses to proactively address potential issues or capitalize on emerging opportunities. Decision-making – While qualitative insights, such as gut feelings or stories, have their place, they lack the empirical evidence that data provides. Only data can validate these intuitions, helping businesses discern between actionable trends and mere noise. Data Quality – Garbage In, Garbage Out The quality of your data will directly impact the quality of your decisions. Timeliness – Data loses value when it isn’t real-time or near-real-time. In an environment where market dynamics shift rapidly, data that is even two weeks old could be irrelevant. Standardization – One of the biggest challenges in data management is the lack of standardized definitions. This absence often leads to mistrust among team members who may be using different data sources or definitions to calculate the same metrics. Clean data and standard definitions yield most of the benefits. Anya believes, “You can get 80, 90% of the benefit just from having good clean data sources and having good, clean standard definitions, and enabling anybody in that organization to access that data or access that, that report or that metric at any time.” Before jumping onto the AI bandwagon, businesses should focus on streamlining their data pipelines and ensuring everyone has access to a ‘single source of truth.’ Making the Most of Data Adopting a tactical approach allows businesses to hone in on specific data elements contributing to these KPIs, mitigating the chaos of conflicting data sources. These KPIs can evolve, providing the organization with a dynamic roadmap for operational improvements. Balancing Metrics and Actions While focusing on specific KPIs, it’s crucial to be mindful of the interconnectedness of metrics. Overemphasis on one metric can inadvertently deteriorate another. Organizations should strive for a balanced portfolio of KPIs that can guide them through operational bottlenecks, avoiding the paralysis of analysis that comes with conflicting data sources. Technology as the Orchestrator Consolidating and streamlining data from various systems can be made easier with technological solutions, especially when companies are struggling with legacy systems and technical debt. Whether you’re a smaller operation using spreadsheets or a large enterprise with multiple data warehouses, choose technology that can grow and adapt with you. Solutions that offer robust connectivity are increasingly vital in today’s interconnected business landscape. Anya shares the example of a sizeable direct-to-consumer food business using varied third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Inefficient data management led them to mark bestselling products as “out of stock,” even when stock was available but not adequately accounted for. By automating the collection and standardization of data from multiple sources, the company achieved $131,000 in direct cost savings and a $250,000 revenue uplift in just a few months. Key Takeaways Achieving 80-90% of supply chain benefits hinges on maintaining good, clean data and standardized definitions accessible across the organization in real time. Modern businesses require software that talks to each other, maximizes competitive advantages, and fills operational gaps. Businesses are investing in systems that offer robust connectivity and API integrations, as these features enable them to quickly adapt to unique operational needs and foster greater efficiency and profitability. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 416: Mastering Data and Inventory with Porter Logic
Seeq announces partnership with Databricks to Accelerate IT-OT Data Convergence Across the Enterprise
Partnership builds on Seeq advanced analytics innovations and Databricks enterprise AI capabilities to improve data accessibility and enhance machine learning workflows Seeq Corporation, a provider in advanced analytics for manufacturing, announced a partnership with Databricks, the data and AI company, that brings a native integration between each company’s platform to simplify access to high quality asset and process data, unify IT and OT data processing and accelerate AI/ML adoption across the industrial manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and energy sectors. This bi-directional integration enables users to seamlessly combine contextualized time series data from industrial assets with a vast array of enterprise data sources to deliver more robust reporting, analytics and predictions in their business. Databricks customers can now take advantage of Seeq’s extensive connectivity to time series data sources and power a wide range of analytical use cases across the enterprise. Insights developed in Databricks Lakehouse Platform can be operationalized in Seeq, introducing new opportunities for process experts and data teams to deliver data-driven solutions to increase industrial productivity, improve operational reliability, enhance safety, and accelerate progress towards sustainability goals. For petrochemical manufacturer Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, the Seeq and Databricks integration accelerated the company’s ability to scale data science and machine learning efforts across multiple digital initiatives involving process and laboratory data. Brent Railey, Chief Data & Analytics Officer of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company comments, “We are very excited about this partnership, as it will be mutually beneficial for Databricks, Seeq, and their shared customers. Seeq brings key time-series functionality that just isn’t available in other solutions. Seeq also simplifies the complexities of connecting to various types of process data sources. Databricks brings scalable, elastic data engineering and data science capabilities at an affordable price. Seeq can bring data to Databricks for complementary analytic purposes within Databricks. Databricks can serve cleansed and refined IIoT data to Seeq for self-service analytics. This partnership should make this one-two punch even more powerful!” “Our collaboration with Seeq unlocks tremendous value for customers, making it simpler for organizations to operationalize and democratize IoT datasets by leveraging the open and secure foundation of the Databricks Lakehouse Platform. This significantly lowers the barrier to data-driven innovation in the industry,” says Shiv Trisal, Global Manufacturing Industry Leader at Databricks. “The Seeq and Databricks integration is a critical step toward bridging the communication gap between operations technology and information technology personnel, which will drive increased machine learning value across the enterprise,” says Megan Buntain, VP of Global Partnerships and Ecosystem at Seeq. “We’re thrilled to add Databricks to the Seeq partner ecosystem and look forward to continuing to innovate with their team to improve outcomes for manufacturers.” To learn more about the Seeq and Databricks partnership, visit seeq.com.
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas launches next-generation Lift Link® Telematics solution for North American Market
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and providers of material handling, automation and fleet solutions, announced the launch of Lift Link®, a full-featured telematics solution for material handling equipment. With Lift Link, businesses receive access to precise and actionable data delivered in real-time, allowing them to more effectively operate their fleet, while maximizing uptime and usage. The Logisnext Lift Link telematics solution offers comprehensive fleet-wide insights and is compatible with various types of material handling equipment – from warehouse products to electric and internal combustion forklifts. This versatile solution equips customers with an array of capabilities, including the ability to: Manage/limit forklift usage to only authorized operators. Use existing employee badges (proximity cards) or PIN codes. Enforce the completion of pre-operation forklift inspections. Improve driver behaviors utilizing impact detection and management. Real-time capture of forklift hour meters and usage (engine, travel, lift, etc.). Automated notification of exception events to include failed pre-operation inspections and impacts. Track important planned maintenance milestones to aid on-time planned maintenance service. Communicate with operators with two-way communication. Optional: Speed monitoring (available on select equipment), external alarm, location tracking and load sensing “We are excited to introduce the Lift Link telematics solution, which represents Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas significant advancement in connectivity and fleet management,” said Jerry Sytsma, executive vice president of Sales and Aftermarket Services at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “With Lift Link, our customers can harness the power of real-time data to make informed decisions, improve operational efficiency and ensure a safer work environment.” With Lift Link, customers can choose between a factory-installed or field retrofit option across Logisnext’s material handling equipment – Cat® lift trucks, Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Jungheinrich® warehouse products and UniCarriers® forklifts – in addition to competitive equipment. Customers will benefit from one solution that can be used across their entire fleet.