Warehouse operations addressing worker and space shortages with technology
In a market with reported labor shortages and shifts in supply chain conditions, material handling companies have a series of evolving challenges to face. This month, we offer a look at some of these technological advancements and solutions for warehouse operators looking to staff operations and fulfill orders. ‘A lot of opportunities’ At Vecna Robotics, a focus on logistics has been at the forefront in recent years, according to Jeff Huerta, head of business development at the company. The business began about 20 years ago, working on government projects before moving into health care and robotics for commonplace environments and now to logistics, Huerta said. “There’s a lot of opportunities there for automation, robotics. We have supply chain growth along with labor shortage,” he said. With over three billion pallets moved every day worldwide, the current need in warehouses is substantial, according to Huerta, who said Vecna now offers means for taking standard material handling vehicles and converting them to fully robotic. As nearly as five years ago, Huerta said Venca’s customers were focused on controlling costs. “Now in 2020 and 2021, it’s really labor shortage,” he said. “They can’t hire people to sit in a fork truck or vehicle in a warehouse.” Some of the difficulty relates to the type of work. “People sometimes are not looking to do that kind of job,” said Huerta, comparing some warehouse positions to work like driving for Uber, which he said is perhaps more popular. “As an Uber driver, you make your own hours. You work outside, every day is different. You’re driving around and you’re talking to somebody. In the warehousing world, there are very defined hours. If you’re in a warehouse, it is not temperature controlled. The social aspect is really not there. You are solely driving from point A to B and B to A.” So Venca’s robotic products seek to fill the roles of tasks that are dirty, demanding, or dangerous, freeing up people to work in more desirable roles, Huerta said. He said companies of all sizes use Vecna Robotics, particularly those operating over multiple shifts. And the robotic technology continues to improve, Huerta said. “Sensors have evolved and are better, smaller and faster,” he said, adding that the technology hardware the company launched at PACK Expo moves faster, similar to the speed people move in the warehouse. “The new Mark 3 software release helps warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing organizations double fleet performance to improve efficiency and throughput while continuing to exceed industry safety standards,” a press release from the company said. As to safety, Huerta said there are multiple layers of protection built into the company’s robotics. “There are sensing devices that have multiple levels of redundancy,” he said, noting that the sensing equipment assesses the direction a vehicle is traveling and decelerates if there is ever an uncertain situation. Huerta sees robotics and automation as continuing to help create solutions in warehouses. “I think we’re just hitting the tip of the iceberg. The labor shortage isn’t going away,” he said. “I believe the new trend in logistics is ‘How do we get people to do the jobs in warehouses and what jobs do we want to do?” Huerta said Vecna takes a ground-level approach when working with customers, focusing on moving products and helping a business see how to build an effective strategy. “The technology is ready today and anyone can use it,” he said, noting that representatives from Vecna talk with workers on the ground floor and have heard stories firsthand about logistics needs. “There’s a serious problem here; it’s not going away. Automation and robotics don’t take jobs, it just helps people that need help,” Huerta said. Filling workforce gaps At Hyster-Yale Group, Kevin Paramore said the company’s robotic lift truck suite is helping warehouses fill the gaps. The company’s new-to-market operator assistance system also is key. In addition to the labor shortage, there is a high turnover rate of equipment operators, said Paramore, emerging technology commercialization manager at Yale. Yale’s systems help inexperienced operators by combatting a lot of potential mistakes, he said. “It can detect things like objects, pedestrians and then react to it. It can decelerate the truck, enough for the operation to see what is going on,” Paramore said. “It will not let you pick up a load that is greater than the lift truck’s capacity.” The operator assistance system is available in nearly all Yale’s warehouse models, he said, noting that the system provides help without taking over the equipment. “It doesn’t’ take over the truck, your operator is always in charge,” Paramore said. But what it can do is provide calculations in speed and loads. For example, the system would help an operator decelerate at the correct rate based on the load, fork height, and other calculations, according to Paramore. As at Vecna, Paramore said Yale Robotics helps in filling labor gaps due to open positions, absenteeism, or high turnover by completing many of the redundant tasks. “Automation allows a person to go into more of a value-added role,” he said. “I think your highest turnover is in these lower-hanging tasks. It’s probably not very fulfilling to do the same things over and over again. Automating that allows them to progress into other roles and give them more job satisfaction.” In the coming year, Paramore sees the adoption of robotics only speeding up. “Those that have not already gone down an automation strategy road, they are quickly getting to that place today,” he said. “They see the value in it, the return on investment is a lot more realistic.” Renting space ‘one chunk at a time’ Others are using technology to meet warehouse space needs. At Chunker, Brad Wright has created an Airbnb-style software program for warehousing. The platform is a marketplace, facilitating short-term rental agreements for warehouse space. “Our tagline is, ‘Warehouse sharing, one chunk at a time,” said Wright, CEO of the company. He noted that in an industry driven by long-term leases, Chunker is helping businesses use and find the short-term space they need. Users access the platform when needed and can craft deals
Atos integrates viisights software into Atos Computer Vision Platform to enable 24/24 7/7 safety
Integrates Unique Behavioral Analytics for Public Safety Atos has announced its new partnership to integrate viisights software into its Atos Computer Vision Platform. Atos is a provider in global Edge AI. This collaboration will allow viisights’ powerful behavioral video analytics to run on Atos Computer Vision Platform, providing users with unique insight and therefore to immediately detect and predict violent activity, suspicious activity, crowd behavior, traffic monitoring, and much more to help authorities prevent harmful activities from escalating. viisights is the leading developer of advanced AI-powered behavioral video analytics software. viisights will integrate its AI models to VISuite – these models are specifically designed for security and safety applications, targeting transportation hubs, smart cities, critical infrastructure, and various kinds of campuses. They leverage viisights’ unique video understanding technology capabilities. Atos Computer Vision Platform, launched in July 2021, is a unique end-to-end computer vision platform providing pre-trained & customizable AI models powered by the BullSequana server range and enriched by a partner ecosystem and Atos computer vision experts through worldwide experts labs. It enables users to identify events and behaviors, reduce error rates, guarantee people and asset safety, deliver the highest quality, and offer frictionless and personalized customer experiences. Atos Computer Vision Platform offers full compatibility with Atos BullSequana server range designed for AI applications, Atos data science services, and leverages Atos’ established global presence in the public safety space. “We’re very excited to partner with Atos. This strategic partnership will help deliver highly advanced and valuable solutions that leverage our respective core areas of expertise,” said Asaf Birenzvieg, CEO of viisights. “Integrating Atos Computer Vision Platform as a partner makes it easier and more cost-effective to offer municipalities and other customers turnkey solutions that deliver proactive safety and security.” “We are proud to announce viisights integrates Atos Computer Vision Platform as a partner, integrating VISuite, the software toolbox. This partnership will harness the reach of Atos Computer Vision Platform to make public transports and public areas across the globe safer, smarter, and more secure,” said Jérôme Sandrini, Head of Big Data solutions, Atos.
Q4 Update to 2021 Economic Outlook Forecasts 13.2% expansion in Equipment and Software Investment Growth and 5.3% GDP Growth
Owing largely to the burst of business activity in the spring and early summer that came in part thanks to rising vaccination rates, annual equipment and software investment growth of 13.2 percent is forecast for 2021, according to the Q4 update to the 2021 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. Annual U.S. GDP growth for 2021 is forecast at 5.3 percent. The Foundation’s report, which is focused on the nearly $1 trillion equipment leasing and finance industry, highlights key trends in equipment investment and places them in the context of the broader U.S. economic climate. Scott Thacker, Foundation Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Ivory Consulting Corporation, said, “The Q4 update indicates that optimism eased somewhat as the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant began weighing on consumer confidence and economic activity. The trajectory of the virus this fall and winter, inflation, and fiscal policy are the most significant unknowns to consider during the upcoming six months. Fortunately, the overall outlook portrayed in the Q4 update is more optimistic than it was a year ago. Businesses continue to invest despite supply chain issues and labor shortages, which bodes well for the equipment finance industry.” Highlights from the Q4 update to the 2021 Outlook include: • Equipment and software investment rose 12.7 percent (annualized) in Q2 and is well above its pre-pandemic level. Business investment has remained strong despite emerging economic headwinds, though these headwinds could begin to weigh on investment later this year. • The U.S. economy expanded at a robust 6.7 percent (revised) annualized rate in Q2 2021, about the same pace as in Q1. GDP has now eclipsed its level from the end of 2019, just before the pandemic began. • The U.S. manufacturing sector continues to face historically high levels of demand, although growth decelerated over the last quarter. Meanwhile, U.S. industrial output has been constrained by ongoing supply chain issues and high input prices. • Business prospects for Main Street have been tempered somewhat since the summer as the resurgence of COVID has reduced consumer mobility, spending, and confidence. Small businesses are also contending with labor shortages, supply chain delays, and inflationary pressures, but are better equipped for headwinds due to healthy lending activity and a slow, steady rise in vaccination rates. • Federal Reserve officials largely maintain that ongoing inflationary pressures are mostly temporary. However, officials have signaled that the Fed is ready to begin “tapering” its asset purchases soon, which would translate to tighter financial conditions. • The spread of the Delta variant has dampened activity in some areas and has likely slowed economic growth significantly in Q3. Factors to watch for the rest-of-year outlook include concerns of persistently high inflation, uncertainty surrounding fiscal policy, the potential for tighter financial conditions that could impact equity markets, and the trajectory of the pandemic. The Foundation-Keybridge U.S. Equipment & Software Investment Momentum Monitor, which is released in conjunction with the Economic Outlook, tracks 12 equipment and software investment verticals. In addition, the Momentum Monitor Sector Matrix provides a customized data visualization of current values of each of the 12 verticals based on recent momentum and historical strength. Eight verticals are showing signs of accelerating investment, and four other verticals are showing signs of peaking. Over the next three to six months, year over year: • Agriculture machinery investment growth may ease, though year-over-year growth will likely remain in positive territory. • Construction machinery investment growth will stay elevated. • Materials handling equipment investment growth should remain robust. • All other industrial equipment investment growth should remain elevated. • Medical equipment investment growth will likely remain in positive territory. • Mining and oilfield machinery investment growth should accelerate. • Aircraft investment growth will remain elevated, though may have peaked. • Ships and boats investment growth should remain healthy. • Railroad equipment investment growth should continue to improve, though upside potential may be limited. • Trucks investment growth should remain robust. • Computers investment growth should remain in positive territory and may even accelerate. • Software investment growth should remain elevated. The full report of the Momentum Monitor is now available at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/momentum-monitor/. The Foundation produces the Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook report in partnership with economic and public policy consulting firm Keybridge Research. The annual economic forecast provides the U.S. macroeconomic outlook, credit market conditions, and key economic indicators. The Q4 report is the third update to the 2021 Economic Outlook and will be followed by the publication of the 2022 Economic Outlook in December. Download the full report at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/u-s-economic-outlook/. All Foundation studies are available for free download from the Foundation’s online library at http://store.leasefoundation.org/.
CET Material Handling software now offers realistic forklift trucks
Configura integrates forklift trucks and warehouse equipment from Linde Material Handling into CET Material Handling Planning and engineering offices can now use realistic forklift trucks and warehouse equipment for their warehouse planning with CET Material Handling, Configura. “Using Configura’s software, CET Material Handling, planners are now able to give their 3D visualization of the warehouse and the intralogistics material flow an even more professional view. They can select from a great variety of different Linde truck models to create a realistic 3D warehouse layout design,” Intralogistics Consultant Andreas Mönk said for Linde Material Handling (MH). With headquarters in Aschaffenburg, Germany, and production plants around the globe, Linde MH develops high-performance solutions for intralogistics. The intralogistics specialist offers fully networked electric and combustion engine forklift trucks, warehouse equipment, fleet management software, automated solutions, driver assistance systems, financing offers as well as services around the forklift truck, and operator training. “We are pleased to welcome Linde Material Handling to our growing global community of material handling companies that use CET Material Handling to plan warehouse solutions,” Configura’s Global Head of Material Handling Johan Gustafsson said. “CET Material Handling is a 3D system configurator that simplifies and accelerates the sales process of warehouse solutions and we’re confident it will enhance the customer experience.” Configura’s software, CET Material Handling, brings salespeople, project managers, and engineers together into one software to design, build, implement and sustain material handling solutions. The software automates common tasks, enhances collaboration across departments, and reduces drawing time from months to days, and in some cases, hours. Manufacturers make their products available in CET by creating an Extension. Extensions are an addition to CET that contains the specifications and data for a given product. Linde Material Handling’s Extension is available for any user for free with the manufacturer’s approval through Configura’s Marketplace. Configura’s software, including CET, is used by thousands of people worldwide including engineers, salespeople, designers, kitchen specialists, dealerships, and manufacturers. Configura has revolutionized the way office furniture is sold in North America and is now gaining momentum in Europe’s commercial interiors industry as well as other industries including kitchen and bath and material handling. More than 100 manufacturers around the world – including NEDCON, Dematic, Marbodal, Nobia, Steelcase, Herman Miller, Haworth, Sunon, and Kvik – use CET to sell their products.
Toshiba’s Teresa Sternhagen wins Stevie Award for Woman Executive of the Year
Sternhagen receives Honor for Demonstrating Leadership across Toshiba & Community Affirming her extraordinary leadership at Toshiba America Business Solutions and within her community, Teresa Sternhagen has won this year’s Silver Stevie® Award for Woman Executive of the Year in the 18th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world’s premier business awards. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 160 business professionals around the world, working on eight juries. Leading by Example Upon joining the company in 2008, the general manager of Toshiba’s toner products division has established a reputation for leadership by successfully deploying supply chain, inventory control, and procurement tactics and strategies. Beginning July 1, 2019, Sternhagen has quarterbacked efforts ensuring premium levels of quality, environmental and occupational health, and safety standards at Toshiba. This encompasses implementing local, state, and national regulatory mandates including current ISO Certifications (ISO 9001:2015 Quality, 14001:2015 Environmental, 45001:2018, and 45001:2019 Health and Safety). She also serves on Toshiba’s Executive Leadership Team, which charts the company’s strategic direction. Maggie Gallagher Miller, president of the Stevie Awards, says, “We thought the remarkable stories of achievement we saw in last year’s awards couldn’t be topped, but we were wrong. Women-owned and -run organizations have contributed significantly to the increase in innovation and entrepreneurial activity we’ve seen globally since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nominations submitted to the 18th Stevie Awards for Women in Business that attest to this are inspiring, humbling, and motivating. We celebrate Toshiba’s Teresa Sternhagen for embodying these positive characteristics to benefit both her company and community.” Eco Champion Sternhagen led Toshiba’s recent sustainability project centering on a one-acre parcel at the company’s Mitchell, South Dakota facility. Toshiba employees across levels and departments took part in planting indigenous flowers and grasses spawning increasing numbers of bee and butterfly pollinators. This project further enhances biodiversity education and awareness for local students. Sternhagen is moreover a 15-year board member of the Bon Homme School District 4-2 in Tyndall, S.D. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dakota Wesleyan University and CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management), while completing coursework for her CSCP and CLTD, Certified Supply Chain Professional and Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution, respectively. “Teresa is the consummate leader at work and within her community, and we are thrilled for her to receive this wonderful recognition for her efforts,” says Toshiba America Business Solutions President and Chief Executive Officer Larry White. “She leads our toner products division by demonstrating the highest levels of professionalism, positivity, and compassion to Toshiba’s employees, business partners as well as the Mitchell community.”
Hikvision 4G Solar-Powered Security Camera System takes standalone operation to new heights
Hikvision, a global provider in delivering high-performance professional security solutions with tremendous value, is introducing a highly versatile standalone mobile video surveillance system that combines solar power and cellular connectivity, ideal for remote location applications. Designed specifically for surveilling remote areas where power and Wi-Fi connectivity are scarce, the all-in-one ColorVu Solar Powered Security Camera is ideal for use on oil fields, farms, utility sites, remote infrastructure, as well as for temporary deployments at large scale events, construction sites and more. Equipped with a 4G cellular radio for data transmission, solar panels and a battery for onboard power, and a built-in heater, the new 4 MP surveillance solution (model DS-2XS2T47G0-LDH/4G/C18S40) is completely self-sustaining and carbon neutral. Two-way communication allows operators to address individuals in need of assistance or with bad intentions via live audio, and Hikvision’s exclusive ColorVu technology allows 24/7 surveillance in full color – even in the dark of night. IP67 water and dust rating protect the package against water and dust ingress, and its construction is designed to withstand a Category 12 typhoon. The new remote surveillance solution also features robust security with password protection, HTTPS encryption, IP address filter, security audit log, basic and digest authentication for HTTP/HTTPS, TLS 1.1/1.2, WSSE, and digest authentication for Open Network Video Interface. “Our new remote surveillance solution brings high security to vulnerable remote locations previously difficult to monitor with live surveillance cameras,” said John Xiao, Vice President Marketing, Hikvision USA. “We’re excited to be able to offer this innovative and cost-effective surveillance solution to help improve safety and security across an extensive range of vertical market applications.”
Synapse Wireless expands SimplySnap holistic energy management platform with Energy Insights
The expanded platform identifies and lowers manufacturing operational costs Synapse Wireless, Inc., a member of the McWane family, recently expanded its SimplySnap holistic energy management platform with Energy Insights. Energy Insights is a component in the popular SimplySnap platform frequently used in the industrial and manufacturing market segments. Facility managers in charge of proposing and managing energy savings projects can use Energy Insights capabilities within the turnkey SimplySnap Energy Management platform to monitor and take corrective action plans to optimize energy usage and lower operational costs. Expanding the SimplySnap platform with Energy Insights provides facility teams with the systems and analytics required to execute and monitor sustainability initiatives across departments, facilities, divisions, and the overall enterprise. The expanded solution focuses on profitability through sustainability supporting organizational ESG initiatives through facility performance and resource productivity optimization. Energy Insights delivers on sustainability goals across the enterprise through submetering utilities at the facility and rolling that data up to the consumer. Reports from Energy Insights summarize department and equipment level energy usage details to ensure alignment on energy reduction goals. The central point of data provides a common view and knowledge to target energy savings and reduce overall costs across the enterprise. Built into SimplySnap, Energy Insight’s energy cost algorithm determines each facility’s utility rate structure to convert power consumed into dollars spent. It considers complex structures that have different rates depending on the month and time of day. It also considers the cost of peak demand in a given period. This detailed consumption and cost information enables the facility manager to make more informed decisions about energy savings opportunities across a facility. “We frequently hear from facility managers, their desire to implement energy management with minimal integration overhead to minimize disruption to production and lower their payback period. Tracking improvements can truly help facility managers understand how energy initiatives are lowering energy costs and be able to report on corporate sustainability initiatives,” stated Darian Slywka, Synapse Wireless VP of Business Development. “Synapse believes that sustainability, energy reduction, and decarbonizing should become part of a company’s continual improvement philosophy. Through data insights analysis, facility managers and executives can lower operating costs, reduce carbon pollution, and optimize facility performance.” The company’s approach to energy management can pinpoint savings opportunities so that a team can act to lower energy costs in a verifiable manner for the entire factory. The comprehensive energy management platform provides the ability to monitor critical equipment and processes in the facility, giving managers the insight and the tools to understand consumption and cost to save energy. The Synapse energy management platform works with new and existing equipment with minimal integration overhead. The holistic solution includes a combination of the Sense 4-20 wireless sensor hardware used in conjunction with current transducers to measure the energy flow of mains, subpanels, and heavy equipment. The data is sent wirelessly over the patented Synapse mesh network to the Central Base Station and uploaded to the cloud service for analysis and cost calculations. All the energy data is viewable in the SimplySnap user interface from any mobile device or computer web browser. With configurable views, users can select specific timeframes, equipment, or departments to research and compare performance data across the facility. Slywka continued, “The insights gained from using this monitoring solution can drive manufacturing facility teams to normalize energy goals, optimize productivity, and enhance profitability across all facilities. Plus, it just works.” Discover how to decrease operational expenses and optimize performance with Energy Insights by visiting https://www.synapsewireless.com/about-energy-insights/. Request the Energy Insights Solution Brief via info@synapsewireless.com.
Oshkosh Corporation invests in Carnegie Foundry to build upon Autonomy and Robotics capabilities
Oshkosh Corporation, an innovator of mission-critical vehicles and essential equipment, and Carnegie Foundry, a robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) venture studio headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., announced a strategic partnership and Oshkosh Corporation investment in Carnegie Foundry to accelerate innovation in autonomy and robotics. Carnegie Foundry has an existing relationship with the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) at Carnegie Mellon University, the world leader in autonomous robotics and artificial intelligence. The new partnership will build upon this relationship and will complement Oshkosh’s ongoing work in autonomous vehicles and equipment, providing significant benefits to the millions of people that do important work every day – including the nation’s soldiers, firefighters, and first responders, as well as environmental service, refuse collection and construction workers. “The Carnegie Foundry team is comprised of industry leaders with outstanding expertise in autonomy,” said John Pfeifer, Oshkosh Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer. “For years Oshkosh has been developing autonomous technology that delivers greater productivity while reducing total cost of ownership for our customers. Oshkosh’s strategic investment in Carnegie Foundry will put our customers at the forefront of emerging innovation and technology in the robotics and autonomy space.” “We are very excited to partner with Oshkosh Corporation as we bring autonomy, robotics, and AI innovations to market,” said Carnegie Foundry Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert J. Szczerba. “Industrial-scale innovations require specialized experience, a deep understanding of these unique markets, and a long-term approach. It’s our good fortune that we found investment, aligned mindsets, and large-scale industrial specialization with our partners at Oshkosh Corporation.” As part of the strategic partnership, a member of Oshkosh Corporation will join the Carnegie Foundry Board of Directors.
GEODIS Partners with AHS to Implement Exotec Robotic Solution to optimize e-Commerce Fulfillment
GEODIS, a global transport and logistics provider, and Advanced Handling Systems (AHS, LLC), a full-service provider of integrated fulfillment and distribution solutions, has announced a new partnership to implement the Exotec Skypod System into GEODIS’ eLogistics site in Nashville, Tenn. The cutting-edge robotic system will allow GEODIS to optimize the e-Commerce fulfillment process on behalf of its emerging direct-to-consumer customers. GEODIS recently announced the expansion of its eLogistics service in the U.S. to provide best-in-class e-Commerce fulfillment solutions for startups and growing e-Commerce retailers from four new strategic GEODIS eLogistics locations. GEODIS will partner with AHS to integrate the Exotec Skypod System into GEODIS’ state-of-the-art automated eLogistics facility that will go live in Nashville, Tenn., in Q1 of 2022. An agile and high-performing automated goods-to-person solution for the retail and e-Commerce industries, the Exotec Skypod System is the first of its kind to use mobile robots that can move in three dimensions and reach heights of 36 feet to enable efficient, high-density inventory storage. “eLogistics is an important strategic initiative for our company, and collaborating with our long-term partners at AHS in new technology with Exotec will be winning formula for our exciting new product,” said Eric Douglas, Executive Vice President of Technology and Engineering at GEODIS in Americas. “By implementing the Exotec Skypod System into our GEODIS eLogistics site, we can enable an even faster shipping experience for our customers as e-Commerce continues to drive demand.” Exotec has revolutionized the fulfillment industry in Europe and Japan and continues to grow its presence in the U.S. market with customers like Gap Inc., Ariat International, and Comoto Holdings recently adopting the Skypod system. The Exotec Skypod uses laser scanner navigation and robust software to increase warehouse throughput by up to five times with a two-minute response time for all SKUs. The system is designed to improve working conditions and foster more sustainable warehouse productivity by reducing highly repetitive, physically intensive tasks like walking, lifting, and bending. “The hockey-stick growth of e-Commerce coupled with the growing importance of supply chain resilience continues to be a massive tailwind for scalable robotics solutions like Exotec,” said Romain Moulin, CEO of Exotec. “We are delighted to join forces with AHS and GEODIS to better serve the rapidly evolving needs of the North American market.” “AHS has been working with GEODIS for several years and has formed a strategic partnership to provide ground-breaking solutions to assist the company with best-in-class offerings,” said Chuck Frank, President of AHS. “The AHS team is committed to being on the cutting edge of technology and expanding its market share by investing in the training, deployment, and post-go-live support of trending technologies. Exotec is a great strategic partner of AHS, and we are excited about yet another successful installation of an Exotec solution. AHS is thrilled to be a part of GEODIS’ eLogistics service, and we congratulate their team on their commitment to pushing technology to new levels.” The leading integrator of the Exotec solution in North America, AHS will complete the installation of the system into GEODIS’ eLogistics facility with guidance from Exotec’s execution team. AHS and GEODIS collaborated on the design of the construction build for the GEODIS eLogistics site so it can be easily expanded, with plans to double its initial size in the future. “As we continue to see a significant increase in direct-to-consumer e-Commerce brands today, GEODIS remains dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology solutions that will best meet our customers’ unique needs when it comes to enabling fast and flexible operations,” said Drew Bailey, Senior Director of Design Engineering at GEODIS in Americas. “The integration of the Exotec Skypod System will allow us to further optimize our e-Commerce fulfillment process on behalf of our customer’s thanks to its efficient, scalable, and responsive goods-to-person technology.”
JLT Mobile Computers adds rugged vehicle-mount computer with Android™ operating system to its popular JLT6012™ series
Built for the highest reliability and certified for Google Mobile Services (GMS), the new JLT6012A™ computer brings the productivity-boosting benefits of the Android 10 operating system to customers in all types of logistics operations JLT Mobile Computers, a developer of computers for demanding environments, announces the addition of an Android 10-based version to its JLT6012™ series of rugged vehicle-mount computers. Designed to boost productivity in warehousing, manufacturing, transportation, ports, and all other types of logistics deployments, the new JLT6012A™ computer brings the familiar, user-friendly experience of Android to the popular JLT6012 series, reduces training needs, and meets the expectations of the modern workforce. Certified for Google Mobile Services (GMS), the new JLT6012A unit also opens access to Android programming expertise and the vast and growing number of Android apps and utilities. The new JLT6012A computer represents something many enterprise and industrial customers have been wishing for: a state-of-the-art Android fixed-mount computer that is just as tough and rugged as the Windows-based devices in their operations. Built for the highest productivity and reliability, the JLT6012A computer is optimized for indoor and outdoor use in all types of logistics operations. “Android is the world’s most common operating system for mobile consumer devices and billions of people are familiar with it and use it every day,” says Per Holmberg, CEO of JLT Mobile Computers. “Many customers in our markets would love to use it in their business but they shy away because most Android devices aren’t designed for harsh industrial operating conditions. That’s where our new rugged JLT6012A Android 10 computer comes in as it is built from the ground up to work reliably in demanding environments. It’s the same tough machine as our field-proven JLT6012 Windows computer, and customers now have full flexibility to choose the best operating system fit for their specific operations.” The target industries of the JLT6012A computer include warehousing; manufacturing; transportation; food and beverage; retail and wholesale; third-party logistics; ports and similar. The device takes into consideration the specific requirements of these industries, such as reliable connection to any wireless infrastructure; automatic dimming that always sets the right display brightness; programmable function keys for easy access to common tasks; as well as an integrated wide-range isolated power supply for easy installation and operation in both combustion and electric vehicles. The JLT6012A also removes one of the most common reasons for computer failure as its display is virtually unbreakable, while JLT PowerTouch™ technology allows use with gloves and in wet environments. Other wear and tear-prone components can easily be serviced, and the computer software can be upgraded remotely – all to avoid taking the computer out of operation in the field. The JLT6012A computer comes with Android 10 and is certified for Google Mobile Services (GMS). That means a more secure unit with regular security updates; support from most popular Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions on the market; Android Enterprise APIs for integration into enterprise mobility management (EMM) systems; inclusion of all Google productivity enhancements apps; Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates; as well as easy configuring of Android for secure working functionality in an enterprise environment. Android’s support of wide-ranging sensor technology (accelerometer, gyro, ambient light, temperature, etc.) allows not only for sensor-assisted navigation but also for integration of sensor technology into dedicated custom software and utilities. JLT Mobile Computers is in the process of creating value-added applications for the platform. A limited number of production units are available for customers today, with volume production planned for Q4 of this year.
Gamber-Johnson unveils the new Zebra TC5X and TC7X Powered/Non-Powered Docking Cradles
Gamber-Johnson has announced the availability of six new protective handheld technology docking cradles to support the popular Zebra TC5X and TC7X products. These handheld computer cradles offer a variety of rugged, reliable, and responsive options to meet your personalized needs, improve labor productivity and safely protect your technology investment to withstand the demands of today’s mobile work environments. Combine them with a Gamber-Johnson mount to create a complete solution for almost any mobile work environment. Features and Benefits: Lightweight, small form factor designed to be resilient and reliable in harsh material handling and enterprise environments. Three versions are available giving you choices to best meet your personal needs. Reduces the potential for costly damages by safely securing your device. Attaches to Gamber-Johnson mounting solutions using the AMPs hole pattern. Easy one-handed docking and releasing operation: To dock: Insert the bottom of the computer into the cradle, push the top of the computer into the cradle until the cradle latch clicks into place. To release: Lift latch to disengage and pull the computer out of the cradle.
Johnson Controls names Mandeville to lead Corporate Development, drive M&A and partnership growth strategy
François Mandeville to lead M&A function and help drive business growth strategy Mandeville brings a wealth of corporate development leadership experience from Danaher and Agilent Technologies Johnson Controls, the global provider for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has announced that François Mandeville has joined the company as its Corporate Development Officer. Mandeville will play a lead role in the selection, execution, and integration of mergers and acquisitions that further the company’s business growth strategy. Mandeville reports to Johnson Controls Executive Vice President and CFO Olivier Leonetti and will work with Scott Simon, vice president, Corporate Development, on a smooth transition and handover as Simon continues to support Leonetti on a number of strategic activities throughout this fiscal year. “I am very excited about the skills, experience, and passion that François brings to Johnson Controls as we continue to advance our growth strategy, addressing the compelling market opportunity ahead and helping our customers meet important sustainability and decarbonization goals,” said Olivier Leonetti, CFO. “Johnson Controls is leading the digital transformation for Smart Buildings that is necessary to deliver on our vision for healthy people, places, and the planet, and Francois is ideally positioned to find and secure the best opportunities for us to continue that leadership for our customers.” “I want to thank Scott Simon for his vision and leadership in securing a strong and lasting foundation for Johnson Controls’ corporate development strategy,” added Leonetti. “Francois will build on our existing inorganic growth strategy that focuses on capturing new capabilities in services, digital technology, and high-growth vertical market opportunities, working with our leadership team to identify new high-value opportunities.” Mandeville is based at the company’s North American headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, responsible for the overall global corporate development team, including setting the direction, strategy, and governance for the function. Prior to joining Johnson Controls, Mandeville most recently worked at Danaher Corporation as senior vice president, business development for the company’s life sciences platform. In this role, he was responsible for creating winning strategies that shaped the organic and inorganic growth of the business from $2.2 billion in 2011 to more than $15 billion in 2021. Before his career at Danaher, he worked 25 years at Agilent Technologies (a spin-off of Hewlett-Packard Company) leading R&D teams, new business incubation, M&A target identification, and integration in several industries including telecommunications testing, printing, chemical analysis and life sciences. Mandeville earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Ecole Polytechnique in Montréal, Canada.
Zethcon releases updated Synapse WMS with expanded e-commerce, enterprise capabilities
Zethcon Corporation, a provider of warehouse software for 3PL providers, announces the latest standard release of its flagship product, Synapse WMS. Version 3.0 features key updates, including enhanced capabilities to optimize order fulfillment processes, improved API integration and data sharing, an updated user interface, and more. “With the 3PL warehouse market rapidly evolving, our customers look to long-term partners like us to help meet demand now and in the future. This release of Synapse WMS leverages our core strengths and insights from across the industry to provide a platform built to do just that,” says Chris Oechsel, CEO, Zethcon. “Version 3.0 delivers the functionality and flexibility to meet a broad range of requirements without the need for one-off customizations – enabling a lean, high-performance platform backed by the efficient, responsive support our customers expect.” The updated release offers improved API integrations for faster, easier data sharing and more flexible communication. This enables 3PLs to make critical information available for customers to share downstream, such as distributors communicating order status to brick-and-mortar retailers, along with enhanced data mining and reporting capabilities. In addition to supporting smooth communication through different levels of the supply chain, Synapse WMS also easily integrates with third-party utilities like shipping applications and material handling systems. Synapse WMS 3.0 is designed to optimize e-commerce order fulfillment processes inside the warehouse, too. Whether processed by employees or robots, the WMS dictates strategies for picking workflow, packaging options, and more. The platform also offers robust support for the growing range of value-added services 3PLs are asked to provide, with improved tracking and billing functionality. The kitting functionality is completely redesigned for improved inventory tracking, an especially important feature for 3PLs charged with managing a variety of apparel, electronics, and food items bundled into a range of order packages. For example, in the event of a recall, users can easily pinpoint all of the product lot in question, broken down across individual and kit orders – no manual searching or accounting required. The platform also offers an enhanced user interface, designed to not only be more intuitive but customized for each location and user. The refresh includes smoother transitions, intuitive drop-down menus, and options to tailor color and graphic style.
HikCentral professional platform delivers centralized Video and Access Control System Management and Analysis
Provides A Single Platform to Remotely Manage Physical Security Operations Hikvision’s HikCentral Professional platform provides a centralized software solution to remotely view and manage all facets of an organization’s integrated physical security systems. The advanced platform delivers vast integration and management capabilities for video surveillance, access control, video intercom, and various specialty solutions such as under vehicle surveillance, along with a host of embedded intelligent analytics and system analysis tools. “HikCentral Professional is a truly integrated physical security platform. It combines the agility of a powerful video management system (VMS) and intelligent analytics with other mission-critical security systems such as access control and video intercom systems to provide users with comprehensive management, control, and analysis solution,” said John Xiao, Vice President Marketing, Hikvision USA. “HikCentral Professional provides security professionals with a comprehensive yet cost-effective solution that delivers advanced system integration, control and management to effectively improve physical security operations.” HikCentral Professional provides full-featured VMS operation with remote management across multiple sites. The platform is infinitely scalable to accommodate users’ evolving needs and is designed for easy operation with user-friendly drop-down menus, as well as detailed device, event, and health monitoring features to ensure uninterrupted operation. Advanced VMS features include visual tracking of individuals across the surveillance network, adaptive video display windows to customize administrators’ camera views, and map management of system devices with click-to-view capability and visual alarm identification. In addition, the advanced platform is embedded with advanced analytics including motion analysis, line crossing detection, intrusion detection, people counting, queue analysis, heat analysis, personal article feature detection (hat, glasses, the color of clothing…), temperature analysis, and vehicle analysis. HikCentral Professional also includes several playback features to quickly locate video footage of interest with the ability to easily export video clips in multiple standardized video format files such as MPEG4 to easily share for investigations and to use as evidence. HikCentral Professional just doesn’t integrate with other third-party access control systems, it includes a comprehensive access control solution platform ready for seamless connection to Hikvision’s extensive offering of access controllers and readers, and video intercom products. Integration with third-party systems is simple with Hikvision’s Optimus middleware solution. It’s easy to create “Connectors” into Optimus—integrations, and workflows to meet your project requirements—from HikCentral to a third-party system such as access control, automation protocols, HVAC, payroll systems, and more. Connectors can also enable data synchronization and mapping among multiple systems. HikCentral health monitoring features include the ability to display system topology in real-time with CPU, RAM network speed, and video streaming usage. The system also supports upgrading the firmware of multiple devices simultaneously with maintenance history dashboards to make system maintenance accurate, fast, and easy.
AutoScheduler.AI headlines two sessions at CSCMP highlighting top CPGs and Warehouse innovation
Attendees Will Learn How Savvy Companies Gain Competitive Advantage Using Technology and How They Layer Those Technologies Together as a Part of a Broader Strategy AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Management System (WMS) accelerator, announces the company is presenting two sessions at the annual CSCMP conference with executives from global CPG clients. Tom Moore, Founder of AutoScheduler.AI, will co-present with Giovanni Dal Bon, Head of Logistics, North America at Unilever, on containing supply chain costs. Another session features a panel of distinguished executives from Conagra and Racetrac, and a former executive from P&G, discussing the use of digital twins and artificial intelligence to drive efficiencies within warehousing and distribution. “We are excited to share real-world examples of how innovative companies are using technologies like AutoScheduler’s WMS accelerator and prescriptive analytics to optimize schedules, minimize touches, and manage intra-campus movements for greater cost savings and improved fulfillment rates,” says Keith Moore, Chief Product Officer, AutoScheduler.AI. “Besides the informative presentations, we will be demonstrating the award-winning AutoScheduler WMS Accelerator in Booth 725 at CSCMP.” Session 1: Meshing Deployment Planning and Execution – Unilever’s Path to Contain Costs featuring Tom Moore of AutoScheduler and Giovanni Dal Bon from Unilever. Tuesday, September 21 10:00 AM Unilever will discuss the tools and processes the company uses to drive efficiency in supply planning and the importance of aligning objectives for key stakeholders (Customer Service, Transportation, and Planning) who often have conflicting goals. With deployment costs representing more than 30% of total supply chain costs, supply planners need to work within real-world constraints to maximize equipment utilization while ensuring that the locations have space and staffing to meet and exceed customer service goals. Session 2: Panel Discussion – Data Replicas, Digital Twins, and AI (oh my!): Creating a Prescriptive Warehouse. Tuesday, Sept. 21 3:30 PM Featuring panelists: Keith Moore – AutoScheduler.AI – Chief Product Officer Craig Weiss – Conagra – SVP Supply Chain Daniel Vasseur – Racetrac – Director Jake Barr – Blueworld Consulting – CEO/Former P&G Supply Chain Executive This panel brings together industry experts from major consumer goods companies, 3PLs, and key software vendors to discuss how leading companies gain a competitive advantage by successfully leveraging technology in distribution centers. The panel will discuss the value of using data replicas for data query-ability, digital twins of the warehouse environment to identify constraints and bottlenecks, and AI/machine learning to create prescriptive plans for future activities. Core organizational strategies necessary to drive efficiency in DCs and develop realistic roadmaps for success will be shared. The panel will also discuss why it is critical to converge data across disparate campus systems to inform staff of when an item will be out-of-stock and how to eliminate or mitigate problems before they happen. CSCMP Edge 2021 takes place in Atlanta, Sunday, September 19 through September 21. AutoScheduler.AI will exhibit their WMS Accelerator in Booth 725.
Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Corporation of America will change its name in April 2022
Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Co., Ltd. and a global leader in advanced sensing technologies in the fields of Intelligent Surveillance, Public Safety, and Industrial/Medical Imaging, announces that it will be changing its company name to i-PRO Americas Inc. on April 1, 2022. Established in 2019, Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Corporation of America has focused on being a versatile and agile company that is dedicated to delivering new and innovative technologies and solutions. This name change is the next chapter in their story. “This is an exciting time for us, and the name change has always been a planned part of our journey. When we started in 2019, we committed to delivering new technologies more efficiently and more quickly. We kept this commitment,” said Bill Brennan, president. “i-PRO Americas Inc. is simply the next chapter, and we are looking forward to building on the foundation that we have laid down over the last 20 months. We will still deliver the same high-quality products and solutions. Only now it will be as i-PRO Americas Inc.” As this name change will not take place until April 1, 2022, the company will continue to go by its current name, Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Corporation of America, until that time.
EP 197: SOTI
On this episode, I was joined by the Vice President of Product Strategy at SOTI, Shash Anand. SOTI is a suite of software solutions that allow companies to look at their mobile setup and create a more efficient flow on those platforms. We discuss what SOTI does, how they allow users to build their own mobile apps, their recent T&L Report, and lost time. Key Takeaways SOTI is all about your mobile connectivity and ensuring that it is running as efficiently as possible. Their SOTI ONE platform is an integrated suite of business mobility solutions that allows you to do multiple things from having remote connectivity to all of your devices to developing your own apps for mobile devices in a very easy-to-use platform. Shash even shares that you can easily convert Word and Excel files into mobile apps quite easily. With this type of connectivity, you can ensure that your operations will continue to run smoothly and that you can constantly improve on your mobile offerings. Recently, SOTI released their T&L Report entitled “Mobilizing the Delivery Workforce: State of Mobility in Transportation and Logistics” which focuses on looking at mobility in our industry and what trends are happening or issues are being seen. I was very interested to know how the report had changed since pre-pandemic times. Shash shares some of the noticeable differences between the two reports and one of the big ones was the impact of online returns. He said there was an increase of 41% for online returns which was directly linked to the increase in online sales. This all goes back to the retail experience and customer experience. One of the biggest and potentially most frightening findings was that employees are losing approximately two days of work a month due to mobile downtime and technology issues. This is staggering and blew my mind when I heard it. Two days a month in our world is a ton of time and a lot of lost productivity that should not be the case. With the technology not being upgraded and connectivity issues not being resolved this is too often the case for companies and it needs to end. Shash and I discuss how companies can recognize these issues and then what actions can they take to eliminate this lost time. Listen to the episode below and leave a comment with your thoughts. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 197: SOTI
EP 195: TOUGHBOOK S1
On this episode, I was joined by two guests from Panasonic, Dan Diliberti and Mike Bates. We discuss the new TOUGHBOOK S1 and how it was developed with varying warehouse environments in mind. Dan is the Head of Mobility Products and Market Strategy and Mike is an Enterprise Account Manager. Dan talks to us from the mobility side and Mike discusses a little more on the broader side of Panasonic. I was previously lucky enough to get a trial with TOUGHBOOK laptop at MODEX 2020 so was very interested to learn about the technology behind this new tablet. Key Takeaways One of the best things that stood out to me about the new TOUGHBOOK S1 is that it really came out from listening to the voice of the customer. The big goal for mobility with this tablet is that it can have flexibility when it comes to where it is utilized. Dan discusses how customers were saying that they liked having the tablet on the forklift but they also wanted to be able to remove it and use it off the forklift at the same time. I think this is a great thing because it makes your worker more flexible and also reduces the number of assets you need to have. The operator now has the ability to utilize that tablet while operating their machine and also utilize it if there is a need for them to be off the machine doing QA work or some other type of work. Additionally, from a power standpoint, the tablet has the ability to do a warm swap for the battery which means there is a swappable battery instead of just an internal battery and it also means that when that battery runs low you can switch for a new one without losing your place. This can really help you going throughout the day and preventing you from having slowdowns in the work that you are doing. I know from my personal experience there have certainly been times where I have needed to be on the floor most of the day with my laptop and at some point, I have to put a pause on the work to plug in somewhere. Overall, this is an incredibly flexible solution from the TOUGHBOOK line which I think we need in operations as we grow and expand our technology. We also discuss their Productivity+ program which allows full control of your Android-based devices. It can help your company to keep track of all of the assets as well as keep them up to date. It also gives the ability for remote access and helping to resolve issues with IT easily. This is very important especially as distribution networks expand and the number of devices being used increases. Productivity+ can certainly keep you in touch with all of your devices ensuring that they will last through many shifts. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 195: TOUGHBOOK S1
IDEC’s Safety Commander merges Industrial-Grade Safety with HMI Tablets
IDEC Safety Commander provides a unique, practical, and patented way for operators to use modern tablet interfaces with industrial machinery and equipment IDEC Corporation has developed the HT3P Safety Commander to address a growing need for users who want to incorporate modern tablets into their industrial automation systems, but also need to include a hardwired emergency stop (e-stop) and enabled functionality. The Safety Commander makes it easy to hold a tablet securely in an industrial setting, for applications like machinery, robotics, automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), and production lines. Tablets Offer More Traditionally, industrial operations personnel have needed to stand in front of fixed control panels, or use dedicated handheld touch panels or teaching pendants. Each of these methods has its place, but for many applications, operators need much more detailed human-machine interface (HMI) capabilities at their fingertips, even as they move about the system. Industrial internet of things (IIoT) initiatives and capable HMI options are now prompting designers to select mobile tablets as visualization and control devices because of their convenience and productivity benefits. Tablets offer high display resolutions, powerful computational abilities, extensive memory, Wi-Fi networking, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity—all at a low cost. Beyond HMI functionality, they can offer instant viewing of drawings and manuals, videoconferencing, and report creation. But how can consumer- or commercial-grade tablets deliver industrial-grade safety? Adding Industrial-Grade Safety to Typical Tablets Recognizing the industry’s need, IDEC has developed a unique device for adding industrial-grade safety to typical tablets. The Safety Commander is a hand-held device with a slider and adjustable grippers to accommodate tablets ranging from 8- to 11-inch diagonal size. A tablet mounted into the Safety Commander thus provides: Key-locking provisions to keep the tablet secure in the device. A sturdy and ergonomic handgrip and strap, for both right- and left-handed users, and an optional neck strap. The ability to rotate the tablet to any vertical/portrait or horizontal/landscape orientation using a patented design. One hardwired e-stop button with LED indicator. One hardwired 3-position enable switch. A 5-meter cable. USB Type-C port for tablet charging. IP54 protection from water splashes and dirt, and drop resistance tested to 1.2 meters. Unique HMI Capabilities In many cases, using a modern tablet avoids the need to locate a PC on the plant floor and provides an option to add IIoT functionality to industrial systems. Tablets can offer many more capabilities than dedicated industrial teaching pendants, which are expensive and can be difficult to use. However, users have struggled with custom but awkward designs for incorporating tablets with industrial automation, or they have compromised on safety considerations. The IDEC HT3P Safety Commander overcomes these physical integration challenges. Using the Safety Commander, AGV and robotics designers can take advantage of the hold-to-run button to integrate tablets into their automation in compliance with ISO/IEC safety standards and requirements. Manufacturing and processing operations can provide the best visibility for their operators while providing them with the flexibility to safely move about the equipment. As with all its products, IDEC offers free tech support for the HT3P Safety Commander, with no service or support contract required.
EP 187: Seegrid at ProMatDX 2021
On this episode, I was joined by Jeff Christensen of Seegrid at ProMatDX 2021. Jeff is the VP of Product at Seegrid and we were able to connect virtually for ProMatDX to discuss Seegrid’s product showcase, their Fleet Geek analytics software, and Jeff’s view on the future of the industry. Key Takeaways Seegrid offers a wide range of AMR solutions to fit your needs through their Palion range. The latest offering from the line is the Palion Lift which gives their AMR the ability to go vertical allowing for a whole new range of flexibility. As Jeff and I discuss, flexibility is incredibly important in warehousing operations, especially when implementing new technology. The Palion Lift comes with the ability to go up to 6 feet, which gives it great versatility in allowing you to stack pallets, pick up and drop off on conveyors, and pick up off lift tables. As Jess says this is just the beginning of them going higher so it will be great to see how the technology develops over time to allow even more flexibility. We also get into Seegrid’s analytics software called Fleet Geek. Their software provides a way for all the data that is occurring in your operation to be collected and then used effectively. Jeff discusses how their real motivation is to create better material flow and manage that better so that the operation is fully orchestrated and the AMR’s are involved in that flow and operating in the smartest way possible. It also allows you to easily identify areas where you are not being very efficient which helps you to quickly correct these and do continuous improvement actions. Listen to the episode below and leave a comment with your thoughts. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 187: Seegrid at ProMatDX