Logistics & Materials Handling April 2011

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VOL41 ISS2 APRIL 2011

Forklifts & Lifting Fleet Management Supply Chain Mobile Devices Warehousing Mercury Awards

Powered by John Deere

The new Crown designed and manufactured internal combustion forklift.

This issue April 2011

Logistics technology Lab showcases new solutions

14 behindthecover

contents 04 Bulletin Board

inside logisticsmagazine.com.au

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VOL41 ISS2 APRIL 2011

Forklifts & Lifting Fleet Management Supply Chain Mobile Devices Warehousing Mercury Awards

Toyota trumps forklift market.

Idle rules for Port Botany.

Holden Cruze a turning point for auto?

08 Fleet Management Improving airfreight supply chains.

Powered by John Deere

The new Crown designed and manufactured internal combustion forklift.

THE new C5 Internal Combustion forklift by Crown Equipment will be released to the Australian market in April 2011. It is designed and manufactured by Crown and features an industrial John Deere engine with a unique pro-active approach to engine cooling and radiator clearing via an on-demand cooling system. It also includes design innovations that improve operator visibility, comfort and productivity. An integral element in Crown’s research and development was the analysis of maintenance work performed on thousands of IC trucks. This process enabled Crown to focus its design on the most common and costly problems and solve the most universal uptime and service challenges traditionally accepted within the IC market.

Crown Equipment Pty Ltd, www.crown.com/au

12 Supply Chain Hot to avoid product recalls.

New lab trials groundbreaking technology.

16 Mobile Devices Finding the right app.

18 Mercury Awards Reward yourself for your excellence!

21 Profile Manhattan Industries focuses on Australia.

22 Forklifts & Lifting Bottler extends 28-year forklift deal.

Forklift safety barriers.

24 Materials Handling Design drives throughput.

26 Warehousing Pallet inverter increases safety.

Long-span shelving.

29 Data Capture Taking paper out of the equation.

30 Hazardous Goods Portable chemical bunds.

mercuryawards Two new materials handling categories!

18

EDITOR: Sarah Falson t 02 9422 2480 • sarah.falson@reedbusiness.com.au • GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Nicolle Lawson t 02 9422 2714 • nicolle.lawson@reedbusiness.com.au KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER: Richard Bunting t 02 9422 2718 m 0424 138 806 e richard.bunting@reedbusiness.com.au QLD ADVERTISING MANAGER: Sharon Amos t 07 3261 8857 m 0417 072 625 f 07 3261 8347 • sharon.amos@reedbusiness.com.au PO Box 3136, Bracken Ridge, Qld 4017 VICTORIA SALES MANAGER: Michael Northcott t 0448 077 247 • michael.northcot@reedbusiness.com.au PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR: Mary Copland t 02 9422 2738 • mary.copland@reedbusiness.com.au All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. ISSN 1832-5513 Copyright Reed Business Information.

Published by Reed Business Information. (ABN 80 132 719 861) Tower 2, 475 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, NSW 2067 Australia t 02 9422 2999 f 02 9422 2966 Printed four times a year, Logistics & Materials Handling is inserted in the March, June, October and October 2010 issues of Manufacturers’ Monthly, FEN, Food, and PACE magazines with a distribution of 35,000.

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April 2011 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 3

bulletinboard

LOGISTICS AND MATERIALS HANDLING NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND AROUND THE WORLD

Toyota trumps forklift market TOYOTA Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has been named Australia's number-one forklift company for the 24th year in a row, securing more than 30% market share in calendar year 2010.

Official Australian Industrial Truck Association (AITA) industry sales figures from 2010 show TMHA sold over 3,700 forklifts, which is almost 20% more than its nearest competitor.

The company was named number-one in six states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

In addition, the company also maintained its numberone position in the Australian internal combustion counterbalance forklift market, commanding over a 36% share nationally.

Australia 1800 425 438,

THE Logistics Association of Australia (LAA) will provide an information consolidation and communications service for individuals and organisations able to provide products or services supporting Humanitarian Logistics Relief in Australia.

Prompted by the disastrous floods in Queensland and Victoria, and the supportive initiatives of fellow industry associations such as the SCLAA, the LAA believes there is value in providing an ongoing centralised service for logistics and supply chain participants to communicate the support they can provide.

“This support may involve the provision of a product or service that is either discounted or free of charge, the provision of labour or equipment, or other items that are likely to assist the immediate disaster relief or the subsequent repair and remediation process,” said LAA. “This is not a relief coordination facility as that is best left to the industry specialists in that arena, nor will the LAA be involved in coordinating the provision of the goods or services or managing the integrity or quality of the offer, as that will remain the responsibility of the recipient.

“We will endeavour to conduct some first level screening of submissions but will largely rely on the goodwill and integrity of our industry participants and any subsequent feedback.”

The service is open to all logistics and supply chain professionals who want to make a positive difference.

www.tmha.com.au

Logistics Association of Australia 1300 651 911, www.laa.asn.au

TMHA has lead the market now for 24 consecutive years.

TMHA has now led the Australian internal combustion counter-balance forklift market consecutively for 24 years.

More than one in every three internal-combustion counterbalance forklift trucks sold in Australia in 2010 was a Toyota, according to the AITA figures.

TMHA also led the three and four-wheel battery electric forklift segments, claiming

LAA launches humanitarian service

market leadership in both these categories.

Toyota Industries Corporation – TMHA’s parentcompany – was also named number-one motorised materials handling equipment supplier in 2009–10, according to annual turnover.

Toyota Material Handling

Man dies in shipping container accident

Cluster promotes women in manufacturing

A MAN has died from crush injuries he sustained while unloading a shipping container at a metal fabrication business at Kilsyth, Victoria.

The incident, which happened at Eliott Engineering in February, is the first workrelated death to be reported to WorkSafe Victoria this year.

The 53-year-old Healesville man was working alone when a sheet of steel, which was to be made in to the tipper mechanism of a tip track, fell on him. WorkSafe believes the steel was to have been lifted by crane out of the container. A number of others had already been removed.

Workmates lifted the steel from the man and attempted

APICS NSW, a society for supply chain professionals, has secured State Government funding for its Women in Manufacturing Cluster to support career enhancement opportunities for women working in manufacturing.

The funding is part of the Government's Strategic Business Cluster program, which in 2010 delivered over $670,000 to 74 clusters across NSW, helping over 3,200 diverse small businesses.

Through hosting a series of interactive and practitionerdriven workshops, the Cluster aims to improve the economic growth and sustainability of manufacturing in NSW by providing women with access

CPR until an ambulance arrived. He died later.

The director of WorkSafe’s manufacturing and logistics division, Ross Pilkington, said the possibility that loads could shift in transit had to be anticipated and prepared for before unloading.

“If it can move, it can kill.

The danger is magnified if the object and those working with it are in a confined space where there is less room to move. A safe system of work needs to be established even if a job has been done hundreds or even thousands of times before,” he said.

WorkSafe Victoria 03 9641 1444, www.worksafe.vic.gov.au

4 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

to specific skills required for development and success within the sector.

According to program managers, the Cluster is all about providing practical career success skills for women, and will include career planning and management, self-promotion, image, networking and conflict management.

Another key objective of the program will be to assist participants in creating a strong support network of professional women, which is reportedly crucial for women in the industry.

The Cluster will give participants an opportunity to connect and learn from each

The Cluster will support women involved in manufacturing and industrial management.

other both at the face-to-face workshops as well as through an exclusive online Cluster network. Apics hopes the Cluster will raise awareness of women in the industry.

Apics NSW 02 9431 8650, nsw.apics.org.au

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Holden Cruze a turning point for automotive industry?

Intermec hikes mobile solutions business with Vocollect buy-out

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard’s presence at the launch of Holden’s brand-new Cruze at its factory in Elizabeth, South Australia, has proved how important a milestone the new car – which is the first of its kind to be made on our shores – is to Australia’s industry.

According to Gillard, the introduction of the Cruze was a positive sign for the automotive industry in Australia. Holden secured a $149 million government grant to produce the car.

Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, said that confidence in the automotive industry is high.

Carr said participants in the Automotive Transformation Scheme, such as Holden, are estimating that by the end of 2015 they will have invested

Scheme 1800 777 275,

INTERMEC has entered into an agreement to acquire Vocollect, a leading provider of voice-centric solutions for mobile workers globally.

Both companies’ boards of directors have reportedly unanimously approved the $190 million all-cash offer.

Under the deal, Vocollect will broaden Intermec’s applications and solution offerings in the warehouse workflow and help to establish a leading position in software-oriented solutions.

The acquisition will also extend Vocollect’s voice solutions into the rapidly-growing markets served by Intermec and its channel partners.

According to Intermec president and chief executive officer, Patrick Byrne, the acquisition is a major step for Intermec in building a software-centric solutions business to compete the the warehouse sector.

Vocollect is privately-held by Boston-based equity firm, Riverside Partners. The company has over 1,500 customers and 300,000 users globally.

Upon completion of the transaction, Joe Pajer will lead the Intermec Voice Solutions business and report to Patrick Byrne, Intermec’s president and chief executive officer.

Intermec develops and integrates products, services and technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets and information.

www.business.gov.au

Intermec 1800 333 120, www.intermec.com.au

Gillard poses in Holden’s new small car, the Cruze.

over $4 billion into capital and innovation. According to Carr, these estimates bode well for the 60,000 workers directly employed in the sector.

The new Holden Cruze is the first small car built by Holden in 10 years. The construction of the vehicles has reportedly created an extra 265 jobs at the company.

Production of a hatchback vehicle is slated to commence later this year.

The news has been followed by a disturbing announcement that the government is slashing funds under the Green Car Grant.

Automotive Transformation

Idle rules for Port Botany A NEW industry penalty for stevedores and truck carriers has commenced at Port Botany in Sydney.

Under the Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS) reforms, financial penalties will be imposed on stevedores or truck carriers who fail to meet performance benchmarks.

The scheme stipulates that stevedores that fail to meet the truck turnaround time standard, 50 minutes

6 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

for the first container and then 15 minutes for each additional container, will be fined $100 per truck per hour.

ATA NSW welcomed the penalty and said the system would result in greater efficiency at Port Botany.

“We believe the threat of penalties will help ease congestion and improve the overall turnaround times for trucks entering and leaving the port precinct,” said Jill Lewis, manager of ATA NSW.

Stevedores and truck carriers who idle at the dock will be fined.

“Under the PBLIS regulations, stevedores who keep truck carriers waiting in queues will be forced to

pay penalties.”

Sydney Ports Corporation 02 9296 4999, www.sydneyports.com.au

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Fast Charging is Charging

Leaders in Fast Charging Technology – the smarter way to charge. affer workking enviironmentt Fast Charging Technology eliminates battery changing by safely recharging batteries quickly in the vehicle during scheduled downtimes. Removing the OH&S concerns associated with battery changing, giving you a safer working environment.

aximising running time The downtime associated with battery changing and battery watering is significantly reduced through fast charging. Fast Charging Technology gives you the power to run long or multiple shifts on just one battery. Optimising the running time of your fleet.

bolish the battery room

CenturyYuasa is leading the way in Australian Traction Batteries.

By eliminating battery changing, Fast Charging Technology abolishes battery rooms for good. Which in turn, eliminates changing equipment, the need for special ventilation and acid neutralization infrastructure. Regain your battery room real estate!

Organiise your fastt chharge suitability inspection today!

educe operational costs

Phone 1300 734 580 www.forkliftpowersolutions.com.au

By abolishing the battery room, Fast Charging Technology removes the need for extra batteries. Maximising the productivity of your fleet by removing the wasted time of battery changing. Reducing operational costs by up to 70%.

Fast Charging Technology is universal and can charge any battery, regardless of make, size, voltage or capacity. It identifies each battery as it is connected so it can automatically custom charge several trucks and batteries of various specifications simultaneously.

Maintaining optimal charging levels without exceeding safe battery temperatures.

Fast Charge Technology

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fleetmanagement

Driving service to new levels A leading freight and logistics provider employs new, handheld computer technology to improve customer service and speed-up business processes. Mike Doman writes.

TAR Track Express is one of Australia’s premier express freight and logistics providers with over 1,500 drivers in the field, handling over a million scans per day. As part of a large infrastructure upgrade, the company sought to improve on their already-industry-leading reputation in a variety of areas including electronic proof of delivery and capturing manual processes on their handheld computers.

S

The challenge Until recently, Star Track express had been battling with inefficiencies in a variety of areas, primarily due to their paper-based system.

This led to data loss between onroad staff and back-end personnel, as well as a serious lack of quality control in some of the business rules which were inconsistently applied. This had on-flow affects to customers who employ express freight and logistics providers, who are becoming increasingly involved within the shipping process and expecting more from their carrier.

Star Track Express also sought a way to capture manual processes on their handheld to better account for drivers’ time and be able to dynamically update their workload dependent on the tasks they were doing and where they were located.

Improving customer satisfaction To ensure that their solution had the backing of all operational personnel, Star Track Express made a point of involving all relevant stakeholders in this project. The company then employed Blackbay Ltd to find effective solutions using

8 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

StarTrack Express implemented a completely automated mobility solution based on Intermec’s CN4 handheld computer.

Star Track Express implemented a complete mobility solution which allowed them to automate their entire delivery and collection process in real-time.

Intermec’s CN4 handheld computer, focusing on maximising efficiency and emphasising solutions which would give a range of benefits to their customers.

Star Track Express implemented a complete mobility solution which allowed them to automate their entire delivery and collection process in real-time. This was achieved by enabling their drivers

to scan all items within and outside the depot, electronically manifest consignments, collect proof of delivery via ‘sign on glass’ and accept and complete pickups.

Significant ROI benefits were gained by Star Track Express from the handheld technology deployed.

Specifically, cost savings were delivered through ongoing maintenance and the infrastructure required to process enquiries relating to deliveries. This included a reduction in the ‘rate of return’ from 12% to less than 5% and a 50% decrease in the cost of scanner repairs.

Star Track Express also saw tangible efficiency gains through utilising Intermec’s CN4 mobile computers. Staff and customers benefited from a 25% reduction in the time it takes to manifest deliveries, which meant that staff were more efficient and the customers receive their deliveries quicker and with less mistakes.

Using SOTI MobiControl’s advanced Helpdesk tools and Remote Control functionality in conjunction with Intermec’s CN4 gives support staff the ability to remotely access any device and see exactly what the courier sees on the screen – taking control if needed.

Intermec’s GPRS/3G and GPS enabled CN4 rugged mobile computers also provide real-time visibility of Star Track Express drivers and their consignments.

This means customers will have a more accurate view of where their package is and when it will reach its destination and ensuring quality control measures are kept in place.

A market-leading partnership Star Track Express has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the changes from both their customers and their staff. As a result of their rigorous screening process, Star Track Express is already seeing tangible benefits.

They put this down to a variety of factors, not least of which is the sheer number of people who were involved in the project – there were over 2,000 staff and 7,500 customers who played an active role.

The company’s IT director, Max Robson, said “The solutions are very good, there’s less paper and we’re operating more efficiently, and the customers have responded well to them too.”

Customers have also been positive about the results, stating that the amount of time cut down on receiving goods has been a huge leap forward.

Intermec 02 9330 4400, www.intermec.com.au

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fleetmanagement

Airfreight supply chain The Victorian Freight and Logistics Council is calling for industry assistance into a study developed to identify impediments and develop solutions to help our airfreight supply chains work for us.

OMPANIES don’t compete: supply chains compete” is a maxim for domestic and international clients and suppliers in our trading activities.

The Business Activity Harmonisation Study (BAHS) is an industry-led change management program to identify and address supply chain impediments that are costing Australian businesses money and productivity.

BAHS is about industry changing from the inside out: discovering exact impediments that exist across supply chains; developing realistic solutions to the problems identified; implementing agreed and tested recommendations that will enable efficiency improvements and build a platform for performance measurement.

In recognition of the success of the BAHS Sea Freight project, the Victorian Freight and Logistics Council (VFLC) has been charged with undertaking a similar study into the Airfreight supply chain in Victoria.

This project will be carried out under the management of a Steering Committee headed by Chair Lil Valente, from Melbourne Airport. This Steering Committee reports to the Victorian Airfreight Working Group of VFLC.

“C

How will it work?

BAHS is structured around the collaborative relationship between industry and government in Victoria. Industry experts, shippers (importers, exporters and domestic), cargo terminal operators, airlines, freight forwarders, airport operators, unions, regulators and supply chain specialists will be called upon to inject their own experience, in order to ensure: accurate identification and weighting of issues; pragmatic problem-solving and hands-on involvement; and real-world solutions and achievable results.

Stage One Stage one of the BAHS Airfreight project was structured to allow direct contributions from industry participants. It is recognised that

10 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

The Victorian Airfreight Working Group of VFLC is asking industry to help it improve airfreight supply chain success.

expert knowledge resides in the industry and effective models for change are best derived from within each sector.

Study method for stage one drew industry involvement via an electronic survey distributed to several hundred supply chain participants; and a series of workshops involving exporters, importers and domestic shippers, freight

BAHS is about industry changing from the inside out: discovering exact impediments that exist across supply chains; and developing realistic solutions to the problems identified. forwarders, transport companies, government and regulatory bodies, airlines, airports, cargo terminal operators and customs brokers. The workshops encouraged “free and frank” exchange of views about the industry and are instrumental in developing a deeper understanding of the airfreight supply chain. From these discussions five main areas of concern emerged: inadequate

awareness, education and training; a lack of airfreight capacity out of Victoria; under-developed IT systems, data capture and exchange; less-than-optimal terminal infrastructure; and mismatched operating hours unable to meet 24/7 trends. These findings will form the basis for stage two of the study.

Stage Two Stage Two is the development of solutions to remove or reduce the impacts of the identified impediments. The process will be an extension of the successful Stage One process and will encourage industry participation.

We want you to be involved All parties in the airfreight supply chain have stakes in a project such as BAHS Airfreight and your input will be highly valued. If you represent any of the following, the VFLC would like to hear from you: shippers; airlines; transport operators; freight forwarders; custom brokers; warehouse and DC operators; regulatory bodies; peak industry bodies; unions; and cargo terminal operators.

To register your interest to participate in Stage Two of the BAHS project and access copies of the Stage One report please visit the VFLC’s website.

Victorian Freight and Logistics Council 03 8688 1830, www.vflc.com.au

logisticsmagazine.com.au

supplychain

How to avoid product recalls ERP systems can help ensure quality control checks are done at the right time in the manufacturing process, lessening the likelihood of costly recalls. Rob Stummer writes.

RODUCT quality is under the microscope in all industries today and recalls can be a costly nightmare. So how do you reduce the chances of a recall?

With manufacturers operating ‘lean’, where stock is manufactured as and when needed, only small quantities of spare parts are produced, which puts additional pressure on the supply chain and the IT systems that support it.

Advances in technologies like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications mean that there are plenty of IT tools available to ensure that the right quality control checks are done at the right time in the manufacturing process. To reduce the chances of a recall consider reviewing your IT systems and the following points; Does the system have a quality management module that is completely integrated into the

P

12 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

supply chain? It will support the entire production process, enabling you to control parts in manufacturing, distribution and inventory locations, thereby reducing the chance of recall.

Can real time data be collected from the plant floor? In a recall incident, you’ll need to quickly isolate the contaminated.

Can you control specification? A good ERP system can help by documenting specifications and testing procedures online. Process definition should be consistent across the enterprise, for all process steps that are subject to regulation, with a repeatable data collection process.

Does the system provide good visibility across the enterprise? Consider business intelligence tools that provide dashboard reporting and drive operating improvements in the organisation. Document and case management func-

tionality can also provide full control of your company’s documentation.

Is the system easy-to-use? It might sound simple, but staff members are unlikely to want to use a complicated supply chain solution.

What is the total cost of ownership? This should include installation, maintenance and interfaces with other systems necessary to capture and share the data.

So, if you think there are flaws in your supply chain or gaps in your quality management processes, perhaps it’s time to invest in new IT systems that can help prevent a recall happening. After all, the alternative of losing billions of dollars and a damaged reputation is far worse.

[Rob Stummer is managing director, IFS, Australia and New Zealand.]

IFS 03 9862 3800, www.ifsworld.com

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supplychain

New lab trials ‘groundbreaking’ technology A new lab that trials sophisticated logistics technology will rely on industry participants to direct its research. Annie Dang writes.

N an industry that is worth more than A$150 billion and accounts for more than 14% of Australia’s GDP, transport inefficiency and rising costs still remain major challenges.

However, for the 165,000 Australian businesses in the transport and logistics sector, the launch of Australia’s first high technology ‘living lab’ could signal a new era of innovation and commercial opportunities for one of Australia’s most lucrative sectors.

Launched in February this year by German enterprise software company SAP in collaboration with Australia’s ICT research centre NICTA and Europe’s largest applicationoriented research organisation, Fraunhofer, the Future Logistics Living Lab is an exhibition space to test and develop new technology.

Till Dengel, the head of SAP's Industry, Business Unit Transport and Logistics, said the Living Lab was both a testing space for solutions and where researchers could work with industry to drive innovations forward for the logistics and transport industry.

The Lab consists of three areas – an exhibition, event and work space – and was designed to improve the efficiency of Australia’s logistics networks by fast-tracking adoption of emerging technology, and leading research outcomes.

According to NICTA CEO Hugh Durrant-Whyte, the living lab focuses on solving challenges in an area critical to Australia's commercial future.

I

14 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

The lab aims to fast-track new technology to the industry.

“The Living Lab is a real opportunity for bringing together research, experience in optimisation, traffic management and networking, and focuses on a business area which is critical to Australia’s future: infrastructure, transport and logistics,” DurrantWhyte said.

“This lab ultimately will change the way we do things not just in Australia but globally. We will be able to do things more efficiently and will be able to use some of the research to address challenging problems that ultimately will deliver national benefits in this area.”

The lab will achieve this by providing a means for participants to create, test and demonstrate prototype technologies prior to commitment to real products.

Technology demonstrations in the lab will also allow stakeholders and visitors to explore, interact and understand how the latest technology will work in practice.

Results from the Living Lab will be commercialised by

participants and will lead to the development of new products, process and services in logistics that will help improve the industry’s efficiency and cost-effectively address challenges such as rising fuel costs, road congestion, carbon emissions and safety.

Michael Byrne, chief executive officer of Linfox, Australia’s largest supply chain company, said sophisticated IT innovation is the key to running an efficient global supply firm.

"You can't manage moving $51 billion of inventory for customers with a bit of paper,” said Byrne.

"You can't track 16,000 employees moving 600 million kilometers per year without sophisticated IT and at Linfox we can track every piece of equipment through SAP and Trimble where we can download information every 15 seconds.”

Byrne said Linfox has trebled in size since 2003, and will really benefit from research at the Living Lab. Future Logistics Living Lab www.futurelogisticslivinglab.com.au

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mobiledevices

The right app for the job With no initial outlay and hardware costs, a new iPhone application is turning family-owned freight and logistics company, Allen’s Freight, into a more streamlined, trackable operation.

LLEN’S Freight is a family-run business with over 20 years of experience. The company is the fastest growing freight business in Victoria.

Every one of their customers, who are either national or multinational companies (including other freight companies), has individual requirements. As a distribution point flow for these companies, Allen’s distribute everything from food parcels through to pallets to wagonloads.

They have a team of 15 drivers handling thousands of deliveries per year and a team of three people

A

handling dispatching. Eight of their drivers have iPhones with the GeoOP iPhone application installed.

With a heavy workload each day, base were constantly on the phone to the drivers, who were getting frustrated at the interruptions interfering with their deliveries.

Sometimes the drivers were given the wrong information or they misheard what base told them. This meant a lot of frustration for the admin team, the drivers and ultimately their customers.

Owner Leigh Allen started exploring tools that could track all of his company’s pickups and deliveries.

Allen’s Freight has streamlined its dispatch and communications using a new easy-to-use iPhone application.

He needed to reduce the amount of time spent communicating between the team, and to reduce customer complaints (six to eight a week).

Allen’s Freight needed a more streamlined system that worked.

“We got in touch with a couple of companies and were told it would cost around $15,000 to deploy a system and then we had to pay for hardware on top of that. That could be a further $3,000 per unit per driver. So we were looking at around $60,000 through a couple of companies,” said Allen.

“I searched through the App Store to see if I could find what I was looking for. I found GEOop and then researched them some more via their website before downloading the programme.”

After testing GeoOP extensively with his own iPhone, Allen arranged

16 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

another six phones through his Telstra rep.

“Getting up and running was pretty easy. We gave our drivers five minutes training on GEOop and they were using it straight away; it was that easy,” said Allen.

“We put jobs into the system, the message is delivered to our drivers, they acknowledge the job, and we start to track the job’s progress. It’s all done online and through the App and SMS with drivers with older phones. We keep each other informed through Job notes, and our drivers are now happy that they don't hear from base too often.

That's not to mention the safety side of this great system! Drivers read their notes and jobs when it is safe to do so.”

Saasilia Limited 03 8605 4837, www.geoop.com

logisticsmagazine.com.au

mercuryawards

You deserve to be rewarded The Mercury Awards is the premier Australian event showcasing and rewarding excellence in logistics, supply chain and materials handling solutions. Enter now – you deserve it. Sarah Falson reports.

The Best of the Best Award will be IX years ago, Logistics & chosen from amongst the other categories.

Materials Handling magazine Nominations are now open for the 2011 devised the Logistics & Logistics & Materials Handling Mercury Materials Handling Mercury Awards, so get in quick to nominate your Awards to recognise and reward company for its achievements in logistics excellence in supply chain and logistics and materials handling implementation operations and solutions. and technology over the past 12 months.

Now, in 2011, we have expanded the All entrants join a prestigious group of Mercury Awards to include two new mateleading professionals working to win in rials handling categories – ‘Materials an ever-competitive global market.

Handling Solution’, and ‘Warehousing Finalists and winners will receive and/or Storage Solution’ – to give somepublicity in Logistics & Materials thing back to the unsung heroes of distriHandling and online, and will also have bution. We’ve also added a brand new Enter now for your chance to receive one of these prestigious industry awards, and be recognised for your achievements. access to the Mercury Awards logo for category designed specifically for compapromotional activities. nies working in the supply chain.

Finalists will be announced in the With eight categories all up (and one September 2011 issue, and the category overall Best of the Best winner), the winners will be covered in full in the Logistics & Materials Handling Mercury November 2011 issue of Logistics & MateAwards now rewards more thought-leadrials Handling. Winners will be presented ers than ever. Sponsored by Century with their award at a special gala presenYuasa, CEVA, Linde, Loscam and SSI tation in Sydney on 1 September 2011.

Schaefer, the categories are as follows: Entering the Awards is free. All you need to do Logistics Leader; for proven leaders in logisBest Green Initiative; for innovative is fill-out an entry form, which is available from tics strategy and supply chain management. approaches to ‘greening’ the supply chain and our website (below), and send it in along with Top Third Party Logistics Provider (3PL); materials handling sector. any images or supporting information you can recognises innovative approaches taken by Warehousing & Storage Solution (New Category); rewards companies that have used innova- rustle-up. The nomination process is designed to Australian 3PLs, LLPs or 4PLs to develop relation in their warehouse to reap benefits. be easy, so send us any information you already tionships and technologies that afford clients Materials Handling Solution (New Category); have on-hand to give us a better idea of your significant competitive advantage. for firms that use materials handling solutions solution or implementation.

Young Professional of the Year; rewards a Visit www.logisticsmag.com.au/awards to enter online. young professional who demonstrates excellence. creatively to boost their business advantages.

Supply Chain Innovation (New Category); for For more information, Technology Application; for creatively applythose who use innovative technology or theory to contact Margaret Tra on 02 9422 2759 or ing a technology to leverage competitive advansupercharge their supply chain. email margaret.tra@reedbusiness.com.au tage for their own business or that of a client.

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Nominations are now open for the 2011 Logistics & Materials Handling Mercury Awards, so get in quick to nominate your company for its achievements.

Materials Handling Solution category a natural fit for Linde SPONSORING the new Materials Handling Solution category in the annual Mercury Awards was a natural move for Linde Material Handling, and says much about the type of business it has become.

“Long gone are the days when you could categorise Linde as simply a forklift sales organisa-

18 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

tion. It has transformed itself into the provider of solutions which encompass a much wider sphere of activities,” Linde Material Handling managing director, Carl Smith, told Logistics & Materials Handling.

Linde’s solutions include hire and rental, purchase, and the

value-adding potential of sophisticated fleet management. The technological leadership of Linde’s forklifts and warehouse equipment is still central to its success. These days however, the equipment is just one element of a market offer designed to improve material handling efficiency.

“The innovation and strategic thinking which are recognised in the Materials Handling Solution category of the Mercury Awards are part and parcel of the relationships which Linde has struck up with its customers,” said Smith.

Linde Material Handling 02 9831 9517, www.lindemh.com.au

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LOGISTICS & MATERIALS HANDLING

www.hyundai-ce.com

The New Standard for Forklift Trucks

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profile

Supply chain brains SUPPLY chain specialist Manhattan Associates is ramping-up its Australian operations with a new managing director, a new focus and a new lease on life. Sarah Falson writes.

N the cusp of celebrating 20 years of providing supply chain optimisation software and hardware to industrial companies, Manhattan Associates has appointed a new managing director, Raghav Sibal, to increase awareness of the company’s offerings in Australia and New Zealand.

With almost a decade under his belt at Manhattan, Sibal knows a thing or two about optimising a supply chain. Coming directly from Manhattan’s Consulting Service Department, where he was senior director, Sibal has been responsible for managing a number of significant global and local customer projects for customers including adidas Group, Giant Eagle, Staples, Life Technologies, OHL and Pfizer.

While settling himself in Manhattan’s Frenchs Forest, NSW office, Sibal is already putting his customers at front-of-mind and working out ways to better meet their needs in the future.

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“A new initiative in the APAC region this year is to not simply go in [to customers’ premises] and sell a solution and leave, but make sure our partners do everything they can to consult with the customers and meet their individual requirements,” he told Logistics & Materials Handling.

“There are three things I have planned to drive from day one: capitalise on the momentum and growth we’re seeing in the market; build new business and promote new software solutions; and meet with existing customers to ensure their satisfaction.

“We plan to make sure customers on projects we’ve completed are satisfied with the results. Anything we can do to keep their KPIs up, we will do.”

This includes ramping-up Manhattan’s sales team, adding more local experience to the mix.

Sibal will be making a concerted push into the manufacturing market this year, and is also

committed to the engineering, mining, food and transport sectors.

Coming from an analytical services background with time spent specialising in processing and retail, Sibal will use his knowledge to help local firms excel.

“Having been with the company this long I’ve got a good idea of the product suite and how they apply to different industries; more importantly, how various companies can drive value,” he said.

Sibal plans to increase awareness of two new supply chain solutions: Manhattan SCALE, a portfolio of distribution management and transportation management solutions built on Microsoft .NET technology; and Manhattan SCOPE, a portfolio that leverages a Supply Chain Process Platform to help organisations optimise their supply chains from planning to execution.

Though Sibal officially took-up his new post only last month, he has a clear idea of what local companies need.

We plan to ensure customers are satisfied with our solutions: Sibal.

“Customers want to drive cost out of the business, optimise on their distribution, and benefit from their network. They also want to reduce inventory,” Sibal said.

“We can offer them better planning up-front, as well as optimisation replenishments, and we can enable that early in the supply chain.”

Manhattan Associates 02 9454 5400, www.manh.com

April 2011 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 21

forklifts&lifting

Bottler extends 28-year forklift deal LEADING wine bottling operation has extended its 28-year partnership with Toyota Material Handling (TMH) forklift trucks by commissioning five new machines.

NSW-based Hunter Bottling Company commissioned the five new 3,000-kilogram (nominal payload) Toyota 32-8FGK30 forklifts at its Pokolbin facility at the end of June 2009, and says they are still going strong, without one hitch to date. The new additions take the Group's forklift fleet to 13 Toyota machines.

Hunter Bottling Company general manager Russell Smith said the latest-generation Toyota 8-Series forklifts with electronic gas injection and three-way closed-loop catalytic converters meant the

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22 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

company had switched from battery electric to internal combustion forklifts inside the bottling warehouse facility.

"Our parent company bought its first Toyota forklift in 1982 and it is still running today," Russell Smith said. "We've used Toyota ever since – both electric and gas – because they're just great forklifts. We've had one forklift for 20 years," he said.

Smith said the five new Toyota forklifts had been custom-specified for the company's requirements, including individual PIN access for each operator and seatbelt interlock.

"Safety is a priority in this facility as we have people and forklifts working together around the bottling lines," he said.

A three-tonne payload Toyota forklift truck in operation at Hunter Bottling Company, Pokolbin.

The company chose the Toyota 328FGK30 compact forklift model for its combination of lifting capacity and ability to work in a tight warehouse environment.

TMH (Newcastle) area sales manager Brad Hawkins said the five new forklifts have 3,700mm full free-lift masts to be used in the low overhead clearance areas such as the de-palletising area.

"The forklifts are Toyota deluxe

model specification with three-way closed-loop catalytic converter system and EFI engines," Hawkins said.

"They're specified with Toyota's deluxe multi-function display and travel and load-handling control, including load weight indicator, speed limiting and a speed alarm.'

Toyota Material Handling 1800 425 438, www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au

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forklifts&lifting

Forklift safety barriers

Cranes for rough terrain

A NEW range of forklift barriers from Barrier Group – consisting of the Post-Q, Menni-Q and Dock Safe Q – is designed to keep forklifts and people separate to avoid accidents.

Post-Q provides impact protection against low-speed manoeuvring vehicles. It is a Modular Safety Fence which is non-conductive, corrosion- and abrasion-resistant, and can be used indoors or outdoors. The fence is reportedly simple to install and flexible.

The Impact Protection Fence, MenniQ, is designed specifically for warehouses, factories and road work.

This modular barrier uses the same components as the Post-Q, which is moulded from Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) with solid colour. Used in conjunction with Barriers’ Menni System enables it to be fixed to the ground, making the system non conductive and built in drainage connectors to stop water pooling. The Menni also acts as a delineator against forklift

FREO Cranes has added the new Tadano GR-700EX rough terrain crane to it existing fleet of more than 220 cranes. The Tadano GR-700EX weighs 48.4 tonnes GVM and has a lifting capacity of 70 metric tonnes.

Fitted with a telescopic boom that extends to 44m, additional height can be achieved with the standard bi-fold fly jib offering an extension of 9.9m or 17.7m. Power to the crane is delivered via a single Mitsubishi 6cylinder diesel engine, both turbo charged and after cooled, with a displacement of 7.545 litres.

The Tadano GR-700EX is reportedly easy-to-operate, versatile and reliable in rough terrain.

mathandling.com.au

tines or straying pallets entering walkways under the fence system.

Dock Safe Q is a rapid deployment loading barrier dock designed to prevent people falling from loading docks. Moulded from super tough polyethylene the panels come supplied with black moulded rubber dock-safe receivers (7.5kg) that also double as a docking bumper.

Barrier Group 1300 553 320, www.barriergroup.com.au

The cranes can lift 70 metric tonnes.

The Freo Cranes fleet includes cranes from as small as a threetonne mini crawler through to a 750 tonne crawler.

Tadano 07 3120 8750, www.tadano.com.au

Pneumatic scissor lifts

The barriers are designed to keep people and forklifts separated.

PNEUMATICALLY actuated scissor lifts and tilt tables offer reliable and safe performance: if the power cuts out or the system falters, then the actuator will still compress gently with the air (or water) inside offering resistance.

Scissor lifts and tilt tables actuated by Air Springs Airstroke actuators are said to eliminate one of the weakest links in pneumatic actuation: the seals in traditional cylinders used to actuate the equipment involved. This advantage is especially critical in aggressive

atmospheres laden with dust and waste, where such cylinders can clog up and wear prematurely over the millions of cycles for which they must operate, says the company.

Airstrokes are available in a variety of styles, sporting differing components that control the shape and path of axial extension (including single, double and triple convoluted, as well as rolling sleeve).

Air Springs Supply 02 9807 4077, www.airsprings.com.au

April 2011 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 23

materialshandling

Design drives results Visy Automation has developed a new-generation box ‘Lidder’ machine founded on innovative drive technology from SEW-Eurodrive, delivering a powerful combination of speed, accuracy and throughput.

UTOMATED packaging machines lie at the heart of many modern industrial manufacturing processes. Originally developed to ease the burden on labourintensive applications, they have evolved to incorporate sophisticated control technologies and other complementary systems. Today, much is expected of automated packaging machines – there is an increasing demand for them to deliver better product quality, while at the same time optimising throughput and reducing operating costs.

The challenge for modern packaging solutions providers is to develop customised machines that improve efficiency and the manufacturer’s bottom line. Here, robotic handling and packaging equipment solutions provider, Visy Automation, is a leader, pioneering innovative machines that optimise packaging processes across industries.

When Visy Automation embarked on developing its second-generation in-line VL18 Lidder machine for Australia’s largest meat processor, Bindaree Beef, the company called on SEW-Eurodrive to provide a motor and drive solution. All of the new Lidder’s motion processes rely on SEW-Eurodrive electronic drive control technology, and servo geared motors. The result is a fast and efficient inline Lidder machine, adaptable to nearly any box

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Visy Automation’s new VL18 Lidder machine is able to glue lids onto unlidded boxes at rates of up to 25 per minute.

that comes off Bindaree Beef’s production line.

The new Lidder features a clever dual-purpose conveyor design coupled with precision automation and a rapid-fire ‘head compression’ lidding system. Together, they ensure lids are glued onto unlidded boxes at rates of up to 25 per minute.

In operation, un-lidded boxes are transferred into the head compression area for lidding via two side-by-side dual-chain conveyors. Each chain conveyor is equipped with two sets of ‘paddles’

positioned at opposite ends of the chain-set. One of the paddles from the first chain-set is used to push the incoming box into position and hold it in place from the incoming side. Once in position, a paddle from the second chain-set acts as a ‘torquecontrol’ paddle, holding the positioned box in place from the opposite side.

The head compression system then delivers and glues the lid to the box in less than one second.

Once the lid has been attached, the ‘torque control’ paddle releases the box by rotating under the conveyor. The first paddle then over-travels, effectively pushing the lidded box off on to the outlet conveyor. This first paddle then takes on the role of the ‘torque control’ paddle for the next box.

According to Peter Somogyi, Visy Automation project manager, the paddle system’s dual functionality is crucial to the packaging machine.

“The fact that each paddle does not have to go back to the start position after each box is lidded is a real time saver,” he says.

“By minimising the number and length of machine movements, we have been able to develop an extremely fast Lidder machine with the ability to deliver high throughput rates.”

SEW-Eurodrive 03 9933 1000, www.sew-eurodrive.com.au

logisticsmagazine.com.au

materialshandling

Rod clamp gets tough A materials handling system for manoeuvring pipes and rods provides worker safety and efficiency.

ANITOU’s detachable fork clamp assembly option for handling drill rods and other tubulars typically found around a drill site in the mining industry is providing customer, Energy Drilling Australia (EDA), with some unexpected benefits.

Using this attachment, a Manitou telescopic handler can pick up tubular components (rods, pipe and casing) from their respective storage locations on-site and safely manoeuvre them around the site without the risk of having them fall or slip out of the forks as a result of operating on uneven surfaces.

The first unit sold in Australia was supplied to EDA in mid-2010 for use with its newly-delivered Foremost Explorer III-65 shallow gas drill rig, which was specifically purchased to target the emerging Coal Seam Gas (CSG) market in the Surat and Galilee basins.

Unlike many other rigs in the CSG industry, the Foremost rig is ‘road legal’ as it has been redesigned to reduce width and weight, and is mounted on a quad axle trailer for ease of manoeuvrability. It is specifically designed for shallow gas drilling, with a strong derrick structure and integral work floor.

For EDA general manager Peter Wright, one of the key features of the Foremost rig is its automated handling of tubular components such as drill rods

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Manitou’s fork clamp assembly increases safety when working at heights.

and casings which, in conjunction with the Manitou pipe clamp, apparently makes them a formidable combination that eliminates the need for his personnel to manually handle any tubulars.

Wright gained his inspiration for introducing these clamps after seeing clamps used on front-end loaders to handle logs, and contacted the Brisbane MANITOU dealer NTP to see if there was a suitable attachment for handling rods with a MANITOU telescopic handler.

MANITOU Australia liaised with the factory in having an existing clamp design modified locally, and EDA‘s MANITOU MANISCOPIC MT 1440 EP Privilege telescopic handler was supplied with a man basket and standard pallet forks in addition to the rod clamp.

The MANISCOPIC loads drill rods or casing from racks or trucks located on site and places them into pipe tubs set up beside the Foremost rig. Several pipe tubs are placed side-by-side, and jacks are used to tilt the tubs slightly, to ‘bias’ them and progressively transfer the tubulars towards the tub closest to the rig. A specially-designed selector arm picks an individual rod from the closest tub and presents it up to the pipe handler mounted on the drill mast.This grabs the rod, lifts and rotates it to the vertical and positions it for attachment to the drill head and string.

With this system, EDA has all but eliminated manual handling, during which many of the injuries in the drilling industry occur.

Manitou Australia 02 9517 3174, www.au.manitou.com

April 2011 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 25

warehousing

Pallet inverter increases safety A large dairy producer enjoyed increased efficiencies after removing manual handling from the equation.

MAJOR dairy company has reportedly saved money and reduced worker safety risks after purchasing a King Pallet Inverter system. The dairy company invested in the Inverter as it required a better way of transferring incoming products from wooden to plastic pallets.

According to a spokesperson from the factory, “We were using traditional methods of transferring the pallet load of bags or cartons by hand, from wooden delivery pallets

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over to hygienic plastic pallets, before requiring storage in clean warehousing, as we had no record of where that wooden pallet had been”.

All goods used to be manually transferred to plastic pallets, using spring-loaded pallet stands and vacuum lifters prior to installing a King Pallet Inverter.

“Now, the pallet inverter removes all manual handling, and speeds up the process, allowing warehouse staff to tend to other duties,” said the spokesperson.

The requirement was to check each item for contamination, spill or damage – especially the bottom layer, where it was imperative to ensure no splinters, nail tears, wetness or prior product contamination was present. Therefore, all of the transfer and inspection work was done by hand.

According to King Materials Handling, the customer preferred a non-hydraulic system, as they feared hydraulic fluid could contaminate their food manufacturing operation.

The King Pallet Inverter does not use hydraulics in any way; it is a purely electro-mechanical operation, therefore it cannot spill oil, and does not require hydraulic

service inspections, pumps, control systems, parts or hoses to replace, the manufacturer claims.

The dairy processor can now save time (it now takes 20 seconds to invert a load, compared with 10 minutes to do the same job by hand) and operator effort, by simply rotating the load, inspecting the underside, then placing the load onto a plastic pallet and de-hiring the wooden pallet.

The supplier also installed a mesh cage to prevent staff from entering the rotating area, and category 3 light curtains to shut the system down if entry to the area was accessed.

King Materials Handling 03 9720 7181, www.kinggroup.com.au

Non-wooden pallets THE KITBIN reportedly makes a significant difference to work place practice when used as a replacement for wooden pallets holding shrink wrapped products.

Manufactured from high density polyethylene (HDPE), the KitBin can reportedly withstand heavy loads and continuous use. The materials are USDA approved for direct food contact and extreme temperature resistance from - 40 C to + 60 C. The KitBin can handle individual loads of up to 600 kg with a maximum stacking load of up to 3,000 kg. It features removable walls designed for easy loading and four way forklift entry with the external dimensions 1200 x 1000 x 715 (h) mm.

Available as a solid or vented unit,

26 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

The pallet has a smooth, easyto-clean, absorbent surface.

it can also be used as a combination of a solid pallet base with four vented walls or with a vented base and solid walls. According to the company, the KitBin is recyclable and does not need to be treated or fumigated.

Nayla 02 9678 9200, www.nayla.com

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Smart Storage Solutions!

Mesh Pallet Racking Shelves Store Smart mesh pallet racking shelves enhance the flexibility of standard pallet racking. Available in a range of sizes to suit most rack types, they offer a host of advantages over conventional timber and chipboard shelves. These include the ability to be reused after flood, superior strength and durability, ease of handling and installation, and greater visibility of inventory. They are also a cleaner and more hygienic product than wood-based shelving, have a rounded, edge that prevents damage. They are virtually maintenance-free, allowing light, dust, dirt & fire sprinkler spray to pass through. The open face design makes it particularly suitable for use in warehouses or facilities where fire regulations are an issue. They are also ideal in temperature-controlled areas, such as cool-rooms and freezer environments, where condensation can freely drain away. They incorporate uniquely profiled, galvanised steel cross bar supports for superior strength and performance & the panels easily drop into place without fixtures, fasteners or additional support bars. There are 4 capacities: 1500kg with 5 supports, 1000kg with 4 supports, 800kg with 3 supports and 350kg capacity with 2 supports. Standard panel sizes for pallet racking are 1250l x 840d mm for 2600 wide bays & 1350l x 840d mm for 2752 wide bays. Mesh panels are available for other sizes, including our Interspan, long span, racking.

Fast & easy to install with integral welded supports

Mesh Shelves, 50 x 100mm mesh on std. channel supports & safe-edge to front side Code S3013 S3014 S3001 S3007 S3003 S3009 S3005 S3011

Standard channel supports

Standard pallet rack panels in various sizes

Length 1250 1350 1250 1350 1250 1350 1250 1350

Depth 840 840 840 840 840 840 840 840

Duty/kg 1500 1500 1000 1000 800 800 350 350

Supports 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2

The S3001 & S3007 are the most popular & cost effective shelves.

Other depths 900, 1070, 1170 & 1220mm are available to special order.

FLOOD PROOF Many companies that have suffered in recent floods had MDF, particle board & other timber shelves. Lots of this shelving collapsed & after this horrendous experience, all the shelving had to be disposed of. Those with mesh shelves just pressure cleaned them & they were reused.

Providing the building blocks for the most advanced storage systems in the world GET SMART

schaefer@schaeferstore.com.au www.schaeferstore.com.au Freecall: 1300 85 66 89 Freefax: 1800 68 68 96 LMH1104 SMART STORAGE SOLUTIONS RING FOR A FREE STORAGE APPRAISAL

warehousing

Long-span shelving CENTRAL Storage Systems’ Top Shelf solution has been designed to ensure that every space in the typical warehouse environment is utilised for improved efficiency and profitability.

Top Shelf long-span shelving modules can be custom-made to suit individual storage requirements, allowing shelving to be installed in areas that were previously unable to fit the standard long-span shelving modules.

Top Shelf long-span shelving is available in all standard lengths and heights designed to suit most storage requirements and can be used for various applications in warehouses.

Modular in design, the Top Shelf features powder-coated dark grey frames and light grey beams, adjustable shelf levels at 25mm increments and a heavy duty box beam with step.

It comes standard with wooden board shelving, heavy duty foot plates and safety pins.

Mesh, steel and shelf shelves are available as is plastic top caps.

Top Shelf long-span shelving can be used for applications including small parts storage, and archiving, and is said to be suitable for indus-

28 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

trial environments, such as the automotive, warehousing and food industry.

Central Storage Systems 1800 278 672, www.cstorage.com.au

The shelves have adjustable shelf levels at 25mm increments.

Curtain-sided containers SCF Group’s new ‘Supalite’ containers are designed to replace curtain-sided containers. The Supalite features easy access moulded plastic biThe containers weigh less folding doors which than a standard container, saving fuel costs. reportedly have the same strength rating as solid walled containers.

SCF reportedly spent more than five years devising, developing and perfecting the design which eradicates a number of design flaws with curtain-sided containers.

The Supalite is also said to reduce transport fuel consumption due to its tare weight of 6.3 tonnes compared to the 9.3-tonne standard container, equating to a 32% saving.

The Supalite’s bio composite door can be retrofitted onto existing containers, prolonging unit life.

SCF Group 08 8208 0900, www.scfgroup.com.au

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datacapture&labelling

Less paper, less fuss A metals manufacturing group overcame three document-related business challenges when it decided to adopt a ‘less is more’ attitude to its paper usage, including improved transparency and uptime.

HE Metal Manufactures Group (MM) incorporates a number of businesses involved in electrical wholesaling, PVC, plastic products and distribution.

The Group produces high value invoices for goods that are shipped around the country. Often deliveries are disputed, which makes proof of delivery (POD) documentation crucial to ensure invoices are paid. MM had employed a dedicated full time resource to manage POD documents, which were manually stored in a cumbersome hard copy filing system.

Group IT manager Trevor Batten felt the burden of maintaining a widely-distributed and aging fleet of printers in over 200 locations across Australia.

“The logistics of internally-managing the supply, maintenance and replacement of all our printers was expensive and complex,” he said .

“At the end of the day our core business is not printers, and I didn’t want to have to waste resources looking after them.”

Because the majority of printers were dot matrix, pre-printed stationery was required to produce forms and corporate documents. Each time a preprinted form had to be updated, all old forms were thrown away and new versions brought in.

“The forms just cost too much; they were wasteful and gave us an unnecessary administrative hassle,” said Batton.

Technology supplier Upstream was engaged to overhaul the Group’s printing processes, including its proof of delivery (POD) documentation system and forms production. With Upstream’s uscan solution, a new POD docket was designed incorporating two encrypted barcodes, one on each half of the docket.

Upon delivery of goods, the truck driver leaves one half of the docket with the customer. The other half of the docket, containing the customer’s signature, is returned to the distribution point where it is scanned and uploaded to the central head office document storage server.

In addition, high volumes of transactions are “counter based” and these also form part of the POD process. POD documents are made available to head office, all branches, and even customers within minutes and archived electronically for

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The document management system from Upstream became so successful that it was also rolled-out to all other members of Metal Manufactures Group.

ease-of-retrieval and storage. To complete the process, Upstream tailored uscan to automaticallyupdate MM’s legacy ERP system with the POD number and close-off the job.

“The new uscan system means we have instant recall of PODs, which couldn’t be lost once filed on our server. And because external freight operators are only paid once they return the signed POD docket to the local warehouse, we don’t have a problem with missing documentation,” said Batton.

A custom forms solution utilising Upstream’s unique printer resident uforms solution was also created to eliminate the need for pre-printed stationery. As the printers can store thousands of forms, a few extra paper trays were added and all label production was migrated into the solution as well. Six label variants and numerous business forms with each different form layout loaded directly onto the new printers, so that when a job is sent, the printer recognises the type of document and automatically prints it utilising the correct template with the correct information. By consolidating paper forms, the POD application alone helped MM reduce printing by more than 250,000 pages per year. Importantly, faster POD

production means MM can collect payment faster as well.

At the same time, Upstream rationalised MM’s printer fleet, replacing old dot matrix printers with the most suitable stand alone laser or multifunctional network devices for each location.

All machines are now supplied and managed by Upstream under one agreement that covers all service calls and consumables.

“We saw significant cost savings across the board, but particularly with our forms,” said Batton.

“The new form design is much better and more efficient. We don’t have to reprint if we want to update a detail. In fact, now that Upstream manages the supply and maintenance of our entire national printer fleet, we don’t dedicate any internal resources to that area.

“The main benefits are not just cost, but a massive reduction in administration time and improved customer service. Our forms look cleaner and more professional, and the POD system allows us to quickly bring up information for customers without having to dig through old filing cabinets.”

Upstream 1300 772 772, www.upstream.com.au

April 2011 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 29

handlinghazardousgoods

Connectable bunds with ramp

Portable chemical bunds

SPILLDOKTOR’s new range of low profile, connectable bunds, includes a very gentle non-slip ramp, which offers a smooth slope.

When moving 200L drums (which weigh up to 300KG) on a drum truck, this is a significant manual handling advantage.

These units come in compact ‘2 drum’ modules which can be connected in many configurations to suit almost any application.

There are various The bunds can be connected in many configurations. configurations available to the user, including L and T shape bunds. Users can quickly build Another unique feature is the ‘spill the particular ‘footprint’ which suits the gutter’ around the perimeter of the unit, available floor space. which eliminates the need for large One key advantage for areas where holes in the poly grate which can be space is tight is that bunds can be a weak point and a trap for wheels. joined in an ‘L’ configuration, so that SPILLDOKTOR 1800 365 867, corners can be used to advantage. www.spilldoktor.com

SPILL STATION has released the Quickbund portable bunding system.

Constructed from X-R5, a highly chemical-resistant material, it does not become brittle or crack when exposed to oils and fuels.

Featuring fold down walls for truck and forklift easy access, the standard 1,000litre model folds down to a compact 500x500x100mm size and weights only 10kg.

All of the 10 standard sizes have high frequency welded seams to prevent leaking and contamination. These

standard sizes range from 1000 to 24 700 litres.

They can also be custom-made.

The portable system can be deployed and functional in seconds according to the company, by placing it on the ground and unfold it to create a secure bunded area.

Anti-vibration nitrile pads ad puncture resistant underblankets extend the applications and durability of the Quickbund.

Spill Station Australia 1300 664 266, www.spillstation.com.au

The bunds have high-frequency welded seams to save from contamination.

Forklift-accessible storage STORAGE of liquids in large quantities, particularly in drums and IBCs (Intermediate Bulk containers) is often achieved by creating a bunded area or ‘compound’ This is often achieved by means of concrete kerbing or bricks, which are often sealed after installation.

According to Spilldoktor, this method is tried and proven but often poses a problem for fork access to the compound.

A retrofit solution is now available in the company’s popular F4 bund system. This bund is available in two standard profiles, one of which

30 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling April 2011

is a ramped profile specially designed for forklift access.

The 2 profiles can be combined to make an effective compound in any existing warehouse, and can be installed to create several adjoining compounds for incompatible liquids.

Available in standard lengths and complete with installation accessories and instructions, this product packs well for economical shipping to even the most remote locations.

Spilldoktor 1800 365 867, www.spilldoktor.com

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