Logistics & Materials Handling July 2012

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Supply Chain Factory Materials Handling Transport & Logistics Warehousing Packaging Forklifts, Stackers & Trolleys

Crown continues its expansion into complete

Post Print Approved PP352583/00436

Warehouse Solutions

Design Storage Systems Lift Trucks Operator Monitoring

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This issue July 2012

Keeping conveyors moving Cost-effective ways to improve equipment reliability

14

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Supply Chain Factory Materials Handling Transport & Logistics Warehousing Packaging Forklifts, Stackers & Trolleys

Crown continues its expansion into complete

Post Print Approved PP352583/00436

Warehouse Solutions

Design Storage Systems Lift Trucks Operator Monitoring

CROWN’S one-stop-shop approach offers supplier consolidation to the logistics industry. Crown now combines racking, trucks, training, management software and finance in a complete warehouse solution that saves time and money. With the logistics industry searching for savings through simplified procurement arrangements, Crown believes it is now in a commanding position to satisfy that requirement. Crown believes it is the only company in Australia to offer such a comprehensive and complete warehouse solution, and is able to make the whole process from procurement to racking design and installation, the supply of vehicles and fleet management software, and finance options, a single seamless experience. www.crown.com

contents 04 Bulletin Board Australia’s new supply chain working group DHL launches e-waste recycling service Linfox launches new scholarship 08 Trend & Developments Logistics operation predictions 2016 10 Forklifts, Stackers

& Trolleys

No fizzle for green forklifts Pneumatic tyres Hard-wearing pallet trucks

14 Factory Materials

Handling

Smart motor design keeps conveyors moving Flexibility drives food manufacturing systems Fast label printers Superior belt protection 22 Warehousing Streamlining high-bay operations Robotic layer picking solutions High-rise storage shelving for warehouse

24 Packaging Auto dispensing machines Turnkey Systems Robotic palletising package 26 Supply Chain Navigating through supply chain chaos Managing customer expectations 30 Transports & Logistics ICT drives growth Five-star comfort driving Fresh food transportation

mercuryawards SmartTrans signs on for 7th annual Mercury Awards

34

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Martin Sinclair e martin.sinclair@reedbusiness.com.au DEPUTY EDITOR: Annie Dang t 02 9422 2964 e annie.dang@reedbusiness.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Justine Dunn t 02 9422 8696 e justine.dunn@reedbusiness.com.au KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER: Mark Ryu t 02 9422 2151 e mark.ryu@reedbusiness.com.au QLD ADVERTISING MANAGER: Sharon Amos t 07 3261 8857 m 0417 072 625 f 07 3261 8347 e sharon.amos@reedbusiness.com.au PO Box 3136, Bracken Ridge, Qld 4017 PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR: Mary Copland t 02 9422 2738 e 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 five times a year, Logistics & Materials Handling is inserted in the February, April, July, September and November 2012 issues of Manufacturers’ Monthly, FEN, Australian Mining, Electronics News, Food, and PACE magazines with a distribution of 34,000.

logisticsmagazine.com.au

Average Net Distribution Period ending March 12 34,806

July 2012 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 3

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bulletinboard logistics and materials handling news from aUstralia and aroUnd the world

New working group drives supply chain efficiencies

DHL launches first free e-waste recycling service dhl supply chain and the act

ensure ‘reasonable access’ to the

state government have launched

majority of the population so a

the australian logistics council

the first free e-waste drop off point

concentration of services in metro

(alc) and gs1, in a joint initiative,

under the federal government’s

areas (1 per 250,000 people), one

have established a new high level

national television and computer

within 100km of towns of 10,000

industry working group to drive

recycling scheme.

people, 1 within 200km for towns

supply chain efficiencies and product traceability.

as of 15 may 2012, act

of 2,000 people. the company will

residents and small businesses

also identify a suitable site that is

have been able to take old or

safe and capable of accommodat-

ards working group will be made

unwanted televisions, computers

ing the service. existing staff at

up of industry experts from across

and associated computer products

each collection will continue to run

the supply chain focused on better

to the mugga lane or mitchell

each operation.

aligning the australian transport

transfer stations for recycling,

and logistics sector in the adoption

free of charge. these are the first

computer recycling scheme was

of global standards for identifica-

locations dhl has secured as a

set up to help reduce the amount

tion, information capture and

part of its 18-month roll-out across

of television and computer waste

sharing across supply chains.

the nation. the company plans to

going to landfill, and to increase

the news follows 2012 budget

expand this service to over 100

the recovery of resources. the

announcements which will see the

collection sites across australia.

scheme aims to boost the recy-

DHL’s Richard Phillips and Mark Phillips dropping off a TV

cling rate of these products from

at the Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre.

the alc supply chain stand-

government place a greater focus

the plan will see dhl establish

on building a strong future for

services in line with regulations

freight in australia.

which specifies the number of

the national television and

17% in 2010 to 80% by 2021-22. under the landmark Product

under the scheme, in march this

“australia’s rising freight task,

services to be provided on a

computer recycling scheme is

the national television and

stewardship act 2011. dhl sup-

year. the act is the first state

coupled with low levels of produc-

population/distance travelled

industry funded, and regulated

ply chain was approved as the

jurisdiction to implement multiple

tivity in the transport sector means

basis. the company will need to

by the australian government

first organisation to deliver services

collection locations.

industry must use all the tools at its disposal to improve supply chain efficiency,” alc managing director, michael Kilgariff. “central to this is adopting a

Crown scores on racking to cater for increased

Linfox launches US university scholarship

whole of supply chain approach

stock holdings,

to the way in which we iden-

Victoria-based QPh

linfoX australia and the inter-

start in the fall of 2012. the fox

tify and utilise new and emerging

industries devised an

modal transportation institute (iti)

scholarship awardee will be an-

technologies, as well as foster new

expansion plan for a

have announced the lindsay e.

nounced at the october at meet-

opportunities on the horizon.”

new warehouse facil-

fox scholarship at the University

ing of the iti Board of directors on

ity in the melbourne

of denver.

the University campus.

Kilgariff said the working group will play an important role in the

suburb of sunshine

future growth and prosperity of the

west to house 1,600

freight logistics industry by improv-

selective pallet racking

ing productivity through improved

positions.

according to gs1 australia

linfox college’s senior manage-

L-R: Crown’s Katy Leach and Brad White,

logistics, the lindsay e. fox

ment curriculum. the company

with QPH Industries GM, Tim Wood.

scholarship will support graduate

supports the iti executive masters

education in intermodal transporta-

Program, from which 14 linfox

approached by the material handling solutions provider crown equipment

tion management at iti’s executive

employees have been matriculated

to discuss what extra lift trucks the new facility may require. having re-

masters program at the University.

into the program since its inception

the company was

ceo maria Palazzolo, many

cently added a racking division to its material handling product set, crown

australian industries have already

also discussed the capabilities of its warehouse solutions division.

QPh gm, tim wood said the discussions provided a potential opportu-

adopted gs1 standards to reduce supply chain costs and are now

iti is a key learning centre on

fox group holdings and linfox

supply chain efficiency and product and shipment traceability.

named after the founder of

nity for the company to consolidate the number of major suppliers it used.

seeking the same approach

“crown ticked all the right boxes for us in terms of product and price,

from their transport and logistics

but their big advantage was their finance package. it was a one-stop-shop

providers.

solution, with everything coming from the one company.” he said.

4 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

the program is designed for

in 2002. linfox’s chief executive

working professionals to help pre-

officer, michael Byrne is an iti

pare the next generation of senior

graduate. established in 1997,

management for the intermodal

iti offers an executive masters

transportation industry.

Program that awards a master of

iti is currently recruiting for its 11th graduate class, which will

science in intermodal transportation management.

logisticsmagazine.com.au

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bulletinboard

SICO buys first company-owned hybrid truck NSW-BASED mobile folding products manufacturer SICO South Pacific is moving to reduce its carbon footprint with the purchased of a Hino 300 Series Hybrid 616 IFS. The hybrid truck is the US-headquartered company’s first-owned truck in Australia.

SICO’s Australia head office and factory, located on the NSW Central Coast, services Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific region.

The company’s purchasing manager Andy Lovis said the purchase of the 300 Series Hybrid means that the company could now transport its own products to Wollongong and Port Macquarie rather than using external carriers, leading to a new level of operational efficiency and reduced business costs.

“The additional benefits of the Hino Hybrid means we can transport our products more quickly, which is good for our business,” Lovis said.

The new hybrid trucks are expected to deliver greater energy efficiency to SICO’s operations, which the company hopes will provide an end benefit for market.

“As a company, SICO is working hard to bridge the gap between supplying sustainable, earth-friendly product solutions and constructing products that represent good value for our customers, and the Hino Hybrid is a perfect fit for our operations,” Lovi said.

SICO South Pacific is a worldwide manufacturer of mobile folding products, including portable dance floors, mobile folding tables, mobile folding stages and wall beds.

Achieving a new level of efficiency; the company can now transport its own products rather than rely on external carriers.

Clive Palmer launches Asian shipping business MINING magnet Clive Palmer has

ping Enterprises, will operate a

ate four 64,000 tonne vessels and

national footprint across Asia and

created a new shipping business

fleet of ships out of Singapore

be majority owned by Palmer’s

the South Pacific region”.

to service his Queensland Nickel

constructed by state-owned

Queensland Nickel Group.

A D _ ore LM H U activities.

R B J UThe L _ 1 2Chinese . p dcompany f P aCSC g eJinling 1 Group’s freight new company, Asia Pacific Ship-

The Group currently owns

7 / 0 6Palmer / 1 2said , Queensland 1 2 : 1 7Nickel P M Palmer’s nickel and cobalt refinery

Shipyard. The company will oper-

Group was expanding its “inter-

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trends&developments

Striving for near-perfect performance

M

ORE than 60% of companies surveyed by research and advisory firm Gartner view logistics as nonstrategic; yet expectations for near-perfect performance is placing increasing stress on global logistics organisations, the firm reports.

Gartner has published four predictions expected to affect global logistics organisations over the next four years. According to firm analysts, these predictions will affect most logistics organisations, however the impact will depend on how prepared they are to adapt to changing global market conditions.

1) Reporting environmental data The shift from aspirations and feel-good platitudes about sustainable logistics, to verified requests for accurate environmental and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions information and actual performance outcomes, is being catalysed by industry groups, market expectations and regulations.

By 2016, more than 50% of global 1,000 logistics organisations will be required to increase focus on sustainable logistics services and systematically report verified emissions and environmental data.

“Governments are set to continue to enact environmental legislation that has a profound impact on logistics operations,” said Gartner research vice president C. Dwight Klappich.

“In the Asia Pacific; Australia [this month will] introduce a carbon tax, China is moving to pilot an emissions trading scheme, and New Zealand and India have schemes in place. Over time, regulations will become increasingly tighter.”

2) Addition of chief compliance and risk management officer As supply chain complexity and risk grow, only 14% of companies

8 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

This is where supply chain execution convergence will play a role in helping SCM organisations adopt a platform that allows them to model, orchestrate and synchronise endto-end logistics processes.

By 2016, 20% of SCM organisations will adopt a supply chain execution convergence application strategy, the firm says.

Logistics operations might be out of sight, out of mind; but the industry is nonetheless under significant pressure to deliver near-perfect performance.

are positioned to effectively exploit risk, and few, if any, have yet seen fit to elevate compliance and risk management to an executivelevel position in the supply chain management (SCM) organisation.

While compliance, risk management and security are all issues SCM organisations deal with today, few have formalised even one of these. And while government mandates have an increasing impact on SCM organisations, responsibility for understanding and managing this is scattered across their business.

By 2016, Gartner predicts that less than 10% of logistics organisations will have a chief compliance and risk management officer.

3) Adoption of execution convergence application strategy Thirty-five per cent of businesses recently surveyed identified the inability to synchronise end-to-end business processes as an issue, which will increase demand for SCM application convergence.

Most SCM organisations struggle with functional and application silos that make orchestrating and synchronising business processes across their organisations nearly impossible.

Application portfolio fragmentation is caused by many factors, such as buying stand-alone applications over time, as well as how companies have been structured, mergers and acquisitions and outsourcing.

4) Optimising international flows After peaking late in the last decade, global trade as a percentage of global GDP will continue trending downward.

As cross-border trade growth slows, supply chain organisations will be forced to adjust from proliferation to optimisation of international flows. Shippers will evaluate global sourcing options more carefully and more comprehensively to manage the risks involved.

Gartner estimates that 60% of current multinational manufacturers will organise to manage logistics globally in order to gain economies of scale, visibility and manage risks associated with volatility in currency exchange rates, taxes and margins.

By managing logistics globally, companies can gain economies of scale through centrally negotiated and managed contracts for sea and airfreight, placing a sharper focus on the efficiency of the global network, by switching transport mode and using postponement strategies, and nearshoring.

To improve efficiency and lower costs, companies will focus attention on the execution elements of the supply chain, that is, network and inventory optimisation; warehouse and inventory management systems; and transport management systems (TMSs), the firm says.

Gartner will host its 2012 Supply Chain Executive Conference on 23-24 July in Sydney.

Gartner 02 9459 4600, www.gartner.com

logisticsmagazine.com.au

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LMH.JUL12.PG010.pdf

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forklifts,stackers,trolleys

No fizzle for green forklifts Demand for more “green” power options is expected to grow as Australia moves to become a more carbon-efficient economy. Annie Dang writes.

S

HIFTING towards more environmentally friendly equipment options has allowed many manufacturers to retain, if not gain, a competitive advantage in the market; however the up-take of “green” power source technology has largely remained slow in the local market.

Nathan Tiles, Adaptalift Hyster’s engineering manager says ‘green’ power options in the local materials handling equipment field is still in an early phase with experimental work being conducted primarily in Europe and North America in relation to both hydrogen fuel cell and hybrid technologies.

“However in less exotic ways, emission footprints of material handling equipment are steadily reducing due to the implementations of smarter battery charging, for example intelligent HF charging, and or higher level compliant internal combustion engines, such as Tier 4i compliant diesel engines,” Tiles told Logistics & Materials Handling.

While it is not clear how the carbon tax will be applied or administered, Australian manufacturers have been gearing up for its arrival through embracing cleaner energy options for forklifts and lift trucks, even if not at the same pace as it European and North American counterparts. “Certainly Blue Chip companies and those with high potential carbon tax liabilities are interested and running internal programs to reduce overall emissions in any manner possible,” Tiles said.

Electric forklifts are by far the most popular alterative source for clean power in Australia. This is largely due to Australia having more relaxed environmental laws and standards compared to European, 10 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

Reducing carbon footprints will remain a key focus for companies who rely on forklifts in their day-to-day operations.

UK and North American markets, where alternatives such as hydrogen fuel cell powered forklifts are being rolled out. “At present fuel cell technology can be described as immature, and a business must assess whether the benefit outweighs the risk in their particular application,” explained Tiles.

While speculation is that fuel cell technology might fizzle out of interest in the local market, its uptake abroad, this year alone, proves the technology has market pull.

In January, Air Liquide deployed France’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered lift trucks at its Vatry Air Liquide welding supply chain platform. The two hydrogen-powered Crown lift trucks are part of a

larger upgrade of the Vatry platform, and follows news that Air Liquide subsidiary, Axane, would be working with Plug Power to bring its successful GenDrive technology to European forklifts.

Electric forklifts are by far the most popular alterative source for clean power in Australia.

In February, Air Products said it is bringing fuel cell material handling vehicle hydrogen refuelling stations on stream in the US for a new customer with warehouses

in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and Texas. The refuelling stations are expected to fuel more than 1,000 fuel cell forklifts daily.

Coca-Cola has also revealed a fleet of 37 fuel cell forklift fleet and 19 fuel cell pallet jacks for its huge San Leandro bottling plant in California. Plug Power supplied the GenDrive fuel cells, which are designed as drop-in replacements for the lead-acid batteries used in electric lift trucks.

In the UK, Marks and Spencer has signed a pilot agreement to conduct the UK’s first fuel cell materials handling trial with on-site hydrogen production.

Adaptalift Hyster 1300 880 335, www.aalhysterforklifts.com.au

logisticsmagazine.com.au

AD_LMHADAJUL_12.pdf

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forklifts,stackers,trolleys

Dangers of pneumatic tyres A RECENT fatality in NSW where a container handling reach

age and cracking, and reject if faulty.

stacker’s five piece split rim wheel assembly exploded has

• The wheel should be placed into the tyre safety cage and

again brought attention to the danger of wheel removals and

inflated to the recommended inflation pressure.

replacements on forklifts with pneumatic tyres for the local

• The inflated wheel should be inspected for defects, then

materials handling industry.

fully deflated for removal from the tyre safety cage. If defects

Incidents of this kind, while not a first, is not a rarity.

were found, the technician should rectify them.

MLA Holdings says technicians and tyre fitters need to be

• Using a suitable lifting device, place the wheel onto the

especially wary around big trucks with multipiece rims and

truck and tighten wheel nuts in correct sequence to recom-

pneumatic tyres, and follow safety regulations in regards to

mended torque setting.

these pieces of equipment.

• Even at this stage, precautions need to be taken in case of

A relatively minor crack or fault on the tyre or rim can

a tyre explosion.

quickly develop into an explosion due to the high air pressure

• A protection device placed near the wheel assembly will

within, which can reach up to 1100 KPA or 155 PSI. When removing a wheel from a heavy truck or container handler, the tyre must be fully deflated, neutralising all the

minimise the potential trajectory of explosions.

Pneumatic tyre replacement can be a hazardous affair for technicians and tyre fitters.

inside air pressure. This will reduce the risk of a catastrophic wheel explosion during the process. to instruct tyre fitters and technicians on how to safely and correctly remove and replace tyres.

support device. It is important to not rely on just the jack.

• Before removing any wheel nuts fully deflate all wheels that are to be removed.

• When removing wheels, the truck should be parked on level ground in a safe working area. The technician should chock the wheels and isolate the ignition and batteries.

outside the trajectory zone, once again inspect the wheel, before remove the protection device, axle support device

• Jack up the truck at the jack points and secure with an axle

MLA Holdings uses a wheel and tyre safety supplement

• Inflate the tyre to the recommended inflation pressure from

• Remove the wheel nuts and use a suitable lifting device to remove the wheel.

• When replacing the wheel, inspect the tyre and rim for dam-

WA manufacturer gets forklift advantage WEST Australian concrete products manufacturer, Maddington Concrete Products has commissioned a

and jack.

• Test run truck and retighten wheel nuts in correct sequence to recommended torque setting.

• Return the truck to service, but after 10 hours of use, the wheel nuts should be retightened in the correct sequence to the recommended torque setting.

MLA Holdings 131 652, www.mlaholdings.com.au

Pallet trucks for hard-wearing applications

specially modified Toyota 02-7FDA50

MITSUBISHI Forklift Trucks has

forklift to assist with plans to grow its

launched a new generation of pallet

business by 20%.

trucks, designed for hard-

The company which is known for

wearing applications.

its pre-cast concrete drainage prod-

The PBP16-20N2 power

ucts is expanding to also produce

pallet trucks are available in

concrete pipes.

1600, 1800 and

Maddington Concrete Products

2000kg versions.

general manager, Tony D’Agnone

The trucks

said the company will offer concrete

feature a sealed

pipe in 2.44m sections, with inside

chassis, which

diameters ranging from 300

offers protection

to 1200mm.

against dirt and

The trucks come in various sizes:

dust to reduce

1600, 1800 and 2000kg.

“A 1200mm diameter section of pipe weighs two tonnes and we

Maddington Concrete Products co-owner Dom Caruso with the

wear. They also

needed a machine with a special

company’s new specially modified forklift.

have a strong drive unit with an oil-filled transmission for

attachment to handle those loads,”

reliable and quiet operation. Wiring and connections are

D’Agnone said.

waterproof to prevent mechanical faults.

The new forklift will be used to handle sections of this concrete pipe, and features a Cascade paper-roll clamp, which is

The pallet trucks have an advanced programmable

traditionally used for handling newsprint rolls. This newest acquisition brings the number of active forklifts in the company’s

controller for both drive and lift functions, in order to ensure

fleet to seven.

smooth, energy-efficient operation and a reduced number

The forklift’s safety, performance and versatility are considered to be the right fit for the company’s growth plans in the concrete pipe market. Toyota Material Handling’s Perth branch imported and fitted the attachment.

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

12 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

of components.

The maximum lifting height is 135mm.

MLA Holdings 131 652, www.mlaholdings.com.au

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LMH.JUL12.PG014.pdf

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factorymaterialshandling

Smart motors keep coldchain conveyors moving Australia’s largest cold-chain logistics service provider found a cost-effective way to improve reliability of the equipment which was failing due to an ageing conveyor system and ever-increasing volume of product.

W

ITH Swire Cold Storage’s Cannon Hill operation handling over 30,000 boxes of chilled product every day, it is not surprising that the site’s vast conveyor system plays a key role in the company’s temperature controlled warehousing and distribution operations.

However, as production levels have continued to rise over the years at the Brisbane site, so has the need to improve reliability of the equipment due to an ageing conveyor system and an everincreasing volume of product.

Colin Carter, Swire Cold Storage engineering manager for Queensland, explained that the problems mostly occurred on the main carton conveyor line, which carries a variety of chilled boxed products, where it splits into five separate distribution lines.

“Because of the high volume of boxes coming down the main conveyor line, the chain drive pushers just couldn’t cope at peak times, with the boxes getting caught up and forcing us to stop the whole conveyor line. Any downtime has a major impact on our customers, something we work hard to keep to a minimum,” Carter said.

Swire Cold Storage is Australia’s largest cold- chain logistics service provider with a network of 17 facilities nationwide.

“The issue had been with us for quite a long time, but only at peak load times did it become critical.

However, it became more of a point of focus as our volumes increased.

We had tried a number of things to

14 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

The Swire Cold Storage conveyor line at Cannon Hill was able to reduce system downtime.

try to fix the problem, but with no success,” Carter explained.

Low cost project In the end, the company managed to fix the problem for far less money than they initially thought. “In fact it was a very low cost project for such a big improvement to our production efficiency,” remarked Carter.

Shahry Zand, applications engineer with SEW-Eurodrive, explained that the problem was with the pushers, “they just couldn’t keep pace with the main conveyor line”.

“The main conveyor line travels around one metre per second with the gap between boxes set at just one metre at peak load times,” Zand said.

“This means the pusher must finish its pushing operation and be ready in its home position for the next push in less than 0.7 seconds.

The boxes are mainly 0.5 metre x 0.5 metre with varying heights, so basically they have the same footprint.”

The chain drive pushers were driven by an older SEW-Eurodrive Movimot geared motor controlled by a PLC via a MFD DeviceNet module.

“The positioning was being done in the PLC based on a home Proximity switch,” Zand said.

“However, due to the DeviceNet/ PLC delays, the 0.7s total pushing time wasn’t quite achievable and the motor wasn’t able to stop at the home Prox all the time.

“As a result the next box was crashing into the pusher and the whole main conveyor had to be stopped to clear and home the pusher.”

Swire had tried to modify the PLC program by changing the motor speed, ramp times and delay times, but with no success.

Replace cabling In a perfect world, the high dynamic nature of the application really called for a servo drive with a highresolution encoder.

“However that option would work out to be quite expensive, with each pusher costing around $10,000,” Zand said.

“Plus as the cabling would need to be replaced by shielded cabling and the inverters installed in a control cabinet, the total cost would have been over $100,000.

“Overall, the servo drive option involved a lot of changes and considerable disruption to the building which the customer didn’t want to do.

“Instead we were able to fix the problem on the high-volume Queensland line, the most problematic, for less than $2200.” logisticsmagazine.com.au

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As well, SEW-Eurodrive was able to commission the conveyor in just one day, on the weekend, with no disruption to production at all.

“In order to eliminate the DeviceNet/PLC delays, we proposed that the positioning be done by an intelligent SEW-Eurodrive MQD DeviceNet module coupled close to the Movimot,” Zand said.

“Based on the required positioning accuracy a simple 24 pulse/rev builtin motor encoder was selected.”

The six-year-old SEW-Eurodrive motor, which was still in a good working condition, was replaced with a SEW-Eurodrive DRE high efficiency motor.

“We also replaced the original MFD DeviceNet module, which is basically a gateway just for communicating with the PLC, with a MQD DeviceNet module with internal positioning and sequence control (IPOS) capabilities.

A“We D _needed L MH H A Kto J directly UL _ 1 2 . p d IPOS

program it to do the positioning independent of the main PLC. The main PLC would just provide a go command and the rest of the positioning and control of the pusher would be handled by the MQD and Movimot,” Zand said.

To achieve the total pushing cycle of less than 0.5s, a speed profile was programmed in IPOS based on the pusher position.

The challenge was to prevent damaging the boxes by hitting them at high speed and also be able to stop the pusher at the home prox within the required accuracy.

“As the required ramp up/down time of 0.15s was really pushing the limits of an induction motor, we decided to add another feature in the IPOS program to make it even more reliable,” said Zand.

“If for any reason the pusher stops after the Home Prox, it is programmed to come back quickly to f Home P a g Prox e 1 3 0the / 0 5 /box 1 2 , the before next

“Thanks to the new built-in encoder, the pusher hasn’t missed the Home Prox even once and it’s pushing the boxes quicker and smoother than ever before.

“At this stage we have only replaced the problem line, the busiest line, mainly to prove that our engineering works,” Zand said.

Standardise motors Carter was impressed with the improvements to the conveyor lines.

“Since putting in the new drive our downtime has decreased considerably,” he said.

Carter explained that the one remaining pusher operates on a very slow moving line, “so we don’t need to upgrade that at this point in time.

“However eventually we probably will, just to standardise the motors on that conveyor line,” he said.

“We only put one in at the beginning to see how it worked, but 2 : 0 the 2 first P Mweek we could clearly within see the problem had been fixed.

Hako_Half Page_122x210mm_July 2012 Ad.pdf 1 29/05/2012 10:07:53 AM process the encoder signal and to crashes into it.

“Our customer sends the boxed product to us, where we basically sort it in our temperature controlled ware-housing and distribution centre, which is set at two degrees Centigrade.”

The company is presently running two shifts each working day, starting at six in the morning.

“However, the flow of product is not always constant, with the peak in the morning,” Carter noted.

“We probably have close to 1800 metres of conveyor lines here.

“The tunnel from the meatworks is over 250 metres long alone, with three conveyors, plus a return pallet conveyor in the tunnel, plus there are all the conveyors around the site.

It’s quite an impressive operation.

“We have over 150 of their drives on site and over 200 SEW-Eurodrive motors and gearboxes,” Carter said.

SEW-Eurodrive 03 9933 1000, www.sew-eurodrive.com.au; Swire Cold Storage 03 8795 9999, www.swirecoldstorage.com.au

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LMH.JUL12.PG016.pdf

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factorymaterialshandling

Getting the right flexibility A new breed of flexible conveyor systems is providing local food manufacturers with a competitive edge. Sarah Falson writes.

B

EING able to change integrated into a plant’s automaEngineering provides a range of systems must have short lead production processes tion or robotics system to allow for conveyor systems for fast-moving times, and spare parts must be to deliver products greater control. consumer goods (FMCG) production, easily sourced and readily availfaster, and at a cheaper including slat chain, modular belt, able,” he said. and consistently high standard, not Flexibility in demand roller and pallet conveyors, and also Kent’s facility relies on a combionly for local customers, but also Anthony Gustafson, Australis Engibucket elevators. nation of slat chain conveyors with for growing export markets neering engineering manager, says One manufacturer that utilises Rexnord-branded stainless steel is the ultimate aim for manufacflexibility of design, and developa number of flexible conveyor chains, modular belt conveyors turers and companies operating ment time and cost are factors systems in its production line with Intralox-branded chains, belt within Australia’s food and bevercompanies should consider when of canned fruits, fruit juices and conveyors with rubber belting, and age industries. choosing a conveyor system. cordials is Golden Circle. low back pressure carton roller The key to achieving this flex“Australia’s small market means The company’s Northgate, conveyors. “These were all manuibility is production equipment, most production lines run multiple Queensland cannery produces over factured by site contractors to site in particular well-designed products so machinery has to cater 180,000 tonnes per year of product specification for cleaning and the conveyor systems which allow for multiple sizes, shapes, speeds to cater for consumer demands. surrounding environment,” he said. smooth processing and prevent and be able to handle these differCraig Kent, Golden Circle Northbottlenecking. Customised or ences with the shortest changeover gate project engineer, agrees that Conveyors for food and beverage A L I the F E key B _ 1 2 . p Though df P conveyor a g e 1systems 6 / 0for 1 / 1 2 , A D _ L solutions M H P R I are O Abecoming P R _ 1 1 . ptime d f possible,” P a g e Gustafson 1 1 7 said. / 0 2 / 1 1 ,conveyor 1D 0_ : flexibility 2M 8 HE AR Mis ‘turn-key’ increasingly popular, and are often The Sydney-based Australis to delivery. “Modular conveyor manufacturing facilities come in all

16 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

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1 1 : 0 3

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factorymaterialshandling

shapes and sizes, those engineered for the food and beverage sector must be made of hygienic materials allow for easy cleaning, and prevent cross-contamination between products and operators.

Robert Marguccio, Heat and Control business manager, packaging and inspection systems Australia, says it is essential in the food business that processing equipment is hygienic.

“High levels of hygiene, easy-toclean with a quick cleaning turnaround, and reduction in product breakage are important to food manufacturers,” he said.

Marguccio recommends looking at sanitation, operator safety, cross-contamination, sustainability and product quality control when purchasing a new conveyor or upgrading an existing system.

System layout, feed modulation and methods to divert product are A Dimportant. _ L MH B R I J U L _ 1 2 . p d also Golden Circle’s Kent agrees.

logisticsmagazine.com.au

An automated can loading/unloading conveyor for a retort pressure cooker.

“Conveyors must be cleanable to maintain a hygienic standard in the factory,” he said.

“Where possible inner surfaces should be visible and cleanable.

Some products even require the use of food grade cleaning agents that run continuously on the conveyor during production. f “Safety P a g ise always 1 4important. / 0 6 / 1 2 , Conveyor systems must be easily

accessible and maintained.

Construction methods must not leave sharp edges or produce nip points with moving parts.”

Meeting Standards There are a number of Australian standards food manufacturers must adhere to in order to sell their 3 products : 5 7 P M locally and overboth seas, including standards relating

to production equipment. Equipment that can be cleaned easily and quickly, and offers safety features for the operator can help companies avoid potentially-severe health hazards; not only for the purpose of passing export quality control checks, but also to meet local food safety standards, like those governed by FSANZ, and machine safety standards like those from the Safety Institute of Australia (SIA).

“Easy cleaning is always on the top of the agenda when we speak with our food production clients. It is very important especially where AQIS requirements are involved,” said Gustafson.

“Equipment is normally in Stainless Steel and particular attention is paid during the design phase to ensure cleaning can be easily performed.”

Australis Engineering 02 9707 5888, www.australiseng.com.au Heat and Control 07 3877 6333, www.heatandcontrol.com

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July 2012 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 17

LMH.JUL12.PG018.pdf

Page

18

A D _ L MH N I C J U L _ 1 2 _ L . p d f

14/06/12,

Pa ge

2

5:16

5 / 0 6 / 1 2 ,

Why

ELECTRIC is better for No fuel costs

PM 3 : 1 2

PM

factorymaterialshandling

Delivering superior conveyor belt protection FLEXCO has introduced the DRX range of impact

The cost to recharge an electric forklift is minimal compared to the equivalent fuel required to operate an engine-powered truck. Electric users also save time and eliminate the safety risks associated with constantly changing gas bottles.

beds designed to provide

No dirty exhaust fumes

Australian market.

With fume-free operation, electric forklifts contribute to a clean and healthy workplace – they are better for your people and better for the environment!

impact beds have been en-

Quieter operation

entire structure, and not just

Engine-powered forklifts can be very noisy, especially in enclosed spaces. Electrics, on the other hand, are quiet operators that let the user focus on driving, optimising productivity and safety, and minimising operator fatigue.

Greater reliability With a lot less moving parts, electric forklifts are intrinsically more reliable than engine-powered units. They are also much more durable with many 30+ year-old Nichiyu forklifts still in operation throughout Australia.

material containment and belt protection in conveyor belt load zones to the The company says the gineered to provide superior belt protection through the

The impact beds offer rapid conversions from run to service position, and back again.

the bars.

They feature Velocity Reduction Technology which controls acceleration to deaden impact energy and reduces reaction forces to provide better belt protection, and a distinctive inverted-design impact bar supports which allows the impact bars to expand and function properly as a first level of defence against damaging impact forces.

Isolation mounts provide a second level of reaction force reduction absorbing additional impact energy, while minimising transmission back to the belt.

The impact beds are available in a range of grades to take applications from low- to extreme-impact applications that require the highest energy absorption.

They are available in 1.2m and 1.5m bed lengths, with standard impact bars that have 13mm of UHMW polyethylene. Bars with 25mm of UHMW are also available.

Low maintenance costs

Flexco 02 9680 3322, www.flexco.com.au

Electric forklifts are also much cheaper to maintain than engine-powered trucks, with operating/maintenance costs per hour often less than half that of comparable gas trucks.

Fast mid-range industrial label printers INTERMEC has released the PM43 and PM43c industrial mid-range label printers, said to deliver the fastest throughput in its class. Designed to increase uptime and reduce maintenance costs, the printers come with a unique full colour touch-screen, a choice of 10 languages or easy-to-use universal icons, and a multi-lingual intuitive web-based user interface.

With integrated device management, the printers can be monitored from any location The unit prints small barcodes, text

via the company’s handheld computers,

and images with pin-point accuracy.

laptops, smart phones or tablet computers.

Both printers are said to offer the fast-

est deployment time in the market due to innovative no-touch configuration via an optional embedded RFID chip. This capability reportedly eliminates 80% (for one device) to 99% (for

Nichiyu Forklifts Australia Pty Ltd

multiple devices) of time and resources in deployments by allowing the printers to be config-

25 Liberty Rd Huntingwood NSW 2148. Tel: +61 (0) 2 9672 7430. Fax: +61 (0) 2 9672 7423.

ured without having to open the printer box or power up the devices, the company says.

33 Kilkenny Court Dandenong VIC 3175. Tel: +61 (0) 3 9554 6555. Fax: +61 (0) 3 9794 7307.

Tel: 1300 369 899 Email: sales@nichiyu.com.au Web: www.nichiyu.com.au

The printers are suited for harsh industrial environments, including transportation, manufacturing and distribution centres.

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

18 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

logisticsmagazine.com.au

LMH.JUL12.PG019.pdf

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factorymaterialshandling

Handheld solution for mobile workers DEMATIC has released the Psion Omnii XT15; a new handapplications through high-speed computing and business

5 / 0 6 / 1 2 ,

Why is better for Nichiyu is the largest dedicated and most experienced electric forklift manufacturer in Japan, having produced the country’s first electric forklift in 1939.

applications, where and when they need it.

With IP67 rating, the device has a display that can withstand a 1.25 Joule impact breakage for increased durability,

Superior build-quality

and features new data capture options including high-performance, sensitive scanners with good/bad scan indicators,

With its on-going commitment to excellence in design and manufacturing, Nichiyu has achieved an unrivalled reputation for reliability and durability.

Imager Control Services (ICS) and cameras.

It offers improved modularity so that components can be changed whenever advances are made, at a fraction of the

Proven, reliable technology

cost of a new unit; and a 5000mAH smart battery that has a highly-efficient architecture to deliver power savings and

Nichiyu’s on-going technology innovations including Japan’s first AGVs and automated forklifts, enclosed cabins for cold storage and explosion-proof forklifts for hazardous areas have greatly enhanced forklift performance, reliability and safety.

extended battery life of up to 20 hours.

The device has six keypad styles including QWERTY numeric. Each features an easy-to-use ergonomic design and ultra-white backlight to make even one-handed operation in

High levels of safety

the dark possible.

Benefits include improved mobile worker productivity, miniDematic 02 9486 5503, www.dematic.com.au

3

70+ years experience

held computer that offers mobile workers access to business

mised device downtime and improved inventory accuracy.

Pa ge

The device has six keypad styles.

Quiet operating modular belt conveyor

From ergonomically-designed operator cabins to impact absorbing masts, travel speed-sensitive lift control, auto-lifting stop and laser pointers for accurate pallet handling and a host of other features, Nichiyu delivers the ultimate in safety in even the toughest of applications.

Factory flameproofing Nichiyu is the only electric forklift supplier in Australia that can offer factory-fitted flameproofing for all hazardous goods handling classes and zones.

FLEXLINK has launched a new modular plastic belt conveyor system for the transportation of large individual items and flows of smaller products.

According to the company, everything in the wide belt conveyor, from the smallest component to horizontal plain bends and fully functioning conveyor

Maximum conveyor speed is 40m/min.

modules, is standardized for easy engineering, easy maintenance and trouble-free operation.

Modular in design, the plastic belt conveyor is said to be easy to assemble and modified, and the system can be adapted to any requirements. It features a flat, smooth belt surface to minimise the risk of scratches and the sturdy guide rails prevent items from falling off.

The conveyor is available as components, modules or a complete system. The three widths, 322mm, 424mm and 626mm make it suited for handling cartons, bundles, bags and other large individual items that require the stable support of a wide chain, as well as allowing large flows of smaller products.

FlexLink 03 9542 4400, www.flexlink.com.au

logisticsmagazine.com.au

July 2012 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 19

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LMH.JUL12.PG022.pdf

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warehousing

Achieving high-bay efficiency The latest technology in aisle-changing automated storage and retrieval cranes provide significant advantages compared to using dedicated-aisle cranes in high-bay warehouses. Patrick Roberts* writes.

T

O REMAIN competitive in the modern warehousing environment, distribution centres require systems that offer the flexibility to adjust quickly and accurately to market conditions, such as meeting shortened lead times.

The most streamlined warehouses today are highly automated facilities, with maximised high-bay, highdensity storage that utilises automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). Central to the ASRS is its stacker cranes which permit fullpallet load and layered-pallet inventory to be moved quickly, safely and precisely within a high-bay warehouse environment.

The crane smoothly rotates around the end of the aisle on a curved track.

Efficient, flexible design Modern cranes operate within a set of top and bottom rails, eliminating the need for any flat-floor requirements. Since the crane is stabilised by the rail connections, greater load capacities are available, as well as higher rack heights, when compared to free roaming lift trucks. ASRS cranes have a high efficiency of cycle time, a calculation of the movement of product within a DC’s storage system.

Many manual operations in a warehouse transport product in only one direction, then return with an empty load. Stacker cranes place a load into a rack position, and then retrieve a load from storage on their way back out, optimising the crane’s movements. This helps to reduce operating and distribution costs in the warehouse, including the number of people required to operate the warehouse, thus allowing DC’s to operate at a more costefficient level.

The latest generation of cranes incorporate a unique flexibility, 22 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

allowing single-deep, double-deep, triple-deep and up to 20-deep pallet stacking utilising telescopic forks and shuttle cars, with the flexibility to handle one load at a time or multiple loads.

High-speed PLCs with integrated controls architecture monitor the movements of the cranes. Receiving directions from the distribution center’s warehouse management system (WMS) and warehouse control system (WCS) via Ethernet, the cranes utilise barcode technology to direct their movement in the high-bay and the crane’s movement of pallets. The most efficient stacker cranes that provide the lowest operating cost per hour are now fully A/C powered. This eliminates the costs associated with DC batteries, charging, and associated maintenance. Such cranes have also eliminated hydraulics, which greatly reduces maintenance costs.

Although aisle-changing capability in stacker cranes has been around in some form since the early

1990’s, the speed and efficiency with which these new cranes can now execute aisle changes makes them a serious option for use in any DC interested in reducing operational costs while improving throughput.

Reducing costs Most high-rise warehouses use ASRS cranes that are only capable of travelling in a straight line, in one aisle. The limitation of such a dedicated-aisle crane is that one crane is required to service each storage aisle in a warehouse.

As cranes are a major part of the cost of high-bay warehouse solutions, by reducing the numbers of cranes significant savings can be realised. The number of stacker cranes can be matched to the warehouse throughput instead of the number of aisles, therefore reducing the capital investment.

Unlike earlier models of aislechanging cranes which had limitations in their aisle-changing flexibility, some of the latest stacker cranes

have been designed with efficient aisle-changing capabilities. For example, warehousing stacker crane manufacturer LTW Intralogistics has produced a crane that travels to the end of an aisle, then travels perpendicular to the aisle and enters another aisle to continue storing and retrieving pallets.

The company has designed a specialised track to facilitate the move, which requires no transfer mechanisms, supervision equipment or costly and time-consuming maintenance, problems that have plagued earlier aisle-changing cranes.

The track enables the crane to smoothly rotate around the end of the aisle on a curved track, without leaving the track. It makes for an easy and fast transition between aisles. The ability to switch aisles increases redundancy, in the event that a crane would go out of service.

Each pallet position then becomes 100 percent accessible. This also allows cranes to be easily moved off line when service is required into an off-line maintenance area.

If an ASRS solution in place in a distribution facility has ten aisles and is employing ten stacker cranes each operating in its respective aisle, if a stacker crane breaks down there is no way to get products out of that aisle. With aisle-changing cranes operating in a situation like this, the DC operator could easily move the disabled crane to the maintenance area and the remaining cranes could complete the tasks required in that aisle. The redundancy system would assure that the pallets are retrieved. This is very important to maintaining a high level of delivery assurance.

Patrick Roberts writes for Logistics Automation.

LTW Intralogistics, www.ltw.at

logisticsmagazine.com.au

LMH.JUL12.PG023.pdf

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warehousing

Robotic layer picking solution

High-rise storage shelving

TO REDUCE the risk of repetitive manual

ACTISAFE has expand-

handling and to improve pallet build effi-

ed its range of industrial

ciency and quality, Dematic has introduced

occupational health and

a new integrated robotic layer picking

safety products with the

solution which reportedly enables systems

release of its high-rise

to operate at efficiency rate of up to 150%

storage shelving.

and, in some cases, eliminate as much as

The Australian-made

80% of manual handling.

shelving is suitable for

According to the company, the layer

warehouses, compo-

picking system achieves high through-

nents and parts proc-

put rates due to its FreePick Maximiser

esses, food manufac-

software which cross-matches orders and pairs those with compatible order profiles.

The company’s PickDirector warehouse

turers and other general industrial companies.

The layer picking system can achieve high

The company added

throughput rates.

The shelving is made of heavy-duty steel panels with reinforced edges.

control system initiates picking and orders

the new shelving to its

the stock required for layer picking in the sequence required to fulfil the next wave of orders. Pallets of

product range in order to offer a degree of customisation to companies

stock are automatically conveyed to the layer picking robot where they go direct to one of several pick and

with a variety of storage needs.

put locations, which enable several orders to be picked concurrently.

Made of heavy-duty steel panels and framework, the high-rise

The 4-axis layer picking robot is equipped with a Qubiqa vacuum head for better handling reliability. When the robot is directed to pick up a layer, the bellows inflate and close around the product creating a seal.

the end user.

The vacuum gripper head offers the maximum versatility in product handling, making it suitable for picking layers from any pallet stacking pattern as well as picking the widest range of products from cartons and

A D to _ bags, L H Msacks, M A Tcans J Uand L_ 1 2 . pdf cases bottles.

Dematic 02 9486 5555, www.dematic.com.au

logisticsmagazine.com.au

Pa ge

1

5 / 0 6 / 1 2 ,

3 : 1 7

storage shelving can be powder coated to a specific colour required by Designed with reinforced edges, the customised technology is durable enough to withstand impact from items such as forklifts, palette tracks and

P M other industrial materials handling equipment.

Actisafe 1300 852 397, www.actisafe.com.au

July 2012 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 23

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packaging

A sweet path to business success Chocolate manufacturing is a competitive market, and one key factor to success is getting products to market on time and at the right time.

F

OR almost 100 years Adelaide’s Haigh’s Chocolates has managed to balance the high demand for its sweets, especially during peak periods, with logistic efficiency. However, the process has not always been smooth.

The company recently found it was receiving pallets from suppliers, but the pallets weren’t always being transferred onto its account. The company’s distribution centre was receiving from 600 to 800 pallets, with 100 to 120 transfers through the warehouse every week – twice that much during Christmas and Easter.

Keeping track of the movement of pallets in and out of the warehouse was a challenge, says distribution centre supervisor, David Elliot.

The company enlisted the help of packaging solutions provider CHEP to reassess its pallet management processes. “[W]e found we had more pallets than what we were being invoiced for. In warehousing terms, it’s just good governance to ensure the stock you

hold matches your invoice,” Elliot said.

CHEP asset management consultant, Rachel Silby, who worked with Haigh’s to resolve their pallet management problems, says that every business strives for optimum efficiency, so it is important for companies to deal with issues as they arise no matter their nature.

Even small issues can become a big drain on company resources, if not addressed quickly, she notes.

To reduce the administration workload for Haigh’s on an ongoing basis an asset management system was set up. CHEP also conducted a pallet count each month for Haigh’s by checking what has come in against the dockets and sorting out any discrepancies immediately.

Elliot said that priority was to make sure the company could deliver its chocolate to retail shelves. Simple strategies, such as tagging and tracking pallets were also suggested to help the company to locate its assets and make its logistics process more effective. “We’ve also started

Auto dispensing made standard OPTIMUM Handling Solutions has announced that all PD20 Pal-Tec Pallet Dispensing machines now includes an ‘auto eye’ feature as standard.

The ‘auto eye’ allows the operator to remain on the

Keeping pallets in check gets sweets to market.

using the Portfolio+ Plus system for ordering pallets, doing transfers, making corrections and keeping track of paperwork,” Elliot said.

“We now always know there are enough pallets in our manufacturing warehouses to cater for our demand of our outgoing goods.”

CHEP13 2437, www.chep.com

Sustainable, renewable air packaging AUSTRALIAN-owned Cardia Bioplastics will supply its

pallet truck platform throughout loading, as the need to

Biohybrid sustainable resin to US-based Sealed Air

manually operate the machine to dispense pallets has

Corporation for the manufacturer of its Fill-Air R5 inflat-

been eliminated.

able packaging.

The company says it designed the ‘auto eye’ concept

The new Fill-Air R5 film is designed for use on the

in response to requests from production mangers in the

Sealed Air Fill-Air 2000 and Fill-Air Cyclone packaging

processing industry to make dispensing machines more

systems to quickly create air-filled cushions for void-fill

user friendly.

applications to protect goods during transport.

The ‘auto eye’ has the ability to detect when another

According to Cardia Bioplastics, these packaging

pallet is required and automatically dispenses another

systems are fast and easy to operate, delivering air-

pallet to replace it.

filled cushions on demand for protection and efficient

The operator is only required to operate the

void filling.

control panel once it has been emptied and needs

The technology is expected to gain significant market

to be refilled.

share in worldwide delivery services at reduced material

Said to be low-maintenance, the machine is air-

and shipping costs.

operated and has front and rear dispense points.

Air filled cushions provide excellent protection to

It is reportedly ideal for pallet load-out or

goods, while reducing its carbon footprint because it

packing areas where empty pallets are needed

is partly made from corn starch and uses less oil than

constantly, or where forklift access is limited.

traditional packaging.

Optimum Handling Solutions 1800 066 008,

The machine automatically

Cardia Bioplastics 03 9562 0122,

www.optimumgroup.com.au

dispenses pallets when required.

www.cardiabioplastics.com

24 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

logisticsmagazine.com.au

0 7377

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packaging

Turnkey systems for the chemical industry BEUMER Group has developed the Paletpac high-capacity layer palletiser. This flexible unit stacks Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) bags, layer-by-layer, on pallets of all

Robotic palletising package

common sizes up to a stack height of 2.4m with geometrical

ABB has launched the PalletPack 460, a

accuracy and stability. The user can set the parameters

pre-engineered package of robotic palletis-

depending on the objects to be stacked.

ing components featuring the new IRB 460

The palletiser is fitted with a clamp-type turning device

robot designed specifically for high speed

or double belt turning device which moves the filled bags

end of processing line palletising.

quickly and gently into the required position. Even bags filled

The IRB 460, reportedly the fastest

with granulate can be palletised in a gentle and dimensionally

robot palletiser known to the market, is

stable manner.

at the heart of the company’s palletising

For particularly demanding product handling tasks, such as

function package. This 4-axis palletiser

bags filled with PE granulates which have a particular flow be-

features a 110kg capacity plus a reach of

haviour or bags which are subjected to high temperatures and

2.4m. Its compact footprint makes it suitable

high humidity, the manufacturers have chosen ventilated and

for integration into existing packing lines.

specially coated layer stacking table in the palletising process.

The package consists of the IRB 460

The ventilation produces a cushion of air between bag

robot, a Flex-Gripper (either the claw or one-

and layer stacking table. This prevents bags sticking to the

zone clamp gripper), a control PLC, safety

supporting surface and enables them to be palletised stably.

PLC, PalletWare support software, user documentation and the company’s Flex-

The stretch hood medium high-capacity packaging machine is distinguished by high throughput and reliable film handling.

The palletiser stacks stock layer-by-layer up to a height of 2.4m.

The low energy consumption, low compressed air require-

Pendant featuring an easy-to-use graphical human machine interface.

A Dand _ FtheDability P R Ito J U N _recyclable 1 2 . ppackaging df P film a gmake e the 1 machine 1 4 / an 0 efficient 5 / 1 and 2 , environmentally 1 1 : 4 5 friendly : 4 2 pallet-packaging AM ment process option.

ABB Australia 1300 782 527,

Beumer Group Australia 02 9450 0380, www.beumergroup.com

www.abb.com

FEATURED PRODUCT - TOSA stretch wrapping equipment Prime Engineering Services specialise in the supply of products & services related to packaging & materials handling.

We are a trusted added value supplier of Engineered Solutions to many manufacturing industry segments including: ◊ BEER & BEVERAGE ◊ FOOD MANUFACTURING ◊ PACKAGING

TOSA 125E • Operating speeds from 40 to 140 pph • Patented automatic film roll change device • Automatic top sheet dispenser • AS4024 Safeguarding

Products offered include: • CONVEYORS - Standard or custom design • PALLET HANDLING - Full & empty pallet applications • AUTOMATIC PALLETISERS - Conventional & Robotic • STRETCH WRAPPERS - Refer to attached feature • SPECAILISED & CUSTOM MADE EQUIPMENT Services offered include: • TURN KEY PROJECTS Including install & commission • PLANT LAYOUT & DESIGN • SAFE GUARDING • PROJECT MANAGEMENT • ELECTRICAL & AUTOMATION

Call 03 9720 7377 logisticsmagazine.com.au

www.prime-eng.com.au

email: admin@prime-eng.com.au July 2012 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 25

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supplychain

Navigating through supply chain chaos Rebalancing key operation metrics is the key to achieving optimal efficiency and productivity across the entire supply chain. Cameron Wilson from Intermec writes.

A

S THE world’s financial markets continue to provide sleepless nights for businesses, with every sign of growth seeming to be undermined by news of a softening jobs market and weaker demand, many logistics operators and warehouse managers are scratching their heads about how to best manage their operations for the future.

Throughout the economic downturn, logistics companies looked to streamline their distribution centre operations and cut back on investing in equipment and infrastructure.

However, now many are realising that to actually improve their processes and efficiencies to encourage business growth, they need to rebalance operations metrics from one traditionally focused on tight inventory and cost controls, back towards customer satisfaction.

Rebalancing the warehouse The trend towards a “rebalancing” of key operations metrics is expected to become more prevalent across many industrial, manufacturing and retail supply chains. As many businesses realise it is no longer enough to just operate in survival mode, and commit to more consistent and accurate demand forecasting, they will be more confident to pursue higher levels of customer service.

But having the inventory and labour available to capture more revenue and market share in spite of the wider economic uncertainty will take more than confidence in demand planning. Being poised to grab their competitive share as the

26 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

Investing in process improvements and technology can help logistics companies better adjust to steep drops in demand.

economy improves; many companies will have to re-double their focus on creating the truly agile distribution centre.

Keeping afloat When the global economy began to slow down, almost all companies – large and small – were thrown into

some form of planning chaos. The primary impact was adjusting to the radical drop in general demand.

The loss of visibility through the supply chain impacted most all of the participants. And while the downturn affected some more than others, a majority of companies lost the forecasting capabilities

they were accustomed to. Nothing looked similar to past practices.

Consequently inventory positions were reduced as fast as possible and orders dried up. The ripple effect hit every aspect of operations including knowing when products would be ordered to ship and having the right mix of labour to fill orders and maintain an effective operation.

Unfortunately, the companies that fared the worst were those that had not taken advantage of past success by making continued investments in solutions to make them more agile, flexible and capable on the floor of the distribution centre. They simply didn’t have systems in place to help them adjust to the impact of the downturn or manage their way out of the situation. Stuck with poor planning tools, less than flexible mobile computing equipment and a workforce that was not fully crosstrained in multiple disciplines; these companies had a lot working against them.

Those companies that fared the best had previously invested in the kinds of business process improvements and technology solutions necessary to negotiate the perils of the recession. From improved WMS planning and labour management tools, to having flexible tools on the floor with multi-modal equipment that can do everything from voice picking, to near/far range scanning in put-away and inventory applications, to signature capture at the receiving doc, many companies were able to react quickly, manage their labour costs, and retain their best associates. Especially in areas logisticsmagazine.com.au

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supplychain

where labour became the critical cost and capability for creating efficiency and performance, those companies that had seen the future and made the investments found themselves on top of the competition and ready to thrive. And, while they may not have had the optimal inventory availability as before, they were still able to tell their customers what they could expect and when, with timeliness and accuracy, therefore positively managing their customer service in a proactive way. These are the companies that will have the tools and leadership in place to take full advantage of the upturn in the economy and win more revenues and market share.

most best-in-class operations, there is typically no silver bullet. Maybe it’s planning ahead for new application upgrades, or examining existing data for streamlining best practices.

Maybe it’s calculating the ROI of replacing current equipment with a new purchasing or services model.

Regardless, viewing the distribution centre as a highly interdependent system where all the workflows must serve the other, even with the slightest improvement in one process, can have a strong ripple effect. And the added satisfaction for the associates on the floor, from management’s investment in their personal success, often yields unexpected and real bottom line benefits.

It is these combined benefits that will deliver the competitive edge required to regain the optimal operational balance and tilt the table back toward superior customer satisfaction metrics to keep and win new business. But the most important thing for warehouse operators to do today is not to imagine what things will be like at some point in the future, but to ask and decide “what can we do now?” and get on with it.

Cameron Wilson is the southern regional manager of Australia for Intermec.

The new normal It is fair to say the jury is still out as to whether the entire manufacturing and retail supply chain will see a return to the pre-recession days, or whether conditions are set to soften again, or whether we will crawl back toward something that may be called the ‘new normal’. But for those who made investments that saw them through the difficult days, there are a few things these leaders can do to take advantage of their current position and protect against future downturns.

AFirstly, D_ L M H M Obe S looking J U L _ out 1 2 . pd always

Having flexible planning and management tools will see companies

issues, large or small. The term of virtually every operation and at ‘death by a thousand cuts’ can the same time are a key to unlocking define many small problems, optimal efficiency and productivity. each one bleeding an operation of Look to upgrade aging equipment to precious resource. By themselves the latest form factors and system they don’t reach the level of severinterfaces, especially for companies ity that would cause the problem that are pushing the historical upper to jump off the metrics report limit of their KPI’s. Even a small and demand a solution. But taken improvement in user ergonomics, in together, particularly if they are the motion tolerance of an imager linked and impacting a major finanfor fast paced scanning operations, cial KPI, they must be addressed. or an improvement in accuracy and f Secondly, P a g e remember 1 5 / the 0 6people / 1 2 on , 3 safety : 2 1 from PM a voice to WMS inter-

Intermec 02 9330 4400,

for new solutions to old or nagging

the floor are a very expensive part

www.intermec.com.au

logisticsmagazine.com.au

become more agile on the distribution floor.

face can create an advantage. For

July 2012 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 27

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supplychain

It’s all about the experience Managing customer satisfaction and expectations will drive success in service-intensive supply chains, writes Tom Scahill from Trimble Navigation.

C

USTOMER satisfaction plays a huge role in the success of service-intensive supply chains, particularly those that have a high level of involvement with their field service fleets.

Poor customer experience due to late or missed service appointments, or multiple call-backs before the problem was fixed or the service was delivered, not only creates a high operational price tag for fleet and field operations management, but also impacts on that company’s reputation.

A 2012 Global Customer Service Barometer study by American Express in the US, released earlier this year, found that 55% of respondents, who expressed intention to go through with a business transaction, said that in the end they decided not to go through with it based on poor service experience in the past. The same report showed that 75% of customers spent more time with a brand or product because of a history of positive customer service experiences.

The correlation between positive experience and returning business has proven to be rewarding for both the customer and the business. Data from a 2012 Aberdeen report, Customer Experience Management, Using the Power of Analytics to Optimise Customer Delight, also reinforces this trend. The report findings showed that higher customer satisfaction boosted retention and loyalty among the customers, bringing increased profitability for the servicing organisations. In fact, the research demonstrated that field service businesses providing best-in-class customer service are the most profitable.

Be flexible, but realistic People often have no choice but to take time off work to facilitate appointments from service providers. This means existing and potential customers are sacrificing time, productivity and wages to ensure these appointments take place.

Consequently, it makes sense for businesses to offer greater flexibility and reliability when arranging such visits as part of a premium postsales support and customer service experience.

If this is not an option, the reasonable thing to do would be to update your customers accordingly at the earliest convenience, rather than

28 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

tations and less chances cost your fleet time, money and reputation.

Having the appropriate processes in place can ensure a seamless experience for end-customers.

set unrealistic or high expectations that cannot be met. It’s just as important to ensure that as a business, you are offering realistic expectations that can be met in a timely manner. Offering hour-long delivery windows is also becoming common practice among businesses, with pre- and after-hour visits and support heralded as a bonus, or even a deal breaker for potential customers when considering a purchase.

Making the most of your data Data analytics is a powerful tool for any largescale organisations. Supply chain managers can best utilise data gathered over time to identify the ill-timed hours of the day and the types of jobs that are often missed to better manage the forecasting and planning involved for fleet staff.

Understanding and using this data will help businesses address these issues, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and staff productivity, increased likelihood in meeting the set expec-

Real-time technology Many businesses have implemented a sophisticated technology solution that will alert managers if an appointment is expected to begin late or if it needs to be cancelled and rescheduled altogether. By staying up-to-date with the job status and the location of field service workers, the system can anticipate any roadblocks and tackle the issues either by reassigning the job to a more suitable mobile worker or at worst, updating the customer in a timely manner as this has been shown, anecdotally, to help ease any customer aggravation.

However, in the real world there are huge numbers of variables to factor in, therefore realtime monitoring plays a crucial role in ensuring that the necessary interventions can take place for a seamless customer service experience, regardless of whatever the changes in the situation occur. Implementing the right solution can tackle these issues as it monitors the fleet staff’s behaviour and uses the data gathered to help improve dispatch speed, increase communication to mobile devices to update work status and assign tasks to workers without having to call all staff back to the office – all of which help the employee arrive at the customer site and resolve the service issue on time. With real-time updates, fleet management solutions improve overall customer satisfaction with faster and more accurate responses as well as provide better communication with customers and field service staff about service call timing.

Running supply chains or field service businesses can be daunting and complex. But by implementing the appropriate technology and processes can certainly help ensure a seamless experience for the end-customer. This approach will improve first-call fix rates, the workforce’s productivity and increase the company’s profitability – but most importantly it will make sure that your customers won’t feel let down.

Tom Scahill is Trimble Navigation ANZ business area director for field service management, transport and logistics.

Trimble Navigation 02 8405 6730, www.trimble.com/fsm

logisticsmagazine.com.au

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2012 NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN The 7th annual Mercury Awards recognises individuals and companies that have contributed to the success of Australia’s industry.

Why nominate?

• Exposure and publicity • Recognition for your hard-working team members • Valuable networking opportunities with key industry leaders For an entry kit visit: www.logisticsmagazine.com.au/awards For further information please contact Madeline Prince Tel: 02 9422 2759 E: awards@logisticsmagazine.com.au

NOMINATION DEADlINE ExtEndEd

Monday 23 July 2012 The categories are: • Logistics Leader

• Technology Application

• Top Third Party Logistics Provider (3PL) • Supply Chain Innovation • Young Professional of the Year

• Best Green Initiative

• Warehouse and/or Storage Solution • Materials Handling Solution

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transport&logistics

ICT drives transport and logistics growth

T

Increased ICT

RANSPORT and logistics companies will place greater emphasis on ICT technologies that deliver productivity improvements or reduce operational costs in 2012/2013, according to a report by IDC. Opportunities for vendors will focus around collaborative technologies, ERP, BI and mobility.

The Transport and Logistics ICT Market Forecast and Analysis 2011 to 2015 identifies opportunities that exist within the transport and logistics vertical of the Australian ICT market, and particularly how the dynamics taking place within this vertical segment are driving innovative use of ICT by the sector.

“The transport and logistics sector is a critical industry for ensuring the continued competitiveA Dand _ L growth M H C EofVthe J UAustralL_ 1 2 . pd ness

manager, Emilie Ditton. “It provides the backbone of passenger and freight services, by road, rail and air that fundamentally enable the economy to function. The efficiency and productivity that this sector operates will directly impact the f P a g e and 1 competitiveness 1 4 / 0 6 / 1 2of, profitability

ian economy,” said IDC research

the customers it serves.”

30 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

spending will drive productivity improvements within the sector.

The transport and logistics sector contributes 3.5% of ICT spending in the total Australia market, representing $1,629 million in 2012.

IDC expects ICT spending within this sector will grow to $1,749.3 million by 2015, or 2.8% (CAGR) 3 : 3 7 2010 P Mand 2015. Telecombetween munications and particularly

mobility continues to dominate ICT spending in this sector with telecommunication representing 38.7% of spending in 2012.

“The transport and logistics sector has a heavy focus on those technologies that can either contribute to reducing operational costs or increase productivity of staff,” Ditton said. “The technology deployment plans within the sector reflect this.”

The top technology areas that are to be deployed in the transportation and logistics sector in the next 12 to 24 months are: business analytics, new business applications based on Web 2.0 platform and technologies; desktop virtualisation; service oriented architecture; business as a service; cloud computing platforms; and mobile business applications.

IDC Australia 02 9925 2298, www.anz.idc.asia

logisticsmagazine.com.au

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transport&logistics

Freight company rolls in trailer upgrade Five-star comfort driving DETOUR Logistics managing director, Colin

DAF Trucks Australia has launched

Beer knows a good design when he sees

its heavy-duty XF105 truck designed

one. Having recently seen a need to upgrade

for driver comfort and safety.

his fleet of refrigerated vans, Beer began the

The truck has low sill lines on

search for quality trailers that would meet the

the doors, a deep windscreen and

company’s delivery demands.

an integrated aerodynamic

The mid-sized freight company based out

sun-visor to keep the

of Silvan in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges

glare down for excellent

delivers dairy and produce to the local market

The new trailer comes with a hydraulic drive

and across the Eastern seaboard. With an

designed to lift the weight off the rails to avoid

existing fleet of 15 B-Doubles, the company

indentation damage.

driver vision.

The four large, electrically adjustable

The new heavy-duty truck delivers opti-

was looking for a range of new refrigerated vans

and heated mirrors

mal balance of power and fuel economy.

that could withstand long-distance transportation, while also representing good value for the business.

provide a wide field of

The company decided on the new Maxi-CUBE rollback with in-built rail protection. A major feature of the

vision essential for safe touring, and tricky delivery spots, particularly when

new trailer is its hydraulic system that helps deliver smooth movement of the body over the chassis.

using B-double sets.

When set in the forward position for transit as a B-double, the body weight is lifted off the rollers to extend

For driver comfort over longer distances, the truck has fully adjustable air

roller life and durability. This feature is considered to be a valuable innovation and a great step forward in

suspension seat with fold-up armrest and a chunky steering wheel that can

rollback trailer technology.

be adjusted up to 8cm in reach and 30O-45O in angle.

“There’s nothing worse than a rollback trailer that refuses to roll. It causes delays in deliveries and costs

The truck has a 12.9L PACCAR MX engine, rated at 510hp and offers a

us money, “said Beer. “This new design means we can alleviate that situation, which will help to keep the

2500Nm of torque which is available over a wide range from 1000rpm

trailers out of the repair shop. At the end of the day, less time in for service means more time out on the road,

to 1410rpm.

which of course in turn, means more revenue for our business. That’s a great result for us.”

AThe D_ L O G made S I ManOoriginal C T _order 0 9 for . p df Psets a gand e has 1 since 9 /increased 2 2 / the 0 9order , to 4 10. : 0 7 company 6 B-double MaxiTRANS Australia 03 8368 1111, www.maxitrans.com.au

32 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

The engine complies with the ADR80/03 emission standards with DAF’s

P M SMART injection system and SCR technology.

DAF Trucks Australia 03 9721 1600, www.daf.com.au

logisticsmagazine.com.au

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transport&logistics

Fresh preservation for storage and transportation

Reducing the risk of contamination

MANUFACTURER of Bluezone Fresh Preser-

premium cool room panel products are helping industry to meet this challenge.

vation Products, Primaira has partnered

AS THE risk of bacteria in cool rooms and hygiene-sensitive environments continues to grow COLORBOND Permagard steel, designed for use in the manufacture of insulated panels

with Environmental Technologies Australia

used to construct coolroom and temperature controlled facilities, has been helping the food

to sell its fresh produce preservation and

processing and preparation, and chilled distribution centre, and logistics company meet

shelf life extension products, used for storage

Australian food safety standards.

and or transportation.

This steel is manufactured with Microban antibacterial technology which inhibits the growth

Bluezone technology safely and cost

of surface bacteria, such as escherichia coli (known as e.coli) which leads to food borne ill-

effectively removes ethylene, inhibits micro-

nesses as a result of cross-contamination.

bial growth, eliminates flavour transfer and

When bacteria comes into contact with the product surface, the Microban technology

improves the longevity of fresh fruits and

The technology is designed to improve

reacts with the cell wall of the bacteria and disrupts key cell functions so that it cannot grow,

vegetables. The technology is designed to

the preservation of fresh products

function or reproduce.

improve the preservation of fresh product

along the entire supply chain.

According to BlueScope Steel’s ‘Health & hygiene – A guide for cleaning coolrooms and

along the entire storage, distribution, transport,

kitchens’ , bacteria grows rapidly in temperatures between 5ºC and 60ºC – also referred to as

and end-use supply chain. It is suitable for applications, including cold storage rooms, walk-in

the ‘danger zone’.

refrigerators, transport containers, reach-in refrigerators and general produce storage areas.

The technology works by removing ethylene, a naturally occurring plant hormone emitted by many fruits and vegetables, from the atmosphere of refrigerated containers. By removing ethylene safely, the fruits and vegetables maintain their colour, texture, and taste. Without

Maintaining food outside this temperature range is therefore important, and temperature controlled systems and facilities are vital in the transport and storage phases of the food supply chain.

Australian panel systems manufacturer Bondor uses COLORBOND Permagard steel to

the technology in place, extended storage of mixed loads of fruits and vegetables can lead

construct coolroom facilities, while cold chain logistics service providers Swire Cold Storage

to excessive ripening, russet spotting, bitterness, softness, rotting, or toughening of the pro-

have installed COLORBOND Permagard steel coolroom panels in their facilities.

duce. The reaction technology that destroys ethylene also eliminates odours and the volatile

A D _ that L Mlead H DtoMflavour F AP R _ 1among 1 . pfoods d f stored P atogether. ge 1 organics transfer

1 8 / 0 2 / 1 1 ,

ETA 0400 545 760, email environmental.technolgies@bigpond.com

logisticsmagazine.com.au

The steel is available in the colour Permagard White and in a range of panel thicknesses

1 0 50mm : 4 9to 200mm.

AM from Steel Select on 1800 022 999 or visit www.colorbond.com/permagard

July 2012 Logistics&MaterialsHandling | 33

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mercuryawards

Get your nominations in now!

Nominations are closing for the 2012 Mercury Awards. Last year, over 40 companies were recognised for their outstanding achievements in materials handling and logistics innovation. Annie Dang writes.

N

OMINATIONS for the 7th annual Logistics & Materials Handling Mercury Awards will close on 23 July 2012; if you haven’t got your nomination in, now is the time to get a move on. Don’t miss out on the chance to be recognised for your contribution to Australia’s logistics and materials handling industries.

Last year, Logistics & Materials Handling launched – for the first time – two dedicated materials handling categories: Materials Handling Solution, and Warehousing and/or Storage Solution to the awards program, bringing the total number of categories to 9.

2011 winners were: DHL Supply Chain for Logistics Leader and Top Third Party Logistics Provider (3PL); Daniel Castle from BlueScope Steel for Young Professional of the Year; Schenker Australia (DB Schenker) for Best Green Initiative; Woolworths for Warehousing and/or Storage Solution; Bestrane for Supply Chain Innovation; and Robotic Automation & Amcor Cartons

Mercury Awards nominations close on 23 July.

for Technology Application and Materials Handling Solution. Robotic Automation & Amcor Cartons also took out the title of Best of the Best of 2011 for its Robotic End-of-Line Solution.

With the same 9 categories running again this year, the Mercury Awards program is now rewarding more thought-leaders than ever.

Logistics & Materials Handling would like to

thank 2012 award sponsors CASI, SSI Schaefer, Centuray Yuasa, Schaefer Store and SmartTrans; and judges, Kim Winter, Global CEO, Logistics Executive; Phil Lumsden, NSW General Manager, DHL Global Forwarding; and Rob O’Byrne, Group Managing Director, Logistics Bureau.

The team wishes all entrants best of luck ahead of the official finalists list being announced on our website later this month.

All finalists join a prestigious group of leading professionals working to win in an ever-competitive global market. Finalists will also receive two free tickets to attend the gala dinner ceremony in September, and will also have a summary their entry published in the official Finalists Issue in September 2012.

Winners will be announced at the official dinner ceremony on Thursday 6 September at Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf, Sydney.

To enter, visit the Mercury Awards website at www.logisticsmagazine.com.au/awards and download an entry form, or email awards@logisticsmagazine.com.au

Innovating supply chain performance INTELLIGENT transport solutions provider, SmartTrans has returned as award category sponsor for the upcoming 2012 Mercury Awards.

The company, which provides solutions for companies with vehicle fleets or field staff, including transport companies, manufacturers, service agencies and security companies, around Australia and China, sponsored the Logistics Leader category back in 2009.

This year, the company will be sponsoring the Supply Chain Innovation category.

SmartTrans General Manager Finance and Strategy, Tim Herring says this category recognises the importance innovation plays in the modern supply chain and fits with the company’s core purpose to provide technology to help companies lead the change; and encourage those who innovate.

“Many business models are being reinvented by new technology. The supply chain is one where it is starting to happen,” he said. “The innovators will prosper and set the pace; 34 | Logistics&MaterialsHandling July 2012

the others will be continually squeezed and be left behind.”

Herring says awards programs, like the Mercury Awards, play an important role giving innovators the encouragement and peer recognition they deserve for their endeavours and achievements.

“Innovators are usually given little help in their own companies as many fear change. External recognition provides accreditation,” he said.

“That is why SmartTrans is keen to support the Mercury Awards and to encourage those who dare to innovate.”

SmartTrans is hoping to see nominations that focus on technology-driven change. “The supply chain needs to improve radically to meet the future need of Australia. Process improvements are important, but we will be looking for shifts in the business models and the use of technology to drive radical improvement,” Herring said.

The company notes that major game-changing innovations in supply chains over the past few

years have lead to the development of affordable intelligent technology and systems for industry.

“The solutions that were available for large companies five years ago are becoming available to SMEs with new technologies, such as smart phones, GPS, mobile broadband and huge improvements in the power of low-cost computers. Now the systems are coming which bring all those together into systems for radical improvement, at a reasonable cost.

“Change management is as important as choosing the right system or the right trucks. Change will not happen unless it is lead from the front,” Herring said.

SmartTrans provides innovative software solutions designed to help companies in Australia and China manage delivery operations of goods or services. The company is currently working on new systems to further improve the supply chain performance, including new apps for smart phones and new optimisation systems.

SmartTrans 1300 727 456, www.smarttrans.com.au

logisticsmagazine.com.au

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AUTOMATIC BOX OPENING TECHNOLOGY Key System Benefits: • Greatly reduces labour in box opening process • Minimizes injuries from knives and blades • Automated process allows unsupervised operation • Automatically adjusts to variable box sizes and imperfections • Multiple cutting applications and integration to other processes ABOT-ONE (automatic box opening • proven Options experience, for lid removal and box contents technology) is a fully programmable • Automatic blade changing option carton opening system capable of removing the top from cartons automatically at

ABOT™ provide a safeper and hour. efficientAdd box opening solution.with Based on rates machines up to 600 cartons more power patented technology and years of proven experience, ABOT-ONE (automatic ABOT-DUO, which opens up to 1000 cartons per hour. box opening technology) is a fully programmable carton opening system Throughput will greatly depend on the size of box, cut capable of removing the top from cartons automatically at rates up to 600 depth, and other variables which alter cut times. cartons per hour. Add more power with ABOT-DUO, which opens up to 1000 cartons per hour. Throughput will greatly depend on the size of box, cut depth, ABOT dimensions and other automatically variables which alter cut times. each box as it enters the machine and adusts to variances such as bowed or damaged ABOT automatically dimensions each boxenable as it enters the systems machine and adusts boxes.

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