The Logistics Point September 2020

The Logistics Point

September 2020 Issue #8

Hermes’ Covid-19 Story

Hermes fought Covid-19 with communication and flexibility. Carl Lyon, Hermes’ Chief Operations Officer, spoke to The Logistics Point about what is next for the company.

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Industrial & Logistics

The peculiar state of global

The Logistics 2020 still strong Point, Issue 8 - September shipping

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Who is replacing China on the US market?

Our Audience 56%

13%

Logistics & Supply Chain

Warehouse & Construction

4%

4%

Manufacturing

IT & Software

Our Achievements 1500

600+

Monthly Impressions

Unique Online Users

1000+

300+

Social Media Followers

On Our Direct Mailing List

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

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Editor's note Let’s evaluate It will be long before we stop talking about the world pandemic and how it affected supply chains. Seems like everything from now on will be divided between what happened before and what after.

For Hermes, one of UK’s leading courier companies, evaluating their response has already started. The company shares its success with us and what are the next step in its strategy to grow and remain strong.

For others, however, the crisis brought a lot of problems and it is uncertain if some will survive it. For now, the Industrial & Logistics market remains strong and resilient.

Shipping is another well-performing market. Liner companies have successfully survived but their customers might have a harder time.

The problem of crew changes is still their and the sector is becoming desperate to solve it as soon as possible.

If we turn to America, where Covid-19 is still raging in full power, we will see a different story. Firms are on the look for the countries that can replace China. That mission is nearly impossible but has to be done for many reasons, American experts claim.

Consumers are also adding to the mix with their own thoughts on what is best. Some are turning to the resale market that is expected to grow in the next few years.

So that time has come to evaluate what and how we did and what is next!

Nick Bozhilov nick@thelogisticspoint.com

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

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In this edition Hermes succeeds with communication & flexibility Carl Lyon, Chief Operations Officer at Hermes

The perfect storm that elevated supply chains How Covid-19 made supply chains a top priority

Why Industrial & Logistics will remain resilient

By Will Laing, Savills research analyst

The peculiar state of global shipping Peter Sand, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO

Who can take China’s place on the US market?

Replacing China will not be an easy task for America

Culture of quality: good level in disruption Bryan Klein, research director, Gartner Supply Chain Practice

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

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Fashion resale market grows Young people would pay more if they can sell their clothes

Five key drivers for agile fulfilment

By Frazer Watson, Head of Sales for Hikrobot, Invar Systems

Space optimisation on the rise after lockdown Jonathan Ellis, Head of Sales at BiGDUG

Are we entering the fourth era of public transport?

Philippe Vappereau, CEO Calypso Networks Association

How to safely buy a used ATEX forklift Darren Boiling, Materials Handling Sales Manager, Pyroban

How TPPL technology has broadened battery choice for material handling electric vehicles

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

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Hermes focuses on good communication and flexibility to fight Covid-19 Hermes UK is looking for over 10.5K ‘parcel people’ to join its business as it invests £100 million to expand its capacity to meet the huge demand created by people shopping at home during lockdown and the continuing growth in the sector. Carl Lyon, Hermes’ Chief Operations Officer spoke to The Logistics Point about what is next for the company.

What conclusions have you drawn from

gym equipment before slowly returning to

the end of lockdown and how you

other items such as clothes.

performed?

In just four weeks, we ramped up our It is no secret that when lockdown happened

capacity and we are now running at almost

every

twice the volumes we handled before the

business

in

every

industry

was

affected. Initially our volumes started to slow

lockdown.

down but that continued just for the first couple of weeks. After that people started to

In the carrier industry we are used to

get used to the ‘new normal’ and the reality

handling a busy time from Black Friday

that this would continue for a while, so they

through to Christmas and we have a lot of

turned to online shopping. It helped them get

levers that we can pull in our operations to

what they needed and wanted.

ramp up for this, but we normally have more time to plan!

To start with people ordered necessities like toiletries and food items, then garden and

As a result, we were able to adapt very well

…..

….

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“In

just four weeks, we

ramped up our capacity and we are now running at almost twice the volumes we handled before the lockdown.

”

and brought in many of these principles

Hermes hub in Rugby. Processing almost 1 million parcels a day.

whilst embedding a local customer service model. One of the positives was that the roads were clear and people were generally

How do you plan to cope with the

at home all the time so it made our deliveries

increase in online demand and the

easier.

traditional peak periods like Christmas?

How much of the new online demand will

We rely on good information from our retail

stay on?

customers to understand what they need and help predict volumes. We have a very

Hermes has announced 10,500 new roles

strong central planning team that look at

and we are building the equivalent of ten

historic volumes, trends, and our network

new sites. All of that is based on the fact that

capacity. Flexibility within the network is key

we think volumes will remain high, although

to be able to ride the peaks and support our

it is hard to predict exactly.

retail customers.

→

New recruits The company is looking for around 1500 full-time staff, including some roles at its head office in Yorkshire, and throughout

its

UK

network

for

drivers,

warehouse

operatives, managers and supervisors. There are also opportunities

for

another

9K

self-employed

couriers

nationwide, who will have the option of becoming SE+ couriers with guaranteed holiday7 pay as part of Hermes’ ground-breaking deal with the GMB Union.

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

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Working from home What were the main problems that you faced during the lockdown and how did you deal with them?

Hermes supported its employees during the lockdown. The company made a few key changes to its operations to facilitate working from home without sacrificing the quality of its

From day one keeping our employees and network of couriers safe was key. For office staff this was more straightforward as we decided that they could all work at home and were able to achieve this in just 3 days.

service. ‘We adapted very quickly and did our best to use more technology so people can easily work from home,’ explains Carl Lyon. Тhe company has already spent over £5 million on PPE and seen a 20% reduction in staffing levels due

This is something that often happens during

to

necessary

operational

changes,

8

self-isolation and social distancing.

our Christmas peak anyway to make the

in line with government guidelines along with

necessary room for temporary seasonal staff

increased hygiene measures. For couriers

in the building where they can be trained and

we implemented strict safety protocols at

supervised.

sub depots and were the first delivery company to introduce contactless deliveries.

The IT team were on hand to support this

We have also implemented new safety

with new laptops and to provide the

protocols

necessary tech support. We did the same for

ParcelShops which have seen volumes

our ParcelShop support teams and our

doubled. The main challenge was to ensure

courier help desks.

that we had the resources to handle the

for

our

national

network

of

phenomenal volume of parcels as the UK In the depots we changed all our operating

public turned to home delivery to get what

procedures to encompass social distancing

they needed.✷

...

Carl Lyon Carl Lyon is COO at Hermes UK, the leading consumer delivery specialist, delivering over 400 million parcels each year on behalf of the UK’s leading retailers. Lyon has been with the business for over 7 years in a number of senior operation roles including Operations Director. He has been a member of the Hermes UK main board for three years and has successfully developed its delivery model with the introduction of industry leading technology and the launch of SE+ - a new employment model for Hermes’ network of self-employed couriers.

Carl also helped to create Hermes’ unique ParcelShop and locker network – the largest in the country. Prior to this, he held roles at Christian Salvesen, TNT Post and Post NL.

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The perfect storm that elevated supply chains Recent years have seen a lot of changes in

“Ultimately human connection sits on top of

the way supply chain organisations operate

everything,” River continues, “and platforms

and work with one another. Collaboration is

can speed up transactions but firstly people

the new buzzword but many struggle to

have to want to do business together.”

understand how they can implement a successful strategy that will protect internal

“There is nothing like a good catastrophe to

interests and at the same time bring partners

elevate supply chains in the ranks,” adds

closer together to create a shared value

Mike Races, SVP Supply Chain at Sephora.

chain.

He concludes that leadership alignment is critical

and

firms

need

to

invest

in

“Consumers are looking for new experiences

automation that is supported by HQ. His

and for many brands this will mean investing

advice is to create a strategy when things

in new technologies,” says Saif River, VP

are going well and tell people immediately

Retail Industry Leader, IBM Supply Chain at

when there are troubles. Additionally firms

the

2020.

should align their inventory with sales and

“Customers are more tech savvy and are not

not with budget. A strategy that has kept

looking for the lowest cost anymore but want

Sephora going even during lockdown.

virtual

Retail

Supply

Chain

to optimise price and brands that reflect their beliefs.”

What is adding to this is the need for more transparency. Buyers are keener that ever to

Organisations should look both internally

get greater visibility and want updates on

and externally as supply chain managers

their orders constantly. This will differentiate

can no longer operate independently and

good from bad and those who will survive

they affect the wider organisation and brand.

from

All parts of the company should be on board

non-sustainable companies enjoy higher

and systematic issues with partners should

margins which could prove to be the real

be addressed. That does not only include

problem. ✷

private

but

also

public

bodies

those

who

won’t.

Unfortunately,

and

governments. ……………………...

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

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Why the industrial & logistics sector is set to remain resilient regardless of Covid-19

By Will Laing, Savills research analyst.

It is extraordinary to think how much the

However,

world has changed since Savills last Big

materialise, online retail already accounts for

Shed Briefing market update at the start of

19.2p in every pound spent in the shops.

2020.

What’s more, forecasters now suggest that

Covid-19

lockdown

and

threw

up

the a

subsequent number

of

unprecedented challenges, many of which

even

if

this

uptick

doesn’t

we could see this increase to as much as 28p by 2024.

have proven just how essential the UK industrial and logistics sector is to our daily

Peace of mind

lives.

Consequently,

logistics

real

estate

is

benefiting from this behavioural shift, which In many respects supply chains have been

is reflected in the half-year take-up figures.

tested to the limit, initially to feed the nation

Take-up for H1 2020 reached 22.4 million sq

and provide essential services to cope with

ft, the best on record, 38% above 2019 and

the

66% above the long term average. It is also

pandemic,

consumers

before

could

non-essential

ensuring

still

purchases

that

make

other

via

online

platforms.

interesting to note that

just 11% was for

deals where the lease is less than 12 months due to Covid-19, substantially lower than initial predictions.

As we continue to adapt to this new normal, some interesting statistics are emerging

On the supply side, the market paints a very

providing evidence that the shift to online

different picture to where it was at the time of

retail is set to rise more rapidly than earlier

the last Global Financial Crisis (GFC), which

forecasts

should provide some peace of mind. ...

ever

expected.

Online

now

accounts for 33% of all retail sales, up from 21% at the start of the year. In fact, should

“Over 40 million sq ft of new supply would

this rate of growth continue over the next 12 months, an additional 14.9 million sq ft of

be required to see vacancy levels rise to 12%

warehouse space will be required to service normal

levels

of

demand.

– a tipping point for rental growth to stop.

”

…………………………...

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

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Then, almost 100 million sq ft of warehouse space was available, reflecting a vacancy rate of close to 25%. Today, supply is just over 36 million sq ft with levels of vacancy at 6.58% or less in many parts of the country.

There is also just 6.25 million sq ft of speculative development under construction due for delivery in 2020. Those underway are set to continue, but we are not anticipating

any

new

speculative

announcements in the short-term.

Furthermore, Savills research has created a model that projects vacancy rates going forward within various parameters, and even

Speculative development

in a downside scenario where we assume

Given the economic climate, a key metric to

over 15 million sq ft of supply will return to

monitor will be levels of second hand supply,

the market, vacancy rates rise to just 11.4%,

as this could point to a rise in tenant

...

→

defaults. Whilst too early to be defined as a trend, the level of supply for grades B and C stock has risen by 9% to 17.46m sq ft in the past six months.

Although a cause for concern, it should be noted that over 40 million sq ft of new supply would be required to see vacancy levels rise to 12% – a tipping point for rental growth to stop.

The recent prudent levels of speculative development will help to offset an increase in vacancy arising from tenant default. Some regions in the UK now have no big shed speculative development under construction whatsoever.

Consequently, it is highly unlikely that vacancy rates will return to post GFC levels.

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

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“Given the economic climate, a key metric to monitor will be levels of second hand supply, as this could point to a rise in tenant defaults. ” which is still below the aforementioned 12%

affected by Covid-19. Capital markets all but

tipping point.

ceased during the height of lockdown as investors

struggled

Looking forward, as the lifting of restrictions

diligence

and

moves into its next phase, we expect the

assumptions. However, as it became clear

market will also perform differently when

that inspections and surveys could be

compared to the immediate aftermath of

carried

lockdown. On the demand side, requirement

distancing and that occupiers were still

levels have rebounded sharply after a slow

taking space at pre-Covid rental levels,

April and early May, but this lag should mean

confidence

that take-up for ‘churn stock’ in H2 is slower

transactions continued to increase.

out

to

undertake

underwrite

whilst

returned,

rental

growth

maintaining

and

the

due

social

rate

of

than normal.

Given the market turbulence across all Furthermore, as government support comes

sectors and high levels of uncertainty, it is

to

encouraging

an

end

in

the

autumn,

consumer

to

report

that

logistics

confidence is likely to fall. Bearing in mind

investment volumes have reached £1.12bn

that almost two thirds of demand is related to

for H1, a fall of just 26% when compared

retail, it is unlikely that the current levels of

with H1 2019.

take-up will be sustained. This is despite the growth of online shopping increasing at

In terms of pricing, during lockdown Savills

levels not seen since 2008.

prime yields have moved out 25bps and now stand at 4.50% for prime single let logistics

Investment market

units and 4.25% for multi-let industrial

The investment market has also been

estates. However, as lockdown has been

……….

eased and market activity has returned, positive sentiment and competitive tension is again putting negative pressure on these yields.

Throughout

this

period

one

thing

has

remained certain, that industrial and logistics is still a top pick for investors, especially due to the expectation that it will continue to ...

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

12

be resilient and outperform in the current market.

Just-in-case More generally, the pandemic has indeed tested supply chains to their limits. The current

‘just-in-time’

model

has

little

resilience, which has prompted a shift towards more of a ‘just-in-case’ scenario. As a result, we have seen an uptick in companies seeking to build in extra ‘safety

Will Laing, Savills research analyst.

stock’ in order to mitigate future supply chain risks, leading to more warehouse demand.

reliance on labour, whilst simultaneously

Further to this, we have begun to see global

securing efficiency gains. The shift towards

supply chains come under review with a

automation will impact the specification of

move towards near-shoring. This should

buildings and their locations as there will no

increase demand for space closer to the

longer be a requirement to locate near large

consumer market.

labour pools, but rather a heightened need for sites which have access to power.

Automation and robots Finally, we have seen Covid-19 stimulate a

Ultimately, the sector has proven remarkably

rise in companies seeking to increase their

resilient in the face of Covid-19 and its

use of automation and robots for warehouse

strong fundamentals should ensure it stays

and transport operations to reduce their

that way despite future uncertainty. ✷

…….

August

Read previous editions

July

June

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

May 13

The peculiar state of global shipping The state of the shipping industry raises

services and by doing so they have created

many questions. Liner companies have

a much better, but artificial balance on the

successfully

but

market. “This has helped them, and they

customers are now faced with fewer choices.

avoided falling freight rates,” Sand explains.

Markets in Europe and North America are

Liner companies might operate on longer

slow to recover but Asia is picking up.

term contracts but what is noticeable is that

adjusted

to

Covid-19

volumes on the Spot Market (where goods “Where we are now is a peculiar point in

are traded for immediate delivery) have

many

Chief

benefited greatly by the new strategy.

Shipping Analyst at BIMCO for The Logistics

BIMCO believes these changes will stay for

Point. Liner companies’ profitability is high

at least another year as volumes for 2020

despite the low volumes and the worst year

and 2021 will be under what they were in

they have had for a decade. To understand

2019. Liners are expected to continue

the situation the industry is in, Sand

adjusting sailings and add blank sailings to

suggests looking back to 2009 and the

match the real demand.

ways,”

says

Peter

Sand,

Global Financial Crisis when liners cut freight rates in order to stay competitive. By

Sand admits that as a global network

doing that, they lost a lot of money. With

shipping relies on good performance in

Covid-19 companies have decided to cut

manufacturing and retail. “At the end, it is all

…...

about how retail sales are coming along in …..

Independent Asia The market in East Asia is becoming increasingly less dependent on the global consumer in Europe and North America. Volumes there have almost not been affected by the crisis. In June intra-Asian volumes have grown faster

14

than a year before. The recovery in Asia is much stronger than the one in the West.

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

14

Crew changes “We would love to see changes as soon as possible but it remains a case of individual countries trying to contain the virus,” Sand comments. According to the expert in doing so many places have completely forgotten about the seafarers. The Philippines is currently seeking to become one of the few major international hubs that allows crew changes to happen but travel restrictions elsewhere and the lack of flights is making it nearly impossible.

BIMCO sees no easing of the situation any time soon. Members are encouraged to get in touch with local governments and find a solution that

Peter Sand, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO.

firms started diversifying away from China.

Sand explains that for some like apparel

will work for both sides.

(more on page 16) this will be easier. More order to boost underlining demand,” he

specialised ecosystem businesses however

continues. Customers are faced with fewer

can’t leave the Chinese market with its

choices that could lead to poor service and

well-built infrastructure. “There is no way

additionally no daily sailings from large port

around China for high tech production,”

hubs as liners are operating services from 4

Sand explains. BIMCO expects productions

to 5 times a week. The organisation stays

to spread to more locations predominantly to

positive as it says these adjustments are not

Japan and Korea for high-tech production

a massive disruption for customers and

and many more for goods where a cheap

volumes are being moved with just a few

labour force is needed. But also, to the

days delay if any.

consumers’ markets in Europe and North America. In order to stay competitive on

Change is due

these more local markets firms will have to

“In order for any of this to be sustainable we

look at automation that could save costs. …..

will need a healthier global economy,” Sand

Hub-and-Spoke

says. Currently manufacturing orders are

Liner

below levels that could suggest any change

hub-and-spoke locations around the world to

in

environment.

make use of the wide reaching abilities of

Governments have done their best to

good infrastructure and utilise ultra large

support businesses but until orders pick up it

container ships. Covid-19 is putting pressure

will be hard to move forward. BIMCO

on

predicts that the Chinese New Year will be

manufacturing hubs being developed and it

the turning point to see what the market in

will be more difficult to fill up a ship at one or

2021 will look like. Whatever the result,

two places. ✷

the

macroeconomic

companies

the

plans

intended

as

there

to

are

use

more

changes began in 2018 when many ………...

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

15

Who can take China’s place in the US market?

Tensions between the US and China show

are that a lot of these countries do not have

no signs of subsiding and American firms are

the well-developed Chinese infrastructure.

urged to move away from the Asian country.

Beijing has spent years in improving its

This move, however, will not be easy as

infrastructure and in many ways has no

China is responsible for nearly 30% or all

rivals in Asia and around the world. On the

imports in the USA. That might be a

other hand, manufacturers who are looking

significant drop compared to 2016 levels of

to relocate all or part of their production to a

41% but there is still a long way to go. So

new location, have to do careful due

which countries are going to dethrone

diligence. Because of COVID-19 that is

Beijing and turn into the new preferred

easier said than done. Many have never

manufacturer of the world?

dealt with the new locations and have little to no knowledge about local laws, custom

According to the Apparel and Footwear

procedures and traditions.

Association in the US there are a few contenders including some that at first sight

Another problem is the complexity of moving

seem unusual. Orders have shifted to other

away from China. Тhe country was able to

Asian

take a lot of orders at once. American firms

countries

like

Vietnam

and

Bangladesh.

will now have to look to more than just one place

for

suppliers.

There

are

many

Winners are also Indonesia and India,

unanswered questions like how can new

although not as many orders go there as

factories and suppliers be certified and will

initially expected. A surprise, according to

transport work from countries without the

Nate Herman, SVP Supply Chain American

needed port infrastructure.

Apparel & Footwear Association at Retail Supply

Chain

USA

2020

event,

are

The Association however is urging its

Cambodia and Mexico. New players are also

members to keep their distance from China

Turkey, Jordan, and Ethiopia.

for political, economic and human rights reasons. ✷

The challenges many American firms face …..

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020 ..

16

Culture of quality - sustaining good levels during disruption A single disruption in an organization causes

that messages about the importance of

an average culture of quality to drop 9%,

multiple competing priorities all increased

according to a survey by Gartner, Inc.

during

Organizations experience on average three

reinforcing the importance of quality falls on

disruptions per year.

deaf ears,” Mr. Klein said. “It’s the same with

a

disruption.

That’s

why

just

quality tools. As priorities and circumstance “COVID-19, digital transformation, sudden

change during the disruption, employees are

facility shutdowns or an expansion into a

unsure whether the tool is still relevant – and

new market – all of those incidents disrupt

stop using it.”

supply chain organizations. A strong culture of

quality

is

critical

during

times

of

Only

27%

of

Organizations

Help

transformation,” said Bryan Klein, research

Employees Navigate Tensions Between

director with the Gartner Supply Chain

Priorities

Practice.

“Quality

leaders

must

find

strategies to sustain their quality levels

According to the survey, the most impactful

during disruptions.”

action quality leaders can take to maintain a culture of quality during disruptions is to help

Little impact

employees navigate the inevitable tensions

The Gartner 2020 Culture of Quality During

between conflicting priorities. However, this

Disruptions Survey, conducted among more

is something only 27% of organizations are

than 1,200 respondents, found that the

currently doing.

→

primary tools quality leaders use to maintain a culture of quality during a disruption – reinforcing the importance of quality and ensuring access to quality tools such as trainings and knowledge hubs – have little to no impact.

“More than 70% of survey respondents said ...

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

17

“There’s power in knowing that employees aren’t expected to optimize multiple priorities at the same time.

Bryan Klein, research director, Gartner Supply Chain Practice.

a difficult trade-off decision. Quality leaders must therefore ensure that employees are

Prioritise “It helps when senior leaders acknowledge the tensions between priorities,” Mr. Klein said.

”

“There’s

power

in

knowing

properly equipped to make those decisions on their own.

that

employees aren’t expected to optimize multiple priorities at the same time. At times it’s okay to decide between priorities, such as decreasing speed-to-market in the face of

“Peer-to-peer

consulting

or

a

quality

ambassador program can give employees access to the relevant guidance. Discussing tensions between priorities during weekly meetings motivates staff to reflect on their

a significant cost reduction.”

decision-making process and will lead to As a next step, quality leaders should offer clear guidance on when a certain level of quality

is

crucial

and

when

it’s

better informed decisions at later stages,” Mr. Klein concluded. ✷

not.

Establishing categories such as “must have quality”, “should have quality”, and “can have quality”

are

an

easy

way

to

guide

employees’ thinking patterns.

Trade-off decisions Finally, employees must be equipped to manage

competing

necessary. respondents

Less

than

reported

tensions 25% that

of they

when survey seek

guidance from quality leaders before making ..

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

18

Resale market grows as clothes turn into an investment The world pandemic has caused a lot of

stores are turning into pick-up locations. For

pressure on companies who are struggling

many

to execute orders and keep customers’

reorganisation of manufacturing processes.

attention. On the other hand consumers

Specifically in America a lot of firms have

have also started to feel the pressure and

found a way out of the crisis by switching

are changing the way they shop. Lockdown

their production to Protective Equipment.

companies

that

meant

a

meant there is more demand for casual clothing and many brands are wondering

Resale growth

how they will respond to that.

It is expected that the resale market in the USA will grow from $7 billion to $64 billion by

For thredUP, a US based company that sells

2024. This in turn will create a lot of logistical

second hand clothes, Covid-19 has brought

challenges for fashion brands. Most clothes

new customers and increased revenue. “We

that thredUP receives have no labels and

are providing a nice distraction,” says

barcodes so they are hard to organise. The

thredUP CEO James Reinhart at the virtual

company is faced with processing nearly 100

Retail Supply Chain USA 2020. Customers

million unique items and most of them are

have started to reevaluate how they act and

unknown before unpacking. On the other

how

hand sellers want the whole process to be

their

behaviour

impacts

the

environment. Resaled clothes provide great

as seamless as possible.

value and companies like Reinhart’s are picking the share. “Young generations have

The ultimate question will be how to build

grown up with sustainability as part of their

infrastructure that can power the expected

lives and our job is to combine this with

growth. Additionally, brands will be forced to

something that makes economic sense,” he

deal with the change of flow as young

explains.

consumers see clothing as an investment that they could later resale and get some of

The last few months have seen consumers

their money back. ✷

completely change the way they shop.

E-commerce is growing exponentially and ….

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

19

Five key drivers for agile fulfilment As the Coronavirus creates turmoil in our

what changes may be required within the

daily lives, businesses are moving quickly to

fulfilment operation. Will there be more

respond to a radical shift in consumer

promotional activity, resulting in sharper

behaviour. A boom in online orders, likely to

peaks? Or could there be longer, extended

become a feature of the ‘new reality’, is

peak periods, with a greater number of

triggering a major re-think of the fulfilment

returns? Will new forms of packaging be

operation.

factors

required? Could product profiles shift, SKUs

influencing a drive for agile fulfilment. By

radically expand – and how might new,

Frazer Watson, Head of Sales for Hikrobot at

spontaneous marketing initiatives impact

Invar Systems.

operational processes?

1.

Here

Operational

are

five

key

resilience

and

There are many unknowns. So if ecommerce

responsiveness – Nothing could have

businesses are to minimise risk and respond

prepared the corporate world for the shock

quickly to change, greater operational agility

of a global lockdown, but moving forward

will

there will be a desire to create supply chains

responsiveness that customers expect – and

with greater resilience and agility, and this

the resilience logistics practitioners are

will extend into the fulfilment process.

looking for.

be

required

to

provide

the

Research carried out by International Data Corporation (IDC) on behalf of Kinaxis in May 2020 finds that supply chain resilience and agility are the biggest priorities for nearly half (48%) of organisations over the next 12 months, with the next top priority being operational efficiency (46%).

Critically, organisations are uncertain about the future demands on the business and …...

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

20

3. Enhanced performance – If businesses are to meet a significant rise in demand for ecommerce

orders,

then

picking

and

put-away performance will need to be radically improved. Bringing in large teams of people at peak is simply no longer a viable option. Automated goods-to-person order

picking

processes

can

offer

a

significant boost – reducing labour costs by Meeting such a significant rise in demand for

58% and improving efficiency by 84%.

online orders will, take automation. The automation applied will have to be highly flexible, readily scaleable and capable of delivering

the

speed,

accuracy

and

performance demanded.

Perhaps the key advantage of bringing the goods to the person is that it cuts out dead time in walking the warehouse floor during picking and put-away activities – up to 70% of a picking operative’s time is estimated to

2.

Labour

distancing

availability –

The

and

traditional,

social manual,

approach to order picking has in recent times been significantly challenged by three key factors.

be non-value adding. The big revolution that is taking place within the warehouse is the use of autonomous mobile robots. High cap-ex automation, where conveyors and shuttles are bolted to the floor, is no longer seen as flexible enough for the fast-changing

Following Brexit, available labour resources

world of ecommerce.

are no longer as easy to access in many areas of the country. The National Living Wage, applicable to all employees over 25 years

old,

has

risen

to

£8.72.

With

COVID-19, social distancing requirements within the warehouse present a major challenge for organisations.

A fleet of AMRs can fetch mobile shelf units of products and present them to a picking station

in

a

pre-determined

stream,

according to order management. At the same time as picking an order, pickers can replenish shelves, and the robot simply carries away the shelf unit to a high-density

Flexible automation using goods-to-person technology offers an attractive alternative to manual picking. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) allow valuable human resources to be reallocated to alternative, more skilled tasks.

storage area, ready for the next activity.

AMR systems combined with pick-to-light technology

can

boost

order

picking

performance from under 100 units per hour using traditional methods, to up to 600 picks per hour.

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

→ 21

4. Flexibility & Scalability – These are two critical factors to consider when applying automation to processes. The growth of online volumes, increased frequency of peaks and rapid changes to order profiles places a heavy onus on an automated system to be both highly flexible and readily scalable – giving the system the ability to flex and grow with the business.

“Greater

operational agility

will be required to provide the responsiveness that customers expect .

”

5. Applied intelligence – Software design, integration and support are central to the success of any automation project, so finding the right partner 22 is critical capacity of the system as required. Trying to get large

Traditional fixed automation is not that easy to scale up, or for that matter adapt, should the need be. However, autonomous mobile robot systems have a huge advantage over fixed systems in that you can simply scale up the operation by adding more robots – increasing the cHaving 80 robots working independently in a warehouse is not a problem, as each performs its duties by

warehouse management software (WMS) vendors engaged in writing the interfaces for materials

handling

systems

can

often

present a hurdle for an automation project.

This is why leading automation companies offer their own warehouse control software (WCS) with the hardware – in the UK, Invar Systems writes the WCS for Hikrobot AMR platforms.

plotting their own path, following QR codes placed on the warehouse floor. Installation is straightforward and fast, and provides a future-proofed solution suited to a fast expanding business.

When integrated with a business’ upper system, intelligent AMRs deliver valuable digitised warehouse data. This information helps

companies

processes,

such

to as

optimise

business

labour

resource

management, which can significantly boost operational performance.

As businesses get to grips with a new reality involving a far higher volume of online orders,

increased

uncertainty

and

the

travails of human social distancing, flexible automation in the form of autonomous mobile robots will deliver the agility needed Frazer Watson, Head of Sales for Hikrobot at Invar Systems.

to boost performance and create competitive advantage.✷

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

22

Space optimisation on the rise after lockdown Covid-19 has affected the sector of shelving and racking too. Projects are returning back to normal but companies are looking to reorganise existing space and respond quicker to the increased online demand. Jonathan Ellis, Head of Sales at BiGDUG spoke to The Logistics Point about trends and best practices.

What trends do you see on the market

Have you seen any change in attitudes

and how will it evolve?

because of Covid?

Currently, we are seeing an increasing drive

Larger projects that may have been on hold

within customers to significantly streamline

in the early months of the year seem to be

their supplier bases. In addition to a far more

being approved, and often now with a much

formalised

shorter lead time as Companies return to

Supplier

approval

process,

suppliers who can supply across a wide

something

approaching

range of categories will have an inherent

business models.

their

normal

advantage in this process.

We’re also seeing an increasing amount of The ability to provide Pallet Racking and

space optimisation, rather than new builds

shelving

manual

where elements such as Mezzanine Floors,

handling and access equipment along with

repositioning existing storage systems to

ancillary products presents the customer

add additional runs are widely prevalent.

with

a

together

much

partnership.

with

more

boxes,

rounded

supply The continued rise of Internet shopping has ….

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

→

23

Ahead of demand An on-line clothing distributor has recently seen their sales increase at an extraordinary rate, and we have been involved with them since they first took the decision to handle the storage and distribution themselves, rather than utilise an outside organisation. The ability to provide the full range of shelving, workbenches, trolleys and handling equipment from stock meant they increased footprint twice

24

in the last six months, utilising familiar products and without any disruption to daily operations.

“Web-based retailers use

stock that they have to take in, store and dispatch. We’ve seen a lot of web-based retailers use this period to increase and

this period to increase and improve

their

operations.

in-house

”

improve their in-house operations rather than rely on 3rd Party logistics businesses to handle this increased throughput.

How do you approach large projects from evaluation to finish?

also caused a huge upsurge in demand for racking and shelving, whereby retailers are experiencing issues with the amount of ……..

The starting point for any project will always be an evaluation of exactly what the customer is storing, and how it is being loaded, stored and transported as this will dictate the style of solution that we would subsequently recommend. Pallet racking is a perfect example, whereby the weight and dimensions of each pallet will have major impacts on the design and weight capacity of the system to be utilised.

Where possible, a site visit to evaluate the available space – and height is always a …...

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

24

Success Story

major consideration also allows our teams to see how and where our part of any projects fits into the overall customer operation.

A major manufacturer of precision engineering and assembly has recently revamped its entire Process workflow, bringing increased productivity

Taking into consideration the inward and onward flow of any product or component will facilitate the design of a solution that works with, rather than against existing processes.

and facilitating the winning of new contracts.

Provision of BiGDUG’s storage systems, from specially adapted heavy duty ESD shelving through

to

components

robust

shelf

between

trolleys

cells

and

to

move mobile

workbenches to add flexibility has played a major Having

the

widest

range

of

solutions

available, together with the ability to offer

part in enabling this culture change to occur smoothly and within budget.

bespoke manufactured products means that we can generally offer the solution that best fits. A flexible installation team is also a bonus,

whereby

changing

customer

requirements can be fed back, re-designed and

incorporated

within

the

agreed

products meet the highest quality standards and all staff have appropriate qualifications and registrations in addition to the many years’ experience within the team.

timeframes.

Close involvement with the end user at the What best practices do you follow and

customer site, and liaison with their H&S and Facilities staff results in a solution that is

would advise?

both workable and to the highest safety Safety is paramount in all aspects of our

standards.✷

work; from initial site visits through design and through to supply and installation. All …..

Jonathan Ellis Jonathan has 15 years’ experience within the Materials Handling, storage and workplace equipment market, having working for a number of the UK businesses of the Takkt Group. Prior to that he ran his own mailing and fulfilment in the North East, and spent 12 years within the direct marketing industry.

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

25

Are we entering the fourth era of public transport?

By Philippe Vappereau, Chief Executive Officer, Calypso Networks Association This may seem a bold claim, but the

is

worldwide Covid-19 pandemic has acted as

notifications to customers.

quieter,

for

example

by

pushing

a catalyst in driving forwards a fast-paced reaction from the transport industry. It is

The new normal

clear that things will not – indeed, cannot –

Public transport today faces a cruel paradox:

be the same again.

operating the capacity to handle mass passenger flows when needed, while helping

We have travelled through the first three

facilitate social distancing to keep people

eras in little over 100 years: first, the

safe if Covid-19 persists or returns.

electrical

age,

enabling

underground

networks and tramways; second, autopilot

Transport operators need to live with this

systems and automated ticketing to cope

reality

with mass transit; and third, passenger

technological breakthrough solving all our

information services helping to make public

challenges is unlikely, but we can assess

transport attractive and adapt supply to

what technology we have available right

demand.

now, and improve it, optimise it, and re-

and

adapt

to

it. An

overnight

evaluate whether there are any untapped Ticketing,

too,

has

transformed,

with

possibilities within it.

contactless cards simplifying payments and granting

easier

and

faster

access

to

While transport ticketing technologies are

networks. Now, almost overnight, we enter

not the sole solution, they can help reduce

the fourth age of public transport.

costs, find customers again, and significantly support social distancing measures.

This new era is using technology for essential

crowd

management,

reducing

unnecessary interactions, minimising contact points,

micromobility

transport

options,

improving passenger flow, and encouraging travel at times when the system

“Widespread

internet

availability

today

enables simple, distance selling solutions, as well as card reloading, helping customers avoid crowded areas.

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

” 26

True contactless for safer distancing

·

·

Operators and authorities currently face a

Minimising crowding hotspots

Controlling spiralling costs

The speed of contactless NFC ticketing

nightmare scenario: an unexpected collapse

today allows a rapid flow of passengers at

in passenger numbers while having to

network entry points and thus helps avoids

manage significant costs to ensure essential

creating crowds of passengers. ATMs and

services can continue. One major issue for

counters are typically places most prone to

public transport providers is that they are

crowding, which must now be reduced to a

tied into expensive, proprietary ticketing

minimum. Widespread internet availability

software.

today

selling

economically interesting because of their low

solutions, as well as card reloading, helping

purchase cost can 27 often have a very high

customers avoid crowded areas.

long-term cost, with a very poor economic

enables

simple,

distance

Solutions

that

appear

to

be

return on investment for local authorities ·

Optimising mobile devices

later down the line.

Expect travel cards stored on NFC-capable mobile phones to be more popular with

Consider,

passengers in this new normal. We should

Underground, operated by TfL. Five years

also anticipate more people using such

ago, it implemented an Open Payment

devices as a reader to reload their own

option,

physical transport card with funds. This

bank-issued card to pay for travel. Very

requires

‘microprocessor’

convenient for occasional users, certainly,

functionality – essentially a smart computer

but it’s also expensive to run, particularly

chip – which is capable of offering more

alongside other legacy offerings like an

purchase options to users, both in person

exorbitantly expensive magnetic sales and

and remotely.

validation system, now handling increasingly

cards

with

for

where

fewer travellers.

example,

customers

the

tap

London

their

→

Most travel cards for frequent users contain this chip, but more occasional travellers tend to purchase contactless tickets that use far simpler memory components, which cannot handle remote reloading. These tickets often require

expensive

booths

and

vending

equipment to process purchases, and can contribute to crowds at stations. Operators should now look to phase them out, handing control to the customer and helping to keep them

safe

during

the

pandemic.

……………...

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

27

“An

Flexibility through open standards Now is most definitely not the time for operators and authorities to lock themselves into an inflexible transport setup with so much uncertainty in the sector in the months

overnight technological

breakthrough solving all our challenges is unlikely, but we can assess what technology we have available right now, and

and years ahead.

improve it.

”

Networks that have already taken this route are beginning to feel trapped, switching from

Transport authorities and operators must

the promise of an offered system to a

remain vigilant about the reality of the costs

revenue sharing obligation in which they are

of their systems, and above all make sure

in a weak position to negotiate on equal

that they keep control of their solutions and

terms. If there is one thing the pandemic has

do not leave it in the hands of big external

shown, it is that operators need to be more

players.

agile

and

collaborate

to

cope

28

with

unexpected challenges.

Passengers will not forgive operators and authorities for a poor public service, though

Open standards give transport authorities

they are unlikely to turn their frustrations on

and operators control of their ticketing

the financial institutions or other external

network, and reassurance that they are on a

players tying their hands behind them. And

sustainable framework that can evolve and

do not forget the issue of sovereignty for the

support new technical trends and business

networks and for the public authorities, since

requirements in a cost-effective way.

ticketing

systems

must

remain

an

instrument, under their control, for the development of mobility.

Transport authorities and operators need sustainable ticketing technologies, capable of meeting their expectations in the long term, but also of adapting quickly to new and evolving situations, such as we are now experiencing. We may not yet know the “new normal”, but we know we need to be ready for change quicker than ever before.✷ Philippe Vappereau, Chief Executive Officer at Calypso Networks Association

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

28

How to safely buy a used ATEX forklift for logistics operations Pre-owned explosion proof lift trucks can be

operations

safe

–

explosion

protection

useful additions to potentially explosive

solutions are never just ‘fit and forget’.

logistics operations, but how do you know they are safe and are they dangerous? We

What is the first consideration for those

asked Darren Boiling, Materials Handling

buying used trucks?

Sales

Manager

from

safety

company

Pyroban, for some guidance around this

When selecting a lift truck for use in

important topic.

potentially explosive atmospheres, the first step is to establish the specific operation

Why are used lift trucks such a safety

risk. That is the case whether the equipment

concern for logistics operations with

is used, or you’re specifying new trucks.

hazardous areas?

For instance, is the area where the trucks Wrongly specified ATEX safety equipment or

will be used Zone 1, 2, 21 or 22 under ATEX

poorly maintained safety systems could

1999/92/EC or DSEAR in the UK? For gas

cause an explosion in a potentially explosive

and vapour hazards, what is the Gas Group

atmosphere. Therefore, logistics businesses

and

that are looking to buy a used ATEX lift truck

substances handled? For dust and powders,

(or to rent one on a short-term basis) need to

what is the Cloud Ignition Temperature, and

take certain actions in order to keep their ..

the

Auto-ignition

Dust

Layer

temperature

Ignition

of

the

Temperature?

→

………..

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

29

How does the application determine the right choice of used truck?

toxic substances are handled. It is a good idea to try and find out what the truck used to

do

and

to

make

sure

has

been

There are many factors within the specific

de-contaminated prior to bringing it onto your

application which will affect the type of

site.

explosion protection solution required to keep people safe, so these must be

What

about

service

and

inspection

assessed before buying equipment. For

history? Are there any ‘red flags’ you

example, what will the truck be doing? What

should look for?

heights or distances are at play? In what

30really important. Was The service history is

ambient temperature will it operate?

the truck regularly maintained by a trained Also, does your logistics operation require a

Pyroban engineer who used the correct

lift truck for multi-shift continuous work or

parts and service regime? One incorrect part

intermittent use? This is important because

may expose a site to the risk of ignition

as part of the protection method, surface

through a spark or hot surface, for example.

temperatures may be limited which can have an effect on the equipment’s work cycle,

Was the truck’s safety system audited on an

especially if it is working in a high ambient

annual basis by a safety inspector? This

temperature. For example, used Pyroban

would ensure that the integrity of the safety

equipment traded to the Middle East may

system

struggle with the desert heat if it isn’t built for

rectified. For example, has impact damage,

that environment.

wear and tear, or corrosion been left

was

checked,

and

any

faults

untreated for years? But don’t confuse this Only when you understand where the

with a lift truck engineer conducting a

equipment will work and what it is required to

thorough examination, which is not the same

do

thing and does not ensure the safety of the

can

you

check

that

the

safety

specification of a used truck matches.

explosion

protection

systems.

………………...

Is there a risk that used trucks could bring hazards from a ‘dirty’ previous working environment into a logistics operation or warehouse?

Many ATEX lift trucks available to buy used will have worked within chemical industries, or other environments where corrosive or

Darren Boiling, Materials Handling Sales Manager, Pyroban.

…..

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

30

forklift conversion, so it has to be conducted by a specially trained engineer. If a used truck is given the ‘all clear’ by Pyroban, and the specification matches the requirements of the site, then it can be an economical way to ensure the safety of workers and reduce risk to the user’s brand and supply chain. A

“When selecting a lift truck for use in

Pyroban

potentially explosive atmospheres, the first step is to establish the

compliance with the ATEX 1999/92/EC

specific operation risk. ”

Ex-ASA

also

supports

your

directive and EN60079-17 standard.

Are there safety considerations if you

Are there any specific truck inspections or audits for explosion protected lift

choose to roll on your existing fleet contract instead of buying used trucks?

trucks that should be done?

If you choose to roll on your existing ATEX Insist that a safety audit such as Pyroban’s Ex-ASA is conducted, and any problems are rectified, before the sale completes. Pyroban auditors have the knowledge and experience to issue a certificate in support of ongoing ATEX compliance. Used ATEX lift trucks do not always look their best but that doesn’t mean they are unsafe for a hazardous area.

forklift contract rather than invest in used lift trucks that are newer or a different brand, you must still check when a safety audit was last conducted and should conduct an ASA if it’s due. Failure to do so could have big implications for both safety and compliance.

A Pyroban Ex-ASA is recommended yearly (sometimes

sooner

depending

on

the

application) to ensure your equipment is fully Similarly, a truck might seem to be ‘working

protected and working correctly.

fine’, but that may not be the case. A Pyroban Ex-ASA is a thorough audit where all safety critical components of Pyroban’s explosion protection system are inspected and recorded, including Exd enclosures, cables

and

conductivity,

glands, and

shutdown

fork

devices,

cladding.

Even

experienced lift truck engineers may not fully understand the complexities of a Pyroban …...

Likewise, if you choose to bring any short-term hire equipment onto your sites, you must check when a safety audit was last conducted. You shouldn’t hire equipment unless you are certain it is safe and there is evidence that it has been audited and serviced accordingly by a trained engineer. ...

For more information visit www.pyroban.com ✷

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

31

How TPPL technology has broadened battery choice for material handling vehicles Warehouses and production areas are under

new-comers such as lithium-ion (Li-ion).

increasing pressure to maximise productivity

There are two main types of TPPL battery.

and return on investment. This has led to

The first is a “standard” TPPL solution

more attention on the role of materials

supplied as a direct alternative to lead-acid

handling vehicles, particularly the cost and

batteries. The second is a TPPL solution

performance

enhanced with carbon addition. This battery

of

the

batteries

and

the

technology that power them.

offers a high-performance and cost-effective alternative to Li-ion batteries, especially in

As an example, users of material handling

heavy-duty applications, thanks to greatly

vehicles today will not accept a loss in

extended cycle life.

productivity due to battery-related downtime.

It is simply no longer possible to remove a

Factors

that

vehicle from service to charge or change out

productivity

compromise

truck

batteries and perform routine maintenance tasks. In addition, there is a trend to lease

Each battery type has different charging and

vehicles instead of making an outright

safety requirements, which impact on truck

purchase. Changing a battery during a lease

productivity.

term is undesirable because the new battery

typically need long charging cycles during or

will not be spent by the end of the contract,

after a shift. This means taking a vehicle out

leading to waste.

of service or changing the battery. For safety reasons,

Flooded

lead-acid

lead-acid

batteries

batteries

require

A broad spectrum of battery technologies

dedicated charging rooms with ventilation.

Choosing a battery solution is affected by

Regular water top-ups are part of normal

factors

performance,

operation, but also create the risk of acid

maintenance, charging, stock management

spills. Also, overcharging batteries by 10 –

and recycling. High performing technologies,

20% minimises stratification but adds to the

such as Thin Plate Pure Lead Batteries

energy demand. All these factors contribute

(TPPL), offer an attractive alternative to both

to the total cost of ownership (TCO) for a

the traditional solutions of lead-acid or

lead-acid battery setup.

like

initial

cost,

……...

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

32

Gel type valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA)

recycling options makes disposal of these

batteries have advantages over flooded

batteries expensive. TPPL batteries have the

lead-acid batteries. They do not require

benefit of flexibility without the higher-cost of

water top-up, and their overcharge factor is

Li-ion. The NexSys Core battery from

only 8 – 10%, thus reducing the energy

EnerSys is an excellent alternative to

demand for charging. However, they do not

lead-acid batteries, both flooded and Gel

allow

fast

VRLA. It is suited for low and medium-duty

charging with high currents. Batteries must

applications. Meanwhile, the NexSys Pure

be taken out of service for charging, which

battery uses TPPL technology with the

takes from 8 to 10 hours.

addition of carbon. It is optimised for medium

for

opportunity

charging

or

to heavy-duty applications as an alternative Li-ion batteries are more expensive, but they

to Li-ion batteries.

offer a higher-performance solution suitable for heavy-duty applications. They have the

TPPL battery technology

advantage of flexible charging like ultra-fast and opportunity charging. Li-ion technology

TPPL batteries have up to 10% more energy

also has a high-power density and zero

content than flooded lead-acid batteries and

maintenance requirements. Their extended

up to 20% more than Gel VRLA types. This

cycle life means that they can outlast the

is achieved by the higher number of plates

standard life of a forklift truck. Li-ion batteries

and reduced plate thickness. However, it is

do not require ventilation, but they do need

the flexible and rapid charging ability that

electronic battery management systems for

separates this battery class from other

safety,

lead-acid alternatives.

control

and

optimisation.

A

disadvantage is that the lack of Li-ion …….

→

Optimisation through monitoring It is advisable to choose a partner that has a holistic approach to power management as well as an exemplary track record in battery technology. Battery and charging solutions should not demand a change to operating models. Instead, a solution should be found that optimises the operation. Some service providers like EnerSys offer monitoring packages, including cloud-based applications.

These provide deep insights 33 as well as recommended actions for improved performance. Dashboards can be made available inside the vehicle to make drivers aware of critical parameters.

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

33

TPPL technology allows Partial State of Charge

(PSoC)

cycling

without

compromising on battery life. A cycle life of 1500 at 60% depth of discharge (DoD) is possible and even more at shallow DoD. …...

With

opportunity

charging,

trucks

can

complete an entire shift or even longer without losing time for recharging. Fast

TPPL batteries with carbon added have high

charging is also possible with charge rate

specific power and can sustain up to 160%

from 0.25C5 to 0.4C5. The combination of

34 day. This means that energy throughput per

charging

battery

batteries can last for 2 to 3 shifts using

capacity allows truck fleets to operate with

multiple opportunity charges. Addition of

fewer batteries, thus supporting a lowe TCO.

carbon in the active material formulation and

The NexSys Core battery using TPPL

the use of a dedicated charging profile

technology is also available in an ATEX

improves a NexSys Pure battery’s life, up to

(ATmosphères

50%

speed

and

increased

EXplosives)

version

that

more

than

NexSys

Core

battery

allows materials handling vehicles to work

(depending on application and use). This

safely in hazardous areas where there is an

battery can outlast the rental contract for

explosion risk.

most trucks. As a bonus, disposing of TPPL batteries with carbon is profitable compared

TPPL battery technology with carbon

to the extra costs to dispose of Li-ion.

addition Battery charging technologies The NexSys Pure battery builds on the TPPL base with added carbon in the active

Battery charging systems are as influential in

material. The chemical changes in the

battery

battery yield improved performance in terms

themselves. NexSys and NexSys+ battery

of lower internal resistance and higher

chargers provide intelligent charging to their

charge

Pure

TPPL range of batteries. High-frequency

battery delivers ultra-fast recharge and

modular designs offer considerable energy

exceptional

savings compared to 50Hz chargers. This is

acceptance.

PsoC

The

cycling

NexSys

performance.

……..

“Battery

and charging solutions should

not demand a change to operating

performance

as

the

batteries

because the management system switches off modules as the battery charges. In this ….

models.”

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

34

“Choosing

a battery solution is

maximum charging flexibility as they make opportunity

charging

easier

by

merely

affected by factors like initial cost,

plugging into an AC socket. Embedded

performance, maintenance, charging,

devices, software systems and Bluetooth communication capability enable optimum

stock management and recycling.” way, each module always operates at its optimum loading and efficiency. Besides the energy savings, charging time can also be reduced by up to two hours. NexSys chargers are designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 35% for TPPL batteries versus other lead-acid types.

charging and precise monitoring.

Conclusion Traditional lead-acid and Li-ion batteries have some limitations, which TPPL batteries can resolve. Solutions like NexSys Core and NexSys Pure batteries designed by EnerSys offer the advantages of zero maintenance, maximum

charging

flexibility

and

long

service life. TPPL technology provides a Matching battery and charging systems ensure that the benefits of integration are attained. This approach maximises energy

lower TCO than the alternatives, therefore, offering materials handling vehicle operators an opportunity to increase profit margins.

efficiency and battery life benefits while eliminating the potential for overcharging.

For more information about NexSys batteries please

There is also an on-board charger option

visit:

https://www.discovernexsys.com/ ✷

available for class III lift trucks: NexSys COMpact

onboard

chargers

offer

the

……….....

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

35

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Photos by: Hermes, Gartner Inc., Savills, Calypso Networks Association, Pyroban, BigDUG, Hikrobot, Nexsys; and Unsplash Users: Emile Guillemot, EJ Yao, Saad Salim, chuttersnap, Ruchindra Gunasekara, Scott Graham, bantersnaps, Jacob Morrison, Lauren Fleischmann, Brandon Morgan,Joseph Balzano, Andy Li, Edward He

The Logistics Point, Issue 8 - September 2020

36