Hyper-local or hype?
As retailers continue to work out how to get online orders to customers as quickly and cheaply as possible, hyper-local fulfilment is the buzzword. Mike Burke looks at the concept through the prism of grocery retail.
Hard won lessons
The performance of logistics providers during the pandemic has thrown into sharp relief the wider economy’s dependence on a robust, agile, and reliable supply chain. Emma Verkaik learns from BCMPA members how the challenges of 2020 have been formative in their handling of growth in our post-Covid world.
A fundamental service
Whereas 2020 brought our long overlooked cold chain into public consciousness, 2021 has demonstrated its vital importance across some of the most fundamental aspects of our lives, says Shane Brennan.
A safer world of lifting
Lifting is a fundamental aspect of materials handling and logistics throughout all supply chains. Ross Moloney encourages everybody in materials handling and logistics to open their eyes to the importance of lifting equipment and the role of safety.
Path to Net Zero
The climate crisis is now one of the most pressing challenges facing the global community, and the UK logistics industry understands the part it must play in decarbonising the nation’s economy, says Michelle Gardner.
Supporting safety and standards
Accreditation offers many benefits for organisations delivering materials handling equipment training in-house. With a continued focus on safety in post-pandemic operations, correct compliance with safety regulations should be top of the list for many employers, says Laura Nelson.
Safety as standard
As the industry looks set for yet another record-breaking year, Jaap Vos reviews the association’s achievements in 2021 and how they are raising standards in the warehouse.
Championing UK material handling
The past two years have tested the UK material handling sector like never before. The demands of Brexit saw the warehousing and logistics sectors stretched to near capacity. But this was relegated to a sideshow by the needs thrust upon the sectors by the requirements of the pandemic.
Growing our own talent
Around 2.5 million people are employed in logistics in the UK and about one in five of those work in a warehouse. The surge of online shopping over the months of lockdown has driven demand for warehousing to an all-time high, while delivery drivers and warehouse workers have achieved hitherto undreamed-of recognition as essential workers, keeping the nation clothed and fed, says Clare Bottle.
Popular workhorse sees upgrade
DOOSAN HAS unveiled a major upgrade to its BT/BX 7 Plus Series electric counterbalance forklift trucks, bringing advanced performance-enhancing design and improved capabilities to the three and four wheeled, 1.5-to-3.5-tonne, mid-market product range.
Zebra unveils end-to-end fulfillment solution
THE PACKAGE builds on the firms’ acquisition of Fetch Robotics and is designed to enable end users to streamline order, batch, case, pallet and each picking workflows and automate material transport.
Warehousing and fulfilment – it’s increasingly a people thing
Worker quality and numbers is fast becoming one of the trickiest aspects of finding and properly utilising people in the DC, says Smitha Raphael, Chief Product & Delivery Officer for WMS technology innovator SnapFulfil.
5 ways a WMS helps your warehouse get to net zero
THE UK hosted COP26, the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow between 31 October-12 November 2021. Indigo Software solutions architect Eric Carter shines light on how a WMS can help the warehouse play its part.
Bridging the gap between driver shortages and a fast changing logistics sector
The current driver shortage, resulting in empty supermarket shelves and dire warnings of worse to come for Christmas, is a storm that has been in the making for some time but has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and BREXIT.
Operator comfort boosts productivity
When it comes to maintaining high levels of productivity, comfortable employees can make all the difference to a company’s operation, says Gianbattista Scaramuzza.
Avoid techno over-reliance
When using lift trucks safety technology, you need to guard against sole or overuse, cautions Nicola Jaynes.
Using AI in warehouse safety
DEVELOPED THROUGH its W² Labs programme Wincanton is using wearable technology and artificial intelligence to improve health and safety in the warehouse, reducing spine hazards per hour by 30%.
Improved forklift safety
Careful consideration has to be paid to staff safety, for both manual pickers and forklift drivers, says Steve Coley.
Tackling manual handling risks
Lifting and moving by hand is the main cause of reportable accidents in the freight by road industry and the logistics sector has a rate of musculoskeletal disorders 50% higher than the national average, says Laura Nelson.
Supply issues: An ATEX update
Shortages and delays are extending forklift OEM lead times, says Darren Boiling, who offers advice on ensuring you have an ATEX forklift when you need it.
