A break with tradition inevitable
Of all the unknowns surrounding Covid-19 one thing is certain, its effects and legacy have changed the way people work, live and play, says Tony Dobson.
Logistics robots on the rise
Advanced robotics and automation technologies are becoming increasingly commonplace due to lower costs, improved capabilities, and the availability of products tailored to the needs of the industry, according to The Logistics Trend Radar from DHL. Simon Duddy reports.
High performing electric forklift released
STILL has revamped the RX60 counterbalance truck in the 3.5 to 5.0 tonnes load capacity range pursuing high performance while eliminating emissions.
Cut avoidable returns
Analytics can help managing the rise and cost of online returns, says Ken Fleming.
Underground tracks promise clean eComm delivery
Is it time to consider a radical approach to distributing eComm orders using underground magnetised loops instead of trucks and vans, asks Phill Davies?
Christmas prediction: Online to overtake store spending
ParcelHero says the UK are likely to spend £39.41bn online this Christmas as online spending is predicted to outstrip High Street sales for the first time.
Seeking retail insight
A bumper retail peak period expected online? Hard to see otherwise, says Andy Mulcahy, Strategy and Insight Director, IMRG who speculates on the shape of Peak 2020.
Key loading bay sector acquisition
Double deck innovator Transdek has been acquired by Fen Bay Services in a major deal for the UK loading bay sector.
Pallet rental: Are you getting added value?
Renting versus buying plastic pallets has been a long-debated topic. When sourcing a plastic pallet, the decision to rent or buy is one of the most important decisions a business has to make, as the outcome can significantly impact your bottom line. Yet so many times we see businesses choosing the rental option, where buying plastic pallets makes much better financial sense, argues Goplasticpallets.com.
Royal Mail awards parcel sortation contract
Bowe Systec has been chosen by Royal Mail to install four fully automated, leading-edge parcel sorting systems in their mail centres, as part of their transformation strategy as a parcels led business.
Supply chain reaction
UKWA CEO Peter Ward calls for a fairer deal for the industry that kept shelves stocked and shopping delivered to the doorstep through the UK lockdown and will be key to the recovery of the economy in 2021.
The economics of eComm
How has the pandemic affected the economics of e-commerce? Dave Berridge, secretary of the Automated Material Handling Systems Association (AMHSA), looks at the evolving retail landscape and the role of warehouse automation.
Calm within the storm
The agility and responsiveness of logistics providers during the pandemic has highlighted the importance of the supply chain to our economy. Rodney Steel, chief executive of the BCMPA, the Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment and Logistics, finds out from members how their experiences in dealing with the challenges of 2020 have made them even better prepared for those of the future.
Safety the watchword
For more than 75 years the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) has promoted the principle of ever improving safety standards across the whole of the material handling industry. 2020 has seen this principle challenged like never before, but in the true spirit of the association, BITA rose to the task and by its swift and decisive action, ensured the industry – and everyone working within it – could continue to operate safely.
Crisis shines a light
The challenges faced in 2020 have shone a spotlight on the strength, resilience and importance of the cold chain, says Shane Brennan, Chief Executive of Cold Chain Federation. Cold storage and distribution businesses continue to pull out all the stops to make sure that fresh and frozen food has been in place to refill supermarket shelves, to help meet the surge in demand for home deliveries, and to service hospitals and other key workplaces at all times.
Pushed to breaking point
CFTS reveals why a Thorough Examination is key to ensuring every single part of your forklift is in safe working condition, and how your site could do more damage than meets the eye.
A better future for all
2020 will forever be remembered as the year that everything changed. Covid-19 altered the way we worked and the way our professions were viewed, pushing everything we do and the individuals and businesses The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) represents into the public limelight, says Chief Executive Kevin Richardson.
Driving site safety
Tim Waples, Chief Executive of the Fork Lift Truck Association, reveals a brand-new intensive safety campaign specifically designed to support those who work with materials handling equipment.
Minimise virus risk
Safe work at height is underpinned by risk assessment, proper planning and management of operations. A few extra steps can mitigate risk, including those posed by Covid-19. There are also tools in the training armoury to help operators, supervisors and managers learn remotely – and even in virtual reality.
