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ProMat Day Two: Disruptive Technology and Game-Changing Strategies

ProMat Day Two: Disruptive Technology and Game-Changing Strategies

Day two of this year’s ProMat Trade Show kicked-off with exhibitors showcasing the industry’s top innovative solutions and another full day of keynote speakers and education seminars – many of which were at full capacity.

Among today’s featured speakers included Raymond Corporation‘s Stacey Patch, Dale Dunn, and Derrick Miller speaking on the importance of optimization efforts before implementing automation into operations. In order for a company to fully grasp the benefits of automation, a deep understanding of potential efficiency must come first. The process of automation should start with a focal point on optimization before investment. Additionally, the company made it clear that before fully replacing, tech and automation will maximize human activity and support operations.

Swisslog Logistics Automation’s made an appearance on stage as well, informing attendees of ways to creating a competitive weapon out of supply chain. John Dillon Vice President, E-Commerce/Retail and David Schwebel Vice President, Business Development and Market Intelligence identified the industry’s biggest challenge of risk and how to navigate through it with strategic, forward-thinking approaches, as seen with their container-based warehousing system providing increased efficiencies and flexibility.

Day three will continue exploring the world of leading logistics initiatives, product innovations, and industry education on topics including removing barriers for improvement, addressing the labor shortage, and smarter packaging technology options.

Supply Chain Professionals: Boxzooka International Ecommerce & Fulfillment

Located on the east coast, Boxzooka Fulfillment and Global Ecommerce provider takes managing client requests to the next level through a one-of-a-kind tailored approach offering back office operations for online retailers, order fulfilment for both direct consumer and direct B2B wholesale order fulfilment, while providing automated, customized solutions. Through this approach, Boxzooka not only creates and maintains competitive advantage as a leader in managing the flow of goods, the company boasts an impressive volume of loyal clients who don’t have to seek outside sources to get their needs met. By taking the extra step out of the process, Boxzooka provides an all-in-one solution. The company isn’t afraid of investing more into their customer needs, as they look at the long-term impact it has on their customer base. In other words, customers always come first.

“We’ve accomplished building and maintaining a business with near 100 percent client satisfaction rate,” Founder Brendan Heegan said. “Most warehouse 3PL operations have an 80/20 rule where 80 percent of the revenue is coming from 20 percent of the clients – those are the ones that get the VIP treatment, if you will, and the other 80 percent of their clients get scattered support where some days are good, and some days are bad. They get a lot of client complaints and we don’t have that because everybody’s getting an equal amount of support and attention, just what they need and more. We don’t lose clients.”

Boasting their very own technology, the integrated game-changing capabilities built into their platforms provide customers with an unmatched global reach, eliminating the need for assistance from an outside source or 3PL. The company’s custom technology platform serves as a major differentiator among competitors and as a significant driver behind their robust customer base and retention strategy.

“We own our own technology and we developed everything in-house. Our systems are comprised of a warehouse management system that handles inventory management movements, receiving and shipping out orders. We’ve also built-in a transportation management system (TMS) – companies might use ShipStation or Stamps.com, but we have all that built in to our warehouse management system so there’s no need for a secondary system in order to perform that function,” Heegan explained. “The platform also enables retailers to open the doors to the global market with the turnkey solution that we provide. “

Beyond automation, Boxzooka fosters an environment where employees aren’t limited to one silo. By fully integrating the ins and outs of operational processes, the company fully utilizes the talents and abilities of each employee.

“We cross train everybody, all the time, on every function so that all of our people can do anything at our warehouse. They’re constantly being thrown at different things. That probably decreases our efficiency and increases internal costs a little bit, but we look at it through the perspective that if we lose a team member, then that function doesn’t break and it allows us to shift labor around, making us operationally very competitive. We have a great service because everyone can do everything in our warehouse.”

ProMat Expo 2019: Day One Overview

Day one of ProMat Expo 2019 in Chicago concluded with thousands of attendees more educated on industry trends, products, and expert insight than when they arrived.

The trade show featured a vast array of massive displays, game-changing products, and innovative technology solutions – from robotics and disruptive AI, to packaging and warehouse solutions to support seamless operations and reduced inefficiencies.

With dozens of education seminars to choose from, the primary themes focused on AI integration and challenged perceptions on trends such as lean manufacturing. Keynote speakers took education one step further through comprehensive analysis and presentations filled with valuable expert knowledge and key takeaways essential for stepping up operations in 2019.

Among the presenting speakers included topic expert Scott Redelman, National Manager with Toyota Forklift in Atlanta, who took the trend of lean manufacturing and debunked common misconceptions on how to successfully integrate lean methods into operations. Redelman emphasized the importance of fully understanding the problems lean manufacturing solves before implementation.

“Lean manufacturing reduces process, not manpower,” he said.

Artificial Intelligence was another topic focal point with an entire morning filled with tech and AI-focused education seminars. Among these topic experts was Omar Rashid, Vice President of Operations Development at DHL Supply Chain. Rashid took a granular look at what drives the integration of AI, citing the goal of a dynamic environment as a key driver. Rashid also made it clear that although AI supports operational efficiencies, “there will always be a role for humans.”

As day two quickly approaches, Global Trade Magazine will continue capturing the best knowledge and industry expertise while learning about new challenges in innovation and technology solutions to share with our readers.

Port of Vancouver Reports 8.1 Million Metric Tons of Cargo Tonnage in 2018

The Port of Vancouver released information this week confirming successful numbers in 2018, from cargo tonnage to imports and exports. The port also confirmed it anticipates additional growth in 2019 with autos, steel, minerals, wind energy components and grain.

Total imports were reported with a 6.2 percent increase, while exports showed a 8.7 percent overall growth rate in 2018 thanks to an increase in corn and copper concentrate exports following increased demand in Asia.

The port also confirmed 8.1 million metric tons of record-breaking cargo tonnage, making it the fifth consecutive year of record-breaking cargo tonnage and contributed to increased operating revenue.

“By continuing to invest in critical infrastructure and diversifying our portfolio of cargoes and customers, we were able to deliver another record year during a time of significant uncertainty in global trade,” said port CEO Julianna Marler. “It’s a testament to the hard work of our staff, customers and labor partners, whose daily efforts keep cargoes moving and lend vitality and stability to our local and regional economies.”

BYD to Unveil Unique Technology at ProMat

Build Your Dreams will be among the hundreds of leaders in logistics, supply chain, and management solutions leaders at this year’s ProMat Trade Show in Chicago from April 8-11 at McCormick Place.

Known for its “Forklifts Simplified” motto and approach, BYD’s lineup of forklifts boast a load capacity range from 3,500 to 10,700 pounds and include 80-volt battery technology, industry proven motors and controllers, LED lights (front-rear-strobe), LCD display, 4-Way Hydraulic Valve, rear grab-handle with horn, and rear-view mirrors. BYD’s forklifts also offer the added bonus of lowered costs for maintenance thanks to a reduction in overall parts used to build them.

“BYD’s material handling vehicles can operate across multiple shifts without the need to change or replace batteries,” said Terry Rains, BYD’s Director Forklift Division, North America. “Each forklift includes a leading-edge Battery Management System and — at 10 years — it is the longest battery warranty in the business.”

In addition to its impressive lineup of forklifts, the leading electric vehicle company with also unveil its one-of-a-kind 10-volt “plug and play” battery charger. This new technology eliminates the need for a 480 charging system as it’s compatible with standard sockets.

“This is rental re-invented,” Rains said. “The 110-volt charger creates a new charging solution for customers who may not use their forklift for an entire 8-hour shift.”

To learn more about BYD‘s innovative solutions portfolio, please visit: www.byd.com

Sigfox Introduces Canada’s First Ever National IoT Network

Sigfox Canada is bringing a new level of connectivity for Canadian businesses by leveraging a low-power wide area network (LPWAN) technology capable of supporting deployments from millions of IoT sensors stretching from St. John’s all the way to Vancouver, British Columbia with more coverage underway.

“We are thrilled to bring the Sigfox Global Network to Canada,” says Kent Rawlings, President of Sigfox Canada. “We are building a national IoT network capable of connecting millions of individual devices that will forever change the way businesses and cities operate. We look forward to furthering innovation in Canada and creating a more connected world using the Sigfox low-power wide area network. It’s with Sigfox Canada’s ultimate goal to give the entire country the opportunity to use IoT connectivity that we’ll change the way businesses measure and monitor their daily operations.”  

The new network’s extended coverage is projected to cover more than 14 million Canadians in cities, towns, airports and universities by the end of June of this year. Sigfox will also extend its services and confirmed it will be live in every province around the same time. The company boasts a 90-day turnaround for building coverage.

“We want to solve the problems that are holding back the proliferation of IoT by creating a national low-cost network, using devices that require minimal power and simple communication technology to easily provide connectivity to any device or object,” said Rawlings. “Our management team has more than 60 years of experience in telecommunications, and we understand the intricacies involved in building and operating high-performing networks. Once Sigfox Canada is fully deployed, anyone will be able to connect anything to the Internet of Things using one of our Sigfox enabled devices.”

Fisker Inc. Manufacturing Announces New Senior Advisor

Don Jackson is the new name behind the manufacturing strategy and site selection at California-based Fisker Inc., the company confirmed this week. Jackson brings an extensive 40-year background in manufacturing leadership positions with big-name companies such as Volkswagen and Toyota.

“Following the exciting announcement on our affordable electric luxury SUV for the mass global market, we sought out an automotive industry leader with a strong history of results in high-volume manufacturing and the utmost in quality control,” said Henrik Fisker, chairman and CEO. “Don has lead operations for the largest OEMs, raising the bar in vehicle quality and reliability. We are delighted to have him join our team as we ramp up toward launch in 2021 and prepare to bring a more emotion-stirring, American-made EV design to people worldwide.”

Jackson’s role will directly impact and support Fisker’s focus on breakthrough automotive technology and advanced mobility solutions as the company continues finalizing facility selections for the production of an
all-electric luxury SUV to mass market.

“The future of the automotive industry lies in electric vehicles. There’s an undeniable shift toward sustainable mobility around the globe, and Fisker is breaking the mold with the most forward-thinking technologies complemented by Henrik’s world-renowned, emotionally-compelling design touches,” Jackson adds.

“I share Fisker’s vision of driving mass electrification forward by producing more desirable EVs for the global market here in the United States, and I look forward to building a disruptive strategy that combines Fisker’s unique business model with the very best manufacturing practices that assure unparalleled results and outstanding, reliable products. The Fisker team is committed to exceeding customer expectations globally.”

Warehouse Tech Middle East 2019

Warehouse Tech Middle East 2019 brings together the leading logistics, technology solution providers, warehousing leaders and startups to discuss and learn about warehouse technology advancements.

Taking place in beautiful Dubai, this exciting program covers various trends, advancements and solutions including drones, Digital Warehousing, Industry 4.0 effect, Internet of Things, AI & Robotics, Automation, Cloud Computing in WMS and Data Analytics.

If your company is looking for competitive and robust education and insight into the advancements found with warehousing technology, this conference is for you. Take a proactive approach to education and join industry leaders from around the world for a day packed with game-changing information, discussions, and networking opportunities.

The one-day program will take place on June 25 with an impressive list of speakers and exhibitors. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the digital warehousing market and register your spot today.

Dachser Logistics Reports Significant Growth for 2018

Proactive and strategic planning efforts proved extremely beneficial for global logistics provider, Dachser. The company released a detailed report highlighting a 5.5 percent growth in consolidated net revenue in addition to growth in overall employees, shipment numbers, tonnage, and more.

“By 2018, it was clear that logistics had to focus on the discipline of scarce resources management,” explains Bernhard Simon, CEO Dachser SE. “Against this backdrop, it is important to handle growth with purpose and manage it such that we maintain a healthy balance between quality, processes, and costs. Only sustainable growth will benefit our employees and customers.”

“All four regional business units helped substantially strengthen the network. The network effects in the export business ensure that the EL business units continue to grow and mutually drive each other’s growth,” says Simon.

The company maintained growth momentum despite environmental uncertainties as seen with the 2019 tariffs. Additionally, the company added that it invested EUR 126 million in logistics facilities, IT systems, and technical equipment in 2018.

“We had a strong fourth quarter as a result of companies planning their shipments ahead of the scheduled Q1 2019 tariffs,” said Guido Gries, Managing Director, Dachser Americas. “Also the opening of the Detroit office in 2018 as well as the addition of offices in Minneapolis and Baltimore the years prior contributed to this growth.”

Dachser will continue leveraging its growth momentum for future success by investing efforts in forward-thinking technology, completing the roll-out of its TMS, and continuing supporting clients in automotive and pharmaceutical initiatives.

“All key markets globally are well represented in our network, which is a strength that is needed to support growth. The more our entire network grows, the more value it presents to our customers. We plan to grow our network in the Americas region by 12-14% this year.”

South Carolina Ports Authority Reports March Records

South Carolina Ports Authority continues making news headlines boasting significant growth. Following a very successful February, SCPA reported moving 214,123 twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) in March, representing the strongest March in its history and more than 11 percent fiscal year-over-year growth.

“Achieving this type of growth requires cooperation and dedication by our talented staff as well as many others in the maritime community,” said Bill Stern, Board Chairman, SCPA. “We appreciate everyone who plays a role in our productive and successful port operations.”

Additionally, a total of 120,717 pier containers were reported for March pier container volume, confirming March as the second-highest month for pier volume.

“The record volumes achieved last month reflect a very positive end to our third quarter of the fiscal year,” said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO.“SCPA also saw the highest month of export loads since the fiscal year began in July 2018, with 42,524 export loads handled. The Port is well-positioned as it heads into the fourth quarter.”