Technological advances in communications and computing have revolutionised much of the service industry with the advent of Internet-based commerce enhancing this further. Why are logistics operations being so cautious to adopt technology?
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Previously, slower-moving lines were picked from static shelving, with the very slow-moving lines being located further away than other slightly faster lines, which meant staff had to walk further to collect slower lines, making them expensive to pick.
The UK’s largest cement manufacturer, Lafarge Cement, has adopted an innovative ‘truck, track and trace’ system to enable its drivers to focus on driving and at the same time improve ‘real-time’ communications with its 9,000 customers.
Sourcing goods from China and the Far East may offer the potential for huge savings, however, there are risks to consider.
At the beginning of 2004, supply chain provider Wincanton took over P&O’s bonded warehouse operation in Greenford, Middlesex. Since then, there has been a new spring in the depot’s step, as Wincanton has undertaken a lot of inward investment.
Third-party logistics company TDG handles the warehousing and distribution for the Early Learning Centre. In order to cope with ELC’s peak periods, TDG has swapped its manual paper-based system for a wireless data capture solution.
Southern forklift suppliers On3 and Champion have both been awarded the rights to exclusively distribute Doosan-Daewoo FLTs in their respective regions. Korean company Doosan originally paid £1.7Bn for the Daewoo company.
Savoye Logistics says its automated pallet storage system can now be fitted into existing standard warehouses and distribution centres because of recent design advances. The development, says Savoye, means there is a realistic automated alternative
TRW Automotive, based in Livonia, Michigan and which achieved sales of US$11.3Bn (£6Bn) in 2003, is among the world’s ten largest automotive suppliers, and one of the top financial performers in the industry.
A new machine which allows customers to strap and stretch-wrap palletised loads in one integrated unit without the need to install driven conveyor line is available from Cyklop UK. The company has developed the TwinPack, a compact and cost-effective unit
