Logistics Link North returns to Doncaster Racecourse in October, and this year sees the exciting addition of the Port to Shelf event.
Logistics Link North has always been the go-to place for logistics, warehouse and distribution managers to find out the latest innovations in warehouse management and automation, packaging, materials handling and RFID and mobile technology.
The Logistics Link North exhibition, co-located with the new Port to Shelf event in Doncaster in October, has got off to a flying start with attendees signing up including senior buyers from British Airways, GlaxoSmithKline, Tesco, Jaguar Land Rover, B&Q, Office Depot, L’Oreal UK, BOC, Home Retail Group, Shell, John Lewis Partnership, Total Oil, Walkers Snack Foods and hundreds more.
Free to enter, Logistics Link North and Port to Shelf will combine to provide one event for professionals responsible for getting products to customers on time and to spec, providing the information to help make the right decisions regarding logistics and supply chain products and services and third party logistics providers.
When and whereThursday 17th October 2013 Doncaster Racecourse |
EXHIBITORS
Calidus showcase
At this year’s Logistics Link exhibition, OBS Logistics will showcase its Calidus Total Logistics suite of software which provides visibility across the supply chain, comprehensive transport management, warehouse management including an integrated bonded warehouse management module, transport management and supply chain tracking, encompassing technologies such as RF, voice, in cab communications and electronic proof of delivery (ePoD).
OBS Logistics can offer flexible, scalable, integrated software solutions including Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) across the entire supply chain, including 3PL and 4PL providers along with retail or wholesale organisations who have their own in-house logistics operations. Customers can choose a traditional on-premise implementation, or choose from our managed services options, including SaaS.
OBS Logistics is offering visitors to Logistics Link North an opportunity to learn more about the business benefits of having an integrated bonded warehouse solution in the seminar theatre at Logistics Link North.
New MD for Apex Linvar
Milton Keynes-based storage solutions specialist, APEX Linvar has just appointed a new managing director – Ian Smith. Smith has over 25 years of experience in the logistics sector, having worked with logistics providers, retailers and consumer businesses. He said: “The foundations have been laid for a concerted push for growth with Apex Linvar offering some innovative products, coupled with committed people.”
Storage and picking solutions
Interroll specialises in efficient and ultra-dense storage solutions requiring minimum handling and offering guaranteed FIFO operation for both palletised product and cartons. Interroll pallet and carton storage and picking solutions offer maximum flexibility to store fast turnover stock with applications in all sectors of industry including food & drink manufacturing and distribution, retail, automotive, pharmaceutical, electrical, and so on.
Pallet Flow Systems incorporate innovative technology to provide greater reliability and safety with “wear-less” speed controllers and “time-delay” pallet separation.
A range of Carton Flow Systems, including the aptly named Versi Flow, offer full flexibility to handle a vast spectrum of carton and product sizes for quick and ergonomic picking operations.
All Interroll solutions provide tangible operating benefits and a quick return on investment.
Identification solutions
MLPS provides labelling and identification solutions to a diverse range of industries including electrical, electronics, warehousing, distribution, automotive, aviation and manufacturing to name but a few.
Whether it’s bar-code labels, asset labels, rating plates, health & safety signs, that the customer requires, MLPS has a solution to produce professional labels and signs on demand.
MLPS has been established since 1988 and is based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, although it covers the whole of the UK.
It supplies the latest range of equipment and software for all applications, from entry level through to high volume industrial models. It is an authorised dealer and partner for Lighthouse, Zebra and Kroy label printers.
Onward targets food sector
Onward Holdings is targeting the food sector with two purpose built food distribution centres located at Langthwaite Business Park, South Kirkby, near Wakefield.
The distribution centres total 212,500 sq ft (122,800 and just under 90,000 sq ft respectively) and a total of 14 loading docks. Unit 16, the bigger of the two, was originally built as a regional distribution centre for food giant Quaker Oats. Currently, Wakefield Metropolitan Council is dispensing, in conjunction with the West Yorkshire LEP and the Government, grants of up to £10,000 for each new job created on the site.
Data capture specialist
Red Ledge is a specialist in bar-code, RFID, voice and sensor technologies which it has integrated into many industrial sectors, notably warehouse and production facilities. It offers a one-stop-shop for business processes including automated scanning systems or bespoke machinery with complete integration to its own business solutions as well as customers’ legacy systems.
BS Handling Systems
BS Handling Systems is a provider of conveyor, warehouse and storage solutions across industries. It can supply everything from automated picking systems to simple shelving in retail outlets. Its wide-ranging experience enables it to select from a broad supplier base, with the aim of ensuring the customer get quality and reliable products.
It has completed systems for many different companies across all industry sectors, providing services in the UK, Europe and South-East Asia.
Full service marketing
Allott & Associates is a full-service PR and marketing agency, specialising in logistics and packaging. The agency represents a cross-section of UK and mainland European clients involved in logistics, warehousing, packaging, software and engineering activities.
Either standalone or fully integrated marketing, services offered include PR encompassing everything from case studies and feature writing to product launches, telephone lead generation, website building, design, automated social media, market research and marketing consultancy.
Allott & Associates gives its clients a lead generation and publicity guarantee.
Label technology from Datamark
Datamark manufactures and supplies plain and printed (flexo and digital) self-adhesive labels, thermal transfer ribbons and printing solutions (printers and software), ink-jet print solutions and consumables. It has recently been approved as reseller for Zetes Print n’ Apply and Pallet Labelling solutions.
The Information Factory
the[i]factory turns data to knowledge. It integrates data sets and designs and builds data warehouses, analytical and reporting solutions.
On its stand at Logistics Link North it will be showing the latest in data visualisations with interactive chord, parallel co-ordinate and sunburst charts.
It will also be demonstrating the Easy Analytics solution that has no licence fee, is fast to build, easy to iterate and delivers high levels of security when the customer needs it.
In a world of ever increasing demand for analysis the successful use of a company’s most common asset, data, needs business knowledge. the[i]factory aims to blend with the customer’s business know-how, its technical expertise, and use agile data asset management methods to deliver the customer a competitive advantage.
Unique ID
From standard label printers and bar-code printers, bar-code scanners, handheld scanners and portable data capture terminals to the latest mobile computer wireless hardware, Unique ID supplies the latest barcoding and RFID products and solutions.
It offers products from suppliers such as Honeywell, Toshiba, Motorola, Zebra Technologies, Bluebird, Printronix and Datalogic, at competitive prices.
Software solutions
IBS provides software applications for the wholesale, distribution and manufacturer/distributor markets.
It focuses on five key vertical markets: food and beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive aftermarket, 3PL and wholesale distribution.
As well as supply chain and resource management software, business applications and IBS Cloud Solutions, it also offers IBS consulting services. It has more than 3,000 installations globally.
The EK way to automate
Automated guided vehicle system supplier EK Automation, supplies driverless vehicle systems, AGVs & LGVs. It has 50 years experience and a wide-ranging portfolio. It has installed around 1,000 systems, running around 10,000 vehicles. EK will be showcasing its healthcare systems and automated versions of standard Linde trucks.
Voice over IP technology
Wireless communications Spectralink will be showing the Spectralink 802.11n Wi-Fi VoIP handsets which combine enterprise telephony, bar-code scanning, unified communications, web applications, and push to talk radio functionality into a single rugged device which streamlines operations and cuts cost throughout the logistics chain.
As well as SIP voice, the handsets provide MS-Lync enterprise voice, calendar, IM, presence, contacts, and buddies functionality, and are approved by Microsoft.
By building a 1D/2D LED bar-code scanner and XHTML Microbrowser into the phone Spectralink enables back office systems such as warehouse management, stock control and point of sale, and facilities management systems such as CCTV and alarms to be operated from a single device, on a single converged IP network infrastructure.
Multi battery charging solutions, HD sound, background noise suppression, headset options and building to standards IP64/MIL810F make these devices suitable for industrial, warehouse and retail environments.
Spectralink solutions are certified interoperable with the major Wi-Fi infrastructure and IP-PBX brands and are widely deployed in the UK and around the world.
Sortation solutions from SDI
SDI Group, the automated material handling systems integrator, will be showing its latest technological developments.
SDI has also recently entered the postal and package e-commerce market with the creation of a specialist company, SDI Sortation Solutions. It offers sortation technology developed by SDI Group over the past 30 years to enable integrators in the sector to enhance their solutions using robust, low-maintenance, proven sortation technology.
Designed and developed for the mid-market, where many parcel companies and e-tailers are looking for solutions capable of sorting 4000 – 15,000 items per hour, the extensive range of products available includes Bomb Bay, high-speed tight-turn units, and tilt-tray sorters.
How to succeed with RFID
A presentation by inotec with live demonstrations and case studies, will show how RFID can be used successfully in warehouse and logistics applications. With detailed comparisons of Auto ID Technologies: Bar-code, 2D Code and RFID, this seminar will cover all of the key factors which need to be considered for any Auto ID project, giving visitors first-hand experience of RFID in action.
Warehouse systems focus for Flexi
In addition to seeing models from the company’s range of articulated forklift trucks, visitors to the Flexi Narrow Aisle stand at this year’s Logistics Link North will be able to learn more about Flexi’s recently launched Warehouse Systems Division. Introduced to offer a range of warehouse planning and design and implementation services to the logistics industry, Flexi Warehouse Systems offers impartial advice in new warehouse projects but specialises in updating and transforming existing facilities to significantly improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
“Flexi Warehouse Systems works with clients to develop the most efficient and cost effective system for their application,” said John Maguire, Flexi Narrow Aisle’s sales and marketing director.
“There are a huge number of existing warehouse buildings across the country constructed and equipped over the last 25-30 years. Due to the huge changes in the retail market and the economy in general, many of these sites are no longer fit for purpose. Often the original usage has changed completely and therefore the storage and material handling equipment installed is no longer efficient to say the least. This can present an opportunity to re-design and re-configure, using new technology and handling techniques, to create a much more cost effective operation often with a very attractive pay back period.”
Flexi Warehouse Systems offers a complete service from design through to supply and installation of all storage equipment, racks, fire protection, labelling, the latest warehouse management systems, battery changing systems – with full project management and training included.
Autostore on show at Logistics Link
Central Systems & Automation, the software integrator for the intermodal and logistics industries, develops the Autostore warehouse management system. Autostore is designed for manual, semi-automated and fully automated AS/RS supply chain and warehousing applications. With customers across Europe, the Baltic, the Middle East and Australia, UK Autostore users include Aylesford Newsprint, British Gypsum, ColArt, Dalebrook Supplies, Great Bear Distribution, Mondelez International, Nestlé and Yearsley Group. Autostore is a real-time, modular WMS software solution for all sizes of warehousing operation, from single warehouses to networked distribution centres – and all points in between. Autostore is also available in SaaS format.
SDI Group UK
SDI Group will be exhibiting at Doncaster fresh from its acquisition of Kettering-based powered roller conveyor systems manufacturer CMECS. The deal gives SDI an in-house manufacturer to supply its European network, allowing it to react more quickly to fashion business customer demands and also to produce bespoke designs that are aligned to the industry’s requirements.
SDI has also developed an automated “Hanger Sorter” system, to recycle empty coat hangers used by the fashion sector, which it says can identify a hanger from more than 80 different profiles in less than 300 milliseconds, using new camera technology.
With the capacity to sort 5,000 units an hour, the company will use the new system to tackle the issue of sorting around 65 million empty hangers a year. It says the Hanger Sorter will work twice as fast as a manual sorting process, which will result in significant operational benefits, as well as cost and space savings.
Energy efficiency award for Lutterworth
Lutterworth Ecolighting will be exhibiting at Doncaster fresh from winning the Low-Energy Lighting Installer Award at this year’s Energy Efficiency & Renewables Awards. It was recognised for its low energy lighting projects for business and industry, which collectively delivered CO2 savings in excess of four million tonnes in 2012 alone. The award was presented to Lutterworth Ecolighting’s managing director Martin Needham by The Apprentice’s Nick Hewer, at a ceremony at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Lutterworth Ecolighting managing director, Martin Needham said: “By manufacturing our own products and having our own specialist installation teams, we are in a unique position to deliver exceptional savings and service to our customers.”
Floor specialist
Grimsby Resin Floors is an approved contractor under Constructionline, the national register of qualified construction contractors and consultants. It is intended to be the sole source of competent construction firms for public bodies and other major specifiers procuring construction projects. Constructionline assesses the managerial, financial and technical standards of firms against standards set by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. Qualified firms’ details are then made available to public and private sector construction clients as a source of qualified construction contractors and consultants.
Stockrail International
Stockrail International will be highlighting Optimus Sorter Technology which it says, offers a cost efficient range of sorting systems. The tray- and pusher concept is designed for a smooth discharge of the product off the system into a chute. For sortation of both single item and multipack goods the OptiSorter is a reliable and cost efficient solution. The systems can handle a wide variety of products: garments, postal packages, books, shoes, multi-media and so on. It has been implemented within retail, E-commerce solutions, returns handling, 3PL distribution systems and more. The solution for high street retailer River Island incorporates bespoke software infrastructure to interface with their own WMS and dispatch conveyor systems. The system is sorting to customers in over 100 countries.
Institute of Couriers
The Institute of Couriers seeks to encourage knowledge sharing and development of individuals’ own competence in the application of courier skills. It is the individuals with the appropriate knowledge, energy and skills that make the difference and can effect the provision of, delivery of and the standard of skills the industry shows to its clients.
Maximising performance
Proteus helps maximise warehouse performance, deliver location control, stock accuracy and make cost savings that impact the bottom line. It examines companies’ warehouse problem areas. Taking a consultative approach, it recommends ways of improving operations making proficiency gains, increasing performance and throughput.
Port to Shelf
Port to Shelf is the new exhibition debuting at Doncaster alongside Logistics Link North on 16th to 17th October.
UK imports and exports last year totalled just shy of £700bn and information from HMRC shows that the number of importers and exporters is growing across the UK – which can only mean one thing. Distribution channels are becoming congested and more expensive, so it is no wonder that portcentric distribution is increasingly on the agenda for supply chain owners and logistics service providers. While this can enhance visibility and reduce costs, it is a complex option not without risks, so where should you start?
That’s where Port to Shelf comes in. Doncaster will see the first Port to Shelf event which is set to become a regular fixture in the exhibition calendar. Port to Shelf showcases the best in services and technology covering all aspects of the supply chain from the moment a container is landed to the point at which the consumer picks the products up in the store.
It will run alongside Logistics Link North which is renowned for providing the solutions needed to improve warehousing operations.
The two exhibitions combine to provide a must-attend event for everyone responsible for getting products to customers on time and to spec, empowering you with the information you need to make the right decisions and ensure that any third party logistics provider you use is giving you the options that are best for your business.
Lobster in the Spotlight
Lobster Integration Architects has snapped up one of the first stands and a speaking slot at the new Port to Shelf exhibition, where the company will showcase its core product DataWizard and its LOGSuite solution.
The ability to exchange electronic data quickly and easily is a key component of business success: be it within the organisation or with customers and suppliers.
Lobster is expert in the fields of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Enterprise Application Integration (EAI). Lobster’s DataWizard is the all-purpose tool for data conversion and communication. Users can exchange business data without the need for programming skills.
As the tool of choice for many international logistics firms, DataWizard supports OFTP, one of the primary protocols in use within the industry. Our 400+ customers consistently report extremely high levels of satisfaction using Lobster’s DataWizard.
A company spokesperson will take to the stage at the event to introduce the DataWizard and give attendees an insight into how it is used within the logistics industry. Walter Ebeling, vice president application development, IT service centre EMEA at Kühne + Nagel, will join the talk, to speak of the product from a client point of view, explaining why K+N chose DataWizard and what benefits it brings to the company.
Stena Line exhibits at Port to Shelf
Stena Line, one of the world’s largest ferry operators, is the latest company to exhibit at Port to Shelf in Doncaster.
The Stena Line Freight route network is one of Europe’s largest, linking key ports, road and rail connections across Northern Europe, operating in three business areas: Scandinavia, the North Sea and the Irish Sea with a network of 22 strategically located ferry routes operating 38 vessels across Europe.
Stena Line operates the biggest fleet and the widest choice of routes between Ireland and Britain with an extensive route network including Belfast to Cairnryan, Belfast to Liverpool, Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead, Dublin Port to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard.
The ferry operator puts the focus on constantly improving the service by, among other things, developing new and innovative products and services that create value for customers. For several years now Stena Line has worked strategically with innovations as a means of developing new solutions, products and services.
Hyster & Briggs on show at Port to Shelf
Hyster is one of the leading global brands of materials handling equipment offering over 140 models of counterbalance trucks, warehouse and container handling equipment. The company invests heavily in research and development to ensure products are at the forefront of the materials handling industry providing maximum dependability and low costs of ownership for demanding operations everywhere.
The complete range of Hyster materials handling solutions, from high capacity 48 tonne container handlers to one tonne pallet stacker trucks, is used at various stages of the supply chain to support the movement of goods from the portside to the shelf in the warehouse and from there to the shop floor.
Hyster will be sharing a stand at the show with distributor Briggs, which recently signed a £1m deal with Wind Towers (Scotland) to replace an ageing mixed fleet with a range of specially adapted Hyster high load and counterbalance trucks. Two Hyster reach stackers are already in operation at the company’s Campbeltown manufacturing facility and the RS46 models have been specially adapted to meet its unique requirements.
Wind Towers Scotland manufactures the towers that form part of the wind turbines used in onshore and offshore wind farms. Its relationship with Briggs dates back more than a decade and the trucks supplied are equipped with bespoke hooks to manoeuvre tower sections, which can weigh up to 75 tonnes.
The specialist attachments replace the standard lifting beams on the trucks, which are more commonly used as container handlers. The company is now also replacing the rest of its fleet with modified Hyster trucks to fulfil other specialist tasks on site.
