All sectors of industry continue to face increasing pressure which, as a result, is putting more pressure on distribution networks as companies seek to move goods through the supply chain more efficiently while remaining responsive to demand. And there is no doubt that the logistics function is a key potential differentiator in the race to work smarter and stay agile in the face of evolving market conditions.
Manufacturers are increasingly operating in a built-to-order environment while retailers are still driving held inventory out of their cost base – the phrases time-critical and time-definite are still more and more common in an environment where smaller, more complex deliveries are required.
And if that is not enough, suppliers and retailers have to get to grips with factory gate pricing and reverse logistics.
Increasingly sophisticated technology and focused service provision in the field of logistics have been key enablers in the drive to work smarter and respond to today’s business challenges. The two key challenges within today’s supply chain are collaboration and real-time visibility.
Tougher, more functional IT hardware and software, advanced automation and mechanical handling technology as well as increasingly flexible, space-efficient storage solutions have helped make leading edge distribution facilities true centres of excellence. Third-party logistics providers (3PLS) benefit from sophisticated vehicle management technology to offset the increasing pressures of time, congestion and environmental legislation.
Strategic issues such as the siting, funding and implementation of new distribution facilities as well as the outsourcing of logistics We are the champions!
Visitors to PalletFORCE’s stand (112) at Logistics Link 2004 will have the chance to win a a day at the races – motor racing, not horse racing! PalletFORCE, inconjunction with the Xero Racing team, will be holding a prize draw on its stand to spend the day with the team at a British National Championship race weekend at Silvstone. Entry tickets and lunch are included in what will be a fantastic day of motor racing. Visit PalletFORCE’s stand for details on how to enter.
services are catered for by specialised industrial property providers, consultants and 3PLs.
Logistics Link 2004, supported by the Cold Storage and Distribution Federation, FTA and the United Kingdom Warehousing Association, will address all of these issues as 100-plus leading suppliers will be demonstrating their products, systems and services. It will be one of the biggest and best exhibitions held this year covering ALL aspects of the supply chain, from cutting edge storage and retrieval technology for the warehouse, to distribution property design, build and procurement services.
The exhibition has been designed to offer attendees a true on-stop-shop for assessing the latest class-leading products, systems and services to maximise the efficiency and agility of their logistics operations.
Visitors to Logistics Link 2004 can also take advantage of a series of seminars covering a range of topics including: Tackling the challenges ahead; the Impact of changing legislation; Protection from the law; and Improving fuel efficiency.
Also, Skillweb will present a seminar concerning RFID in the Supply Chain and whether it is possible to deliver a return on investment. The presentation will cover the technology, the costs to business and the risks involved with implementation. It will also make comparisons with standard barcode implementations.
If you are interested in attending the presentation email Paul Bowers at Skillweb ASAP on paul.bowers@skillweb.co.uk
The philosophy of Logistics Link 2004 centres on maximising the productivity of attendees’ time. Logistics professional will have the opportunity to talk with a diverse range of suppliers in a single visit, within the businesslike surroundings of the Sandown Park Exhibition Centre.
Situated close to the M25 motorway, with ample free parking on-site and excellent public transport links, the venue was chosen with accessibility in mind, again in an effort to make every attendee’s visit as productive, stress-free and as valuable as possible.
Materials handling
No warehouse operation would be complete without lift trucks, manipulators, conveyors and stackers playing their all important role. Logistics Link 2004 will feature the latest offerings from Dalmec, JCB Compact Products, Jungheinrich, Linde Material Handling, Narrow Aisle, Nexen Lift Trucks, and Still Materials Handling.
Tailored flexibility
There have been fundamental changes in how many companies from all industry sectors approach the outsourcing of distribution and associated services. Internet shopping and make-to-order manufacturing continue to grow rapidly which have meant that the distribution service provider has made a marked shift towards offering tailored flexible services, and establishing added-value partnerships.
The leading players in logistics service provision will be demonstrating their full range of services at Logistics Link 2004 including KTL Warehousing, LinQ Alliance, Meachers Transport and The Potter Group.
With many companies now moving smaller, more frequent consignments such operators as Fortec Pallet Distribution Network, PalletFORCE, Palletline, UK Pallets and United Pallet Network offer a vital link in the supply chain, consolidating and delivering smaller palletised loads cost-effectively through dedicated networks of transport operators.
Property provision
Design and build contractors, project managers, agents and developers are increasingly catering for the specialised needs of warehouse and distribution centre occupiers. Logistics Link 2004 will offer those involved in sourcing and establishing logistics property solutions a comprehensive choice of suppliers from total design, management, construction and fit-out specialists, developers and consultancies comprising Colliers CRE, Doncaster Dynamic, Ecotile, Gardner Engineering, Parkfield Projects, Philips Lighting and Twintec.
Automating warehouses
With storage and retrieval becoming ever more evolutionary, logistics departments can squeeze greater levels of operational efficiency and flexibility from their distribution centre activities. Greater use of automation and increased levels of integration between the systems characterise the modern warehouse environment.
Warehouse automation providers and integrators often play a key role in systems support and development, providing ongoing maintenance and servicing and expert guidance on extension and reconfiguration work.
Visitors to Logistics Link 2004 will have the opportunity to assess some of the very latest automated handling technology. Several of Europe’s leading suppliers in this specialised field will be on hand including Elephante Lifts, Knapp, Lifetime Logistics, Nerek-Wiese and SSI Schaefer.
Information technology
The backbone of any organisation with an evolved logistics function is information technology. The latest breed of logistics software products is enabling forward thinking companies to operate with greater control over and visibility of their supply chains. Logistics Link 2004 will offer one of this year’s best opportunities to get to grips with what is new in this fast moving area.
Warehouse management
All the latest in warehouse management software and advanced supply chain management tools will be displayed by ATMS, BCP, Central Systems & Automation, Chess Logistics, Clandestine Software, Delta Software, EXDS, Proteus Software and Robocom UK.
All the very latest wireless warehouse technology, ranging from data capture, barcodes, printers and transmission systems to streamline product storage, retrieval and tracking, will be displayed by Belgravium, DataScan Systems, Epic Data, i2Mobile Solutions, Imaje, Inotec, Lighthouse, LXE, Psion Teklogix, Sandpiper Corporation, SATO, Skillweb, T@lecom.
Fleet management
Information technology continues to play a vital role in many road transport operations. As the UK’s roads become ever more traffic-bound, environmental legislation exerts more downward pressure and taxation and fuel costs continually need to be monitored, distribution fleet operators have to work smarter to keep networks running to speed.
Technology plays an important role in enabling this, with sophisticated management software and in-cab hardware able to optimise the profitability, security and agility of goods vehicle operations. From haulage operators to home delivery specialists, the latest telematics and information systems are driving ever greater efficiency in this vital but most burdened area of the supply chain.
The very latest in fleet management technology will feature at Logistics Link 2004 from established leading suppliers Fargo Systems, Infotrak, Lubrizol Performance Systems, Mandata, Road Tech Computer Systems and Teleroute.
Supply chain
All the latest innovations concerning supply chain software will be highlighted at Logistics Link 2004 by companies including Catlogic, Computer Systems for Distribution, DCS, FWL Technologies, Interchain, Key3 Partners, LIS, Online Logistics, Precision Software, Scala Consulting, Swift Computing and VSC Solutions.
Accommodating technology
One of the most important investment decisions made for logistics operations is the selection of storage and packaging media. Some of the latest thinking in racking design and provision as well as some innovative and cost-effective solutions for product storage and transit protection will be on display at the exhibition.
Several leading suppliers will be demonstrating their wares including Arca Systems, Plastor Handling and SSI Schaeffer.
Suppliers will also be on hand to demonstrate a host of industry-specific offerings for disciplines such as document management, training and distribution planning, comprising EFS Technology.
Warehouse maintenance
Having trouble keeping your warehouse clean and tidy? Then do not despair. Floor cleaning specialists Depureco and Euromec will be on hand to demonstrate their latest products.
Packaging solutions
Packaging and labelling play a vital role within the supply and Logistics Link 2004 will feature the latest developments in this sector from Allibert Buckhorn, Easypack, Lighthouse and Weber Marking Systems.
