REDUCING PERISHABLE WASTAGE IN SUPPLY CHAIN R
efrigerated transport plays a crucial role at every stage of
the supply chain from production to consumption via intermediate storage and distribution. More than 350 million tons of perishables are wasted each year because of a breakdown in the cold chain. Quintiq’s supply chain planning
and optimisation software platform has around 12,000 users in over 80 countries and can help businesses plan and optimise workforces, logistics and production.
Transporting sensitive foods such as fresh produce and frozen goods requires complex and intricate planning. Timing is crucial to ensure goods are of the highest quality and comply with the Food Standards Agency when they are delivered to the final destination. Different foods require certain temperatures and atmospheres so vehicles have to be designed to carry a range of products safely. EC Regulation 852/2004 contains a general requirement for temperature control: “The cold chain
is not to be interrupted. However, limited periods outside temperature control are permitted to accommodate the practicalities of handling during preparation, transport, storage, display and service of food, provided that it does not result in a risk to health.” Specialised vehicles containing one
to three different compartments are needed to transport these sensitive products. These have a three-part configuration: one for deep freeze, another for cooling and a
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APP TO MANAGE LOADING BAY ACTIVITY ONLINE
An interactive app designed to make bay management in packaging companies quicker, easier and more accessible has been launched.
SOLO.Dock has been developed for use by carriers and their customers in the packaging industry by the 3T Group. Available as a standalone solution or as part of a modular based transport management system
SOLO.Dock is able to manage all outbound and inbound operations. The system enables carriers to book collection slots
online on a first come, first served or pre-allocated basis. Customers are able to see the
whole schedule for deliveries and collection, enabling warehouse managers to allocate resources and labour to maximise efficiency and smooth out workload. “At 3T we aim to be the most
technologically advanced logistics solutions company around,” says CEO Steve Twydell. “
SOLO.Dock provides a cost effective standalone solution for any busy loading or receiving location. It slots into our
end to end transport system solution, offering packaging companies a modular based development path for automation of the administration burden involved in day to day transport operations. Automation and visibility are key elements in driving logistics processes forward.”
SOLO.Dock is being rolled out to several companies in January. Access to the module is by subscription which is hosted through the SOLO. Event platform.
www.3t-europe.com
2015: INNOVATION IN LOGISTICS
e are all hoping for a prosperous new year and the logistics business will certainly have benefited from the holiday season. Looking forward, there is
W
much expansion in this sector - and innovation. KPMG’s predictions make interesting reading and provide much food for thought regarding ways in which businesses can harness developing technologies along with better utilisation of web- based solutions. Issues with waste and energy consumption continue to challenge.
Susan Deane Editor
KPMG’s global head of post and express predicts 2015 will be about cooperation and relationship building; understanding and utilising big data; driverless deliveries and creating marketplaces to sell last mile solutions. “Cooperation is likely to be a critical feature,” says Justin Zatouroff. “Logistics companies and retailers will have to develop close relationships so that they don’t keep repeating the trauma of Christmas peak delivery. Those that haven’t developed relationships and are only after lowest cost solutions may face opportunist pricing or find they cannot access additional capacity as they try to manage during peak periods. The challenge is to create robust networks with flexible cost bases and capacity that can be enhanced to manage varying loads. Technology will be key. Reliable
forecasting from e-tailers including demand planning will focus attention on big data and the power of real
S4 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 | MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS
time data analytics. Better understanding of available information and utilising data analytics tools will increase the efficiency of parcel networks and improve capacity issues faced in the system. Much has been made of the impact of the recent EU changes to HGV driver training but as only 1% are under the age of 25 this is clearly a problem that has been building for many years. In the long term, we’re likely to see developments in driverless delivery. In the UK manufacturers have been given the green light by Government for testing driverless cars as early as January 2015. Finally, how disruptive can small innovative tech solutions be to the established logistics industry? Will we see more players join the disintermediation of big parcel companies by creating innovative web-based companies creating a marketplace style websites linking the provision of last mile solutions direct to the retailer?”
The Professional Development Directory for 2015 is now available from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). Offering more qualifications and training than before it is designed to meet the needs of professionals working in the transport and logistics sector. The latest Directory sees the launch of CILT’s Level 3 Certificate in Road Passenger First Line Management which was designed for the Bus and Coach Sector.
www.ciltuk.org.uk
Palletways Group has handled more than 100,000 pallets in a single week across its UK network – a first for the business and the sector and one the company has achieved in two consecutive weeks. The record volume was driven by a significant increase in demand for home deliveries in the lead up to Christmas, continued growth in business within its domestic networks and cross border deliveries throughout Europe. The Group now has a turnover of some £200m and delivers over 7 million pallets annually to 14 European countries.
www.palletways.com
XSPlatforms, manufacturer of innovative solutions for occupational safety at height, will expand with four new offices in the first half of 2015. The expansion is a result of the increased demand for its products and solutions and is focused on Asia, the Middle East and Australia. For Asia office openings will take place in its two largest countries, India and China. For the Middle East an office will be opened in Kuwait in addition to XSPlatforms’ current offices in Dubai and Qatar. The Australian office will be the company’s first on this continent.
www.xsplatforms.com / MATERIALSHANDLINGLOGISTICS
compartment that is at a normal outside temperature. The availability of the specific transport is essential to ensure goods are transported correctly and efficiently. To avoid wastage companies need to look to better planning to ensure on time delivery within the temperature range that is required. Quintiq helps to optimise the planning and lower the costs of the operations to ensure the service is of the highest quality for customers.
www.quintiq.com
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