The hidden costs of industrial printing and how to reduce them
Identify hidden costs in two minutes with the total-cost-of-ownership-calculator How much do the printers you use on your production line cost? What we mean is, how much do they cost? As the pressure increases on producers and packagers to make their production lines more efficient, we are often asked about how our customers can reduce their printing costs. And the answer we give often surprises them. Here are six ways that your printers cost money and how to reduce your total cost. Not only that – you will also get access to our new TCO calculator, which will give you an actual figure personalized to you and your business. So where is all that money going? 1. Downtime This is the cost that is most often overlooked when talking about coding & marking. Downtime can be created by poor print quality as well as by poor printer performance. Some conventional printers need cleaning between pauses in production. So, the production line sits idle while someone takes the printer through the cleaning cycle. Some printers can take up to 20 minutes to stabilize before they are ready to print again. This delay costs money: according to Senseye’s True Cost of Downtime Report, the cost of a lost hour ranges from USD 39,000 in the FMCG sector to more than USD 2 million in the automotive sector. With LEIBINGER, this is not a cost you need to worry about. The LEIBINGER printer technology keeps unused ink in a 100% airtight system. It doesn’t dry out or clog, production schedules are not held up for cleaning, and no precious production time and money is wasted. High-quality printing results are guaranteed at any time. 2. Maintenance It’s important to keep machines serviced and in good working order, and this can be a significant part of the overall cost unless you have a LEIBINGER IQJET. The IQJET is maintenance-free for five years. This is possible because we use durable, high-quality components and a unique product design that minimizes ‘wear and tear’ (e.g. no need for a continuously running feed pump). And it removes the maintenance cost altogether. In contrast many of the other prominent printing solution providers today seem to lack a crucial focus on minimizing parts and maintenance requirements, as their approach revolves around the wholesale replacement of entire ink core modules, which means the entire hydraulic system, at predetermined time intervals such as annually or biennially. Typically, this process is governed by timeout chips, leading to automatic printer shutdowns when these intervals expire. Consequently, this enforced printer downtime results in production halts for manufacturers. This approach not only lacks sustainability but also incurs exorbitant costs. We are not merely referring to the substantial expenses incurred in replacing ink core modules, which are up to USD 1.500 per year; Downtime costs, in terms of lost production, are equally significant. Therefore, the query regarding maintenance and spare parts policies should be one of the primary questions to ask your coding and printing solutions provider, as it can constitute a significant long-term cost factor. 3. Labor Given the current labor shortage, it is particularly important to consider the time cost of people. How long do operators spend setting up or cleaning printers? Or re-programming them between jobs? What is the expected timeframe for commissioning and installation at the facility? Printers that are easy to install, manage, configure, and with remote control options. For example, staff don’t have to walk miles around the plant to operate them will cost less in the long run. Such features are included in LEIBINGER printers. The Plug & Print performance of IQJET is unparalleled in the global market. The drag-and-drop interface and the simplest print job creation process are not only effortless but also highly intuitive, and no extensive training of employees is required. 4. The purchase price The most obvious cost of printing is the upfront cost of equipment, although this is typically less than 30% of the total costs. As with everything, a high-quality, reliable brand will cost more than a cheaper one. And of course, printers cost more if they go faster or provide more features – so the best way to economize is to ensure you don’t pay for features or speeds that you don’t need. In the long term, the best bet is a reputable supplier with a wide range so you can find a price point that suits you. 5. Consumables Reduce the amount of ink and solvent you use, and reduce your costs.Not all printers perform equally. LEIBINGERs latest printers have one of the lowest consumption ratings on the market, 2.7 ml per hour of solvent for MEK inks (competing products typically consume between 6 and 10 ml per hour), and we make sure that ink cartridges are emptied down to the last drop and do not require separate disposal (unlike many conventional CIJ systems). So, you pay less for your consumables. 6. Power Energy prices remain high, so the power required to run your printers is an important factor. Not only does it cost money, but it also contributes to your organization’s carbon footprint. Choose equipment with a low wattage rating, such as our new IQJET: drawing only 36W it costs less than any other printer to run. Show me the money! While it is useful to know the different ways that your printers cost money, you need to see the numbers. You need to know exactly how much you’re paying and how much could you save. And with our online Total Cost of Ownership Calculator, you can have those numbers in about two minutes. Check out the Total Cost of Ownership Calculator now. About the Author: About Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG (LEIBINGER) LEIBINGER is a globally operating specialist in coding & marking systems with headquarters in Tuttlingen, Baden-Württemberg (Germany). The third-generation family-run company, founded in 1948, develops and produces industrial inkjet printers as well as inks for various applications – with a workforce of close to 300. Innovative technologies and an
GRI launches its NEXT GENERATION sustainable tires at the GREEN IMPACT 2024
GRI, a producer of specialty tires for agriculture, material handling, and construction machines, unveiled its NEXT GENERATION of environmentally friendly specialty tires with very high sustainable material content. GRI’s sustainable agriculture tire range, the GREEN XLR EARTH series, now comes with 87.3% sustainable material whilst the ULTIMATE GREEN XT the sustainable material handling tire boasts an impressive 93.5% sustainable material. These NEXT GENERATION tires embody GRI’s vision of moving humanity towards making a positive impact on our planet and dedication to reducing its environmental footprint while delivering high-performance specialty tire solutions. Leveraging innovative technology and advanced natural rubber compounds, GRI continues to lead the way in sustainability across its entire value chain. This significant product launch took place at The GREEN IMPACT 2024 in Sri Lanka, an event that brought together industry professionals and key media personnel from across the globe. Spanning across 3 days, The GREEN IMPACT marked a significant milestone in GRI’s sustainability journey, reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in Specialty Tire technology. Bureau Veritas, a business-to-business service provider in the field of testing, inspection, and certification, validated GRI’s commitment to environmental responsibility by attesting to the carbon footprint reduction of the environmentally friendly, “green” specialty tires. “This certification underscores GRI’s unwavering dedication to sustainability in tires and quality of product” stated Dr Mahesha Ranasoma, CEO of GRI who presented the products to the attendees. Mr. Prabhash Subasinghe, Managing Director of GRI remarked, “The NEXT GENERATION of GRI’s green tires are more than just products; they are symbols of our unwavering dedication to sustainability. With the highest percentage of sustainable materials, these Agriculture and Material Handling tires represent a beacon of hope for a greener tomorrow. From its conception to its production, every aspect has been meticulously crafted to minimize environmental impact without compromising on performance.” With the introduction of the NEXT GENERATION of environmentally friendly Specialty Tires, GRI continues to drive sustainable innovation and set new benchmarks in the Specialty Tire industry.
Port of Long Beach hosts open house for engineers
Learn about career opportunities at the March 9 event The Port of Long Beach will host an “Engineering Open House” for engineering professionals and students to find out more about staff career positions offered at the nation’s second-busiest port on Saturday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. As it builds the Port of the Future, the Port of Long Beach’s Engineering Bureau is looking for established, up and coming, and student engineers who may want to join the Port’s team of in-house engineers who are re-imagining, re-making and maintaining the Port’s physical infrastructure. Opportunities exist in the Port’s Program Management, Construction Management, Design and Project Controls engineering divisions. “We’re planning more than $2 billion worth of capital improvements to the Port over the next 10 years, as we enhance the efficiency, velocity and environmental sustainability of cargo movement,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “Our engineers are the ones who will make that happen.” “This is a great opportunity to be part of a diverse, top-notch, award-winning team of professional engineers,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. “If you’re an engineer and you’ve got the skills, talent and drive, you should join us for the Open House on March 9.” Guests at the Engineering Open House will be able to speak with Port engineers and human resources professionals about joining the POLB team. Opportunities will be available to apply for certain positions at the event. The Open House will be held at the Port of Long Beach Administration building, 415 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 90802 in the Long Beach Civic Center. Attendees must RSVP at www.polb.com/engineersevent. Those who RSVP will be eligible for free parking.
Green Cubes announces battery pack to power computer cart systems
Slim, rugged portable pack is UL-certified to power multiple devices at different voltages with built-in DC adapters. Green Cubes Technology (Green Cubes), the leader in producing lithium-ion power systems that facilitate the electrification of mobile workstations, today announced the Green Cubes Power Bank, a slim, rugged portable battery pack to extend the runtime of laptops and small computer systems. “Powering a laptop or computer system has never been easier using the adjustable DC output from the Power Bank,” said Robin Schneider, Director of Marketing for Green Cubes. “Simply connect any commercial power supply up to 100W with a USB-C connection for dependable, extended power.” With a universal DC output and built-in charger, the Power Bank simplifies running mobile computing platforms for longer with a fully configurable output voltage and 230 Whr capacity rating. “The Power Bank features two independent DC outputs and built-in DC regulators, so multiple devices can be powered at different voltages from the same battery,” said Wayne Pavlovic, Founder and CTO for Simplifi Medical. “We simply program the voltage of the battery to the requirement of our devices, and we can power a monitor and a micro-PC from the same battery pack on our portable medical cart.” The Green Cubes Power Bank is now available for implementation with OEM cart systems.
Movu Robotics and Bastian Solutions partner to bring easier automation to more warehouses globally
Movu Robotics, a global warehouse automation solution that stands out by bringing easier logistics automation technologies to the world’s warehouses, has announced Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics company, as its newest systems integration partner. With this move, Bastian can offer customers the benefits of Movu’s portfolio of flexible robotics technologies as part of its global automation solutions, including the North American market. Established in 1952, Bastian Solutions has grown into a global corporation with over 20 US offices as well as international offices in Brazil, Canada, India, and Mexico. In 2017, the company was acquired by Toyota Advanced Logistics, a subsidiary of Japan-based Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO). As a systems integrator, Bastian works to optimize material handling processes, flow, and operational efficiencies to increase productivity, throughput, and order accuracy all while reducing costs, maximizing warehouse space, and minimizing errors. Relying on their years of expertise they work with their customers to analyze their needs, select the ideal equipment for their business objectives, and optimize everything to perform efficiently and work seamlessly. With a philosophy of ‘no warehouse left behind’, Movu Robotics tackles automation with easier, modular, scalable, flexible, and efficient solutions that customers need and helps them to upgrade their warehouses. The Movu portfolio is built around a range of innovative sub-systems, which are designed to provide easier, scalable, flexible, and energy efficient solutions that are accessible for all kinds of warehouses and quick to roll out. The core Movu products integrated by Bastian Solutions include the Movu atlas, a pallet shuttle system for multiple deep storages; and the Movu ifollow Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for collaborative picking or transport of load carriers such as pallets; as well as the appropriate supporting software. Stefan Pieters, CEO of Movu Robotics, said: “Automated technology offers a productive answer to a multitude of materials handling challenges across many market sectors. These include the need for greater efficiency, flexibility and productivity, while overcoming skills shortages, to fulfil growing volumes as well as handling peaks. Movu Robotics sub-systems are designed with seamless integration in mind, and I am excited that our strategic partnership with Bastian Solutions will bring automated solutions to more customers globally, helping them to meet their challenges and boost their performance, resilience, and service levels.” Bastian Solutions President & CEO Aaron Jones said, “This partnership with Movu marks a significant step forward in offering our customers cutting-edge, innovative unit handling solutions for warehouse automation. Combined with our systems integration expertise, we’re well positioned to enhance efficiency and productivity for pallet distribution and manufacturing facilities worldwide.”
Nearly $147,000 raised in first stage of PTDA Foundation’s Fundraising Campaign
The PTDA Foundation is off to a strong fundraising start in 2024, raising nearly $147,000 during the first three months of its 2024 Fund Drive campaign. Contributions support the PTDA Foundation in empowering PT/MC (power transmission/motion control) industry employers to be more successful in their recruitment and retention efforts. “Our industry plays a crucial role in driving the global economy, and the individuals we bring on board our companies are fundamental to its growth and prosperity,” says 2024 PTDA Foundation President Matt Pavlinsky, Applied Industrial Technologies. “Our employers need help in securing and retaining the best talent and cultivating exceptional teams. This year, as the Foundation prepares to launch new scholarship programs and a bold campaign to raise awareness of careers within our industry, we are grateful to those who demonstrated a commitment to our vision with a pledge to the 2024 Fund Drive. We look forward to sharing more information on these two exciting programs soon.” Thank you to these 2024 PTDA Foundation Vanguard Contributors who led our fundraising efforts with a pledge made October 2023 – January 2024. Partner Contributors ($15,000+) Allied Bearing & Supply, Inc. Investor Contributors ($10,000-$14,999) Applied Industrial Technologies Stakeholder Contributors ($5,000-$9,999) Continental Dodge Industrial DXP Enterprises, Inc. NSK Americas NTN Bearing Corporation of America WEG Benefactor Contributors ($2,500-$4,999) BDI Americas (USA & Canada) Bearing Service Inc. Flexco Houston Bearing & Supply Co., Inc. Interlynx Systems Lafert North America NTN Bearing Corp. of Canada Ltd. Precision Pulley and Idler (PPI) RBC Bearings/Climax Metal Products Renold U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission LLC (UST) W.C. DuComb Co., Inc. Leadership Contributors ($1,000-$2,499) FICODIS JIE USA Inc. M. B. McKee Co., Inc. Moline Bearing Company PEER Chain Pfannenberg San Antonio Belting & Pulley Company, Inc. Transply, Inc. Webster Industries Foundation Sponsor Contributors ($500-$999) Beardslee Transmission Equipment Co., Inc. Bearing Chain & Supply, Inc. Belden Universal Brewer Machine & Gear Co. Dayco Incorporated Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies Integrated Distribution, Inc. KHK USA Inc. MAXCO Chain MPT Drives, Inc. Orthman Conveying Systems Overly Hautz Motor Base Co. TBC, Inc. Texas Bearing Company USA Roller Chain & Sprockets Colleague Contributors ($250-$499) Royersford Foundry & Machine Co., Inc. Whittet-Higgins Company Individual Contributors Rex Davis Paul Dent Hafeez Hameer Betsy & Alan Haveson Sue & John Masek (in honor of Mary Sue Lyon and in memory of Terry Hutton) Mike & Katie McLain Bill Moore Keith & Sharon Nowak (in memory of Ed Nowak) Matt Pavlinsky Barb Ross Jos Sueters The PTDA Foundation 2024 Fund Drive has a goal of $300,000. To date, the Foundation has raised 49 percent of its goal. Pledges can be made online, or you may download a pledge form at ptworkforce.org/GiveNow.
Trew MODEX 2024: Newest Stingray Shuttle
Trew showcases solutions and cooperation with TGW Logistics Trew, LLC, a North American manufacturer of warehouse automation solutions, is debuting the newest TGW Stingray ASRS Shuttle in North America. Trew highlights the new Stingray capabilities and how it integrates with automated material handling solutions in their booth at MODEX 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia, March 11–14. The newest Stingray shuttle system incorporates inventive energy recovery technologies and sustainable material in a design that allows for multi-deep storage and high-capacity throughput. The new shuttle design is highly efficient and reliable and includes new self-healing capabilities. Thanks to intelligent software, autonomous correction of problems and errors, and realigns items to maintain an optimized picking environment, reducing manual intervention by up to 90% compared to other solutions. “Our cooperation with TGW Logistics is another excellent example of how Trew is dedicated to bringing leading ideas and technology to our clients,” said Trew Chief Revenue Officer, John Naylor. “Winning together means enabling our clients to tackle their biggest business challenges with solutions that deliver results.” The Stingray system is a powerful, automated shuttle system for totes and cartons with throughput performances of up to 1,500 load carriers per hour in each aisle. It is a highly flexible, modular system designed for high performance, lower storage location costs, optimized space-saving, and includes integrated maintenance and diagnostic tools. Already proven worldwide with more than 20,000 TGW Stingray shuttles in use, Trew is excited to showcase the technology in North America. To see the shuttle in person at MODEX 2024, visit Trew’s booth #B9632.
Steele Solutions showcasing advanced structural steel platforms and material handling chutes at MODEX 2024
Booth highlights will include exclusive demonstrations of the future of elevated structural platforms and SST™ material handling chutes, with individual consultations on enhancing operational efficiency. Steele Solutions Inc., a manufacturer of structural steel work/equipment platforms, material handling chutes, and public-safety security lockers, has announced its participation in MODEX 2024 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, Monday, March 11 – Thursday, March 14. Attendees are invited to visit Steele Solution’s booth #C5081, conveniently located in Hall C on the main aisle, opposite the main entrance, and near the MODEX Backyard food court. “Steele Solutions is committed to delivering superior engineering and manufacturing solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Kevin O’Neill, CEO of Steele Solutions. “Our participation in MODEX 2024 represents an excellent opportunity to showcase our latest innovations in structural steel platforms and chutes. We enjoy meeting one-on-one with attendees, listening to their challenges, and demonstrating how our tailored solutions can enhance operational efficiency and safety for businesses across various industries.” What to Expect at Steele Solution’s MODEX 2024 booth: Advanced elevated structural platforms: Discover the most advanced platforms that eliminate cross-bracing and offer increased space for walkways, workspaces, and storage. Slick Surface Technology (SST™) Material Handling Chutes: Experience firsthand the quality of SST material handling chutes, featuring a 100% welded, bolt-free frame for easier assembly, improved structural integrity, and reduced maintenance. Solution Center for Custom Solution Capabilities: Visit our new Solutions Center to learn how Steel Solution’s team of over 60 engineers can tackle complex challenges with tailored product solutions. Expert consultations: Schedule a meeting with our team of sales and project management representatives to discuss specific product needs and find out how we can assist in optimizing operations. Steele Solutions is known for its engineering expertise and dedication to producing high-quality products in the United States, serving e-commerce, retail, distribution, and manufacturing customers globally. For an in-depth and hands-on review of the future of structural steel platforms and material handling chutes, MODEX 2024 attendees can visit booth #C5081 on Monday, March 11, until Wednesday, March 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Thursday, March 14, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
BALYO revolutionizes the move to robotics for warehouses and distribution centers at MODEX 2024
Empowering the Vertical Pallet Storage Revolution – Robotic Narrow Aisle High Reach Robot BALYO, the trailblazers in transforming standard forklifts into autonomous driverless forklifts, is set to showcase the future of vertical pallet movement and storage at MODEX 2024, Booth C8669. Under the spotlight will be BALYO’s revolutionary robotic narrow aisle high reach robot, the embodiment of simplicity and efficiency in autonomous pallet storage and retrieval. Maximize existing space & racking: BALYO’s reach robot is not just a machine; it’s a beacon lighting the way for companies to embrace a vertical pallet storage revolution. With the capability to pick pallets up to 1.7 tons to a towering height of 36 feet, this slim infrastructure-free autonomous robot operates in aisles of only 9’9” wide – the narrowest in-aisle turning space for high-reach robotic forklifts. This gives warehouses maximum space utilization, without the need to re-layout and re-install existing racking, which saves both time and money. The apex of intelligence & safety: This robotic wonder operates with the highest level of intelligence, using advanced LiDAR and a proprietary SLAM navigation algorithm. This combination allows for infrastructure-free localization and navigation with the highest degree of safety. The robot is further complemented by 3D cameras and sensors to safely recognize and handle virtually any globally-used pallet type. The message from BALYO’s Chief Sales Officer, Mark Stevenson: “Smart companies are scaling up – not out! The vertical revolution is here, and the key to safely and efficiently navigating it is to automate the storage and retrieval of goods,” declares Mark Stevenson, BALYO’s Chief Sales Officer. “BALYO robots operate at the absolute highest level of both safety and mission accuracy. Moving complex manual forklift operations to automated pallet transportation and storage is easy, fast and the ROI impact is compelling. For example, a typical end-of-line to-storage flow can be installed and running in as little as a few weeks, with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. The shift to robotic operations is a no-brainer in overcoming labor challenges and maximizing storage space utilization in existing facilities without expensive and production-invasive changes. BALYO is already helping our clients do this all over the world. “ Simplifying Change, Inspiring Progress: Stevenson reassures, “BALYO is here to dispel the legacy “fear of change” that somehow automating is complex, risky, and expensive. Many of our clients feared they did not have the expertise to automate pallet transportation and storage, and did not know where to start, or that changing existing processes is risky. Our robots can be running in weeks, not months. Our stock inventory of standard robots, simple tools and quick-start processes empower users to take charge of the transformation. Change has never been this easy.” Digital twins so you know before you go: At MODEX 24, BALYO will bring the reach robot to life, showcasing real-world pallet storage and retrieval scenarios. BALYO experts will demonstrate tools like BALYO eBudget for straightforward scoping of robotic projects. BALYO will also demonstrate their Road Editor software, which creates a digital twin of any space to create circuit planning and mission management so you “know before you go” on every project. A legacy of innovation: With nearly 20 years of experience, BALYO’s unique software has evolved to turn standard electric trucks into standalone intelligent robots, accelerating the gap between manual and autonomous operations. This technology doesn’t replace people; it liberates them to focus on improving operations and engaging in truly value-added activities. A symphony of solutions: The reach robot is just one note in BALYO’s symphony of sustainable robotic solutions, including stackers, counter-balanced robots, tuggers, pallet jacks, and a VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) robot reaching heights of 56ft.
Yale account executive honored as an emerging leader in food and beverage supply chain
Forklift manufacturer’s director of major accounts recognized for industry expertise and prioritization of customer solutions Yale Lift Truck Technologies announced that Brendan McCann, Director of Major Accounts for Food Processing and Distribution, has been named a Rock Star of the Supply Chain by Food Logistics magazine. McCann is a winner in the rising stars category, which honors exceptional professionals under the age of 40. McCann leads a team responsible for providing lift truck solutions to 165 of the largest food processing, distribution and agriculture operations in North America, including more than 14,600 logistics locations. McCann firmly embodies the brand’s customer-driven philosophy by immersing himself in the challenges his customers face. He gathers insight and produces tailored recommendations, from plans targeting near-term productivity gains to holistic, long-term roadmaps that guide customers through the adoption of advanced lift truck technologies like operator assist systems and automation as their business evolves. In one instance, McCann helped a large customer design a new distribution center. The customer’s initial plans called for a footprint of more than 1 million square feet and more than 100 forklifts. By understanding the customer’s throughput and growth goals, McCann determined an alternative approach, with a footprint under 500,000 square feet and fewer than 40 forklifts, could save the customer millions in building costs while accomplishing their productivity goals with less equipment and space. Before joining the team at Yale, McCann was a Senior Account Manager for Briggs Equipment, a Yale® dealer, where he was named Salesman of the Year in 2017. During his tenure with the company, he was based in Gainesville, Georgia, “the poultry capital of the United States.” There, McCann built a deep foundational understanding of agriculture, food and beverage operations that he leverages every day and very intentionally shares with members of his team. “Anyone can put a lift truck in a building,” says McCann. “At Yale, it’s really about identifying or developing the right solutions to make a meaningful difference. Within my team, my ultimate goal is to instill in others my passion for helping customers overcome challenges and optimize their supply chain operations, and I’m honored that Food Logistics recognized the value in that approach.”
Seeq announces generative AI capabilities with Seeq AI assistant
Seeq, industrial analytics, and AI have announced the Seeq AI Assistant, a generative AI (GenAI) resource embedded across its industrial analytics platform. The Seeq AI Assistant provides real-time assistance to users across the enterprise, empowering them to accelerate mastery of the Seeq platform, build advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI skills and knowledge, and accelerate insights to improve decision-making in pursuit of operational excellence and sustainability. In a recent study by Deloitte, 93% of industrial companies believe AI will be a game changer for driving growth and innovation in the industrial sector. The analytical insights required to bolster operational excellence continue encountering roadblocks due to a shortage of skills, siloed capabilities within organizations, and untapped stockpiles of time series data. Seeq has over a decade of experience working with some of the most recognizable names in the oil & gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial sectors to remove or mitigate these roadblocks. The Seeq AI Assistant provides organizations with the opportunity to further debottleneck their most precious resource – the people at the frontlines of their processes and decisions. GenAI is a type of artificial intelligence capable of generating new content, such as text, images, and code in response to prompts entered by a user. GenAI models are trained with existing data to learn patterns that enable the creation of new content. While GenAI is a powerful technology, it isn’t innately capable of generating information and guidance applicable to the complexity and context of an industrial production environment. Seeq is uniquely positioned to drive industrial innovation with GenAI, given the company’s expertise in industrial data and its open and extensible analytics platform that was developed to leverage and serve subject matter experts and their enterprise decisions. Seeq provides on-demand access to critical time series data, data contextualization capabilities, and established intellectual property. Utilizing the extensive body of advanced analytics, data science, machine learning, and coding knowledge held in Seeq technical documentation and its knowledge base, Seeq is operationalizing the power of GenAI for its customers. Combining these competencies with prompt engineering curated by the world-class analytics and learning engineers at Seeq, the Seeq AI assistant generates accurate and actionable suggestions for analytical approaches and techniques, code generation, and more. Seeq also supports multiple providers and LLMs for organizational flexibility. “With the Seeq AI Assistant, we expect to decrease our process experts’ learning curve for advanced analytics and machine learning by 50% or possibly more,” said Brian Scallan, Director of Continuous Improvement at Ascend Performance Materials. “For our extensive user base, this translates into immediate enhancements in process quality and yields, significantly elevating efficiency and value across the organization.” “By combining GenAI with advanced industrial analytics, organizations can unlock new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and innovation that deliver measurable business impact,” said Dustin Johnson, Chief Technology Officer at Seeq. “Integrating the Seeq AI Assistant across the Seeq platform enables team members across industrial organizations to harness the power of GenAI to drive favorable operational excellence, profitability, workforce upskilling, and sustainability outcomes and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.” In short, the Seeq AI Assistant empowers frontline experts in process engineering, data science, and operations to rapidly bridge process, analytics, and coding knowledge gaps, unlocking workflows and results that were previously time and effort-prohibitive or impossible. “GenAI capabilities are a powerful inclusion in analytics software as a way to democratize AI and machine learning,” said Jonathan Lang, Research Director for IDC Industry Operations. “Based on conversations with industrial enterprises, GenAI offers a more natural interface to lower the barriers to data analytics, and Seeq has included features to alleviate one of the top concerns companies have about trust by including explainability to ensure the GenAI ‘shows its work.’” Seeq is available worldwide through a global partner network of system integrators, which provides training, services, and resale support for Seeq in over 40 countries, in addition to its global direct sales organization.
AutoScheduler Keith Moore named a 2024 Pros to Know
Named the next big winner in the Supply Chain Industry; Clean sweep of both categories – Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Management System (WMS) accelerator, announces that CEO Keith Moore is one of the winners of this year’s Pros to Know award, which recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments offer a roadmap for other leaders looking to leverage supply chain for competitive advantage. This recognition is for the Rising Stars Category. “As one of twenty-five Rising Stars Category winners in the Pros to Know Awards, I am pleased to be chosen among hundreds nominated for making outstanding contributions to the supply chain space. I am an evangelist for using artificial intelligence and machine learning within warehouse solutions to help improve visibility, worker productivity, sustainability, and customer service. Clients benefit from greater customer service, labor reduction, and better ability to meet demand.” ~Keith Moore, Chief Executive Officer, AutoScheduler.AI “Many of today’s supply chain pros are more than just leaders within their space; they’re innovators, decision-makers, pioneers of change and growth. They’ve spent the last year (and more) creating safer, more efficient supply chains. New this year, we broke the award down into four distinct categories: Top Warehousing Stars; Top Procurement Stars; Rising Stars; and Lifetime Achievement. These winners continue to go above and beyond to overcome challenges, advance supply chain management and make the impossible, possible.” ~Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive Keith Moore is CEO of AutoScheduler.AI, where he provides leadership and management, ensuring employee engagement, innovative product design and development, and top customer service while maximizing profitability. He oversees company operations, communicates between board members and other company executives, and makes critical decisions that impact the company’s brand identity and financial health. He leverages his knowledge of the warehousing industry and deep technology competencies to drive value in AutoScheduler’s offerings and to take the business to the next level.
Federal HazMat and Emergency Management Expert joins safety non-profit
The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) has named Timothy P. Butters to its Board of Directors. Butters, a senior executive in the Administration of Barrack Obama, served as the Acting Administrator and Deputy Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), where he was instrumental in safely and securely overseeing all hazardous materials shipped via air, land, rail, sea, and pipeline. “I am honored to be joining the Aii Board of Directors, and I look forward to leveraging my expertise as we address pressing issues,” said new Aii Board Member Timothy P. Butters. Following PHMSA, Butters also served at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he served as a senior advisor in FAA’s Office of Airports and provided public safety expertise in several key program areas including Unmanned Aircraft, Aviation Event Emergency Planning, and Commercial Space Transportation. Before his federal service, Butters was a professional firefighter and EMT in Fairfax City, Virginia, retiring as an Assistant Fire Chief. As a first responder, Butters was a member of the National Capital Region Type III Incident Management Team (IMT). He has been deployed to major disaster sites to support local incident management operations, including Hurricanes Katrina (MS) and Ike (TX), wildfires, presidential inauguration support, and other large events. Butters has also held senior leadership positions with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “We are fortunate to have Tim join the Board,” said Aii Chairman and Founder Brigham McCown. “Tim’s expertise as a first responder and regulator is a huge asset to our mission.” Celebrating a decade of non-partisan public policy service, the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure seeks to foster innovative solutions to significant infrastructure and public policy challenges.
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas honors the recipient of the 20th Annual Cat® Lift Trucks Scholarship
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, a North American provider and manufacturer of material handling and innovative automation and fleet solutions, announced the recipient of its 2024 Cat® Lift Trucks Scholarship Program. This year’s $5,000 scholarship winner is Cardin Tuan Kiet Tran, a high school senior at Davis High School in Houston. Cardin plans to major in civil engineering at Rice University, bringing with him a track record of leadership and involvement. Cardin is actively shaping his community as the Founder of the Davis High School Environmental Club and President/Editor-in-Chief of the Falcon Gazette Newspaper Club. His commitment extends to organizations such as the City of Houston Youth Ambassadors, National Technical Honor Society, Norman Borlaug Youth in Agriculture Program, and Child-Friendly Cities Initiative. Notably, Cardin’s impact was recognized for being the most effective student in promoting secondary education via trade schools at Lone Star and received an outstanding student award for Algebra II, OnRamps Physics, AP World History, and more. Today, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas surprised Cardin at his high school, presenting him with a $5,000 check and complimentary Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ tickets for him, his family, and a teacher who inspired his educational journey. As someone passionate about urban and transportation centers, Cardin hopes to learn ways to build environmentally friendly infrastructure to serve society better. “Our applicants were outstanding this year, but Cardin’s vision for the future and dedication to STEM truly makes him a role model for future high school seniors,” said Jerry Sytsma, executive vice president, sales & aftermarket services at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “We are committed to investing in students’ education as they are the future generations in our industry. It has been incredible to see the achievements of our scholarship recipients over the past 20 years.” Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas has been actively contributing to the Greater Houston community by honoring exceptional high school seniors pursuing a four-year degree related to the material handling industry. Over the past two decades, the Cat Lift Trucks Scholarship Program has awarded $145,000 in educational assistance to 29 Houston area students. To learn more about Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, please visit logisnextamericas.com.
February 2024 Logistics Manager’s Index Report® LMI® at 56.5
Growth is INCREASING AT AN INCREASING RATE for Inventory Levels, Warehousing Utilization, Transportation Capacity, Transportation Utilization, and Transportation Prices Growth is INCREASING AT A DECREASING RATE for Inventory Costs and Warehousing Capacity Growth is HOLDING STEADY for Warehousing Prices The Logistics Manager’s Index reads in at 56.5 in February 2024. This is up (+0.9) from January’s reading of 55.6 and is tied with October 2023 for the highest reading for the overall index in the last year. For the second month in a row, this growth is bolstered by expansion in all eight sub-metrics captured in the index. This is driven by a continued expansion in Inventory Levels (58.5) which has led to a tightening in Warehousing Capacity (52.8) and growth across all three transportation metrics. Particularly notable is the expansion in Transportation Prices, which at 57.6 have reached their fastest rate of growth since the start of the freight recession in June 2022. Interestingly, Transportation Capacity was also up this month to 60.9, bumping it higher than Transportation Prices and suggesting that we have not yet entered a true growth period in the freight market. Researchers at Arizona State University, Colorado State University, Florida Atlantic University, Rutgers University, and the University of Nevada, Reno, and in conjunction with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) issued this report today. Results Overview The LMI score is a combination of eight unique components that make up the logistics industry, including inventory levels and costs, warehousing capacity, utilization, and prices, and transportation capacity, utilization, and prices. The LMI is calculated using a diffusion index, in which any reading above 50.0 indicates that logistics is expanding; a reading below 50.0 is indicative of a shrinking logistics industry. The latest results of the LMI summarize the responses of supply chain professionals collected in February 2024. The LMI read in at 56.5 this month, up (+0.9) from January’s reading of 55.6. This is the sixth time in the last seven months that the LMI has shown expansion. This growth is driven by continued progress in transportation and the buildup of inventories upstream at the manufacturing and wholesale levels. The overall index is up, but still below the all-time average of 62.4 – which in many ways epitomizes the current slow but positive and steady state of the U.S. economy. The University of Michigan Consumer Confidence Index stayed high in February, reading in at 76.9. While this is down (-2.4) from January’s reading of 79.0 it is up 14.9% from the same period last year[1]. While core inflation in the U.S. was up by 0.4 percent in January, the PCE index (the Fed’s preferred measure) was only up 2.4 percent, which is down from the 2.6 seen in December. When taken together, the economy continues to grow, and consumer prices are largely moderating – though likely not quickly enough for the Fed to consider a cut to interest rates at their meeting in mid-March[2]. One of the factors behind the strong U.S. economy is immigration. Net immigration from August 2022 to July 2023 was the highest it has been since 2017 and immigrants now make up 18.6 percent of the labor force in the U.S., which has been a relief to some businesses that struggled with labor during the pandemic years. This is largely driven by tripling in refugees how have been granted asylum and quickly entered the labor force (up to 1.2 million from 423,000 year-over-year). This is bolstered by increased domestic energy production as the U.S. has continued to be a net exporter of energy[3]. While it may be politically complicated, abundant labor and abundant energy is a combination that is unique to the U.S. and is likely a major factor behind the increased pace of economic recovery seen in the U.S. relative to other developed nations. Eurozone inflation was down to a 2.6 percent annual increase in February which is lower than expected and down from the 2.8 seen in January. This is spurred on by lower energy prices across the continent[4]. The February Chinese service PMI was up to 51 in February which is its highest reading since September. Conversely, China’s manufacturing PMI was down to 49.1, which is lower than January and marks the sixth consecutive month of contraction, something that is a worrying sign for the country that is colloquially known as “the world’s factory”. Chinese manufacturing is being challenged by subdued domestic spending as well as tensions with many of their primary trade partners[5]. It will be interesting to see if the U.S. and European economies can truly reach robust rates of growth if the world’s second-largest economy continues to struggle. There is slowness north of the border as well as retail sales were down by 0.4% in Canada in January (although this came after a stronger-than-expected increase of 0.8% in December, so this could be a regression to the mean). Much like the U.S., Canada’s economy is growing but at a slower pace and the Canadian central bank is expected to leave interest rates where they are at their March meeting[6]. The resilience of the U.S. economy is apparent in Transportation Price movements. After moving from contraction to expansion for the first time in 20 months in January, Transportation Price growth increased again (+1.8) to 57.6 in February. This is a function of demand and not cost, as increasing Transportation Prices came despite U.S. diesel costs being down to $4.058 per gallon in the last week of February, which is $0.236 down from the same time a year ago[7]. Additionally, fears that the increases were only due to issues in the Red Sea also seem to have subsided with the price spikes due to Houthi attacks seem to have peaked as shipping rates from Asia to the U.S. declined in February. Rates are still up by over 100% from where they were in early December, but they have dipped slightly in recent weeks[8]. That does not mean the crisis is over. Maersk recently predicted that they
MHS Lift earns Summit Award from Crown Equipment Corporation for outstanding sales performance
MHS Lift, Inc., a provider of warehousing and distribution solutions across North America, has received the prestigious 2023 Summit Award from Crown Equipment Corporation, one of the world’s largest material handling companies. Crown’s Summit Award recognizes outstanding sales and customer satisfaction achievements in its North American sales and service network. To qualify for the Summit Award, the company must be a Crown dealer and be considered the Best Dealer by market size. This is MHS Lift’s eighth Summit Award. “We are thrilled to receive the Crown Summit Award for our eighth year,” said Brett Levin, co-president, of MHS Lift. “Crown Equipment Corporation is a close partner of ours, and it’s an honor to be recognized by them.” “Receiving this award is proof to our team that hard work pays off – and our staff has been working tirelessly to provide top-notch service to our customers every day. We owe this accomplishment to them,” said Andy Levin, co-president, of MHS Lift.
Movu Robotics and PeakLogix introduce an easier automation to warehouses
Movu Robotics has announced a strategic partnership with supply chain integration partner PeakLogix, an Alta Material Handling company. This partnership means Movu Robotics and PeakLogix can offer the benefits of Movu’s plug-and-play robotics portfolio as part of their solutions for customers in the North American market. Since 1989, PeakLogix has specialized in providing material handling solutions and warehouse optimization services. The company offers a range of services, including warehouse design, equipment integration, software solutions, and project management. PeakLogix helps businesses maximize efficiency and productivity in their warehouse operations through tailored solutions based on their specific needs and requirements. Over 30 years and thousands of successful projects, PeakLogix has earned its reputation for collaborating with clients to bring innovative solutions to life. With a philosophy of ‘no warehouse left behind’, Movu Robotics tackles automation with easier, modular, scalable, flexible and efficient solutions that customers need and helps them to upgrade their warehouses. The Movu portfolio is built around a range of innovative sub-systems designed to provide easier, scalable, flexible and energy efficient solutions accessible for all kinds of warehouses and quick to roll out. These include the Movu atlas, a pallet shuttle system for multiple deep lane storage; Movu escala the robotized 3D storage and fulfillment system; Movu ifollow Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for collaborative picking or transport of load carriers such as pallets; and the Movu eligo picking arm robot; as well as the appropriate supporting software. Stefan Pieters, CEO of Movu Robotics said: “This partnership opens up a world of possibilities for us and our clients. By combining our cutting-edge technology and proven solutions with PeakLogix expertise, we are excited to deliver even greater value and efficiency in warehouse operations. Movu Robotics sub-systems are designed with seamless integration in mind and I am glad that our strategic partnership with PeakLogix will bring automated solutions to more customers globally, helping them to meet their challenges and boost their performance, resilience and service levels.” Mike Holler, Executive Vice President of PeakLogix said: “Because our mission centers on solving current and emerging business challenges for our clients, the partnership with MOVU enables PeakLogix to provide a new portfolio of powerful solutions that solve operational problems.”
Unirope becomes first AWRF accredited member
Unirope Limited was the first rigging shop to become an Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF) accredited member. Unirope completed a successful in-person audit, conducted by AWRF’s third-party auditors, the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA). The AWRF Accreditation Program is a voluntary opportunity for all member companies and their affiliated branches. Using the current revision of AWRF RP&G, Recommended Practice for the Operation of Sling Shops, as a basis for evaluation, LEEA works with interested members to ensure compliance. In other words, the audit was developed by LEEA according to requirements set out by AWRF. Unirope—it is also a LEEA member—is a specialist in the manufacture, distribution, testing, certification, and inspection of high-performance wire rope and rigging products. It has additional facilities in Quebec and Alberta; the three sites combine to deliver service nationwide and to select customers in the U.S. and Europe. Justin Brown, president at Unirope, said: “There is a sense of pride that comes with being first across any line or to be the first to achieve a goal. That said, we undertook this as a project to support AWRF, our industry, and all the end users of rigging products that will in the future be looking for a way to distinguish quality rigging fabricators from the rest. “In three to five years, this program will be the benchmark in our industry. End users of rigging products will demand that they are produced by an AWRF Accredited Member and there will be a clear quality benchmark between those that can comply and those that cannot.” Having completed the audit, Unirope can now market itself as an AWRF Accredited Member, which includes the use of a logo that has recently been developed. The goals of the program are to ensure safer sling shop operation; to drive more business to member companies; and to help member companies win more market share—ultimately adding value to being a member. Brown said: “The third-party audit and accreditation is significant beyond AWRF membership—and it is important to know the difference. Membership alone brings a lot of benefits but simply being a member of a trade association doesn’t prove that you abide by its recommended best practices. It’s the difference between talking the talk and walking the walk.” Rallying call Interestingly, 25% of AWRF membership is from outside of the U.S. Half of the international contingent is based in Canada, and nearly all Canadian members are rigging shops. The AWRF Accreditation Program is not the same as being a LEEA accredited member. As Unirope proved, LEEA members must still proceed via the same processes as non-LEEA members—and Brown has urged all AWRF members, LEEA members and not, to join the program. He said: “Everything we do at Unirope starts with one basic idea that guides every decision. And that is the basic right that everyone who uses or comes into contact with our products gets to go home after their shift; we extend that idea to the entire industry, which is why we will encourage every rigging shop to gain accreditation. The more AWRF members that get on board, the safer our industry will become. Companies will find things during their audits that need to be changed or improved and implement those changes as part of this process. “The marketing power you gain by being accredited will prove invaluable. Accreditation demonstrates and sets a quality benchmark, exhibits accountability to the market, reduces risk, and increases efficiency. There are endless ways to cut corners in our industry, which is counter to the needs of such a high-risk sector. For example, things like die maintenance and verification of after-swage dimensions, are convenient to bypass or ignore, but critical to the performance of the final product.” The accreditation is valid for three years, with annual visits and check-ups. An audit must be completed for each location.
Wolter, Inc. secures strategic growth investment from BBH Capital Partners
Wolter, Inc., a provider of material handling solutions, automation, overhead cranes, industrial dock and door services, and power systems, is thrilled to announce a significant growth investment from BBH Capital Partners (BBHCP). This strategic partnership will enable Wolter to accelerate its expansion plans, including acquisitions and real estate investments, further solidifying its position in the industry. Founded in 1962 and based in Brookfield, WI, Wolter has become a trusted name in the material handling industry, offering an expansive range of services and solutions, including new and used equipment sales, service and training, robotics and automation, overhead cranes and hoists, standby power generators, and more. With a dedicated team of over 590 employees, Wolter serves a broad customer base across seven states, including Wisconsin, Northern Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, with plans to expand into the mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and mid-South regions. Jerry Weidmann, President of Wolter, Inc., expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Our alliance with BBH Capital Partners marks a milestone in Wolter’s journey. Their investment and expertise will significantly enhance our ability to pursue strategic acquisitions and make impactful real estate investments, enabling us to serve our customers better and expand our market presence.” BBH Capital Partners, a private equity strategy of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., is known for providing capital solutions to growth-oriented middle-market companies. Their minority investment in Wolter underscores their confidence in Wolter’s potential for continued growth and expansion. Matthew Salsbury, Co-Manager of BBHCP, commented, “We are proud to partner with Wolter and support their ambitious growth strategy. The company’s strong family values, commitment to excellence, and strategic vision align perfectly with our investment philosophy. We look forward to contributing to Wolter’s success in the coming years.” Robert W. Baird served as the exclusive investment banker for Wolter in this transaction, underscoring the strategic importance and potential of the partnership between Wolter and BBHCP. This investment is poised to continue making a significant impact on the material handling, overhead crane, industrial dock and door, and power systems sectors.
SVT Robotics enhances SOFTBOT® platform to maximize uptime
SVT Robotics™, a software provider empowering IT teams to seamlessly integrate, monitor, and scale automation, has expanded the SOFTBOT® Platform to include real-time monitoring capabilities. The updated SOFTBOT Platform now includes a single dashboard that can maximize uptime across disparate technologies and systems. The tech-agnostic SOFTBOT Platform allows companies to rapidly connect and orchestrate new automation with prebuilt, reusable and self-documenting integrations. Providing an alternative to traditional, custom-coded approaches, the platform enables organizations to easily scale and adapt to changing business requirements, all while driving innovation and lowering the total cost of ownership. With the expansion of the platform, IT teams will now be able to monitor their overall system health across multiple technologies and facilities. “Our customers know how important it is to reduce downtime when something goes wrong,” said A.K. Schultz, Co-Founder and CEO of SVT Robotics. “By automatically detecting issues and alerting individuals in real-time, the SOFTBOT Platform helps teams quickly identify the root cause of a system failure – which is critical to maximizing uptime and minimizing the financial impact of an incident.” Leveraging the SOFTBOT Platform not only provides robust monitoring, but the ability to empower an entire business in real-time with aggregated and normalized data from all connected technologies. This level of transparency has historically been challenging for teams with custom-coded integrations, but now IT owners can easily access a standard set of data across disparate technologies. Operators have real-time visibility and can take immediate action from insights, such as reallocating labor or optimizing facility operations, while other stakeholders use the data from multiple systems to better support resource planning. “IT teams tell us that they lack the resources and visibility to onboard, support and maintain new technologies at the rate their businesses demand,” said Nick Leonard, Senior Vice President of Products at SVT Robotics. “The enhanced SOFTBOT Platform changes the game for our customers, giving them a way to proactively support systems with multi-site monitoring and real-time alerting.”