Show Preview 2008

contents

1	Aetna wraps up for the show
2	Adding Agility to your systems
3	ASG helps boost warehouse safety
4	FACE up to your floor's flaws
5	Delta streamlines software
6	One-to-one demos with Diamond Phoenix
7	Latest digital radio technology brought Direct to you
8	Being green should be Easy
9	Finding candidates that stick
10	George Utz showcases Klapa
11	Hako demonstrates green cleaning machines
12	Is RFID all its cracked up to be?
13	KastoLift unveiled in UK for first time
14	Making a difference
15	Mil-Tek launches ECOdrive
16	Minster gives voice to latest software
17	Narrow Aisle evolves award-winning Flexi
18	OBS offers pay as you go service
19	Proteus reveals latest WMS innovations
20	iKôn PDA helps boost productivity
21	Red Prairie displays top software range
22	Roll up for Ro-Dor
23	Maximise your warehouse space
24	Twintec promises happy feet
25	Zetes pushes ahead with voice technology

Aetna UK will be exhibiting a Rotoplat 506PFS Stretch Pallet Wrapper at its stand. The suppliers of high speed shrink-wrapping, case packing, and pallet stretch wrapping, promises there is a Robopac wrapping system for every application and every budget.

Aetna is a member of the Aetna Group, best known for ROBOPAC pallet stretch wrapping systems and DIMAC single roll shrink wrapping systems for end-of-line pack speeds in excess of 20 minutes.

The company provides the latest technology and competitive pricing, whether the requirement is turntable, rotary arm or high speed ring.

Many companies need to increase the functionality of their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to meet the changing demands of customers, supply chain standards, product legislation and their own drive for cost reduction and improved efficiency. But replacing, modifying or upgrading an ERP system can be costly and time consuming. Agility Systems provides supply chain modules that can bolt on to an ERP system's core to extend its overall functionality. At the show, visitors will have the chance to see an example of this with the Agile Logistics System.

"Logistics operations have to respond to customers faster, monitor activities in real-time and reduce operating costs to a minimum. Too often, the corporate business systems (ERPs) hinder rather than help," says Simon Storey, Agility System's IT guru.

On the first day of the show Storey will discuss how companies can get the best out of their systems, in the seminar: "Don't let systems hold you back", during which he will draw on case studies from customers such as Suzuki.

On day two, Agility, which also supplies data capture systems based on barcode readers, industrial terminals, mobile devices and RFID, will hold a seminar on how to help companies pick the best suited technology for them in the seminar: "RFID, Wireless and Mobility - which is right for me?", also taken by Storey.

"Logistics operations are under constant pressure to improve performance and reduce costs, and the IT industry is developing alternative solutions faster than ever before. How can we decide which is the most suitable technology, when many companies are not even using bar-code technologies that have been available for 25 years?" This non-technical presentation promises to be both informative and useful.

ASG Services, warehouse identification and floor marking specialist, will be using the event to showcase a new, durable anti-slip, self-adhesive panel, designed to make internal fire exit marking a quicker, simpler process.

The panel enables the floor area of fire exit doorways to be easily marked, giving clear instruction to �Keep Clear' in the event of emergency and improving warehouse safety.

This method also means no specialist installation is needed and, "fire exits will no longer have to be out of action for hours, as there is no wet paint to avoid and the panels can be installed by any competent person," says managing director Tony Gresty.

As warehouses get bigger and taller and materials handling technology becomes more sophisticated, the need for flatter floors becomes critical. But still floors are all too easily overlooked.

At the show, the CoGri Group, a consortium of international companies which comprises industrial floor specialists Concrete Grinding, Face Consultants, and CG Flooring Systems, will be showcasing its FACE Digital Profileograph.

This motorised level-sensing instrument is designed to record the regularity of a warehouse floor as a fork lift truck would experience it, and is used for surveying defined movement areas such as very narrow aisles. Advisors from all three floor specialists will be on hand at the show.

This year, just-in-time supply chain technology specialist DeltaWMS, is releasing four specialist-market versions of its software, and will be demonstrating these at the Logistics Showroom. First up is the DeltaWMS Bond system, developed with users and HM Revenue & Customs, it focuses on the bonded warehouse market. The remaining three range across the third party logistics, distribution and manufacturing markets.

The company claims an industry first for the graphical map that is used in all its systems to manage warehouse inventory interactively and in real-time.

DeltaWMS' systems can be quickly integrated with ERP and other supply chain business systems to deliver faster bottom line benefits. The DeltaWMS web browser module allows both the user and their customer to directly manage stock and orders in real-time, from anywhere in the world, 24/7.

Diamond Phoenix will be giving attendees an up-close and personal insight into a range of conveyor technologies designed for the transport and sortation of cartons and totes. The demonstrations will feature technologies including Under Belt Drive, Lineshaft, Motorised Roller and the revolutionary V-Belt Drive. The company will also conduct a talk in the Seminar Suite on the subject of �Applying and Justifying Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) in Distribution Applications to gain a competitive advantage.' This will include reviews of business plans, operational risk and return on investment.

Sales director Graham Boner, says: "We are delighted to be exhibiting at Logistics Link Live 2008, as it gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the benefits that an AS/RS system can bring to productivity and ROI today and in the future. By having a sizeable demonstration area, we have the means to provide prospective customers with a more personal one-to-one demo. "

Direct Communications Group, which supplies communication systems for big-name clients such as Asda, Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's and logistics provider DHL Exel Supply Chain, will be displaying the latest advancements in two-way digital radio technology. Visitors will have the chance to get to grips with the Mototrbo system, the next generation professional two-way radio which promises to deliver increased capacity, spectral efficiency, integrated data applications and improved voice communications.

The company will be also display public address systems, voice evacuation, satellite communications, television distribution, and sound reinforcement systems.

Easypack will be demonstrating its eco-friendly Epsilon system, which produces flexible, shock absorbing void fill and protective cushions from 300 metre rolls of single ply, 100 per cent recycled paper. The paper and cushion packaging company says the system, which is suitable for low and high volume users, can generate up to 2.4 cubic metres of packaging from each roll, generating a high-bulk pack - 80 times the size of the roll - with minimum material. The company promises the system will help cut costs.

Easypack will also be displaying the rest of its product range at the show which includes systems that use 100 per cent recycled paper, airbags and cardboard box shredders.

Finding the right people matters and no more so than in logistics where the unifying feature is that businesses compete on the combined abilities of their employees. "This war for talent is now the new differential as logistics managers increasingly choose their agency not on the number of candidates they place in jobs, but on the number of candidates that remain," says Greg Latham, managing director of Encore.

"According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 83 per cent of organisations use recruitment organisations like Encore to add flexibility to their business model and this is illustrated by the increase in the industry's turnover from £10m to £25m in only 10 years."

Encore specialises in the supply of workers through three Divisions - Industrial, Driving and Engineering and three supporting operations On-Site, Overseas and Permanent vacancies. It has been recognised as one of the fastest growth UK companies by �The Sunday Times Fast-Track 100'. Encore's current accreditations include the REC Accredited status, Investors in People, Best Companies Accreditation and Gangmaster Licence.

George Utz, which designs and manufactures reusable plastic containers, component holders and pallets for storage and transport, will be displaying several specialised systems for the Automotive, Electronic, Retail, Logistics, Pharmaceutical and Food industries. It will also show the Utz KLAPA (foldable pallet box), a variant of which the French Post recently ordered 150,000 pieces.

Having won several high profile orders in the UK retail and distribution industries, George Utz will display realised custom designs for Boots, Gardners Books, and Wincanton among others.

Hako Machines will be exhibiting and demonstrating its range of environmentally friendly cleaning machines. The company has developed high performance cassette filter systems, with a filter surface area of five square metres, and a degree of separation of up to 99.5 per cent, to ensure the cleanliness of the exhaust air from its vacuum sweepers such as the Jonas 1200. It has also developed and patented R2S filter cleaning technology which prolongs the lifespan of each filter.

The B750R is a ride-on scrubber drier that has a one-piece chassis that incorporates the water tank, reducing the number of machine parts during manufacturing and painting. This benefits the operator as it allows for a larger tank and is easier to access when filling and emptying. It also has a high frequency intelligent on-board battery charger that only charges to the required amount rather than wasting electricity and reducing the life of the battery with over-charging.

Visitors will be able to see Hako demonstrations five times each day at regular intervals and will include the Jonas 1200 Sweeper and a ride on scrubber dryer as well as other machines from the range.

Development of RFID technology has brought us to the brink of large scale application. But many remain sceptical of its value. Expert speakers from Auto ID specialists Inotek UK and Belgravium, will address this in joint seminars across the two day show.

Jon Hall, group operations director for Belgravium, and Dave Drinnan, managing director of Inotec, will discuss the use of RFID in the logistics and industrial sectors, highlighting comparisons between RFID and barcode systems along with a diagnostic to determine whether RFID is right for your business.

The seminar is aimed at removing some of the mystery and misconceptions regarding the technology and includes live examples demonstrating benefits it is delivering in the commercial market. It will be held alongside a demonstration area and exhibitions which will feature the major players in the logistics supply market.

On its stand Belgravium will be showcasing its Remote Terminal Administration (RDA) software, designed to help centralise management of mobile devices and networks. The software will enable users to manage their mobile devices from a central location wherever they may be. Visit the stand to find out how it can help reduce cost of ownership and remove hidden costs associated with mobile device deployment.

Kasto will be exhibiting several types of compact storage systems in scaled down versions at its stand, one of which is the KastoLift, which is new to the UK.

This system, which has been designed for electromotive-supported operations, can store bars, plates, tools and boxes, half-finished products and finished goods, and has a three tonne carrying capacity per compartment.

FH Brundle, which distributes to the construction industry, reported a 70 per cent increase in turnover when it chose a Kasto storage system, which helped it double its stockholding capacity.

Supply chain management is at the heart of almost every commercial sector. Our very recent history has thrown into sharp relief the pressures of: rapidly increasing factory gate prices; the effects of the global economy; and inflationary pressures on consumer budgets.

Customers largely buy on perception and in particular the perception of value that they get from their supplier. The key to creating value is to provide a better service than that supplied by your competitors. So why is the logistics sector so bad at fostering the assets that will create the service? This is the question Logistics Learning Alliance's Peter Jones, CMILT, will address in the seminar "Making a Difference".

"In one sector that LLA works in, that of Humanitarian Aid agencies and NGO, we have seen the introduction of professional development programmes that give a common baseline for these organisations. This gives, not only professional recognition within the logistics community, but has created greater awareness of the importance of supply chain management across the work of the agencies. Where the Aid Agencies have led - is it not time that the commercial world followed suit?" says LLA spokesman.

Mil-Tek has launched an ECOdrive system, which has been designed to help companies reduce their waste costs by 80 per cent. The company promises that with this system, the amount of energy consumption on baling can be cut by up to 60 per cent.

ECOdrive will be fitted to each of the company's air-powered balers in a move to drive down environmental impact. Visit Mil-Tek's stand to see this system in action.

Minster Logistics will be exhibiting its latest software system which comprises an end-to-end Voice enabled Warehouse Management System.

The software has been designed to help ease warehousing operations such as: goods receipts; put-away; replenishment; picking; cross-docking; marshalling; loading; full stock takes; and perpetual inventory.

The Voice Management Console is the central part of the system and enables operators to monitor all warehouse activity, while providing progress updates. It also features drill-down options to monitor the progress of individual tasks and the operators performing them. The software includes modules for procurement, such as: Purchase Order Processing; Forecasting and Debt Management; Ledgers; In-Cab integration; and full Sales Order Processing.

This system has been taken up by 3663, Brakes, Marks & Spencer, Nields and other general wholesalers and distributors.

Narrow Aisle will be demonstrating its range of very narrow aisle trucks, which include man-down and man-up trucks, order pickers and reach trucks. Best known for its award-winning Flexi range of articulated forklifts, which have proved popular in Europe, the United States and Asia, the manufacturer continues to work on the evolution of the Flexi product. Recent design innovations include the Flexi GAS and the Flexi HiMAX. The Flexi GAS is the first LP Gas-powered articulated truck capable of working in aisles as narrow as 1762mm, while the HiMAX, which offers lift heights up to 12 metres, brings the benefits of unguided VNA storage to hi-bay warehouses.

Effectively two trucks in one, the Flexi's design enables it to load like a counterbalanced machine - both inside and outside - but it can also work in very narrow aisles. This means it can load and unload lorries and deliver pallets directly into the racking in a single operation. By doing so, it increases efficiency and productivity while reducing double handling and the costs associated with operating a bigger truck fleet.

OBS Logistics' chief executive Dave Renshaw, will be presenting a seminar entitled: "Why �Pay as You Go' is emerging in Logistics Systems Procurement", where he will discuss the cost benefits of implementing transport and warehouse management, and supply chain systems in logistics operations as a managed service, and how they can help meet demanding service levels with the predictability of cost and cash flow benefits which come from paying based on system usage.

The seminar will cover changing trends in the logistics sector, and the impact they have on IT systems, drawing from case studies of OBS' recent successful projects.

The company will be exhibiting its Calidus Warehouse and Transport Management systems at the show.

Proteus Software will use the event to showcase its latest innovations in warehouse management and supply chain software. At its stand visitors will be able to view various Warehouse Management Systems, including the real-time graphical Warehouse Dashboard and Van Sales Systems.

The Dashboard is an activity-monitoring tool for warehouse operation managers. It comprises various dials and gauges which represent different areas of the warehouse. This in turn, can alert managers to problems with a picture of their warehouse operations. Once connected to the Warehouse Management Database, the Dashboard updates activities, for example, pick rates, by constantly refreshing data at the rate specified by the user.

The Van Sales system has been designed to help improve efficiency, accuracy and stock management for businesses which service customers via van delivery operations. It manages all relevant data on a central system, keeping control of stock in the vehicle, through to the production of the necessary paperwork at the retail end.

Psion Teklogix will use the Logistics Showroom to demonstrate its range of data capture and voice picking solutions. Among the products on show will be the recently launched iKôn - a rugged PDA (personal digital assistant). iKôn can help improve productivity by enabling a host of advanced mobile applications to be carried out from a single unit.

The company will also present a fast-paced seminar during the show. The session will explain the advantages of using voice picking systems within any warehouse or distribution centre operation and will give visitors the chance to see, first hand, the advantages that voice-technology can bring to logistics operations.

The company provides a range of speech-based logistics products including both software and wearable computers which integrate with a range of warehouse management to provide cost and time efficient interaction between the mobile worker and the host system.

Supply chain management software specialist Red Prairie will be running warehouse management and financial management system demonstrations throughout both days of the show.

RedPrairie's E2e suite of retail and supply chain systems drive revenue and provide "Consumer driven optimisation" by synchronising people and products from manufacturing to the retail shelf.

The company boasts an array of supply chain execution systems including: Transport Management - for domestic and international transport planning and execution, global trade and fleet management; Warehouse Management - which optimises materials and goods flow from before they enter your gate until after they leave; Workforce Management - to help make operations a more performance-focused culture through change management and industry-leading technology.

Specialist industrial door supplier Ro-Dor, will be performing demonstrations of three types of doors: the hygienic PVCu roller shutter door (popular in the food industry); the rapid roll door, which has a lightweight curtain and knockout facility with automatic re-insertion system; and a sectional door which has high insulation properties.

The double skin PVCu roller shutter door is easy to clean and suitable for manufacturing areas, chillers, and distribution bays. It is made from high impact material with thermal and acoustic properties. It also has a degree of flex so can absorb minor impact and revert to its original position.

The crash resistant Dynaco range is suitable for both internal and external applications.

The doors can boost cost savings particularly on heating buildings where doors are left open for long periods of time, and often these savings can fund the cost of a door within a year.

Storax Racking Systems will be presenting a range of warehouse storage systems on its stand. The fast pace of logistics and demand for speedy materials handling operations, mixed with the increased demand to preserve land throughout the world, means more pressure is being placed on maximising warehouse space.

If your company wishes to make more of the space it has, visit Storax to find out more about its range of services.

At the Logistics Showroom, visitors will be able to walk all over Twintec Industrial Flooring's product, as the event is being staged on it! The 24,000 sq m steel fibre, reinforced, jointless floor, which was completed in 2006, has been laid to a special FM2 special flatness tolerance.

The specialist flooring contractor will present a short seminar entitled "Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete for Jointless Floor construction", which will demonstrate the benefits of steel fibre reinforced concrete floors over more traditional steel bar and mesh systems. Darryl Eddy, Twintec's commercial director will deliver the seminar.

Twintec staff will be on hand to discuss technical and operational benefits.

John Harper, solutions sales manager for Zetes, will be discussing the way forward for voice recognition, in a seminar called "Voice Technology - Optimising People and Processes".

The software company will also provide live demonstrations on the hour, every hour, showcasing the differences between paper-based picking, picking using barcode scanners and voice technology.

At its stand, Zetes will have various hardware options, from voice recognition hardware to barcode scanners and printers.