Optimal fleet management is only possible when those responsible for operators and assets are on the same page. The proliferation of fleet management technologies has helped lift truck fleet managers quantify and control costs that previously slipped under the radar. However, telematics and data collection practices still struggle to measure and improve operator culture, which can have a significant impact on costs and productivity. Jim Gaskell, director of global technology business development for Crown Equipment, says optimal fleet management consists of two main elements: the operator and the asset.

Focused on gaining efficiencies, maximizing available space and keeping workers safe while they’re up in the air, companies are integrating more rack, shelving and storage into their facilities. o make better use of existing warehouse and DC space, accommodate the speed and velocity of omni-channel fulfillment, improve efficiencies, keep workers safe, and comply with seismic codes, companies are looking to their rack, shelving, and storage equipment manufacturers for help. And while this sector of the materials handling market is known for its slow, steady and predictable pace, some new innovations are emerging—all of which center on helping organizations gain efficiencies and operate smarter, faster and better warehouses.

Integrated platforms for supply chain execution apps are folding in distributed order management (DOM) solutions and processes, which often need data from systems for inventory management or store labor to arrive at optimal fulfillment options for customers and retailers. For several years, major suppliers of supply chain execution (SCE) software, including warehouse management system (WMS) solutions, have been putting more focus on integration. As they have expanded their offerings to include transportation management system (TMS), labor management system (LMS) and other types of solutions such as slotting, these suppliers have been touting the value of an integrated foundation for multiple applications.

You can now make overloading your pallets a thing of the past thanks to Goplasticpallets.com’s revolutionary new APB 1210 heavy duty plastic scale pallet, launched today on 1st April 2016. The innovative new plastic pallet has scales built into the top deck, which operates a digital display on both sides of the pallet blocks so users can determine the exact weight their pallet is carrying with no risk of overloading it.

VSP Global turned to automated storage and robotic piece picking to increase the throughput of its state-of-the-art optical lab in California. Disruption and innovation. They are two of the most commonly used words to describe business today, and they often go hand in hand. Established businesses worry that their tried-and-true business models will be the next to be disrupted by a start-up, just as Borders was done in by Amazon and the entertainment industry has been upended by the digitization of music, movies and television. At the same time, every business is wondering if some new technology might be the magic bullet that allows it to innovate and gain a competitive advantage. After all, it’s better to be the disrupter than to be disrupted.

Capital expenditure plans for materials handling solutions are ebbing overall, but restrained spending on hardware is balanced by steady investment in IT solutions that tie equipment together. Investment in materials handling solutions in warehousing, manufacturing and distribution facilities has tapered for the first time in recent years, and sentiments suggest changing priorities in the near term.

What began as a simple concept over a coffee and a sketch on a pad has now become a multiple award winning operation thanks to the collaborated team efforts of Linde Material Handling and market leader boiler manufacturer Vaillant Group. The Vaillant Group is a family owned business which was founded 140 years ago and is a global market leader in compact wall-hung heating appliances.  The UK factory in Belper, Derbyshire has been in operation for over  50 years, but it’s by no means old fashioned.  Clean, bright, modern and quiet, you can clearly see why it’s won so many awards.

Venture Lighting Europe has created what it calls a highly efficient, energy saving solution for industrial lighting schemes with its new and advanced VLED Highbay Pro. The luminaire is an upgrade of the company’s established VLED IDT Highbays which have been used for numerous applications across the UK. As the range’s premium product, the VLED Highbay Pro is similar to the original high bays in terms of application, however is more advanced in performance and output, whilst offering a choice of reflectors and beam angles.

UniCarriers has finalised its merger with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The company issued the following detailed statement:
“As notified on July 31, 2015, as of today, all shares of UniCarriers Holdings Corporation (‘UniCarriers’ headquartered in Kawasaki, Kanagawa; Akira Shiki, President and CEO) have been transferred to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Forklift & Engine Turbocharger Holdings, Ltd. (‘MFET’ headquartered in Kawasaki, Kanagawa; Atsushi Maekawa, President and CEO) which is a 100% owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Jungheinrich has been recognised for its leading design qualities, winning an iF Design Award for its ECE 225 horizontal order picker in the category for Automobiles, Vehicles and Bikes at an awards ceremony held at BMW Welt in Munich, Germany. Jungheinrich’s ECE 225 horizontal order picker won over the jury with its high degree of user-friendliness and excellent ergonomics, the panel saying, “Jungheinrich redefined the design concept of its vehicles to create an unmistakable product design for the future. The new award-winning design visually epitomises the engineering and ergonomic quality of the company’s products.”