October 30, 2006 - Introduction
Nowadays, efficient materials handling is achieved by maximising productivity for the lowest possible total cost of ownership. As businesses look to reduce overheads, suppliers to the logistics sector have responded with sophisticated technology and equipment that meets all the procurement criteria in terms of design, health and safety and environmental issues.
Major market trends
The major trends in the warehousing industry today centre around several key themes. These are:
- Technology: Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags which allow you to track individual goods from one end of the supply chain to another are becoming more mainstream driving the cost of purchase down as demand increases. Automated manual handling solutions can help streamline manual handling operations and minimise repetitive high risk tasks.
- Health and safety regulations: Lift trucks are now being designed to maximise driver visibility with frameless curved windows and to enhance the operator’s comfort (including ergonomically enhanced forms and dimension of cabins, seat comfort and climate control). Transmission inhibitors, which limit gears and speed inhibitors which limit speed, are also being incorporated into the design of lift trucks eliminating the risk of accidents inside the warehouse.
- Environmental issues: Governments are subsidising for environmental friendliness (e.g. IC engine vs electric). There is currently an industry move towards using electric trucks as a ban on diesel powered trucks may become a reality. Optimising battery charging to prolong the life of the battery and thus using energy efficiently is also a consideration.
As a result of these trends, many firms are outsourcing the warehouse function. More are considering rental options and globalisation means that there are more international tenders and fleets than ever before.
- Ends -
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Briggs Equipment UK
Briggs Equipment UK Ltd is a leading materials handling service provider and sole distributor of Yale Materials Handling products in Great Britain. Providing a wide range of equipment for a broad customer base, Briggs provides innovative, tailored and cost effective solutions on a nationwide basis. With its headquarters and national support centre in Cannock, Briggs people assist and advise in the delivery of long term solutions that enable customers to develop more efficient and results driven businesses.
Media contact:
Tiffany Clowes
Changeworks Communications
T. + 44 (0) 1785 247588
E.
Company Contact:
Scott Bullock
Briggs Equipment
Orbital Way
Cannock
WS11 8XW
T: 01543 430 455
W: www.briggsequipment.co.uk
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