As buzzwords go, in 2015 ‘efficiency’ has never been far from the lips of logistics managers. As the post-recession buds showed signs they were ready to blossom, capacity and efficiency went under the microscope. Before significantly investing in expansion projects, the most flexible operations looked for ways to ensure resources were fully loaded.
![Loadhouse_Container[3]](https://warehousenews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Loadhouse_Container3.jpg)
How efficiency is measured may be unique to every business, but one universal truth is apparent: there is a point when the focus turns from flexing existing systems, to which infrastructure is needed in order to sustain growth. The bell now tolls for outdated, or simply worn-out, loading equipment and industrial door systems.
Health and safety, security, ease of access, volume capacity and insulation: all are considerations for logistics managers. The most suitable balance must be found for ambient, chilled, cold and frozen chains.
Where existing equipment is incapable of meeting demand, business owners are acting.
Expanding Capacity
The project work of ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems within the distribution sector shows that capacity matters to an agile business.
Loading solutions which are designed and then built around the nuances of a business, the facility and actual operation are increasing in number. Surging volumes of warehouses for online retailers and parcel carriers have contributed to significant growth in bespoke design projects for loading bay experts.
National and regional distribution centres have been developed for DPD and Ocado during 2015; testament to the fact that business operators are ready to expand capacity where growth can be facilitated by additional volume.
In 2015, BIM has been used extensively by architects and end-users to show feasibility requiring engagement at pre-design, installation and post-install stages.
Projects
During 2015, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems completed work on several very large ambient distribution centre projects. Working with DPD and TK Maxx, loading bay experts have been pushing boundaries for retail logistics operations. The challenges faced by high-volume distribution centres are many, requiring flexible, durable and well-conceived loading systems. More focus has been placed on data led assessments of docking operations. The number of level-access and raised stations required to facilitate logistics is no longer guesswork. Crawford product experts have been busier than ever at predesign stage. Ensuring a solid foundation from which to launch wide ranging parcel and palletised freight operations is the key.
Regional distribution centres for Lidl and Aldi, whose distribution facilities combine ambient, cold and frozen areas, have also been on site in 2015. Property departments and operational managers have been refining supply chain management techniques, with ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems designing loading solutions to meet challenges.
Products
The portfolio of equipment and systems required to cater for ever more complicated distribution chains required expansion. The Crawford OH1042 overhead sectional door system, introduced in 2014 has proved popular. The energy efficient model, with a host of glazing, colour and security options, can be found in warehouses, distribution centres and retail facilities across the UK.
Occupiers of ‘speculatively built’ sheds benefit from the modular design where specific upgrades can improve their efficiency.
Crawford modernisation kits offer the opportunity to take advantage of the Crawford OH1042 without extensive building work.
ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems welcomed the Albany range of fabric and rigid high performance high-speed doors to the UK.
Broadening the available options in energy saving high speed doors aligns with market trends. Fast acting doors are increasingly popular for energy savvy businesses. The energy efficient Albany RR3000ISO, with its 40mm insulated panel opens at speeds up to 2.8 m/s. Fabric curtain roll doors offer opening speeds up to 3.2 m/s and can be used in almost any facility.
Specific application models have improved the capabilities of specialised operations; machine protection, conveyor and cleanroom doors have sold well in 2015.
Albany products are proving particularly popular in advanced manufacturing plants and pharmaceutical sites.
Reducing Downtime
Professional maintenance at regular intervals is vital to optimising uptime, and thereby improving efficiency. In 2015 ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems invested significantly in its dedicated training centre in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Year-round training courses for pedestrian and industrial door technicians are regular features, as are customer tours and design concept meetings.
Service
Service and maintenance schedules are no longer a niche. Around the clock repairs were performed throughout 2015 in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Record numbers of units under contract demonstrate that warehouse and logistics managers value preventive maintenance.
ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems’ is the largest dedicated door service engineer network in the UK, and all of the 100+ technicians have been kept busy. Reactive door repairs are expected to peak in December.
Innovation
The commitment to developing ever stronger solutions for entrances has been acknowledged by customers, the press and industry bodies. Our BIM portfolio helps architects design smarter facilities, and our models offer solutions for all entrances at the front, back and interior of a building.
ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems secured more EPD (environmental product declaration) certificates for a number of products, also. In August, ASSA ABLOY was listed in the Forbes “100 most innovative companies in the World”, for the third consecutive year.
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