JLT in-cab PC automates weighing at British Sugar

CC Software Ltd (CCSL) has selected the ultra rugged JLT in-vehicle computer for its real-time LOAD2000 system for weighing loads without the need for a weighbridge. Supplied by JLT Mobile Computers' partner Rugged Mobile Systems Ltd, the fixed-mount PC is installed within the cab of a front-end wheeled loader to provide the mobile platform for CCSL's advanced wireless weighing system that utilises state of the art onboard weigh scales from RDS Technology. The LOAD2000

system will be used for British Sugar's TOPSOIL business. It will provide a wireless live link between its topsoil site in Wissington, Norfolk, and its beet processing plant, situated 2 miles away. British Sugar TOPSOIL is derived from prime arable soils, delivered with the sugar beet crop to its four factories. The soil is recovered and conditioned on-site, and over the last 10 years, TOPSOIL has established itself as the largest supplier of quality topsoil in the UK.

The touch-screen PC-based system provides a range of efficiency and safety enhancements. These include the accurate and automatic recording of each bucket load as it is transferred to the truck and real-time communications of jobs to the loader operator, which reduces the amount of time spent out of the loader on a busy yard. Trucks do not need to travel to and from weighbridges - this normally entails driving to the weighbridge to weigh the empty truck, driving to the site to pick up the loads, and then travelling back to the weighbridge for final weighing - which reduces road miles, thereby improving fleet efficiency.

CC Software Ltd (CCSL) selects the ultra rugged JLT in-vehicle computer.

Utilising the latest in MESH wireless networking operating in the 5GHz range to provide long-range, high-availability data communications, the system provides a live link to corporate systems enabling instant updates and the ability to issue invoices without manual data entry. This reduces paperwork and streamlines accounting processes. In addition, truck drivers receive a printed receipt detailing the nature of the load and its precise weight as soon as loading is completed.

Two TOPSOIL products are sold
Landscape20 is a fully-analysed and compliant to BS3882:2007, sandy loam, TOPSOIL. It is ideal for general landscaping projects such as seeding, turfing and planting.

Sports10 is a unique blend of sand, silt and clay, specifically developed as a cost-effective dressing for soil based winter sports fields. Fully-analysed and free of perennial weeds this specialist product has been designed for the professional groundsman to apply either by hand or mechanical spreader. 

According to Rugged Mobile Systems the JLT fixed-mount PCs is ideal for CCSL's LOAD2000 weighing solution. "The fully sealed integral PC and touch screen unit is a good choice for this application as it provides a range of benefits - ruggedness, ease of use, works off any on-vehicle power source, and the screen provides a clear user interface under any light conditions," said Ges Jones, Director, Rugged Mobile Systems. 

For further information, e-mail: mark.muslek@cmc.org.uk or view website: www.jltmobile.co.uk Refer to page 175

Terra Technology's groundbreaking Transportation Forecasting solution

Terra Technology, provider of innovative supply chain solutions for consumer products companies, recently introduced Terra's newest solution, Transportation Forecasting. This addition to Terra's demand sensing portfolio provides transportation and warehouse planners lane-level visibility of promotions and other demand, enabling planners to proactively reserve capacity rather than scrambling to find carriers for orders already on hand.

According to Robert Byrne, CEO, Terra Technology, "Transportation planning is the next big savings opportunity for consumer products companies. Terra's Transportation Forecasting brings the visibility and rigour of finished goods planning to transportation planning, providing visibility into promotions and capacity issues and enabling manufacturers to create a proactive transportation plan rather than solely reacting to orders. Planning rather than reacting improves efficiency and lowers costs."

Today, transportation managers rely on the orders they have in hand to plan shipments. Because they do not have systematic, lane-level visibility into when a promotion is planned, they cannot schedule for the spike in demand. This increases transportation costs significantly and results in emergency shipments rushing around the country to meet demand. 

Adrian Gonzalez, Director, Logistics Viewpoints for ARC Advisory Group, discussed Terra's solutions. "Innovation in logistics is about addressing the white spaces that currently exist in business processes and software solutions. One of these white spaces is the disconnect that exists between demand planning and transportation and warehousing processes. Transportation procurement, mode selection and labour planning are all constrained by not having visibility into actual and forecast demand. This is especially true when promotions are involved. The net result is missed opportunities for cost savings and productivity improvements. The new Transportation Forecasting solution from Terra Technology addresses this white space and complements existing TMS and WMS solutions." 

Key Benefits of Transportation Forecasting
1) Visibility into promotions enables transportation planning to contract transport to match the demand plan rather than react to orders on hand. 2) Analysis of network changes provides more accurate strategic sourcing, increases efficiency and saves natural resources. 3) Integration with transportation and warehouse management systems provides insight into capacity issues and resources required, increasing advance reservations and decreasing spot buying. 4) Better visibility improves carrier collaboration and intermodal use, aligning reservations with demand planning forecast and not just matching orders.

Terra Technology in profile
Terra Technology is a provider of innovative supply chain solutions for consumer products companies. Terra's solutions use downstream data like POS to improve supply chain performance, reducing forecast error by up to 50% and inventory by up to 20%. More accurate forecasts save money, lower inventory, improve customer service and decrease waste. Some of the world's largest consumer packaged goods companies, with the world's most popular brands, use Terra, including Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Kraft Foods, Kimberly-Clark, ConAgra Foods and Campbell Soup.

For further information, view website: www.terratechnology.com or e-mail: mary.fields@terratechnology.com

Commitment to quality leads to ISO 9001 certification for Vale Pack Ltd

Grantham based packaging company, Vale Pack Ltd, is proud to announce it has received certification to the international quality management system standard, ISO 9001:2008.

The certification means that both customers and suppliers will continue to benefit through its ongoing commitment to quality management systems and will ensure that their requirements are met promptly and accurately.

Robert Boucher, managing director at Vale Pack, commented: "The quality of our products and level of service given to our clients has always been paramount to us and we wanted to prove this by going through the ISO 9001 assessment process. The achievement of the certification cements our ongoing commitment to addressing regulatory requirements and continually striving for improvements in performance."

Picture shows: (from left to right): Harvey Gilbert - Operations Manager, Rowena Perrott - General Manager and Robert Boucher - Managing Director.

Vale Pack is a converter of stretch wrap and pre-stretch wrap - through Vale Pack Ltd and pre-stretched wrap - through the brand MicroWrap www.microwrap.co.uk It also manufacturers corrugated cardboard boxes and supplies a range of other packaging materials through its Boxtopia brand. 

Vale Pack Ltd is a converter and manufacturer of stretch wrap films including MicroWrap, which is a pre-stretched film supplied already stretched to the end of its elasticity making it consistent and offering improved load stability as well as a saving of 30% over non stretched film. To find out more please visit www.valepack.co.uk.

Boxtopia has been manufacturing corrugated cardboard boxes and supplying a wide range of other packaging materials for over 10 years. The company specialises in short run boxes, bespoke cardboard boxes and die-cut boxes, whilst the range of other packaging materials includes adhesive tape and accessories, wrapping and cushioning materials and void-fill. 

For further information, view website: www.valepack.co.uk and website: www.boxtopia.co.uk