< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT Let’s get digital The full digitalisation of logistics is imminent as smart systems, data analytics, AI, automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) take hold of the sector, making supply chains more agile. With more data available now than ever before and AI ready to process it, end to end visibility in the supply chain is achievable. In the IoT all objects are connectable and can pass on information on their condition to trigger reactions in other devices, creating huge possibilities in the industry, including intelligent warehouses where equipment and goods divulge information on their status, location and condition. In transport, information on delivery status becomes highly accurate as IoT sensors in parcels and containers allow GPS tracking. In vehicles from trucks to ships, sensors can collect information on a variety of factors from vibration to fluid levels, acceleration, fuel consumption and wear factors that can be monitored by AI programmes to indicate ways to optimise fleets and reduce maintenance costs, even suggesting proactive maintenance to be completed to prevent costly breakdowns. With further data obtainable on weather, traffic and other factors, real time route optimisation comes into play to keep freight on the best possible route to meet expected arrival times, reduce fuel consumption All change As we sit in a period of transformation, environmentalism and technological breakthroughs, the logistics and transport industry stands at the precipice of change. 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 09:30 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 31 LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT and driver hours. AI can also access online shopping data to predict demand - enabling anticipatory shipping - as well as supply shortages. Customer data on shopping habits can see purchases predicted so that stock is made available as close to the customer as possible prior to purchase, permitting high in demand services such as same day and same hour delivery. The role of AI in logistics also includes the utilisation of robotics. A major trend in logistics, robots are working safely alongside staff by for example guiding them to inventory areas, validating picked items and moving them to packing stations. Robots like these have been helpful in making operations more flexible, where fleets of intelligent robotics can be used to upscale and downscale operations for instance during peak holiday periods to manage inventory. Robots are being developed continuously to take over repetitive tasks wherever possible. One area under development is trailer and container unloading - image recognition technology and progress with robotic arms, their sensors and grippers are set to allow robots to find parcels, assess their shape and decide the best unloading order. 32 Á 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 09:31 Page 232 Business Link www.blmforum.net LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT The wider use of robotics and AI is hoped to be helpful in fighting the current unparalleled labour and skills shortage in the industry. While sixty-four per cent of transport and storage businesses face significant skills shortages and existing employees get closer to retirement age, only eight per cent of 11-20-year olds in the UK find the prospect of a career in logistics appealing, according to a poll from Talent in Logistics. Though the UK is facing a shortage of 50,000 drivers and is in dire need of more warehouse staff, amongst the most difficult employees to recruit are software engineers. A report from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and Statista indicates that twenty-three per cent of logistics companies find it hard to recruit the tech talent. Thus while robots and AI are hoped to help the industry, a lack of skilled professionals ready to support these may see their potential ability to alleviate the pressure of the recruitment crisis limited. Augmenting workers Another key trend in logistics is seeing human workers not replaced but augmented. Exoskeletons are being explored to offer support and help improve health and safety by for example reducing repetitive strain injuries while improving an employee’s strength to move more goods, easier. Helping workers surpass physical boundaries, this could be especially useful for older members of the logistics workforce. Other wearables such as smart glasses and AR goggles are allowing employees to intelligently understand their surroundings with additional information © Shutterstock /Connect world 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 09:31 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT in their view. This enables vision picking, makes operations handsfree and takes eyes away from distracting screens which could lead to accidents. With smart glasses, workers can receive information while giving voice commands to scan barcodes or take photos. Smart glasses can be used to support picking by helping workers navigate growing warehouses to find picking points, indicating the best route to take, and presenting a digital checklist of work orders. AR can also help when sorting items on pallets, indicating the best sorting order by fragility and weight to avoid damage and fully utilise pallet size, and help when loading trucks containing items of varying shapes to make full use of truck capacity. The potential of AR extends further to driving where windshields could be used as heads up displays projecting information. New modes of transportation Self-driving trucks have been on the menu for some time and thanks to advancements in AI, sensors and vision technology, likelihood of adoption is increasing. AGVs including self-driving forklifts have of course already established themselves in logistics in controlled environments, like warehouses and yards, but the integration of AGVs out in public spaces, on roads, has been limited. Self-driving lorry convoys are set to undergo rigorous testing on UK and European roads. Human drivers are to sit in a lead vehicle, followed by self-driving vehicles controlled by an application with the driver, allowing the main vehicle to control the actions, i.e. the acceleration and braking, of the others. Challenges remain for this technology however, including the interaction between platoons and junctions, acceptance by the public and government regulation. Hope for autonomous trucks can be seen with Volvo’s Vera truck, which has no driver’s cab and utilises onboard cameras and a 3D laser map of its surroundings. The truck took its first assignment in 2019 to transport goods from a logistics centre to a port terminal in Sweden. The truck is to be developed further before becoming fully operational. Drones meanwhile continue to infiltrate the sector for stock picking, pallet moving, and small parcel delivery. The global drone logistics and transportation market, which generated over $24 million in revenue in 2018, is to grow to $1.6 billion in 2027 according to The Insight Partners, and The National Aeronautical Centre predicts forty-two per cent of logistics providers are planning to use drone tech in distribution. At present drones are used for purposes such as security and inventory management. They have also however been identified as the answer to consumer demand for quick and instant deliveries. As the technology is developed further, to accommodate longer distances and heavier loads, and security is strengthened to avoid hacking, drones have great potential. First though, drones must face regulatory barriers for use in public areas. Also set to change the face of transport logistics is continued environmental concern, as consumers and companies seek a more circular supply chain and Clean Air Zones come into effect. With seven per cent of global CO2 emissions related to freight transport, according to the International Transport Forum, emission free transport has become a USP. As more renewable energy sources become available and viable, the Freight Transport Association is pushing for policy to support the development of alternatively fuelled vehicles to transition the industry away from diesel vehicles. Electric lorries represent one option, however many companies have highlighted concerns over how the battery technology reduces driving distance, causing delays for recharging. Primarily then, the usefulness of electric vehicles is for short, urban journeys. In long distance applications, natural gas and hydrogen fuel cells are up for consideration. Natural gas vehicles have hit the market, offering less GHG emissions, NOx emissions and reducing costs. In adopting alternative energy sources, a key problem is the underdeveloped infrastructure required to keep the vehicles fuelled on journeys. While electric charging stations are rising, this is not the case for hydrogen and natural gas options. Until fleets can be refuelled wherever a vehicle is on its journey, the growing adoption of alternative fuels will be stunted. 30-33.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 09:31 Page 4T he beginning of a new calendar year brings with it the opportunity for businesses and company owners to stop and take stock and look towards the year ahead. The process of looking back and evaluating the last twelve months can yield valuable insight into the trading period, highlighting successes and areas where improvements can be made. From this, businesses can make changes and avoid repeating the same mistakes and ensure greater productivity, efficiency and profitability. One of the changes that can yield the biggest impact is by swapping suppliers. Although it’s easy to remain with a supplier out of a misplaced sense of loyalty, a poor supplier can not only be costing a company time, but also money. At a time when uncertainly continues to affect the whole sector, companies simply cannot afford to let a subpar supplier drag them down. A company is only as good as its suppliers, with their end products dependent on the raw material and ingredients that they purchase. It serves to follow, then, that a company that is reliant on subpar suppliers will be unable to achieve its full potential and profitability. There are several understandable reasons why a company would remain with mediocre suppliers, other than loyalty, and that’s from the need to trim back supply chain costs and run a leaner operation. However, using cheap suppliers for cheapness sake can be counterproductive and, conversely, end up costing a company in the long run. While loyalty is a powerful motivator, the lack of any meaningful relationship with a supplier can also be good grounds to look elsewhere. It only takes a visit to any of the shows and exhibitions taking place across our region to see the strength of these relationships in action. If a company head feels as though they’re getting the cold shoulder from 34 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEW YEAR, NEW SUPPLIER A new start This year, Business Link is calling on businesses to inspect their supply chain, examine each and every one of their suppliers and ask themselves a simple question – am I getting the absolute best? If not, then now is the time to change. © Shutterstock /William Potter 34-35.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 09:32 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 35 NEW YEAR, NEW SUPPLIER any of their suppliers, then it’s worth considering a replacement. It can seem as though it’s easier remaining with a supplier so as not to upset the status quo, but that attitude can be costly to a company, especially in this economic climate. Finding a new supplier can be well and truly transformative, whether it’s for raw ingredients or machinery, the difference from supplier-to-supplier can be startling. For example, one supplier of machinery and equipment might just want to squeeze a company for all they’ve got and supply a piece of top end machinery for the sake of it. However, a supplier that you’ll want on your wide will take the time to get to know a company and its operations and offer a machine that’s best suited to a company’s production and processing needs, rather than the most expensive. They might also be able to offer a bespoke option which, while not the cheapest, ensures a company gets a tailor-made solution designed to meet their exact needs and specifications. Having quality supplies can literally mean the difference between hitting profits and not, of using the very best ingredients and something mediocre. The importance of good suppliers cannot be overstated, but it’s also important not to lose sight of how bad, or even middling, suppliers can affect a business. So, this New Year, make it your resolution to find the right suppliers for you. Oscars success for Market Deeping-based agency Lincolnshire’s own Secret Source Marketing has made some big connections across the pond as the agency supplying goody bags for next year’s Academy Awards celebrations. The Market Deeping-based digital marketing agency was recently tasked with hunting down interesting, consumer-focussed projects for the iconic awards ceremony, taking place in L.A. in February 2020. Founded by Nick Carlson and Paul De’ath in 2015, Secret Source uses a combination of digital marketing, content, social creation, graphic design and marketing tools to help businesses grow. However, as a young business in 2016, Mr Carlson reached out to the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub to help his own business scale-up. Along with providing him with guidance and advice, his Growth Hub Adviser pointed him in the direction of useful mentoring schemes and helped the business to avoid the pitfalls that many start-ups face. “Our adviser was excellent,” he said. “She understood the challenges of a new business and helped us to navigate the obstacles we faced on the path to growth.” However, increased turnover and a bigger team aren’t the only signs that their hard work is paying off. Word of the agency’s brand management skills reached a connection in Hollywood, who asked them for help sourcing items to use in the famous Oscar goody bags. As a Lincolnshire agency, Secret Source felt it was important for businesses across the county be included. “We’d love to see Lincolnshire businesses represented on a global stage,” Mr Carlson explained. “We have some fantastic businesses across the county and the Growth Hub is there to help them be more successful. Why wouldn’t you seek their support?!” How can the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub help your business to grow? Get in touch and find out by visiting www.businesslincolnshire.com/contact. © Shutterstock /Monkey Business Images 34-35.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 09:32 Page 236 Business Link www.blmforum.net CORPORATE HOSPITALITY A more adventurous event A corporate event may involve employees, clients, stakeholders, the public or charities. One may be looking to improve relationships, grow sales, launch new products, boost company reputation or raise funds. No matter what your aim or audience, events have quickly become a key marketing tool, a driver of business. As we spend more time behind our desks, shooting emails back and forth, an event providing face-to-face contact has become a special occasion. However, many companies fall into the trap of organising a rather stale event, regurgitating what has been done for decades. Today’s delegates are seeking a lasting experience, something engaging - it’s time to reimagine the conference, expo, dinner, meeting or networking event. So, what new trends are impacting the corporate event industry and how are businesses breathing life into their events? In the past simply running an event smoothly and selling enough tickets made it a success, but now a closer focus on ROI and the experience one provides guests have come to the forefront. Valuable venues Venue choice can have a major impact on the decision to attend an event. Therefore providing a location that is different and exciting can boost numbers. The right place should add to an event and more than ever businesses are seeking unusual spaces that depart from overdone traditional choices, such as hotels, to make a lasting impression, give attendees something to talk about and make them more likely to discuss the event after it’s over. Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are home to a wide variety of novel event venues including museums, galleries, historic halls and homes, wildlife parks, aquariums, aircraft hangars, converted industrial spaces like mills, racetracks, themed bars and more. If you do prefer a hotel, which are often more well versed in corporate events than many other venue types, utilise the spaces they have on offer to the fullest. While a hotel might seem antiquated in comparison to rarer spots, the dining/ballroom area is not always the only space available. Look into their rooftops for example. Providing a fine view and a more free flowing feel, the roof is less clinical and more memorable. The business that can think outside of traditional expectations Today, more is expected from corporate events. A unique venue or use of interactive technology can vastly enhance attendee experience. 38 Á A more adventurous event 36-39.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 09:34 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 37 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY 36-39.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 09:34 Page 2CORPORATE HOSPITALITY will create the most enticing, Instagram-able and Tweet-able event - an unforgettable experience that raises the profile of your business. The integration of social media and likelihood that attendees will be looking to snap a shot of an event to promote their own attendance means that event planners must consider how every aspect, whether that be the table, food or room, looks and consider how they will position their branding and perhaps that of sponsors. One different way to do this is with dessert branding. A chocolate on top of a cupcake for instance may feature your logo. Considering food further, taking advantage of unique options can help rejuvenate an event. One might turn away from a traditional catered dinner and provide a meal, trays or sliders featuring artisan goodies. Looking local and promoting that fact can also add extra value to an event. One must not however forget the importance of selecting a venue that attendees can reach easily, with either ample parking for those driving, strong transport links or hotel choices if the event will be taking people out of their usual city of work. The venue should also be able to cater to accessibility requirements. Tackling new technology When attending events, delegates no longer simply want to be talked at, they desire a deeper level of involvement. With technology one can make a real impact, boosting engagement and interaction at events. Mobile technology in particular has widened the potential to connect to delegates. Let’s consider a conference. Live polling apps are allowing crowds to give instant feedback while, completely changing up expectations, “silent conferences” have come into play where multiple speakers present at the same time in the same space and attendees, wearing special headphones, can switch between channels to choose a speaker. Apps are also being personalised and branded to a company and this does not have to be a difficult task with apps already existing that can be customised to look as though they have been created just for one specific event. The app could be used for securing tickets, organising the event agenda, surveying delegates or more. Smart wearable technology is also entering 36-39.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 09:34 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 39 the corporate event space with smart badges and wristbands among these. By touching two wristbands together, attendees can share information to retrieve later through an app. Streamlining the sharing of contact details and enhancing networking at an event in this way will make the follow up of leads easier. Wearables can also capture a wealth of data at all times such as where the most footfall occurs and where the most interaction takes place to consider engagement levels - whether a particular booth is gaining the most interest at a convention can be discovered for example. Footfall maps created by these can also be used to find any problems in real time to resolve say congestion or move obstacles preventing movement. Similarly companies are now using radio frequency identification (RFID) and anonymised facial recognition camera tracking technology to track attendee movements to be used to adjust environment and layout as necessary. Projection mapping is another technology being used in events, to brighten up rooms - the augmented reality experience uses projectors that produce images on a surface, turning anything into an interactive 3D display. One might use this for general visual interest, taking advantage of optical illusions, or to project social medial walls or maps of convention booths. This technology allows one to really customise a room to create a distinctive experience that doesn't force you to try and physically alter a venue. If going “all out” in venue design one might also consider responsive flooring to interact with delegates in a new way - use projection or, for those with wider budgets, LED floor tiles. Flooring is often overlooked at an event so why not be one of the first businesses in your circle to use it to your advantage? Of course in organising an innovative event one must make sure it fits a business’s ethos, style and personality as well as that of your audience - you don't want to alienate them after all. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of our Fitness Suite, Exercise Classes, Sauna, Steam Rooms and Squash Courts during their stay with us. Bargate 53 Restaurant, brasserie and bar area offer residents and non-residents a choice of freshly prepared dishes using locally sourced, quality ingredients. Millfields Hotel, 53 Bargate, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN34 5AD Tel: 01472 356068 Email: info@millfieldshotel.co.uk www.millfieldshotel.co.uk With 27 well appointed Bedrooms, a Restaurant with A la Carte menu and a Bar offering a range of Guest Ales and Bar Meals as well as a Gym with Sauna, Wireless Internet Access and Free Onsite Car Parking, Millfields Hotel is always a great choice for Business or Pleasure all year round. 36-39.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2019 09:34 Page 4Next >