While the term ‘digital twin’ tends to be widely used and abused nowadays, there are still very few examples of the concept itself being put into practice. Rather than being a simulation model, a digital twin is actually a tool that automatically controls processes, systems or even complete warehouses. In the first article in this series of two, Dirk Becks (from Groenewout) and Dirk-Jan Moens and Steven Hamoen (both from Talumis) explained what exactly...

While the term ‘digital twin’ tends to be widely used and abused nowadays, there are still very few examples of the concept itself being put into practice. What most people refer to as a ‘digital twin’ is often actually nothing more than a simulation model like the ones we have been using for years. So what is a digital twin exactly? Dirk Becks (from Groenewout) and Dirk-Jan Moens and Steven Hamoen (both from Talumis)...

On 11 September 2001, a series of terrorist attacks in the USA shocked the world. Since then, security standards have been tightened across the globe, especially in international supply chains. However, 20 years on from the attacks, the situation is still far from clear for many organizations in the logistics sector. Two security experts  explain how companies can translate today’s security standards into concrete requirements for their own warehouse security. Read more (in Dutch only)  

  Automating the order picking process means making choices. One such choice is whether to ship the products in boxes or plastic crates. That decision is often influenced by various practical considerations and is sometimes even made based on what’s already available in the warehouse. Many companies underestimate the impact of this choice on their logistics operation. In this sixth and final part of the series on smart warehousing, Dirk Becks, outlines the key factors that...

Many companies are curious about the potential of collaborative robots (cobots) in logistics, but there have only been a limited number of real-life implementations so far. In this fifth part in a series of articles about smart warehousing, Dirk Becks, Senior Consultant at Groenewout, discusses the differences between conventional robots and cobots. The article also explores the advantages and disadvantages of each solution and the bottleneck for both of them. Would you like to know more about...

When it comes to logistics real estate, how does the Netherlands measure up against its neighbors? Is there still land available for the construction of logistics real estate? Does the country have enough space (and societal support) for new e-commerce facilities? And what about the costs and regulations – are they on a par with those in neighboring countries? Nederland Distributieland took a closer look based on a number of factors and spoke to various experts,...

Many logistics businesses believe that the remedy to theft and loss is a large and complex access control system, supported by security cameras and visitor/intruder detection systems. But is this really the case, or are they too focused on managing incidents? Groenewout regularly sees companies implementing solutions in response to incidents. According to Groenewout, that can often result in a false sense of security. The way to avoid this is to develop a carefully...

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are on the verge of a breakthrough, as they are increasingly regarded as an effective alternative for traditional conveyor and sorting systems. In this fourth installment in a series of articles about smart warehousing, Dirk Becks, Senior Consultant at Groenewout, explains which factors are driving the breakthrough and what to look out for when purchasing AMRs. This article was published  on Logistiek.nl in February 2021. Click here to read the article on Logistiek.nl if...

Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) for small items of stock are rapidly gaining ground. They have a relatively small footprint and combine quality and productivity with flexibility and scalability. In the second part (click here) of the series on smart warehousing, Dirk Becks explained what makes shuttle systems, autonomous mobile robot (AMR) systems and cubic storage systems so ideal for smart logistics facilities. This third instalment explores how the various systems impact on the distribution center. What are...

New technologies are opening up new opportunities for smart warehousing – resulting in not only lower costs, but also faster and more flexible processes. But how can you start making your warehouses ‘smarter’? In the second in a series of six articles, Dirk Becks explains what makes shuttle systems, autonomous mobile robot (AMR) systems and cubic storage systems so ideal for smart warehousing. To read Dirk’s previous article, which outlines which factors to consider when choosing...