Category: MIM

What will the automated sortation systems of the future be like?

Medir Lecha, CEO of MIM Group, analyzes this technology.

1. What are the latest trends in automated sortation systems for e-commerce?

At MIM Patchwork Service, we observe that trends in automated sortation for e-commerce focus on modular and customizable solutions, capable of quickly adjusting to peak demand without the need for oversizing infrastructure. These solutions optimize resources and operating costs and efficiently adapt to market fluctuations.

Constant innovation and digitalization are essential. Technologies such as Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), compatible with traditional systems, allow MIM Patchwork Service to cost-effectively improve intralogistics operations, especially in the initial stages of automation.

2. How do your automated sortation systems integrate with other warehouse management systems and technologies?

Our systems are custom-designed and developed for each client. They adapt to the required warehouse management software (WMS) and resource planning (ERP) and utilize communication technologies such as Web services. This flexibility facilitates interoperability and optimizes logistics, reducing errors and processing times.

This seamless integration between MIM Group’s automated systems and supply chain management platforms results in improved operational efficiency that supports business growth and competitiveness.

3. How flexible and scalable is your technology to adapt to changing customer needs and business growth?

MIM Patchwork Service’s automated sorting technology is characterized by its flexibility and scalability. It allows for rapid integration of new modules, thanks to modular systems and technologies such as ASi communication, which allow for quick and easy expansion. This facilitates adaptation to business changes and expansions.

Ultimately, our solutions evolve with customer needs while maintaining high standards of quality and service, making them reliable tools in an environment as dynamic as e-commerce.

4. How do you integrate artificial intelligence into your systems?

MIM Group already integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into its systems to optimize operations and maintenance. We use AI through our Robomap platform to analyze production data and machine history and improve predictive maintenance management, as it is connected to a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

AI enables proactive adjustments and optimizes performance. It keeps our customers at the forefront of process automation innovation and ensures greater efficiency and sustainability.

B2B and B2C

What is B2B?

B2B (business-to-business) is a business model in which one company sells a product or service to another company. The sales funnel is longer, as the purchasing process takes longer. The company offering the product or service acts as the supplier to the other company. In B2B, there are commercial participants on both sides, and the purchasing decision is based on a well-thought-out need and has a long-term impact on the company.

What is B2C?

In contrast, B2C (business-to-consumer) is a business model in which products are sold directly to the end consumer. B2C can include retail businesses such as digital platforms and physical stores, large supermarket chains, online entertainment platforms, etc. One characteristic of B2C is that it must attract many customers to achieve good sales results. In B2C, it’s based more on expectations than needs.

The differences between B2C and B2B:

Volume: The quantity of products purchased is usually much higher in B2B.

Vocabulary: B2B uses technical terms, while B2C uses familiar language.

Customer: B2B deals with one or more decision-makers; in contrast, in B2C, the relationship is individual.

Sales time: In B2B, face-to-face and online meetings are held to negotiate and present various solutions, while in B2C, the sale is usually immediate.

Pricing: B2B has a high level of negotiation, as the solution and the profits it will generate are valued (a margin is set, depending on the customer or the size of the order). However, in B2C, prices are usually set equally for all customers.

Activitiesà In B2B, presentations are prepared where the needs of the potential client are investigated, demonstrations of how the product or service works can be made, whereas in B2C, efforts are usually reduced for the client and the offer is presented directly.

MIM Group to Participate in Madrid’s Major Trade Shows: Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics & Automation

MIM Group is pleased to announce its participation in two of the most important events of the year in Madrid: Advanced Manufacturing (November 20-21) and Logistics & Automation (November 27-28), both at the IFEMA trade fair center.

Advanced Manufacturing: The Future of Industry 4.0

Advanced Manufacturing is the event that brings together pioneers in advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0. MIM Group will present its latest innovations in advanced manufacturing, demonstrating how its solutions can transform the efficiency and productivity of industrial operations. This trade show provides an opportunity to connect with other industry leaders, explore new technologies, and strengthen strategic alliances.

Logistics & Automation: Innovation in the Supply Chain

Logistics & Automation is the must-attend event for everyone involved in logistics and supply chain automation. MIM Group will be present to showcase its advanced logistics solutions that optimize every stage of the process. Your participation in this trade show is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how your innovative technologies can take logistics efficiency to new levels.

These trade shows represent an invaluable platform for MIM Group, allowing them to highlight their commitment to innovation and excellence in the industry.

THE CONCERN OVER INDUSTRIAL LAND

The logistics real estate sector in Spain is experiencing growth despite the economic challenges both in Spain and elsewhere. One current drawback is the lack of industrial land, which is a real problem for foreign companies looking to invest and for Spanish companies looking to expand. This surge in demand for industrial land skyrocketed in 2020 with COVID-19 and the growth of e-commerce, which led logistics real estate investors to choose to invest in warehouses and logistics centers. But why do national and international companies choose to have a logistics location in Spain?

Strategic Location and Competitive Advantages

Spain occupies a perfect strategic global logistics location, starting with the 8,000 km of coastline we have with access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This fact makes land transport a perfect combination with maritime transport, allowing access to all European countries. We are also located at the crossroads of major trade routes connecting Europe with the Americas and Africa.

It seems that companies are not fully aware that land is finite and that solutions to this problem will have to be found. We propose a couple without having to change location.

Vertical Solutions

Since horizontal expansion is experiencing challenges due to the lack of industrial land and its sky-high price, a possible solution to continue increasing the capacity of an industrial warehouse and thus continue growing globally without having to move warehouses would be to use vertical logistics. But what does a vertical logistics plant consist of?

We have different vertical logistics solutions:

Multi-platform centers / mezzanines à Creation of new floors in existing warehouses to generate more space for storage or intralogistics management.
Automation à Improving repetitive processes with technological tools to improve logistics efficiency.
Vertical shelving
Elevators and level conveyors
Overhead conveyors
Benefits of vertical logistics

Optimization of industrial space
Reduces surface area consumption by 35%
Option to reuse obsolete warehouses due to lack of space
Use of new technologies: robotics or automation.
It is more sustainable than building a new warehouse.

MIM AT LOGISTICS&AUTOMATION PORTO 2024

On April 17th and 18th, our company will be participating for the second time in Logistics&Automation Porto. The Logistics&Automation trade fair is one of the largest meeting points for logistics professionals in Portugal, encompassing four sectors: Warehousing and Equipment, Intralogistics and Supply, Robotics and Automation, and Traceability and Services.

Download tickets via the button or QR code!

Ticket

Stay tuned to our social media, blog, or newsletter where we’ll give you more information about what MIM Group will be presenting at the trade fair!

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Types of Picking in a Logistics Warehouse

What is it?

Picking involves the manual or automatic collection of materials from the warehouse. This picking is based on a customer order, a purchase order, or a production line requirement.

What does it consist of?

Picking focuses on the accuracy and efficiency of product selection. This means, first, that products are prepared without errors in the contents, and second, that order consolidation takes as little time as possible. This requires first an efficient storage system and optimizing picking so that, with the help of various tools such as automated goods movement, RFID tunnels, and WMS (Warehouse Management System), customer demand can be met.

Types of Picking

Wave picking: In this case, the picking process is divided into two phases. First, all products are collected and placed on picking shelves, sorted by type. In a second stage, orders are packed and packaged individually. Zone picking involves dividing the collection of items into different locations, arranged according to product characteristics (such as characteristics, demand level, etc.). In zone picking, several orders are prepared at once. In this process, items are placed in containers until the order is complete and ready to be shipped. This process is controlled by the order number.
Pick-to-light. This is a technique in which products are stored in boxes based on order demand. These boxes have a device that lights up when the item is added to the order in process, thus optimizing product selection efficiency and accuracy.
Pick-to-voice. This is an auditory device that gives order picking instructions to the operator, who has both hands and eyes free with this system.
Both pick-to-light and pick-to-voice are used in warehouses where there are no space limitations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, picking can be done in a traditional or more modern way. Regardless of the method, it is a key element in the supply chain. If warehouse picking is implemented well, it will increase speed within the supply chain. Whether picking is implemented in a more modern way or not will depend on the type of products being handled, the characteristics of the warehouse, and the intensity of the workload.

Cybersecurity

What is it?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, software applications, critical systems, and data from potential digital threats. Cybersecurity ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and resources in the digital world.

Threats and How to Respond

Below, we’ll list some threats that appear in e-commerce:

Such as phishing, direct requests for small payments via email or other methods such as SMS, smishing, or phone, vishing.

Ransomware is common in companies, where this virus acts by encrypting documents and data, demanding a ransom.

Another more common threat, also among users, is identity theft on social media.

Due to the aforementioned threats and many others, online businesses must comply with regulations that protect website customers, such as the protection of personal data, known as the General Data Protection Regulation, or, for example, the protection of bank card data, known as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.

Breaking regulations can result in severe fines, as well as the loss of customers and business partners.

Use of current technologies

The use of Blockchain in cybersecurity, providing greater transparency and security in digital sales documents. For example, anonymous online customers carry out a cryptocurrency transaction, which means that the use of Blockchain facilitates commercial transactions.

Outsourcing

Maintenance outsourcing is a common practice in most large and medium-sized companies as a way to delegate work to external companies specializing in maintenance services, whether corrective, preventive, or predictive.

Outsourcing is possible with a prior analysis of the service. It consists of analyzing the maintenance structure, production, and its process. This is done to determine which jobs, equipment, or subprocesses can be delegated to external companies. When outsourcing, the following must be taken into account: price, resources and human talent, quality, management control, and delivery times.

Thanks to this analysis, a provider with experience, good technology, and a sound financial position will be chosen.

Advantages

If the company needs a maintenance service provider, what advantages arise from outsourcing tasks? First of all, it raises the bar by hiring predictive and preventive maintenance. Furthermore, machine maintenance tasks are supervised by the contracted expert, and the services are performed by experts specialized in the maintenance task to be performed.

Conclusion

Maintenance outsourcing can be implemented if necessary, according to the manufacturer’s specifications or your own customized requirements. Finally, contracting a maintenance service is usually done in the case of highly specialized maintenance.