News
Ancra Systems is always on the move. Here you can read the latest news about our innovations, projects and the exhibitions we are attending.
Please also see our list of publications in print media in our Ancra press coverage list.
Integration of automatic truck loading with compact pallet storage-/sorting system increases efficiency significantly
Truck loading and unloading specialist Ancra Systems have introduced together with VTSK Systems a fully automatic compact solution to store, sort, buffer and Load / Unload pallets. This is done by the integration of an Ancra truck loading system combined with the OptilogX system produced by VTSK. In this way a very compact and flexible system with high throughput was created.
Due to combining both systems around 160 pallets can be sorted, buffered and loaded per hour, which amounts to approximately 5 trailers. The system can be easily modified with extensions.
The combined systems can dispatch different pallet types or other load carriers in varying load patterns.
The OptilogX itself is a very compact pallet storage- and sortation system. While the Ancra system can be integrated in the OptilogX, the combination does not require additional placings.
The combination is particularly appropriate for warehouse operations with middle to high volumes (1000 – 4000 pallets per day) combined with shuttle transport. Additionally it creates big advantages for cross-docking purposes, whereas the system can be used for intake and dispatch.
Jasper van den Driest, managing director Ancra Systems, about the cooperation: ‘The combination of both systems constitutes a very interesting solution for clients.’ Dennis van der Dussen, sales director VTSK Systems, adds: ‘Both the OptilogX system as the loading and unloading systems are proven techniques. Furthermore, coupling the systems turned out to be technically easy and therefore cost efficient.’
In addition to the developments above, Ancra Systems are currently working on a new fully automated loading system that does not require any modifications to the trailer. Ancra expects to introduce this loading system mid 2011 and plans to integrate it with the OptilogX system too. This will create an even more increase in scope.
The launch of this technical and commercial cooperation starts at the Prologistics 2010 exhibition on September 29th and 30th in Brussels where Ancra and VTSK will share a stand.
Ancra Systems publishes a White Paper on the topic "How automated truck loading can contribute to optimizing the supply chain". This is a technology information that presents automated truck loading and unloading systems objectively and includes for example advantages and disadvantages over alternative technologies such as manual loading or AGV's.
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We cordially invite you to visit us at the fair LogiMAT 2010, which will take place from March 2-4 at the new exhibition center at Stuttgart Airport, Germany. Ancra Systems B.V. will be participating as co-exhibitor of Westfalia on stand number 904, hall 1.
Ancra Systems will present the advantages of the new cooperation together with their partner in Germany; Westfalia. We will be at your disposal to inform you comprehensively and respond to your questions and suggestions.
Ancra Systems and Westfalia are looking forward to welcoming you at LogiMAT 2010! Please send us an for an appointment with the sales team.
Westfalia, specialists in complete logistic systems with software integration and Ancra Systems, experts in automated truck loading and unloading systems, have formed a long-term strategic partnership in the scope of automated loading and unloading for the German market. By combining the competency of both companies, an extended and optimized solution for an automated supply chain can be offered to customers of Westfalia. The cooperation will be introduced at the fair LogiMat in Stuttgart, Germany.
Borgholzhausen / Boxtel in February 2010 – The two companies join their technical know-how in the area of automated loading and unloading with the new cooperation. With Ancra Systems, Westfalia has won the expert and European market leader as a competent and experienced partner for automated truck loading systems. Thus, the customers of Westfalia can be offered five standardized automated truck loading and unloading systems for different load carriers in addition to the internal logistics systems and the hitherto already offered Westfalia belt conveyor system. Ancra Systems wins with Westfalia a strong, well-known partner in Germany that possesses extensive technical know-how and an ample network for customer service and support in Germany.
“Our cooperation with Ancra Systems enhances our capabilities and capacities in the field of automated truck loading and we are able to offer a technically optimized solution to our customers” says Willi Weiden, Area Manager West at Westfalia. Jasper van den Driest, Managing Director of Ancra Systems adds: “The market knowledge and expertise in automated truck loading, which Westfalia already possesses provide optimal conditions for a successful cooperation in Germany. This is a positive step forward for both Westfalia and Ancra Systems and the customers obtain advantages through the conjunction and expert knowledge of both companies”. Westfalia customers can profit from a broader product range for automated truck loading and unloading and Ancra Systems customers are offered competent local service through the Westfalia network.
A joint exhibit at the fair LogiMat in Stuttgart, Germany will be used as a start for the cooperation. On Wednesday, March 3 2010 the management of both companies will be present at the stand between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and are available to answer questions. The joint stand is located in hall 1, stand number 904.
Picture: Andreas Gartemann, Jasper van den Driest, Matthias Upmeyer
Rising energy prices and political guidelines have attracted the notice to providers of cold chain logistics to the needs for increased energy-efficiency. Automated truck loading systems can substantially reduce the cooling losses during the loading and unloading process. Therefore, those systems can contribute to the sustainable and efficient energy management in temperature-controlled transport.
Automated truck loading systems are used predominately for shuttle transport where loading times play an important role. Conventional truck loading or unloading with fork lift trucks takes on average 30 minutes. With automated systems, the loading times can be reduced to just approx. 2 minutes.
Due to unnecessary long truck waiting times at the dock and open gates the interface between trailer and dock is often the cause of energy loss. Furthermore, it is often the weakest link in an uninterrupted cold chain.
Ancra Systems have developed a system which is designed and engineered in accordance with the highest standards and regulations required for deep-frozen products. Inflatable shelters are installed at the dock to prevent circulation of open air when the trailer is docked to the loading or unloading system. In addition, an automatic bridge swings down closing the gap between the trailer and the docking system. A special chill proof enclosure including a control unit enables the truck driver to control the loading and unloading process without being exposed to the freezing environment. Special wiring is used to maintain flexibility in low temperatures up to - 25 ° Celsius (- 13 ° Fahrenheit).
The minimization of cooling loss as well as the heavily reduced loading and truck waiting times contributes to an increase in efficiency. Therefore, not only are energy costs reduced through substantial savings of energy, it also increases profit for the customer and the environment.
The importance of energy-efficiency will augment in the future. For this reason, automated truck loading systems within the scope of professional energy management can constitute a competitive advantage in cold chain logistics.
Ancra Systems has several patents pending. To protect the technological innovations on a national and international level, the company collaborated with the Dutch Patent Office. Recently, the Dutch Patent Office asked Jasper van den Driest, Managing Director of Ancra Systems, to share the experiences of the collaboration at an expert panel discussion at their Autumn Event 2009. Furthermore, they created a video in which Jasper provides an insight into Ancra Systems technology and the importance of patents for the business.
Click here to view the video (in Dutch).