NEWS & INSIGHTS #44
If you missed our blog posts, or simply have been too busy at work, below you will find our latest articles to catch up with the news from the industry. Enjoy them as you're enjoying your coffee!
Marine, Ports & Logistics
Ultra-Brag AG and Haeger&Schmidt Logistics equip their container line 'Blue Arrow Line' with the latest 5G reefer monitoring technology from Identec Solutions to improve the customer experience. The two logistics specialists are innovating Rhine freight and terminal operations with automated 24/7 reefer container monitoring 'Reefer Runner 5G'.
What if every watt a reefer unit consumed was as visible as the trail they leave in the global cold chain? The picture might not be as cool as the cargo. Reefers are essential to the cold chain, but their use comes with a significant operating cost: energy consumption. From older models that guzzle a lot of power to newer units optimised for efficiency, the energy requirements of reefer containers remain a pressing challenge for terminal operators and shipping companies alike.
This article explains how IoT can revolutionise energy management for reefer operations. Real-time information, predictive maintenance and advanced technologies such as machine learning powered by IoT solutions enable energy costs to be reduced without compromising performance.
Smart Factory
Efficient storage and retrieval are at the heart of warehouse operations, balancing manual methods with automated solutions. From traditional pallet racks to advanced AS/RS systems, each approach offers distinct advantages depending on operational needs. A standout semi-automated tool is the pick 2 light system, enhancing manual picking accuracy and productivity without full automation. This article covers how warehouses are organized, the differences between manual and automated retrieval systems, and how pick 2 light bridges the gap between the two.
Mining
Australia’s mining industry is a key part of the country’s economy. It brings in billions of dollars from exports every year. It also gives jobs to thousands of workers across Australia. Out of all the mining methods used, open-pit mining is the most common. People also call it open-cut or opencast mining, and it’s used to get minerals like coal, gold, copper, and iron ore. The process involves excavating large volumes of earth to access deposits located near the surface. This technique proves both cost-effective and highly efficient. As of the beginning of 2025, open-pit mining keeps pushing Australia’s resource industry ahead. New technology and efforts to be more sustainable are changing how it operates. This article looks back at the history of open pit mining Australia. It explains why this industry matters so much to the economy. It highlights some of the biggest open-pit mines in the nation. It also checks out the environmental effects of these mining projects. Finally, it wraps up with the latest 2024 results for Australia’s top open-pit mines.
Energy
The upgrading of an ageing FPSO vessel with a real-time monitoring solution is challenging but not impossible. It needs careful planning, technical know-how, and an in-depth knowledge of both: the ship's legacy systems and the potential of the new technologies. FPSOs are built to last many years, typically decades, in harsh marine conditions. A few of the older ships, launched in the 1980s or 1990s, rely on legacy systems and manual processes for people tracking, safety management, and emergency response. Retrofitting an existing ship that offers real-time visibility into people, automated mustering, access control, and enhanced safety capabilities presents special challenges but also considerable opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and safety. This article explores the technical considerations, processes, and strategies involved in successfully integrating real time monitoring of FPSOs, offering a detailed roadmap for engineers and operators on how to start modernization with Crew Companion.
We have plenty of articles covering a wide spectrum of topics within each industry! Check out more: