Dexion RDS (Realtime Distribution System) is a fully fledged Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Warehouse Control System (WCS) platform that choreographs the physical and logical aspects of your distribution centre under a single umbrella.

It manages warehouse and distribution centre operations from receipt of goods, through processing, storage, order fulfilment and despatch in real-time.

RDS operates on a single platform, and provides a single interface to your current Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) or WMS.

This does away with multiple platforms for the varying functions within your warehouse. It is designed to complement your existing capabilities, thereby protecting existing capital investments, rather than trying to compete against or replace them.

RDS is modular in design so it provides maximum flexibility when building a solution. Dexion is able to shape RDS to fit the task, to be as large or small, simple or complex as the application requires.

There are almost endless combinations of generic RDS modules which enable a solution to be built which is tailored to your requirements.

This ensures that the solution design is not constrained by systems limitations, rather we are able to focus on satisfying the requirements of your business. It’s important to note that an entry level RDS solution is future-proof, providing flexible growth options. 

The system enables you to add modules when new functionality is required.

Dexion RDS is web-based, so it’s accessible anywhere and anytime, wherever you have an internet connection. For example, it can be called up wirelessly on a tablet on the DC floor or even from the golf course. Read more

2h Storage Solutions Ltd is one of the latest successful companies to join a leading edge scheme, designed to help industry improve its safety record. The Yorkshire based firm recently received accreditation from SAFEcontractor, a programme which recognises very high standards of health and safety practise amongst UK contractors.

2h Storage Solutions is principally involved in the design and installation of industrial and commercial storage equipment throughout the North and North East. Specialising in the manufacturing industry from food to automotive, 2h Storage Solutions most recent clients have included major players such as KP Foods, Intercontinental Brands and Lidl. 

The company’s application for SAFEcontractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business.

“We have long standing relationships with major blue chip companies here in the North and North East and part of our commitment to delivering excellence is to implement the highest possible safety standards, throughout all our operations.” commented John Holden, Managing Director of 2h Storage Solutions Ltd.

SAFEcontractor accreditation is expected to enhance the company’s ability to attract new contracts and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal. SAFEcontractor is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to food manufacture, property, facilities management, retail and leisure sectors, all of which are big users of contract services. 

John Kinge, Head of Risk at SAFEcontractor said, "Major organisations can no longer run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies".

"More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that 2h Storage Solutions Ltd has done. The firm’s high standard has set an example, which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector".

Carton Live offers an ideal solution to create a quick, easy and economical installation in order to optimise on storage space and order processing. This versatile modular wheel system, supplied in pre-assembled beds, is designed to simply and quickly convert most pallet rack structures into dynamic, versatile carton flow storage.

The strong multi-wheel roller track sections are available with a variety of wheel centres, module widths and lengths, to be simply fitted onto pallet rack cross beams to create a complete dynamic shelf level. It takes only minutes to retrofit existing pallet racking and requires no special tools to mount shelf beds into racks. Using larger and wider diameter polycarbonate wheels than normal carton track, this provides for easy flow ability and the wide rolling surface gives good support for various carton types, plastic totes and blister packs.

The densely packed, complete bed of wheels provides for ultimate flexibility as changing carton sizes can be accommodated without the need for track and guide re-configuration. Carton Live allows you to achieve 90% space utilisation and efficient storage on a first-in first-out principle (FIFO).

Strong polycarbonate wheels resist impact damage and provide long wear characteristics and are separated by movable spacers for versatile wheel spacing. Durable and virtually maintenance-free, Carton Live can be used for storage of many FMCG including food and grocery goods, wines and spirits, freezer stores operating at temperature -35°C to 40°C, stationery, books and other fast moving items that may also be date sensitive.

Side profiles allow for superior load carrying over long spans; loadings of 1400kg UDL for a typical rack level of 2700mm clear entry x 2000mm deep.

Accessories such as ‘Entry Guides’ and ‘Full Length Guides’ are available to aid order picking.

Carton Live is a key feature for many order picking operations, as seasonal changes in pick volumes can be catered for as the Carton Live system can be quickly removed to revert the supporting structure back to pallet racking to meet changes in throughput requirements.

2h Storage Solutions Ltd pride themselves on working with customers to maximise their storage space and operate in a safe working environment. Therefore it's great news to hear that 2h's recent marketing push to work with customers to improve warehouse safety has been such a success. With a record number of Rack Safety Inspections completed in January, 2h and their customers are looking forward to a safe and successful start to 2012. Director, Laura Holden commented, "Safety is or paramount importance to us and all our customers, so offering them a service that helps them improve that safety record across all storage areas is very popular. It makes us an integral part of their Helath & Safety procedures and they benefit from having expert knowledge on tap."

To find out more about getting you pallet racking / storage systems safety checked click here

2h Storage Solutions Managing Director, John Holden was recently asked to share his expert thoughts and opinions about the storage industry and running a successful business in the Yorkshire region.

Storage solutions experts look to an exciting future 

‘Space and time are both expensive commodities and the best use of both can show big savings’ 

Q: In a nutshell, what does your company do?

A: Supplies and installs storage equipment, racking and shelving, mezzanine floors.

Q: How did the company begin?

A: From a desire to be independent from a Teeside operation of similar status.

Q: How has the company grown and what is its current status?

A: From nothing to suppliers to the NHS, UB Foods Group, international companies

in Teeside and local businesses. In 2010 we were pleased to welcome Laura Holden into the business as our new sales and marketing director. Her wealth of experience in this field will help push the company forward and increase our profile both locally and nationally.

Q: What attracts customers/clients to your company?

A: We are the official Dexion Storage Centre for North Yorkshire & Teeside, and with our wealth of knowledge and experience we can offer advice on best use of space and we supply quality products at affordable prices with committed back up and service.

Q: Tell us about your role.

A: Front line involvement with customers, site surveys to give guidance and advice to individual problems. Modern efficient storage combined with the right handling equipment can increase storage space by 60 per cent or more. Part of our role is to keep our customers aware of what is out there.

Q: What is your education and business background?

A: Harrogate High School, ONC Mechanical Engineering, Full Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship. I have worked in the storage industry for over 20 years.

Q: What one thing do you wish you had known when you started out in business?

A: The benefit of good reliable people around you to help forward the company

on the right path.

Q: What excites you about business?

A: Each day is different, one day a 10,000 pallet storage project, the next, fine art storage in the Dales.

Q: What makes you good at what you do?

A: Our company strengths are attention to detail, being able to guide and advise companies that have storage issues and provide quality products that will solve their problems and maintain a safe working environment.

Q: What are your future goals for the company?

A: The future is exciting, with strong developments in materials handling equipment and dynamic storage systems. Space and time are both expensive commodities and the best

use of both can show big savings to many of our customers both present and future.

Q: What is the most difficult challenge your company has faced? And what challenges

are you experiencing at the moment?

A: A constant challenge is making companies aware of the long term benefits of quality products. Our hidden statement, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”, is profound and still true today. Current climate

demands a very close look at each individual requirement, with often more than one solution.

Q: What is your pet hate in business?

A: People who promise the earth and deliver nothing.

Q: What moments of your career so far stand out?

A: When we hand over a project to our client on time, on budget and with on going commitment.

Q: Why is it good to do business in the Ripon district?

A: Our base at Melmerby provides us with access to many local companies within minutes. Businesses in Ripon are keen to support other local companies and we are pleased to be part of this business ethic. Further destinations of Teeside the North East and the coast are now easy with the new A1 links.

Recent research from the British Chambers of Commerce showed just 20% of UK businesses taking on an apprentice between March 2010 and April 2011,with 15% planning to hire more over the next year. Read more

Vehicle operating costs are at record levels, and tracking ahead of inflation, according to the Freight Transport Association’s Manager’s Guide to Distribution Costs 2011. Read more

Leading fork lift truck manufacturer Jungheinirch (UK) Ltd will be holding a series of used equipment fairs at depots across the country this Autumn.

All the trucks on display have been refurbished to an extremely high standard and each model comes with a full service history, LOLER certification and up to six months' warranty... Read more...

Toyota Material Handling will be giving away Manual Handling guides and Pride in Performance resource packs over the course of the next month to celebrate Forklift Safety Week which runs from 19th to 24th September. Read more...

We all know how tough the current economic climate is proving for many of the regions SME's. However 2h Storage Solutions have seen a lot of hard work start to pay off. Quarter 3 results show that enquiries are up by 27% and sales are up by 46% making Q3 2011 the best for 5 quarters.

Managing Director, John Holden commented; 'We are delighted with this performance and it shows that are strategies to develop new customers and work in partnership with our existing customers are really working.' As an official Dexion Distributor 2h Storage Solutions pride themselves on providing the best product at the right price. This involves working with clients from the outset be it for a relocation, new build or expansion of an existing system. From design to installation 2h Storage Solutions are there every step of the way.

With growth startegies in place 2h hope to continue this great success into 2012 and beyond.

2h Storage Solutions Ltd were very proud to have a team entered in the inaugural Walk for All Festival. The event was officially a sell-out, with organisers saying all the accommodation within 10 miles of Settle was fully booked up in advance of the event.

The 2h Team entered the 14 mile Walk starting in Settle, taking in Malham and Malham Cove's 418 steps before returning over Malhamdale to Settle. The team completed the work in 4.5 hours having stopped at the top of the Cove to take in the spectacular views, there efforts have helped to raise over £450 for the Jane Tomlinson charity.

Thousands of walkers of all ages and abilities took part in the Yorkshire Dales festival, launched by the family of Jane Tomlinson in her memory, making it the largest new charity event to be launched in the national park for over a decade.

The Sony DADC warehouse at Solar Way in Enfield was burned to the ground as rioters took to the streets of London on Monday night.

Eleven fire engines and around 55 fire fighters were called to a fire in the two storey warehouse and offices at 23:49 on Monday. The building, which has partially collapsed, was completely destroyed by the fire which raged through the night. Read more...

Premier Foods, which makes Hovis bread and Branston pickle, is looking for £20 million in savings from logistics and head office restructuring.

The group recently completed the sale of its canned grocery business. As a result, it said: “We have the opportunity to significantly simplify the business. The logistics operation for the grocery business can be remodelled as Canning accounted for half the volumes carried.

“The new supply chain will have smaller warehouses located nearer to the remaining Grocery manufacturing sites. This will entail some onerous lease costs and dilapidations for the old warehouses, redundancy or relocation costs for the affected people and set up costs for the new sites.” Read more...

The Co-operative Group will officially open its £25 million multi-temperature distribution centre today in Newhouse, Lanarkshire, which will serve 618 stores in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Trevor Ashworth, director of food retail supply chain, will join group chief executive Peter Marks, and distribution general manager Justin Cash, to unveil a plaque read more...

An excellent second quarter for DHL. Operating profit more than doubled at DHL Supply Chain rising from 53m euros to 115m euros.

Parent group Deutsche Post DHL said the significant improvement was supported by strict, cost management and the gain on the disposal of a US subsidiary. In addition, the previous year’s result contained restructuring expenses of 17m euros. Read more...

A giant new warehouse is home to this year’s Logistics Link North exhibition which takes place on 27-28 September.

The warehouse development in Doncaster offers exhibitors an internal display area of up to 240,000 sq ft, plenty of roof height and generous external space for live displays and big equipment. Doncaster is a timely choice as the recent announcement of a new £400m inland port and logistics park at Rossington Island near the town, due to come on stream in late 2012, will make the area even more of a logistics hot spot.

Logistics Link North is officially supported by the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, the Road Haulage Association and the United Kingdom Warehouse Association

Exhibitors will be presenting products and services ranging from materials handling machinery, packaging and labelling systems, automated storage and handling equipment to warehouse building services.

For visitors interested in IT systems and software for both warehouse and transport applications, Logistics Link North will offer the biggest choice under one roof for years. Dozens of exhibitors will be presenting the latest in WMS, RFID, scanners and bar codes, stock track and trace, remote vehicle monitoring, transport and fleet planning and management, mobile computing and many more.

The UK’s market leading and longest-established regional logistics event, Logistics Link North follows the recent successful Logistics Link Live show at the NEC.

Mergers and acquisitions are set to increase in the logistics market, according to a survey from Barclays Corporate and Grant Thornton.

It found that 58 per cent of decision makers from UK logistics businesses believe that M&A activity will... Read more...

Yale has unveiled a number of new and upgraded counterbalance and warehouse products.

All products have been built with Yale’s “five pillars of wisdom” in mind, which are... Read more...

Nothing beats a career in logistics for job enjoyment, according to data from employment web site TheJobCrowd.com

TheJobCrowd.com asks young professionals from a range of industries to reveal the truth about their roles. It asks them to rate their jobs for factors such as responsibility, progression, colleagues, training and company – as well as enjoyment. Read more...

Letting activity in UK the industrial market increased 800,000 sq ft to 6.9 m sq ft in the first quarter of 2011, according to DTZ Research’s Property Times UK Industrial report, which covers the market for properties over 50,000 sq ft.

The report revealed that retailers and manufacturers dominated the take-up of industrial space during the quarter, accounting for over 90 per cent of all activity. Read more...

Forklift truck makers are looking for sales growth of more than ten per cent this year, according to a new survey produced by Oxford Economics for the British Industrial Truck Association.

The survey echoes the latest forecast contained in The 2011 UK Forklift Truck Market Outlook, by Oxford Economics, which shows that investment spending, exports and manufacturing activities are leading the upswing in the economy. Read more...

It is unlikely that there will be sufficient prime space available to meet demand in 2011 according to Lambert Smith Hampton’s latest research the National Industrial and Distribution Report 2011.

The report notes that the amount of industrial space acquired in 2010 increased by 18.5 per cent on the previous year to 101.2 million sq ft – reaching a five year high.

Increased demand was focused on prime space yet, due to a lack of speculative development in previous years, grade A space was limited and quickly absorbed.

Key areas where the shortage of supply is likely to be greatest include.... Read more

In order to drive the continued expansion of our UK business Dexion Comino Ltd have created a new position of Sales Director responsible for all aspects of sales across the Dexion, PSS and Bruynzeel brands, and their various routes to market. To take on this challenge Matt Grierson has been appointed and will joined Dexion in April

"Matt has had a successful career in the fire protection industry working both internationally and in the UK and latterly in leading the sales activities of an international vehicle distributor.  I believe he is very well equipped to help us grow our sales across all areas of our business and coordinate that development." said Richard Moss, Managing Director at Dexion Comino Ltd

It's crunch time for fuel duty as chancellor George Osborne prepares to deliver his budget.

The Fair Fuel campaign, which includes the major transport  trade associations, has been pressing Osborne to abandon plans for an above-inflation fuel tax increase and to freeze duty at the current levels. Read more...

For the 6th year running 2h Storage Solutions Ltd are proud to announce they have once again been successfully awarded the SAFEcontractor accreditation.

As the leading third party accreditation scheme that assesses health & safety SAFEcontractor takes the hassle out of health and safety for it's customers by managing approved contractors operating procedures. With over 150 clients across a range of sectors SAFEcontractor allows such companies General Motors, Scottish & Newcastle and Nestle to outsource with confidence.

 John Holden, Managing Director at 2h Storage Solutions said: "We work hard to ensure our customers have ever confidence in the services, installations and repairs we provide. We are proud to be awarded the SAFEcontractor accreditation as it demonstrates the high quality and standards of health and safety management with which we operate and continue to achieve year on year."

The Fork Lift Truck Association annual awards for excellence 2011 were held last Saturday, including the Lifetime Achievement Award which was awarded posthumously to Brian Nealon of Bendigo Mitchell.

The other award winners were read more

Logistics warehouse availability dropped 16 per cent in 2010 according to CBRE’s latest UK Logistics MarketView. At the end of 2010 availability stood at 44.4 million sq ft compared to 52.3 million sq ft at the end of 2009.

The report goes on to state that statistics continue to show a decrease in prime new space with good secondary modern space also falling. Read more

Orders for forklift trucks rose 24 per cent last year – the first annual rise for three years, according to the British Industrial Truck Association. Secretary-general James Clark said the figures consolidated optimism for rising sales this year.

Engine powered counterbalance trucks, which make up 32 per cent of the overall market, experienced the biggest increase in 2010, with orders increasing by 30 per cent. This equates to an increase of 29 per cent and 32 per cent for diesel and LPG trucks respectively. Read more...

Freight transport leaders have welcomed a suggestion from Chancellor George Osborne that he might be prepared to look again at plans to increase fuel duty.

Osborne made the comments in a BBC interview saying that plans made by the previous Chancellor, Alistair Darling to increase fuel duty by 1p per litre, in addition to inflation, on 1st April could be addressed. Read more...

The chancellor has blamed bad weather for a shock contraction in the UK economy. Tuesday's official figures showed that the economy had taken quite a hit from the snow at the end of 2010.

Several retailers have announced their profits have been hit by the snowy weather that crippled the UK before Christmas. At a time when spenders are pounding the high street for that must have seasonal gift, inspite of the economic pressures; the poor weather was the last thing they needed.

So therefore it comes as no big surprise that haulier Stobart Group has seen its profits hit over that period. The haulage industry has its own problems, not least of which is the increasing cost of fuel. The government needs to be constantly reminded just how important it is to give this sector of business a break.

In the meantime, the fuel card scheme from UKWA seems to be a fabulous way for hauliers to keep their fuel costs down. Let's hope that the unthinkable happens, and that there is a u-turn at governmental level that will ensure this critical aspect of the UK economy is shielded from further increases.

HFT Forklifts Limited, a leading provider of materials handling solutions, has kick started the new year by restructuring its senior management team. 

The Herefordshire-based business has appointed Carole Crawford as its new managing director. Formerly responsible for day-to-day operations within the family-run company read more...

The Fair Fuel UK campaign has estimated that the above-inflation fuel duty hike planned for 1 April will cost the industry a minimum of £375 million.

The Office for Budgetary Responsibility is yet to announce its forecast for inflation, likely to be between three and five pence per litre. A 3ppl rise would cost a vehicle operator with a fleet of ten heavy goods vehicles £14,000. Read more...

Fuel duty is set to rise at 1p above inflation every April until 2013 - an increase that hauliers say could drive them out of business. Ministers raised fuel tax twice in 2010 and a third time earlier this month. Another rise is planned for April. The price of fuel has also been increased by VAT and the rising cost of crude.

“This could send a few small businesses over the edge and it’s not what you want to be doing at this stage of the economic recovery,” said James Hookham, policy director at the Freight Transport Association.

FairFuel UK, an umbrella group backed by the FTA, said it received 4,000 signatures in the three hours since launching a petition against the April fuel duty rise on Friday morning. Find out more...

The next generation of Pallet RAcking has arrived and the new P90 Silverline Pallet Racking brochure is now available for you to download. Download the brochure

Growth in internet sales is likely to underpin the logistics property market this year, according to King Sturge’s Property Predictions 2011.
 
The research revealed that retailers accounted for 74 per cent of take up on new logistics units of more than 100,000 sq ft in 2010, of which at least 1.7 million square foot was linked to internet operations.
 
It is expected that activity levels will continue to improve in 2011, and King Sturge reckons this will be driven by retailers reconfiguring or expanding storage capacity to cope with the growth in internet sales, rather than in the high street. Read More

A great win for the Next generation of Doncaster. Next the retailer have signed contracts for one of Doncaster's premier warehousing facilities. The moving will hopefully see new jobs created in the area. The Property is 122,519 sq ft... Read more 

2h Storage Solutions, are delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Holden to the newly created role of Sales & Marketing Director. Having previously worked with the some of the UK’s largest blue chip companies to maximise their sales in store Laura is now tasked with maximising the storage capacity for clients such as United Biscuits, Galxo Smithkline, Barker & Stonehouse and the NHS. ‘2h Storage Solutions provide a world class range of products to increase palletised storage. Our aim is to provide best practice advice and help the end user capitalise on their available space by streamlining the design, installation and maintenance of their storage system. I’m looking forward to the industry challenge and working with such an experienced team’. commented Laura.

European storage equipment manufacturer, Constructor Group, has unveiled its new distribution hub at Swindon. The hub is fitted with Dexion’s P90 silver I-Tox beams, Premierack and Cantilever racking and operated using a fleet of six forklift trucks including a CombiliLift, reach trucks and counter balance trucks. Read more

Sundog Energy is offering to install solar panels to warehouses for free, taking its fee from the government’s Clean Energy Cashback scheme. The scheme, also known as the feed-in-tariff, pays for every kilowatt hour of electricity produced. Read more

The UK transport and storage sector has experienced significant quarterly and year-on-year growth during the third quarter of 2010, according to the latest Business Factors Index from Bibby Financial Services. Even so, confidence is falling among many firms. Read more

Department store Debenhams is setting up a new regional distribution centre at Sherburn Distribution Park in North Yorkshire, with the potential to create up to 800 new jobs.

A 27-year lease on a 667,000 sq ft warehouse unit has been signed by the retailer, in one of the region’s largest industrial property lettings this year. Debenhams, which is also taking 12,452 sq ft of office space, will start to fit out the regional distribution centre immediately and it expects to occupy the unit from June 2011. Read more

IMHX2010 - Birmingham NEC 16th - 19th Nov

IMHX is the UK’s premier logistics, materials handling and storage exhibition, showcasing thousands of products and services from right across the supply chain.

IMHX 2010 will provide visitors with a unique one-stop-shop for everything required in the modern warehouse. Not only will there be materials handling equipment – from forklift trucks to automated logistics systems – but visitors will also discover innovative and cost-effective ideas in racking and shelving; storage solutions; health and safety systems; software; pallets and palletising equipment; property; recruitment and training services; third party logistics; transport and distribution; flooring; packaging; handling system design; financial services; and warehousing.