LPR EXPERTISE

Good wood: pallet perfection inmodern logistics

Automation is becoming increasingly important in the world of freight transport and logistics. An e�ective automation system depends on a number of factors, of which the precision and interaction of all component parts is critical. In the case of automated pallet handling equipment, the quality of each pallet can make the di�erence between success and failure.

The move to this new technology impacts the pallet industry significantly, with pallet quality and specification becoming especially important. Pallets with variations in pallet heights, lengths and widths can create issues in modern, high speed, high precision automation equipment, leading to jams and blockages and as a result, downtime, rejected pallets, machine damage and increased costs. In the fast-moving world of modern logistics, particularly in the FMCG sector, delays of even a few minutes can incur considerable penalties.

At LPR, we’ve always worked to high standards inthe design and manufacture of our pallets. We work closely with our customers and supply chain partners to ensure that our pallets work e�ciently within their systems. As a result, we now have automated pallet handling systems installed at various sites across the UK and Ireland, where they are helping to improve productivity and reduce operating costs.

More info?Would you like to find out more about our products and our logistics services? Please visit our website or contact us directly via info@lpr.eu

Follow the flows

The good wood

The evolution of pallet technology

One benefit of this new technology is that it extends the available warehouse space, while maintaining a flexible and e�cient operation. It can also be safer, faster and more cost-e�ective. One example is the use of a pallet shuttle system where an automated motorised shuttle navigates the spaces between racking corridors. This system eliminates the need for forklift trucks and operatives entering large areas of each warehouse, while optimising the use of available storage space. When connected to intelligent pallet or consignment tracking and monitoring systems, this enables the placement of faster moving items to be rationalised, reducing time spent in the supply chain.

Precision pallet manufacturing is, however, only part of the story. Quality can also depend on thechoice of materials used. For example, at LPR we’re proud of the exceptional quality of our pallets. LPR was the first pallet pooler to receive the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), something that continues to this day. This certification guarantees that all of our pallets use wood from sustainably-managed forests. This is an important part of our o�ering and our commitment to the circular economy.

Human touch

At our automated inspection and repair sites, incoming pallets are automatically sorted and presented for inspection and, where necessary, repaired before going back into rotation. Automated equipment can increase the e�ciency of pallet sorting by over 300% and the speed of pallet repair by 25%. Despite this, we take pride in the fact that all LPR pallets are hand inspected before shipping to ensure they can be used immediately in automated production and picking systems.

Once they leave our depots, the pallet flows are then tracked, to enable collection of empty pallets from the various drop-o� points at logistics hubs, major retailers and wholesalers.

Big data

The capture and analysis of data is fundamental inthe pallet, logistics and management sector, with businesses now having access to considerable volumes of complex data. LPR, for example, handles more than 92 million pallet movements per year across Europe. Given the volume of movements, deployment of an appropriate information handling system is vital in ensuring e�ective pallet pooling operations.

With the digitalisation trend set to continue its rapid acceleration, the call for consistently high quality and automated, system-compatible pallets will continue. Under these circumstances using LPR makes increasingly good business and environmental sense.