Logistics

The industrial landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the rise of digital technologies. One of the key drivers of this shift is industrial mobility, a concept that is changing how factories and manufacturing processes operate. Industrial mobility involves using advanced technology to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enable greater autonomy on the factory floor. Industrial mobility's impact is already felt in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and transportation. Autonomous vehicles and robots are used to manage inventory, map factory layouts, plan efficient routes, and even autonomously control entire production systems. As these technologies continue to develop, investment in private mobility companies has surged, with $6.8bn invested during the 2012-2017 period. This trend is expected to accelerate as the technology matures. What is Industrial mobility? Industrial mobility refers to using autonomous vehicles and robotic systems to automate the movement of materials and goods within industrial settings. Unlike traditional mobility, which focuses on transporting people, industrial mobility is tailored to meet the unique needs of the manufacturing, logistics, and process industries. For example,…

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), postal and courier pick-up and delivery service charges rose 5.7% in the June quarter, driven by rising fuel costs and labour market volatility. That’s why it’s more important than ever for SMEs to ensure they pack and ship their stock cost-effectively. Seemingly insignificant mistakes, such as incorrectly labelling or sending one large package exceeding the shipping dimension compared to separate smaller boxes, could result in business owners being charged 150% more than the original cost. “Mistakes that lead to surcharges can significantly increase the original shipping price by up to 150%,” Interparcel CEO Steve Zammit said. “A courier charge might initially be $10, but something done during the manufacturing process could add a surcharge for special or manual handling ranging from $12 to $70, depending on the weight and any special handling requirements.” Zammit lists nine packing mistakes that every business owner should avoid, from the manufacturer stage to business expansion. Shipping seven costly…

Australia’s manufacturing industry, employing around 900,000 people and contributing approximately $100bn to the national GDP annually, is pivotal. Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is transforming the landscape by enabling the creation of complex geometries and customised products across various sectors, including defence, aerospace, healthcare, automotive, construction, and fashion. AM is expected to expand rapidly over the next decade, significantly driving Australia’s economic and technological advancements. The AM market reached $14.7bn in 2023, with a growth rate of 13%. Recognised by the Australian Federal Government as part of its Critical Technologies within the advanced manufacturing and materials technologies field, the AM market is expected to continue expanding. Additionally, the AM industry is projected to grow rapidly, with revenues expected to hit $25bn by 2025. This growth is attributed to hardware, materials, software, and services advancements. This expansion underscores the importance of developing robust standards to help ensure quality, safety, and innovation. Standards Australia’s National Committee MB 028 – Additive Manufacturing is actively collaborating with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which has a unique partnership agreement with ASTM International…