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In front of around 400 guests and a dignified setting at the state-of-the-art Bern Kursaal, the Swiss Logistics Award 2024 was awarded last night. The proud winner is Hugelshofer Logistik AG from Frauenfeld. The other two finalists, Kardex AG and SAVVY® Telematic Systems AG, also impressed. During the day, the GS1 Excellence Day took place in the same venue. The main topic was the replacement of the barcode with the QR code, which will become mandatory in 2027. This will sustainably change the supply chain, as the event impressively demonstrated (more in the next “transport.ch – The Logistics and Transport Magazine” issue 6/24 next week).
(Bern) The jubilation in the Bern Kursaal was great when CEO Martin Lörtscher received the coveted Swiss Logistics Award 2024 from jury member Claudia Wagner on behalf of Hugelshofer AG. Lörtscher thanked his team and the jury for awarding the prize. Hugelshofer received the award not only for its e-mobility strategy but for the overall concept, as Wagner explained. Kardex AG (2nd place) and SAVVY® Telematic Systems AG (3rd place) also made it to the finals with their presentations.
On the same evening, stars of the sustainability initiative “Lean & Green,” founded in the Netherlands and managed in Switzerland by GS1, were also awarded. Krummen Kerzers AG received its third star. Spar Handels AG was awarded the first star. First-time award winners are Käppeli Logistik AG and Nestlé Suisse AG.
CEO Martin Lörtscher (right), Hugelshofer Logistik AG, proudly presents the trophy for the Swiss Logistics Award 2024. Moderator Tobias Müller (left) and jury member Claudia Wagner (center) celebrate with him.
The Projects of the Three Finalists
Hugelshofer Logistik AG
© Hugelshofer
Hugelshofer Logistik AG focuses on e-mobility for heavy commercial vehicles. By 2028, 70 electric trucks are to be in operation. In Switzerland, the largest e-truck fast charging park has been established in combination with a gigantic photovoltaic system, creating the conditions for decarbonization in road freight transport. The charging park is a pioneering example of sustainable and efficient transport solutions. A role model for the industry.
(Frauenfeld) The transport company Hugelshofer Logistik AG operates with its modern fleet of over 250 units both domestically and internationally. Sustainability is important to the company. Innovation and technology are prioritized. By 2028, 70 battery-electric trucks are to be in operation. The annual CO2 savings amount to 6,200 tons.
The planned fleet expansion requires a professional and tailored charging infrastructure. With 70 e-trucks, the annual electricity consumption is 9.63 gigawatt-hours. The development of the charging infrastructure has been divided into sub-projects. The new transformer building accommodates three transformers with a total capacity of 4,800 kilovolt-amperes (kVA). Over 14 fast charging stations of 360 kilowatts will charge the e-trucks in a maximum of 90 minutes.
The centerpiece of the facility is the truck port, which covers the truck parking spaces with the fast charging stations. The solar power plant, consisting of the truck port and the roof areas of the economy building, covers an area of 7,000 m2. Over 2,300 glass-glass solar modules utilize direct sunlight on the front side as well as indirect light on the back side for electricity generation. The total output of the photovoltaic system is 1,005 kilowatt peak. By generating solar energy, an autonomous operation of 15 to 20 trucks, depending on annual mileage, can be ensured.
A specially developed load and charging management system automatically coordinates the factors vehicle charge status – power production – power demand – tour planning. The resulting charging park for e-trucks is a pioneering example of environmentally friendly and efficient transport solutions.
KARDEX AG
© Kardex
The Intuitive Picking Assistant (IPA) elevates the work process to the next level, whether in picking, storage, or other activities. By projecting important information, the innovative assistance system guides the operator clearly through the work process. The Intuitive Picking Assistant not only significantly reduces operator errors but also promotes ergonomics at the workplace and increases process speed by 30 to 50 percent.
(Zürich) Intralogistics encompasses the movement, storage, and handling of materials, components, and finished products. Many processes around the “goods-to-person” workplaces are not optimal, not very intuitive, and prone to errors. The well-being of employees in this environment also needs improvement.
All information, including item images, is displayed directly on the surface of the access opening. This way, the operator is quickly and accurately guided through the work process by the projection. Additionally, a 3D camera analyzes the hand movements of the employee and allows for immediate error reporting or actions, such as scanning an item.
The IPA consists of a projector, a 3D camera, and a central computing unit. The computing unit evaluates the movements, controls the camera and projector, and ensures smooth communication with the warehouse management system. The 3D camera recognizes the movement of hands and fingers, allowing virtual buttons to be displayed and pressed. It also detects the removal of an item from the wrong compartment and provides visual feedback.
Thanks to the built-in 3D camera, level monitoring and withdrawal quantity verification are additional functionalities of the IPA. The function “Smart Hands-Free-Scanning” can also be implemented through the 3D camera. Here, the camera recognizes when an item is removed from the container and triggers a scanning process. This way, the system identifies the item and captures important additional data such as serial numbers.
SAVVY® Telematic Systems AG
© SAVYY
The intelligent digital informant “Smart Bogie” ensures greater safety in rail transport. Directly attached to the bogie of the freight car, the technology collects significant information through various measuring sensors, enabling real-time monitoring of any anomalies. If necessary, the integrated system from SAVVY® derives action recommendations, allowing defects on the car to be addressed and serious accidents such as derailments to be prevented.
(Schaffhausen) Transport services in Swiss freight transport are continuously increasing. Strong signs of wear on freight cars, especially on the wheels and rails, are the result. Defects in the axle bearing can lead to hot runners and increase the risk of derailments. Safe monitoring in rail transport can no longer be ensured solely by stationary and mobile tracking systems. The innovative “Smart Bogie” from SAVVY® provides a solution.
SAVVY® has developed a cost-effective solution with the “Smart Bogie” that can be installed quickly and easily and enables remote monitoring. Thanks to the direct attachment of the measuring sensors to the freight car, significant information and action recommendations can be quickly derived and provided. If anomalies in the relevant indicators occur, the system promptly informs the relevant stakeholders of the need for action. This way, defects can be quickly addressed and accidents prevented.
SAVVY®’s solution approach combines comprehensive monitoring of the individual components of the freight car for timely reactions in case of emergencies. Innovative measuring sensors such as temperature sensors, brake wear sensors, and sensors for early detection of flat spots on the wheel are combined with high-end telematics directly on the bogie.
