News Archives - Barnes Logistics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) In the Supply Chain

July 15, 2021/in Driving, News /by The Source Partnership

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around since 1956, and has been evolving ever since to become more efficient. It operates behind the scenes but is already a part of everyday life. For example, if you’ve ever been offered suggestions when purchasing goods online, then that’s AI doing its job. Artificial intelligence really is everywhere.

Despite this, AI has only recently been gaining traction in the transportation, manufacturing, and distribution industries. Software that uses AI technology to solve complex problems effectively and efficiently is being introduced throughout global supply chains. Here are some of the main areas where AI has been introduced within our industry:

During automated processes and actions
Assisting with human decision making by interpreting data and reducing potential man-made errors

As global supply chains become more complex, there are less margins for error. With growing competition in an increasingly connected and digital world, maximising productivity by reducing any uncertainties is vital.

AI In Action

AI is used both internally and externally by organisations to improve operations within a company’s supply chain. Internally, historical sales information can be used to identify patterns and forecast demand using intelligent algorithms. This can be used to help supply meet demand as it allows companies to better understand their customers spending habits, enabling them to accurately predict future demand.

AI Inside Distribution Centres

In distribution centres, AI is coupled to picking systems, driverless forklifts, and intelligent robots. AI-powered wearable tech such as smart glasses, watches and voice-activated headsets are more efficient than their handheld counterparts, too. Digital cameras are routinely used to monitor stock levels and to provide restock alerts when stocks get too low. AI algorithms can even forecast when orders will arrive, which means pallets can be placed ahead of time to maximise efficiency.

AI In Logistics And Transport

The transportation of goods often generates huge volumes of data. However, with the help of AI, transport companies can analyse these figures and gain a better insight into their operations. They can identify areas for improvement and reduce the margins for error across the board. This technology also makes it possible for organisations to automate load forecasting, route planning and vehicle scheduling to lower delivery times. The latest transport management systems (TMS) include AI functionality that provides real-time information from raw data which can influence key decisions. Shippers, carriers, suppliers, and consumers are all benefiting from AI-driven TMS technology.

Despite all of AI’s benefits, there are still some teething problems. Firstly, the cost and integration of AI software is significant – so much so that only large companies can afford to design their own AI solutions. Secondly, an interactive human interface is still required. There are some problems that require a human touch; even the best AI systems cannot solve everything. Managers must also be able to monitor data and even override AI decisions when necessary. Finally, although AI’s productivity increase releases people from performing the mundane and unfulfilling tasks, there are still concerns that the introduction of new technologies will result in job losses.

Now that we’ve delved into the workings of artificial intelligence in the supply chain, what are your thoughts on this? Get in touch via Twitter or LinkedIn and have your say. For more information on what we do, visit our website, and for more blogs, click here.

6 Top Tips for Newly Qualified HGV Drivers

June 23, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

If you’ve just gotten your HGV license, a career on the open road could be a hugely exciting prospect. However, it isn’t without its stresses and pressures due to varying workloads and challenging driving conditions. Whatever part of the country you’re in, each has its share of testing issues, even for the most experienced driver!

Having said that, there are a few nifty tips and tricks we’ve picked up over the years to help things run smoothly and we’d like to share them with you. Check out some of these top tips to prepare you for your new driving career.

Preparation and planning

Perhaps this is one of the most important points when looking at top tips around HGV jobs. Taking the time to map out your route can save you so much time and energy (not to mention fuel) in the long run. You will need to remember to plan rest stops, refuelling and anything else that may be required on your journey.

If you’re new to a job, getting to know routes takes time, and in some cases, Sat Nav’s can take you down wrong roads and dead ends. By taking the time to check out the details of your route before you head out, it will help to relieve any stress or anxiety on your first trips. Plus, you’ll get where you need to be in plenty of time.

As Franklin once said:

“Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”

Check the height of your vehicle

Before you begin your journey, you need to be aware of the height of your vehicle and your trailer. Bridge collisions are a common occurrence with lorries and trailers, as drivers think they can squeeze through. If you’re unsure when you get to a bridge that you weren’t anticipating, it’s not a good idea to just go for it. Lorries getting stuck under bridges can cause severe traffic disruption and will not make you popular with your employer.

Take a break

It’s essential as an HGV driver to be alert at all times; however, you can’t do this if you push your body to the limits. A tachograph will monitor your driving times, and there are set rules that are essential to adhere to. If not followed, you could face major fines and even driving bans. These rules are set in place to help you avoid exhaustion and make the roads safe for everyone.

Make sure to take these breaks at regular intervals to ensure your attention span remains at full capacity whilst on the road. Rest your eyes or get some fresh air, the roads can become dangerous if you are not paying attention.

Vehicle checks

You wouldn’t drive a car that wasn’t fit for purpose, and the same goes for an HGV. Before you head out on any journey, it’s vital to complete a full vehicle check to ensure its suitable to drive. It is your responsibility to do a physical examination and report anything back to management to ensure it is resolved before you head out on the road.

Be considerate and mindful on the road

It is not just yourself you have to look out for, but you also need to keep a careful watch on your fellow drivers. It is a good idea to learn how to understand when motorists want to overtake you, getting a feel for things like that, and reacting quickly and accurately to other motorists’ actions can be helpful. Always be on guard as to what other motorists may do and be ready to react safely to help avoid accidents. Not everyone is clued up to your blind spots and could easily put themselves in danger around you and your vehicle.

Exercise

The thing with HGV driving is that you are required to sit for long periods. This can take its toll on your body as well as your mind. When you get the chance, exercise a little. Go for a walk or do some stretching to get the blood flowing. Driving can also have effects on your mental health so ensure you’re taking time out to focus on self-care and fitness to keep on top of your overall health.

Want to share your own tips, get in touch via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages. Alternatively, email us at admin@barneslogistics.co.uk or check out our website.

Is HGV Driving a Good Career Choice in 2021?

June 15, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety /by The Source Partnership

If you’re considering a career as an HGV driver, you’re probably wondering what it’s like up in the cab – is it the right choice for you?

Is HGV driving a good career choice in 2021? You probably have many questions just like this, so we’ve put together our thoughts to help you determine whether a future in logistics is for you.

What does the job entail?

HGV stands for heavy goods vehicle; this transpires as any vehicle weighing over 3.5 tonnes (all the way up to 44 tonnes). As a driver you will be responsible for transporting goods from A to B. HGV drivers can work locally, nationally, or internationally depending on the company and/or the goods.

As you can imagine, lorry drivers spend a lot of time on the road and, depending on where they work, can spend a lot of time away from home. It’s common for a lot of HGV drivers to spend a night or two in the cab of their lorry and often they can be away for the whole working week. The hours of an HGV driver are long – typically between 45-50 hours each week.

Drivers are not just responsible for transport but also for the loading and unloading of goods as well as making sure you have all the correct documents you need on arrival and departure of your destination. HGV drivers often work alone, however this is frequently a positive for many people as they enjoy the freedom that this brings.

What qualifications do I need?

The most important thing you will need is obviously a valid UK driving license. You then need to acquire an HGV Class 1 and 2 training which will teach you how to drive any vehicle carrying goods of up to 44 tonnes. Training is a mixture of practical and theory followed by four final examinations.

Combined, preparations should cost around £3000 for a full licence and Driver CPC. Whilst this may seem a lot, when you compare it to the cost of many other vocational courses, including university degrees, it is definitely a more affordable road to go down!

Will I be able to get work easily?

There is no doubt that the UK is experiencing a driver shortage. The current lorry driver shortage is estimated at around 70,000 drivers and with demand consistently increasing this number is only going skywards. Companies are constantly on the lookout for newly qualified drivers meaning you are unlikely to struggle to find work. By training to become an HGV driver, your services and skills are likely to be in demand for some time.

What is the pay like?

With so much training to complete prior and the number of hours spent away from home, what’s the payoff?

Typically, an HGV driver’s starting wages are between £19-24k. The more training you receive and the more experience you have will see this number rise dramatically. The most experienced and qualified drivers can expect to earn over £40k per year.

Why should I become a haulier?

HGV driving is a valuable and rewarding career, and in the current climate, it is more important than ever. With a dramatic increase in e-commerce, especially over the past year, goods transportation is in high demand. Also, with the current shortage of drivers, you’re almost guaranteed a job with a reputable company and the chance to pursue a career that you want.

Want more information or looking for some advice? Get in touch via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages. Alternatively, email us at admin@barneslogistics.co.uk or visit our website.

Barnes Logistics on: The Hierarchy of Road Users

May 26, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

Any sensible road user knows that we all owe the same duty of care to one another. Everyone needs to take reasonable care to not cause injury or damage to other road users.

There is currently no higher duty of care expected of lorry drivers, than there is of any other road user. However, this is likely to change soon, with new rules expected to be brought into the Highway Code for the first time in years.

The new rules will include an introduction to the new hierarchy of road users. These rules are set to place the emphasis on those who can do the greatest damage, ensuring that they will bear the greatest responsibility for the safety of all other road users.

These proposed changes aim to improve the safety of vulnerable road users. Currently, the Highway Code classifies vulnerable road users as:

– Pedestrians

– Cyclists

– Motorcyclists

– Horse riders

The code as it stands already advises motorists to take extra care around vulnerable road users (as well as children, the elderly, disabled people and learner drivers).

It also takes into the account the extra difficulties faced by large vehicles, such as lorries and HGVs. For example, Rules 221 & 222 of the Code emphasise the nature of difficulties specific to lorry drivers, such as their need for extra space when turning their large vehicles, the fact that lorry drivers will not be able to see vehicles which move into their blind spot and that lorries may be subject to lower speed limits or have speed restrictors fitted.

But how will these changes to The Highway Code affect lorry drivers?

As well as introducing a hierarchy of road users, the proposed changes plan to:

Clarify the current rules on pedestrian priority on pavements. Drivers and riders will need to give priority to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the road.

Set out safe passing distance guidance to motorists for when they overtake cyclists or horse riders and ensuring that both have priority at junctions when their intention is to travel ahead.

These new rules are indisputable. Few would argue against the introduction of further measures to protect the most vulnerable of road users.

Instead, what is concerning many in the haulage industry, is the idea of setting out a hierarchy amongst road users. Creating a “hierarchy” undermines the simple fact that we should all be responsible for our own safety on the road as well as others.

The new table of hierarchy will place ‘pedestrians’ at the pinnacle and at the bottom you will find ‘large vehicles’, with the latter bearing a greater responsibility to reduce the threat of danger they pose to all others above them in the hierarchical table.

Emphasis should remain on the fact that all road users need to bear equal responsibility for their safety, whilst not putting themselves in situations that could cause harm to fellow road users. Rules denoting the contrary will surely lead to disarray.

What are your thoughts on the new proposed rules? Join the conversation over on our Twitter or LinkedIn pages.

For more Barnes blogs, click here.

Mental Health Awareness Week and Beyond

May 17, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

Nature was the theme of this year’s mental health awareness week.

During the long months of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature. Going for walks outside was one of the top coping strategies for many of us holed up in our homes. Research by The Mental Health Foundation found that 45% of participants reported that green spaces had been vital to the upkeep of our mental health. Websites which showed footage from webcams of wildlife saw hits increase by over 2000%! It seems that people not only spent more time in nature but were actively seeking it more.

Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to achieve good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world. Think about how good it feels to take a breath of fresh air after being cooped up all day? Imagine feeling like that all the time. That’s the power nature holds. It’s up to us to reach out and grab it.

For most of human history, we have lived as part of nature. It is only in the last five generations that so many of us have lived and worked in a setting that is largely separated from nature. Being surrounded by concrete can become monotonous and bring down our mood. Nature however, with its ever-changing state can serve to evolve the landscape and break the monotony of your day to day.

In fact, a 1960s study in the US found that patients who were treated in hospitals with a view of nature recovered faster. Since then, science has started to unpack the extraordinary health benefits of nature. It has the unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder. It turns out that it is not just being in nature but how we open ourselves up and interact with nature that counts. Even a little contact with nature can reduce feelings of social isolation and be effective in protecting our mental health and preventing distress.

Nature is our great untapped resource for a mentally healthy future.

Despite many of us being aware of this, we are not accessing or benefitting from nature. It can be hard for those living in built up cities and for the 13% of UK households that have no access to a garden. Nature should not be a luxury. It is a resource that must be available for everyone to enjoy – as basic as having access to clean water or a safe roof over our heads.

Looking to the Future

2021 is going to be a huge year for nature: a new Environment Bill will go through the UK Parliament which will shape the natural world for generations to come; the UK will host the G7 nations where creating a greener future will be a key priority and a historic international UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be hosted in Glasgow in November.

There could not be a more important time to understand the links between nature and mental health.

So get out there and experience your natural surroundings. Take time to recognise and grow your connection with nature. Take a moment to notice and celebrate nature in your daily life. Try welcoming a minute of silence to just listen to the birds in the early morning (especially if you’re up early enough to catch the dawns chorus!)

‘There is something to be wondered at in all of Nature’ – Aristotle

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw.

Also let us know how you’re doing or share some of your experiences with nature with us via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages. For more blogs, click here.

Covid Testing: A Haulier’s Guide

May 4, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

Covid testing – with rules and regulations getting increasingly complex, it’s hard to keep track of what applies to you. In light of the recent change in restrictions, we have compiled all the latest info from the Government.

When do I test? How often do I test? Do I even need to test? These are all questions we have asked ourselves recently. It can get confusing at times but hopefully this guide will shine a light on the course of action right for you.

COVID-19 Testing After Entering England

Hauliers arriving in England from abroad must take a COVID-19 test if they are staying for more than 2 days. You will need to take a further test every 3 days after that, if you are still in England. This applies to both UK-based and non-UK hauliers.

If you do not have proof of a negative COVID-19 test, you could be fined up to £2,000.

When Is Covid Testing Not Needed?

You do not need to take a test if you will be in England for 2 days or less.

You also don’t need to take a test if you arrive in England from the Common Travel Area (CTA). The CTA is the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. You must have only been in the CTA in the 10 days before arrival. If you have been outside the CTA in the 10 days before you arrive in England, you must take the tests.

When Do I need to Get Tested?

You must take the first test within 2 whole days of your arrival. The day of your arrival is counted as day 0.

You must take the second test between 3 and 5 days after your arrival.

You must take your third test between 6 and 8 days after your arrival.

The date and time of your arrival will be collected and recorded in the passenger locator form, which you are required to complete.

What Happens If I Can’t Get A Test?

If you cannot get a test at a time when one is due, for example because of temporary closure of testing facilities or lack of provision in the area, you should take a test as soon as possible once you can access a testing site.

You are only required to take these tests while you are in England.

If you are in another part of the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man) when a test is due, you do not need to take that test until you return to England. You should take the test as soon as you can when you return to England.

Where Can I Get A Test?

Free testing for hauliers is available at haulier advice sites around the country.

You do not need to book a test in advance, but you should check the list of sites to make sure they open and if they are likely to be busy.

You can also use:

Workplace Testing: if your company has bought the tests from an authorised test provider

Community Testing: check for community testing sites in your area

home-based testing

(Community testing facilities are not accessible to HGVS. There are no HGV parking provisions, so this option is available only to hauliers who can access sites by foot or car. You may need to make an appointment for a test at a community testing facility.)

Where UK-based international hauliers use workplace or home testing, they will be expected to register the fact of the test on the NHS app. This registration can then be used as evidence.

What Happens at the Covid Testing Site?

When you get to the test site do not leave your vehicle except to use the rest facilities or when asked to by a member of staff.

A member of staff will give you a test kit. You then administer the test yourself by taking a swab at the back of your throat and the inside of your nose using a long cotton bud.

After you’ve taken the test you will need to return to your vehicle and wait for 30 minutes for the results.

If Your Test Result Is Negative

You will receive proof of your negative result if you test negative.

Staff will then direct you to your departure point and you’ll be able to continue your journey.

Keep the result safe. If you lose it, you’ll need to take another test.

If Your Test Result Is Positive

You cannot continue your journey if the test result is positive.

What you do next depends on where you can safely self-isolate.

For more information on this please consult GOV.UK.

Hopefully this answered all of your questions. If you have any further queries, get in touch with us via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages and for more blogs from us, click here. And most importantly, stay safe!

Stress Awareness Month: Move More & Reduce Stress

April 19, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

It’s Stress Awareness Month and so we wanted to talk about moving more and reducing stress. We know that getting active is not easy in this profession. Being behind the wheel for long hours leaves little room to stretch your legs. This can sometimes lead to a build-up of tension and stress. Fortunately, we have some simple steps to help you relieve such feelings.

Many of these steps can also help improve your overall health as well, including your mental health. Exercise is one of the best strategies for combating stress and supporting your mental wellbeing. Getting active can help lower your overall stress levels and improve your quality of life, both mentally and physically. It can also improve the quality of your sleep, which can be negatively impacted by stress, depression, and anxiety. Another positive is that it can also boost your confidence levels.

How Does Exercise Help with Stress?

Getting active, even if it is just a short walk, improves your body’s ability to use oxygen and also improves blood flow. Both of these changes have a direct effect on your brain. Exercise also increases your brain’s production of endorphins. Endorphins are the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that can boost your mood and help you build healthy habits.

Physical activity can also help take your mind off your worries. The repetitive motions involved in exercise promote a focus on your body, rather than your mind. By concentrating on the rhythm of your movements, you experience many of the same benefits of meditation. Focusing on a single physical task can produce a sense of energy and optimism. This focus can also help provide calmness and clarity.

Some people notice an improvement in their mood immediately after getting some exercise. But the great thing is these feelings aren’t just a one-time thing, they build up over time and boost your mood. Stress Awareness Month is a great time to start considering what you can do for yourself to help reduce stress.

In addition to having a direct effect on your stress levels, regular exercise also promotes optimum health in other ways. Improvements to your overall health may help to indirectly moderate your stress levels.

Among some of its additional benefits, exercise can help:

Strengthen your muscles and bones
Boost your immunity, which can decrease your risk of illness and infection
Lower your blood pressure, sometimes as much as some antihypertensive medications
Increase levels of good cholesterol in your blood
Improve your blood circulation

Help you sleep better at night

What Types of Exercise Help with Stress?

There are many ways to get moving but what are some of the most effective?

You don’t need to be a marathon runner or elite athlete to experience stress relief from exercise. Almost any kind of exercise can be helpful.

For example, consider trying moderate aerobic exercises such as:

Biking
Walking
Jogging
Swimming
Playing tennis or other racquet sports
Football

Even something as simple as gardening or choosing to take the stairs rather than the elevator can give you an emotional lift. Any type of exercise can increase your fitness and decrease your stress. However, it’s important to choose an activity that you enjoy rather than dread. If you don’t like the water, don’t choose swimming as your activity. If the thought of running makes you anxious, training for a 5K race won’t help relieve your stress. Try a variety of activities until you find some you enjoy. When you’re having fun, you’ll be more likely to stick with your workout routine.

If you have any tips for getting active that you’d like to share, during Stress Awareness Month and beyond, please let us know on Twitter or LinkedIn, we’d love to hear from you.

To read more of our blogs, click here.

2021: The Road Out Of Lockdown

March 22, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

2020 and 2021 have brought us some of the most challenging months of our lives so far. Coming up on a year now since the first national lockdown began, we are finally beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

The recent announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the government’s proposed plan to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England, revealing that we could be free of all restrictions as early as 21^st June.

Following the announcement, government published a four-step roadmap to ease restrictions across England and provide a route back to a more normal way of life. Each step is to be assessed against four tests before restrictions ease. The PM was also clear that the decision on each stage will be based on data not dates.

What are the four tests for easing restrictions?

Each stage of easing lockdown will be a minimum of five weeks apart, but four conditions must be met at each stage before proceeding to the next one:

The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan
Vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying or needing hospital treatment
Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
New coronavirus variants do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions

If all these criteria are met, the country progresses to the next phase of reduced restrictions. Currently, as of the 8^th March, all children and students have returned to face-to-face education in schools and college and people can also leave home for recreation outdoors such as a coffee or picnic with their household or support bubble, or with one person outside their household.

Step 2

This will remain the case until the 12^th April at the earliest. If all goes according to plan, we will enter Step 2 on this date meaning more restrictions are lifted. Changes include but are not limited to:

All non-essential retail, personal care premises, such as hairdressers and nail salons, and public buildings, such as libraries and community centres, will be allowed to reopen
Most outdoor attractions and settings, including zoos, and theme parks, will also reopen (with added safety). Drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances will also be permitted.
Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, will also reopen.
Hospitality venues will also be allowed to serve people outdoors only. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol, and no curfew – although customers must order, eat and drink while seated.

Step 3

The next step is set to come into effect no earlier than 17 May. This will lift more restrictions; however, it is only permitted should the four criteria be met. The new restrictions will include:

The lifting of most outdoor social contact rules – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.
The reopening of indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes.
Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower) to be allowed, as will those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4000 people or half-full (whichever is lower).
In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).

Step 4

And finally, the 21^st June is upon us. It is hoped that by then, all legal limits on social contact can be removed and large events and performances can go ahead.

What does this mean for logistics?

From now on, the demand for logistics services will only increase as people filter back to their normal lives. The logistics industry is set to go from strength to strength as its services will be required to support the reopening of all non-essential shops, recreational activities and other businesses shut down by the pandemic.

What are your thoughts on the current roadmap out of lockdown? Will we be spending 21^st June in the pub or in our pyjamas? Let us know via our Twitter or LinkedIn pages.

HGV Drivers: The Importance Of Sleep

March 9, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

Sleep is arguably the most important factor in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Without it, our minds become sluggish, and our bodies weary. HGV drivers are often working long shifts and on the road for many hours, so it is crucial for their physical and mental health that they take breaks and get the sleep that they need during in-between and overnight stopovers.

Most adults need between 7–9 hours of sleep per night, according to the Sleep Council. Getting the right amount of rest is essential for our long-term health and mental performance, and when we don’t get enough over a consistent period, our overall alertness and concentration is badly affected. If we’re starved of sleep for long enough, the neurons in our brain stop functioning properly, leading to temporary mental lapses and reduced reaction times.

Sleep for the Body

Not getting enough sleep can seriously impair your health. In addition to the common side effects, a lack of sleep over a prolonged period of time can cause cardiovascular problems; lead to obesity and Type-2 diabetes; and reduce immune system functioning.

Getting plenty of high-quality sleep, on the other hand, is very healthy. Your body is getting enough time to heal damaged cells, lower your blood pressure, and boost your immune system as well as making sure it is properly regulated.

If you have any infections or feel ill, sleep is your body’s chance to do the repairs that it needs to do. Most of the physical benefits of sleep occur during NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep, which makes up around 75% of your total sleep.

Sleep for the Mind

Sleep is also directly related to your mood, and in the long term, to your mental health. If you don’t get enough sleep for one or two nights, you may notice yourself getting grumpy and irritable. Lack of sleep over long periods can be a factor in depression in anxiety.

The other type of sleep is REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This makes up around 25% of total sleep. You may already know that it is during this time that we dream, even if you don’t remember having one. Dreams help us to process our emotions, memories and reduce the stresses of the day. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep so that you get time in both NREM and REM sleep. This way, your body and mind can recover fully, and you will wake up the next day feeling refreshed.

Staying Safe

Not getting enough sleep affects your ability to perform physical and mental tasks. After a bad night’s sleep, you may notice that you have difficulty with concentration, as well as absorbing and processing information. If you drive for a living, it’s especially important that you get a good night’s sleep, falling asleep at the wheel or even driving drowsy could have serious repercussions. A report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that drivers who only got 5-6 hours of sleep (as opposed to the optimal 7-9 hours) were 1.9 times more likely to be involved in an accident than those who got 7 hours sleep or more. Those who got less than 4 hours sleep were 11.5 times more likely to be in an accident.

What Can You Do to Improve Your Sleep Habits?

When it comes to getting enough sleep, there’s only so much an employer can do. As a driver, you have a personal responsibility to be well-rested on the job and must do what you can to try and get the best sleep possible.

If you are struggling to get the recommended amount of sleep, then there are a number of things that can help:

Optimising sleeping environment: Blackout blinds or curtains can be especially helpful for shift workers.

Ensuring bedding is comfortable: A mattress should support the hips and spine completely, and a pillow should keep the neck in alignment with the body. Natural-fibre bed linen can also help keep the body cool at night.

Consider a daylight lamp: Daylight lamps can boost natural waking. They’re especially useful for shift workers, who may need to get up at night.

Reduce blue light before bed: The blue light on our phones and computers interferes with the body’s circadian rhythm, so electricals should be swapped for a book at least an hour before bed.

Learn more about your unique sleep pattern: We’re all different, so you should pay attention to your own unique needs. For instance, some people can fall asleep very easily, while other people are more sensitive to caffeine, alcohol or certain foods, which can keep them awake. You need to know your own body and try to avoid things you know will keep you up.

Maintain the rhythm: It is also important to maintain your sleep habits whilst at home or on days off. This will make it easier to get the correct amount of sleep when you return to work and avoid having to reintroduce yourself to a certain sleep pattern.

If all these measures fail, or you should feel tired on the road, you should drink some caffeine and take a short nap which can provide a burst of energy during a long shift. Studies have shown napping after caffeine can boost your energy more than normal upon waking. You should also know what you can do if a lack of sleep is becoming a problem, including reporting it to your manager and seeking medical treatment.

If you have any other tips or tricks for a better nights sleep you’d like to share, please let us know on Twitter or LinkedIn, we’d love to hear from you. To read more of our blogs, click here.

Warehousing and Automation: The Benefits

February 22, 2021/in Customers, Driving, HGV, LGV, Logistics, lorry, News, safety, Uncategorized, weather /by The Source Partnership

Automation is a powerful tool and comes in many shapes and forms. In warehousing, automation is generally used to improve existing methods by increasing efficiency, speed, reliability, accuracy and (eventually) cost savings.

Robotics in manufacturing has been well established for many years and applications within warehouse operations will become more mainstream. We’ve compiled a list of pros for modern warehouse solutions.

PROS

Modern warehouse automation technologies are more flexible and scalable compared to older automation solutions like conveyors, which are bulky and fixed in place.

Warehouse operators can rent additional robots to accommodate increased demand during peak season, returning them when demand returns to normal.

Collaborative mobile robots also don’t require infrastructure changes, unlike conveyor systems, so they’re easier to implement.

Space optimisation is another benefit of warehouse automation, allowing warehouses to maximize the use of vertical space by storing items in higher locations that are typically difficult for warehouse operatives or forklifts to reach. Drones, cranes and some AS/RS solutions make it easier to access these higher storage locations, so warehouses can monetize more cubic feet.

Many automated and robotic systems are well developed, and it is often a case of establishing suitability of the technology within the logistics operation.

The potential flexibility of some of the robotic technologies may reduce the risks traditionally viewed with large automated systems.

Robotics will no longer be the domain of just the larger businesses who have driven much of the development to date. Some of these robotic solutions can be adapted and utilised in a small traditional warehouse to support existing staff.

WAREHOUSING TECHNOLOGY TRENDS 2021

Many warehouse operations have some form of mechanised material handling solutions to improve productivity; forklift trucks, conveyors, sorters, product to picker systems to automatic storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). The easier jobs in the warehouse have always been the quick wins for automation.

Pallet stacking robots and robot de-layering are well established undertaking repetitive tasks that can be mechanised reasonably easily.

Collaborative robots are becoming increasingly common directly supporting human activity such as independent load carrying robots that can move a completed pallet to a loading bay determining their own route through a warehouse.

Piece picking robots are another area of development, with the ability to move around a warehouse and pick items from shelves at multiple levels using an extendable arm with grip and sucker technology. They will become more sophisticated as they are developed for differing operations in conjunction with AI.

Other systems are based upon the product to picker concept. These robots sequence the product presentation, usually the shelving unit and appropriate pick shelf to the pick station, reducing picker travel time, improving pick productivity and space utilisation.

Here at Barnes, we maintain 50,000 sqft of modern racked warehousing which uses wire guided VNA trucks to maximise efficiency of space. We also have a bespoke Warehouse management system that allows us to track product location whilst on site. We also offer pick and pack operations, as well as full pallet movements to fit your needs.

Investing in the right warehouse automation solutions could be a smart financial decision. With technology ever evolving more trends will come and go so keep your eye on the world of warehouse automation.

Get in touch to find out how our warehouse solutions can support your business.