E-commerce boom sees a demand for energy-efficient materials-handling equipment
The application of lithium iron phosphate (LiFeP04) battery packs allows supply chain to continue without disruption during Covid-19 pandemic
Technology has played an integral role during this difficult year for every industry, but one sector that has perhaps seen the biggest gain is e-commerce. This has proven a key driver of warehousing and logistics demand.
According to Statista market and consumer data, the e-commerce industry in South Africa is expected to achieve R62 million in revenue in 2020 and 10% year-on-year growth. With a projected total of 31.6 million local users by 2024, it’s clear that online shopping is only going to become more prevalent, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The high volumes are, in turn, affecting the way that these companies operate.
The general rule of thumb is that e-commerce requires three times the logistics space of traditional storefronts. Therefore it is reasonable to assume that South Africa will see a much greater investment in warehouse space to support local e-commerce. As a result, improvements in racking, logistics and building technology have seen an increase in warehouse clear eave heights, often as high as 15 m, as well as an increase in yard depths, sometimes in excess of 45 m.
CHASE Technologies supplies LiFeP04 battery packs for forklifts in materials-handling applications. This is a critical economic sector that has to continue operating with minimal disruption. “The application of LiFePO4 technology in forklifts represents the latest advance in motive power in this sector,” comments General Manager Brent Frazer.
LiFePO4 battery packs are more cost-effective, maintenance-free and environment-friendly. A long lifespan means these batteries do not have to be recycled as often. They can be opportunity charged, meaning more uptime when needed.
These battery packs are also revolutionising the market for electric industrial equipment such as reach trucks. Such high-power energy cells offer a major total cost of ownership advantage over traditional lead-acid batteries. Increased capacity means improved warehouse efficiency and handling capacity.
The flexibility and throughput of any warehouse operation is boosted, ensuring high availability of critical equipment such as pallet jacks. “Supply-chain management has never been more efficient and productive thanks to these developments,” concludes Frazer.
About CHASE Technologies
CHASE is an acronym for Chemical and Solar Energy Technologies. Our main focus is the provision of energy storage in the form of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for forklifts in materials-handling applications, in addition to battery-operated heavy equipment such as cleaning equipment, as well as the related battery chargers.
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