Last week, on 10th and 11th September, we were joined by 65 clients, influencers and prospects at the impressive Zebra Technologies Experience Centre in Bourne End for our annual warehouse management software (WMS) user event, the HighJump UK Elevate Roadshow 2018.
Unlike in previous years, this time around the event was predominantly led by our partners from across the pond, HighJump. They have been running the HighJump Elevate Roadshow in a number of worldwide locations, showcasing both growth and accomplishment from HighJump’s owner, Körber Logistics, as well as providing some insight into the advancements we can expect from them in the future.
After golf at Watford’s TopGolf on the first day, the following day began with a welcome breakfast hosted by Zebra Technologies.
Introductions followed shortly after, from Balloon One’s MD Craig Powell and from David Houser, Senior VP of International Sales, who was eager to share the successes of HighJump’s global partner network.
The conference sessions then began, with the first half of the morning dedicated to introducing Körber Logistics.
Körber Logistics Introduction
Jayson Peterson, International Sales Director, and David Houser, Senior Vice President, International Sales and Operations, kicked off the conference by introducing the UK customers to the new HighJump / Körber Logistics structure since the acquisition last year. It was reassuring for both customers and partners alike to understand the amount of investment that Körber is making into logistics technology, and importantly how this will affect the development roadmap of HighJump going forward.
Voice Technology
There was also an introduction to Voiteq, owned by Centriq Group, and another recent acquisition that Körber Logistics has made. Voiteq is a revolutionary and leading global supplier of voice directed solutions for optimisation of intralogistics processes. Sales Director Anton DuPreez outlined the multiple benefits of implementing Voiteq software within a warehouse, including greater speed and improved accuracy.
The Warehouse of the Future
David Houser then discussed the warehouse of the future. He explained how the current digitalisation of the world, along with the rapid development of robots replacing humans within a warehouse, proves that the future is already here. Despite such technological change, David concluded his presentation with the assurance that humans are not completely replaceable by robots … yet.
Investing in Data Science, Synergy Cases and K Digital
After break, Joe Couto, Chief Operating Officer of the HighJump Logistics Group, dialled in to Körber and HighJump were aligning to leverage existing solutions, partner networks and R&D investment in data science. He particularly emphasised how synergy cases, matching international markets with targeted solutions, will pave the way for the global organisation.
Kaitlin Peterson, Director Program Management at Körber, showcased K-Digital. This is Körber Logistics’ approach of investing in technology startups, created with the intention of being at the forefront of innovative technology.
Zebra Experience Centre Tour
With so much depth of information, our guests had worked up an appetite. Zebra Technologies served a working lunch and gave everyone the opportunity to experience its interactive centre. Attendees got to see and use the likes of invisible barcode scanners, printers and many more remarkable products The centre also boasts four industry specific product showcase areas: for wholesale distribution, transport, retail and pharmaceuticals.
Product Suite Overview
Following lunch, Carl Marin, Vice President of Sales at HighJump, spent some time comparing HighJump Edge and HighJump Advantage, explaining which features each has and how they differ. He also discussed the growing relevance of the cloud.
HighJump Edge Demo
Finally, Balloon One’s Edward Napier-Fenning gave a short demo of HighJump Edge, highlighting its added benefits and slicker interface. He also gave a glimpse of how it integrates with Balloon One’s Springboard Delivery transport management system (TMS).