Bright ideas:

The best magazine distribution solution

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Magazine commissioning and distribution solutionThe sale and distribution of magazines is an increasingly demanding logistical process. An expanding range of different magazine titles pass through distribution centres, from which they need to be quickly shipped to a mass of retail outlets such as newsagents, bookstores, supermarkets and petrol stations.

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Distribution centre staff must pick unique orders each day, dependent on the varying requirements of each of their retail outlet clients. Plus, retailers have the right to return any unsold magazines and be re-credited for items returned in good condition.

This complex flow of deliveries and returned stock places increasing demands on packaging in the supply chain. The industry is searching for new efficiencies and better handling solutions, while keeping the product in prime condition. Traditional magazine strapping methods no longer meet these demands, and increasingly plastic crates are replacing them.

This move towards more standardised packaging and application of ergonomic intelligence has dramatically improved efficiency, best working practice and health and safety. Valuable magazines are protected in transit and arrive in a neat stack, helping retailers and publishers.

This is the second edition of ‘Bright Ideas’ in which improvements to the magazine distribution process using plastic crates are explained. The following topics will be addressed in other editions:

Order picking

Handling

Returns

Advantages of CurTec’s solutions

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Packaging solution for magazine distribution

Due to the increasing complexity of magazine distribution, many distributors are looking for ways to improve their processes and deliver greater efficiency. Drivers, who deliver to between 80 and 100 locations each day on average, need to know that their stock will remain stable in the van. Having to secure stacks takes up valuable time.

In addition to these concerns, distributors need to be sure that their valuable product will remain safe during transit. Traditional strapping does not provide adequate protection from theft as bundles can easily be cut open. Nor does it protect the product from moisture during transportation, or rain in cases where the driver cannot park directly in front of the retail outlet.

CurTec has developed a lockable and sealable lidded crate specifically for the newspaper and magazine industry. The crate protects its contents from moisture, and its seals immediately tell the recipient whether tampering has occurred during transit. Different coloured seals can be used for sending and returning.

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These crates also allow for better supply chain management. A barcode or RFID label can be attached in a fixed location to each crate, meaning deliveries can be tracked and traced. Having such a facility in place also means third party goods can be distributed, offering valuable additional revenue streams.

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Major advantages of the CurTec magazine crates

This smart solution helps to create efficiencies and add value for the wholesaler. Major advantages of CurTec’s plastic lidded crates:

‘Lego’ stacking gives greater stability

Quick and simple handling

Crates can be stacked by route, increasing the driver’s efficiency

Crate contents are protected from moisture damage

Easy and secure track and trace facility

Tamper evident seals give greater security during transit

Smart and stable. Typical CurTec!

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Selecting the best possible packaging for your product is a real challenge...

You need packaging that offers the right protection, safe and easy handling and smooth integration with your operations, while boosting your product’s image and satisfying the quality requirements of your entire supply chain.

CurTec offers a full consultation service, working with you to identify the best packaging solution to meet your needs. We support your own in-house expertise with innovative solutions that reduce costs and add value to your product.

Apply for a FREE

Packaging Requirement Consultation

Click here to applyor contact the Sales Department: +31 161 221 911

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About CurTec

CurTec designs, manufactures and distributes High Performance Packaging for various logistic applications.

All Materials handling products add value to your supply chain. Visit our website for more product info or contact the Sales Department: