Logistics Software: 10 Things You Should Know

#1

Using intelligent software helps you save money. How? By creating efficient shift schedules and work tasks, eliminating the need for documents, keeping the error rate low thanks to computer-assisted workflows, eliminating the need for inventory, increasing efficiency through automation, lowering shipping costs by packaging goods as needed, speeding up the work process with goods-to-person picking – the list goes on.

#2

No doubt! The WCS, for instance, selects the optimal route for goods through the warehouse, while the WMS optimizes the inventory and ensures consistent shipping quality. In addition, demand forecasting is used for optimizing the goods supply and personnel assignment planning. Master data can be used to automatically calculate custom packaging sizes, while past sales data serves to provide the right warehouse strategy. That way you can easily keep your customer service promise or even surpass customer expectations.

#3

Logistics software provides a clear overview of the complex processes in the systems as well as in the entire value chain. How is this achieved? By continuously merging data from a wide range of systems – from machine control units, other IoT devices, WCS and WMS to TMS and ERP. This makes it possible to determine important trends and prognoses, helping you make the right tactical and strategic decisions.

#4

Using cloud computing increases transparency in logistics networks and allows them to become more intelligent. Data and services are bundled and provided through an IT infrastructure without a memory limit and, if necessary, with high computing power. What’s more, cloud computing is compatible with AI methods such as machine learning and deep learning.

#5

AI helps provide data and images and train neural networks, as well as validate, manage, and roll out generated models to the customers’ systems. For example, it makes it possible for a picking robot to learn on the job, improving its grip and picking speed. Other successful options are computer vision systems and the demand forecasting module.

#6

There is one important prerequisite for a properly functioning automation solution: perfectly maintained master data. Well-maintained, high-quality master data is the only way to ensure efficient and error-free item handling. Software provides the solution: It automatically collects, distributes and maintains relevant item attributes, such as weight, measurements and center of gravity.

#7

Maximum availability using minimal resources: In the balancing act between operation and maintenance, computerized maintenance management systems are the key to making sound, data-driven, maintenance-related decisions. The software seamlessly integrates maintenance and servicing measures into operations. Where problems occur, the components in question are handled with priority.

#8

Along with replacing mechanical components, modernizing the IT brings the system up-to-date and prolongs its life cycle. This can be achieved by replacing servers, installing software updates and adapting processes. No extra steel has to be produced and no waste is generated from the existing installation. Customers are pleased with the ecological and economic advantages.

#9

The environment also benefits from smart software use. Creating a digital twin in the system’s design phase can help to ensure the right parts are manufactured. During operation, the logistics software calculates custom carton sizes to save packaging material and dunnage while transporting as little air as possible. The software also determines the ideal sequence of items, making retrieval as energy efficient as possible.

#10

In an automation project, the logistics software only accounts for about 10 percent of the investment. During on-going warehouse operation however, the software is responsible for up to 90 percent of the success of the logistics system.