Intralogistics operators' expectations of their systems

Companies are networking their entire value chain and realizing optimization potential for their processes from the data obtained. With high-performance systems, companies can also hold their own in global competition. Machinery and plant manufacturers are benefiting in particular from the steady growth in e-commerce. In this context, demand for intralogistics solutions remains high.

Just-in-time delivery

However, with the changing expectations of logistics processes, the requirements with regard to the associated warehouse management software are also increasing. Due to an information technology networking of different company branches, the translation of important data into different systems is considered particularly relevant.

Ideally, production and logistics work so closely together that just-in-time delivery can take place.

New warehouses mean an increasing need for efficient technology. In contrast to procurement and distribution logistics, the user actively controls intralogistics processes in his own warehouse.

Here, processes are less subject to external influences and can thus be better adapted to changing needs. There are now a variety of solutions for storing, transporting and picking goods. These are geared to requirements such as large storage capacities, same-day shipping, and the processing of returns.

Optimization through smart software

Systems should work independently according to certain criteria and communicate with each other. For example, machines nowadays increasingly regulate order priorities and material acceptance autonomously.

Systems that think for themselves allow the production process to organize itself and accelerate. Software solutions additionally contribute to optimization here, as they show the user the entire material flow of automatic warehouses or production lines, for example.

This enables the user to identify where errors still occur and where there is potential for optimization. Innovative technologies can also be used to link different machines for communication purposes in order to achieve better results.

The development of smart, low-waste intralogistics is therefore all the more important. Linked processes make product data available in real time, for example, and eliminate tedious search times.

Transparency and real-time control

Classic software solutions optimize processes for goods receipt, storage, container and piece picking, and order packing. In addition, they offer the possibility of handling a wide range of load types.

Cartons, shrink-wrapped containers, conveyors, lifting equipment and robotic solutions are in a constant state of development. Today, intralogistics specialists offer scalable methods for individual work steps or the entire warehouse process. At the heart of this is warehouse management software that enables real-time control and transparency in all warehouse processes.

Ideally, special concepts not only reduce the duration of order fulfillment and the labor required for this, but also the necessary capacities at the same time. Modern picking solutions, for example, contribute to the implementation of compact warehousing. Robotics applications with artificial intelligence, in turn, manage complex, changing processes.