Optimized material flow

To ensure smooth distribution, companies manage their operations with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and warehouse management systems such as SAP/R3.

To further optimize production, a graphical material flow computer (MFR) can also be used to link the individual systems together. The aim is to optimize the material flow and make all the processes involved as transparent as possible.

Interaction with SAP

For many companies, different IT environments for individual plants and locations are part of the status quo. However, to ensure efficient production and order processing, all existing and future IT systems must interact perfectly with each other.

Despite the link through ERP and WMS systems from SAP, optimizations can still be made here. Thanks to the modernization with a graphical MFR, the material flow can be optimized so that all processes involved in the material flow can be seen transparently on one interface.

MFRs that can be seamlessly integrated into the existing ERP and WMS from SAP are particularly suitable for such modernization measures. Ideally, these new programs complement SAP and add special functions relating to the material flow.

The MFR takes over the system control and provides important additional functions for optimizing the material flow. For example, filled product pallets can be temporarily stored in racks so that they can be retrieved or picked later.

This new intermediate buffer also serves as an additional accumulation section. Buffer control in the conveyor system makes it possible to sort the goods according to routes and customers.

A graphical MFR also offers the function of printing labels on the pallets or containers of the goods. The user can access transport data within the MFR.

As a result, the software relieves him of some tasks. It provides an overview of upcoming transports, making it easier to decide on the right transport strategy.

Nevertheless, the standard SAP functions are retained. In practice, for example, inventory management will continue to be handled by SAP. Inventory reconciliation is therefore no longer necessary.

In future, the automated system will receive orders directly and report back completed orders immediately, with traceability available throughout. Configurable interfaces reduce development times to a minimum.

The software also offers added value when managing putaway transports that are sent as an advice note from SAP: when the pallet later reports to the putaway location via the scanner, the MFR has already received the order with the target compartment and can put the pallet away directly after checking the weight.

An additional function is the distribution of pallets for picking - depending on SAP's requirements, also to several picking stations. These have been grouped together so that the MFR can decide the distribution based on the fill level in the system.

By modernizing with a graphical MFR, the contractor saves up to 70 percent of the commissioning time thanks to standard functions, in-house commissioning and directly effective changes.