Small vehicle fleets and warehouses are easier to manage – right? Anyone who has scrolled through never-ending Excel spreadsheets to keep track of even just a few vehicles knows it is not that simple. Those lists need to be constantly updated – after all, accurate data is essential in today’s warehouses. If only there was a way to automate processes and go digital in just a few short steps…
This is where innovative and lean software solutions come in – because the right answer does not always have to be a complex one. Automation experts Linde Material Handling, for example, make hopping on the digital bandwagon simple with their Linde Warehouse Manager software. To smooth the transition from confusing Excel spreadsheets to smart software, this WMS (warehouse management system) can easily interface with e.g. the existing ERP system. It offers an intuitive and comprehensive overview of warehouse processes – from receipt of goods, to storage, picking and shipping – in a matter of clicks.
Digital data capture made easy
“This system is ideal for small and mid-sized businesses, with average fleet sizes in Germany and Europe of 3.5 vehicles,” explains Matthias Merz, Senior Director, Software Solutions, at Linde Material Handling. “Currently, they may not have a WMS at all, or they may work manually with spreadsheets. In these scenarios, the right software can make a simple but significant contribution to greater efficiency – right from the get-go.”
In essence, when goods arrive, the system guides the warehouse worker through the receiving process – immediately identifying any discrepancies with regard to goods ordered. The inventory management functionality provides total visibility into warehouse capacity utilization. And a picking feature assists with order fulfillment. In addition, the system coordinates the vehicle fleet, managing assignments fully automatically.
The next step: automation
Software solutions such as Linde Warehouse Manager evolve in line with the latest logistics requirements and, where needed, lay the foundations for the comprehensive, step-by-step automation of warehouse processes. For equipment that operates autonomously – from trucks, to conveyors, to high-rise racking – the right software can adapt flexibly to a company’s growing automation needs. And that is key to being responsive to evolving market requirements. “Many customers do not need a radical, overnight change,” emphasizes Merz. “By deploying lean solutions, enterprises can adopt digital warehouse management processes bit by bit, securing the best solution for their specific situation in the long term.”